Best Tyres for Royal Enfield Himalayan: Size & Price Guide

The Royal Enfield Himalayan is one of the most well-respected bikes in its particular segment in India. Known for providing riders with power and mileage, while being durable and affordable, it remains one of the popular choices for adventurous riders who seek to challenge and conquer steep terrain and high mountain passes. 

The Himalayan covers bumpy tracks and displays solid, long-lasting endurance to overcome the various hurdles that come in between.  As an added perk, it has a vintage design which is both practical and simple. Which helps to uncomplicate things for riders.

One of its best features, however, is one of its most underrepresented: its tyres. The Himalayan, as an example, comes with what some might call standard tyres: CEAT Gripp XL tires with dimensions of 90/90-21 for the front and 120/90-17 for the back. 

As with all tires, some riders prefer switching to different ones, according to the terrain. In that respect, tyre size is critical for the motorcycle’s performance, as an ill fit can cause handling and safety issues.

As with all tires, some riders prefer switching to different ones for different terrains. While some riders prefer switching, the tires do not fit all rides. Tyre size is critical for the motorcycle’s performance as an ill fit can cause it to poorly handle and potentially risk the safety.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Royal Enfield Himalayan tyres — from recommended sizes for different models, to how to check for perfect fits, to price ranges, and ideal tyre pressures. We also touch upon when to replace your tyres, alongside essential maintenance tips and answers to common questions.

By the end, you’ll know exactly what tyres will suit your Himalayan — whether you’re cruising on highways or bouncing over rocky trails.

Standard Sizes for Himalayan Models

Standard Sizes for Himalayan Models

Himalayan Model	Front Size	Rear Size
Himalayan 411 & 650	90/90-21	120/90-17
Himalayan 450	90/90-21	140/80-17

The 21-inch front wheel is a hallmark of enduro‐style bikes, offering a taller profile and a larger contact patch. This enables better absorption of obstacles and allows for a wider variety of off-road tyre fitments, giving riders more granular options when choosing terrain-specific tyres.

Stock Tyre & Compatibility

Out of the box, the Himalayan rolls on CEAT Gripp XL tyres in the spec of 90/90-21 front and 120/90-17 rear. For Indian riders, the rear size—120/90-17—is relatively uncommon, limiting swap options unless you’re buying directly from select retailers or importing. Despite that, upgrading to brands like MRF or Timsun in identical sizes typically doesn’t alter the bike’s ride dynamics or handling balance because you’re staying within design parameters.

Tubeless vs Tube Types

The Himalayan’s spokes and rims are tube-type, which means tyres come with an inner tube for inflation. However, tubeless conversions are possible using sealant kits and foam rim strips or with compatible tubeless-ready tyres plus rim prep.

Benefits of tubeless:

• Self-seal capability and better puncture tolerance
• Ability to run lower pressures for more traction off-road

Benefits of tubes:

• Simpler roadside repairs using a spare tube
• Lower cost and easier replacement

Still, mixing a tubed tyre with a tubeless tyre (or vice versa) is generally discouraged, as it may lead to air retention issues or unpredictable handling.

Front & Rear Tyre Prices

Here’s a breakdown based on TyreMarket’s 2023 analysis (note prices can vary by location and retailer):

Brand & Model	Position	Size	Price* (INR)	Pressure (unloaded/loaded)	Features
MRF Mogrip Meteor-M	Front	90/90-21	₹3,000	25 / 27 psi	Good grip, on/off-road use
MRF Mogrip Meteor-M	Rear	120/90-17	₹3,500	32 / 34 psi	Same as above
Timsun TS-823	Front	90/90-21	₹3,500	25 / 27 psi	Ultimate on/off-road, 3-month warranty
Timsun TS-822	Rear	120/90-17	₹5,633	32 / 34 psi	Premium on/off-road, 3-month warranty

*Note: Prices vary by retailer and region and are based on TyreMarket’s 2023 pricing.

For comparison, the CEAT Gripp XL tyres are priced around ₹2,435 (front) and ₹3,635 (rear).

Recommended Tyre Pressures

• Front: 25 psi unloaded / 27 psi under load
• Rear: 32 psi unloaded / 34 psi under load

Checking your tyre pressures regularly—preferably before long rides or once a week—is crucial. Correct pressure improves tyre longevity, grip, fuel efficiency, and overall safety.

MRF & Timsun Options

MRF Mogrip Meteor-M: Known for reliable grip, suitable for on- and off-road use, and backed by a 5-year warranty in some cases. This particulate tyre is optimised for mixed and rugged surfaces, which makes it a versatile choice for Himalayan riders.

On the other hand, Timsun TS series (TS-823 front and TS-822 rear) is positioned as a premium tyre that is catered towards off-road performance. It also offers better traction on gravel and mud at a slightly steeper price.

CEAT vs MRF Comparison

Brand	Key Strengths	Considerations
CEAT Gripp XL	Excellent aquaplaning, stable handling on tarmac	Slightly less aggressive off-road
MRF Mogrip Meteor	Rugged off-road performance, solid grip	Higher price than stock options

• Pros of CEAT Gripp XL: Better water dispersion, smooth and stable at highway speeds; excellent for regular touring.
• Cons of CEAT Gripp XL: Lacks deep tread for aggressive off-road, may wear faster on dirt trails.
• Pros of MRF Mogrip Meteor: Chunkier tread and compound for better off-road grip and control.
• Cons of MRF Mogrip Meteor: Slightly noisier on pavement and you’ll likely pay a premium.

