Ep 1 D1: Georgia Traverse on a Royal Enfield Himalayan: The Himalayan IS BACK! 

The Transalp is amazing. If you are looking for a reliable dual sport then the DR650, or the CRF300 Rally would be great choices.

I live in NW Georgia. All the locals pronounce it - Luh-Fay-Et. I'm restoring a 1972 Honda XL250 Motorsport. I also have other vintage Honda's.

Sorry to hear about REH issues. I am glad I passed on the REH we emailed about last year. You need to have faith in the dealership as much as you do the new bike (or car) especially if there are not that many dealers of the product. Excited to see if you get the MG.

I have a '22 REH. Had some minor problems when first bringing it home but, did some research and some tuning and replacing relays and plug. All is good now. Very reliable. I first saw your vids on the TAT. Got so interested that I sold my RoadStar 1600 and my retro Kawi 550. Went back to my earlier days of dirt riding and grabbed a Himalayan. Being cautious with weight, height and clearance and the fact I just retired in October of 22, the RE made sense for me. Anyway, I will be watching closely, the Georgia Traverse vids you post. I figure that would be a good break in for me after so many years have passed since being off-pavement. Looking to the summer or fall to make the ride.

If you decide to shop Honda you might look at the new Transalp and the CB500X.

I’m looking forward to seeing this Georgia Traverse!!!

A lot of new bikes seem to be having problem not just Royal Enfield.

Kawasaki Versys 650 all day long. Super versatile, major reliable, light and nimble. Part availability for days and super easy to work on. Huge aftermarket support all for an affordable price. What more could you possibly need?

I have a 2021 Himalayan that's got over 9k miles and no issues. I do have a great local dealer though that knows those bikes inside and out. Sorry you had such a negative experience.

Angelo: I ride an Aprilia Caponord 1200. Love it. Too much bike for an old guy like me so Im really looking at MG 85TT like yourself. Gotta ride one first and then trade. Take care.

Sorry about your trouble with the dealer. I've been pretty involved with my dealer (participating in events, joined their riding group, etc.) and have gotten to know them which I'm sure helps my experience with them, though I haven't had a lot of service issues with either my Indian or my Triumph. My '19 Triumph Scrambler XE has been the bomb for adventure riding. It is tall. They make the XC version which is a little shorter. I bought it used in late 2020 with about 4k on it. Tubeless tires are incredible. Low maintenance (oil changes are recommended at 10k miles though I have changed more often). It's happy with 87 octane ethanol gas...though I tried to run 100% when I can. Like most 1200cc adventure bikes, it's heavy (over 500lbs wet).

I've owned a REH......couple of trips back to the dealership I traded for a Triumph Tiger......then traded for GSA. The REH was the most difficult one to pick back up out of the mud. The GSA the easiest. It doesn't go all the way over. Once you really ride it the weight disappears. I am solo all the time, short, and weak. I do have a SGR's Midlife Crisis Cosplay shirt so that fortifies my self deprecating humor enough to make up for other shortcomings. Anyway, I'm guessing the MG doesn't go all the way over either. Don't stress the pick ups it's all part of the adventure. Better than grocery shopping!

Why would anyone think a machine made in India would be a quality production?

Itchy Boots bike had an oil leak out of the top of the motor but she got some guys to take it apart and fix it right away it seemed lol. Bad gasket or something. And there is another adventure bike with shaft drive, the Yamaha Super Tenere. It also has tubeless tires. Same with the the BMW GSA.

Looking forward to more of this ride! I was looking at the VT85 myself and ended up passing on it due to its weight and clearance. Other than that, it's an amazing looking bike. I sat on one and it felt good, but it did feel a bit bulky. I'm 6'4" for reference. I know there are people out there who adventure ride on the GS1200 and the like, and the VT85 bike is in that class, in my opinion. I personally worry about those bikes falling over - picking them back up would be a challenge, especially if you're alone and exhausted from the ride. That's what keeps me away. Either way, if you're looking for an adventure bike that you plan to take on road and off road (without too much challenge) I'd say it probably would be a great fit!

Iridium spark plug fixed my cold start stalling issues. Probably should have adjusted the throttle positioning sensor too, but I sold the bike. Love your videos.

