The adventure motorcycling world is buzzing again — this time, thanks to fresh rumors surrounding the Royal Enfield Himalayan 650. For years, riders have loved the Himalayan for its rugged charm and affordable entry into the ADV category. But whispers of a bigger 650cc twin-cylinder version have recently caught fire, showing up on forums, news outlets, and even in Google Discover trends.
Why now? Royal Enfield’s 650cc platform (seen in the Interceptor and Continental GT) has been a huge global success, especially in the USA and Europe. Pairing that proven engine with the adventure-ready Himalayan chassis could create a motorcycle that sits in the sweet spot between budget-friendly ADV bikes and premium models like the Kawasaki Versys 650 or Suzuki V-Strom 650.
Breaking Update & What Changed
In recent weeks, multiple reports have hinted at Royal Enfield working on a larger displacement Himalayan, likely to carry the 650 badge. Spy shots haven’t surfaced yet, but industry insiders suggest that development is already underway at RE’s test facilities in India and the UK.
While Royal Enfield has not officially confirmed the Himalayan 650, their product roadmap includes multiple new models, including ADV-focused ones. Considering how well the Himalayan 450 launch went, the timing feels right for an upsized sibling.
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Design, Tech & Features – What’s New
If the Himalayan 650 becomes reality, expect:
- Twin-cylinder 648cc engine (borrowed from Interceptor/GT 650)
- Adventure-focused chassis geometry with better suspension travel
- 21-inch front / 17-inch rear wheels (like the Himalayan 450, but beefier)
- Full TFT instrument console with Bluetooth, navigation, and ride modes
- Larger fuel tank (possibly 20L+) for long-distance touring
Imagine the rugged Himalayan stance but with the refinement and extra punch of a twin engine — ideal for U.S. highways as well as dirt trails.
Expected Specs (Rumored)
| Feature | Himalayan 650 (Expected) | Himalayan 450 (For Reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 648cc, parallel-twin | 452cc, liquid-cooled single |
| Power | ~47 hp | 40 hp |
| Torque | ~52 Nm | 40 Nm |
| Top Speed | ~100–110 mph | ~95 mph |
| Wheels | 21″ front, 17″ rear | 21″ front, 17″ rear |
| Suspension Travel | 200mm+ (expected) | 200mm front, 180mm rear |
| Tech | TFT, Bluetooth, modes | TFT, Tripper Nav, ABS |
| Weight | 220–230 kg (est.) | 196 kg |
In real-world riding, that extra torque means smoother overtakes on highways, less engine stress at cruising speeds, and a more confidence-inspiring feel when loaded with luggage.
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Performance & Real-World Usage
Adventure riders in the U.S. often complain that the Himalayan 411/450 feels underpowered on highways. A 650 twin solves that. Imagine tackling Colorado’s I-70 or long stretches across Arizona deserts — with effortless cruising at 70–75 mph while still being nimble on backroads.
The trade-off? Expect a slightly heavier motorcycle, which could make technical off-roading trickier compared to the 450.
How It Stacks Up vs Rivals
- Kawasaki Versys 650 – Smooth, refined, but more road-biased.
- Suzuki V-Strom 650 – A proven all-rounder with global sales success.
- KTM 790/890 Adventure – Much more expensive but far more performance-oriented.
The Himalayan 650 could be priced aggressively around $7,000–$8,000 — undercutting Japanese and European rivals while offering true adventure credentials.
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Future Roadmap / Upcoming Versions
Royal Enfield is on an expansion spree with plans for multiple global launches through 2026. The Himalayan 450 proved RE can deliver modern tech while keeping prices low. A Himalayan 650 fits perfectly into this strategy, likely targeting riders in the U.S. and Europe who want mid-weight ADVs without premium price tags.
If rumors hold true, expect an official reveal sometime in 2026, with teasers possibly dropping as early as 2025.
Latest Buzz & Social Media Reactions
Motorcycle forums are already flooded with wishlists:
- “Give it more power but keep the rugged simplicity.”
- “If it’s priced under $8K, I’m in!”
- “Hope RE keeps the 21-inch front wheel for true off-road adventure.”
Clearly, excitement is building — even without a single spy shot confirmed yet.
Conclusion
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 650 is still in the rumor stage, but the idea alone has created huge buzz. If RE can combine the proven 650 twin with a proper ADV package, it could easily become one of the most popular mid-weight adventure bikes in the world.
For U.S. riders looking for something between a budget ADV and a premium European machine, this could be the bike to wait for. Until then, the Himalayan 450 holds the fort — but the big brother might just be around the corner.