This is Real Life Testing! RE Himalayan 411

[@stevep9999]

Alistair, glad you have had fun on the Himalayan. A few years ago you came over to Bunyip for a ride and you mentioned that the guy on the Himalayan kept up with the big bikes and you were impressed. They are a fun bike and great for pretty much anyone.

[@welldeckdiaries5610]

I love the global appeal of the Himmi

[@glennaltschwager5234]

Pretty impressive really. Alistair is a fkn big rig to be carting around . Ideal bike for a newbie wanting to get in to the awesome world of off-road adventure bikes.

[@SlartibartfastEsq]

RE the ABS. I used to try and turn it off before driving out of the shed. No dice. Then one day I was bored at the traffic lights and pressed the button for 3-5 seconds. Voila! Off it went. Maybe the bike needs to drive for a while first before the ABS can be disengaged?

[@JEMMTB1]

I just bought a himalayan 2020 with a blown engine, low oil, rebuilding it soon, cant wait to explore, enjoyed your vid! thanks

[@rowanbougoure4325]

The old non switchable ABS Himalayans you can de activate the ABS by either putting it on the Center stand and putting it in gear and running it, obviously, clutch out until the ABS throws a code its then disabled. Turning the bike off and restarting it res the ABS. Or you do it the easy way do a burn out and it gets the same result.

[@metaldog7128]

Great stuff guys 👍 ( quick question ? Mark, is that a new species, I’ve never heard of a Billabugga 🤣😂🤣 ) back to the bikes, they aren’t something a young fella’s gonna buy ( unless it’s the style of bike they are after) it’s not a race horse, it’s not a big old plough horse , it’s more like a mule or pack horse, load it up and go trecking on it at easy enjoyable pace.

[@outie555]

Just something about the Himalayan's that really appeals.

[@SCALE_SLOTCARS]

You have awesome tracks to ride there . The Himalayan looks perfect for those type of travels, I was amused looking at your mates back bag jumping around, waiting for it to fall off or break the rack 🤭 we have similar tracks in Latvia in the forests just not red dirt 🙂 great post mate 💪👍

[@arnohag1]

Just a good honest bike to take your time on and enjoy the ride. Thanks Mark.

[@billcotton1551]

For stock bikes ,they did great! Not super easy tracks either.

[@Cruising_the_Dash]

Great to hear. Last year, we rode our two 9500 miles in 9 weeks across the States. Dirt and minor roads. Didn't miss a beat.... Steveandsuzzertw 👍🏍️🏍️

[@BikerBits]

Bloody Ripper Mate! 👍

[@powelly38]

That bike looks like a posty bike with Alistair on it...😂

[@ashmite]

It'll be interesting to see what they do with the 650 version

[@AT2021Rocker]

Relaxed adventure! Some of my best rides have been out in the mountains on reasonable roads, not difficult but just away from it all.

[@josemiguelcorreazapata1961]

DESDE LAS MONTAÑAS DE COLOMBIA..... BUEN VIDEO, BUENA RUTA

[@stimsonromano2258]

Awesome review and thanks for sharing 😊

[@davewalton2358]

Reckon they would be great bikes to learn on, having to use skills to pick good lines instead of just blasting through and relying on heaps of suspension travel to soak up your mistakes and power to rescue you. If you could learn to ride one of these fast and safely you would have some handy skills to move to a bigger, faster bike. Great ride!

[@pinkiewerewolf]

I know you guys were taking it easy on these Himalayans but I’d see them as the bike that I would tear around and take gnarlier tracks that I would on a more expensive bike. Since we can still get them in the US, I’m thinking about possibly replacing my KLR and KLX 300 with a DR 650 but I wouldn’t rule out a Royal Enfield. 👍

[@stevemason7790]

Interesting that you picked up the only 2 issues with the himalayan,head stem bearings and gear ratio between 1st and 2nd gear.Don't know why they haven't fixed the head stem issues yet.Have some mates who have himalayans and they have replaced the bearing with a more heavy duty bearing and fixed that issue.You have such good tracks close to home Mark,just a little jealous.Think I would rather be on my little XT250 for those tracks rather than the CB500X.Cheers mate,love your videos,always a laugh.

[@nvrmor023]

Turn abs off by pressing the button like you want to push it through the dash, and hold for 5 seconds light will blink signifying it's off.

[@adamclarke1105]

Motor will have a bit more pull as it runs in. Also it’s worth looking and swingarm bolt assembly as It seems to me that the roller bearings aren’t doing their thing as the sleeve is being crushed together by the end collar. This causes the swingarm bolt to swivel instead of the bearings. It will start squeaking and restricting the swingarm after a couple of thousand klms

[@davidkumeroa2997]

Those tracks were very challenging in parts for any rider, but you guys handled it with ease on those Himalayans. Maybe with them being only 400cc it slowed you down so you can handle the Narly tracks with ease, as apposed to big flash bikes wanting to go faster so need bigger better Suspension and better tires to give you the Grip at those elevated speeds? Still nice tracks. Shame about the heat boys. Getting home safe and sound is really my target. You can have a lot of fun until it all goes sideways. Stay upright boys. Kiaora.

