Hi there, I have a Lake Blue 2022 Euro5 Himi. As soon as I got the bike I put pigtails on the battery to make it easy to connect my battery conditioner to the bike. It is semi-permanently connected and I never have a starting problem - 1st time every time ! I tend to ride at about 80-90 kph (50-56 mph) and not only will she do that all day, she consumes less than 2.7 ltrs per 100 kms (roughly 87 mpg US - 104 mpg Imperial) EVERY time I take her out she makes me smile and I always end up affectionately tapping the tank with my left hand - she is probably the best bike overall that I've ever had. She's a cracker !!!
I think you make a great point as to the weight of the Himalayan is compared to whatever bike you own. For me my other bike is a Road Glide Ultra at 900 lbs. So for me the Himalayan is my lighter bike. I agree with you in that I love both bikes and I use them for their intended purpose. Thanks for the review. Ride Safe
Indeed. I've always thought the Himmi was a bit heavy, but I'm also a smaller guy. I suppose as one commenter noted, I could just go buff up at the gym a bit, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm just evolving more towards a dual-sport platform as opposed to ADV.
Really enjoy your videos. Surprised to see less subscriber for all the quality content that you produce. Himalayan does indeed bring a smile every time I ride it. I have the same 2021 BS6 Himalayan and believe me it is like a tank. I've been in a few accidents but not once did I have a scratch on myself nor the bike flipped on impact. Very less electronics really puts you mind into the ride than on the bike. Getting used to the weight takes time but it feels normal over time. Except for the highway cruising it never feels underpowered in any other terrain. Wishing you all the best for the joyous rides from India.
Very engaging video again mate, I love the Himalayan but I just don't think it'll do what I need it to do. Interesting point about the 125 though, ideally you'd want half a dozen bikes, one for every occasion
Yeah, the Himalayan does have its limitations for sure, but I think for me, it was the exact/perfect bike I needed to buy at the time. My riding, my skills, and my interests have just evolved a bit since then.
Took me a while to realise it was John Feg! Amazed at the coincidence that the guy that got me into long distance running (barkleys doco) would, all these years later, be the one recommending the bike I was after. Subbed!
Nice vid. We are living in a truly insane world, when most "adventure" bikes make 100 plus hp, have electronics everything and if the do not, they are "put down" by the main stream reviewers and magazines. The Royal Enfield line, it makes regular, dependable, reasonable, "grown ups" bikes with character and most are confused now. That human nature of ours is a funny deal, I myself don't like the gauges, the two fenders.......The new Scram 411 might be the one for me and my mostly on the road riding. I have a Hunter 350, here in sunny Indonesia. I like that bike a lot, bit of modifications (rear shocks are terrible) and I am happy. I would suggest that you watch some videos on how to read spark plugs, my Hunter, with it's Euro 5 emissions, ran super lean. Take a look at your plug. I installed FuelX O2 sensor signal modification box. The box forces bit more fuel out of the stock ECU, I got the adjustable FuelX model and with few adjustments, my plug looks perfect. This is not a power mod, this restores healthy for the engine fueling. Hitchcock's sells them, they are made in India btw.
I've had my himalayan for nearly 5 years now, i have a 2018 bs4 version - do you not have an enricher lever on the newer models? Mine doesn't have any issue at all in the cold!! I have to say most of your cons don't effect me 😉 I'm in the uk, plenty of suppliers, a dealer 20 mins from me, hitchcocks is an hour ride from me and we have a max speed of 70mph throughout the entire country 👍 love the bike all the pros you mention are spot on! They are heavy but not too bad, great video, keep it if you can you'll only miss it when she's gone!
Great review! I have a 22 and loving it. I don't mind the weight as I mostly want to back road travel. I'm not going to use it as a pure dual sport as I can't risk a fall after having a hip replacement. Lol. Enjoying your channel!
Great points on the Himalayan, all real issues but finding a bike with that kind of history and character and replacing it for a plastic covered typical dual sport is tough…
Thank you for your review. My wife and I are considering getting a couple of these bikes and you gave some really good information. With that said you mentioned riding on the freeway behind semi trucks. Please reconsider that decision. My son, both an experienced rider and truck driver brought to my attention that so many trucks run retread tires. If or should I say when a truck slings a tread it could be very dangerous to be behind them. Also it’s difficult to see what’s going on up ahead. That’s just food for thought. Again thanks for the review and ride safe!
