The Himalayan Is The Beginner ADV Bike To Get! | Day In The Saddle 

Big shout out to AF1 Racing for supplying this little Himalayan for the day! It was a surprisingly great time and you can check it out here: www.af1racingaustin.com/used-inventory/2022-royal-enfield-himalayan

Royal Enfield panniers: $700 Ducati panniers: A Royal Enfield

Royal Enfields rebirth is the best thing to happen to motorcycling in the last five years. It's bringing many many new people into the fold with simple, affordable, reliable, fun and good looking bikes. Kudos to them and excited for their future. Nice video Spite!

After many powerful bikes, i bought an Himalayan and its crazy fun! Greetings from Portugal 🇵🇹

If I lived in a rural town, that would be the bike to have. Simple enough to repair yourself, enough power to go everywhere around, and the quiet engine is great to enjoy the scenery. I am just happy RE exist and set a good mark for cheap, nice bikes. Great video.

"Itchy Boots" on YT made world tours on her Royal Enfield - Himalayan on different terrains ... That bike is tough, obviously ‼️👍

I have ridden one of these and I agree Spite it is a great beginner bike. For the Nay Sayers out there I will remind them that Itchy Boots has ridden one from India back to Holland and also 2/3rds the length of South America with only minor problems with this bike. So put that in your pipe and smoke it. Great review Spite!

With the cheap price AND a 3 year unlimited mile warranty w/ roadside assistance... You cannot go wrong. Even if you buy this for 2 seasons the guy you're selling it to still has a full year of warranty. So much confidence. In Ottawa where I live I met a guy who's the 3rd owner with around 20k km on the bike and still had half a year warranty when he bought it.

Every review I have seen about the Himalayan is that it doesn't do anything particularly well, it just does EVERYTHING. I haven't seen a single review where it wasn't fun for the rider. For the price point, it is wonderful.

I bought one of these this summer... Despite (or maybe because of) the sh!t your previous employer had to say about it. Looks like we both made the right decision and went our own way! Keep up the good work buddy 😀

This is my first bike and I love it. It's not fast AT ALL but it has so much character and is capable of doing almost whatever you want off road.

Bought a Scram 411 a couple months ago and have put a little over 2000 miles on it now. Taken it to Texas and a couple other states. It does really well on highways. It's not going to blow you away or pop any wheelies, but this thing is smooth riding at highway speeds. Couldn't have chosen a better beginner adventure bike

As a guy in his 50s, considering his first bike to tour the dirt roads of Australia at slow speed, this could be perfect. Bigger than a Trail 125, smaller than a DR650. Slow and reliable is what I want. Retro looks are just a bonus.

It was because of *your* review -back on the other channel-that led me to purchase the RE INT 650. Love RE, the bike, and community.

I love my Himalayan (mainly because it is my first bike). I put a tall seat on it cos I'm quite tall also and it helped so much with long rides and overall comfort (seat concepts tall, if anyone is interested). I did ride a Kawasaki 650 for a few weeks beforehand and found that I was only ever using 3rd gear for pretty much everything, which why I love riding the Himalayan so much; you really have to pick the right gear for the situation you're in, which makes the overall ride so much more engaging to me. It also seems, surprisingly, to be ok at highway speeds and I've had little issue getting it up to 120km/h (about 75m/h). While it doesn't rocket off the line it definitely has more pace than the average car and can get up to speed no problem. Not sure how much Spite weighs but I fluctuate between 95-100kg. (oh he's 240lb) Great bike.

Looks to be a fantastic little adv for a smaller, newer rider, that's looking for a budget machine.

I always smile when Spite calls a bike small. Great review though, just proves you don't need tons of cash to have a ton of fun, I would much prefer to drop a Himalayan than some high priced ADV, so your going to be able to pick some more technical stuff that pushes your skill level.

3:34 That nice little lever on the left side, which is between the headlight switch and the mirror is called a choke. Use it for the first couple houndred meters. It gives your enginge more throttle when idle to assist a cold start, so your enginge won't die down on you in idle when cold. It's usually an old bike thing, but I guess RF just used this instead of fancy tech to keep the price low.

Only thing we Royal Enfield guys need now is Spite reviewing the Meteor 350. :) Greetings from Brazil.