[@kevincraig8257]

right over those obstacles, I believe in leaving the bikes the way their shipped from the manufacturer. But on the MT-10, I had to get rid of that heavy catalyst. I love the MT-10 they need to build an enduro around that platform.

[@geezergarage]

Comfortable and Fun! Is that com-fun-table?

[@alexjohnson3696]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing

[@johnkelly2279]

That nut or bolt needs to be flogged on, has nothing to do with the tension on the bearing, the bearing tension nut is under the triple tree... nice to see that my bike here in west of Ireland,is just as capable there in Australia, may the road rise to meet you,...

[@bradleyjones5932]

i had 2 bike that i was looking at and test riding the RE Himalayan &the Kawasaki Versys x300, imo, the V-X300 is slightly better off road than the RE, and a lot better on the freeway sections, especially when having to pass traffic, the Kwaka will easily pass other cars doing 100-120 and happily go passed at 140kph if needed, and will top out at 160kph, keep the revs up like riding a 2 stroke .yes i purchased the Kawasaki Versys X300,

[@johnenglish1575]

I disagree with your positive comments re the bike on the highway at over 5,000+ rpm (105-110) klr/hr. I have just finished a 7,000 klm trip from Qld to Tassie and return on a 2021 Himalayan. The fine vibrations over 5,000 rpm have caused the park light in the headlight to disintergrate, (This is covered under the 3 year warranty as it's part of the headlight assembly). Also headlight globe failed I suspect for the same reason, and the windscreen is cracking around the mounting points. After 12,000 klms owning this bike it's my opinion the Himalayan is great up to 95 klm/hr but feels a bit stressed after that. This is indicated by the vibrations and significant drop in fuel economy at speeds of 100+ klm/hr However the Himalayan was well suited to riding the back roads of Tassie and mainland at 80-95 klm/hr.

[@Ozsmallbore]

All singles have a rev band where there is more vibes, If you are going to do mainly road riding at over 100k, fit a 16 tooth front sprocket. Problem solved.

[@SlartibartfastEsq]

I guess individual bikes are different. I use mine mostly as a commuter up and down the Hume highway at 110-115kph. Done 18,000km now and had absolutely no problems.

[@geofferyrobertson6608]

give up them darts mate , I haven't had one for 2 months now ... cold turkey from 100 to 200 a day !! 50 yrs of smoking and the last 6 years were the worst for volume ! I'm on those ZYBAN SR tablets ... no side affects all good , you have to go to a doctor to get them $168 .00 for 90 tablets ( 6 weeks worth ) , if you know someone who's on the free list like a pensioner you get them for $6.38. BIG difference

[@johnmcfarlane378]

23.53... nice save mate

[@step1507]

I noticed the older model dash on the Himmy that Alastair was riding and was wondering if the reason he couldn’t turn of the ABS was that it’s an older model without switchable ABS ??

[@BikerBits]

Yeah not sure! 👍

[@chuckwilliams6294]

On my 2020 BS-4 Himmy, you can't bypass the ABS, unless you pull the fuse out, and then put it back in again once your back on the highway.

[@pujabelgian]

@@chuckwilliams6294 I like my no bs 2018 with no abs.. perfekt!

[@davebailey8093]

Great video and road test mate.... When you consider the price of these Royal Enfields they seem to be good value for money.. Personally I like the KLR 650 or the DR but each to there own. Cheers for the vid, really enjoyed your perspective 👍

[@kevincraig8257]

I have a DR, and my wife has the Himalayan a lower seat height, but I accually prefer the looks of the Himalayan.

[@davidcauchi2837]

Greetings Mark and Alistair, Thanks for the motion, Mark, I do like stopping at St Arnaud (aka Santa Arnood) its a nice little town; The Himalayans are doing their job, easy to ride, fun on the roads and its a very easy bike to live on. Thanks for sharing....David Cauchi..Adelaide..Tiger 900Gt & Scrambler

[@jeffparryncc1701]

What a great track. Very cool :)

[@Peter-wc4kr]

Great bikes very underrated.

[@tracklifex5259]

Definitely on my wish list

[@gumbysenduro6546]

Almost dropped it Mark, Great little budget, dual sport explorer.

[@johnclowes3502]

If you get a chance you should take it out again and discover where the bikes stall point. I would bet my left nut that the “clunka chunk zone “ will be almost at idol. That would be why there is such a gap between first and second

[@jorgenmalmberg2679]

Hi guys. Love your videos. Hope you can give me some advice. I ’m thinking of buying a used Himalayan or a DR 650. My budget is 3-5000 euro. Wich had you bought? I have to ride highways to find nice gravelroads. Regards George

[@BikerBits]

I have a DR650.

