Hitting the Dirt on a Royal Enfield Himalayan in Australia

G'day guys, well I head down to Melton to meet up with Johnny and his Royal Enfield Himalayan and we go dirt riding. Johnny's first time on dirt roads! Oops... he crashed the Himalayan and did a bit of damage! Hope you enjoy :-) Cheers... Mark
🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BIKER BITS CHANNEL!
kzbin.info...
WEBSITE: www.bikerbits.com.au/adventures
FACEBOOK: / bikerbitsaus
GOOGLE+: plus.google.com/u/0/+BikerBits
👌🏻 You can Support the Channel here:
PATREON: / bikerbits
TIP JAR: www.bikerbits.com.au/TipJar
🛒 You can Buy our Stuff here:
WORLDWIDE MAN CAVE Shop:
Stickers, Patches and Stubby Holders for the International guys!
www.bikerbits.com.au/ManCaveShop
BIKER BITS AUSTRALIA:
Biker, Motorcycle & Camping accessories.
www.bikerbits.com.au
🕕 SCHEDULE:
--------------------------------------------------------
⚠️ MAN CAVE TUESDAY
EVERY Tuesday Night at 6:00pm (AEST)
• Playlist
--------------------------------------------------------
👍🏻 Want to send us a Sticker or Something?
Mark & Nay
PO BOX 2277
BENDIGO DC VIC 3554
AUSTRALIA
📞Need to contact us?
Email: [e-mail]
Mobile: [phone]

[@trevorjameson3213]

Good job of not getting upset after coming off. It happens to all of us! I did notice that Johnny's bike has tires more suited to street use, it's no surprise they slipped in the mud!

[@jeeves6490]

Seemed to have more confidence than me on the dirt, and I've been road riding for years. Onya Johnny, it's not scratched mate, it's got medals for valour.

[@BikerBits]

Nice one and exactly right! :-)

[@Bowlin01]

That Himalayan looks sweet, shame about Johnny's off but kudos to him for getting straight back on and then trying out Max as well, good on yer Son! Excellent that you are encouraging him to try some track riding/ gentle off road stuff whilst he's still a new rifer, it'll help no end with his bike handling skills and confidence kudos to you Mark.

[@BikerBits]

Thanks heaps mate and yeah Johnny did great! :-)

[@davidpyle1221]

Bit of bad luck for Jonny at least he managed the incident well enough he didn’t injure himself. It would be interesting to follow up with the where and how he goes about the repairs. Great video and real life adventures that most of us can relate to.

[@BikerBits]

Yeah he did great and yep will keep everyone updated! :-)

[@John-yo2ys]

Great vid as always Mark, Johnny, we all have opps moments, the mistakes we make at low speeds just make us better riders, key is learning from them, even repairing the bike will teach you skills. All part of the adventure of riding.

[@BikerBits]

That’s exactly right! :-)

[@alflurin]

The Himalayan BS3 version had some significant querks that were mostly fixed on the fuel injected Euro4 BS4 version... I hope, because I'm currently considering to buy one! 😅

[@lazyadventures5484]

Great Vid! I have had a similar experience on my Himalayan, broke RH indicator and bent bars, just got a semi cheap set of braced bars RHK brand to replace them, so far so good! Good onya lads for getting out there, you can feel a bit down after first drop of a new bike but as you say Mark, just keep on riding !

[@BikerBits]

Great stuff mate and good Onya! :-)

[@badoldbiker368]

Good video Mark. I hope Johnny gets his bike sorted. I have to pick my GS up out the dirt all the time, especially in deep soft sandy tracks or boggy mud. Been through quite a few indicators over the years, but never bent a set of bars like that before, maybe the heads being so wide on the boxers hit first and stop the bars from taking a major impact. I reckon you are a great teacher, got the patience and the calm nature for it. Good work mate. Johnny's Enfield looks like a pretty good bike, looking forward to seeing how it goes as Johnny progresses along with his riding skills, he is doing real well. Keep up the top effort Johnny, you took them "lumpy bumpy's" like a pro on Marks DR.

