Royal Enfield Himalayan on US Highways part 2

Taking a closer look at whether the 400cc Royal Enfield Himalayan can or should be run on North America's highways. My final impression was not as I expected.
The fuel economy I experienced is my best educated guess since this wasn't meant to be a fuel economy run so variables weren't controlled, just the figures I got from the available information I have. Ill be doing a more accurate fuel economy test coming up.

[@iansokolowski3346]

As a newbie seriously considering the Himalayan as my first bike, this video really sealed the deal-- I'm relieved to see the little guy can hold his own on the highway! Soon as I save up enough money I'm off to the dealer :)

[@davidsal98]

I have a himalayan as my first bike. It's a good buy

[@garyives1218]

The Himalayan got me back into motorcycling after 30+ years. I finally did a ride with extended periods of 70mph. The bike was just fine IMHO. The thing that's currently getting to me for whatever reason, my helmet, height, or the stock windscreen, is a ton of wind noise even at 50mph and even with earplugs. I have a 2" taller windscreen coming tomorrow and really hope it helps. I've seen people comment that they experience less noise and "buffeting" without the windscreen.

[@legendaryfatcat]

Looking at it as my first as well. Video is having the same effect. Definitely leaning towards pulling the trigger on it.

[@iansokolowski3346]

@@legendaryfatcat i actually ended up buying it (used), and really couldn't be more pleased. Its teaching me a ton and does about everything i need/want from it

[@luffycenter]

@@iansokolowski3346 buying it as my first bike as well in a couple months here

[@twotiretirade4624]

Just found you and subbed, great video and loved the content. Love making videos on my Himalayan... Well , I have a 2018 Himalayan and live in Colorado and ride it on highways all the time to get to mountain dirt fire roads and trails. The motorcycle is not fast and stinks at passing vehicles at highway speeds but it does do highway speeds. Heck I drove my Himalayan 8 house to Sturgis this past year with my son on the back. We surely did not make a land speed record, but we got there.

[@mrj8940]

Hope they release 650cc of this

[@RayCis1]

@@mrj8940 This might be of help too: accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/40473?ref_page=Himalayan

[@fedbar5652]

@@RayCis1 Yes, the kit you suggest could be useful to increase Power of the Himmy. Howerer It costs close ti 700 pounds and in addition some other part Need ti be checked or modified. At the end, I think that there Is no convenience in the increase the RHY Power by emplying this kit. It Is simpler to buy another bike. Bye

[@larrytucker1945]

Thank you for making this video. Our County roads and Farm to market roads are 75 mph speed limits where I’m at in Texas, so this was good information.

[@VetJeeper]

Love it! I’m from Va but haven’t been back for 4 yrs. I feel you nailed it in the head, the Himalayan is not meant for highway cruising. Love your videos!

[@stephenwarren6419]

Excellent breakdown of the Himalayan’s actual performance. Special thanks for the mph : rpm chart. Well done

[@UncleVoodoo]

ya I thought noting the speed, HP and torque - at a given rpm, was some pretty useful info to be armed with.

[@steveross2280]

I throw my Himi in the back of my Tacoma to get to camping destinations, that’s why I bought a lighter bike. I live in S Florida so no inspiring rides to reach Central Fl or GA/NC and I have a nice base camp with the truck. Riding up the beach she cruises nicely in 4 th 3-5k rpm I’m very impressed with the smooth torque. Just had my 500 mile service seems like it’s running better as I put more miles on. The bike gets a lot of looks, most people have no idea what kind of bike it is! Thanks for the great videos, Swerve Carefully!

[@frankbatista]

Man I live in Miami also and I’ve been really wanting to get this motorcycle for light off-road. I thought exactly that same set up with the truck to drive long out of here and then use it for camping and such. Do you know anywhere near this area where you get good use out of the bike? Homestead? Everglades?

[@Ainsworth-Rider]

Very in formative and now I know the Himalayan will be fine on our Motorways over here in the UK great bike 👍

[@pauldobson8678]

This is great. Exactly what I was looking at with regards to the Himalayan. Thanks.

