Design:

Royal Enfield has taken the tried and tested philosophy, ‘If it’s not broke, don’t fix it’, and we totally agree with it. The 2021 Himalayan, in terms of styling, is identical to the outgoing model. Mechanically also it receives no changes. So, it retains the same suspension setup, brakes and chassis as the BS6 version. The iconic motorcycle manufacturer has spruced the Himalayan up by introducing three new colour options: Granite Black, the eye-catching Pine Green and the Mirage Silver, which we have here with us, and it comes standard with a contrasting brown saddle. Sadly, Royal Enfield has discontinued Snow and Sleet Grey colours.

Based on the feedback received, Royal Enfield has tweaked the front rack frame on the fuel tank. By pushing the frame further up, thereby, there’s more knee room available for taller riders over 6 feet in height.

Navigation system:

No doubt one of the biggest updates the Himalayan gets is the navigation system or, as the company calls it, the Tripper display. It made its debut with the Meteor 350, which we’ve used extensively and found it quite helpful. One can sync their smartphone via the Royal Enfield app available on both Apple’s App Store and Google Play store. This Google Maps-based turn-by-turn navigation system is accurate and offers a seamless experience. The Tripper doesn’t read out phone or message alerts, which is a good thing as you are focused on the road.

The only hitch we found about the Tripper is that when you switch off the bike for whatever reason or at a traffic light, it sometimes doesn’t automatically pair back to your phone. It’s a slight inconvenience, but that’s not really a deal-breaker.

To accommodate the new additional pod in the instrument cluster, the windscreen is now wider from the bottom and taller as many Himalayan owners had complained the earlier model didn’t negate wind buffeting effectively. The new windscreen is only tinted.

New seat:

The previous Himalayan certainly had a comfortable seat, but it was a tad bit soft, making it unsupportive on long rides. Again, based on the feedback received from current Himalayan owners, Royal Enfield has added more padding to the saddle and have made it firmer. In terms of the seat height, it continues to be 800 mm, which makes it accessible for many. I’m a shade taller than 5 feet 9 inches in height and I can comfortably put my feet flat on the ground. The riding stance is comfortable as you don’t feel cramped. The footpegs are placed in a slight angular position, but nothing really to complain about. The seating position is commanding as well.

As an accessory, one can also opt for Touring Seats at an additional cost of INR 3,000.

Additional upgrades:

Coming to the rear carrier, it is now more aligned to the seat and has been reinforced with an additional metal plate to haul heavy luggage. It’s inscribed on the rear carrier that it can carry up to 7 kg of luggage, which is 2 kg more than the previous Himalayan.

Engine:

The 411cc engine remains the same mechanically and continues to churn 24.3 bhp of power and 32 Nm of torque. Ever since the Royal Enfield has introduced the fuel injection system in the Himalayan, it’s been a very smooth bike. It happily cruises anywhere around 80-100 kmph and effortlessly goes past the three-figure mark. We tip our hat to Royal Enfield for ensuring that the Himalayan’s vibrations are down to a minimal, making the riding experience quite enjoyable and comfortable both in the city and on the highway.

You open the throttle and the initial response is measured and it builds momentum in a linear fashion. The power doesn’t come rushing in a hurry as the low-end torque lacks the punch and feels flat. As the Himalayan is more at home when it’s out on open roads and covering long distances, it is happiest at the mid-range power band where the motor’s optimal power can be experienced. The Himalayan cruises comfortably at speeds over the three-figure mark, but the power tends to taper off after crossing 120 kmph.

Ride and handling:

The Himalayan is a practical bike that can be used for your daily commute. Thanks to the soft suspension setup, along with the long travel, it easily cushions undulations and speed breakers in the city and at the same time feels at home on dirt tracks and overcomes ditches and potholes without a sweat. There are a couple of minor issues that Royal Enfield can iron out like the heavy clutch and hand brake lever, which can become quite a task. Also, the brakes lack the bite and feel spongy.

The Himalayan is a heavy motorcycle and weighs around 199 kg, and if and when you drop it, you can feel its weighty issues. But the beauty about this bike is that while on the go, it feels agile and light. You can easily navigate through traffic or extreme off-roading conditions.

Verdict:

It all comes down to brass-tacks and priced at INR 201,000, is the extra INR 10,000 justified? Maybe not, but you won’t find a more capable ADV bike at that range that is easy to manoeuvre and doesn’t overwhelm you with additional electronic nannies. The Himalayan keeps it simple and allows you to switch off the dual-channel ABS, though it wouldn’t be a bad idea if the Himalayan got traction control. Another thing we would like to see is tubeless tyres as it makes life a lot easier and spares you a lot of frustration, especially when you are on a long-distance ride. We would stick our neck out and say that it is a Jack of All Trades and a commuter-friendly adventure motorcycle that is very forgiving on your wallet. (MT)

Specifications:

Engine: 411 cc + 24.3 bhp + 32 Nm of torque

Transmission: 5-speed

Ground clearance: 220 mm

Seat height: 800 mm

Tyres & brakes:

Front: 90/90 – 21 inches / 300 mm disc

Rear: 120/90 – 17 inches / 240 mm disc

Dual-channel ABS

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Zelio E-Mobility has announced its first major sports partnership, joining Punjab Kings as the team’s Official EV Partner for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The agreement includes branding rights, digital media integration and in-stadia activations throughout the tournament. The company intends to use the platform to increase brand awareness in Tier 2 markets and support its expansion across India.