Why would you go from an Indonesian POS to an Italian (maybe) POS that has very little American support? If you're wanting something bigger/better, why not a 300 Rally or 300L? Or get a used Africa Twin of ADV Rider if you want a bigger adventure bike. I'm genuinely curious about your thought process on it.

Two words, one number, Yamaha Tenere 700. Never had an issue with any of my Yamahas.

It’s a Covid bike (2021). Possibly built July 2020+. Meaning the workers were probably out and “leadership” probably put the bike together. I have a 21 RK HD and I have similar suspicion. Random dumb stuff.

My new 2022 Himalayan went back to dealer I purchased from 3 times for stalling, it was dangerous to ride... had a lemon law lawyer on standby, took it to another dealer, royal enfield had them send the ecm back to be reprogrammed. Have 5000 miles on it now, runs like a charm !!! The 2nd dealer wouldn't let me sit in showroom on s scorching hot day waiting for a lost Uber driver when I dropped it off...ended up sitting on a broken milk crate in the back of a business to get out of the sun !!! Dealer network is poor. Although the first one was very accommodating but just couldn't get it sorted out.

Hi Ang, I'm sure by now you have your new bike. After 50 years of riding I find most dealers suck. That's why they call 'em stealers. Every bike will have an issue eventually. I even had a problem with a Victory once, (Stuck front master cylinder ). Just gotta ride what you love. P.S. I'm enjoying a '22 Himalyan now after watching your rides :)

20:56 that Moto Guzzi looks nice!!!! I have a 2012 VStrom, I love this bike!!! Bulletproof for sure, it doesn’t do anything great, but it does everything well…

Worried about the reliability of the Royal Enfield and think a Guzzi is a good replacement??!!!?? Lol lol lol yeah may as well just get a KTM and jump both feet in. My BMW is Honda reliable compared to. Guzzi. Just sayin' research man.... BMW has the opposed twin in the GS and shaft drive. New Triumph 1200 has shaft drive, BMW F850GSA has a 6 gallon tank, tubeless tires. 21" front wheel, so many bikes check your little list of cool things... So many better options from an off road, reliability and replacement part pov. Get what you love but be smart about it and research tons of middle weight good, reliable and fun bikes out there.

Lol at least he’s honest when he says “I didn’t say any of that I am just telling you what I wish I had said” I like that, most online personalities would have been like “I drug him outside and whipped his and the entire shops asses and the begged me for mercy”

I'm late to the party, but after a year on the road as someone that likes to ride and not wrench, my "good dealer support" requirement has moved to my must-haves list. This basically means nothing with the word "powersports" in the name nor anywhere that sells more than like, three different brands. BMW despite their flaws has treated me the best. Second to that are the small town Honda shops which tend to be scattered nicely around north america..

I got my motorcycle endorsement this morning from the DMV, and just now got back from my first (non MSF course) ride. What a rush! Your videos have been a huge inspiration for me. Without them, this might still be a vague notion in the back of my mind instead of a warm Kawasaki in my garage. Thank you.

I’m sticking with the old Vstrom so I don’t need a dealership. Got it tore apart while the snow is here doing a 35k overdue valve adjustment. Still runs like new.

Exactly why I don't use dealers. I just learn how to do everything. My life is less stressful that way. It's also how I discovered that I like easy to maintain bikes like RE.

Brother, Royal Enfield parts appear to be no different than all the parts from China and Mexico. I think NAFTA was part of that. The North American free trade agreement! All the air conditioning parts I install are forgien. Cheaper,faster,more efficient Eh'...hence the cheapy, cheapy parts.( and performance)The problem COULD have been corrected overnight by a competent Royal Enfield dealer( as someone stated), and alleviated all the 69 days worth of drama. Baxters in Iowa and Royal Enfield Boston are competent dealerships. Management in Charlotte may require additional training. ( RE could take notice)

Heaven knows I'm in no position to be discouraging someone from rationalizing a motorcycle purchase, but... My brief comparison of the V85TT and Himi shows a WET WEIGHT of 534# vs 421# FWIW. I do love the shaft drive and tubeless tires on my (536#) BMW but off pavement I'll take my DR650 please. And "Italian motor vehicle". Thank you for giving credit where due to "Motorcycles of Charlotte". (TBF I'm not a fan of dealers in General)

49yo Dutchy, with a lot of km's on a butload of bikes. Despite your roots don't go Italian!!! My previous Piaggio MP3 stalled in the rain and cost a ransome in maintenance. I bought a 2000 Transalp, had enough money left over to mod it out. Never let me down, no more anxiety. Go with proven liability and easy access to service, parts etc.

