Royal Enfield Himalayan: Honest, Thoughtful Review 

This is a truly good review of the Royal Enfield Himalayan. I bought one a couple of years ago to replace a 60k 7 year old honda, it's my only mode of transport , and to be honest of the 60 or so bikes I have owned since 1980 I'd put the himi in the top 5 . As a rural worker across the water in England the himi handles bumpy roads with ease, I might be a bit bias but royal Enfield have their engine research and development here in England, and bought Harris brothers to design their frames who are the best motorcycle frame builders on the planet .. ps. I stand to be corrected but Royal Enfield have been the top selling brand in the UK for the last couple of years 🇬🇧🇬🇧👍

Everything you said really resonates with me. I've been a Harley rider for many years and for whatever reason i'm just getting tired of the 'bigger is better' mentality. The Himalayan really appeals to my soul and it was so nice to see someone else express the same thing! I'm gonna head to my local dealer asap to check them out in person.

Spot on comments! I must mention how pleased I am with the FuelX Pro install based on your recommendation - I am using Map 5 with only engine mod the NGX plug - bike now leaps forward upon throttle application - I actually could have passed traffic with ease @ 75 mph. Gobsmacked. Many have tried to explain the appeal of this machine but you have distilled the essence: RE riders just wanna have fun 😜

I picked my '21 Himalayan about 6 weeks ago for $3000. It had 2200 miles. Yes, the handlebars were bent, the front turn signals were broken and a passenger footpeg was missing. The previous owner was a young man who was a little adventurous. Anyhow all those issues were resolved and now I love it. I never did any off-road type riding until buying this bike. Still have my Goldwing and ride it as well, but that Himalayan is so much fun. I can see now why RE is blowing up and other brands are struggling at the moment (HD).

Great video Ron. I bought a Himalayan a couple of years ago for my wife but I ride it 25x what she does. It doesn’t have the power of my DR 650 or off-road ability of my WR250, yet……….I really enjoy this bike, probably more than either of the other two. Your videos as well as many others who ride this bike seem to come to the same conclusion as me. There is an unexplainable attraction to this underpowered bike that just puts a smile on your face that so many other bikes just can’t equal! Keep up the good work and I hope to get in a few miles with you this summer.

Great video! First time watching you. Just bought a 2022 Himalayan a couple of days ago, still hasn't shipped from the dealer to me. Never even rode one, but bought it any way to go moto camping with my son. Keep up the excellent videos! I'm a big fan of Mr Darcy and the Ol Man too!

Ron I think you’ve put together one of the best reviews I’ve seen on the Himi! I agree with you on so many levels. My interest started from a friend that bought one back in ‘19 and I was instantly hooked but wasn’t sure if I wanted to get another bike due to some life challenges. Fast forward to this past fall and a local dealer got there shipments late in the season and had all their RE models for $1K off. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. They had a black on black one with the factory black hard cases already installed. Bam!! Sold!! Since I got it late in the season I’ve only put on my break in miles but what fun miles they were! I mainly wanted something to ride on the all the dirt farm/fire roads around my area in western PA and even commute occasionally to work with. I don’t think the value to fun ratio can be beat by many other options out there in my opinion! Looking forward to experiencing your adventures this season! 😎

In the United States, the pervasive marketing of all vehicles is focused on bigger is better which translates into bigger is more profitable. But it has been so effective that people think anything less than big is somehow unsafe and untenable. A look at the Himalayan on paper would certainly quality it as underpowered and lame. But as you've found out, as I have, it may be the perfect motorcycle to explore and take in the world. I was influenced by Itchy Boots as well. As she's gotten more experienced as a rider in the past couple years and started riding in rallies, she has been a little more aggressive than she was on her Himalayan. But as I get older and approach the 70 year old mark, the Himalayan and its slow and boring ways are perfect for what I want to do. Your videos are enjoyable to watch. And your observations are great. Thanks for taking the time to share them.

Great video , as i am watching it I see this video is 10 months old. Well here it is Nov. 2023 and your dream bike is availaable now. Himalayan 450 . I am 81 and looking at what should be probably my last bike and the 450 would fill the bill for me.

