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A Preview of the Upcoming Royal Enfield Himalayan 452’s Specifications and Features

The Royal Enfield Himalayan is a popular adventure bike in India, known for its off-road capabilities, rugged design, and reliable performance. Excitingly, a new and improved version, the Himalayan 452, is set to be released, offering even more performance and adventure-ready features.

Leaked homologation documents from India have revealed some details about the upcoming bike’s specifications. The new model is reportedly called the Himalayan 452, with a 451.65cc liquid-cooled engine that can deliver an impressive 40 horsepower at 8,000 rpm – almost double the power output of its predecessor.

In terms of dimensions, the Himalayan 452 is larger than its predecessor. It measures 2,245 mm in length, 852 mm in width (or 900 mm with handguards), and 1,315 mm in height (or 1,415 mm with the flyscreen attached). These increased dimensions promise a more imposing and capable performance both on and off-road.

The Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 stays true to the core ethos of its predecessor while introducing several significant improvements. It features a completely redesigned chassis, with the engine serving as a stressed member, enhancing the bike’s structural strength and overall performance. The Himalayan 452 also incorporates a practical bolt-on rear subframe for ease of maintenance and durability. Furthermore, it boasts all-LED lighting, which not only improves visibility but also adds a modern aesthetic to complement its advanced performance capabilities.

The bike prioritizes performance and safety with its set of features. It comes equipped with an upside-down fork setup at the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear, providing superior suspension performance and adaptability to various terrains. Its staggered wheel configuration, featuring a 21-inch front wheel and a 19-inch rear wheel, strikes a balance between off-road capability and on-road stability.

In terms of safety, the Himalayan 452 is equipped with dual-channel ABS for enhanced braking control. It is also expected to offer traction control, further improving stability and rider confidence, especially in challenging riding scenarios. These features make the Himalayan 452 a formidable adventure motorcycle, delivering both performance and safety for riders seeking versatile and capable off-road experiences.

10 Best Used Adventure Motorcycles On A Budget

When it comes to adventure motorcycles, many people envision the high-end models like the BMW R 1250 GS or Honda’s Africa Twin. However, these top-tier bikes can be expensive and may not be suitable for new riders. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable options available that offer reliability, accessibility, and off-road capabilities. Here are the 10 best used adventure motorcycles on a budget:

1. Kawasaki KLR650: With a dedicated following and utilitarian design, the KLR650 is known for its bulletproof reliability and accessibility. Its simple build and single-cylinder engine make it a fun and nimble adventure bike.

2. Suzuki V-Strom: The V-Strom is a capable touring bike that can handle occasional off-road adventures. Its robust V-twin engine offers consistent performance, and the bike is known for its excellent transmission.

3. Royal Enfield Himalayan: Designed for high-altitude terrain, the Himalayan excels at off-roading. It may lack power and modern features, but its tractor-like build makes it a reliable and easy-to-handle adventure bike.

4. Honda CB500X: The CB500X strikes a balance between off-road capability and on-road performance. It is known for its agile chassis, perky motor, and Honda reliability.

5. KTM 990 Adventure: The 990 Adventure was one of KTM’s first adventure motorcycles and offers immense off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road performance. However, they can be harder to find and require regular maintenance.

6. Honda CRF300L Rally: Despite its small size, the CRF300L Rally is a capable off-roader that excels in rough conditions. It is comfortable for long tours and reliable in various terrains.

7. Honda XRV750 Africa Twin: For those who appreciate classic adventure bikes, the XRV750 Africa Twin is a beloved option. Made between 1990 and 2003, it features twin headlights, long-travel suspension, and a torquey V-twin engine.

8. BMW F650GS: Before BMW introduced the 750 GS, the F650GS served as the entry-level adventure bike. Although its styling may be outdated, it remains a practical and reliable option with features like ABS and fuel injection.

9. Kawasaki Versys 650: The Versys 650 falls on the tourer side of the adventure bike spectrum, offering impeccable handling, reliability, and performance on tarmac. It’s a great choice for highway touring.

10. Honda XR650L: The XR650L is a simple and reliable off-roader that handles rough terrain exceptionally well. It may not be the best option for highways, but if you want to explore unpaved roads, it’s a fantastic choice.

These used adventure motorcycles provide an affordable way to enjoy off-road adventures while still being accessible for new riders. Consider your needs and preferences to find the perfect budget-friendly option for your next adventure.

1973 Mercedes S-Class Owned By King Of Sweden Up For Sale

A unique opportunity awaits car enthusiasts as a 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280S, previously owned by Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf, is going up for auction. The vehicle, which was part of the Royal Stables’ collection, will be available for bidding starting on September 21. Bilweb Auctions, the seller, has estimated a price range of $10,750 to $13,442 (equivalent to 120,000 to 150,000 Swedish krona).

In 1973, the same year King Carl XVI Gustaf assumed the throne, the Royal Stables acquired this Mercedes. As the country’s longest-serving monarch, he recently celebrated 50 years of reign, making him the first in Swedish history to achieve this milestone, as reported by ABC News.