[@linqking5461]

What a nice item to take into practica. Totally different approach. Both on Interstate vehicles left and right ánd on fuel-consumption, ánd on torque-behaviour above 5500 rpm. REALLY GOOD !

[@UncleVoodoo]

thank you!

[@starlordstarlordman8489]

Great informative video. Exactly what I was looking for. Facts, and numbers:) Thanks.

[@mar0364]

I’ve ridden mine on Interstate 10 in the Southern part of the US. Speed limit is 75. It can do that. But I don’t think the bike was designed for that. My mileage sucked. It seems happiest a little over 5500 Rpm in 5th gear with a long flat road. Those conditions you can sit on 65 all day.

[@wctyre49]

Voodoo I enjoy your videos,they are funny ,entertaining, knowledgeable, and as an old man with a lot of experience riding motorcycles,my first being a 1961 BSA spitfire scrambler that had been my older brothers,I've had hours of enjoyment watching you vids.thank you.

[@Hans-cp2eb]

YEAH overtaking with REH^^ so glad to see :-) . Thanks for the vid as always so meaningful. Telling what the REH is capable in realistic use. There´s sympathy for the bike without gloryfication although some people hype it at the moment. Still starving to get mine. Delivery still delayed....

[@findingneutral]

EXCELLENT tutorial. Enjoyed your breakdown of the pros, cons, and bike interactions with traffic. Video and audio were superb 👌

[@UncleVoodoo]

the fuel economy was the biggest surprise, I knew id get poorer mileage with the higher rpms (Monkey does the same thing) but I wasn't sure how bad it would be. Basically I now view the highway as a last ditch emergency option as opposed to just a faster option.

[@TR5T]

VERY GOOD! no one has gone to this length to confirm the facts.

[@UncleVoodoo]

thanks, I try.

[@DawaiMulders]

De Himalayan speedo is pretty good only 2% percent margin. But with this tanks in front men you really eats the fuel out off it. De big suitcases in the back certainly don,t help either 😅. Nice view of the american highway love the video. 🤙🏽

[@VanBlamm]

81 is such a mess. Way too narrow for the volume of truck traffic it sees. I don't think I've ever ridden or driven from 66 to 64 without coming to a complete stop at least once. Perfect testing grounds for a motorcycle's highway ability though! Great job with this video, this is super valuable information.

[@vf5126]

Too many trucks, and it's a combined Interstate at 81 & 64.. You can always bob & weave on hwy 11, if you can keep track of it!

[@kittywampus]

Looks like it goes as fast as a governed truck. I could live with it

[@blessedbackpacker222]

that's why I prefer watching old man's videos. they make more sense and try to be logical in all aspects.

[@longrider9551]

I made an earlier comment on this subject and if you avoid the big American interstates you can ride all day. The state and county roads are always more fun and enjoyable. I was really referring to those times you have to travel long distances in a short period of time and the interstate is the best option. I have an Africa twin and its a dream on the interstates but at 530lbs it kicks my butt in gnarly off road conditions. That's the reason I bought the Honda monkey 😉 when i want to take a camera and go explore the backroads and dirt trails looking for wildlife. The penalty there is sometimes I have to truck the bike to where I want to go off-road. The Himalaya is a good buy and reminds me of the klr650 I had, great idea, economical and probably dead on reliable Uncle V, safe riding ✌

[@UncleVoodoo]

ya I knew before buying I didn't want to spend time on the highways, just needed the ability to hang with traffic for short stints. The deal breaker for me was the fuel economy at those rpms, so the highway is now a last resort.

[@steveross2280]

Pure and simple: use the highways only when you have to, sweet spot is around 60-62 after that your economy will suffer a lot as drag increases exponentially as you approach 70 and higher rpm. Note where your max torque is on your chart, that’s where your motor is optimal

[@kymstock1852]

The same issue on all motorbikes; as drag increases you need to use more fuel to push it through the air.

