Having just booked in the Himalayan for its 5000km service, we thought it was time to give my review of what the Enfield is like as an offroad bike for people new to 2 wheels. Music Taken from the RU-vid Audio Library -The Premier
I've come to the conclusion that the Himalayan is the equivalent to the 1940s Willys U.S. military jeep. Yeah, it's under-powered, but it's tough as hell, will go anywhere you point it, get you into anything you want, then get you right back out again if you have any kind of ability at all. ...or if you at least make an effort. Sure it's not gonna win any races, but it'll at least always finish the run. ( I've lost count of how many vehicles I've owned that couldn't make that claim. )
Watch Itchy Boots video's, a young woman travels the entire world. That proofs you are absolutely spot on. Why anyone would buy a heavy bike? Only a 100 people in the world can ride a heavy bike like what it was meant for. Who on earth is using 150 horse power on a dirt bike? For real? While traveling? Forget it, most riders would be better off riding a Himalayan. On the road that's another story, but even there, a lighter bike would do the job just as well as those license plate racers. Where are you allowed to double the speed limits? Most bikes ride 150 mph easily nowadays! Who actually travels that fast on the road? Even Germany is terminating that freedom. So, get yourself a Himalayan, and let that bike surprise you. Have fun. Ride it. Don't let it fall asleep in your garage.
I’ve just brought one . Fantastic review, my wife and I have just retired and I’ll be taking it on the back of my motor home from brighton uk to Portugal 🦋
Liss: Thank you! That sounds like a wonderful retirement! I hear Portugal is great for motorbike riding - we hope to visit when we do our Sydney-London trip.
What a great video. I've seen the technical vlogs but this is by far the best practical one I've seen. Very useful. Having just sold a sports bike as my back and wrists won't stand it any longer (well I am 66!!) A Himalayan look a good proposition. Your video has just confirmed that. Many thanks for the excellent video. Cheers.
Liss: So good to hear you found it useful. There are already quite a few reviews online, but we hoped to be able to add something new to the mix. Hope you enjoy the Hima as much as I do.
probably the wisest words you will ever hear on youtube.from another who has been riding on similar fire trails for more than fifty years. the more heavy a bike is the harder it is to handle if it has enough power on the steepest hills. more weight and power is likely to get you injured. well spoken girl. cheers.
Liss: Thanks! For something more technical, nathanthepostman gives a few great reviews, but we wanted to come at it from the perspective of someone new to riding. Glad you liked it!
Great video; I love the playful sense of humor. I bought my Himalayan a few weeks ago and I couldn't be happier. The dealer threw in crash bars and pannier racks for free, so I bought Tusk aluminum panniers for 1/3 the price of the RE panniers and bolted them on. I just passed 500 km, so I'll be doing my first service soon.
Liss: Thanks!! We wanted to do a serious review, but also not take ourselves too seriously - which is a bit of a theme in our other videos. Sounds like you got a great deal on the purchases, I have been really happy with the RE racks. We have strapped directly onto them several times, so they are pretty versatile.
Thank you both for putting this review together. Much appreciated. I have been thinking of tackling some of the Trans European Trail. Trying to decide whether the Himalayan is the right bike for that.
Liss: Our pleasure - we had fun making it! We are planning to ride a lot of the TET next year, but I haven't looked at the trail to gauge how the enfield would perform. For me, given a bit more practice, I would send the Himalayan down anything that Harry on the DR650 would tackle. But I'm going to think twice if i encounter more enduro trails.
Great review! New subscriber here. My last bike was a Honda Trail 90 which I rode to the beach and around the Santa Monica mountains in Southern California. Now 64 yo and planning to retire to Portugal and believe this could be the perfect bike for me. Looking forward to following you and Harry. I'm slso a huge fan of Itchy Boots.
Liss: Thanks for subscribing!! Given your mix of interests in Portugal and Motovloggers, I'd also recommend checking out Pedro Mota who is from Portugal, and currently travelling Brazil, so he throws a bit of Portugeuse in when talking to the locals. As for the bike, I obviously can't say what's right for you, but the Himalayan is calm and capable and I'd take it offroading in Portugal in a heartbeat.
