An upgraded version of RE HIMALAYAN is on its way, with an FI ( Fuel Injection ) and ABS ( Anti Brakelock System ). The single Spring suspension is very much the best and practical on this bike.
If the price is right it would be worth looking at. In general the Enfields sold here in Australia have been pretty reliable but there have been quality control issues in the past.
Here in the UK we have the fuel injected abs model (Euro 4 rules don’t you know). Hopefully will be an improvement. The thing I find funny is that these sell for £1500 in India and are £4100 here........
CEAT (Cavi Elettrici e Affini Torino) was an italian tyres and electrical cables manufacturer. In the early 80's it was in difficulties and it was acquired by an indian group, And now is the indian leader in tyres manufacturing.
When is the BS4 version coming to Australia? it has a better front brake and fuel injection. The so-called 2018 Australian model is a 2017 indian bike.
A budget conscious buyer should NEVER get this bike. It is a well designed quality sinkhole. I have driven mine 10k now and had the following items replaced: stator, front steering bearing TWICE, rear fork (YES, the entire fork BENT), clutch cable (has a weired angle, fixed in BS4). The tires are awful under wet conditions (but last forever). The bike does not have a kick and the battery is 7 Ah, meaning if you play too much with the electric start or leave the lights on you PUSH. No amp meter to warn you if anything goes wrong (which it frequently does) with the electric. This bike is the FLAG CARRIER of Indian quality. Really. And 24 BHP out of 410cc is a bit 70s, dont you think? The torque is there, but notably less than with the Bullet 500 of the same maker. Also fuel consumption is AWFUL: 20km to the litre, wheras the bullet makes 35 with a bigger engine. And the icing of the cake is it loses about 30% power on altitude, starting at about 2500m and it gets really bad in the -you guessed it- HIMALAYAS. Not a joke, been there, done that!
gkossatzgmxde I’ve heard very little that contradicts your opinion. I want to like the bike, but the irony is that the cost of ownership appears o be well over other bikes that cost more at the point of purchase.
The reason why it's gives only 24 bhp with a big engine is because it has got a long stroke engine. Longs stroke engines don't go to very high rpm. They give power at lower rpms. Short stroke engines, give power at high rpms but give very less power at low Rpms. if you were looking for a 40+bhp for a 400cc+ bike, go for a short stroke bike.
That is nonsense in this case, although principaly right this bike is JUST ABOUT long stroke by number. If you drive it you dont get that feel - which I know very well from the old 500 and the UCE 500. Also: the brits made bikes with similar characteristics and power 40 years ago. and look at the new 650 short stroke with meager 47hp. wheres your argument now? RE is so far behind the rest of the world, it is rediculous. Only the price is a purchasing argument - and a good one.
In any none Indian country i would absolutly avoid this bike like the plague. In India the situation is different in that work time is almost free and spares a very cheap. Also most parts are exchanged free of charge the first 2 years. That is only a small consolation as far a safety issues are involved. I am currently sourcing a replacement for the swingarm (which breaks), the mono-shock (which fails after any real hard encounter with off road conditions) and the bearings in the front t-stem (steering). If successful the bike will at least be save to ride. Most other issues have actually been solved by RE with the advent of the BS4 model. So for a guestimated additonal 400-500 Euro you'll have a bike with SOME German parts in it :) - in India that would still be a steal.
What's the engine braking like. Will the forks noticeably compress when you get off the throttle quickly? What's the seat height? Optional lower gel seat available? Nice review. Cheers!
Hi Joe, the engine braking is fairly moderate and consistent with the size of the engine. The forks don't compress excessively when you get off the throttle from my experience either. The seat height is around 800mm. No other seat options are available to my knowledge.
kidding?? that bike uses 20km/l so in fact the 14 litres you can use from that tank take you just 150km at high elevation or when going faster than 100 kmh. It will NEVER under any circumstances go 400km with one tank, EVER!
Not as well built as most other bikes from RE.. also appeares to be rushed launched as there are a few stupid misses even though not critical. It looks decent and sounds nice imo but needs to be improved without delay.
The KLR 650 seems to be superior In every way for almost the same price range.Having said that I would prefer the cb500x for the same price & save up to upgrade it with rally raid gear.