[@WestSussexBiker]

I rode at 65-70mph from the SE of England to the north of France. 99% highways. With full panniers and a dry sack. A 900 mile round trip. The bike ran perfectly. I have sponge bar grips fitted and no rubber on the footpegs. The only vibration was a tingle through the saddle. A calculation at the end of each gave me around 50 and 55 mpg ( imperial gallons )

[@UncleVoodoo]

I'm going to do a fuel range test coming up, I think I need to do it twice now - once for side roads and once on the highway. I was stunned I got such poor gas mileage.

[@WestSussexBiker]

@@UncleVoodoo I've never heard of a Himalayan only doing 35 mpg. It does seem very low. Myself and a few owners in know over here find it hard to get below 55mpg with a max of 70ish mpg

[@UncleVoodoo]

@@WestSussexBiker ya I was stunned when I ran the math, the best case I can get to if I throw some +/- errors in my findings is 40mpg.

[@davidroberts7490]

@@UncleVoodoo I would imagine the wind factor will affect your fuel consumption also

[@spydie]

That would be about 41 mpg in US gallons (at your measure of 50 mpg imperial gallons). That's still a lot lower than KLR650

[@-Loki--]

04:57 A highway exit direct from the fast lane 😂 👀 Having driven in many countries both Right Hand and Left Hand vehicles I find the road systems, motorway (highway) designs, road signs as a means of navigation and use of roundabouts in the United Kingdom is far better than in any other part of the world. I drive mostly in Central Europe these days and whilst their roads are great their roads signs as a means of navigation leaves a lot to be desired, and many city motorways look like they were modelled from a bowl of spaghetti. In the USA highways I applaud that they allow over and under taking - it really keeps things moving and used with care is safe. Show many left hand drivers in the USA and the middle east a roundabout and they are lost - In Egypt drivers ignored them and turned first right then doubled back across lanes.

[@vf5126]

If you could see the solid rock carved through to link those two Interstates you'd get the ‘left exit’ aspect! Our (US) Interstates are works of art, they’re why I bought a larger bike to enjoy them! I’ve long thought, we must have been pretty pissed at England to have even rebelled against their inclination of driving ;-)

[@swiftbear]

Thanks for this, I have alot of highways around where I live and would have to be on them for 15 to 20 miles stretches and would be happy if this bike would do 65-70 MPH I would be happy. Probably a CB500X or KLR 650 would be better but I just love the look of the Himalayan.

[@vf5126]

It can do Interstates, if planted in the right lane. I’ve hit 83 mph.. But if fuel use is important, note that you’d be going from ..75mpg down to 35mpg with Interstate use. Otherwise, I love mine and use it exclusively for roaming backroads ~

[@mikerobinson8734]

The Himalayan will handle much better off-road than the KLR.

[@vijaya2370]

Nice video and good topics covered

[@SweetTone76]

Thanks for the demo. I always say, it’s easier, much more fun, to push a slow bike at its max speed, then to have to hold back on a super fast bike. 65-75mph seems fine to me. Anyway this bike is meant for the road less traveled back roads.

[@UncleVoodoo]

thanks, ive had my share of big bikes over the years and I just love smaller bikes way more. they're just too much fun.

[@lophloph07]

One of the best bikes out there for beating rush hour city traffic. I wont take mine on the interstate to get mowed down by some non driving text messaging asshole. But definatly shaves 15 minutes off my commute which starts on country roads and ends on city streets.

