WITH A BUDGET OF RS 3.0 lakh (ex-showroom pricing) and an intense desire to go off-roading or, maybe, even indulge in some touring, some motorcyclists are currently torn between two capable machines with distinctive characters. One is the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the other is the Triumph Scrambler 400 X. We were also similarly perplexed and it was further difficult because they are not products that compete with each other directly. Confusion prevailed for the rest of the day, so early the next morning, Azaman and I left for a ride along a route that offered a bit of everything: winding roads for some fun, highways for some touring, urban congestion that no one wants (but is unavoidable), and the unpredictability of dirt.
The Himalayan 450 is a completely new motorcycle but there are elements that echo familiarity to its predecessor. Royal Enfield have addressed that rather well with the Hanle Black paint scheme. Most of us could not think of anything past the golden wheels that went so well with the motorcycle's tall and imposing stance. A proper ADV.
The Triumph Scrambler 400 X also gives a sense of déjà vu because we saw its twin sibling, the Speed 400, first. That apart, it is a textbook scrambler. It looks purposeful and certainly cannot be confused for anything else. So far as design goes, both motorcycles are equally matched and no one could call one more beautiful than the other simply because they are true to their respective segments and have an air of purity about them.
This story is from the January 2024 edition of Bike India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 2024 edition of Bike India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Razgatlioglu Wins 950th WSBK Race
Jonathan Rea took his maiden pole with Yamaha while Nicholas Spinelli took his maiden World Superbike Championship (WSBK) Race win and Ducati made it a one-two in the Superpole Race while Toprak Razgatlioglu gave BMW their first win at Assen
'Racing is a lot different for someone like me than it is for somebody else'
Michael Dunlop lost his father Robert, brother William, and uncle Joey to the sport he loves. This year he stands on the edge of history-two more Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (IOM TT) wins and he will overtake Joey to become the most successful TT racer of all time
Whacking Open the Throttle
TVS invited us to take part in their Apache Racing Experience GP Cup Finale that was held at the Madras International Circuit. We swung a leg over their Apache RTR 200 race bike and twisted the throttle open. Read on
Keeping the Old Ways Alive
In this age of downsizing, Kawasaki stay true to the in-line four with some updates to keep the Z900 modern
What It Should Have Always Been
With noteworthy upgrades for the chassis and electronics along with an attractive price tag, the Bajaj Pulsar N250 shows greater promise than ever before
BLACK PANTHER
The Yamaha MT-03 is a unique bike; one of the best parallel-twin street nakeds in our market. We took it to the hills and ripped around the twisty roads. Here is what we think about it
READY FOR THE WORLD
Is the Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally an able contender for global exploration?
PERFECT BALANCE
Honda have tried to blur the lines between an ADV and a sport bike. We endeavour to seek some clarity
THE KING OF TORQUE
KTM claim that the significantly updated 1390 Super Duke R is 60 per cent new, with new cam-shift technology for the first time, plus the obvious increase in capacity. But it is not all about the grunt: KTM have tweaked the suspension and rider aids, which will, hopefully, control the increase in power and torque. We headed to the Almeria circuit in Spain to spin some laps on the KTM's biggest bruiser
THE LARGEST OF PULSARS
The Pulsar we wanted many years ago is finally here and available at a great price