Royal Enfield motorcycles have long been revered for their ruggedness, classic design, and ability to handle long-distance touring with ease. Whether you’re an adventure seeker looking to ride through mountains or a road warrior wanting to take a long highway cruise, Royal Enfield has options that suit all types of journeys. But the question arises—which Royal Enfield is best for long rides? Let’s explore in detail, using an example to bring the journey to life.
Example:
Raj, a passionate biker from India, loves to take long rides through scenic mountain ranges and expansive highways. He had been planning a long road trip from Mumbai to Ladakh for months. His only dilemma? Choosing the right Royal Enfield for the trip. After much research and discussions with fellow bikers, he decided to test out a few options, considering factors such as comfort, mileage, engine performance, and ground clearance. Here’s what he discovered.
Which Royal Enfield is Best for Long Rides? A Detailed Look
Let’s explore the key models and their specifications to answer which Royal Enfield is best for long rides.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
- Price: ₹2,98,900 (ex-showroom)
- Design: The Himalayan is designed for adventure touring, with a rugged build that can take on tough terrains.
- Mileage: Around 30-35 kmpl, making it reasonably fuel-efficient for long-distance rides.
- Performance: With a 411cc engine, the Himalayan provides ample power and torque for challenging roads, especially at high altitudes.
- Engine Specification: 411cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine producing 24.3 bhp and 32 Nm of torque.
- Ground Clearance: 230mm, offering excellent clearance for off-road conditions.
- Colors: Available in multiple colors like Gravel Grey, Rock Red, and Lake Blue.
- Bike Dimensions: 2,245mm in length, 852mm in width, and 1316mm in height.
- Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with smooth transitions for various speeds.
- Tires & Brakes: Dual-purpose tires with disc brakes on both ends.
- Frame & Suspension: Half-duplex split cradle frame with long-travel suspension.
- Top Speed: 140 km/h, allowing for good speed even on highways.
- Safety Features: Dual-channel ABS and a digital-analog console with a trip meter and compass.
Why It’s Great for Long Rides: The Himalayan is perfect for rugged terrains, making it ideal for adventure enthusiasts. Raj loved how it handled rough roads with ease during his test ride, and its comfortable upright seating position was perfect for long hours on the road.
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
- Price: ₹3,68,534 (ex-showroom)
- Design: Classic retro look combined with modern performance—a stunning balance of old and new.
- Mileage: Around 25 kmpl, which is lower but acceptable for a 650cc bike.
- Performance: Powered by a 648cc parallel-twin engine, the Interceptor delivers smooth, refined power with excellent torque across the rev range.
- Engine Specification: 648cc, parallel-twin, air-cooled engine producing 47.65 bhp and 52 Nm of torque.
- Ground Clearance: 174mm, suitable for both highways and slightly rough terrains.
- Colors: Several color options, including Orange Crush, Glitter & Dust, and Ravishing Red.
- Bike Dimensions: 2,122mm in length, 789mm in width, and 1,065mm in height.
- Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with slip-assist clutch, ideal for smooth gear changes.
- Tires & Brakes: Pirelli Phantom SportComp tires with dual-channel ABS for enhanced safety.
- Frame & Suspension: Twin cradle frame with front telescopic forks and rear twin coil-over shocks.
- Top Speed: 170 km/h, making it one of the fastest Royal Enfields.
- Safety Features: Dual-channel ABS, slipper clutch, and high-spec Pirelli tires.
Why It’s Great for Long Rides: Raj enjoyed the smoothness of the 650cc engine on long stretches of highway. The bike’s twin-cylinder engine provides a pleasant, vibration-free experience, which is important for long journeys.
Royal Enfield Classic 350
- Price: ₹2,30,000 (ex-showroom)
- Design: Retro styling that harks back to the post-war era, with a timeless design.
- Mileage: 35-40 kmpl, making it quite fuel-efficient.