[@sspmoto]

I have a KTM1190 with 150hp and it's a great long distance touring bike that will go very fast - but I'll tell you - traffic is so fast (80-90 mph I live out west) I get sick and tired of "racing" the traffic. So I just wind up sitting in that sweet spot just like in this video (when heavy -ish traffic like in this) of 65-70mph anyway. It is advantageous to have the power to "get away" from something when needed but it sucks to race 80-90mph traffic. Not relaxing! So I think the REH is fine for what it's designed for - you can basically go anywhere on it but yea - it's not a Gold Wing or BMW GSA or 1190 but it has its place on backroads and will go on any roads safely! I just acquired a '22 REH and it will be a lot more fun off road than the >500lb beast with more HP than anyone really needs. (can't get myself to sell it tho at least not yet)! There is no one unicorn but if you're lucky enough to have more than one bike life is good. Having said that, if you can only have one bike that is capable of doing anything or better stated perhaps everything the REH is a great choice IMO. I believe it is very comparable to the venerable (and slow) KLR. I just like the looks and size of the Himmy better than the KLR.

[@drdubb76]

Did you use the Hima's speedo or GPS? I've found the speedo to be optimistic by about 5mph in the 60-65 range.

[@srimjay]

Fuel economy greatly improves after 2-3 service.

[@spydie]

Really? By how much? That's the one thing keeping me from buying one right now.

[@srimjay]

Getting mileage of 32 - 34 km per litre in India. Pls relate as per your location.

[@spydie]

@@srimjay USA

[@gorillabuilder]

Great review. I’m in the area and considering the same bike. To be fair, no one drives the speed limit on 81, 64, 66 anyway!

[@paulmontague3362]

Re considering gearing change for Himalayan on highway - I did on a Harley 883 Sportster and it became a dog. I changed it back! I think the Himalayan would be worse.

[@UncleVoodoo]

I did a run up a steep mountain highway and it could only do 55-60mph with stock gearing, taller gearing would make even worse.

[@chaitanyashervegar8234]

Wait for sometime Himalayan -450cc are going to be launched in India and abroad in next few month.With more powerful engine and digital speedometer and advance features As they had already launched meteor -650 cc with more powerful engine cruiser bike.Himalayan 450cc bike will be with spoke wheel and tubeless tyres.Please review about meteor -650:cc bike.

[@0HARE]

It was cool seeing I-81 again. I’ve been up & down that highway SO many times in a tractor-trailer. My fourteen year old KLR650 gets about 55mpg on the highway. I generally run about 60-65mph on the highway. It’s a beast, though, and not near the off-road bike that the Himalayan is. Happy Trails

[@vf5126]

I began recognizing the area, having come home via hwy 60 from Richmond many times.. Love my Himalayan, but a few months ago bought a new Suz. V-Strom 650 … for cruising those Interstates, keeping my Hima though for jaunts on the Blue Ridge Parkway..

[@allans7281]

What you lack in power the windscreen giving some Aerodynamics helps a little bit to get speed up. I just rode that bike and it got up to 70 on the freeway no problem

[@TheCoopdway]

A couple things....1/4 on the gas gauge is not 3/4 of a full tank. Granted, mileage goes down at higher RPM’s. I’ve ridden all day on level ground at 65 with soft bags and luggage and mileage dropped to high 50’s. When I ride it the way I want to (40-50 which I can here in the upper Midwest) I’ll get 70, a trade-off I think is fair. I dropped a tooth in front, loaded as above, it didn’t have the power to reach upper revs with stock gearing. It’s all around better for how I go. An added bonus for off-road, it makes 2nd gear more useable with the relatively large gap between 1st and 2nd. 18,141 miles on the first white one in MN. The garage is full of choices, the Himmi my absolute favorite.

[@UncleVoodoo]

I know, I should’ve spoke clearer on that as I wasn’t including the “reserve” amount remaining and fueling and math was done after that segment was filmed. When I filled up, I measured 1.88 gallons of fuel was burned on this run giving me 32mpg. I wasn’t using the gauge to really measure 3/4 of a tank but rather to alert me that it had moved 3/4 of its range which was too large of a swing for what had just been done (imho).

[@UncleVoodoo]

@@stillshakin2125 I would have guessed 50 had I been asked prior to this, I can factor in some +/- variables in the math and get the number up to around 40mpg so I have to consider the 32mpg a ballpark figure as this wasn't a controlled range test. more of a "this is what appears to have happened" type of thing.

