Royal Enfield Himalayan On and Off Road Test Ride and First Impressions + Top Speed Test
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- čas přidán 19. 06. 2022
- I was pretty excited to get the opportunity to do a Royal Enfield Himalayan off road test ride at this year's Giant Loop Ride. Chad from RE was awesome and hooked me up with an opportunity to take the RE Himalayan off road as well as on the highway, so I feel like I got a great sense for the bike. In this initial Royal Enfield Himalayan review and first impressions video, we'll talk about the classic styling of the 2022 RE Himalayan, the modern features it has, and how easy it is for a new ride to just jump on and ride.
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When Royal Enfield Himalayan offroading, the bike feels incredibly stable and planted, both standing and sitting. I found myself hitting 50-60 miles per hour on gravel roads without even noticing. That stability makes the Royal Enfield Himilayan an excellent choice for a first adventure bike or first bike in general.
With the Himalayan, you get a lot for your money. At $5300 retail, it's an impressive package, made even more appealing by the included 3 year unlimited maintenance Royal Enfield Himalayan warranty.
Back on the highway, I just had to do a Royal Enfield Himalayan top speed test. I'm happy to report that while this is definitely not a sport bike, it can do 75 mph even with a wide, overweight rider like myself on it.
Overall, I was very pleased with my Royal Enfield Himalayan test ride and I think it's a great beginner adventure bike to consider.
Big thanks to Chad and the rest of the gang at the GL Ride for letting me take the RE Himalayan off road!
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Take a look at my buddies Himalayan channel he’s got some great himmy stuff
czcams.com/video/lnAuKEqAcqY/video.html
A goat in a Himalayan demo is a very immersive touch😄
I thought it was pretty appropriate
I agree with just about everything you've shared regarding the Himalayan. It's just a fun, capable, durable motorcycle for everything but spending days on the Super Slab. I sold my BMW motorcycle to get something lighter and more manageable off-road. And I love the "slow and boring" aspect of the motorcycle. I'm not interested in getting anywhere fast, doing wheelies, burnouts, or any other performing tricks.
It's a great bike for the dirt and gravel roads here in Central Pennsylvania. And it looks pretty in the videos I make!
Hey Scooter! Just watched one of your Himi vids where you were testing out your new bar gloves on a beautiful winter afternoon! Thanks again for the beautiful scenery, positive feedback about the Himi, and the beautiful PA sunset!
It's pretty alright
Hi, I'm in Central PA too. Where do you ride and do you still like the Himalayan?
Bought a new 2022 Himalayan last April and I'm approaching 5,000 miles. It's my first motorcycle so I can't compare it to riding anything else. It's been great to learn on because of the weight & seat height. I love how easy it is to ride on the highway, in the city, gravel roads, and trails in the woods. I've had the required maintenance done, replaced the tires, chain and sprockets, and added some accessories like bark busters, LED headlight, & engine guards. I'm having fun riding it almost daily.
Annoyances: my Royal Enfield dealer is 80 miles away so service is tough to plan. They can't get parts from Royal Enfield (ordered a simple front brake lever in May and it still hadn't arrived in August). Because of these issues I'm not counting on the 3 year warranty ever being honored if/when my motorcycle has issues. I've been ordering parts from Ebay and having a local mechanic do my maintenance (not a Royal Enfield dealer so voids warranty). As others have mentioned, the compass rarely works, the temperature reading is always 10 degrees too hot, the navigation tripper didn't work for me (downloaded the app and it wouldn't sync with my bike) and it's so bright when riding at night that I put a piece of duct tape over it so it doesn't blind me when I glance at the gauges. My Himalayan has experienced the stalling that many complain about. I switched out the factory relays and the issue lessened but still occurs occasionally. The factory windscreen directed airflow directly into my helmet so I trimmed it down. The lack of power/speed on the freeway is challenging: passing and/or zipping away from packs of traffic isn't a safe option.
Overall I love my Himalayan because it has been easy to learn on, I like the style, and it's versatile.
I owned and rode one in Ecuador for 6 months, and put 10,000kms on it touring the country with way too much crap loaded on it. It did everything it was designed to do very well, and didn’t stop until I burned out the clutch trying to climb a 4x4 road to the top of a volcano.