Great review. About to pounce on a new 2019 Snow, as I am not thrilled with the color offerings for 2020. BTW: As a retired Medic, I found your "Give me the clap" comment rather amusing , (even though I understand the video/audio synchronization reference). LOL
Liss: I just saw the 2020 colours yesterday when watching NathanThePostman's latest video. What is the red one about? Why they thought painting the bars was a good idea, is beyond me. I would have loved move colour options, but I think Snow is still the best of the bunch. Harry was very well aware of what he was saying...we had to edit out his laughing. ;)
Absolutely honest review 👍👍👍, covering all the important pionts 💫 As you say, this Engine puls you through, no matter what. I dead, this bike is not made to race 💫 Love my Himalayan 😁, yes she is not my only bike (Tiger, MT, GS, but she is the one, the whole family is in love with 💫 Did you mention the weak front brake 🤔😂
Good vid as usual guys! 👏 I’m loving my Himalayan so far! It proves you don’t need a fast bike to enjoy riding (this is my fourth bike & the slowest) Love the looks and functionality. It’s a smooth ride and suspension is great! I fitted the GIVI engine bars which are very impressive quality and three attachment points, also have nice hand guards fitted! 👍 Not been off road yet.. it’s surprisingly difficult to find somewhere.. 🤔 I’ll eventually shoot a couple of vids about the bike itself, but hard to find a chance (however it’s dark for most of the day with horrible weather for next few months, most people put their bikes away for winter here) Look forward to more of your off road vids! 🙌
Liss: Thanks a lot! I think the important thing is that the Himalayan makes you not care about going fast. We just stiffened the back suspension for touring and might have taken it a bit far. Potholes a bit more noticeable now. We will soon have the opposite problem weather-wise. Starting to get quite hot to be attempting slow trails. Planning to retreat up the mountains for our Xmas trip.
Great review. I love the look of this bike but the weight and size makes it not the bike for me otherwise I would of brought one. I now have a DRZ400 that has been lowered 13cm in the springs and forks and seat chopped out. This will be used for travelling, hopefully soon. Keep the videos coming, I enjoy watching them
Hi.Iam too a proud owner of the Himalayan since 2016 and this bike with a few mods and a little TLC is the best thing to own.One can go in for the longer(1.5")dirt bike handle with bar ends of the Himalayan Sleet model.Afully synthetic engine oil(300V Motul15W50-1.8ltrs).A NGK iridium plug CR9EIX and a K&N or BMC air filter,Nitrogen in tyres and also the Motul fork oil and this baby is a different machine altogether.she's butter smooth and flies On and Off road and will last forever.Tried and tested.
Had most of these swapped with aftermarket alternatives which are well made and quite decently priced. Also swapped the tyres to tubeless ones and it made the bike lighter as well as more durable for really dodgy trails. All of that didn't cost much but made the bike way better.
@@RidingOnEggshells Well actually I am over in europe but looking for either a Himalayan bs6 2020 model (EFI and switchable abs) or a KTM 390 Adventure. Any particular reason why the sale? Or is there a video coming up on that? Cheers!
Very well presented with useful information. I just bought one myself and this is helpful. I'm getting the Givi TN9050 crash bars which should be much more durable. Warm regards from Alaska.
Liss: Thanks, Mike! Was having a discussion with one of our scribblers, Geoff, who was deciding between the Givi and the Zana which seem to be the two best options. I always get stuck in analysis paralysis with these things. Hope the Givi vastly outperform my bars!
Another way of looking at it is that if the standard crash-bars bend, then they are absorbing energy which 3-point bars (such as the Givi option) transfer to the frame or wherever.
@@alfnoakes392 Very good point Alf. I have also considered that and wonder which tactic is the better choice. I suppose just as long as the standard bars don't bend to the point where they can trap or crush a leg or ankle.
Hey cutapie, you gave such a great review because honestly no one talk this types of many things you told about so thankyou so much .. btw you are beautiful , may your channel grow n you glow 😍😅❤️❤️ ..
Liss: Thanks you! At the minute, the world consists of the bathroom, living room, bedroom, and a weekly trip to Coles. Not sure how many people would tune in!
