2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan (USA) discussion and 1st ride 

Riding starts at 10:39

The sort of ride I used to love as a youngster growing up in Alaska. Thinking seriously about that RE Himalayan as my first motorcycle in nearly 50 years.

Uncle Voodoo thank you! I”m getting mine this week in LAKE BLUE! More power and adventures!

I'm on the fence about selling my DR650 for the Himalayan. I just find the Himalayan to be so unique and full of character. Thanks for making this video!

Thank You for this video, it shows the Himalayan in its element. I think the Himalayan is a great all around motorcycle, it does it all. I like the low torque of a long stroke single. Stay safe and enjoy the journey.

watched the entire video, sort of long but you successfully explained why this bike is perfect for you. To be honest, it was a great sales pitch. An authentic view of the bike, I kinda want one now.

I have got to say something about this video. I put this on my watch later list and it almost got forgot about, But here I sit now thinking again about getting a new Himalayan and just can't get it out of my mind so I started watching videos on it and finally got to the one you made. And I just have to say your logic is 2nd to none. Here I think at about the 22 minute mark you mentioned how all other even high end professional RU-vid channels will bash a machine because the machine out of the element that it was designed for and then gripe about how bad it is!!! So it was truly refreshing when I watched your video and realized here is a dude that truly gets it! I have a few off road videos on my channel as well from land between the lakes area here in Tennessee and Kentucky. Both on a Suzuki V Strom 650 and a BMW G310GS. The trails I ride around here are a lot like what you just run up that mountain only without the high elevation. Most excellent video sir and you have earned a new Subscriber for sure!

Thank you for this video! it made me even more confident I did the right choice buying my Himalayan! Can't wait for this Norwegian winter to be over so I can get my license and start riding that bike (legally) !

Thank you for the test. The Himalayan is a cheap, nice and very cool bike. Greatings from germany !

I have been running a two bike stable for 7 years. The first bike is a DRZ400E 2010 fully set up for long range ADV trips. The second was a Tiger 800XCx 2015 that I toured Oz on until the Covid lockdowns closed State borders for 2 years. Like all bikes they have their pros and cons. The Tiger had way more power than I ever used, ate up the highway miles easily ( at 60-70mph our strictly enforced speed limits), but it was top heavy and the front end plastics are fragile and expensive to replace. In my view, it was fine for dirt road cruising, but not off road. There were more than a few times on my Outback trips that I wished that I was on the DRZ. I sold the Tiger recently. My first ride back on the DRZ ( mine has about 45HP and a wide ratio gear set fitted) was mainly on sealed roads with a friend on his V-Strom 650 in atrocious wet and windy conditions. I was blown around like a cork at 70 mph! I missed the Tiger on that ride. To get to the point, I am considering a Himalayan in perhaps 2 models time. It might give more stability on the sealed roads in poor weather and less fragility once things get tougher. I will have to slow down a little on rougher tracks in comparison to the DRZ , which may not be a bad thing. I would be happy with 30 HP and slightly better brakes, just in case RE is listening. 30 HP is enough. Anymore is just wheelspin!

Thanks for the video, its all I can do is watch updated Himalayan Videos while I wait for the dealer to call me for pick up.

The moment you spotted the single track and went for it reminds me of all the times I wanted to do that on my Vstrom 650 and either got stuck or decided against it. Love that exploratory capability of the Himalayan.

1st class video as usual.It looks a lovely part of the world you live in.I'll pop by the next time I'm passing.😃..But as I live in Greenock, Scotland, it could be a while....

I've had my Himalyan since mid-summer. I've traveled logging trails in The Big Thicket of East Texas and the shore line of the Gulf Coast. It does fine on two lane roads and light camping with soft panniers. It's a thumper for sure, but lots of fun.

Great videos and straight-forward information on the Himalayan! Thanks alot and keep em coming!!!

I live in the mountains of Northeast PA. I been leaning towards a 2021 Honda Rebel 500 SE - and putting a set of Pirelli MT60 tires on it for dirt/gravel roads and a set of nylon saddlebags - I am only 5'4". Problem is that all of the dealers in my area are saying they are not expecting any more Honda Rebels until December. My second choice is the Himalayan - but I am a bit short.