The weight is not far off the Tenere, but lower. Fuel injection and ABS, and affordable. I bought it, rode it for 6 months, and sold it to a local friend. I would strongly recommend springs appropriate to your weight and luggage use case. I am 200lbs, and with the luggage loaded the rear was saggy and the steering got vague. The good news is that springs are cheap. Also, keep pressure washers far away from the instruments. The seals will leak.
Other than that, I second your recommendation of this bike for a first bike. The KLR is way more intimidating, and at least in Ecuador, parts were cheap and readily available. A brand new clutch was $100, including second day shipping to the little town I was in.
Ecuador has high import taxes, making prices higher there. For comparison, I got the Himalayan, with cases, for $6500. The CB500X, although a much more capable bike, would have cost me $12,000. Hugely easier to sell the Himalayan for $4500 than it would have been to sell the Honda for $10,000.
Cheers!
In my country, the Himalayan and cb500x cost exactly the same both new. In fact, the cb500x is available a bit cheaper in certain colours. About $6,000 usd for either bike
@@superwag634 If they are priced the same, the CB500X is clearly a better bike. Where do you live that they are priced the same?
@@davidc1961utube I just looked at both new and rode the cb500x which I didn’t like so much. Was quoted almost same price drive away, with registration and taxes paid. This is Australia
I have a 21 lake blue. It’s my first bike. I’ve put 3200 miles in it since September.
I live in Montana and have been commuting on it as well as adventuring. Its been incredibly reliable (except the compass). The thing is built like a tank. It is also easy to maintain. I just did the 3,000 mile service myself and as an amateur mechanic it was a relatively easy process.
IV had my REH for 2 years, no issues and is everything I thought and want. Thanks for you ride man. Cheers 🇦🇺
When I 1st started looking at getting back on the road a couple yrs ago the Himilayan was the first bike that caught my attention. Went another direction (twice) but I still really dig it. There's a fella that rides one around my area in shorts, loafers and a tee shirt. Seems to be enjoying himself. :)
This is my bike, and I love it! I bought it in January and watched a lot of your reviews to decide about which entry level ADV / dual sport I should buy. Hearing your review of it today affirms everything I knew about it when I started with it.
I think I’m going to buy one 😊
I plan to but this next month June 24 for £4100 new. Any negatives?
I've owned my Himalayan since 2018 and love it. It's a very capable bike and brings back memories of riding in my younger years , all the fun and simplicity that made me love riding a bike, and none of the bells, whistles and distractions that you find on most new bikes.
I’m thinking about getting one myself 😊
Last summer I did 700+ miles in the colorado rockies over 2.5 days on a 2021 Himalayan. Crossed the continental divide on asphalt, dirt and snow. (Only laid it down once). Rain and dry roads. Loved every minute on that bike. Great bargain in my opinion.
Hey Joe, how was it on the highway and mountain roads? Thanks
@@betterd9160 under powered but quite nice. You need to ride it like a low hp bike. I could cruise at 70 but as soon as I stood up to stretch the extra wind resistance slowed me down.
Loving the coverage of entry level bikes, way to bring more riders into the scene!
Two thumbs up!
For anyone interested there’s a channel called “ itchy boots “ a lady called Noraly travelling around the world on various bikes, when she was in India she was on a Himalayan , was very surprised how well it held up for her….worth a look 👍
I love my Himalayan. I bought it this spring and I find everything that you stated to be true. It rides lighter than the scales say. It is very confidence inspiring and I find it fun. It always brings a smile to my face. Yes, some people bring up the quality of fit and finish. That it is not up to German or Japanese quality. But you’re also not paying the price that you would for a BMW or top Japanese adventure motorcycle. Finally, it’s a good bike to ride and have fun on!!
That was a fun test ride! Seemed like you were having a great time. Thanks for sharing
Seriously, every video I watch of yours is highly enjoyable! I love how down to earth and fun the rides are. You describe the bikes/experiences in a way that's like painting a very clear picture! As a sport bike rider it gives me a peek of what it's like to be a part of the off-road experience--so thank you for sharing for those of us that might not have access to these types of experiences! Keep up the great work! :D
Just bought a 2021 Royal Enfield. Couldn’t agree more with your review! Love your channel!
One of my favorite reviews on the Himalayan. I’m sold.
Appreciate an honest review from someone not trying to compare it to the DRZ.