Thanks for sharing! I got a red one as well and the looks are growing on me. The price point really sold me...ok, maybe it sold my wife a bit more than me, but so far I am happy with the decision! - Shane

Great video. I bought my new Himmi one year ago. I use here in Germany for my way to work and it's like going on vacation for one hour every day. I'm every time away from the dailies problems and issues, which otherwise only happens while doing my favourite sport Aikido. Enjoy, have fun and I wish you a good life. Stefano from Germany

A wonderful video! I still have my 21 year old Road King and bought a Himalayan for the same reasons you did. Riding it feels very "pure", it is what it is, warts and all, and I find myself riding it more than the RK. Keep up the good work.

This is such a great video! So much information here. I've gone through the same evolution you have and I'm looking to pull the trigger on the Scram/Himi. The only negative for me are the tube tires. I live in Ecuador where this bike will be perfectly applicable. I think by now you have installed the TEC cam...can't wait to hear your impression. Also, I'll study this FuelX Pro. Finally, that ride from Montrose to Durango is absolute utopia!

I appreciate this. I have a Himalayan and haven't done too very much with it. Hope to change that this upcoming season.

thank you for your appreciation, it really helps a lot.

I enjoy watching Kamikaze Moto and Itchy Boots, and I love the Himalayan 411. I love Colorado, so I think I will enjoy watching you riding those trails, peaks, summits, mountains, and passes out there. I'm subscribing to your channel to go along in your adventures. Fun, safe travels!

As another UK biker, who is considering getting back into motorbikes, but mainly for commuting (getting to work!) and recreational road riding, I am seriously considering getting a Himalayan. I like the look of them, I want a more upright riding position, and I am quite happy with a slightly lower powered bike, but with enough 'get up and go' to keep up with traffic. The Himalayan seems to fit everything that I want, at a reasonable price, and nothing too electronic (my last bikes were a RE Army Bullet and a Triumph T140e Bonneville, so I love the more simple bikes!) Thanks for your thoughts on the Himi - it is looking more likely that I will get one (if my wife is happy with it...)

Agree with you 100%... I have a 2022 Himalayan and had just got rid of my 2016 Ducati Multi - Strada... a big step down some may say but I actually use the RE more as it's just easier to jump on and go with something lighter and smaller. I mainly use it for around Town and I also own a Suzuki Hayabusa and a Aprillia Tuono... The Himalayan is the bike I usually jump on ! If I take a long highway trip i have the Suzuki for that... I have lived in Italy and you are correct, the main bikes/scooters used are smaller models as they have very expensive fuel and with the tight roads and all. That being said I did rent BMW GS's to tour on and I would say amongst the big bikes that model is the most popular over there ... I saw very few MV 's, Ducatis or Moto Guzzi's ... The Himalayan is certainly cheap to purchase and I have issues with some of the quality control but except for my battery going dead one day in the cold it has been ok. The battery strangely recovered and no problems since. I love the fact that I can work on it with minimal tools and after putting the Powertronic fuel manager on it the throttle response is better. I put an { expensive ) Corbin seat on it as I hated the seat ( always liked Corbin from my Harley days.. ) and I really thought the low HP would bother me but if I want more HP I probably need to buy a different bike, no sense trying to make it something it isn't.... oh by the way one drop on my Ducati off road cost a few hundred dollars replacing mirror/turn signals ect....... Replacement parts for the RE are very reasonable. More people have complimented this bike than you would believe.

Great review, I have been looking at getting the Himalayan as my possible first bike and most of the reviews seem to share your sentiment that the bike is not particularly great at anything, but it is the most fun or their favorite bike that they have ridden. It seems charming and the character is unlike anything else I have seen on the market that isn't a 20+ year old bike.

Mines due to arrive this week and I truly can't wait. I'm a photographer and looking to do similar types of riding (not quite as epic views sadly) and getting out there in that stuff. The cam should do quite a bit but one thing I'll be considering is the exhaust + air filter combo seems to help to open it up and breathe a little better and seems to fill in that power "hole" it has. Some even say that it improves mileage. Seems like a relatively easy and cheap way to help it out

I ride a Royal Enfield 350 Classic. Super cheap to insure, 100 miles to the gallon and do all maintenance servicing yourself, with ease. Smallest bike I’ve had in 40 years of riding yet makes me grin every time I’m on it. Just subbed your channel, looking forward to your vids. Ride safe.