[@onanysundrymule3144]

Nice one Sirs. Would you the same on a Scram, Hunter, or Classic 350? That would be an interesting experiment. Kind regards.

[@BikerBits]

Definitely the scram!

[@Blackhart50]

Great video those bikes are great image if you had dirt tyres on it

[@zoninable]

Hi Mark! I have a off topic question I am installing the gold valves on my DR650 did you drill out the damper rod? Internet is a mix bag of answers.

[@BikerBits]

No I did not!

[@henryhartley9993]

Great video guys....

[@stefansweerts3825]

Hey Mark, you are around the 188cm as well, as far as i know. How was it for you folding your legs on the Himalayan? Can you do this on full day rides?

[@BikerBits]

No problems at all! 👍

[@smittyk7810]

Mark, would you ride the Simpson on the Himalayan??

[@BikerBits]

As a challenge yes, but it would not be my first or second choice in bike to use! 👍

[@smittyk7810]

@@BikerBits I thought that might be the answer. Thanks for the assessment.

[@guyonacub4335]

Your having to much bloody fun in that weather The more you ride it the better it is for sure Watch Nathan Millward Himalayan on Ice on KZbin Nathan rode a postie bike back from Australia to UK many years ago He has a couple of himalayans and takes them green laning

[@zerotheklr650]

Klr650 abs activates when over 5km/h.

[@johnclowes3502]

Just another point of issue on the head stem bearings comments. This is not an issue of a design more than an issue of the bikes pre delivery. The bikes you are on should have been thru a full safety inspection before you took them on the ride. I can only assume that the PD was not totally done.. the top not nut being torqued says to me it was not checked. Although it is not a safety problem due to the the top clamps being tight. Now. On the point of bikes performance, I have just been watching some videos of guys riding the open road rally and the Royal Enfield Himalayan ride. You boys should sit back and have a watch on what these guys do on their bikes.. It’s a gob stopper. Makes me wanna go out an buy one just to show up all you Nancy boys…lol

[@johnnyhayward69]

Yep that’s the spot dam rocks 😂

[@johnandersson]

How big is that tablet on your handlebar? It looks huge! 😅

[@BikerBits]

About 8 inch I think!

[@bradleyalexander5821]

Great test/review. The bike is a capable machine for adventuring. In my mind it’s “super power” is in the price. Excellent starting point for beginners or folks who are interested in lite off roading.

[@1whazzoo]

If you want the ABS off, just pull that damn fuse.

[@cliff1551]

Shit hot mark , Alistair

[@identitybiker]

So let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Head stem bearing?

[@BikerBits]

We are waiting to hear the verdict on what has happened. Will let everyone know! 👍

[@julianmanowski6446]

Sorry to say us ordinary people only need to drink water. The sports drinks will only make you fat. Only élite athletes should drink the sports drinks. Old people only need drink water and make sure you do as your thirst mechanism starts to not let you know you are thirsty.

[@simonjones2645]

What a load of shit ! Hydrating properly is essential! Electrolyte imbalance is serious in everyone when sweating or in heat !

[@Robroscob]

Nobody is going to want that second hand bike after you are done with it

[@outie555]

I would

[@CRFLAus]

Dude I'm winning it. Don't let pessimism guide your thought process. It's a free bike!

[@ThrottleAddiction]

*Be honest -* you were just torturing yourselves with those lumbering turds. Good advice to learners would be to buy a bike that has rider dynamics that are more in tune with progression stages into the future, not 50 years into the past.

[@BikerBits]

I feel like you have a personal grievance with the Himalayan which I don't understand!

[@CRFLAus]

It's a cheap bike, people want these bikes and this is a fair review warts and all. People will look for bike tests of this model and learn from this. I know many people who are a little too narrow focussed and opinionated, and that's fine. There is a bike for everyone.

[@ThrottleAddiction]

​@@CRFLAus I don't believe 100% that people want a bike like the Himalayan - what they do, is accept a compromise. What they do want is a modern design bike with reliability and perhaps mechanical safeguards like a warranty in the first instance. They're not confident enough to buy a second hand model of sorts from a competitive brand, so they compromise on a great deal of performance design technology, ergonomics and weight efficiencies by buying brands like Royal Enfield, or a myriad of Chinese marques. RE has economy of scale with its domestic market, so it can sell models cheap to the rest of the world. Unfortunately, if people keep buying the antiquated models they produce, RE will put minimal effort into improvements of future models (as it has already demonstrated). I think it's quite humorous that RE can produce models from yesteryear and people actually buy them, but RE is probably laughing at it more.

[@BikeWail]

@@ThrottleAddiction All bikes are a compromise.

[@Ozsmallbore]

Looks like the Troll has awaken.

[@Wildrose27]

ABS on the rear in Western Australia gravel is so dangerous, it triples my stopping distance. It's like riding on ball bearings.