I totally agree with you about this bike Ben. I also took one out for a test ride when I was there and I was also impressed with how it handles and how well it does on the highway. It would be a superb choice for some one starting out. I was surprised at how good it did for a 25 hp bike. I have the 2021 Honda CRF300L Rally and I would not be all that disappointed If I owned one of these. I think the only thing that would be an issue for me is the weight of the bike. I don't think I could handle picking it up more than once but if you are young and strong or not wanting to do any thing technical this bike is a winner.
I love the retro look of the Himalayan. I also like the lower seat height. I wish there was a RE dealer closer to me. If there were, I’d probably have a Himalayan. Great review! Thanks!
Thanks DITR. Great job. Good info. God bless. Happy trails.
I have been enjoying your channel for sometime now and have often wondered what your thoughts would be on the Himalayan. I bought a 2021 Himalayan last year and now have over 17,000 miles on it with zero problems. It’s a Camping Beast!
Thanks for your honest thoughts on the Himalayan (spot on by the way) And from one Star Wars fan to another, I named my bike the Mudhorn! 🍻😎
I ended up purchasing a green one. very nimble. maintenance is 300 miles first service to check complete system over. valve adjustment, oil and filter. very easy to work on. I watched Itchy Boots(Noraly) drive one across India, through Iran, Russia and she had no issues to speak of while heavily testing it through some very tough terrain.
With 2,500 miles on the clock, my Himalayan continues to open up. Two days ago she reached 90 mph on the interstate.
Wishful thinking..... Maybe on a big downhill, by the speedo on the bike which is always out, or you have modified it and still can't see 90mph on the Himalayan!
I don't think I've seen you ever have this much fun on a test ride before. Love it! My 2022 KLR 650 is the opposite of this bike; it is too tall, too top heavy, and terrifying both on and off pavement.
There's something very fun about riding a slow bike as hard as you want. It's like driving a go-kart as a kid.
Wanna thank you for this particular review.
It was a definite help in my decision to buy one.
Which I did yesterday. Should’ve put this comment in then but I felt bad for not saying anything, so I’m back.
I’ve ridden all my life, I’m 53 now and was struggling to make my mind up, that I even needed one at all. It’s a long story that you don’t have time for but “Thank you” for this…
Just got my first ever bike a brand new 2022 Himalayan (got free RE Panniers too) today and made it home in beginning rush hour traffic on my first ever ride after MSF course! I love my bike!!!!
Great, 'to the point' review👍
I've got a Himalayan. Love it. Haven't done anything super technical yet, a few single tracks and it was slow (might be because I'm a newb) but fine. Usually do fire roads, only fall because of pebkac issues. Have 3k miles on it, drove hwy through Utah on it, and no issues besides I can't hit 85.
Nicely done!
Great overview! Love this bike. I really want one... even though I don't *need* it, it's just cool
I completely agree
Be interested in hearing your comments on the REH Ian
I really like my 2021 not one single issue definitely worth what you pay. It even has a dork in the road sticker 👍🏼
I have been following this channel for a couple of months now and just got my new (to me) 2021 Africa twin adventure sport es dct , thank you for inspiring me to go out and explore. Now to get some camping gear and take my son out and go MoToCaMpInG!!! Thank You!!
That's awesome!
Thanks for the review, been looking at this and the RE Scram. If I decide to stay on road I may wait for the Triumph Speed 400.
I purchased my RE Himalayan in 2019. I have 11345 miles no mechanical problems and change the oil every 2000 miles. Regular tires, chain and sprocket changes, still have the factory battery. I ride in the Sierra Nevada mountains and high desert. I have dropped it four times while moving slowly, of course, nothing broke only bent. I have not had any problems that I hear from other owners on youtube.
hi, how many chains and sprockets? you have only done less than 12000 miles!
I bought a 2022, same colour, two weeks ago. Loving it. Sadly had to park it yesterday in preparation for our long winter.
Hey Ben, Ive got one,you are right more than the some its parts, and I just love it, handlings super sweet, brakes a little poor, engines a tractor, top speed isnt great. But its just a stack of fun to go off adventuring with. I give mine a good thrashing... no probs as yet....my stock tyres were no good in the mud so put shinko 805s on . They are great too.