[@mushroomking8304]

I think you were passed by a lot more that were not counted, but the data is still overall useful as the information retains more to semi/trailers speeds.

[@UncleVoodoo]

The cars not counted were “pass backs” - cars I passed, and was passed by multiple times due to traffic. I only counted legit traveling passes.

[@oskary2833]

These about the himalayan is exactly what I was looking for... finally

[@UncleVoodoo]

actually, I was surprised no one had done real highway tests too.

[@spydie]

New subscriber here. wow 32 mpg at highway speeds. That's worse than terrible. I just put my 2013 KLR650 up for sale because I was looking at the maintenance problems (the "doohickey" and adjusting the valves). I've got 8400 miles on it and it should have the valve adjustment checked and/or changed, but that's a major top-engine tear down to do those shim-under-bucket valves. It's a bigger job than I want to do and it will cost hundreds of dollars at a dealership because that's a big teardown job. Even the doohickey is a pretty major job. So I decided as much as I love it's highway characteristics (50 mpg at highway speeds) and massive power, it's too costly and work-intensive to maintain. (too bad I didn't research that better before buying it). I have/had my heart set on a "Himmy" but your gas mileage kinda threw a wrench into the thinking. Now, before I pull the trigger, I need to research a few other adventure bikes and see how many have easy valve adjustments (if any) and better fuel mileage. At 32 mpg, I can get better than that with my car in a lot more comfort (but not as much fun).

[@UncleVoodoo]

I did a more accurate test and got 46mpg, I need to do another test and see what I get under my normal riding conditions as these highway tests were what my mileage would be at the extreme worst.

[@unclebadger597]

Don't let valve adjustment intervals sway you that much. I've owned multiple bikes, including KLR, and put tens of thousands of miles on most of them, and I've never done a valve adjustment. Am I just a bum? Maybe. 🤷

[@spydie]

@@unclebadger597 I guess you never owned an old air cooled VW beetle. Adjust the valves every 3000 or the number 3 cylinder valves would drop through the piston (because it was behind the oil cooler and it got hotter than the rest of the cylinders). Everyone is free to do as they believe, but I'm a cautious man. The manufacturers know more about what it takes to keep their engines running than we do by just guessing and betting on luck. I sold the KLR and bought the Himalayan and am getting over 87 mpg. And I'm adjusting my own valves again.

[@ThinkMud]

I don’t like doing too much interstate riding on my Himalayan. On windy days it can get a bit scary. But I think most bikes I’ve had get a little squirrelly in the wind at high speeds.

[@ThinkMud]

Also good video and great info about the HP and Torque!

[@UncleVoodoo]

Ya the highway is a last ditch proposition for me.

[@ThinkMud]

@@UncleVoodoo me too, but sometimes it is nice to just hit 81 and get places faster.

[@markmoffett6813]

Thank you Great test

[@UncleVoodoo]

Glad you liked it!

[@capecrusader6932]

I really enjoy your videos and appreciate the work that goes into producing them. A 60 mile run to demonstrate a bikes interstate worthiness not only proved a point but demonstrated a side effect of running the bike at the higher rpm limits on the gas mileage. I have one question about braking. I have seen some pretty alarming braking distance numbers for the Himalayan from higher speeds on the tarmac. Obviously this bike was not designed for our interstate speeds and the brakes work as intended for off road environments. In your opinion based on your experience, is the Himalayan capable of stopping in a safe distance at highway speed if an animal or some other hazard appears in front of you? Are there any upgrades to the braking system that a person can do if they plan on operating it mostly around town on a paved road?