Angelo, You need that gangsta bike for sure! 🤣 The MG is a great bike but it is more of an adventure bike than a dual sport. You will enjoy it. It's a real bike and not a toy. You'll also get off on the torque. What you thought you didn't care for... all of a sudden you will really like. Your tastes in riding will likely change... off-road but much less rough-road. The center of gravity on the MG is likely going to be a bit higher. Which will make it somewhat harder to lift off its side. And regular road riding will be more fun because the MG has the power to zoom past traffic so that your not always being overtaken by faster cars and trucks... riding up your butt. Lastly, twisties we become allot more fun as well. Roads like the Natchez Trace Parkway will be far more enjoyable on the MG. Gord

It seems the problem with the Himalayans relays was the amount of grease in the socket.

If you are set on italian, I highly suggest the Aprilia Taureg 660. I ride a 701 but rode with a guy on the WYBDR a couple days that had a Taureg. Perfect for BDR's TAT CDR etc... Weight is also carried lower making it seem lighter than it is.

Ok so.. I have had my V85tt for just about 2yrs. Hasn't seen the inside of a dealer since the first service. In that time it's done 90% of the nebdr, the trans mass trail, the dirty dog trail (vt) and this summer will do Penn wild x. It can do off roady things. Is it great at it no but it really fun doing it. Love from Newtown CT.

Hey Ang, if you're interested in the midweight ADV bike category, check out the Aprilia Tuareg 660. It's got almost all the same nice features as the V85TT (minus shaft drive and arguably looks), but a decent amount cheaper and lighter weight. Lots of great reviews and happy owners from what I've read. It might be right up your alley.

My buddy has an Aprilia. Let's just say your Himalayan has seen more road time! Great bike when it's working. Had to turn around mid cross country trip and trailer home due to an electrical issue no body could work on.

Sloan's Motorcycle and ATV has a new 2022 V85TT listed with 1750$ discount. Just sayin'

My Italian Ducati Scrambler has 53kmi. I put a clutch in it. That's all. I won't touch the desmo, so I have to pay the price. The Guzzi is probably a good bike...a little too tall for me. The Scrambler is still the only bike that meets most of my "requirements".

I’m thinking about a Interceptor 650 Scrambler build. Dylan Paul with Throttle Company in Columbus Ohio did a conversion on his personal Int650 and it’s pretty sweet. ru-vid.com/group/PLQ0fficGRxXOoVZIXvcdgx_MVGuZ_2l42 If I don’t do that it’ll be a Himalayan, DRZ400,or a DR650. I’m old school and just can’t get into the new techno stuff.

Idea. Add up the weight the MG would have plus weight of gear. Add that to the REH and see how much you like lifting that up. Only mention this because you do a lot of solo riding.

Yea I had the same issue on my 2021. Spent about 30 days in the shop. They sent the ECU to RE and the reflashed it and since haven't had any issues at least.

Italian bike...Ride of your life. Japanese bike...Ride for life

Yes, even a new REH wouldn’t satisfy me and I’d forever let everyone know about the hideous service provided by that dealership and their ineptness. I’m sure that with whatever brand you replace your REH with, you’ll be sure to check out the dealership and how close they are to you, their parts availability and quality of their repair services, the motorcycle’s maintenance intervals, etc. I look forward to your future adventurers, Best of luck with whatever you choose and keep on keeping on.

Dealership: "Look, man, I've got certain information, all right? Certain things have come to light. And, you know, has it ever occurred to you, that, instead of, uh, you know, running around, uh, uh, blaming me, you know, given the nature of all this new sh*t, you know, I-I-I-I... this could be a-a-a-a lot more, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, complex, I mean, it's not just, it might not be just such a simple... uh, you know?" Ang: "What in God's holy name are you blathering about?" Dealership: "What I'm blathering about - new sh*t has come to light, man."