A lot of predetermined negative comments on here methinks? Crap; shit and junk have all been put forward, but it's only Gunnar Kossatz who backs up his criticism with evidence/examples or any sign of intelligence though!
Don't buy this stupid bike... Starter coil complaint on bs3 bike... My friend changed coil 5 times.... Fual tank leaking... Check the fual lid can see fual on the keyhole of the tank opening... But ride quality is good... Engine have decent amount of punch...
"More forgiving" of what? That I want more power? Am I asking, "Please forgive me, but I want a few more ponies worth of output" as I twist the throttle open? Do you think I'd give a fisherman's fart if the motor forgave me? More importantly, how does this engine's output compare to that of the Suzuki DR-400? And "quick steering response is not good for off-road"? Are you nuts? That's PRECISELY where you'd want quick steering response.
first thing first this bike is shit the quality of component is shit the brand is shit and but the ride quality is good. I am Himalayan BS3 owner and some how I managed to save my because of CDI unit failure. On 31st Jan I will complete 1 year ownership and today I serviced my bike 12 time in the year. despite complainting and concern about my life RE choosed not to bother. In India as a RE owner I feel like a Lab Rat. Please don't buy this shit bike 😊
They really are just Indian produced junk. I owned one for 2 years so I should know. The best day of my life was when the buyer showed up. I was so tired of Royal Enfield that I just gave him every thing that I had with Royal Enfield written on it. Books with the history of Royal Enfield in them workshop manuals all the English tools all my spares and there was heaps of other stuff as well, even a framed picture of a Royal Enfield from off my living room wall. I was so happy helping him load the bike onto his bike trailer. I have never heard from him since. He thought that he was getting a super good deal when in reality he was buying the motorcycle from hell. What a piece of rubbish it really was. Every day that I wake up I give thanks to what ever gods that there are that I have sold the worst motorcycle ever made, and that I have ever owned.
Mr. Gunnar ls totally right, as this ....ehrm bike has " No Reputation in Norge" for little more, better second hand BMW GS, or A Tough Honda Transalp, stay away from this , bad bike.
@@ryanbraganza2259 what's your problem. No one shoved this bike into your throat. This is for dual purpose. So they have to think for on road and off road balance with price factor. Don't say you can increase a grand for some qualities. The main selling point of the bike is affordability.
These are not for guys like you who can only handle plastic toy bikes these are for real men who can handle power And yeah it is in business because it's other types have more of an retro,old school look and people love it Even Jay Leno owns one and loves it . You won't even able to kick start the Royal Enfield classic 350 you have to handle the 200kg beast with one leg to kick start it. It's made for men because it's Moto is Royal Enfield:-"made like a gun, goes like a bullet
Thanks for a truthful review of a bike this Englishman now has more interest in buying because of honesty.
Thankyou once again.
An upgraded version of RE HIMALAYAN is on its way, with an FI ( Fuel Injection ) and ABS ( Anti Brakelock System ). The single Spring suspension is very much the best and practical on this bike.
if it wouldnot brake after a rough ride - which it does. swingarm AND mono-shock had to be replaced after 4x rohtang!!
gkossatzgmxde the vehicle is dual purpose not just for offroading BUT ofcourse it had to be replaced.
love your reviews
Wow great review! I'm thinking about getting this as a second bike. Mostly for touring and doing some trail. Greetings from Costa Rica.
If the price is right it would be worth looking at. In general the Enfields sold here in Australia have been pretty reliable but there have been quality control issues in the past.
Mike's Machines Thank you for your reply Mike, I'll be looking forward to getting the Sleet version when it comes to my country.
Here in the UK we have the fuel injected abs model (Euro 4 rules don’t you know). Hopefully will be an improvement. The thing I find funny is that these sell for £1500 in India and are £4100 here........
Randemonium because we are lab rats for royal Enfield !
the price is because the export models are far superior in quality over the domestic models
Sorry to correct its not 1500 euros , i am from India this cost around 3000 euros with bit less features than foreigner models .