I like these, they're a great country side bike to have and great for beginners and considered buying one but like the klr more,it just checked more boxes.
I think I want to get one of these bro. I test road one at the giant loop ride as well, and it was great. I think it would be a nice little pony to camp off of!
I own a 2022 model and it is pretty much perfect for my needs. I live in a large city and am about 2 hours from some mountains. It is fantastic on the crappy city streets and has more than enough power for a back road trip to the hills. If someone had to commute long distances on the highway I'd maybe look elsewhere, but if your needs line up with what it can do, it's a hell of a bike.
I love ridding that bike!
Ben thank you for the content!! Your subs love it!! I bought a REH in 2021 and have LOVED it. Anyone that complains about the power clearly bought the wrong bike. I’ve taken it through the Idaho BDR, and across three states. Just turn off interstates and have a throttle lock and you are fine. In my mind it’s the perfect bike for BDRs.
no problem cruising on the interstate near full throttle? does it get good mpg on the interstate?
@@daftnord4957 Max speed is 75, 80 on a good day. I’ve never felt unsafe, but you definitely want a throttle lock as you will have it wide open throttle most of the time. I really only got passed by everyone on hills. The vibrations aren’t bad at 6k rpm too which is nice.
@@daftnord4957 oh and I just calculated this on highway riding, I was getting 49 mpg
Thank you for reviewing this model. It's one of the more budget friendly models with ABS, and it doesn't seem to be suffering the big markups like Honda CRF300L and other models.
It's a lot of fun to ride, too!
Yeah, i wanna try one 🏍️💨 And this thing in the stock which tells time 😃
Thanks Ben. I have looked at the Himalayan a few times. I was concerned with road speed. I wouldn't go on interstates, but if it can do 60 comfortably then that is good enough. Main purpose would be mild off road, but you have to ride on the roads to get there. You even road the color I like. Wife is out of town this week. Wouldn't she be surprised.
Every review since they were introduced say the bike can do 70-75 but can't pass at those highway speeds, but they are comfortable at 60-65mph. One thing is they are carbed, which new riders probably wouldn't love compared to the convenience of EFI bikes.
@@josephbishop3231 they’re all fuel injected in the USA.
@@josephbishop3231 they are fuel injected.
@@dylanborlace1 since when?
@@josephbishop3231 2017
I am approaching 70 and considering the Himalayan as a touring bike. I sold my Tiger 800XCx recently. It was a great all road tourer, but carried its weight up high and a simple topple over proved expensive to fix. Our speed limits ( 60-70 mph) are enforce , plus the ever present potential animal strike issue on country highways, made the top end speed capability of the Tiger redundant. I am riding an adventurized DRZ400E at present. As good as it is on dirt roads/tracks, it also carries its weight up high. On the highway in windy conditions the DRZ is unstable at the speed limit. I have seen videos of the Himalayan managing the tackle some gnarly off road tracks, so maybe it might offer the best of both worlds? Heavy enough to be stable at speed , yet robust enough to take a hit without breaking the bank.
I love your channel, please do a KLR vs Himalayan(I know you probably are planning on it though)
I'd need more time on the Himalayan to do a good video. Maybe if they let me borrow one someday.
The Himalayan is my personal dreambike 😍
I've got a Himalayan and I love it. I rode a lot, like, bike was my only vehicle, 20 years ago. Got in an accident, bought a car. Now, midlife crisis, I bought a Himalayan. Can't get in trouble on it, parts are cheap, and it can take me wherever I want to go. I've borked it on snow on Mount Hood and the victim was the shifter. I was able to get it back into position, but it could have been worse. Gonna get some bars from A4 Moto Designs out of Mumbai. I'm in Portland. Hit me up if you want some more ride time.
Had a himmi a few years back, wasnt too reliable but just about to buy my second,. Ain't nothing out there like it.
I bought a 2020 model this past spring used with lots of extras. It had side luggage top rear luggage, aftermarket shift and brake levers, rotopax with gas can, brush guards and engine guards, dash mounted voltmeter with USB plug in for $4800. I thought it was worth the money and bought it right away.
My second day out with it i was riding some trails and back roads near my house and it died suddenly. I trailered it home and couldn't figure out the problem. I called the dealer where the original owner bought it and they told me to bring it in. They were very busy and so it took most of the summer, but they fixed it under warranty and it didn't cost me a dime.