Glad you gave this bike a fair trial instead of just yelling at the spec sheet like Yammie did way back then. I've bought this bike as a commuter / weekend fun machine and I'm pretty happy with my choice. It's a jack of all trades (except for speed obviously). It's sturdy, made to withstand offroad abuse, and relatively cheap to fix. Binned it a few times while doing off road already and the bike took it like an absolute champ. I was planning to go for a 3k kilometer adventure to Turkey this october, but COVID messed up my plans and now it's a bit too cold for my taste. The bike's idle is ok, it should idle around 1100-1200, however you were riding an older model, lackluster idling is a widespread issue among them. Something to do with poor ambient temperature sensor position. RE however does their homework, since my bike had no issues with idling so far (3k kilometers). Whilst its got it fair share of issues, most of them can be if not resolved, then at least be made more bearable with aftermarket stuff. There's even stuff to fix the poor idling. The tripper thingie I feel is more of a gimmick. It uses a proprietary app that incorporates google maps but is kinda finnicky to use. I couldn't be bothered to use it, good old phone mount and google maps are a lot more comfortable to use and informative. Would've been a lot more usable if it was straight up google maps without the RE app in between.

I work at an REdealer and I have to say, the Himalayan was the first model we got in our shop, and initially none of us were impressed. As you experienced, these bikes have starting/idling issues from the get go, and it seems like they have some kind if battery draw, because if these bikes sit for even a few days without starting, they will die completely. That said, the 650, 350, and even the new Scram 411, which is literally just this bike with a new dash and smaller front wheel have none of these issues. It's insane how quickly and concisely they've stepped up their quality control and finish on their new motorcycles!

I bought a Himalayan after riding Harleys for 7 years and, as slow as this tractor is, I never get off it with a frown on my face. That, and the feeling that I could literally take the entire bike apart and reassemble with the provided tool kit. I can easily perform all of my own valve adjustments and top level work in my garage. It was built to be able to adjust and repair on the side of a mountain. That stalling issue is as simple as a TPS adjustment. Half of the pleasure in this bike is that you can’t quite figure out WHY you love it as much as you do.

Man, love your vids and am so glad you’ve brought all the likability and relatability from your previous gig without all the juvenile “yeet” and “squid” references. Your talents are showcased here.

I really appreciate these type of reviews. Not all of us can or want to spend loads of money on a bike. Really enjoying the channel

I subbed cause I liked spite on the yammie channel and felt he was the funniest out of the 2, and plus, I feel it was a dick move for yammie to chop you like that but much success to you bro and you got a sub/supporter here for sure 🤙

Hmmm… turbo that RE and then we’ll think about it 🤣 Honestly thought, RE has been making magic lately. So many slow and super charming machines! Love them all. Great review Spite.

I picked up a 2019 Himalayan 3 days ago, I had a precision end can, new down pipe, iridium plug and DNA filter added. It definitely helps. I'm glad I found your review as it confirms everything I want from this bike: Economical, great to learn / try out off road, travel, camp, tour and commute. I did a Vlog of the Reveal on my channel with all the add ons. 😊

Spite, please keep making videos like this. This is what we want. Indians, RE-s and used bikes. Please 🙏😁

The Himalayan you rode needs the software update that will fix the cold stall issues. I’m buying one this fall. I followed Ol’Man Ronin until he died of cancer. His continuous laughter while enjoying this bike proves that the Himalayan is all about FUN!

I'm 5'3 and this is the ideal size for me. Absolutely love my Himalayan and I'm learning off-road techniques. Such a reliable and forgiving bike. I've never had any issues with low idle or stalling. I find it a versatile bike with a great entry price.

The cold start issue is very common on these. They run too lean, and that "choke" lever really isn't a choke, it adds even more air! I solved this issue on my '22 Himmie by installing a Booster Plug and it hasn't stalled since. I commute in California on mine 250 miles a week and have just passed 10K miles. A few mods and a sprocket swap and these will do 70-75 all day long.

I’m so glad you’ve broken free from yaminoob! You’re creating such better quality content, without yami’s annoying voice talking about “dank nooners”, and actually have something constructive and useful to say. Keep up the good work, my dude!

Glad to see you tackling some RE on your own! Speaking of royal enfield, I'd like to hear your thoughts about the newly announced super meteor 650. seems like serious competition for the spot the HD sportster 883 used to occupy

Moved to India in 2018 and been riding one ever since. Love my RE Himalayan can't wait tell June when the new 450 version is suppose to come out.

When I bought my first bike I found myself in a position to buy either an RE Himalayan, and a CRF250L Rally, I went with the Rally, only because it''s more offroad capable. But I do love the styling of the Himalayan. Love that RE is embracing the retro styling with pretty much all of their models. Big fan of how this bike looks.

Currently ride a 1000cc sports tourer, I went to a Royal Enfield demo day recently and had such a good time on the Himalayan. Strongly considering pulling the trigger on one, also helps that other manufacturers basically have no supply of their small adventure bikes whereas Enfield always seem to have bikes ready to go. I'm a similar height to you though and I relate to having the tank cutouts digging into my knees!

Love these segments. Glad they are on realistic bikes sometimes and not always out of touch ones.

