Resend my activation email : Register : Log in 
BCF: Bike Chat Forums


Royal Enfield Himalayan

Reply to topic
Bike Chat Forums Index -> General Bike Chat Goto page 1, 2  Next
View previous topic : View next topic  
Author Message

om15
Nova Slayer



Joined: 12 Aug 2018
Karma :

PostPosted: 18:55 - 06 Jun 2019    Post subject: Royal Enfield Himalayan Reply with quote

Anybody have first hand experience of the RE Himalayan, it looks a really odd looking bike, but I looked at one today and it doesn't seem too tatty, build quality appears to be ok.
I am looking for a second bike for Sunday mornings, it does tick the boxes for what I want, I have previously owned a RE Classic with no complaints.
Maintenance costs seems a bit high, valve check clearances every 3K, but that looks easy enough, plus after the warrenty I will do it myself.
Current ride is a Tracer which I think is a great bike, but just need a little run around, any comments appreciated.
____________________
Alcohol doesn't solve problems, but neither does milk
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

MarJay
But it's British!



Joined: 15 Sep 2003
Karma :

PostPosted: 19:07 - 06 Jun 2019    Post subject: Re: Royal Enfield Himalayan Reply with quote

om15 wrote:
Anybody have first hand experience of the RE Himalayan, it looks a really odd looking bike, but I looked at one today and it doesn't seem too tatty, build quality appears to be ok.
I am looking for a second bike for Sunday mornings, it does tick the boxes for what I want, I have previously owned a RE Classic with no complaints.
Maintenance costs seems a bit high, valve check clearances every 3K, but that looks easy enough, plus after the warrenty I will do it myself.
Current ride is a Tracer which I think is a great bike, but just need a little run around, any comments appreciated.


Someone I know has one. It does look poorly built and it's dog slow. I wouldn't choose one unless I was going on a genuine tour across India. It seems to have a little bit of genuine off road ability, and the ability to be fixed by any average indian with a hammer.

Not for me personally.
____________________
British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

Easy-X
Super Spammer



Joined: 08 Mar 2019
Karma :

PostPosted: 20:47 - 06 Jun 2019    Post subject: Reply with quote

It's like the Land Rover of bikes: it'll get you there... eventually but you'd look a tit with one in town.
____________________
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Pigeon
World Chat Champion



Joined: 27 Sep 2012
Karma :

PostPosted: 21:08 - 06 Jun 2019    Post subject: Re: Royal Enfield Himalayan Reply with quote

MarJay wrote:
It seems to have a little bit of genuine off road ability


Frame was designed by Harris Performance apparently.

If it had double the power and weighed 20kg less, would probably buy one.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Kentol750
World Chat Champion



Joined: 24 May 2016
Karma :

PostPosted: 21:35 - 06 Jun 2019    Post subject: Reply with quote

Mrs K test rode one, would have one as a second/green laning bike. Accessories make it look like a fun tourer if you're not worried about time. Wasn't vibey like a w800 she'd really fancied, just not enough oomph to be an only bike for everyday use. Price makes it interesting when good 2nd hand green laners are getting pricey.
____________________
Some bikes.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

linuxyeti
World Chat Champion



Joined: 06 Oct 2006
Karma :

PostPosted: 09:15 - 07 Jun 2019    Post subject: Reply with quote

I had a loan one when my Interceptor went in for a service, surprisingly comfortable, and nippy, fine for A roads as well, and perhaps shortish stints on the motorway. I found it more fun to ride than I was expecting. Try and get a test ride, should be easy enough to arrange
____________________
Beware what photos you upload, or link to on here, especially if you have family members on them
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

kgm
World Chat Champion



Joined: 04 Jun 2015
Karma :

PostPosted: 10:13 - 07 Jun 2019    Post subject: Reply with quote

I think it depends on your outlook. For most people it's probably underpowered but I enjoy riding lower powered bikes and it'll be quicker than the cg125 I recently rode to Applecross and enjoyed. I'm actually considering a test ride on one as I think it would be fun to own as a low cost travel/camping bike. I'm not sure I would have one as an only bike though, just like my 125. Early models had plenty of issues, mostly solved on later bikes.