Royal Enfield Plans to Launch its First Electric Motorcycle by 2025

Royal Enfield, a leading motorcycle manufacturer, is on track to release its first electric motorcycle in 2025. This move comes as the brand continues to expand its presence in global markets and aims to preserve the essence of motorcycling in the electric age. While Royal Enfield will still focus on internal combustion offerings, it recognizes the need to cater to the evolving market demands by introducing new models.

To achieve its goal, Royal Enfield has established a dedicated division for electric vehicle operations and has invested heavily in this endeavor. The company has assembled a team of nearly 100 members with expertise in engineering and commercial aspects to develop distinctive and high-performing electric motorcycles. Additionally, Royal Enfield has enlisted Mario Alvisi, a former Ducati employee, as the Chief Growth Officer to strengthen its electric vehicle business.

In a strategic move, Royal Enfield’s parent company, Eicher Motors, has invested in Stark Future, a Spanish electric mobility firm. This partnership aims to bring together the strengths of both companies and foster beneficial collaborations. While Royal Enfield will rely on imports for certain components like battery cells, it plans to manufacture most essential components in-house or through partnerships with supply chain providers. The company has already onboarded several new suppliers and is exploring additional opportunities.

2023 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Officially Launched In India

Royal Enfield has kickstarted the month of September 2023 with the official launch of the all-new Bullet 350 in India. With a rich history spanning nine decades, the Bullet 350 is considered one of the most iconic motorcycles in India. The launch event paid homage to this heritage by featuring memories shared by Enfield fans about their experiences with past Bullets.

The official tagline for the 2023 Bullet is “New heart. Same beat.” Enfield has emphasized the unique sound of the bike’s thumper engine, which is the same as the one found in the Meteor 350, Classic 350, and Hunter 350 models. The Bullet 350 also comes with dual-channel ABS, an improved single bench seat for better comfort, and an elegant instrument cluster with a combination of analogue and digital gauges. Additionally, there is a new USB port on the left handlebar for convenient device charging.

Enfield is now accepting bookings for test rides in India and has provided pricing details for three trim levels of the Bullet 350. The Military Black or Military Red color options, which feature no pinstriping and a simple chrome exhaust, start at ₹ 173,562 (about $2,099) ex-showroom in Chennai. The Standard trim, available in Maroon or Black with gold pinstriping and chrome exhaust, starts at ₹ 197,436 (about $2,387). The most premium version, Black Gold, is priced at ₹ 215,801 (about $2,609). Pricing may vary in different regions of India.

While pricing details have only been released for the Indian market, the Bullet 350 will be rolled out in other regions gradually. For example, Royal Enfield UK has a signup page on its website for those interested in receiving updates about the availability of the 2023 Bullet 350 in the UK. At present, there is no similar signup page on the US site.

Stay tuned for more information about the global release of the Bullet 350.

Royal Enfield’s New Guerrilla 450 Trademark Isn’t Its Only Filing Intrigue

Royal Enfield has recently filed a trademark application for a potential new model called the Guerrilla 450. This filing has sparked curiosity among motorcycle enthusiasts, as it suggests that Royal Enfield may be developing a new bike based on the 450 platform. While details about the exact nature of the Guerrilla model are still unknown, the trademark application indicates that it will likely use a 450cc powerplant.

The trademark application was filed by Eicher Motors Limited, the parent company of Royal Enfield, on August 23, 2023. However, it has not yet been approved by the Indian government. Once approved, the application will include information such as the dates of first use and validity.

It’s important to note that filing a trademark application doesn’t guarantee that a company will actually produce a product under that name. Sometimes, companies file trademarks to protect specific names and reserve them for potential future use.

In addition to the Guerrilla 450 trademark, Royal Enfield has several other trademarks that are still valid but not currently in use. These include names like Royal Enfield Himalayan Sleet, Royal Enfield Himalayan Tourer, Royal Enfield Thunder Bird, Royal Enfield Café Racer, and more. While some of these names have been used in the past, Royal Enfield has a tendency to revive historic badges for its current lineup.

Speculation is running high about what future models Royal Enfield may introduce based on the 450 platform. According to an investor presentation, potential body styles could include a roadster, café racer, scrambler, and an adventure bike designed for off-road riding. However, until an official announcement is made, all of this remains speculation.

Royal Enfield Managing Director Announces Electric Bike Coming in 2025

On August 3, 2023, Royal Enfield parent company Eicher Motors released its FY2023-2024 Q1 financial results, reporting its highest-ever quarterly revenue. This achievement can be attributed to the strong sales of Royal Enfield motorcycles, with a total of 225,368 bikes sold in the quarter. This represents a 21.1 percent increase compared to the same period in 2022, when 186,032 bikes were sold.

Following the release of the financial report, Royal Enfield managing director Siddhartha Lal held a press conference to make an important announcement regarding the company’s electric vehicle (EV) project.

When traditional motorcycle manufacturers decide to pursue electrification, they face certain decisions. One key decision is whether to establish the EV side as a separate entity from the combustion side. Lal addressed this point, explaining how Royal Enfield intends to proceed.