Looks like a great place to ride! Keep enjoying that Himalayan!

Himmy is probably the best small ADV there is but it won't survive on North American highways, so I went with the KTM 390 Adventure. I love the simplicity of the Himalayan though, much better for long trips on back roads and dirt paths.

Great honest review. Watched all of the review and really enjoyed it. Cheers 🍻 🇬🇧

Thank you Uncle Voodoo. This is one of the best videos I have seen on the Himalayan. I am seriously considering buying one. RE new what they were doing as this bike was made for the Himalayan mountains in India. Thanks again.......Sal : )

Nice vid, real review about what most people will want this bike for. Cheers from the UK

Good first video of the Himalayan, Noraly ( Itchy Boots fame ) really rates theses bikes and from what I've seen on her channel they are pretty reliable, and she has put her's through their paces literally all around the world!!! Hope to see the monkey back soon though 👍👍

Awesome! Thanks for the update and review. I'm glad you got the Himalayan since I've thought about it in the past and have seen mixed reviews. It will be good to get a long term review from a down to earth person who sees thing for what they are and doesn't compare it to other bikes it's not trying to be. Your car analogy speaks my language.

Hi! Just found your channel and am enjoying your videos. I ride a V-Strom 650 and can see the allure of a lighter bike. At just over 300 pounds, the torque of the v-twin has been nice, though. Been doing a lot of camping from the bike, so I really enjoy those videos, but watching you bomb around the back roads is very enjoyable. I’m in central NY, so my riding is on hold for a bit. Love riding in your part of the country, so maybe we’ll bump into each other. Take care.

Well done for mentioning why the Himalayan's brakes work the way they do. Mine feels very sure-footed on icy roads.

Nice ride and landscape. The Himalayan should be ok for this conditions. Greetings from south Germany.

Well said, some reviewers want to make us believe that a motorcycle should be designed, and built to be all things to all men, but the reallity is it's never going to happen.

I have to agree about YT bike 'reviews', though I like Everide and Nathan the Postman for honest opinions.Good vid ,subbed

Congratulations on your new Enfield! I had similar thoughts/experiences regarding my beloved Monkey, when it comes to traffic and safety. I've always been balanced between "motorcycle guy" and "car guy" (first dirt bike at age 5). Unfortunately, my garage only allows room for one motorcycle. Sadly, I decided to part ways with my Monkey. Replaced it with a completely different beast. A 2020 Fat Bob, in Performance Orange (almost matches my Go Mango Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack). Yes I like power! I like the ability to get out of trouble, when needed, as quick as I got into it. More so on road, than off road, as you correctly pointed out in your video clip. But truthfully, I'd have kept the Monkey if I had the room, and like you, simply choose my trips on the Monkey more wisely. I knew from the get go the Monkey's limitations regarding power and speed but never held that against it. It's a fantastic little bike! I do love my Fat Bob though. Love the style and performance, but more importantly, it's a blast to ride. Brings a smile to my face. Pure fun! And that's what it's all about, regardless of which ride one chooses! Congratulations again! Enjoy and be safe...

Considering that a woman rode this bike alone throughout 25 countries, this for sure seems pretty much promising bike!! I wish it was a little lighter though...

Always thought I would like to get the side car version as a novelty. Would love to cruise around town with my Pitbull (best friend) riding shot gun.

Great ride along and review. Sounds like a great bike that hits the happy medium mark. Looking forward to your future content with it. The state roadway signage to your facility was 😆

This was a great episode. I really want one of these R.E. Himalayan adventure bikes. After watching Miss Itchy Boots drive one half way around the world, I’m sold. Happy Trails

Great video! Loved your honest opinion about the bike. Tbh I don't ride yet, but I am starting to fall in love with adventure bikes and the Himalayan seems like a great beginner at least from my perspective. Plus I agree with you I think a lot of reviewers don't review the bike correctly they either don't understand what it is as a package or don't review in the right environment. Anyway thanks for your insight. Ride safe!