Chris Scott has been using one around the Sahara and seems to have a high opinion of it and prefers it to the g310, crf250, etc.

Nathan Millward has also been singing it's praises after he bought one

Itchyboots on Instagram is using one for RTW. She's had s few issues but nothing too drastic other than a clutch failure.

Really you'll have to just ride one and see if it will work for you as I suspect you'll get a lot of derisory comments from others who've not ridden one and for whom it wouldn't work, it's just that kind of bike.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

om15
Nova Slayer



Joined: 12 Aug 2018
Karma :

PostPosted: 10:38 - 07 Jun 2019    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for your comments, I will take a test ride and make my mind up, previous second bikes have been old BSAs, 1982 XT500 and RE Classic, I like quirky bikes and this has the advantage of electric start.
Will let you know, many thanks
____________________
Alcohol doesn't solve problems, but neither does milk
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

stinkwheel
Bovine Proctologist



Joined: 12 Jul 2004
Karma :

PostPosted: 13:01 - 07 Jun 2019    Post subject: Reply with quote

If you could live with a pre-unit bullet, you'll live with this.

I've not ridden one but looking at them back-to-back, the finish on the Himalayan is an order of magnitude better than the old bullets.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

The Shaggy D.A.
Super Spammer



Joined: 12 Sep 2008
Karma :

PostPosted: 13:36 - 07 Jun 2019    Post subject: Reply with quote

kgm wrote:
Nathan Millward has also been singing it's praises after he bought one


Aye, he wrote a 16,000 mile review :-

https://www.gettingintoadventure.com/royal-enfield-himalayan-16000-miles-in/

Not ridden one myself, but the blokes in the local Enfield group like theirs.
____________________
Chances are quite high you are not in my Monkeysphere, and I don't care about you. Don't take it personally.
Currently : Royal Enfield 350 Meteor
Previously : CB100N > CB250RS > XJ900F > GT550 > GPZ750R/1000RX > AJS M16 > R100RT > Bullet 500 > CB500 > LS650P > Bullet Electra X & YBR125 > Bullet 350 "Superstar" & YBR125 Custom > Royal Enfield Classic 500 Despatch Limited Edition (28 of 200) & CB Two-Fifty Nighthawk > ER5
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Confusion
Scooby Slapper



Joined: 02 May 2013
Karma :

PostPosted: 15:05 - 07 Jun 2019    Post subject: Re: Royal Enfield Himalayan Reply with quote

om15 wrote:
Anybody have first hand experience of the RE Himalayan,


My mate has one. 12,000km (7,500 miles) over the last year.
So far so good.....

Quote:
Current ride is a Tracer which I think is a great bike, but just need a little run around, any comments appreciated.


The LE is slow, quirky and probably not as reliable as your Yamaha.
If you can live with those limitations, it should be fine as a runaround.
____________________
Bandit 650SA, ZZ-R1100
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Tdibs
Traffic Copper



Joined: 16 Jan 2015
Karma :

PostPosted: 20:49 - 08 Jun 2019    Post subject: Reply with quote

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motorbikes/187991-welding-defect-royal-enfield-himalayan-frame-cracks.html

https://www.drivespark.com/two-wheelers/2017/royal-enfield-himalayan-mechanical-issues-continues/articlecontent-pf71995-022347.html

I would be weary of getting the earlier production lemons. I would wait until their prices bottom out second hand really, we are paying a marked up price for them here by quite a bit.
____________________
Previous : 09 Vanvan 125| 02' Sv650s || Current: 1999 Xj600n | 1992 DR650 RSE | 2005 Fazer 1000
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

om15
Nova Slayer



Joined: 12 Aug 2018
Karma :