Dealer wanted $600 to do the 300 mile service. I did the oil change myself, costing about $80 in oil and filter. Engine runs smoother now. Now I have to study how to inspect the valves.

I have the 21 euro5 version of the himalayan, I just had a trip from Denmark and into Africa on it,, the only thing that went wrong was the Fuel Pump , it just stoped working and i had it replaced under warenty , but it did end my trip , so i was stock in Gambia , and limped back to senegal to ship it home, I realy love the bike so i wasnt mad about that it broke down i had a amazing adventure until that happend, ,,, When i first got the bike i went on a loong trip to Northcape in norway from Denmark .. and it was of an onroad with no problem.. The Himalayan is just amazing .. And i am going to Africa again later this year on .... The Himalayan ... If you want you can watch my channel on the trip ...

as a colorado mountainbiker who is looking at motorcycles because my legs cant go as far as my mind wants to, i appreciate your perspective.

One more Harley guy who sees the light. Congrats. Adventure bikes all the way.

My youngest son and his girlfriend rode 15,000 miles around Europe earlier this year, both riding Himmy's. They did their own servicing and tyre changes through thirty-five countries over a four-month period. Most of the miles were off-road or on country lanes. The only mechanical issue they encountered was a broken, after-market pannier frame which they got welded up by a friendly local. It#s low power, but decently torquey. It's not a motorway cruiser, it's not designed for that. But it is so user-friendly and full of character, a future classic and as you say. just fun! Love and peace.

Hi Ron, Really appreciate the informative video that you've done here. Despite the fact that the new Himalayan 450 is on the offing, ill still prefer to settle for this time tested workhorse..And soon. I'm going to ride to the Hinalayas on my Himalayan..

Thank for the review. I rode a (hire) Himalayan in Africa (mainly tar/concrete but with occasional tracks when the road ran out). Although this particular bike had multiple faults it kept going no matter the state of the road or track. I've had a hankering to get one here in the UK maybe to ship abroad for more trips and off-roading. My mate has one and he has fitted a new 'cam' to get the extra cc's (and of course the 450 is coming - but water-cooled adding more complexity). My big worry about the bike and most other 'dual' bikes is the problem of fixing a punctured tubed-tyre in the middle of nowhere. Peter

I’m from mountain biking too, I’m 50 now! And the transition has been awesome! My first ride out was solo around my local mountain bike trails so I knew the terrain and Its a blast 💪

Hey man,i bought the Himalayan for the exact same reason, always a cruiser kinda guy, but to travel offroad choose the himalayan, now i'm super happy with it and its my only bike nowadays. already traveled to argentina and Uruguay from Brazil. Thanks for the video

So Feeling the looking for the bike that fits your needs statement. I am going with the Ktm 390 Adventure, just fits my riding style more! Then one of the guys I will be riding with this summer is picking up a Himalayan in the next couple of months. I am sure we will look like an odd pair, but sure to get a lot of questions!

I spend a few weeks every year on sn island in the Philippines. 6 years ago I bought the biggest MC I could find on this island. A 150cc Kawasaki. It's been a great bike. Cruises at 80 kph with 2 up. In the states I ride a vintage Goldwing. Planning to get something smaller soon

Glad I stumbled onto your channel as I might have found what I was looking for. You mentioned mountain biking experience transferring to offroad motorcycle skills. I've ridden a motorcycle a handful of times but I have mountain biked in CO for 30 years and consider myself pretty good. Will these same skills I use on the mountain bike be similar to what I need riding offroad on this Himalayan? Thanks and great review.

Thank you for the review. You mentioned that your dealer was a combined RE / HD. I, too, and in Southern Colorado. I wonder: are you talking about Pikes Peak HD?

After some time in the saddle, I hope my thought process around the Royal Enfield Himalayan helps you find a way to adventure on a motorcycle! Have you considered it before?

"Simple? Count me in" = subscribed!