Great review have to agree heavy bike but the smiles per hour are worth it, gonna keep mine till I drop ! thank you for your honesty from over the pond👋👍
There are definitely many smiles per mile...that's for sure! I have loved all of my various adventures on my Himalayan...truly. My interests have just evolved a bit in the two years since I purchased it.
KTM 390 Adventure. Lighter, tubless tires, goes highway speed, little more power. I have both the himalayan and the ktm, love them both. In fact I ride them more than my 1200 GSA.
I just bought a lightly used 2022 Himalayan here in the states. I love your channel. I have only owned it for 2 weeks, come to find out if has the stalling issue very badly. Has the relays replaced, spark plug, powertronics and I think it has the evap delete and it stalls while riding it…usually when I am getting ready to downshift. Safety issue for sure. I have read from other US youtubers that supposedly a dealer can re-flash the ECU and it fixes it. I sure hope so b/c it puts a smile on my race to ride it. First bike at 43. I got the youtube adventure bug too. I look forward to your videos. Don’t sell it :). Best. Have you considered a gear review?
I have a '22 and my biggest issue along with the idling issue is the lack of power. I'm in Texas where it's flat, but many of the roads are 70-75mph and the bike just can't cope. For me, the sweet spot for it is around 60mph (I'm bigger and heavier than you are) and while I've gotten it up to 75mph, I wouldn't sustain that speed for long. I've been doing 200 mile trips on the weekends and it's annoying because I end up holding up traffic on single lane roads since I'm doing 10-15 under the posted speed limit. I think once the 450 and 650 models come to market, that issue will be solved. I'm fine with the weight since I come from a cruiser background and the Himalayan is a featherweight by comparison.
Yep...the highways out west here are tough with the himmi. I'll do short stints on the interstate, but I always and up topping out at 75 while everyone else is going 85. Secondary roads are great though.
@@On2Feet If I can, I try to find routes that include two lanes so that people can get around, but it's still annoying to have to plan that way. I'm wondering about doing the cam upgrade as a bit of a stop gap - I'd be interested in seeing how much of a difference it makes. I haven't heard many reports on how the bikes do on the highways after the upgrade though.
It sounds like you're still only a few years into re-wetting your riding boots so I would give the weight thing a couple more years. After a few more years I think you'll be so used to the weight, it won't be an issue anymore. Awesome vibe, subscribed.
It's quite apropos you say this because I was literally moments away from selling the Himalayan, but ultimately decided to keep it. It's just too special to me right now.
just stop bolting stuff onto the bike! I spent a day taking off all the crud / accessories from the previous owner. I also threw away the shiny tin covers on the exhaust, and took off the pillion footrests, a noticeable improvement.
Thanks for sharing your opinions. I don't own one, but maybe a Suzuki DR650 is what you might want to try and watch some 'everide' videos. Very cool channel too.
Appreciate all your content. Your videos helped lure me to the Himalayan even with all the quirks…I mean charm. I understand the post 2 year takeaway of weight as it had been a concern prior to my purchase but I got a great deal. I had been considering a 2016 BMW G650GS (I still dream about it’s 48 HP). I’m curious as to which bike you have made a deposit…?
Thanks! I suspect we’re going to see a lot more bikes coming out that will be trying to fill that unicorn void. Ktm is apparently about to release a 390 adventure Rally version that will compete with Hondas 300L Rally.
Himalayan "wet" weight is much higher than I've heard from RU-vidrs; I calculate its wet weight as: 439 pounds + (4 gallons * 6.1 pounds/gallon) + 3 pounds lubricants etc. = 466 pounds wet - BEFORE any add-ons or gear. That weight is up there with a Yamaha Tenere T7 or Kawasaki KLH650. Weight MATTERS! Itchy Boots took a 439 pounds (wet) Honda CB500X to Iceland and abandoned that, as well as her Himalayan, for a 331 pounds Honda CRF300 Rally ... which she had rebuilt in Anchorage. I have a 223 pound (wet) Grom, which will only do about 50 mph. I've noted in RU-vid videos (even across the Alps) that those sight-seeing only seem to do about 40 mph (or less) on pavement and 15 - 25 mph on unpaved surfaces. If one doesn't mind being passed on highways (I don't), it runs on fumes and can take one sight-seeing. This makes me ask myself, "How much more WEIGHT is worth another 10 - 20 mph on highways ???
Indeed. The Himalayan weight creeps up quickly once loaded up as an ADV bike. I've been trying to get on a Rally for a test ride for a while, but they are in very short supply.