Unique looking bike, I like it. Thanks for the review man!

Super stoked your channel is doing so well and your killing it like always.

Thanks SC. Great job. Good info. God bless. Happy trails.

NEARLY 110K SUBSCRIBERS, well done, and well earned with some great content!

Literally started looking up reviews on Royal Enfield bikes and came across Yammie Noobs channel. After watching a few videos discovered you left and had to follow your channel. You do great work, keep it up!!

Great video Spite the length was fine for me, there was a lot to cover and you did it, stay safe and keep em coming!

Definitely will consider this one for my first ADV. I’ve always wanted a Royal Enfield, also great video Spite! Glad to see you brought a lot of fans over and are doing well.

I paid $4499 for my 2022 Himalayan last month. First bike and I’m enjoying it so far.

Great review, I really like what RE is doing lately.

I'm glad your doing videos of used bikes. I feel like a lot of new riders are going to look at the used market for a first time ride. Keep up the awesome work brother.

Thanks man. I just sat on the scram411 and really liked it. Glad you enjoyed the Himalayan ride Spite

I already have a Royal Enfield Meteor 350 for commuting to and from work; it's a brilliant little reliable and versatile bike. Next on the list is a Himalayan for camping. After that, I'm going for the new RE Meteor 650 2023 for long range touring. These bikes are bloody great for the price range. Real value for money.

As part of your audience on the other side of the Atlantic, I really appreciate the fact you're putting the bike weight in KGs now as well!

The Q&A from viewers/fans is a nice addition to the format. Well done!

I've been really checking these bikes out and trying to make some decision and after taking one on a test ride this review is very accurate and well made. I actually live in Austin so seeing that this bike's available is pretty darn tempting

There is something to be said about smaller bikes. Not just for beginners but for all experience levels. When it comes down to daily riding on asphalt or gravel you don’t really need 100hp bikes. Comfort, useful power, lightweight, and generally easier maintenance. A few minor upgrades and you’re set for a long time.

As a current Himalayan I'm so excited for the new 450 LC! It's Greta that you finally got to try it liked it 😃

I own a Himalayan alongside a Gold Wing. If you are looking at one, this review is pretty fair … I’ve had mine one year and put about 3500 miles on it. I am 6’1” and replaced the stock seat with a tall Seat Concepts and a 40 mm handlebar riser - addresses issues Spite pointed out. A couple things I would add is that 65-70 US mpg is typical and all REs run on 87 AKI (US)/90 RON gas. $10 gets you 150 miles of fun (@$4/gal US). Secondly, the bike has a three year warranty- I made a claim and RE stood behind the bike. Thirdly - maintenance is every 3k, but easy. You do not have to remove the valve cover to adjust valves and they are old style screw/nut.

So glad to see your take on it and that you enjoyed the bike! Your assessment of it as a bike that you will likely outgrow but want to keep is exactly my experience. I didn’t have the space or budget to keep mine when I got my Interceptor, but I often find myself wanting to ride one for tours with inevitable off-road sections. Appreciate the comparison with the KLR as well. Definitely a valuable contribution to the discourse around the motorcycle.

As an absolutly beginer /boght my himy this year, and started riding again after 30 yeras/ can confirm everything you said.. I love this bike, and with less than 5k km of experience i managed to ride some really nice off-road tours, even some "technical" parts. I am a "vertically challenged" rider, and the low center of gravity this bike has, makes it so much fun to ride..

We need more royal Enfield content from spite

Spite, i am digging the growth and the way your content is developing man! Good shit

90K!!!! whooooot! Great content as usual Spite.

I've been loving my interceptor 650 this past season, Enfield has been crushing it lately with the 350's, 450's and 650's. I'm excited for the future and the possible venture into larger capacity engines.

You can adjust the idle screw, but it is more of a hassle than most singles, the screw is under the gas tank so you have to prop it up to gain access.

SPITE!!! good to see ya brother

Great review! Good job man.

Thanks for a great review on a bike I have been curious about. Also since I am not far away it’s good to know about your personal recommendation for AF1!

I haven't noticed sooner but holy cow, 90k already! Let's push push push for that sweet 100k before 2023!

I have one of these as a commuter, touring, and light offroader in NY/New England. I’ve done plenty of highway riding on the bike, and I found that Hitchcock’s intake cover actually helps with its highway manners a lot. The stock cover has a very small air inlet, the Hitchcock/DNA one is much larger. I don’t think it does much (if anything at all) for peak power, but it changes the power curve a bit and improves response at smaller throttle openings. You wind up using a bit less throttle at highway speeds and it feels a bit more chilled out. The Hitchcocks part is ~$30 and made of metal, although you could achieve the same effect by dremeling out the factory plastic airbox cover. With me and a load of camping gear on the back it’ll cruise happily at 70 mph all day long.