- Performance: Powered by a 349cc engine, the Classic 350 offers a smooth ride with decent power delivery.
- Engine Specification: 349cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine producing 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque.
- Ground Clearance: 170mm, offering enough clearance for most road conditions.
- Colors: Available in colors like Stealth Black, Chrome Red, and Signals Marsh Grey.
- Bike Dimensions: 2,145mm in length, 785mm in width, and 1,090 mm in height.
- Transmission: 5-speed gearbox for a balanced mix of torque and speed.
- Tires & Brakes: Tubeless tires with dual-channel ABS for added safety.
- Frame & Suspension: Single-downtube frame with telescopic front suspension and twin rear shock absorbers.
- Top Speed: 115 km/h, which is decent for long, relaxed rides.
- Safety Features: Dual-channel ABS, tripper navigation, and a semi-digital instrument console.
Why It’s Great for Long Rides: Raj found the Classic 350 to be the perfect blend of comfort and nostalgia. It’s ideal for riders who prefer cruising at moderate speeds and want a classic look to accompany them on their journeys.
Essential Tips for Royal Enfield Long Rides
Now that we’ve looked at the top contenders, let’s delve into some of the factors you should consider when choosing which Royal Enfield is best for long rides.
1. Comfort and Riding Posture
The seating posture is essential for long rides. Bikes like the Himalayan offer an upright, relaxed posture, ideal for reducing fatigue over long distances. On the other hand, the Interceptor 650 has a slightly sportier position, while the Classic 350 offers a laid-back cruiser-style posture.
2. Mileage
Mileage is a critical factor for long-distance touring. The Classic 350 offers the best fuel efficiency, averaging around 35-40 kmpl, while the Himalayan and Interceptor 650 provide slightly lower mileage.
3. Engine Performance
If you’re looking for raw power, the Interceptor 650 with its 648cc engine is the clear winner. However, if you prefer a more relaxed, steady ride, the Classic 350 or the Himalayan might be a better choice.
4. Terrain Compatibility
For rough terrains and off-roading, the Himalayan is unbeatable with its superior ground clearance and adventure-ready features. For smoother roads and highways, the Interceptor 650 and Classic 350 perform excellently.
5. Safety Features
Dual-channel ABS is available on all models, but the Himalayan and Interceptor 650 also offer additional features like slipper clutches and better tires, which enhance overall safety.
Conclusion: Which Royal Enfield is Best for Long Rides?
In conclusion, if you’re asking which Royal Enfield is best for long rides, the answer depends on the type of journey you’re planning. For rough terrains and off-road adventures, the Royal Enfield Himalayan is your best bet. If you prefer highway cruising with more power, the Interceptor 650 offers unmatched performance. On the other hand, if you value nostalgia, comfort, and fuel efficiency, the Classic 350 is the ideal choice for relaxed long rides.
Raj eventually chose the Royal Enfield Himalayan for his Mumbai to Ladakh trip, thanks to its rugged design and off-road capabilities. The bike’s performance on uneven terrain and long hours of comfortable riding made it the perfect companion for his adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 comes with a 5-speed gearbox.
Most Royal Enfield models, including the Classic 350 and Himalayan, have a 5-speed gearbox, while the Interceptor 650 has a 6-speed gearbox.
To start the Royal Enfield Classic 350, turn the ignition key, ensure the bike is in neutral, and press the electric start button. Alternatively, you can use the kick-start lever.
The Classic 350 has 5 gears.
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 offers the best mileage among the current models, with an average of 35-40 kmpl.
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 weighs around 195 kg.
Yes, the Royal Enfield Himalayan is suitable for both highways and off-road terrains, making it a versatile option for long rides.
The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 can reach a top speed of around 170 km/h.
Yes, the Classic 350 comes with dual-channel ABS for enhanced braking safety.
The Royal Enfield Himalayan is the best model for off-roading due to its high ground clearance, rugged design, and long-travel suspension.