Clearly to say its around 2,20,000 Indian rupees , you wont even get a used bike for 1500 euros
CEAT (Cavi Elettrici e Affini Torino) was an italian tyres and electrical cables manufacturer. In the early 80's it was in difficulties and it was acquired by an indian group, And now is the indian leader in tyres manufacturing.
Thanks for the info, much appreciated!
European versions have ABS and fuel injection
When is the BS4 version coming to Australia? it has a better front brake and fuel injection. The so-called 2018 Australian model is a 2017 indian bike.
I hope the price paid for the BS3 was the Indian price. 🤔
Thanks for the review
Hi can I ask how tall you are please
Just over 6ft
I own a 350 Bullet and a GT, both wonderful bikes but this one is a disaster, wonder what the new twin will be like
A budget conscious buyer should NEVER get this bike. It is a well designed quality sinkhole. I have driven mine 10k now and had the following items replaced: stator, front steering bearing TWICE, rear fork (YES, the entire fork BENT), clutch cable (has a weired angle, fixed in BS4). The tires are awful under wet conditions (but last forever). The bike does not have a kick and the battery is 7 Ah, meaning if you play too much with the electric start or leave the lights on you PUSH. No amp meter to warn you if anything goes wrong (which it frequently does) with the electric. This bike is the FLAG CARRIER of Indian quality. Really. And 24 BHP out of 410cc is a bit 70s, dont you think? The torque is there, but notably less than with the Bullet 500 of the same maker. Also fuel consumption is AWFUL: 20km to the litre, wheras the bullet makes 35 with a bigger engine. And the icing of the cake is it loses about 30% power on altitude, starting at about 2500m and it gets really bad in the -you guessed it- HIMALAYAS. Not a joke, been there, done that!
gkossatzgmxde I’ve heard very little that contradicts your opinion. I want to like the bike, but the irony is that the cost of ownership appears o be well over other bikes that cost more at the point of purchase.
The reason why it's gives only 24 bhp with a big engine is because it has got a long stroke engine. Longs stroke engines don't go to very high rpm. They give power at lower rpms. Short stroke engines, give power at high rpms but give very less power at low Rpms. if you were looking for a 40+bhp for a 400cc+ bike, go for a short stroke bike.
That is nonsense in this case, although principaly right this bike is JUST ABOUT long stroke by number. If you drive it you dont get that feel - which I know very well from the old 500 and the UCE 500. Also: the brits made bikes with similar characteristics and power 40 years ago. and look at the new 650 short stroke with meager 47hp. wheres your argument now? RE is so far behind the rest of the world, it is rediculous. Only the price is a purchasing argument - and a good one.
In any none Indian country i would absolutly avoid this bike like the plague. In India the situation is different in that work time is almost free and spares a very cheap. Also most parts are exchanged free of charge the first 2 years. That is only a small consolation as far a safety issues are involved. I am currently sourcing a replacement for the swingarm (which breaks), the mono-shock (which fails after any real hard encounter with off road conditions) and the bearings in the front t-stem (steering). If successful the bike will at least be save to ride. Most other issues have actually been solved by RE with the advent of the BS4 model. So for a guestimated additonal 400-500 Euro you'll have a bike with SOME German parts in it :) - in India that would still be a steal.
Did u buy BS4 version? Bcause i have heard that almost all issues have been resolved in BS4 version.
What's the engine braking like. Will the forks noticeably compress when you get off the throttle quickly? What's the seat height? Optional lower gel seat available? Nice review. Cheers!
Hi Joe, the engine braking is fairly moderate and consistent with the size of the engine. The forks don't compress excessively when you get off the throttle from my experience either. The seat height is around 800mm. No other seat options are available to my knowledge.
Good review I enjoyed it .. 👍
Missed out on the fuel capacity and range of the bike.
Always miss something! The tank holds around 15 litres which gives just over 400km range depending on fuel consumption.
kidding?? that bike uses 20km/l so in fact the 14 litres you can use from that tank take you just 150km at high elevation or when going faster than 100 kmh. It will NEVER under any circumstances go 400km with one tank, EVER!
l usually fill up at the 430km range so it will do over 400km per tank and l get 30km/l
Worth bike,,
Not as well built as most other bikes from RE.. also appeares to be rushed launched as there are a few stupid misses even though not critical. It looks decent and sounds nice imo but needs to be improved without delay.