[@BikerBits]

Great stuff mate and thanks heaps! :-)

[@ReviloRider]

Everyone has a first crash... It's only the severity that differs! Johnny's got Number 1 out of of the way with minimal overall collateral damage. 👌👊👍

[@craigmurphy163]

Looks a great bike to start off with and learn your bike craft I sound like a old bugger but when you get a bigger bike you will all ways look back with fond memories of this bike safe travels

[@Bigfoot109]

Good riding guy's, you always get great video Mark, so clear & nice sound as well. At some stage can you do a video on using a gopro etc & include what setting's you use, maybe some tip's about editing in layman's term's as you do. Thanks again...

[@BikerBits]

Thanks mate! I don’t use a GoPro... I use a Sony Action Camera. Check my playlist “Motorcycle filming gear - what I use”

[@bongodave13]

Bent the bars? Good! Now you have an excuse to get some good ones.

[@BikerBits]

Thanks it mate! :-)

[@billcotton1551]

That Lerner system you have in Australia is such a good idea.

[@harbanmitalmital731]

I have seen many of your videos and The way you say jhony .....seems you have a pretty good bond with your brother in law ..

[@azlong4596]

Well now that Alistair and Johnny have christened their new scooters Mark has more videos of flexible blinkers, handle bar swap and painting crash bar scratches. Johnny we all do it to our new scoots so no worries, as long as no one gets hurt.

[@mamamoolover2534]

Im just glad johny wasn't injured. .you can get another bike u can't get another johny..when i totalled my car ..my father got me another the same day..even though those 2 cars put him under 10 lakhs rupees..which is astronomical for a pensioner it took us next 6 yrs to clear it . .he just did not want me to mull over the crash .. Mind u he did not agree with the first one bcz i already had a bike and i was a foolish 18 year old also no way we were ready financially for a car..the second car same day i kept refusing and crying and he still bought it ..i still remember when he hugged me and told me just drive safe ..those three words ..the love they carry..i rather hear those again than owning a diamond mine.. Well maybe in next life..

[@chrisk3488]

I drowned a brand new DR650 the day before it's first service and had to change the oil about 4 times so the dealer wouldn't know :D

[@bradb9146]

That's pretty classy I must say … not like Suzuki can't afford it in the long run anyhow . °\(ö)/° = ) lol

[@Markcantfindausernam]

Good on you Johhno. Its a bit rough when you put a new bike down, but, they are made to be used and if used well it wont be the last time. Nice going on the riding.

[@andypandy.]

it happens to us all, Welcome to the fold Johnny :-)

[@BikerBits]

That’s it mate! :-)

[@in2ADV]

Mate, I've dropped my bike whilst stationary, thinking I had the side stand on... At least Johnny dropped his doing some off road stuff :-) Hey Andy, isn't it high time you posted something on your channel? I've subscribed after watching your last few videos, and just as you got me hooked, you stopped uploading... Not happy... :-)

[@toby7504]

It's not a propper adv before you have dropped it.😊.nice bike

[@andypandy.]

you are right, it is past time for me to upload something..... I have a few more vids in edit, I just need to stop being lazy.

[@toby7504]

Andy Pandy cant wait...

[@fatbusaracing1347]

I am surprised you didn't steer him towards a DR 650 instead of the Himalayan , we all know how good they are at crashing and would be perfect for him to lean and Crash on, I do miss my DR650 , bloody great bikes..

[@suzanneneikirk5544]

great video. glad he liked the boots.😎😀

[@BikerBits]

Thanks and yeah it was great they work ed for him! Now they are not a waste of money :-)

[@TheAustralianMade]

He did bloody well for his first time out. Nice one!

[@BikerBits]

Yeah did great! Thanks :-)

[@fendermon]

Good video..It appears the DR is better suited for the road and the dirt.

[@billcotton1551]

I swear Australia is a dual sport paradise.

[@servicarrider]

I didn't think that it had been too long since the last time that I watched your videos, but you went grey! What the hell happened? You get a promotion and took it seriously? All in all...a good day of riding.

[@geraldscott9446]

So is the Himalayan easier to get on and off of than the DR? And is the seat more comfortable on longer rides? I found the DR a bit hard to get on and off of, and the seat is a torture device on the highway.

[@harrybrown4815]

set of progressive springs for johnnies front end? I would check that side panel as it could be an indicator the frame has a twist, could just be warped or pinched where the bike went over but worth checking anywho. Gearing to long for off-roading, go fewer teeth on the front sprocket and more on the rear sprocket but you guys already know that ;P another great video and good on yer Johnnie for getting out there on your spanking new bike. Wonder what the conversation was with the Mrs later that day.