In North Minneapolis Minnesota. Strong off road background. Now as an "older"gentleman would consider a R E Himalayan. Lighter than my big V-Strom 1000. That would leave me with a V-Strm 650 and 2 more (shed bikes) . There is actually a R E dealer in my area. Interesting.

Great genuine review. Very informative. I believe this video will answer real questions for many who might be interested in the Himalayan .

I think you will be very happy with it

this bike is direct from mad max lol u can take a huge load on it and it can go on very high altitudes np. its two wheels Tractor by the way u make a great video

Nice video..... enjoyed it.... for the wind blast you can buy a wind screen extender for himalayan online.... that should help..... love from India 🤘

If you’d have hit those potholes with a KTM 390 you may have broken the front wheel! That’s why I bought the RE

Your videos are very fresh I enjoy watching. Monkey and the Himalayan! That’s a great duo How does the Compass on the dash work on the Himalayan?

Looking good! That's a great area to explore.

Great bike!!

Nice video. Enjoyed thoroughly. So what would it come to after taxes and fees? Aboit $6500? Also, can you provide a link to where you got the layered outfit? Thanks!

I'm wanting to buy an adventure bike next year. The himalayan is the one bike I keep coming back to. I had the same reasons for looking at many other bikes, but I keep coming back to the Himmy. Fire roads and mountain trails for motorcycle camping and day rides are my goal. I'm not too far from the Blue Ridge Parkway, in Burke County. When I get my bike, I may hit you up for a joint adventure in the mountains. I'll have to get my bike legs back under me. I'm pushing 62 years old, and It's been quite awhile since I've ridden. If It's like riding a bike, I should be good to go, right? 😎

Looks like NC. Maybe up near Highway 181? I agree up around that area.

I enjoyed the ride. Watch out you don’t run into a grumpy black bear. See if you can make it up to the Smokey Mountains sometime. Gatlingburg, TN over to Cherokee side would be a nice ride.👍

Is the 2021 model upgraded with better frame, drive chain, wheel and crown bearings, brakes?

Good stuff . I’ll miss your Monkey videos tho :(

Excellent choice. I’d like to possibly see what you think about the bike going down the highway. I’ve been in the market for a while figuring out what I want. I really like the t7 but at 10000 I could have a monkey and a royal endfield for that. I’m still waiting to see if Kawasaki revamps the versys 300 to make it a 400.

That's a horse right there.

Did your dealer also tell you about running in the bike or something? Great video btw!

Great video.i missed how many cc it is.im thinking a 250.seat seems nice.im 5ft 9 and the bike doesnt look to tall.i think you're going to enjoy it.just keep it out of the lake ditches or you'll be looking for your 3rd bike.well that doesn't sound like a bad idea.enjoy mike z.😁

Great post on a bike i know nothing about. Looking forward to watching you get around on it through the trails etc. You're right about 125's and the lack of power when you need it. Love my Monkey but it sure has its limitations when it comes to keeping up with traffic sometimes.

Nice place, good test. Thanks

💯💪👏👏From Germany 🇩🇪have 500 trail ist very well

I’m currently riding a 200cc Suzuki VanVan. I really want to upgrade to the Himalayan but I have heard a few complaints about the Horsepower output. I am expecting a big change from my underpowered VanVan. Even though the Himalayan engine is twice as big, will I be disappointed? My top speed is about 65mph , and I have very little torque. I heard you say you had a TW200 so I thought you’d be a great person to ask! THANK YOU!

Nice review

you must have been on 501 in Lynchburg during rush hour....

You missed the mark,, according to your explanation, requirements, 35 HP, Off Road ready, Traveling camping and more power to be safe on high traffic situations, tractor like engine, just like the Himalayan, a much better option than the Himalayan, the new 2022 Kawasaki KLR 650, I own one, about same weight, feels super light, 6 gal fuel thank, can do 70mph all day long, better off road abilities, way better brakes, similar priced, there is really no reason to pick the Himalayan over the KLR.

How does the Himalayan compare to the TW200?