But other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how do you like your Royal Enfield?

I would look at the TW200 Or the DR650. Buy either one new and it will last you just about the rest of your life.

Man I had that same fuel pump problems with my 2022 Himi. The big difference for me was a great dealership that identified it for me in 24 hrs and fixed without appointment for 10 days. I am in Charleston SC area. What a difference. Sorry to hear about your troubles. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-D14v6QqHW3o.html

Manufacturer's delivering vehicles tuned too lean to run properly to meet impossible emission standards is an age old problem. Still, any admission of removing emission equipment on a warranty claim takes more balls than my paranoid self has...

Um, there are a bunch of shaft drive adventure bikes. Yamaha Super Tenere, all of the big BMWs, Triumph Tiger 1200, just off the top of my head. I've been intrigued by the V85TT as well, but I think an older Super Tenere would be a much better option for actual adventure riding.

Don't ever let the incompetence of a lousy dealership dictate the quality of something man. If that dealer was competent, they would know, that out of adjustment valvetrains don't cause intermittent stalling. A simple 2 minute fuel pressure test would have confirmed the faulty pump. It is RE's fault for using that brand of pump, but during the virus I had products I've used for 30 years fail. If you would have brought that to my shop with an appointment, and had a pump in hand, you would of had it back the next day. This dealer needs some serious help and communication training. This is 90% not on the build quality of the bike itself but an electronic part outsourced from another company and the inability of a dealer to communicate and repair a motorcycle. I do understand though, my old 93 DR 350 stalled on me once in 20 years, because I ran it out of fuel. If you're way back in the woods and have to walk out, it's hard to ever trust that bike again. That old bike has never once made me walk except that time, and it was on me!! Can't wait for the next one man. PS: buy a Honda or a Yamaha and ride. Euro bikes need service and Price's law states the square root of the employees do all the work, and it doesn't lie. Out of 30 techs at my huge Honda dealer, 4 of them were competent, thank goodness Honda's didn't break back then! Euro bike shops usually have like 3 techs, that math ain't lookin good!

Well, I guess no Himalayan for me. Was planning on buying one in three weeks. What a joke. I get that there are bad dealers but it sure seems to me that corporate is not doing a good job of supporting their customers.

If you're looking at an MG, why not just go ahead and take a look at the Ducati Desert Sled? lighter, more capable, and if the 'look' is important.... it's a beautiful bike. Still italian, still not a honda... much cooler than a V85. Just one guy's opinion though...

Did I.B. rode two REHs tens of thousands of kilometers seemingly w/o issues? Yes. Proves nothing! E.M., who I know you also follow, managed to essentially do the same thing on a clapped-out c90. To be fair, he worked on it all the time. So, people travel the world on all sorts of stuff. Good for them. Personally, reliability and the trust and peace of mind it affords are near priceless. REH... very cool. MG v85tt... very cool Ural... very cool Etc. Reliable? Trustworthy? That is a total roll of the dice. Not for me, brother. Certain bikes have a certain je ne sais quoi that will draw a crowd when parked. Doesn't make them appropriate adventure partners. Or, maybe they do, what do I know? I will say, you are at your funniest and most entertaining when things are off the rails, so as a consumer of your content, I am all for you taking the MG out into the vastness.

Well, guess I'll never be buying a Royal Enfield!

Test drove a Himalayan and wanted to like it. Could not have been more disappointed. Salesman asked me what I thought about it. I wanted to be polite so I did not say what I really thought, but the salesman summed it up by saying "kinda agricultural, isn't it?"

If you’d of bought a Honda you wouldn’t have had these issues. And don’t listen to anybody tell you to buy a Moto Guzi or any other odd ball bikes. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki or nothing. I’m honestly surprised jp made it on the CDT with his. I knew one of them was going to fail. Knew it. Sorry happened to Steve but I called it. Nobody can work on them. No dealer support. Anyone can fix a KLR or a XR.

Don't guess I'll ever have a RE.

Bud, things might get a little better for you if you quit using God's name in vain!