Royal Enfield unveiled its first electric adventure bike, the HIMALAYAN Electric, at EICMA in 2023. No details were released at the time or since, but the body, with a huge battery cover as its main frame, is the same size as the engine-powered adventure model, the Himalaya 411, which was in the lineup at the time, and despite being an electric bike, it is equipped with a clutch and pedals for shifting gears, and of course a gearbox. A video of the HIMALAYAN Electric in action was also released, and it appeared that development was continuing.
A year later, the “HIMALAYAN Electric 2.0” was unveiled at EICMA 2024. From a distance, it looked like an evolved version of last year’s model, but up close, it was revealed to be a completely different vehicle from the original HIMALAYAN Electric.
↑ Details such as the screen designed above the headlight and the frame-mounted fuel tank cover (is it a body cover since it’s an electric bike?) are unique parts that have been consistently inherited from the “Himalaya” series of adventure models in Royal Enfield’s lineup.
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↑A unique style with a seat-like surface design that continues from the fuel tank to the tail end.
The HIMALAYAN Electric 2.0 was unveiled at the same venue as the FLYING FLEA, a compact electric mobility vehicle also announced by Royal Enfield. This year, no details were released about the vehicle or its release date, but the details have evolved significantly. While the concept of using the battery housing as the main frame is the same as the previous model, a new aluminum frame has been created around the motor and swingarm pivot. The water-cooled motor case has the word “STARK” written on it, and the water hoses extending from it and the radiator set inside the rear fender are exactly the same as those on the Spanish electric motorcycle brand STRAK FUTURE.
Royal Enfield, or more specifically its parent company, Indian truck giant Eicher Motors, invested 50 million euros in STRAK FUTURE in 2022, equivalent to approximately 10% of the shares, and entered into a strategic partnership.
↑The battery case is a separate block type, divided into left and right sides of the vehicle. The battery case of the STARK FUTURE is a monoblock type placed in the center of the vehicle. It is not clear whether it is the same, but it is quite possible that it is equipped with a double battery pack, as used by STARK.
STRAK FUTURE made its debut win in the 2023/2024 British Arenacross Championship, competing against internal combustion engine vehicles, and went on to win the series title. In the 2025 season, the team will expand its racing arena to the world, competing in the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship. It has consistently achieved top rankings in races against internal combustion engine vehicles.
It is easy to imagine that the HIMALAYAN Electric 2.0 was developed with feedback from motor and control technology honed through such serious racing. Looking at the vehicle on display, the presence of harnesses on the front and rear suspension suggests that it is equipped with electronically controlled suspension.
No details about the “HIMALAYAN Electric 2.0” have been announced, so everything is just speculation, but its potential is very intriguing.
↑The drive sprocket is laid out on the right side of the vehicle. The two hoses visible at the top of the aluminum frame extend from the water-cooled motor case and connect to the radiator located inside the rear fender.
The motor case is engraved with the “STARK” logo. The aluminum frame and battery hanger are designed to surround the case. The battery case, with its beautiful cooling fins, is likely machined from aluminum.
A harness can also be seen from the Öhlins rear shock unit. The tube lying under the reservoir tank is thought to be the actuator that moves the electric spring adjuster. Behind the rear shock unit, the radiator core connected to the water-cooled motor case can be seen.
It is clear that the steering stem bearing is eccentric. Part of the frame is visible, but the material and layout are unknown. There are no stickers on the front fork, but it is likely made by Ohlins. A harness can be seen on the fork top cap.