[@BikerBits]

Yeah ya right on all points mate! :-)

[@garysramblings8584]

Another great vid Mark, nice to see the other end of the scale from the KTM. It's dreadful when you drop your pride and joy regardless of price, so I really felt for Johnny. But he seemed to take it pretty much in his stride after the initial shock. One the upside it will be cheaper to improve the base machine than with some other bikes and nice to see how it ends up. I will be watching as a friends bought one and is on his third alternator in under 6000 miles, they just kept failing. He's already told them if it goes again he'll be after a full refund, especially as it only see's the road and only when the suns shining. Take care mate.

[@BikerBits]

Thanks heaps mate! :-) That’s not good to hear about ya mates bike. Is it an Australian model?

[@garysramblings8584]

Its a brand new Himalayan over here in the UK, I had advised my mate against buying, it after an Indian guy (In India) posted a blog warning everyone not to buy one, due to this very problem. If I can find the link I'll send it to you. Never heard anyone swear some much...very funny. But as with any machine there can be rogues. And they may have modded the fault out in the later bikes.

[@garysramblings8584]

Hello Mark, just been speaking to my mate. He's said the bikes had a recall and come back like a new machine, loads of niggles sorted. Better idling, smoother gear change. So he's sticking with it. As with all new models there can be teething problem. I ride the same Harley that you tried recently. I put off getting the new Milwaukee 8 engined version due to a few problems that had appeared. Less than a year down the line the issues are sorted, so come the new year the trade in will be on. Thats on a £25K bike never mind the cheaper Royal Enfield.

[@tusharborah7164]

Royal enfield himalayan is the best

[@debasishdebbarma8779]

Ahomia Hoy Niki bhaiti

[@cochoslp]

Hi Guys. A friend just bought the Himalayan. He’s happy with it. He’s not as tall as me so the height for him is perfect. I ride a 2015 DR 650 SE. Come to BAJA! Amazing scenery! Lots of dunes just like Australia!!! 👋🏾

[@texaslonestarrider]

Awesome!

[@BikerBits]

Thanks! :-)

[@MrSteviejTube]

Good old Wombat state park (Lerderderg) it's my old playground for 18+ years. Some absolute ripper tracks, camping & swimming spots in there. Nothing worse than scratching up a new bike but now it's been christened......go nuts

[@BikerBits]

Good Onya mate! :-)

[@bt7153]

whats your feeling on the re vs the dr?

[@MonoLake02]

I have removed melted plastic with fine wire wool after the pipe is hot - just scrub gently to minimize scratching. Great vid - I think I like your bike over the Enfield now that I have seen them in action together. The Enfield gets the style points, but riding the dirt is why you are there...

[@bjorn1583]

get some off road tires and you will be fine

[@nedt]

Good on ya! great to see new riders out and about. Personally I wouldn't get a Himalayan especially after seeing the damage of one drop. I would recommend some cheap LED rubber mounted lights off eBay (2$each) from china, when they rip off just replace them.

[@nedt]

EG= "4x Universal LED Motorcycle Indicators Motorbike Turn Signals Light 12V Amber" Ebay number 292149237756 (search the number in ebay). They are in AUS, cheaper out of china ofcourse

[@gsp113]

Royal Enfield's can break a person if there is't a leg-guard

[@whitedrguy6503]

Time for new bars there I would say, never seen bars with a crease in the bend, must be thin wall. Maybe go for a set of pro tapers or the like but the bend of the bars, or shape might be hard to find, might have to get some lower bars and add risers to get back to the same height.

[@BikerBits]

Yeah thin wall... we’ll be searching for a much tougher alternative! :-)

[@wobblysauce]

Tons to pick from, mix and match... getting some new bars could be better for him, as in getting one to make better use of his size/measurements. Take a look at www.renthal.com/worksfit/

[@SuperDixxxie]

Bloody hell Alistair, look what you've started now mate lol. Good on ya Johnny, i thought you did well mate. Just don't let Mark near them bars with with any heat cos we all know how that ends lol atb Dixie in uk

[@TheDoubledriver]

😉 nice one guys !n keep them rolling in 😉

[@BikerBits]

Thanks mate! :-)

[@CamperKev]

Hi Mark. I think you need another permanently mounted camera on the bike, in full time "Loop Record" mode. So when it's your time for a spill, we can all sit back and watch the action. (Hoping you don't get hurt of course.) Anyway, I'm sure Johnny picked up a few lessons after that ride. I am surprised about the damage involved regarding such a low speed crash into soft mud. Those handle bars are so weak.