Royal always royal...
How many RPM does the Himalayan do at 100km/h?
Its stable top speed is 120 kmph
about 5k rpm
Reviewer is too nice.
Nice review. You have a Sub.
The KLR 650 seems to be superior
In every way for almost the same price range.Having said that I would prefer the cb500x for the same price & save up to upgrade it with rally raid gear.
WICKEDLEE LOOPY yes this one is killing machine sir
Nici review
Thank you sir
A lot of predetermined negative comments on here methinks? Crap; shit and junk have all been put forward, but it's only Gunnar Kossatz who backs up his criticism with evidence/examples or any sign of intelligence though!
ami han tui Himalayan! weeeeee tunmipooo serti fruck pooo silti dok missi!
Don't buy this stupid bike...
Starter coil complaint on bs3 bike... My friend changed coil 5 times....
Fual tank leaking... Check the fual lid can see fual on the keyhole of the tank opening...
But ride quality is good...
Engine have decent amount of punch...
It's not a motorcycle, it's a disaster. Great review btw.
"More forgiving" of what? That I want more power? Am I asking, "Please forgive me, but I want a few more ponies worth of output" as I twist the throttle open? Do you think I'd give a fisherman's fart if the motor forgave me? More importantly, how does this engine's output compare to that of the Suzuki DR-400? And "quick steering response is not good for off-road"? Are you nuts? That's PRECISELY where you'd want quick steering response.
first thing first this bike is shit the quality of component is shit the brand is shit and but the ride quality is good. I am Himalayan BS3 owner and some how I managed to save my because of CDI unit failure. On 31st Jan I will complete 1 year ownership and today I serviced my bike 12 time in the year. despite complainting and concern about my life RE choosed not to bother.
In India as a RE owner I feel like a Lab Rat.
Please don't buy this shit bike 😊
Suzuki DR650 SE here I come!
If you want RELIABLE and more horses, get a KLR.
Himalayan is a misnomer!.HILLOCKIAN would be better!.It is grossly underpowered and unfit for either cruise or hill climbing!.
They really are just Indian produced junk. I owned one for 2 years so I should know. The best day of my life was when the buyer showed up. I was so tired of Royal Enfield that I just gave him every thing that I had with Royal Enfield written on it. Books with the history of Royal Enfield in them workshop manuals all the English tools all my spares and there was heaps of other stuff as well, even a framed picture of a Royal Enfield from off my living room wall. I was so happy helping him load the bike onto his bike trailer. I have never heard from him since. He thought that he was getting a super good deal when in reality he was buying the motorcycle from hell. What a piece of rubbish it really was. Every day that I wake up I give thanks to what ever gods that there are that I have sold the worst motorcycle ever made, and that I have ever owned.
Oh come on now, tell the truth..
It's an excellent bike,I have been riding it for 3 years.I think you bought a first Copy of Royal Enfield Himalayan.😄
Living in India , I prefer the Bajaj Dominar 400
Bandit Away
Plastic ka Kachra 🤣🤣🤣
Bike from India
Mr. Gunnar ls totally right, as this ....ehrm bike has " No Reputation in Norge" for little more, better second hand BMW GS, or A Tough Honda Transalp, stay away from this , bad bike.
Over rated junk! How do they stay in business!
Because many retards in India actually like a bike that's completely unreliable, overpriced and outdated.
PS
talking about all RE bikes.
@@ryanbraganza2259 what's your problem. No one shoved this bike into your throat. This is for dual purpose. So they have to think for on road and off road balance with price factor. Don't say you can increase a grand for some qualities. The main selling point of the bike is affordability.
These are not for guys like you who can only handle plastic toy bikes these are for real men who can handle power
And yeah it is in business because it's other types have more of an retro,old school look and people love it
Even Jay Leno owns one and loves it .
You won't even able to kick start the Royal Enfield classic 350 you have to handle the 200kg beast with one leg to kick start it.
It's made for men because it's Moto is
Royal Enfield:-"made like a gun, goes like a bullet