@@On2Feet I suspect that Honda CRF's are made of 'unobtainium"? Every time I hear some 'reviewer' advise test-riding one, I just laugh; that's like telling you to go chase your tail. I did get to sit on/over a KLX300 and noticed that it seemed very inflexibly STIFF; I suppose that's useful, if one is riding HARD and fast, crashing over obstacles? However, for (slower) sight-seeing, I suspect that Honda has the market 'figured', offering relatively soft, cushy rides on a variety of their bikes ... like their CRF's ? I noticed that Honda's CB's (City Bikes)) (with much less suspension travel ... more like 5 inches) are reportedly sprung much STIFFER, presumably so they don't constantly bottom-out the shorter suspension travel? This leads me to suspect that for comfortable dirt-road sight-seeing, one needs long, but soft suspension, as on many dirt-bikes i.e. the dual-sport bikes with medium long suspension travel (and softer springing)? People don't seem to like dual-sports on highways, but c'est la vie. I'm dismayed at how INflexible motorcycles are - very surface and tire specific.
Hi there after the second viewing of this vid I got to the end and watched your adventure clips which I really loved. Off-roading isn't always easy, but the satisfaction I get from it and my Himi is so worth it. 😁
Thanks, great video! I love the design aesthetics of the Himalayan but the cons are just a bit too much to consider purchasing. Love the brand though, I own a Royal Enfield Continental GT650 and it's great! I also ride a Honda CRF450L and it's currently my light weight ADV bike. Plenty of cons with that as well but there's no perfect ADV bike out there. Dunno what you're considering buying but a CRF 300L or Rally could be a good choice.
Been watching your content for the last 3 or 4 months or so. We have a similar story regarding a 15 year gap in riding motorcycles and wanting to go adventure when returning to it. I have been laboring for the last 5 to 6 months about what bike to settle on. If it was in my budget it would be the Honda Transalp, but sadly it’s not. I am between the Honda 300L Rally and just about everything else right now in that $7500.00 and under price range. KTM390, the Himalayan, possibly the new Triumph Scrambler 400x. I know you went with the 300L factory lowered version. Are you still feeling was the best decision? My riding will be about 50/50 to start with. The 50 percent on the road will be quiet back country roads.
Great videos. Get a new bike but what you won’t have then is a Himmy … Ps. The tidiness of your garage gives me anxiety (mainly about the state of my own😅)
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Great video! Thanks for sharing your experience. I have the same 2021, same color (the best for me)... I wonder if you want to make a detailed video of alla the upgrades, moods and accesories you have installed so far, I like what you have done to your bike. Greetings from Guadalajara, Mexico 🇲🇽
Hi Adrian. I put together a couple of videos a while back that detail my mods and hacks. They are a bit old now, but I think cover just about everything I've done. See here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-wMT7EFNwX0Q.html and ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Jdlb2QxWM9E.html
Hi there, well you did say ask questions so here goes: my Himmie now has about 10,800 kms on the clock and under certain circumstances makes a harsh engine noise. On a warm engine, with more than 4000rpm, under load and in 3rd, 4th or 5th gear she make a not good sounding vibration which might be coming from the LHS of the engine. I've asked the dealer he says "nothing wrong" but I'm not so sure. Did your Himmie do the same? Like when you are highway cruising at for example 70mph ?
Thank you for the good review. I'm looking at 2 bikes ...this one (which I may be able to get new for just 4K) or the Honda CRF 300 L Rally. What are your thoughts? A 2.5K Price is a big deal. I'm 6' 200# and looking for an 80% BDR type bike vs an adventure touring bike. I want to see what's down a dirt path not go flying off jumps. Thoughts?
I enjoyed riding my Himalayan , but it died within the first year. Completely. Dealer took it back because it was clearly just a duff motorcycle. Now, everyone will tell you how simple maintenance is on these, but you cant repair a pcb at the side of the road, or a completely broken clutch basket. (Ask me how I know!!!!!!) The KTM 390 adventure that I ride laughs at the Himalayan, weighs 350lbs dry, has double the hp, fully adjustable suspension, traction control, stunning brakes, and is brilliant as a back road bike and confidence inspiring offroad. Folk go on about KTM reliability. Mine has not missed a beat in 7k miles, unlike the Himalayan which didnt make it to 1.5k miles (from brand new) NOW. Your Himalayan is an earlier model, mine was an EU5 one, with that tripper nav thing on it. The adjustments you made don't apply to the later model. I had a CRF250L, easy peasy to ride offroad, but on road it was skinny and not much fun. I had a Tenere 700, easy peasy to ride offroad, onroad, brilliant. But too heavy. The wee KTM 390 adventure is the unicorn bike for my super happy fun times. (See ADV Matt channel for how much abuse they can take)
Wow...that really stinks! Sorry to hear that. I was just commenting on someone else's post that I saw recently that KTM is about to release a Rally version of their 390 Adventure with 21/18 tires and as a direct competitor to the CRF300 Rally. Apparently they are also releasing and Enduro version as well (To compete with the CRF300L). If this is true, than it really could be my unicorn!
