Royal Enfield Himalayan: Does it Make Sense?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ก.ย. 2022
- 'For all roads, for no roads' they say. I borrowed my Dad's Himalayan to see if it holds up to that 'all roads' claim. Can it really do 'everything'? What about motorways, twisty backroads and town riding? Is it powerful enough to keep up on modern roads and serve as an all-rounder?
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Thanks, this is one of the best reviews I’ve seen on the Himalayan
Wow. Thank you!!
Have to agree
Hi, have had my himalayan for 2 years now & use it for all sorts of rides. Great on the country lanes, around town (London) & long journeys including South of France. Just love the way it pulls at low rpm. Just for the record I'm 68 years old & been riding all my life & riding all sorts of silly stuff. Cheers Keith
Hired one brand new Himalayn for 5 days tour of Morroco. It did it all, mountain roads, dirt roads, rivers crossing etc... and in confort too.
1000 miles later, I was sad to give it back.
If I had to go around the world on a bike I'll take it over a BMW.
Ride safe. Guy
"Affordable and accessible as Dacia Sandero, but as charming, as versatile, and robust as land rover defender"
My youngest son and his partner covered 15, 000 miles around Europe last year, both riding Himalayans. That'll be thirty five countries over four months, much of it off-road.
From the UK, South to Gibraltar, North toFinland and every (accessible) country in-between. They did their own servicing and tyre changes en route. A broken pannier frame was the only mechanical problem. Both bikes are still in daily use.
The Himalayan is more than the sum of its parts. Not quick, but quick enough. And it's versatile, reliable, cheap to service yourself and everyday usable. And it's a whole lot of fun!
A future classic.
Just bought a low-mileage example myself after a weekend riding my son's Himmy. Great bike! Ride safe. Love and peace.
insane trip! thanks for sharing your son's stories
I dont really know why I still watch Himalayan reviews,I bought one back in June.
The power drop does'nt bother me.
In 2010 I had a BMW K12rs traded that in for a Bonnie T100 which I traded in for the Himalayan.
Power is'nt everything,and I just love the Himalayan for what it is.
Have to confess to being a Royal Enfield fan,I've a pre unit 350 Bullet as well.
I've had the Bullet down the Rhein and Mosel valleys touring,you've just got to be selective with your routes.
Glad you enjoyed the Himalayan,gives you an insight into olde timey biking.
I test rode one of these the other day and really agree with all you say on here. It gets up to speed absolutely fine and is a real hoot to ride. Took it down some farm tracks too and just couldn't stop grinning 😂
That's coming from a GSX750 with more than 3 time the horsepower. Love the Himalayan 👌
This is a truly honest and sensible revue. I`ve seen an awful lot of nonsense talked about the Himalayan. I`ve just bought one as a winter bike ( I have a Moto Guzzi v7850 special which I refuse to ride on salted winter roads) I`m still running the bike in at the moment but have to say so far I`m very impressed. I echo your comments on power and speed etc. This is a bike you can ride all year around without worrying about getting it dirty. (love the comparison to the Land rover and Sandero) I`ve enjoyed this so much agree totally with how you describe this bike. I`ve just subscribed to your channel! Now that the new 450 Himalayan is about to be launched you can pick these bikes up for an absolute steal! (got mine brand new for 4350 on the road!) I also liked your demonstration of an overtake! so sadly lacking in many other reviews on this bike!
Good review, liked your comparison with the Dacia Sandero and the Defender it sums up this bike very well. I ride my Hymalayan round the Derbyshire Dales, and it is all the bike I need. You are never that fearful that it is going to get away from you in the twisties, riding it is a real pleasure.
Hi there Motocal, Dave-in-France here. I've had my 2022 Euro5 Himi for about 12 months and nearly 9,000 kms (sept 2023) and I absolutely love the bike. A couple of points :
1. You say the bike's steering tips the bike in a bit quickly? Check your tyre pressures. I run mine at 1,7 bat front and 2.2 bar rear and she steers perfectly neutral.
2. To motorway or not to motorway - personally I have never enjoyed riding a bike on a motorway unless I'm going in excess of 100mph, makes the bends feel a bit more like corners. Plus on my last longish trip I found an A-road almost next to the motorway but it went up and down, left and right, through forests and past lakes and it was sooooo much better than being on the motorway.
I'm not in a hurry to get anywhere nowadays, just want to enjoy the journey. The Himi suits me perfectly.
