Royal Enfield Himalayan “Marlboro Man”: A Scrambler Built to Go Anywhere
The Royal Enfield Himalayan has always been known as a simple, dependable adventure motorcycle. Built to handle broken roads and mountain trails, it offers a comfortable riding posture and an honest 411cc motor. Yet for many riders, the stock Himalayan feels more like a workhorse than an exciting machine. Ricochet Motorcycles from Pune decided to change that by creating a scrambler version called the “Marlboro Man.”
A Purpose-Driven Custom Build
The idea behind this project was not to build a show bike but a motorcycle that could be ridden every day on any surface. Devashish Sharma, founder of Ricochet Motorcycles, wanted a Himalayan that felt lighter, sharper, and more playful while still retaining its touring ability. The result is a custom scrambler that looks aggressive yet remains practical for long rides.
Right after completion, the owner rode the bike from Pune to Delhi, covering close to 1,500 kilometers. That journey proved the build was more than just visual modification – it was a real-world performance upgrade.
Suspension and Handling Upgrades
One of the biggest changes was the front suspension. The stock telescopic forks were replaced with Endurance upside-down forks tuned specifically for this bike. This improved front-end stability, raised ground clearance, and gave the Himalayan a more confident stance on rough terrain.
Both wheels were converted to 18-inch aluminium Excel rims wrapped in dual-sport tyres. The new wheel setup makes the bike more agile on tarmac while still offering strong grip on trails. To complement this, a Brembo front brake system was installed, providing sharper stopping power than the factory unit.
Custom Subframe and Scrambler Styling
The rear end received a completely new subframe built by Ricochet. This allowed the team to fit a slimmer seat and cleaner tail section, giving the motorcycle true scrambler proportions. The exhaust system was custom-bent and routed higher, improving both ground clearance and sound character.
Other functional additions include barkbuster handguards, an aluminum bash plate, adjustable levers, off-road footpegs, and a K&N performance air filter. A +5 tooth rear sprocket was added to improve acceleration, making the Himalayan more responsive in city and trail riding.
Design Inspired by Classic Motorsport
Visually, the bike carries a bold livery designed by artist Dheeraj Rawat. The colors and graphics give it a retro rally feel, which perfectly matches the rugged personality of the Himalayan platform. Despite the striking appearance, every modification serves a riding purpose rather than being purely cosmetic.
Built for Real Riders
What sets the Marlboro Man apart from many custom motorcycles is its usability. It remains comfortable for long distances, easy to maintain, and capable of tackling bad roads. Ricochet Motorcycles focused on balance – keeping the reliability of the Himalayan while injecting excitement and character.
Key Highlights of the Build
- Base motorcycle: Royal Enfield Himalayan 411
- Endurance USD front forks with custom tuning
- 18-inch Excel aluminium rims with dual-sport tyres
- Brembo upgraded front brake
- Custom rear subframe and scrambler seat
- High-mounted custom exhaust
- K&N air filter and sprocket upgrade
- Barkbusters, bash plate, and off-road accessories
Final Thoughts
The Royal Enfield Himalayan Marlboro Man shows how well the platform responds to thoughtful customization. Without chasing extreme power figures, Ricochet Motorcycles created a machine that is lighter, sharper, and far more engaging to ride. It proves that a Himalayan can be more than an adventure commuter – it can be a true scrambler with soul.
For riders who love exploring beyond smooth highways, this build is an inspiring example of how minimal but smart modifications can completely transform a motorcycle’s personality.
Photo: Ricochet Motorcycle