As part of the association, the manufacturer will showcase its X Men 2.0 and the newly released X Men+ models. These electric two-wheelers will be featured across various team touchpoints, including jersey branding and social media campaigns. The partnership follows Zelio E-Mobility’s recent initial public offering, which raised INR 783.4 million to fund its growth operations.

The company currently maintains a network of over 350 dealer outlets across 20 states and union territories. Its portfolio includes electric two-wheelers under the Zelio brand and the Tanga line of e-rickshaws, serving a total customer base of more than 200,000 riders. The management indicated that the partnership aligns with a strategy to invest in brand equity alongside its manufacturing scaling.

Kunal Arya, Managing Director, Zelio E-Mobility, said, “Cricket continues to be one of the most powerful platforms to connect with audiences across India. Our association with Punjab Kings allows us to engage with a wide consumer base while strengthening Zelio’s brand presence in a culturally relevant environment. As we scale our operations, such partnerships play a role in aligning visibility with growth momentum.”

Saurabh Arora, Chief Commercial Officer, Punjab Kings, said, “We are delighted to welcome Zelio Electric Scooters as our Official EV Partner for the season. This partnership reflects the growing synergy between sport and sustainable innovation. As a franchise, we are committed to aligning with forward-looking brands that resonate with today’s consumers, and Zelio’s focus on electric mobility and accessibility makes them a strong strategic fit for Punjab Kings. Through this association, we aim to create meaningful fan engagement while contributing to the broader narrative around clean and responsible mobility.”

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Pune-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major Bajaj Auto has announced a price reduction for the Dominar 400, making the motorcycle more accessible at INR 203,214 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The updated model is equipped with a 350cc engine and is priced approximately INR 37,000 lower than the previous iteration. This adjustment results from a lower upfront cost and the passing of GST benefits to customers without altering the vehicle's touring capabilities.

The motorcycle is designed to function as an all-rounder, suitable for both daily commuting and long-distance travel.

By repositioning the Dominar 400, Bajaj Auto aims to increase the adoption of sports and touring motorcycling in India. The mechanical specifications are intended to maintain the power and endurance associated with the Dominar nameplate while lowering the total cost of ownership for enthusiasts.

This strategic shift follows the company's objective of democratising the touring segment. The new price point is expected to attract riders transitioning from lower-capacity segments who require a vehicle capable of sustained high-speed travel and comfort over distance.

Sarang Kanade, President - MCBU, Bajaj Auto, said, "Dominar has always stood for our touring DNA - powerful, capable, and built for the long road. With the new Dominar 400 with 350cc engine we are staying true to that promise while making it significantly more accessible. Riders get the same Dominar experience they love, but now with a much lower cost of ownership, including meaningful savings. This is a decisive step towards democratizing touring and sports motorcycling in India."

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Ducati India has initiated the brand's global 100-year anniversary celebrations with an exclusive DRE Track Day at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC). Founded in 1926, the Italian manufacturer is marking a century of operations with a series of events intended to engage its community of owners.

The gathering at BIC saw over 70 riders participate in track sessions, while 150 enthusiasts attended a concluding evening event.

The track day provided owners with open sessions and three levels of structured training comprising Intro, Evo, and Master categories.

These were conducted by certified instructors including Rishi Agarwal, Anand Dharmaraj and Dilip Lalwani, the latter of whom holds the lap record for a production superbike at the circuit. The event was further highlighted by the first Indian performance from official Ducati stunt rider Emilio Zamora, who conducted a showcase for the assembled participants and their families.

Ducati has operated in India for over a decade and currently maintains a network of nine dealerships alongside two exclusive service workshops in Goa and Ahmedabad. The Indian market is a component of the brand's broader growth strategy in Asia, focusing on the premium motorcycle segment.

Bipul Chandra, Managing Director of Ducati India, stated, “As Ducati commemorates 100 years globally, India stands as a crucial market where the brand’s passion continues to intensify year after year. The DRE Track Day at BIC, coupled with Emilio Zamora’s electrifying performance and our sundowner celebration, is more than an event; it represents a celebration of our community, our rich heritage, and the distinctive thrill that defines every Ducati. Our Ducatisti are central to all our endeavours, and this centenary year is dedicated to fostering their connection with the brand through unforgettable experiences.”

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Pune-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major Bajaj Auto has reintroduced the Pulsar 180 motorcycle in India, citing consistent demand from riders and social media interest.

The reintroduction coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Pulsar brand, which launched in 180cc and 150cc formats in 2001. The updated model now features new graphics and integrated technology to align with current market standards.

The updated motorcycle incorporates a light-emitting diode (LED) headlamp, LED blinkers and a digital console with Bluetooth connectivity. Bajaj Auto has positioned the vehicle as a transition for owners of 150cc to 160cc motorcycles, providing a shift in performance and design. The Pulsar 180 is intended to maintain the balance between sport-oriented riding and daily commuting that established the nameplate's presence in the segment.

Engineering updates for this iteration focus on refined performance and modernised electronics while retaining the styling characteristic of the original series. The inclusion of connected features via the digital console allows for smartphone integration, a feature increasingly common in the performance commuter category.

Sarang Kanade, President, MCBU, Bajaj Auto, said, “The Pulsar brand has always stood for pushing limits and redefining performance motorcycling in India. The return of the Pulsar 180 is a response to the strong and consistent demand, as well as a groundswell of love on social media. As we mark 25 years of Pulsar, bringing back this iconic nameplate feels especially meaningful. Reimagined for a new generation, it continues to embody our ‘Definitely Daring’ philosophy combining power, precision and contemporary design to deliver an experience that is both exhilarating and accessible.”

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