Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 gets optional tubeless spoke wheels, priced at Rs. 11,000/-
Royal Enfield Himalayan gets optional tubeless spoked wheels. With the new optional wheels, it is priced in the range of Rs. 2.96 lakhs to Rs. 3.09 lakhs (ex-showroom). The new spoked wheels are offered as an additional accessory, priced at Rs. 11,000/-. This new feature marks a notable enhancement, making the Himalayan the first Royal Enfield model to offer tubeless spoked wheels.
Addressing Rider Concerns
The introduction of tubeless wheels comes nearly a year after the launch of the new Himalayan 450, addressing one of the common concerns of adventure riders – dealing with punctures. Tubed tyres, which were standard on the Himalayan, posed a challenge for riders, particularly due to the difficulty in sourcing tubes for the bike’s specific tyre sizes. The new tubeless option simplifies the process of fixing punctures, offering a welcome relief to riders who previously had to rely on third-party solutions.
Delays Due to Certification
While Royal Enfield had initially promised tubeless spoked rims for the Himalayan at its launch, the feature was delayed due to complications with BIS certification in India. Although bikes exported from India already had this option, domestic models were held back, leading to frustration among Indian buyers. Now, with certification cleared, the brand has finally brought the much-anticipated upgrade to the Indian market.
Affordable Pricing in Perspective
One of the key highlights of the new offering is its price point. At Rs. 11,000/- for a set of tubeless rims when configured through the Make It Yours (MIY) platform, Royal Enfield has positioned these rims as an affordable option for Himalayan owners. For existing owners who purchase the rims through dealerships starting 3rd October, the cost rises slightly to Rs. 12,424/-. Compared to similar options from premium motorcycle brands like Ducati, BMW and Honda, where tubeless spoked wheels can cost well over Rs. 1 lakh, Royal Enfield’s pricing is significantly lower, making it an attractive option for buyers.
Availability and Colour Options
In international markets, the tubeless wheels come as standard on the Kamet White version of the Himalayan, while other colours offer them as an optional extra. In India, however, the tubeless wheels are available only as an optional upgrade, with no colour variants featuring them as standard.
A Welcome Addition for Adventure Riders
The introduction of tubeless spoked wheels is a noteworthy development for Himalayan riders, particularly those who frequently venture off-road. The easier puncture repair process, combined with the affordable pricing, makes this upgrade a valuable addition to the bike’s feature set. While the delay due to certification issues may have caused some frustration, the move is likely to be well-received by Royal Enfield’s growing community of adventure riders in India and abroad.