[@UncleVoodoo]

I haven’t had to jam on the brakes at highway speeds so I cannot say how well they do or do not perform there. It brakes like a decent bike from the 1980s, better than drums but weaker than most road bikes these days. The only trouble I’ve experienced at all is that they can be really weak when they initially get wet, after the 1st pull they regain their “strength”. I’ve heard these pads improve performance but I have no experience with them- www.tecbikeparts.com/product/ebc-high-performance-sintered-front-brake-pads-royal-enfield-himalayan/

[@vf5126]

With over 18K Miles on my ‘19 BS4 Hima, I’ve never felt the front or rear brakes were lacking. But, I’m an alert rider, using it’s magnificent compression braking and never having needed a panic stop.

[@doyrayburn2668]

I was sitting here watching and Im thinking dang that looks like Va. That could be right out here on the highway. Yep, your just up the road. Hey neighbor. Im in love with this RE. But driving 81 is a real pain in the arse. Especially up that way. Ride to live. Live to ride. God bless. Sub scribed.

[@kittywampus]

I thought that road looked familiar.

[@seanluttmer2684]

My question is about comfort at highway speeds. I find the stock windshield causes a lot of buffeting to my head at higher speeds. I tried removing the windshield and found the wind tiring. So I'm curious how you are finding your cut down windshield as far as buffeting and whether it breaks some of the wind to your body. Thanks for the great videos.

[@UncleVoodoo]

The shorter screen solved the buffeting issues by putting my head in clean air while still blocking quite a bit of air in my torso area. It acts pretty much like the stock screen in that area, the wind seems to hit me at shoulder height.

[@cisium1184]

0:17 OMG I ate in that Mexican restaurant when I hiked the AT back in 2006! Thanks for this analysis. I don't want to ride the interstate much - I just want to be able to do it without killing myself if I have to. Interstate riding isn't much fun anyway - maybe it's fun on a Goldwing or a Roadmaster, but I don't want to push all that weight around.

[@UncleVoodoo]

thats Don Tequilias, ive picked up many a hitch hiker coming off the AT. im actually going to be doing a video this spring showing through hikers passing through here.

[@cisium1184]

@@UncleVoodoo That will be cool.

[@omCARvlog]

Himalayan 2021 is out now❤️

[@spydie]

Except it's still a 2020 in the US. The big changes that came to the 2021 in the East won't be here until 2022. We are alway a year late with the updates (larger windshield, better rear brake, hazard flashing lights, re-designed front tank guards so your knees don't hit during hard braking, lower rear rack to make it more level with the seat, more comfortable seat)

[@bobbysands5385]

Thanks a lot for this!

[@crockett11000]

Great job and test, Thank You!!. So where is the 70-80 MPG they claim? Only running around town at only 25 to 45 MPH?.. Iv'e been on the fence for weeks thinking of buying your same bike and set up, But my last 3 KLRs 2 gen 2s and a gen 3 still got better mileage, Even running steady at 75-80 mph all day long? I even had the gen 3 with efi to 99 mph on a downhill fully loaded and I'm 250 lbs.!. I'm now thinking for a little more of getting a 4th. KLR 650..

[@UncleVoodoo]

I got 72mpg in my full to empty test on backroads, on the highway it was significantly less as seen here. My KLR never got above 50mpg. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqrCkINjdrmtg6s&feature=share&EKLEiJECCKjOmKnC5IiRIQ

[@leonstancliff7218]

Another opinion. I'm 70, I'm bald, I have a beard and my other vehicle is a 20 year old Jeep. I got my license in 1965 and I quit caring what anyone thought of my driving in 1970. I paid for this freekin' highway and I'll drive as slowly as I please! KEEP OFF MY @$$ !!! If I am getting 50mpg and my Himy has a 4 gallon tank I have a 200 mile range and I expect I will see a gas station on the interstate inside that 200 mile range, What's the big deal? 50 MPG is way better than what my jeep gets!

[@darrenpinto902]

Himalayan Is for the back roads. 55-60 mph

[@skaraborgcraft]

The fuel gauge is not a reliable way to figure fuel burn, you should have just topped the tank off. Having said that, i did hear that the Himmy does get thirsty at high revs, but that is normal for any combustion engine. You got extra windage with your cans and boxes, so that does not help.