Good stuff, you two. Change those engine guards, get yourself some knuckle guards, and a new clutch lever, and it'll be as good as new. Better, in fact. Really enjoy your vids.
Liss: Cheers, Geoff! Might need to watch this space on the mods. Currently having a lively debate on whether I part ways with Pooja to get the same bike as Harry. Been holding off on changes while we decide.
@@RidingOnEggshells Try to get Harry to get a Himalayan. If you'e planning that long trip it'll save loads of money on fuel because, as you would have found out, they're very frugal - and very frugal x 2 = very, very frugal.
Liss: I'm not sure he can be convinced, but I do keep trying. At the end of the day, the Suzuki is the practical choice for long-distance riding (particularly in Africa - where parts are going to be hard to come by). I just wish the DR was a bit nicer looking (call me shallow).
Got the same problem with my sidestand, think of shortening it. And even my midstand is kind of wiggly, uphill no problem, but as soon as. it goes just a little downhill, it does intend to fold in. I can highly recomend the givi engine guards, pretty good quality!
Liss: I actually did get the guys at royal enfield to shorten it for me. Leans beautifully now. That's a couple of recommendations were had now for the Givi - good to hear, thanks!
Nice review but I think I will stick with my Tiger. But as a second bike for off roading for a vertically challenged person like me I am intrigued, I may just get a test ride in the uK. Thanks
The DR650 can be lowered quite a bit. There is a second mounting hole on the rear shock, and on the front the spring and spacer can be reversed. If not still low enough, you can do links and raise the front tubes in the triple tree. The DR650 is actually a lot lighter than the Himalayan by about 60lb or 27kgs. I have looked at several bikes from India. They all seem to use lead instead of steel in the frames.
I had a Himalayan and did around 7,000 km from new. Both stands I never really had an issue with, so perhaps the side stand on the NZ spec model was slightly different. Mine was a 2017 model with carb. Main stand I'd agree you could in my case occasionally hit (I am only 65 kg or around 9.5 stone), so your results will vary depending on your weight. As you say though very useful to have a centre stand for lubing chain or taking rear wheel out etc. I now have a Ducati Scrambler Classic which is less weight than Himalayan-3 X the horse power and far more torque. The Himalayan for a 411cc single is heavy and also for modern standards of even an average expectation the performance is low. However I'd agree with you that this is an advantage for those less experienced riding off road as it's more forgiving and far less chance of getting someone into trouble or giving them a scare. The levers you simply back the bolt off enough to hold levers in place however enough to allow them to move if you hit the deck-that way the lever assembly will move and not break. Otherwise as you have said you can add bark busters or Acerbis protectors. I had pannier frames made up to run the C bow system by Hepco Becker. Mainly because that's what I had on the previous bike and liked. They are soft luggage so compress if you come off and also not so big as to create too much added weight-around 22 litres. They lock on with a key and each have a handle so you just unlock and pick them up and walk away into your accommodation with your luggage in hand.
Does the Scrambler manage tricky tracks? I loved the look of those bikes but never saw anyone doing any serious off-road and thus couldn't justify the price. - Harry
Have you ever measured your inseam? I'm also exactly 5'7" and I can't flat foot it at all. I'm on the balls of my feet and the preload on the suspension was taken out completely. I have the 2021 version.
The one thing I agree with is the side stand has the rong angle on it but that’s just a small point. I think Royal Enfield has a winner with this bike.
You are correct that the ambient temperature gauge is not accurate. It seems to be too close to the engine as once the bike is running it reads on the high side. If it's a carby model then to get the best out of the bike they need re-jetting as they run too lean in order to meet emissions. As far as a value for money adventure bike already kitted out with most of the stuff you need, like screen, bash plate, mains stand, carrier, fork gators they are pretty hard to go past. The are without doubt great value for money and a simple design which is relatively easy to work on and maintain, as well as being pretty reliable.