I went out and bought a cheap 97 XT350 to have something to ride while it was in the shop. It gave me a project and some cheap fun.
Stealer wanted $600 to do the first service. I bought oil filter for $12 and Motul for $66 and did the change myself instead. The engine runs so much better with the synth oil. Now I have to study up on how to check/adjust the valves.
Just watched a film on Amazon Prime called Himalayan Calling. A couple guys took adventure bikes and took a long road trip. The place they ended up most of the people rode the Royal Enfield which left me intrigued then I pull up Dork in the Road and you have a video about it. Weird. Definitely want to ride one now.
Shout out from NEW ZEALAND. I m proud owner of FREEDOM my himalayan. I have no issues till now. Its a head turner people always ask about the bike.
I bought one just to have a 2nd bike. I ride it more than my mt07. I bought it last year and she’s got 5k on the odometer. So far so good. The only issue that came up is that over the winter my battery tender got unplugged and the battery died. February 28th was the first day I got out this year and my gear indicator stopped working and my temp was in degrees Celsius. All I did was disconnect the battery and put the connections back on and problem solved. I taught one of my buddies to ride on it, he dropped it 3 times, I have givi crash bars thank god. I did take it off on some enduro trails, in the moment it felt like the himalayan should not have even stepped foot out there keepin up with my buddy on his xr650l. It was a blast and came home with one broken turn signal. If I wasn’t sold before I was that day. The stock tires are alright for gravel but on anything else they just don’t have the bite I would’ve liked. I’m going to put a Motoz tractionator on the rear to get through more of the thick stuff.
I agree with you on the seat, what is it with heaps of adventure bikes going to only one spot to sit, I much prefer to have a flat seat to move about, plus with crook knees I can not stand easy these days so i like to move my weight around sliding back and forth.
Nailed it! We own 2, plus a TeeDub200. Super machines for the bucks, which is the same I shelled out for my Specialized Turbo Levo electric mountain bike! I'll stop by this weekend with a cigar for ya!
I'm also a mountain biker. Which do you like more? I love the idea of the TW, but the speed of this seems more practical. 🤔
@@zenofthemoment difficult question! First, mountain biking here is huge, but at 74, l don't have the power for long climbs, and don't want to risk a crash on descent. That said, my Turbo Levo is fantastic, worth every penny! But....for a bikepack, say a BDR, I don't have the power to ride that distance. The TW200--What a fun machine!!! it's a little tractor; so slow in 1st, I can outwalk it! it's nowhere fast at all (it's my wife's main ride), but so incredibly stable and manageable, it's "da Machine"! And for the BDR's, it's fantastic!
I have 2 Himalayans and work at the Motorcycle shop in San Antonio have over 30,000 miles on both combined no major problems have seen some relays problems, one fuel pump problem, bike sat for months with crappy ethanol fuel left in it, other then that nothing. Have taken mine on long trips to new Mexico and Utah steady riding at 65- 70 mph. Dont use kill switch to turn bike off, use key only. Bike is easy to work on, and climbs well. No complaints here so far. SJ
I just took my himalayan on the NEBDR and the only limiting factor was the rider, not the ridden. Total payload with rider and cargo was ~270 lbs.
I'm glad to see you review this bike, it's in the running for my entry into this style of riding. Do you think the low power would have issues with anything steep at low speeds? I picture some of the single track steep stuff having a hard time. Great video
I mean, maybe but you can always just downshift, piss wind, and crawl up
As a former owner of one, definitely not optimum for single track, especially up hill. The suspension and torque just isn’t up to it. Very capable from pavement to double track though.
You said in a previous video the Versys X300 would be your top pick for an entry level ADV bike. How does this one compare to that?
Ben, I very much enjoy your videos, your laid back style your acceptance of contrary opinions.
I bought a new Drz two weeks ago, largely based on your extensive opinion of them. That said, I think a full review should mean spending a full day in the saddle, several hours on the highway, crappy roads, actual off-road with a combination of dirt, gravel, mud. You should experience a whole, exhausting day on the bike, because that’s how you know what’s good and what isn’t.
Is that fair to say? I’d love yours and other viewers’ input.
Thank you for what you do though!
This isn't a review. It's a test ride.
I stand corrected!