[@vf5126]

Yes, that was an excellent test. In fact, I believe I learned the same lesson in the same area ..Buena Vista ..off 81? I’ve a BS4 ‘19 Hima. w/ 18,000+ at the moment. Ran some BRParkway, I-81, and 11 in the same area. Fuel consumption on the interstate left me near empty on some magnificent backroads (lost). I now carry two exterior gas tanks because of that adventure. Consequently, and to run the Interstates I love ..and get further afield, I purchased a ‘21 Suz ‘Wee Strom’ 650 (love it). But I’m keeping my Hima.. for the backroads of Floyd, VA ~

[@goldengate8287]

Great data ... I was somewhat unclear as of the slope of the incline .. I have to travel on a 17.7 mile road that has 2- 4 miles of hills ... How easy will it be to maintain 60mph if the hill is at about a 30% angle ... ?

[@UncleVoodoo]

I don’t recall for sure what the grade was on this road, 4-6% I think. 30% is approaching world record steepness, the Himy would be hurting after that climb and definitely not be able to maintain 60mph.

[@davidroberts7490]

Very interesting video !

[@caroldave4037]

Hi from uk ....we are on 70 mph limit on our motorways trucks 56mph...so is trucks allowed higher speeds in US.🤔..ps I've found Himalayan ok for highish speed but wouldn't do it for hours..atb sir.....from dave

[@UncleVoodoo]

There are some places with truck speed limits but mostly they go with whatever the posted speed limit is.

[@adventureguy4119]

Most semi tractor trucks will run 70-75 depending on state

[@regblunden8895]

Hi I have a red and black himalayan. I live in Eastbourne East Sussex England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 I travel on the High ways in England at 65mph.at 70 mph I get a stight vibration through the handle bars., we are in lock down until 29 th march. Iv not riden for several months. I you have time look at KZbin, FEN TOUR, bomber run and you will see me on my himalayan riding around Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire Regards reggie the rural rider

[@azkafen9306]

When those trucks passed you what did it feel like. Do they affect the ride at all.

[@UncleVoodoo]

the passing trucks didn't really affect the bike at all, the was some buffeting if I was in their draft though.

[@vf5126]

When I’m passed by a truck, they initially ‘shove’ me to the right … then ‘suck’ me into their tail draft. Actually, it’s kinda fun ~

[@ashishm8611]

well the fuel gauge on the bike is pretty optimistic. So I would not suggest to trust it blindly. Tank to empty is the right way of getting a fair bit of idea. It definitely gives more than 32mpg, Even after doing 70 mph for a period of time the bike does return anything between 70 to 85 mpg. Fuel gauge is tricky so I wont trust it completely. Cos here in India we do it the old fashion way of tank to empty which gives a fair bit of idea of its range and is more reliable.

[@UncleVoodoo]

I’ve since done more accurate testing- mine gets 46mpg on the highway and 72mpg under normal use.

[@ashishm8611]

@@UncleVoodoo makes sense...also it may vary in different conditions with different load and baggage. Freeways in US urges you to push the bike and do high speeds. Here in india anything between 90- 110 kmph is a good cruising speed and moreover traffic load doesn't allow to go more than that consistently. May be that's why we get a lil more fuel efficiency here.

[@outofafrica100]

Excellent vid.

[@y.e.2103]

Enjoyed that

[@thomascaudill7486]

I’m really torn between this and the Kawasaki Versys 300-X. Where I live is really rural and mostly two lane roads near the Adirondack mountains. I plan on doing as much trail riding as possible. The lack of power with the Enfield is concerning but on my commute I run between 55-60, the commute is about 18 miles. ideally I’d like to be able to get to 65mph without issue. Does the Enfield fit my scenario?

[@UncleVoodoo]

The Himalayan will do those speeds easily, it runs out of steam above 75mph though. The Versys is probably better on interstate highways but the Himalayan is better on trails.