[@johnhubbard6727]

Hi Mark, another great vid and you stumbled across a great location! Can you please make it available as a paid digital download on your website?

[@BikerBits]

Thanks mate! I want to go back out there and do a proper route with the crusty demon pit included. Might be a few weeks! :-)

[@prolificthinker7308]

May complain about RE Himalayan but it is easiest bike to repair by yourself. Purposeful off roader

[@mollygrubber]

Johnny lost his doobelacky!

[@bradb9146]

Melted the bugger right onto the pipe . = /

[@seanfrank4158]

Your DR also has some pretty significant suspension upgrades as well Mark. Johnny is going to want to trade his Enfield off for a DR now :)

[@46danz]

I broke,not bent the bars on my xt600 with my chest doing a superman,all part of the fun.rode it home one handed.

[@danielravenstar4442]

In my 3rd but first major crash sent me through the full front fairing i had just installed, And cracked the bottom of the crankcase, that was just 50 mph,,, Front wheel fell in2 a rut, and turned the front wheel sideways, like FAST... I got an $850 .00 ambulance ride, The doctor did a full exray examination, then poked me laughing, You still wanna ride motorcycle!! Then doc went into the next room and said O M G... WHAT HAPPENED!! NURSE SAID CAR CRASH,,,, And that was on a Yamaha xs 360 something from 1973.. what caused me to loose control and go into the rut was the steel belting in the back tire broke a sharp prick, and let the back tire go flat fast, putting a snaky wobble through the whole bike, if that 1st furrow of the plowed field wasn't there, I would have rode it out just fine... Keep on keeping on guys

[@malcolmmathers2690]

I MODDED front forks cut 5mm off preload on springsi also changed out oil for 5 weight id probly try the shorter preload first but much improved

[@BikerBits]

Cool Bananas! :-)

[@ChaoticDetour]

Sorry to see the damage, but hey, gives the opportunity for upgrades. Still a good looking bike. We are supposed to be getting a fuel injected version in the states next year.

[@BikerBits]

Yeah Australia is getting that too! :-)

[@denismorton1269]

You mean there is another Himalayan rider in Melton. I'm yet to see another one on the road or dirt. There's some great riding in the Lerderderg State Park.

[@BikerBits]

Johnny is actually from Melbourne! Yeah gotta get back out there! :-)

[@thumpergman]

Do you lower tyre pressures for that type of road . And i hope his wife don't rip him a new one hehe

[@BikerBits]

No on the smooth dirt I keep the pressure the same as the tar roads! LOL no the wife (my sister) is a mother hen and worries that Johnny is ok :-)

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Carby Himmy is the way to go. When you fit a 460cc big bore kit there's much less hassle.

[@redfungus999]

I like the Himalayan though not impressed with the damage from a small spill. Never seen a bar bend like that. Enfield should have their braced bar accessory fitted as standard not to mention decent rubber mounted indicators. Of course a bike like this will be dropped and not just by Johnny ! ;)..

[@theshieldsy1941]

Great video. I’m a bit disappointed with the RE crash test. It really didn’t fair too well which was surprising. Thought it may of been a little more robust.

[@sandeepsandhu4286]

The Shieldsy or may be the impact was way too much ...

[@BikerBits]

Every crash is different. Before I upgraded the DR650 I broke the rear blinkers from dropping it and plenty of people complain about the DR650 stock handle bars being noodles! That’s why I changed them. If you buy a cheap bike you have to expect things like this to happen! You can buy a $22,000 dollar KTM1090 and shit still breaks! :-)

[@grayman999]

Chinese Dual sports have the same noodle bars ( good name ) I put some braced Renthols on mine but apart from that he takes a drop well not a fan of the Himalayan to be honest love me KTM 690's myself 👍👍👍

[@coloradomoto3001]

Those whining about the damage it sustained have never dropped a bike with factory bars. There’s a lot of momentum-loaded weight landing on a 3/4 inch hollow tube with no crossbar.