A simple solution to the broken lever problem, loosen the clamp a little, just enough to let it move under a fall but not so much that it moves when using it. This lets the lever move out of the way if you drop the bike and could save the lever from breakage. It's not fool proof but it could save them under light drops! (When stationary , for example). Do this AND fit a good handlebar guard and you'll never have to replace a lever again! You were lucky to get the speedo cable replaced under warranty, Most maunfacturers warranties don't cover control cables. Excellent customer care from Royal Enfield!
Liss: I was really surprised that they covered it too. Santina and the guys at RE Sydney always looked after me. I am sad that they won't be my go to people with my next bike.
Hi, great review. Just love this bike. As a total 50 years old beginner, will you recommend it as first bike for town and also country riding but not so much off-road!? Thanx and regards from Serbia ✌️
Poor Harry - must be a Arnold Schwarzenegger double based on the number of drops (and pickups) ;-) Own the EFI version and like it a lot - never let me down, even when overrun by a minivan I could pick it up and go to the garage by myself. A very impressive little bike with its quirks for sure. Stay safe
Liss: haha! Check out our next upload (releasing tonight!) to see me finally start pulling my own weight with the bike lifting. Turns out I could lift it, just needed to change my technique!
I have been riding royal Enfield for years now and have seen people who don't like RE and 2nd group who just font want anything. Himalayan is a zero gravity bike the most balanced one. What I feel is to get a real potential of himalayan we need to know how to ride it.
word to the wise, if you keep bending the guards back they will break eventually; next time maybe just leave it? it'll still protect. Good for you taking on the adventures!!
Great review 👍 I'm considering the Himalayan for a alrounder. Just wondering how you find the factory Tyers off road? I've heard there not bad on road and in the wet.
Liss: The brakes are gentle, for sure, but have never caused me any trouble so far and a tight grip will slow me down fast when neccesary. I don't exactly ride fast, so they've been ideal for my riding style - and also means no issues with jolting the bike when braking on slow terrain.
Its versatile Because the bike is made in India for the Indian market, where your mom or wife doesnt care about your off roading capabilities but more about your skill in going multiple times to the local shop for getting eggs, bread, milk , etc.
Most motorcycle fuel guages are poor, the tanks are just not big enough and are usually an odd shape. Even the one on my Goldwing with its 25 litre fuel capacity only gives a vague approximation.
Noraly (Itchy Boots) the solo female rider has proven what a Himalayan is capable of when she rode from Asia to Europe. She is currently doing South America to Alaska which has been halted coz of Covid-19.
Good channel, good info , easy going and enjoyable video edition, many tips about things that are actually very useful to know, for anyone is going to use this bike as it´s intended to. It´s a good bike, I really like it, and I would buy it blindfolded if a had to.. The issue to me is the following: Indians (the country) are becoming motorcycle makers to really take in account. Excellent quality, very fair price. But they sometimes underpower their bikes for (to me) obscure reasons. 24 bhp, why? I know they want to make the bikes eternal, as this quite is, but I tent to think they could make it with 35 hp with no problen, and they are somehow reluctant for some reason. You can perfectly retain the old RE engine feelin, while unleashing the output a little more. Humbleness? Modesty? Culture? I can´t accept they are unable to develop a 400 cc engine to produce more power than this. That being said, this bike will as it comes would take you literally to the end of the world, and is perfectly able to do 85 mph (135-140 kmh) , wich is totaly acceptable if you want to take the highway.
@@mviv6339 ahm...ok. I posted this some time ago, but I like the issue a lot so...let me point two o three facts. That speed limit is the same pretty much everywhere (I´m from Argentina). We all (you and us) travel ocasionallly faster than that if the road allouds it. It´s not mandatory, 100-120 km/h being a fine traveling speed, but is always good to now you have a speed reserve, to overcame trucks or shorten long distances when is needed. You have all my respect if you don´t want to ever make more than 120. You´ll certainly be safer than many. But then, why to have a 400 cc. engine? That output can be reached with a lighter 250..... In oposition to what I say, the Bajaj Pulsar, very popular here, 200 cc and 23 bhp. We embarras Honda 250 guys with them, but in bigger bikes... Interestingly, we got a RE assembly plant here (SIMPA Royal Enfield, I believe the only one outside India). And they are assembling precisely the Hima , the Conti and the Inte 650 (actually my dream bike...with already 47 bhp , I comply..). I´m not sure 90% of RE bikes are sold there by the way.....they are selling a lot everywhere...Europe...EEUU.... And even if it´s true, that remaining 10% means numbers some makers only dream to reach. Imagine a HImalayan making 35 bhp, it´s arlready very liked, it would be loved...
