While we await the latest details on the second generation Himalayan, which will be officially unveiled on November 7 at EICMA, more images are circulating of a model long desired by fans of the Indian brand. This is a scrambler variant based on the 650 twin-cylinder engine from the Intercetor and Continental GT, and the images published by AutoStreet and Rushlane show us a bike that is essentially ready for production.
As a reminder, the models with the 650 twin-cylinder engine arrived in 2018 and were immediately appreciated not only for their successful styling, but also for the functionality of the mechanics. We can say that the off-road customization of the Intercetor began immediately, and many people were asking for a scrambler model that was more inclined to tackle some dirt roads. This version may finally be on the way and we don’t know at the moment whether or not it will bear the Hiker name, which was seen by many as a link between Intercetor and Himalayan, and therefore also dedicated to touring.
From the images showing the prototype being tested, it looks more like a traditional scrambler, close in aesthetic terms to the rival Triumph Street Scrambler. As already mentioned, the engine appears to be the same 648 cc, 47 hp twin-cylinder with a black finish, but the exhaust is a two-in-one. The double cradle frame and fuel tank also appear to be the same as the Intercetor. The front wheel, however, appears to be 19 inches (on the Intercetor it’s 18 inches). The fork is inverted and the rear shock absorbers could be longer. The rear wheel appears to be 17″ and perhaps the brake disc could be larger.
There are certainly changes to the seat and side panels, which now show the classic “very scrambler” oval-shaped license plate, and the handlebars, which in trail style are taller and wider. There’s also a different instrumentation, circular and flatter than the two clocks on the Intercetor, and reminiscent of the new Himalayan 452. Will we also see this scrambler in its definitive version in a few weeks’ time in Milan?