Super review, really comprehensive. Its only downside is lack of power: it's just as you said, you have to let the riskier overtakes go. It tops out about 75mph without boiling the engine. Otherwise it serves every need I have of it. It's eminently customisable and takes on every road I throw it at. People will look back on them in 20+ years and rightly refer to them as classics
Just picked one up second hand, and really enjoying it.. And I have a suzuki gsxr1000! Also recently had a honda africa twin crf1000, a yamaha tenere 700, a ktm 690 enduro r, a bmw R1200GS LC to name but a few.
I went from an Africa Twin to a RE Himalayan. I wanted to ride on rougher off road conditions. The Africa Twin was too tall and too heavy for me. I have done several 800 km days on longer trips. I am very satisfied with my Himalayan.
I love my Interceptor, but I'm definitely 'himalayan curious'. Be interested in a more extensive review for sure.
I was really impressed with the Himalayan on my demo ride! Good review man! 🙌🙌🙌
An excellent video. Respectfully put together with no cussing etc.
I was probably their biggest critic before we bought two. My wife and I travel extensively. We've ridden many miles and various locations. Both of us have been riding since we were kids. Now both Senior age lol, and still riding, our two Himi's are awaiting our return to the US were they are stored to do Central America next year. This year, its India on Himi's.
Now, I'm a convert although between us, we still have a Ducati, BMW and two Harleys in the stable at home.
Thanks again. Wishing you well. Yiur report was both true and accurate. A pleasure to watch unlike some others I've hinted at.
Steveandsuzzertw 👍🏍️🏍️
Thank you good sir! I'm try to avoid envy....so let's say I 'admire' your lifestyle! I won't wish any time away, But I do look forward to being able to plan longer MC adventures overseas. Two young kids keeps us too busy and make that kind of travel difficult!
Thank you for watching and for the kind words. I had taken a break from TH-cam for a little while, but I'm just about to start ramping things up again! Stick around :)
I enjoyed your Interceptor reviews which were so well considered, researched and presented. You have a natural knack for presentation.
I commented on them a couple of times, I had then recently bought both an Interceptor and a Scram (the 'other' Himalayan). I've also borrowed a Himalayan for a couple of days as well so can compare the differences - really just the different wheel sizes, and seat. I can't really add anything to all you've said except to say the Scram is a tad lighter on the steering and the Himalayan holds a much natural tighter line with bigger wheels. If they didn't make the Scram, I would have the Himalayan instead.
I'm no longer a younger person excited by increased capacities, nor a boring old biker who doesn't like to use what's available. I've come down from a 900 four and years of other too big, too heavy and frankly, too tempting to ride too fast to avoid boredom. I have a long list of machines considered desirable, either owned or ridden, especially when younger. I don't intend to go off road now, even though either 411s will do. Most people won't, so the CB500X was a good comparison. My only foray into a downsize after years of 900+ was the NC750X which is perhaps a good comparison to the 650.
The Interceptor obviously handles those (boring/avoided) dual roads better than the 411, but then the Scram goes down the dirty bumpy back roads so easily. The 411 is an engaging challenge to ride within legal speeds (or, of course, still exceed elsewhere). You're spot on that the only traffic you can't keep with is going too fast or stupidly anyway. Less opportunity to overtake, but more rewarding to plan a good one and execute it than just 'woof' past on a superbike.
The 650 complements it well - as you will be able to gauge. I love them both in different ways.
If I had to choose which to ride, at the moment, I reach for the keys to the Scram! It's a sad dilemma to force myself to take the Interceptor, given that without the Scram, I'd be out on it in a heartbeat.
Final comment, I've ridden both the Scram and that borrowed Himalayan, caught out on bad weather days twice despite the weather forecast. Secure to ride in the wet, soggy, soaked to the skin for some 30 miles on those occasions, but otherwise comfortable - it's such a relaxed position. I wouldn't have hesitated to carry on if I had needed to cover another 100, such fun are those 411s.I wouldn't have done that with the Interceptor. I rarely think standard tyres are any good in the wet but these seem to be fine.
More reports on the Himalayan please. Try and get a test on a Scram for comparison. And keep the Interceptor material coming.
Sorry, my comments badly paraphrase or repeat everything you've said very eloquently.
Thanks. I'm considering both bikes. Out of interest, what's the downsides of the interceptor in comparison (excludingoff roading, obvs)? Why would you not have done those extra miles in the wet?
Good question. Not sure I meant that :-)
The comment was about how appropriate and secure the 411 is in the wet. Both were just fun and the rain didn't matter.