PostPosted: 20:43 - 11 Jun 2019    Post subject: Reply with quote

Put a deposit on the Himalayan this morning, collecting on 1st July, will advise what I find in due course.
Looking forward to riding it, live in rural north Dorset so plenty of B roads to go on.
____________________
Alcohol doesn't solve problems, but neither does milk
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

linuxyeti
World Chat Champion



Joined: 06 Oct 2006
Karma :

PostPosted: 21:46 - 11 Jun 2019    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sounds good Thumbs Up
____________________
Beware what photos you upload, or link to on here, especially if you have family members on them
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

om15
Nova Slayer



Joined: 12 Aug 2018
Karma :

PostPosted: 16:35 - 06 Jul 2019    Post subject: Reply with quote

Collected the bike earlier in the week, now gently running in, have to take it easy for the first 300 miles, then it goes in for a service.
First impressions are good, the handover from the dealer was interesting, beware of the brakes, the compass didn't work but I was told it might work when the fuel tank was empty!
Build quality is good, has a trip meter and a fuel quantity indicator, standard controls, all switches seem robust and well made and everything is pretty solid and substantial.
It is lighter to ride than the 500 Bullet, still has a nice thump from the single, taking it easy for the moment, but it does like hills and seems to have good power low down, cruses at 55 mph at 3,500 rpm in top.
The engine sounds very rattley at low rpm, not sure if that will improve or not.
Riding position is pretty good, comfortable and low seat height, ( I'm 5 ft 7 and can put my feet down ok).
It is still a Royal Enfield and doesn't like doing anything in a hurry, gearbox is great, no false neutrals, and selects first time. It has a choke (!) but doesn't seem to need it, fires up on the switch first time.
All in all very pleased, once I have gently run it in I will be more adventurous with it, have a feeling that I will enjoy riding this bike.
____________________
Alcohol doesn't solve problems, but neither does milk
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

P.
Red Rocket



Joined: 14 Feb 2008
Karma :

PostPosted: 17:21 - 06 Jul 2019    Post subject: Reply with quote

om15 wrote:
Collected the bike earlier in the week, now gently running in, have to take it easy for the first 300 miles, then it goes in for a service.


Personally, I'd have just ridden it, its a Royal Enfield, its not anything performance based and I highly doubt it'll matter.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

linuxyeti
World Chat Champion



Joined: 06 Oct 2006
Karma :

PostPosted: 17:47 - 06 Jul 2019    Post subject: Reply with quote

Paddy. wrote:


Personally, I'd have just ridden it, its a Royal Enfield, its not anything performance based and I highly doubt it'll matter.


Does it matter, taking it steady for 300 miles, really won't take long to ride that, 1 day, perhaps 2 days max?
____________________
Beware what photos you upload, or link to on here, especially if you have family members on them
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Polarbear
Super Spammer



Joined: 24 Feb 2007
Karma :

PostPosted: 17:52 - 06 Jul 2019    Post subject: Reply with quote

LCD clocks just do not look right on a Royal Enfield and next time try not to photograph the refection please Thumbs Up

Other than that, Meh. I like RE's. I like the new 650 with the Red and Black colour scheme that Linux has. I like the singles because they still look like old British M/C's.

That looks bland and a bit of a hodge podge of styles but will be interesting to see how it progresses.
____________________
Triumph Trophy Launch Edition
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

Easy-X
Super Spammer



Joined: 08 Mar 2019
Karma :

PostPosted: 20:17 - 06 Jul 2019    Post subject: Reply with quote

It has a "choke" wtf? It's EFI!

Hmmm....

Owner's Manual wrote:
MANUAL BI STARTER (CHOKE)
Depress and hold to stablise idling RPM in cold condition / first time starting in cold mornings.


Some sort of manual override of the ECU? And when they say "cold" they probably mean Tibetan cold rather than just engine cold start Smile
____________________
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

P.
Red Rocket



Joined: 14 Feb 2008
Karma :

PostPosted: 20:23 - 06 Jul 2019    Post subject: Reply with quote

linuxyeti wrote:
Does it matter, taking it steady for 300 miles, really won't take long to ride that, 1 day, perhaps 2 days max?