I'm going to schedule a test ride on a Himalayan because I want to get the Scram 411 when it hits later this year. Or I may go for the interceptor 650 instead.
What would you recommend for a weekday commuter and a weekend off-roader, this or a 2017 ish crf250l? I like the Hondas look but want luggage and a windshield for the day to day stuff. I can get both for around the same price but would need to add stuff on for the Honda to make it work as a commuter
I've had my Himalayan for 2yrs. the issues that I've had were dry rot and one of the tires and some of the other rubber components like the fork gaiters, and the fuel pump failing. all replaced under warranty. when I purchased my bike in 2019, RE only provided a 2 yr. warranty.
"Modern Features" like what? Gear indicator, EFI, digital Display...very modern. Had bikes almost 20 years ago too. Yeah great review, anyting I needed to know! Thank you very much!
Also considering this as a secondary bike. The dealer in Lacey, WA has them and I got to do a test ride. It felt good, but not a “thrilling” bike. Definitely a stable feeling bike! One thing you have to account for is dealer mark up. They had them listed for $6299 ($1000 over msrp) to account for set up and freight. Throw on tax and license if, and the bike is closer to $7500 OTD before any accessories. Sure, there is wiggle room for negotiation, but just curb your expectations that the bike is “only” $5000.
That’s why I got mine in Boise at DDRV. No mark up like the Seattle store. Got mine for 5k in 2021
My town just got a Royal Enfield dealer this spring. I haven't ridden one of these yet, but they do look interesting.
I don't think it would be enough of a power difference to cause me to want to get rid of the dr200.
With a couple cheap mods( k&n air filter, exhaust, iridium spark plug) my 2021 will do 80mph and spin the tire on gravel. I live in colorado and love it on the mountain hywy and 4x4 roads
I just bought one and got it today it's my first ever bike and I'm having fun with it. First 4 mile got chased by a dog haha. Only rode a dirt bike 10 years ago that's my only experience.
My 2021 Himalayan had a fuel pump failure at 2800 miles. I was down around 2 months while convincing the dealership I did indeed have a problem and then it was a wait for parts and then to get it in line for a warranty approval and repair. while the bike is underpowered and definitely not a highway cruiser it's quite capable in a lot of other areas.
The Himalayan was my first bike and I love it. Started riding in April 2021 and just logged over 6000 miles on her. She's been 100% reliable. I did some upgrades to the seat and added things like engine crash bars and such. Very easy bike to own and ride. Unfortunately, some people don't understand what the bike is designed for so they crap all over it. 😕 My local dealer can't keep them in stock so...
I'm from overseas and would like to purchase one of these after moving to the US.
How's the dealer network there? Do you guys have Royal Enfield or is there another multi-brand dealer you would suggest?
Own one & after having multiple other models including a crf250l it's refreshing to to have a mid sized dual sport not the 20 grand plus models most companies are pumping out if this one gets thrashed its not much money out best analogy I can compare it with is owner operated companies trying to use brand new expensive work trucks for work yes they ARE better but it's a big loss toward companies when they're damaged and we all know if something is used it will get damaged motorcycles included
I've ridden one a few times. I almost bought one a month ago. I've been mulling between this and the KLR for a while now. Hopefully after my big road trip next week I can buckle down and get one. God knows I'll need a bike with these gas prices.
let us know which one you choose
I was trying to decide this same choice. I went eight the REH because of the value. I saved $2k getting the himmy and that gave more room for outfitting it the way I wanted. Plus, the KLRs stock panniers are awful. And the REH just looks so damn good! I rubber neck it every time I get off it. :)
Did they explain why the USA isn’t getting the Euro 5 version? The E5 has no choke and the cat is in the vertical part of the exhaust.
I have 3500 km on my E5 and it’s great they loosen up a lot. The only issue I have had is the ignition switch failed which was replaced under warranty. Failed as in sometimes wouldn’t turn on unless it was wiggled.
More K95 content please 😁
I have a USA 2021 version of the Himalayan purchased in August of that year. When ordering parts I found that this bike appears to be the 2020 EU version, and that is a good thing due to new pollution mods by RE. I like mine very much, but it is NOT an off-road bike as I define off-road. It is good for gravel/dirt roads and mild single tracks, but don't get it thinking it is a "trail bike." It's too heavy for that. It will do it, but you'll need a couple strong friends for the tough stuff, and expect to damage it from drops if you use it for that.