I mentioned the CB500X because I took the Interceptor to Exmoor/Dartmoor on a long weekend tour with a friend who then owned one. It started dry but was wet on a few occasions. The Inty didn't miss a beat, although I was glad I'd changed tyres from the oem, which would not have been fun. I'm a convert, like many Inty owners, to Bridgestone BT46 which I'd just fitted and the y were secure on those wet roads. The lack of protection on the naked Interceptor means a soaking. But then the Scram is not much better. Don't let that put you off either machine.
It took me about 20 miles to start chucking my Himalayan into bends and now I think I lean it better than I did with my Bandit & Fazer.
I've been around your neck of the woods but unfortunately I was in a campervan. Might have to take my Himalayan next year
Great review! Thank you
Great no nonsense videos ! , i really enjoy them and keep up the good work!
Fantastic video, gives a great insight into what the Himalayan is really like 👌🏼
Great wee video, love to see test rides that are on local roads that I know like the back of my hand.
I agree fully with your comments about riding a low power bike. I have a Classic 350 and an NC 750 Honda, both fun in their own way. 👍
Great review man 👏
Great review of the himalayan, and nice to see a review done of the bike in and around the Falkirk area. Pondering buying a himmy so you might see me around the area as well. Would definitely like to see you do some more videos of the himalayan. Cheers and ride safe
Just ordered one, looking forward to it arriving!
The more I see of this and the the scram, the more I think its the most suitable bike for modern UK roads. Cameras , potholes and traffic. This tackles them with ease. I do think there are many bikers are finding a hard time trying to justify a £10k+ 1000c bike.
Completely agree. I think if you can adjust your mindset and as I said in the video, just let go of those few seconds difference in acceleration, they're fantastic bikes with an awful lot of character and charm.
Of course, some people only think of Motorbikes as speed machines, but I find those people's opinions irrelevant and immature 😂
10k+, 1000cc used mostly just on sunny days, just getting a few thousand miles riding per year.
100% agree I sold a Himalayan for a T7. It’s now up for sale and I’m going back. Not sure what I was searching for. Uk roads trying to slow us down and the t7 is very top heavy. Himalayan very underrated bike
Great comments, beautiful roads. It makes me want to ride a Himalayan AND ride in Scotland. Your riding mindset is similar to mine, enjoying all kinds of bikes and riding styles. I think I’ll ride one on my channel too Thanks for the inspiration!!! 👍
Good realistic review thank you
As a life-long biker, I subscribe to many biking channels. Yours just popped into my suggestions and I love your style of presenting. I have just subscribed. I went on a mini tour last year, from Somerset to Scotland, over a six-day period, on my CB500X, avoiding motorways. The Himalayan, I am sure, would be a great bike for a trip like that.
Thank you Dave! I really appreciate that! You're absolutely right. Touring on a and b roads, you're never using a powerful bike to its full advantage anyway. Light, comfortable, Rugged, versatile, all those things will matter far more than power. I actually think that's almost always true though... Providing were at that level where its not underpowered in the sense that in can't keep up with traffic.
I could not agree more, I have owned a euro 4 model for 3 years and for running around on smaller roads it’s great 😎 one thing to research for your Dads bike would be the TEC Camshaft upgrade, what a difference it makes, so smoother through the rev range and slightly more power as well, well worth fitting it has transformed my bike.
I also have a 500X and you are correct, for me better for longer days out and some touring but I cannot bring myself to part with the Himilayan it still brings a smile when I ride it.
Great real world review, I have a Himalayan and am planning a trip from the Uk across Europe to Greece and back, next year but avoiding motorways, which I think it will be fine
Great review. Tackled the constant power debate early on and in the best way possible. Answered the questions I had in my mind. Thanks!
Thanks! I'm Glad you enjoyed it
Nice one, great review....
Great review, thanks.
Thanks Lloyd!
Good honest review! Love REs anyway! 👍🏻
More Himalayan please👍🏻👍🏻
Realistically, who would choose a motorway over A and B roads, 60mph is a perfect speed in my opinion and then having the ability to touch 70 if needs be. If i find myself on a motorway, i always stick in the left hand lane and just plod
Just bought a Himalayan last month. Just ready for it’s 300mile first service. Every run out is more enjoyable than the last. Something about the Himalayan just feels right and makes me happy 😁
Enjoyed this vid too, by the way 👍
Great video. Years ago I had a Suzuki SP370. Yes I also had a GPZ1100 but for most local "ish" rides the sp was first choice. In about 1998 I switched to a Harley, the SP and the Kwakka where sold on. Here we are 25 years later and now retired the Harley and 1200 Bandit are getting to be hard work. If I take a long hard look at what I do on my bikes these days a Himmy makes a whole lot of sense. I kind of see one as an SP370 without all the old bike issues. 12v electrics and no kick start are instant bonuses.