Hi, greetings from Latvia. Tomorrow I will be collecting my new Himalayan and will bring it home in my van, I had a choice of a vespa 300 or the Enfield and the Himalayan was perfect for me. After riding a huge amount of motorcycles over the last 46 years I know what I like and the Enfield is perfect. I don't need speed, I need comfort for my 29" inside leg, my bad back (bike related) and my low income, I live in the sticks in Latvia and am also surrounded by forest tracks (unfortunately we don't have mountains lol) the roads are all 90kph top limit, and I like the simplicity of this bike because after warranty I will do all my own repairs. Great review and I'm looking forward to future posts, gave you a subscription 👍 Harry

So I also live in CO and I am preparing to get my first bike. But I am down here in centennial in the middle of the city. Do you think a himmilayan would be a good pickup for a first bike? Kinda like the idea of being able to commute on it (don't take highways luckily) and hit some trails on the weekend if I can. love the video man!

Nice rant..makes you think about how low powered motorcycles are so much more practical..but the Himalayan is not the right bike either even if we are being practical..it is just around 16bhp underpowered..the CC is fine..but the power is not there..I agree people are doing crazy things with them…cause they are dirt cheap..but the motor is not comfortable beyond 90kmph..so what is the fix? The new Himalayan..RE..know about what I am talking about..thats why the new release with the right amount of increase in power, now to 40bhp..for a few hundred extra dolllars..now we have the almost perfect bike to explore the world..

I really enjoyed your commentary. I have an 800 Tiger which is very capable especially on the road but is a handful off road if it ever goes down. It's tall and a little top heavy and I'm 5ft 9 inches and 71 years old. The Himalayan would be much more practical.

Royal Enfield has charmed me. I really want a Classic 350 and an Int650. The Himalayan is not high on my adventure list but I will ride one as soon as I can.

Very thoughtful review indeed! I will be watching the rest of the videos as well. May I give you a challenge? Can you pronounce the word “Himalayan” correctly in your next upload? Wish you the best!

I really can't explain why, but my '22 RE Himalayan might be the most interesting bike I've owned. Previous bikes in order Buell Blast, Buell XB12R, Yamaha Bolt, Kawasaki Versys 1K, and now the Himmy. I was almost killed on the Versys, got hit and broke nine bones. After about 18 months of healing and finally having hopefully my last surgery I wasn't sure if I could get back on a bike and love it like I used to. The Himalayan was the answer to my situation in many ways. It was inexpensive, so low risk if the PTSD wouldn't let me do it. Set up well for trails and gravel/dirt back roads in rural North Texas where I live. Simple enough in design that I can do all my own work and not have to risk riding in city traffic of Dallas to take it to a dealership for service. Being slightly shorter for an ADV is a blessing as my left leg is still kind of weak and messed up from my crash. I hopped on a 310 GS at the dealership and it was just as tall as my Versys. It was clear I needed both feet down. I'm surprised how feature rich the bike is for the $4500 I paid for it new. Side stand indicator, compass, gear indicator, ABS, fuel gauge tachometer, ambient thermometer, center stand, and the Bluetooth navigation display/app. Crazy to think that's all included on an air cooled single. Like you my only complaint would be just a little more power is needed. Some of the main country roads out here go up to a 70 mph speed limit, and even on the more common 55 mph roads I'd feel better not pushing the engine quite so hard for sustained periods. However, it's been a great reintroduction into riding and while I'm already planning on eventually another bike for two-up touring with my wife (she misses the Versys), I don't think I'll sell or trade the Himmy. It's got too much charm to let go for what I would get. As far as describing it goes I call it my "hipster dirtbike." I have a knack for insulting my bikes. My Buell 1200 was a "redneck Ducati," and Versys a "dork dad-bike."

tires great have you thought of aluminum rims? loose more weight which also helps with little more go power? they are on my list when i get the cash.

You said you were looking at the Tenere before; and knowing your one complaint, engine power, do you think you will upgrade to the Tenere in the future perhaps?

OMG am I looking into a mirror. I have had a 1970's shovelhead, a 1200 sporty, and now a 2000 Ultra Classic, and I am taking acting classes and I work from home in IT....and my bike just sits there...but we have a jeep and thinking about getting one of these himalyans.

Just bought mine. I like your hand guards. Who makes them? Thank you in advance.

I think the Himalayan is pretty good, a little quirky, but extremely stable and easy to ride. For people's complaints I agree get a performance cam and the YSS suspension. Maybe $1500 for all parts and professional installation at the $5500 price point you are still cheaper than a lot of other options brand new.