I should mention that from day one mine had a loud knock I could feel through the handlebars when the ECU would go into open loop. The nearest dealer is over 100 miles away, so I was pretty much on my own. I suspected a lean condition so I purchased a Booster Plug and the knock is pretty much gone, with much added performance (the Booster Plug will not work with the newer EU bikes and maybe not the US bikes, now).
CONS - the battery is pretty much junk. Mine hasn't lasted a year. I could get a new one under warrenty, but the dealer distance issue is there (I knew that when I bought the bike so I don't blame RE).
- the ambient temperature sensor is useless. It is beneath the tail light and and sun exposure causes it to read about 10F high. RE relocated it from under the seat in 2021 and the inaccuracy went from bad to worse.
- the "compass" on mine (the newer US bikes have the nav system) is also useless. Most of the time it gives an incorrect reading for direction. I wouldn't trust it to get me out of my driveway.
Given all that, the bike is a lot of fun for a bargain price. It isn't built out of the latest/strongest materials, but it will get the job done. Mine will cruise at 60-65, and the engine is very smooth. if you want to explore back roads and camp, it is perfect.
I too have the 21 us model and concur on the compass and temp sensor being "off". The booster plug helped but didn't eliminate the emissions rattle on mine and makes the revs at idle 300-500 more than before. I have found that using 89 or 93 octane fuel eliminated the majority of the emissions rattle. My battery had to be replaced before I took delivery, they are tiny and of dubious branding, so a decent brand replacement was installed. I run 65-70 and have had a blast on it, it is a great machine for me.
Also Ben, my REH has 5k miles and I haven’t had any issues. Just note they idle like crap from the factory - it’s an easy fix. The throttle position sensor just needs a bit of adjustment to richen up the mix. They do that to need euro standards for idle.
@Orbital Cooker I did the voltage to 0.65, and got the upgraded relays. Never dies now.
this is my first bike i have there are a few issues i have more personal for me
1. be prepared on long rides ur bum will get sore after 2 hrs
2. i find it does not have the hp to go up step hills that well
3. the wind can be an issue due to the hight of the screen (buy extended screen to fix)
the mode and select buttons stopped working
4. the temp reader does not give correct temp
5. the navigator is illegal to use on my Ls where i live
overall these are just small things but i really enjoy using it love riding it just have to learn to use it off road
On point 2 because of the lower horsepower, I find that I need to down shift, 5th gear is an overdrive gear and 4th is a power gear, still slows but way better over the hills than my van is.
ive got a 21 euro 4 himalayan uk spec and im pleased with it. I havnt used it enough im ashamed to say.
I really wanted to ride one last weekend, but timing just didn’t work out.😞
Norally aka Itchy Boots rode her new Himalayan from India back to her home in the Netherlands.
I'm sure you've probably said this in a video somewhere but how tall are you? Curious on the height if the bike for me. Thanks!
For when you just think, "how can I be a contrarian hipster with my hard earned money and have more people laugh at me than if I had got a Kawasaki KLR650?" There's a Royal Enfield for you! For reals though, great coverage of the bike as usual. I guess I'll just never understand in this day in age the Royal Enfield appeal. lol XD
I guess it's because it's so not "this day and age". Bit left-field, maybe?
2021?...\;]
great review, considering as a loaner bike\;]
Wait for sometime Royal Enfield going to launch Himalayan-450cc, Himalayan-650 cc is in pipeline underdevelopment.Also they are launching meteor-650cc in few months in India and many more bikes in pipeline.
Great review! I’m 6’ with a 34” inseam. Think it will feel cramped? Thanks
Probably, yes
Hmm.. this is the now terminated model.. Will be interesting to see how you feel about the new 452 version of Himalayan.. the leap they have made seems gigantic..🤔🧐
Could you do a review of Royal Enfield classic 350 and meteor 350 and interceptor 650 and GT 650 then you will understand the brand what is an royal Enfield
I plan to but this next month June 24 for £4100 new. Any negatives?
Great review as always, Sensei Dork. Thank you for sharing it. Here's my bottom line: if they ever strapped their 650cc engine to it for a better highway experience, I'll run not walk to the nearest RE dealer. It will be the KLR killer, for sure, if they ever did that. Rubber side down, Kemosabe.
