Royal Enfield built the new Himalayan with an off-road DNA while KTM built the 390 Duke for the streets. While the scope for KTM fans to have a 390 series Adventure motorcycle is high, Royal Enfield fans will always miss the high BHP figure from their large engines. One of them was a real rebel who decided to change the way things work under an RE name.
This Royal Enfield Himalayan is Powered by KTM 390 Duke’s Engine
This typical Himalayan is the finest example where one can be satisfied with the off-road ability of a RE’s frame and the power figures of a KTM machine. The owner of this hybrid RE-KTM Himalayan fitted the engine in such a way that it looks nothing less than a factory fitted example. The difficulties have been addressed in a very neat manner.
The motorcycle uses the liquid cooled and fuel injected engine, thereby replacing the carburetor fed, air cooled engine from the motorcycle. The instrument console has also been sourced from the 390 Duke. The motorcycle uses a massive rear sprocket and its frame has been also been exposed by removing the carburetor cover.
The wheels are from the Himalayan itself, thereby making more chances that the odometer and speedometer may not display correct information on it. RE Himalayan uses 21 inch front wheel while the KTM had 17 inch on its place. The KTM engine is not recommended for heavy off-road use. Those who feel Himalayan was not their cup of tea, the upcoming KTM 390 Adventure will use a different tune of the same engine and bring a better, off-road friendly chassis and suspension for the fans.
Know more about RE Himalayan here:
http://autos.maxabout.com/bikes/royal-enfield/himalayan