@@sharknado7157 A bit of history. frankly the Indian motorcycle market is the biggest in the world. Till the 80s only RE and rajdoot bikes were available as our market was closed to imported bikes. Ppl mostly used bajaj scooters. The Japanese with their 100/125 cc , super reliable bikes invaded India in the 80s and easily left RE behind. Now the market has matured and imported brands like ktm ( bajaj owns half) , Japanese and European bikes with higher cc , and the domestic bajaj , hero , etc dominate. RE is a sort of nostalgic throwback for most Indians , though they sell a lot of bikes , they are on the heavier side and not really the daily easy drivers like the 125 cc bikes. The Himalayan on the other hand has made quite a splash in India and abroad slso it seems. Its not a typical RE and has proven quite reliable. To answer your question, people who want higher speeds and acceleration have lots of options in India now. RE is a niche product now. And exports are around 2500 out of 55000 monthly sales, so around 5 %. Annual sales of mobikes are 12 million per annum , scooters 6 m.
@@mviv6339Tks for the answer. I see, with those monumental numbers, business is in a range. Anything outside that, despite how cool or nice, is somehow marginal. The way you pointed it is very clear. Now here is my point... Is kind of funny to know that you sell 20 m bikes a year. My country´s whole population is 40 m haha.. But (an is big one...) In many ways, entire Latin America (south and central...), behaves as a single market, specially in regard to motorcycle importations. For example...bikes sold here are pretty much the same as those in Mexico, and we are 8000 km apart. Same language everywhere (excepting Brasil, but spanish and portuguese are very close, we can understand each other anyway). Astonishlingly, total latam population is about 650 m, about just a half India´s alone. But half the indian´s market is still a lot... We get mainly generic chinese production, rebranded here, on the ultra cheap side (and it´s ok), and then Bajaj (first) , Hero , Tvs and RE in the other. Both had provided many of us the chance of entering mobility, but when you buy indian you have a totally better quality, and a "proper" brand structure,, at a totally fair cost. Then come the japanese brands, but always more expensive. I will not buy a Honda 150 if i can get a perfectly fine Hero 200 for the same price or less, with better power and torque, or for some more money, a RTR 200 or a Pulsar. But we like bigger bikes also. Chinese hav recently started to explode that market also. Partially in it´s usual generic fashion (400 cc, 500cc engines), but in some cases with more traditional branding manners (like Benelli). And, again, India bikes. Dominar, HImalayan, Continental/Interceptor. Japanese bigger bikes are ..imposible...to buy here. The prices are absurd. RE is a top notch brand here, if you have one you are kind of wealthy. 47 hp to the beautiful 650 It´s ok. You could ask for more (and since we are assembling it here now, somebody will mess with that engine, we cordially beg your pardon...haha), but, since it reaches 4 kg/hp nobody complains. Besides, the bike is..a dream. I seriously say I wouldn´t buy any Triumph instead of it, if I had the money. With that power, that super nice merge between 70´s true spirit and modern making, I wouldnpt need any more. Dominar, if you don´t need the retro feeling, is another great product, totally balance within price, performance and looks. Let me exagerate a little and say I thanked the gods with tears in my eyes, when they rated it with 40 hp. And there it comes the Himalayan. It couldn´t be cooler, speaking about design. Distinct, able, rugged, torquey as a tractor. You have one around here, everybody will stare at you, and ask you wich kind of bike it is. Excellent machine. But, and to conclude (sory for the unstandable long speech...), RE should perhaps consider we are customers too. Unless (It´s up to them of course...) they want to turn their back to a market wich growing potential could be surprising. We think in ourselves as customers, that´s for sure. They give 32-35 hp to the Hima, and they seriously risk to make it the world class trail reference. A GS 800, a KTM 900, etc., are they better? Perhaps, I can do without them.... ;)