“EV is very much at the core of Eicher Motors and Royal Enfield. Unless something dramatically changes, it will remain within the Royal Enfield and Eicher Motors’ fold,” Lal stated.

He emphasized that Royal Enfield and Eicher Motors explore all options and observe what others in the industry are doing, but they are not followers of trends. Lal also highlighted the importance of considering the core business and ensuring it does not become a sunset business. He expressed that EV will be the future growth engine for Eicher Motors and Royal Enfield, and it will continue to be part of Eicher Motors.

Lal also provided an update on the development of Enfield’s first electric motorcycle. He stated that the product is approximately two years away from hitting the market. The company is working diligently on the project, conducting tests on prototypes. Lal emphasized that they do not want to release an unfinished or subpar product and aim to be disruptive in the EV market. He mentioned that they are working on a completely different paradigm for EVs and that it takes time to create something truly fantastic. As per this timeline, Royal Enfield’s first electric motorcycle is expected to be launched in 2025.

While specific details about the electric bike have not been disclosed yet, it is worth noting that Eicher Motors acquired an equity stake in Spanish electric motorbike startup Stark Future in late 2022. Stark Future gained attention with its Stark Varg electric motocross bike, which achieved impressive sales of 1,000 units within 24 hours of its launch in January 2022.

It remains to be seen if Enfield’s electric future will involve collaboration with Stark Future in terms of powertrain development or chassis building. No official details have been released regarding this partnership. However, as more information becomes available, we will continue to follow the story and provide updates.

New Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Expected To Break Cover In August 2023

In August 2023, the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 is set to make a comeback. This iconic motorcycle has been in production since 1932, making it a classic in every sense. While the Bullet was phased out in North America, it has remained popular in India, alongside the newer J platform models such as the Meteor 350, Classic 350, and Hunter 350.

There has been speculation about updating the Bullet 350 to the new J platform, and now Royal Enfield is teasing its revival. A teaser video released shows a closeup of a classic Royal Enfield tank badge, with the distinctive sound of the 350cc single-cylinder engine. While the visual details are not revealed, it is expected that the new Bullet will have similar styling and ergonomics to the other models in the J platform.

The Bullet 350 has continued to be popular in India, and it is still possible to purchase a Bullet 350 with the previous engine. The other J-platform 350 models have been introduced worldwide after their debut in India, so there is a possibility that the Bullet 350 will also be available in markets outside of India.

Audemars Piguet Presents Four New Royal Oak Chronograph Models

Audemars Piguet is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the renowned Royal Oak Offshore by launching four exquisite Selfwinding Chronograph models in a 37mm size. These timepieces, adorned with diamond and colored gemstone bezels, offer a captivating combination of sportiness and luxury. Designed in 18-carat pink gold, yellow gold, and stainless steel, they feature the same design evolution as the 43mm models introduced in 2021. The latest models showcase various visually appealing upgrades, such as the lady Tapisserie motif and an enhanced AP monogram. With the omission of the snailed zone, the timepieces exude a more refined look. The larger hour markers give them a sportier appearance, adding to their distinctive appeal.

These new Royal Oak models are more than just accessories; they are statement pieces equipped with Audemars Piguet’s interchangeable strap system and powered by the self-winding chronograph Calibre 2385. The pink gold and stainless steel versions feature bezels set with brilliant-cut diamonds, with the pink gold variant complemented by a light blue dial and the stainless steel variant adorned with a warm salmon dial. Additionally, two luxurious models in 18-carat pink or yellow gold showcase a range of baguette-cut colored gemstones. The yellow gold timepiece boasts a mesmerizing gradation of yellow, green, and blue hues, achieved through the exquisite use of tsavorites and sapphires. The pink gold model flaunts a rainbow-colored bezel that beautifully complements the black dial. The newest additions to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Collection are currently available through authorized dealers.

Is Royal Enfield Working On A 750cc Bobber Design For 2025?

In November 2022, Royal Enfield unveiled the Super Meteor 650 at EICMA, building on the success of its 650 Twins. Now, in July 2023, there are rumors that Royal Enfield is working on a 750cc bobber, expected to be released in 2025. The project, codenamed R2G, is said to include multiple bikes on the same platform. It remains unclear whether the 750cc engine will be an expansion of the existing 650cc engine or an entirely different one.

In the past, Royal Enfield has been associated with rumors of a 750cc engine. In 2017, there were speculations about a 750cc engine that would compete with Triumph Bonneville and Harley-Davidson Street 750. However, those rumors eventually led to the development of the 650 Twins. While rumors should be taken with a grain of salt, Royal Enfield has a track record of turning rumors into reality, such as the launch of the Hunter 350 and the release of teasers for the Himalayan 450.

Given Royal Enfield’s history, it’s possible that development of a 750cc bobber is already underway. However, with limited information available in 2023, it’s challenging to accurately predict what to expect in 2025. Until more concrete details emerge, it’s best to consider this rumor as intriguing but unconfirmed. As further updates become available, we will keep you informed.