I'm looking for much the same kind of bike as you are. I don't have a Himalayan but am considering the scram 411.... A little lighter but probably as off road capable. I love the look as you mentioned. All adventure bikes on the market are not the look I like. Some of the other bikes I am considering are the Yamaha xt250, the new Kawasaki klx 230s and then there is the infamous tw200 although that bike is carbonated and really old tech that some people love. I'm not a fan of carbonation. We are in the 21st century . Would love to hear your thoughts
I rode for 6 months back in 1991 then sold the bike... A 74 Yamaha rd350. I don't think I really learned to ride then. 😂. I'm loving my Himalayan now though. It isn't as peppy, but it's perfect off-road which is really where I want to go anyway.
I definitely love my Himalayan, but also would like something a little lighter. I've looked at the CRF300 Rally, but KTM is also apparently coming out with a Rally version of their 390 Adventure...which sounds quite appealing!
@@On2Feet But what will the KTM cost? I was going to get the 300L rally, but to get it home was $2k more than the Himalayan. I probably should have gone with it just for those killer service intervals.
Bmw 310 GS or Versys 300x are pretty cool for all around stuff. Though I am guessing you have looked at the crf300l with lowered seat and lowering links. I know the xt250 is close to a great size, but I am guessing that is too close to the 125 trail in power.
Yep....been looking at the CRF300 for sure. I sat on a KLX 300 too, but I it's a bit too dirt-bike-ish for me. I saw a press release recently that KTM is about to put out a rally/enduro version of their 390 Adventure, and if that's the case, I'll be VERY interested...
@@On2Feet should look at the klx 300sm good height for me and a blend of dual sport street. Though I really wish I got a Versys 300x. Dodge Moor I think, RU-vid, has taken his and at times out performed larger bikes.
Why would the weight be less? My guess is liquid cooling will add even more weight. Also, isn't there some rumor about it having a smaller front wheel and being more of a road tourer?
@@L--Z dont know but the current air cooled himalayan has chunky amount metal fin to dissipate heat. also i've seen the new himalayan and the engine head is pretty skinny
@@Sunny-rf3bg Internet speculation is hoping the new 450 will be 185-190 kilograms which is still way too heavy. However, it appears that the front wheel is a 21".
I did see the spy shots of this new bike, and I'm definitely curious about it. I do suspect the weight will be about the same, but I'd still be interested in test riding one for sure!
As much as I love it, the Himalayan's weight is almost unacceptable--as a middle-aged housewife, I'm carrying a moto hoist and recovery system to cope with picking it up alone. Lately I've been drooling over the AJP PR4's. Even the AJP PR7 (a 600cc) is much lighter than the Himmy. But honestly, even the DR650 is WAY lighter than the Himalayan.
@@On2Feet Technically I'm half owner of Hubby's DR650, but I need to practice those drills where you don't stop with your butt on the seat to cope with the height of it. (Rather, stopping with one foot on the ground, the other hamstring on the seat).
@@L--Z Seat height is a problem for me too. I just wish there existed a 21/18 dual-sport/ADV bike, under 350 pounds, with a seat height under 33", decent suspension, and over 400cc. I suppose that is the unicorn everyone always talks about...
Indeed...it definitely does all add a lot...particularly the engine guards. I do know soft bags would be lighter than solid panniers too. Even when riding a "naked" bike though, it still quite heavy...something I've really begun to notice now that I've been riding my CRF300LS more. Still...I do love my himmi and she's brought me a lot of joy.
I have been looking at several bikes, but also haven’t fully settled on what my final garage might look like. I only want two bikes at a time. I did look at a ktm 390, a crf 300 (and rally), and Kawasaki 300, and a few others…most a but more skewed towards dual sport. My problem is my 32” inseam.
Probably not a bad idea to build up my core strength a bit for sure (and shed a few pounds too!). I do think I probably will still ultimately get a different bike down the line. I just saw something recently about KTM apparently developing a Rally/Enduro version of their 390. This certainly perked up my ears....