I feel the same as you, but I like touring on the main roads and just cruise a day or two with a stay at a camping place or a motel same shit for me it just feels good to escape the normal life now and then, so I'm looking for a nice Bobber any brand is fine if it has the right sound and feels comfy, but the Monkey will stay I need it around town :)

I'm here for the Monkey but it's going to be fun checking this interesting bike out as well.

Very nice Himalayan. Excellent advice. Cross shopping the monkey now also.

I know it seems silly but I’m stuck between TW200 and this bike for my first bike ever. Do you have any insight? Is this too big to learn on? And how has reliability been so far compared to the Japanese TW200? I do really like the RE Himalayan. It’s what a keep coming back to in the end. Beautiful motorcycle with what looks like a good off and on road capability. I will probably be riding 80% on road and 20% off-road down forest service trails here in British Columbia.

Hello uncle voodoo I love this bike I’m 6”1 220 Do you think I would be too big for this bike🇨🇦 I also ride a xr650l Honda

Nice bike. Is it the quality or is the fit and finish the same as the Monkey?

Teneré 700 were not on your list?

I just sold a KTM 390 as it was ,for me, just an awful bike outside its one purpose . That purpose being screwing the most power you could out of a small engine, This can only be done by high revs , It had no pull ,was as you say, too highly strung or as someone else said "like an angry wasp". I rode it less than 100 miles a year .. there is something wrong when that happens and quoting specs. cuts no ice in the real world.

10:38 The question is which fender to keep and which one to toss. That two front fender thing is ridiculous.

Did you consider the newly updated BMW G310 GS?

Is ground clearance an issue?

This destroys the stupidly overpriced CT 125.

Top secret facility :-P ,

nice

Honda, are you listening? Give the US a Monkey that won't get you killed in highway traffic. I couldn't comfortably ride a 125 even on my 2-lane 55 mph "street" where I live; so I can't consider anything less than TW200, which is still underpowered.

Was the DR650 on the list? thanks

Is it bs6

I really like your videos, but I have a hard time following your logic! You seem to be a large guy, 6” ? ~ 200pounds? Why do you think a Monkey and a Enfield would allow you better riding than a single larger bike? Between the 2 bikes, you have spent in excess of $10k, not counting aftermarket mods, which would land you in the ballpark of a really nice adventure bike, which appears to be what you are after, in order to make your videos , etc. Let’s not even start on your original plan of getting the CT125, lol! I am glad you snapped out of that one before sinking money into it! Don’t take me wrong, you are obviously free to do whatever you want, and when we want something, we have a way of justifying it to ourselves 😁 I love seeing you fool around with these bikes, specially the monkey, but it just looks wrong, lol! I think you will end up with a Tenere or Africa Twin and will never look back - heck, maybe even a gs 850, lol! Only time will tell!! Until then, eager to watch your adventures!

well..... now i fell beter... i am motorcycle only and my primary vehicle is a TU250x, and to be honest. it is the best damn choice i have ever made. it wasnt as bad as i thought before i started motorcycling. and it is my very first vehicle i have ever owned is a motorcycle. If you guys cannot afford a card or having hard times to even buy a car, a motorcycle will save you by alot. But be aware motorcycling is not for everyone AND IT IS DANGEROUS and there are arrogant fools that will get themselves hurt or into trouble that should never get a motorcycle. But if you think you have balls to handle all the elements and the weather? well give it a try, you never know till you try. and if it dosnt work out? sell the bike and get a car, but if it works out? Well by god dont you dare stop riding and always be creative with your motorcycle life. What does that mean? get a luggage bag, utility trailer if you dont have a trash truck to pick up your garbage. yes..... there inexpensive and are very convenient, highly recommend a luggage bag for groceries and a utility trailer for your trash to take to the dump if needed. Also most importantly is your gear, waterproof gear will save you so much! That is what i did. I have gone 6 months motorcycling with 15k miles of xp with only a motorcycle and it is a thumper of a bike.... but you will be surprised how well it will work out. It is the best damn choice and experience i have ever had. I used to get shit on by my fam about it by all the questions and comments "How are you going to get groceries, how are you going to take your trash, its too dangerous and your gonna get killed" from my xp, my own decisions and skills is what determines my safety. And remember, creative ideas and think outside the box!