Latest news with #Interceptor650
Mint
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Mint
Royal Enfield teases new Himalayan 750 and electric variant: What to expect
Royal Enfield has officially teased two new adventure motorcycles—an upsized version of the Himalayan and its electric counterpart—marking the first formal reveal of the larger-capacity Himalayan, reported HT Auto. Both motorcycles were recently taken to Khardung La in Ladakh, one of the highest motorable passes in the world at 18,380 feet, for high-altitude testing. While the electric version has made previous appearances at EICMA in 2023 and 2024, this marks the debut of the new, larger-capacity Himalayan in a semi-camouflaged prototype form. Despite the bodywork being largely concealed, key design cues and mechanical elements are visible. Reportedly, the motorcycle could retain a familiar Royal Enfield silhouette, complete with a conventional front mudguard and an LED headlamp similar to those on other recent models. A windscreen has been added, presumably for improved rider comfort on long-distance rides. Crash guards around the fuel tank—suitable for mounting luggage—remain part of the design. Mechanically, the test mule features upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock. Whether these offer adjustability is currently unknown. The bike could run on spoked wheels, with a 19-inch unit at the front, suggesting a road-biased adventure tourer rather than a hardcore off-roader. Tubeless spoke rims were not seen on the prototype, though such options may be included at launch. Alloy wheels may also be offered as part of the line-up. Royal Enfield appears to have increased the engine displacement from 650 cc to an estimated 750 cc. Output figures have not been confirmed, but the power is expected to be in the region of 55 bhp. Visual differences include a redesigned engine casing, an updated radiator, and an all-new upswept exhaust system—different from the one used on the Interceptor 650. The Himalayan Electric, first introduced as a concept at EICMA, also made its way to Khardung La for testing. The original concept focused heavily on sustainable materials, featuring flax fibre bodywork and a bespoke battery pack. The production-intent version, however, shows several key differences. As per the report, the prototype sports a new aluminium frame configuration—including the main frame, subframe, and swingarm—departing from the brand's typical steel cradle frame. These structural changes are more in line with volume manufacturing while maintaining some of the conceptual design language. The battery housing has also been revised and may now use magnesium alloy materials, possibly inspired by the lightweight construction of the wartime Royal Enfield Flying Flea. Notably, the new version has done away with the beak-style front fender, opting instead for a taller windscreen. The seat is a single-piece unit that flows into a mock fuel tank—likely housing electrical components. A full LED lighting system has been installed, including a projector headlamp and a taillight unit similar to the Himalayan 450's. The frame around the fuel tank area might come with more refined, and the footpeg support structure has also been redesigned. The navigation tower, housing the instrumentation, has undergone changes in this iteration as well. Braking is handled by dual petal discs up front and a single disc at the rear.
Business Standard
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Eicher Motors dips amid buzz on duty cut for high-end motorcycle imports
Eicher Motors fell 1.36% to Rs 5706.20 after the media reported that the Indian government is evaluating a proposal to reduce import duties to zero on high-end motorcycles with engine capacities of 705cc and above. The proposed move could reduce the landed cost of premium international brands, such as Harley-Davidson, thereby increasing competition in the luxury motorcycle segment. Eicher Motors, the parent company of Royal Enfield, reacted sharply to the development, as Royal Enfield's flagship "Bullet" may face stiffer competition from globally renowned players. American motorcycle brand Harley-Davidson, which exited the Indian market in 2020 due to low sales attributed in part to high import duties, could potentially re-enter with a significant pricing advantage if the proposed duty cut is implemented. Meanwhile, Royal Enfield has been expanding its presence in the premium motorcycle segment with models like the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650, which could now face heightened competition under the proposed regime. Eicher Motors is the listed parent of Royal Enfield, the global leader in middleweight motorcycles. In addition to motorcycles, Eicher has a joint venture with Sweden's AB VolvoVolvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles, which operates in India's commercial vehicle space. On a consolidated basis, net profit of Eicher Motors rose 17.52% to Rs 1170.50 crore while net sales rose 18.77% to Rs 4888.11 crore in Q3 December 2024 over Q3 December 2023.