Stoked to find your channel! Enjoyed the video.

AF1 is amazing. I live in DC but still order any and everything for my Tuono 660 Factory from them. They're super helpful on even the silliest of install questions too. Wish they were my local shop.

Spite! If you want to do a Beta 350rrs day in the saddle I’ve got a very sparkling new bike for you in Dallas!

So good to see your channel growing so fast! 100k soon mate! Good on ya!

Spite, thanks for including metric units for the metric boys. Love the review! Keep pushing up for high quality content like this!

I think that way too many people are so worried about aesthetics and never really live life on a motorcycle. I have had way more fun remembering the trip where I had to zip tie ammo cases to my bike as storage. However, I will say that when you are young pulling your bike out of the mud is always an option, but as you get older, you tend to want to get through the mud vs stuck in the mud. That being said, I have always enjoyed bikes more that are easy to fix, easy to ride, and just keep going and going. I have often considered REnfield because you can avoid the gasps of shock and awe, because people do not care what you do to the Enfield, As the price goes up, so does your panic about what happens to the bike as you go out adventuring. I know a lot of people who limit what they do because they are worried that they may devalue the bike. Where is the fun in that?

Yammie: so you want an RE Himalayan? Spite: Yes Love this channel so much.

Great review . Intelligent, real world debate ,covering viewpoints that actually matter, is becoming your hallmark.. Thank you

Excellent review, thanks for sharing your detailed review!

People slept far too much on RE before the twins, their bikes are great fun. I love my bullet 500

Air and evap delete will sort out the stalling and EBC pads for the brakes make a big difference as does fresh decent brake fluid, The tick over can be adjusted by lifting the back of the tank and there's a large brass screw head for adjusting, I've had Harleys, Victory's and numerous Japanese bikes but never had so much fun on a bike since I was 17 on a 125, My Yamaha 900 has sat in the shed since i got the Himmi nearly 2 years ago lol. enjoyed your review cheers.

Ive had the 2019 since it came out. Love this bike and it has taken me places that I as a rider had no business being. Camping, fishing, rock hounding, desert, forest, gravel or dirt. This bike will get you there. Im also a shorter rider, 5'7", so this seat height was perfect for me. I also ride mine on the highway frequently. 70 is ok, 65 is better, dont ever go over 72-75.

WE LOVE YOU SPITE!!

Hey There Spite! Love the Channel, Keep up the good work! I have a 2022 Himalayan back here in India and they have updated the bike by removing the choke. To be fair, we don't need it in most parts of India because it doesn't get as cold as it does in the USA. There is an idle RPM adjustment screw, but its literally under the fuel tank, so you'll have to detach it and then adjust the idle RPM (weird but it is what it is). Again the bike is pretty big for most Indians considering that we aren't on average as tall as y'all are xD I absolutely love the himmy and am glad to see yoou enjoyed it too! Cheers

13:14 I have to disagree there tbh. This bike is the top choice for serious off roading and trailing here in India. The mountain ranges it is named after have a reputation for notoriously dangerous roads where there's more ruts and deep holes than pavement. The Himalayan makes up the majority of motorcycles that complete these routes where you have to cross some very risky trails.

I did exactly that,, I own a Ducati but also wanted something cheap and cheerful so I bought the scram 411 as a second bike and loving every minute of it, I will be modifying it for off road, good review thanks

Awesome review, man!

Ser, Himalayan 450 is coming soon. Looking forward to it. I believe it will check out on all things this bike misses. Fingers crossed for now.

A conti 650 makes me want one as a little hotrod bike

Many thanks for including metric units in the specs 👍

I loved this review!

This thing is gonna be a real contender when it gets the water cooled 40~45hp engine.

I've been curious about trying out a RE for a long time. Have to talk to the local dealer. Nice to hear your thoughts on this. Edit: Thank you for the metric units, you rock!

Awesome review! Very detailed. Thank you so much.

I saw an Africa Twin in my small rural town and I couldn't help but give the guy a big thumbs up and a smile with my tongue sticking out.

The smaller size works good for smaller riders. My friend is a retired jockey and he loves it

Great honest review.👍👍

Great intro. Got me hooked immediately!

Him a layin

Great video! We have one in our garage and the review is very spot on. Glad I'm not the only one who has trouble keeping it started. I'm surprised you were able to get it above 65. When I ride it if there's a slight breeze 65 is where it tops out for me, which doesn't work for me where our interstate speeds are 80

This channel is gotta be my new favorite bike content location

Great review of this bike 👍

If anyone wants a day in my saddle, Im taking applications