I've got a Himalayan. Love it
Mines been awesome the only gripe is stores are far & few in my area colorado & nobody talented willing to work on them so any repairs are done by self but after owning several 250 dual sport this does just fine
Hi, A very good review of the Himalayan and how it handles. Your point about different cc bikes even 50cc bikes, they all have their own place in Motorcycling and you are correct. I am now on my second Himalayan, why you might ask? I had just over 15,000 miles on my first one and just happened to be having a look around in a RE Dealership and you know what that can lead to🤣 I got a good Trade in on mine so I purchased a new one! I have had the Panniers loaded up on a 3000 mile trip so I am more than content with the ability & power of the 411cc Engine. It's not an Ninga or a BMW 1250 but then it never pretended to be. You are also correct about the 70mph, even if you are riding a 1200cc bike the 70mph still applies! I also have a 650 Suzuki V - Strom XT but I must say I get the most fun from my Himalayan! Keep posting.👍
I just put a deposit on one...I'll be picking it up next week, and using it exclusively in mountainy terrain. Really looking forward to it.
The Land Rover Defender comparison/military retro square lines comparison is excellent.
Great stuff😀funny watching my own bike, doesn't sound like that when i'm on it 😂Was wondering how much i would miss my Honda NT700VA, but really dont miss it at all,, the himi is lots more fun, comfertable and cheaper to run and own, was a smart move on my part getting one. enjoyed the video, nice to see the sub's creeping up
Great review
THANK YOU!
A great review. I love my Scram 411. Less is more!😁
Spot on about the military look. Have a look at the old British Army Harley Davidson and Armstrongs. Dead ringers.
I have a Classic 500 and a Benelli Leoncino 500. The Benelli is s a great bike, quick enough and handles really well and is so much quicker, however the Classi 500 is the bike I won't sell.
Much more involving to ride, every overtake has to be well thought out and executed with precision. Goes round bends great though and is a complete hoot to ride. No room or money for a third bike but would like either a Himalayan or a Scram 411 at some point. Keep reviewing the himmy too, always good to see what others think of them.
What an excellent review focusing on what most people really want to know ... "is a 27BHP bike a serious
proposition for me"?
On a side note I think you may have unwittingly hit on a perfect analogy with the Defender , as I suspect that as
well as being rugged and utilitarian like the Defender the Himilayan will also require, shall we say 'more regular
attention' than many bikes!
I'm seriously thinking of trading my Interceptor for a Himmy, the Inty just isnt versatile enough and every time it rains it needs an hour's polishing to get it looking presentable. Your video has helped a lot, many thanks for doing it.
I'm now riding this bike daily at the moment and absolutely loving it!
Wow....what a brilliant review, eloquent and Intelligent.
ent
My Euro5 Himalayan is really easy to speed on. I very naturally missed a speeding fine which was down graded to a warning
First video I've seen of yours, It was that good I liked and subscribed.
Mate thank you for the kind words. Very much appreciated and great encouragement to keep at it ❤️
Excellent review thanks. Thinking about one as a 2nd bike as my RT is overkill for a lot of my B-road riding and Road 6's are £400 a pair!!. I love the looks of the Himmy - I know some feel the opposite, must be a marmite bike. Cheers
Spot on. I’ve got one of these and a Defender 110 ;-)
I had a white dr400s limited edition in the early 80’s the Himalayan reminds me of that bike. It’s actually better than the DR and I love riding my Himalayan Scram 411 yesterday I did 280 mile ride non stop and it performed great.
Put in a Cam, full flow exhaust, powertronic ECU, delete all the emissions crap and this bike is absolutely perfect!
No lack of power anymore it’s just right.
Do these mods really change the bike that much
@@user-xf3iq6ri7l they absolutely do. The powertronic really wakes it up and the cam offers a noticeable increase in power.
New sub. Brill vlog A bought a 2019 himalian from cooper motorbikes. Brill service. Done my theory just due to start my lessons. The bike will be ideal for me. Green lanes etc
Awesome video. Liked and subscribed 👍 ride safe
Thank you Alex! I really appreciate it
I'm looking for a bike to tour Scotland next Spring. Outlander film locations. Just A and B roads and some back road camping.
