Royal Enfield Himalayan to be the only RE featuring dual-channel ABS

Royal Enfield is set to update its entire lineup with ABS (anti-lock braking system) following the Indian government’s mandate to equip all bikes over 125cc with ABS before April 1, 2018. RE is expected to equip all its bikes with a single-channel ABS except for the Himalayan, which is expected to get a dual-channel setup.

The Himalayan is powered by a 411cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled, SOHC engine which churns out max power of 24.83PS @ 6500rpm and peak torque of 32.00Nm @ 4250rpm, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. It is fitted with 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels.

Braking is currently handled by a 300mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc brake which will become more effective with the introduction of ABS technology. Both the single-channel and dual-channel ABS systems will help Enfield motorcycles to grip better on slippery and wet road conditions, however, the dual-channel ABS is slightly more competent as it checks both the front and the rear wheel during urgent braking. Interestingly, the export-spec Himalayan already features dual-channel ABS technology.

As far as the upcoming 650cc offerings from Royal Enfield are considered, both the Interceptor and the Continental GT are most likely to be introduced with dual-channel ABS technology. Well, after all both of them will be Royal Enfield’s flagship offering in the Indian market.

The Himalayan is currently available in two variants - STD and Sleet. The STD variant is priced at Rs 1,67,550, while the Sleet variant comes with a price tag of Rs 1,71,943 (both prices are ex-showroom Delhi). It’s expected that these prices will rise by almost Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 following the introduction of dual-channel ABS. The models that get a single-channel ABS are also expected to be pricier by almost Rs 5000.

Source: BikeDekho.com