[@brettstevens7443]

That’s both Alistair and Johnny coming off in a week and we all know things happen in 3s stay up right Mark😂 great to see Johnny out having a go at some dirt riding

[@BikerBits]

Bugger didn’t think of that! :-)

[@bradb9146]

Yep , rubber side down . = )

[@WADZUP]

Beauty eh!

[@BikerBits]

Yep! :-)

[@p.santos6644]

Lol noodle bars 😂

[@dalesworld1308]

Did Johnny sell the Enfield and get a DR?

[@karlgustav5490]

no abs, carburator, unfortunately, we will never see that in france again..:(

[@Astrix_Jaeger]

well, i guess that bike is too fancy for the dirt yet it was made for the dirt.. now idk what was India thinking.

[@Astrix_Jaeger]

I think Max is better.

[@tracklifex5259]

Quote of the day “these butterflies are crazy “🤪

[@BikerBits]

LOL :-)

[@janakirammohan8278]

He should fix a engine guard on that. Will be helpful in the future

[@neosmith166]

@Biker bits and all. For those who think RE Himalayan is weak sauce or not. Better check out another video by a fellow rider, where it rescued him from toughest of dirt tracks. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4rYYX6LndyLo80

[@BikerBits]

Yeah saw that video! :-)

[@naturalforlife6741]

Your a nut, that's a bolt.lol

[@LifetimeBiker]

How is Johnny getting on with his Himalayan after all this time ?

[@BikerBits]

He hadn't rode it for a while but just recently my sister sent a photo of him getting ready to go on a ride!

[@LifetimeBiker]

@@BikerBits Good to hear , Glad its proving to be a reliable steed for him.

[@kadiocalc]

Nightmare when you lay your pride and joy on its side but that gives you an instant bond with it. I'd look at the repairs as an upgrade and valued information for new owners as it's such a new bike on the market.

[@Durandarte3004]

I buy the 2019 model...no fuel injection, carburated no abs. In mexico

[@technicalsda3621]

2018 models were made with bs4 norms. Fuel injection and ABS were added. Your model must be a BS 3

[@Durandarte3004]

@@technicalsda3621 í dont know the reason but royal Enfield Mexico don't sell the full injection model..but I gonna tell you this is good have carburated model because the high altitude of Mexico

[@MrDazza64]

What you’d call a baptism of fire...and we all know what Marks like with fire! 👩🏻‍🚒 Seriously tho matey, really unfortunate for your first go on the ruff stuff...but you know what they say...you can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs! Hope you soon get the RE sorted out. Atb from Dazza. 🇬🇧

[@BikerBits]

Good Onya mate! :-)

[@timedrifters]

KIss the earth.... yeah, sometimes it could happen to us all.

[@TheHitesh74]

Sir you can change the Handelbar under warranty. I have replaced twice under warranty. Because this brand is cheap quality Indian brand.

[@neosmith166]

Hitesh Patil Way to go cussing your own country stuff mate.

[@doublex632]

The DRZ is a much better bike than the DR, have had both, sorry mate. Dam like that HIMI though

[@BikerBits]

Fair enough mate! :-)

[@christinegreen7120]

Doesn't say much for the Himalayan - a fair bit of damage from a gentle 'off'.

[@BikerBits]

I’m not ready to write of the Himalayan yet. Plenty of DR650’s have had the same issues when fully stock :-) That’s why my DR650 is fully upgraded.

[@danielravenstar4442]

Interesting observations,,, As I watch many different riders on the Himalayan, I notice guys have more damage in a fall then women do,,, even one guy rider got cracks in the frame that had to be splint welded, just from riding ,,, in Mongolia from India... Women like itchy boots, hardly anything serious.... So the extra weight of guys and the stronger manhandling over obstacles stresses the bike more,,, Mabe royal enfield will see this comment and beef up the frame a bit, even if it adds a bit more weight....

[@rhllnm]

Welded subframe. That sells me. That dinky bolt on everything else is lame.

[@AbdulAllahAbuDaoud]

It’s a bolt you nut!

[@BikerBits]

LOL :-)

[@W3TFART]

Your sister won’t be happy with you .

[@BikerBits]

LOL :-)

[@LaJiahao]

Respect coolbananas

[@rikkiroxx1430]

boring.