Royal Enfield Himalayan Raid spotted! A rival to KTM?

Published by

Saurav Gupta

February 7, 2025 1:01 pm

Royal Enfield Himalayan Raid: Royal Enfield’s upcoming off-road-focused motorcycle, the Himalayan Raid, has been spotted undergoing testing ahead of its expected early 2026 launch. This new model, inspired by rally bikes, appears to be a stripped-down version of the Himalayan, designed for better off-road capabilities. Though details have been kept under wraps, recent spy images offer a closer look at what to expect.

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Test Mule Spotted in the UK

The prototype was sighted at a fuel station in Lutterworth, UK, not far from Royal Enfield’s technology centre. Observers quickly identified the motorcycle by its stance and the badging on the crankcase. One of the most intriguing aspects of the test mule was a makeshift coolant reservoir, seemingly improvised using a bottle with a hose attached. This suggests the engine might be liquid-cooled, marking a departure from the air-cooled setup of the standard Himalayan.

Key Design Changes & Features

The Himalayan Raid sports a 17-inch spoked rear wheel wrapped in Ceat off-road tyres. It also features a higher-mounted exhaust, likely for improved ground clearance on rugged terrain. The bike’s front end boasts chunkier upside-down forks, while the rear is equipped with a monoshock suspension that appears to be chassis-mounted, potentially offering preload adjustment.

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The fuel tank remains similar to that of the Himalayan, but given its off-road focus, this model may lack advanced rider aids. Additionally, the engine casing looks different, missing the typical air-cooling fins, suggesting it relies entirely on liquid cooling.

With its rugged design and purpose-built features, the Himalayan Raid could emerge as a strong contender against KTM’s off-road motorcycles.

Saurav Gupta

With nearly six years of experience as a journalist, he has written extensively on developmental issues, policies, health, and government agency schemes across both print and digital platforms. He holds a BAJMC degree from IP University.