I did 450 miles last year... Laughing I'd have just wanged it after about 5 miles, full bore.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

Polarbear
Super Spammer



Joined: 24 Feb 2007
Karma :

PostPosted: 20:37 - 06 Jul 2019    Post subject: Reply with quote

HardlyDavidson wrote:
It has a "choke" wtf? It's EFI!

Hmmm....

Owner's Manual wrote:
MANUAL BI STARTER (CHOKE)
Depress and hold to stablise idling RPM in cold condition / first time starting in cold mornings.


Some sort of manual override of the ECU? And when they say "cold" they probably mean Tibetan cold rather than just engine cold start Smile


I presume it's like my gen 1 Hayabusa. It was actually a speed increaser that raised the idle, not a choke as in a carbed bike enriching the mixture.
____________________
Triumph Trophy Launch Edition
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

Blah blah
Scooby Slapper



Joined: 05 Mar 2015
Karma :

PostPosted: 09:46 - 07 Jul 2019    Post subject: Reply with quote

HardlyDavidson wrote:
It has a "choke" wtf? It's EFI!



My 13year old Ducati has fuel injection and an adjustable choke lever !

Anyway, I quite like the look of these, in a world full of lots of bits of plastic nailed to 'adventure bikes' that'll probably right a barely used bike off the first time it gets dropped, its simplicity appeals.
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail You must be logged in to rate posts

Easy-X
Super Spammer



Joined: 08 Mar 2019
Karma :

PostPosted: 10:29 - 07 Jul 2019    Post subject: Reply with quote

EFI with choke...

One has to ask: why have a dog and bark yourself!
____________________
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

om15
Nova Slayer



Joined: 12 Aug 2018
Karma :

PostPosted: 08:46 - 09 Jul 2019    Post subject: Reply with quote

I think the choke is more of a "high idle", the 500 classic had the same system.
The pack that came with the bike contained a paint aerosol "so that when you fall off and scratch it you can paint over it".
It is a comfortable bike to ride and is easy to ride, ideal if you don't want to get anywhere quickly.

I watched someone on you tube trying to get one flat out, he managed to just touch 80mph, the engine sounded like it was going to explode, I think that it might be difficult to steer at that speed, it certainly won't be able to stop in a reasonable distance.

If you live in the country and want a second bike I recommend this, it is great fun.
____________________
Alcohol doesn't solve problems, but neither does milk
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts

Easy-X
Super Spammer



Joined: 08 Mar 2019
Karma :

PostPosted: 13:43 - 09 Jul 2019    Post subject: Reply with quote

om15 wrote:
I think the choke is more of a "high idle", the 500 classic had the same system.
The pack that came with the bike contained a paint aerosol "so that when you fall off and scratch it you can paint over it".
It is a comfortable bike to ride and is easy to ride, ideal if you don't want to get anywhere quickly.

I watched someone on you tube trying to get one flat out, he managed to just touch 80mph, the engine sounded like it was going to explode, I think that it might be difficult to steer at that speed, it certainly won't be able to stop in a reasonable distance.

If you live in the country and want a second bike I recommend this, it is great fun.


TBH the more I've seen of 'em the more I quite like the look of the bike but having spent the last 6 months struggling to get to 60mph on my 125 it doesn't sound like much of a step up!
____________________
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter
 Back to top
View user's profile Send private message You must be logged in to rate posts
Old Thread Alert!

The last post was made 4 years, 264 days ago. Instead of replying here, would creating a new thread be more useful?
  Display posts from previous:   
This page may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. By clicking on an affiliate link, you accept that third-party cookies will be set.

Post new topic   Reply to topic    Bike Chat Forums Index -> General Bike Chat All times are GMT + 1 Hour
Goto page 1, 2  Next
Page 1 of 2

 
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You cannot download files in this forum

Read the Terms of Use! - Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group
 

Debug Mode: ON - Server: birks (www) - Page Generation Time: 0.10 Sec - Server Load: 0.26 - MySQL Queries: 18 - Page Size: 136.47 Kb