A newer Himalayan or one with another name from Royal Enfield, is due this year in India, with a slight bump in engine capacity with more torque and power.

Had my himalayan year and a half now. I can't imagine selling or trading it in. For the price I'm just going to modify what I want to suit me and keep it. I have another bike but find I go to the himalayan. I'll be able to maintain and service myself. Aftermarket parts and services are cheap. I'll change the other bike but it stays. I ride it all winter to work and summer. It get under your skin. I've had bike 40 years riding on road over 30 years.

Actually… Now that I spend a few minutes on RE USA’s dealer search function, you could have been describing Durango, as well. In any case, I find the relationship a curious one. I have visited my local dealer, and it honestly appeared as though they disliked the line, that THEY WERE SELLING! I don’t have anything against HD, though it isn’t my style. But, if I were a RE USA regional manager, I would really wonder about the utility of having the line located there. Is it really that contentious to say that, for most HD guys, there is only one make of motorcycle? I might go elsewhere in Colorado, just to talk with someone who wants to sell, of even just likes!, the bikes. Thanks for reading. John

I have a Victory Cross Country and a Victory Vision in my stable already. Getting a little long in the tooth to be dealing with throwing around so much weight and really wanted something to ride on the gravel. The RU-vidrs lured me in, especially 'OlManRonin. (< keep him in your prayers) Local dealer was closing out the '22 Himalayans for $4299. Sucked me right in :) Over 1/2 way through my 300 mile break in, even with the Ohio snow and cold! Been 50 years since I've ridden in December and January lol

A 600cc Himalayan is coming soon

Incredulous, You are preachin' to the choir here, but you make me want to say, "amen". Ron, that HD ruined you with low end torque. Down shifting just is what it is. Chirpy likes 4,000 RPMs. (Chirpy is my 2021 R.E.Him.) I use the material from Sit&Fly seat covers. I addressed the leg stretching in the cock pit with a cheap set of folding highway pegs. I like the form follow function look of Chirpy. Tire balancers cost very little. So, with the savings, I picked up a set of reusable brass wheel weights to use on all the tires I hope to wear out. I am satisfied with the horsepower/longevity ratio of the Himalayan. I do have to envy an extra 5 horse-pers or torks, but not that often.

I like the Himalayan, but dollar for dollar, I'd rather buy a KLR 650. The additional engine displacement and suspension capabilities over the Himalayan are difficult to ignore when you consider the price difference. Sure, you can upgrade the cam and suspension, but then you'd be at the same price as a KLR, and still have a warranty with the KLR. Wish Royal Enfield offered the Himalayan with the 650 twin for the same price, then they'd really have something. Until then, my cash is on the KLR this spring.

Hi, all the love from all the way from 🇮🇳. Your issue with a bit more cc and hp is going to be be addressed soon as RE is already road testing a new Himalayan with a new 450cc engine with 40hp instead of the current 411cc 24hp. Cheers!!! 🙏 Also checkout the Super Meteor 650, that RE recently launched, a middle entry level cruiser.

More than CCs, I want a 6th gear.

Love my Himi! You stated pretty much what others have mentioned about the bike yet it's a super fun bike to ride. Checkout Ol' Man Ronin for lots of great Himalayan videos. He's a good friend of mine. Cheers!

125 en 300 is de toekomst.

Any one else get matthew McConaughey vibes lol

Sorry, I fell asleep before you got to any kind of point.

did you say cockpit ? really

RON.. YA NEED A HEADLIGHT PROTECTOR FOR YOUR HEADLIGHT.... CHECK OUT THIS VALLEY OF THE GODS VIDEO- LOCAL ROUTE ADV- ABOUT 8 MINUTES IN- CARE TO GO? JOHN IN NORWOOD

Dude don’t speak so much. Make it quick and get out.

YES great bike have one love it take it places where harleys cant go ...

Norally (itchy boots) sold me on the Himi. Bought mine 6 months ago. Does it need more cc’s? Don’t know. Being my first bike, I don’t have any bars. Maybe if I ride something like a 600 or 900cc i would probably miss them on my Himalayan. Ignorance is bliss