Claiming to be the oldest global motorcycle brand in continuous production, the Indian-based Royal Enfield has been making two-wheeled wonders since 1901. With classic looks and outfitted with both one and two-cylinder engines, Royal Enfield can boast that their Bullet motorcycle model is the longest-running motorcycle line of all time.
Having a worldwide fan base, Royal Enfield has won a strong and devout following with the rugged Himalayan. The adventure touring motorcycle has risen to the top of many a buyer's shopping list thanks to its vintage looks, ease of use, and fantastic potential for customization by owners looking to create something unique.
Standing proud in a very busy marketplace, ready for a whirlwind adventure that could span across continents and able to combat any terrain that may lie beneath its tire treads.
10 Royal Enfield
Steeped in history, Royal Enfield has spread from its humble Indian origins with bikes now being available and ridden throughout every far-flung corner of the globe, on-road and off-road by bikers of all ages.
Currently producing seven models, each having a unique choice of styling and color options, Royal Enfield offers up a refreshing menagerie of motorcycles that are bound to tempt and satisfy keen riders.
9 Design
Retaining a distinctly traditional look and stance, the Himalayan is pitched as being built for any or no roads, a dual-purpose machine that was created from years of expedition riding in some of the world's most inhospitable conditions.
Clear and easy to read, and along with the usual suite of rider information like the speedometer, fuel level, and rev counter, the Himalayan instrument cluster features a digital compass and, on the latest bikes, a Google satellite navigation system.
8 Engine & Handling
Powered by a single-cylinder 411cc four-stroke air-cooled engine that produces 25 hp and 24 lb-ft of torque, the Himalayan benefits from an electric starter and versatile 5-speed gearing.
Boasting 22 cm of ground clearance, the Enfield can venture further off-road than most, while the half-duplex split frame and hydraulic forks provide the rider with confidence in both the machine's ability and its safety levels.
7 Versatility
Plenty of low down torque ensures that the Himalayan has enough grunt when it matters the most, whether that be on the silky smooth city streets or the muddy rutted tracks of a long-forgotten backwoods road.
From snow to sand, the Himalayan will, can, and has conquered them all without missing a single beat. Lightweight, hardy, and reliable riders can take comfort in knowing that the Himalayan will tackle whatever is thrown at it.
6 Accessories
Being the Swiss Army knife of bikes means that there is an enormous selection of own brand and aftermarket accessories to outfit the Himilayan in a way that suits a rider or fits a specific task or environment.
Need more fuel for a longer trip, then fit some jerry cans. Got a lot of camping gear, how about some canvas saddlebags? Riding in the snow and ice, then best get some hand warmers and a screen. The list and choices are almost endless.
5 Awesome Style
For those looking to fully embrace the Royal Enfield lifestyle, there is an awesome selection of fashionable clothing available to complement most rider styles and just about any adventures needs, across all price ranges.
From boots to gloves to helmets, the Royal Enfield clothing line offers a vast selection of safety wear and trendy garments to get the look that is being sought by the must-be-seen fastidious and fashion-conscious rider as they make their way about town.
4 Value For Money
Starting at $4999 the Himalayan substantially undercuts the competition especially when you consider that it comes with a choice of 6 paint schemes, has standard fit dual-channel ABS and ByBre (Brembo India) braking.
Rated to carry 174 kg, the weight of two average people, the Himalayan is a stocky workhorse that will return a respectable 66mpg whilst servicing costs remain low, as do any potential repair or replacement part costs.
3 The Rally 400
Custom-built and inspired by what has to be the ultimate desert race, the infamous Paris-Dakar, Spanish-based company, Fuel Bespoke Motorcycles, took a standard factory-supplied Himalayan and created something truly special.
Featuring a new Powertronic ECU, beefier handguards, and enduro-inspired plastic fairings, the Rally 400 is also fitted with a square headlight, a custom seat, and a single Koso speedometer making it ready to tackle any dune in its path.
2 The Watsonian Squire & Iron Macchina
For those looking to carry a passenger but offer them a little more refinement than being perched out back, then the Watsonian Squire sidecar has been inspired by World War II vintage items and offers both elegance and period looks.
Looking to create a 'doomsday motorcycle' Iron Macchina gave the Himalayan a macho makeover and fitted a shovel, utility ax, jerry can, safety net, storage pod, and wildly styled Gatling gun look exhaust trim.
1 Adventure-Ready
Offering such a versatile and approachable platform the popular Royal Enfield is a great bike with which to not only explore the world outside the window but forge new pathways and discover what life truly has to offer, the Himalayan is a bike to depend upon.
Whether it be as a factory standard bike, home customized machine, bespoke Dakar racer, or sidecar equipped tourer, there is simply no reason for more riders not to throw a leg over the saddle and find out what all the fuss is about.