Perfect bike for it! As long as you don't plan on doing either of these two things:
80mph cruising
Or
Anything faster than a casual/comfy pace
Saltire Motorcycles (or a company based there) in Edinburgh rent the Himalayan I believe - might be worth looking into.
The tour sounds cool. I must admit I've never watched the show - was on the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride this year and Sam Heughan was there taking part on his Thruxton. I didn't know who he was but judging by the crowds that gathered in certain areas, I realised that show was very popular! Seemed a cool guy though.
I recently did the Royal Enfield One Ride with my local RE dealer on my Interceptor. There were I think 16 bikes, a couple of them were Himalayans. The ride to our destination was slow, through the quieter twisty roads and on the way home we split in to two groups.
The "fast" group took a different route home with dual carriageways and just generally quicker roads. I went with the fast group and so did the two Himalayans. Obviously they were struggling to keep up with the Interceptors and Continental GTs on the dual carriageways, but once it got to the twisty A-road, I was really struggling to keep up with the group. Admittedly they were all much more experienced than me, but I just couldn't keep up with any of them around the bends, so I just slowed up and went at my own pace for the rest of the ride home.
I think the point I'm trying to make is, despite being a bit down on power, with the right rider, the Himalayan is absolutely fine on the road and can easily keep up with most road traffic.
tha ks
I have done a lot of Research. I think The Himalayan is the Perfect Bike for me. I want a bike that is off road capable, But will be ok for the Highway. I will be riding in Philippines, Only a Fool with a Death wish travels at 70mph. 50 to 55 is fast enough on those roads.
Fun video I like the bike I’ve ridden it here in the states. Very comfortable just an all-around good cruiser. What year is the bike that you’re on? Here in the states, the 2023 model upgraded the Motor tune to match the scrambler, eliminating the choke lever.
Cheers mate
USA
It's a 2019 model!
How compatible are they, My USA spec 2022 is actually a Euro 4 in the Euro 5 body….. LOL… Love my motorcycle.
Please, which camera did you use for this recording? It has an excellent pickup angle.
The Insta360 One X2 in 270 mode mounted to the helmet chin bar :)
Thanks for watching!
How does it do climbing mountain highways at 60 mph? Can it maintain 60 uphill? I live in British Columbia, Canada thats why I ask.
2021 Himalayan bad points by an UK, Norfolk, owner.
Headlight bulb, needs replacing by a good led bulb.
Side stand is slightly to long, when loaded up.
Bike sits scarily upright. Mine went totally over at Cromer car park, when i was not with it and it was mega windy.
I was so lucky it didn’t hit anyone or anything.
I know Royal Enfield have shortened the side stands on the new Himalayans.
Please can someone tell me if i buy a new stand will it fit my 2021?
Mirrors are round and you can’t see a lot.
Replaced mine with wider mirror glass width.
Other than that great bike for the price. 👍
IM NO BIKER BUT.. CUD TRY GET ON RE THUNDERBIRD & BAJAJ AVENGER..?? HEARD OF METEOR 650...!!
I have a Euro 5 Himsy and I haven't had a concern about the bike dropping in on the front, was your tyre pressure correct? I have found that dropping on is a symptom of an under inflated front tyre.
I think it was just a big difference to my own bike at the time to be honest. Very different feel with a bit 21F17R and 18F18R. I ride this bike daily at the moment and love it
@@moto_cal I've had to stop riding mine as I have an 8-900 mile ride I'm leading in a couple of weeks and I'm getting close to the 12 000 mile service.
I find the 21" wheel fine, especially around twisty roads, my other bikes are all 17/17".
bore out to 500 happy days
riding one/no handed is something I see a lot on youtube. until you run over a pebble/catch a gust you will be fine.
It's never been an issue for me. My inputs into the bars are minimal anyway. On a bike like this, I have almost zero weight on the bars. I've gone over pot holes on cruise control with no hands and the bike stayed up and straight.
What's with the showing off 70 mph one handed riding? Otherwise it was a good review.
I'm not sure if you suggesting I was 'showing off' by riding one handed (I wasn't) or of you're asking why I pointed out it was one handed? It was just to show that at 70, there's no major vibes and there's no front end wobble.
I get it, it's slow, simple but superb? LOL come on...get real
Oops. Didn't mean to upset you dear.
I have a himmy call it freedom in nz. I love my FREEDOM. It's perfect bike for what I do. I have so much modes on it that it looks amazing. People get into conversation asking about my FREEDOM. ❤
They may take our lives, but they'll never take....
Good video just subscribed 👍