Have you not heard about the Himalayan 650 that's coming out?
@@DorkintheRoad I have not. Figures it would be you who would enlighten me to the latest and greatest. :)
Himalayan 650 is suppose to be released in 2024. So they are saying right now
They are also working on a liquid cooled 450 that I think would be an absolutely fantastic bike as well! Definitely the best beginner adv out there.
@@DorkintheRoad rumors say that the 650 project is now moving slower or has been completely dropped to focus on the 450; mentioned by someone in another comment below. Now; the main thin with that new iteration of the Himalayan seems to be the general aspect of the bike. There were some leaked renders of how the 450 could end up looking and RE fans just didn't like it ... it's quite different from the classic lines and overall design motion of the 411 we've enjoyed so much.
Weird that you said it feels light because the bike is actually quite heavy. Maybe because it is so low to the ground and small in general? Density. Similar reason why holding a hammer out by holding the end feels lighter than holding it properly. As far as maintenance and reliability goes I have seen quite a few reviewers struggle to get the things started. Another is while it is reliable and simple there is a long list of maintenance you gotta do very regularly.
The Himalayan has the same stock tire sizes as Suzuki's DR650.
Do not think so - It looks like a hit!!
Seriously though, is the rear shock confidence inspiring? Other reviewers said it was very uncomfortable and you could feel every bump on the road
I've owned a 22 Himalayan for 3 months now and have 2.6 complaints. 1st is the handlebars, took it off-roading about a month into owning it and I dumped it which immediately bent the handle bars and I was not going that fast. 2nd I'm not sure if it is dealership or Royal Enfield but immediately after dumping mine I drove to my local dealership with a bent handle bar and ordered a new set, along with the turn signals I broke on that same side.... It has been 2 months now and my dealership has not heard back from Royal Enfield, I have ordered and received all replacement parts from sellers in India on Ebay since then. 2.5 would be that both official and barkbuster parts for handle bars are for the original soft steel handlebars not the optional aluminum braced handlebars that Royal Enfield sells, what is the point in buying barkbusters for soft steel handlebars that will bend on the first drop? 2.6 is that almost all headlight guards on Ebay are for the BS4 which is the original model without Tripper, not BS6 which is year 22 and newer in the states.
Get the headlight cover from Hitchcocks, it’s the best one on the market
How would you compare it to a Dr650
Great video as always! Wondering if I could maybe get some input from some people here. I'm an absolute noob looking for my first bike. Wanting something exactly for these purposes: motocamping/light off-roading/cruising/LEARNING. Something that doesn't break the bank and is just powerful enough to last with the learning curve.
Right now I've narrowed it down to the Himalayan or the KLR650.
I'm 6'2" so the height of the KLR shouldn't be an issue, a little intimidated by the top-heaviness though. I love both so I guess I'm just looking for some input to potentially lean me one way or another. Any input would be greatly appreciated
Don't go for the kLR, if it's your first bike ever. You will damage/wet yourself. Start with the Himalayan and after a few years upgrade or you may well love the Himalayan and keep it!
@@Scale_Slotcars_Latvia Thanks for the input! I decided to go for it on the KLR, I got a really good deal on one and was aiming to buy used for whatever I chose because I anticipated dumping it. Not trying to do anything too crazy anyway. Loving it so far, great because I'm tall. Really doesn't feel as heavy as it is. Still would really love a Himalayan at some point
@@willclarkneptune ahh... Being tall you have the advantage... I'm a short ass with 29 inner so the Enfield suits me. Enjoy your bike mate👍
For reliability check out Itchy Boots youtube channel series 1 and series 2. Awesome channel and she put about 36000 kilometres on her 1st Himalayan and over 10000 on her 2nd before covid struck the world.
Awesome lady, great Channel 👍
@@fordbloke4790 totally agree
The Himalayan is a big seller, here in Europe. Watch Noraly from her channel Itchyboots for reliability, India to the Middle East, up through Iran, ex Soviet states to Russia and on to the Netherlands. Had originally no experience of off road riding and put 22,500 ROUGH MILES on it !!! 2nd. Himalayan six months through South America before COVID Lockdown.
But she have had 3 Hondas since the last Himalayan…😉