While CEAT, MRF, and Timsun dominate Himalayan aftermarket selections in India, several global brands warrant mention:

• Metzeler Tourance: Street-oriented adventure tyre with a fine balance of road grip, longevity, and light dirt capability.
• Pirelli Scorpion Trail II: Excellent wet and dry traction, constructed for long mileage and touring use.
• Michelin Anakee Adventure: Renowned for impressively long life, smooth performance, and all-round handling.
• Apollo (if available): Often priced competitively, with decent dual-purpose performance—though mileage and grip may vary.

These options typically cost more and may require import or premium retail stores, but offer high performance and often better material quality.

Road‑Biased Tyres

Listed among “Pure Road” picks on TwoTyres, these tyres excel on pavement:

• Avon Roadrider Mk2: Smooth on tarmac, long-lasting compound.
• Bridgestone BT46: Known for motorway comfort and mileage.
• Continental Trail Attack 3: Excellent grip on paved surfaces, decent mileage.

These are ideal for long road tours where comfort, stability, and tread life matter most—but offer limited traction on loose or muddy terrain.

Dual‑Purpose / Adventure Tyres

Perfect for riders splitting time between roads and trails:

• Anlas Capra R
• Avon Trailrider
• Continental ContiEscape
• Pirelli MT90 A/T

They strike a balance—aggressive enough for light dirt paths and stable on pavement, all while offering moderate mileage.

Off‑Road‑Focused Tyres

When serious off-road ability is needed, these are your go-to:

• Bridgestone AX41
• Continental TKC80
• Pirelli MT21 RallyCross

Aggressive knobbly tread patterns bite into dirt, sand, and mud with authority. The Himalayan’s 21-inch front rim perfectly accommodates these “true off-road” tyres, giving you the traction and control demanded by rough trails.

Assess Your Riding Style & Terrain

• Estimate your riding terrain split (e.g., 80% highway, 20% trails)
• Climate considerations: Wet climates need deeper grooves; dry terrain favors blockier knobbies.
• Luggage and passenger load: Heavier loads may demand sturdier carcass tyres.
• Tread pattern preference: Smooth for asphalt, twin-compound tourers for mixed, knobbier for trails.
• Durability expectations: If you tour long distances, a harder compound (e.g., Anakee Adventure) makes sense; for frequent weekend trail rides, opt for softer, grippier options like MRF or TKC80.

This matches the TyreMarket FAQ emphasis on terrain, weather, load capacity, tread, and durability as key factors in tyre selection.

Tubed vs Tubeless Decision

• Tubeless conversion: Offers puncture resistance, self-sealing, and the ability to run lower pressures—great off-road—but needs careful rim preparation and sealant upkeep.
• Staying with tubes: Easier and cheaper to fix mid-ride (carry a spare tube, patch kit), but less tolerant of punctures and more vulnerable to pinch flats.

Avoid mixing tubed and tubeless tyres on a single bike—this can introduce unpredictable air-loss and handling issues.

Budget & Warranty Considerations

Budget range: Expect to spend approximately ₹2.4k for front stock-equivalent tyres and up to ₹5.6k for high-performance rear models like Timsun.

Warranty: CEAT typically offers 5 years, while Timsun’s is 3 months, albeit cheaper upfront.

A higher upfront cost (e.g., Michelin, Pirelli) may pay off in longer tread life, better ride quality, and fewer replacements over time.

Maintenance & Replacement

1. Replace tyres every 10,000–15,000 km, or sooner if tread depth dips below legal limits or wear indicators.
2. Avoid mixing brands or sizes—uneven traction and stability issues can arise.
3. Pressure checks: Do weekly or before long rides; ride quality, grip, and tyre life all improve with proper inflation.
4. Avoid overloading: Stick to manufacturer load ratings to prevent premature wear and compromised handling.
5. Inspect regularly for punctures, sidewall damage, or uneven wear—especially after off-road rides.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What factors matter when choosing tyres?

The most important things to think about are: the terrain, the weather, the load, the tread pattern, and the durability. Once all this is sorted, you will pretty much be fine.

2. Which brands are recommended?

This one is simple. All the usual ‘premium’ brands. They are globally respected, and give you value for money: CEAT, MRF, Timsun for local availability. 

3. What sizes fit the Himalayan?

411 & 650: 90/90-21 front, 120/90-17 rear

450: 90/90-21 front, 140/80-17 rear

4. Should I choose tubed or tubeless?

Tubeless gives better puncture resistance and self-sealing; tubes are easier and cheaper to repair roadside.

5. Best tyres for off‑road?

MRF Mogrip Meteor, Metzeler Tourance, Michelin Anakee Adventure are well-rounded picks; for aggressive trail riding, go with TKC80, AX41 or MT21.

6. Best tyres for touring?

CEAT Gripp XL and Pirelli Scorpion Trail II excel in mileage, highway stability, and comfort.

7. How often should I replace tyres?

Every 10,000–15,000 km or sooner if tread is worn. Legal tread limits vary; make sure to be aware of them to always stay on the side of safety.

Conclusion

Picking tyres for your Royal Enfield Himalayan matters more than most riders think. They’re not just round bits of rubber — they decide how well you stick to the road, how comfy the ride feels, how safe you are, and even how much fuel you burn.

Whether you’re on a tight budget or have spare cash but want to make the right choice, you can escape the conundrum by being informed always. Whatever you decide to end up buying, make sure the choice is right for you. For more on bike tyres, keep on following Ecozaar.