All Things Auto | Royal Enfield - The Great Indian CrossRoads: North Edition

We have done road tests, track days, and city rides. But Royal Enfield's North Edition of The Great Indian CrossRoads was not about specs on paper. It was about 730 km of Himalayan reality.

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All Things Auto was part of the ride from Chandigarh through Mashobra, Kullu, and Mandi over six days. Royal Enfield gave us access to a diverse lineup: Himalayan 450, Guerrilla 450, Classic 350, Hunter 350, Scram 440, and the Goan Classic 350.

For many of us in the group, this was a first ride in mountain terrain. You don’t learn throttle control, body positioning, and braking on gradients from a press kit. You learn it on winding Himalayan roads with valley drops on one side and confidence on the other.

Beyond the ride

This wasn't just a motorcycle expedition. Royal Enfield framed it as a cultural exchange, and it showed.

We spent time at the Himalayan Hub, an initiative by the Eicher Group Foundation. There we met local communities and saw programs driving environmental conservation, women’s livelihood initiatives, and sustainable rural development.

In Mahasu Village, we experienced traditional Himachali hospitality firsthand. Locally prepared cuisine, cultural activities, and conversations with residents gave context to the landscapes we were riding through.

How the bikes performed

From panoramic valley views to steep climbs and broken mountain tarmac, each bike had a moment.

The Himalayan 450 and Guerrilla 450 handled altitude and load without fuss. The Classic 350 and Hunter 350 proved why they’re everyday favorites even at elevation.

The Scram 440 and Goan Classic 350 added their own character to the mix.

More importantly, riders who had never done a long-distance mountain run finished the expedition with renewed confidence. That’s something no spec sheet can give you.

The takeaway

Speaking with fellow participants, the word that came up most was “transformative”. People overcame personal fears, sharpened riding skills, and left with stories rooted in real experiences, not curated photo ops.

With The Great Indian CrossRoads, Royal Enfield makes a clear point: motorcycling is about discovering places, connecting with people, and creating stories that last.

By bringing regional media into India beyond conventional travel routes, they are backing exploration and responsible travel.