[@thomascaudill7486]

Ok awesome! Yeah I don’t see myself on interstate very much at all, just commuting and in the dirt. But during my commute to pass a farm truck or something I’ll jump up to 65 or so but mostly not much more than 55-60mph.

[@Maneesh1301]

In India we cruise about 60mph on highways , USA needs something like 650cc Himalayan

[@spydie]

Yes we do, but it already weighs more than a KLR650, with a bigger engine I'm afraid it would be an elephant.

[@easygoing7011]

Why not do the same run without the extra fuel tanks and the panniers. Also get rid of the front high level mudguard as well. All these are doing nothing but increasing drag. Fit them back when you riding off road.

[@vf5126]

When you’re riding US Interstates - you’re usually going somewhere ..thus needing/ wanting ‘stuff.’

[@Roadghost88]

Can it maintain a steady 60-65mph climbing hills? Say a 4-5% grade?

[@UncleVoodoo]

there is a mountain on the highway near me that my car cannot do 60-65mph on, im going to do it next week on the Himalayan. I don't know the grade %, hopefully it'll be posted.

[@Alejandromunoz-yx6wj]

@@UncleVoodoo looking foward to it. Great video and thamks for your replies!. Greets from Colombia.

[@robedmunds7163]

Probably would not pull higher gearing very well up hills or into wind. Strange there is no big bore or cam available yet to give it a boost.

[@ajaypay100]

Hitchcocks has a 462cc big bore kit available.

[@UncleVoodoo]

I actually mention the gearing problem in the upcoming video. stock gearing up a steep mountain highway could only muster 55-60mph, upgearing would be even worse.

[@hazcat640]

You mean you started riding when Carter LOWERED the speed limit to 55. It had been higher before that.

[@adbtw7211]

Speed isn't all it'd cracked up to be. I once hopped on my sport bike to see how far I could ride 2.5 hours out I was in a lot of pain turned back home couldn't straighten up for couple days was a miserable experience.

[@gopalsukumaran9329]

Bró sorry to say your body lacks of excersie now i am 68 I can do 400 km in 4.30hrs including short stoppage time becoz I excersie

[@adbtw7211]

@@gopalsukumaran9329 nah I was about 28 and had a job where all I did was run around all day with bunch of lifting thrown in. But who knows I know I stayed in town after that ride.

[@angellosmalefakis1321]

YOU sealed the deal. I will NOT buy the bike. In the USA you will eventually get on the highway. The MPG is bad or lousy! It is time that RE come in with a 500cc at the very least. Thank you but NO thanks. NOT FOR ME. IT IS UNDER POWERED. YOU confirmed it!

[@UncleVoodoo]

If you need a bike to predominately run highway speeds, its definitely not the bike for you.

[@ivorthomas453]

I would be curious how the Himalayan performs with a stock windshield. Mine had terrible buffeting over 50 mph. I added a windshield extension, haven't tested it yet... Thanks for the helpful video!

[@UncleVoodoo]

Mine had really bad buffeting as well, thats why I got the shorter screen. I tried the taller version and got the same buffeting as stock, the shorter one just moves the turbulent air lower so my helmet is in clean air.

[@UncleVoodoo]

The fuel economy I experienced is my best educated guess since this wasn't meant to be a fuel economy run so variables weren't controlled, just the figures I got from the available information I have. Ill be doing a more accurate fuel economy test coming up. In part 3 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2KYoKejmah5g7M I see how it handles steep grades.

[@mattd..]

30 people passed, says 4????

[@Intbel]

Can save a lotta fuel by slipstreaming those big trucks 🐸

[@vf5126]

..that’s not how I want to view America ~

[@kingrazor5280]

Hi, what's your height? Was the bike comfortable for you?

[@UncleVoodoo]

I am 6ft, and I find the bike very comfortable.

[@gerboblitz]

I think that for North American highways it might work! Here in Europe no way, speeds here are much higher. Unfortunately I need to get on it, to go to nice places to ride. That's too bad, I love the bike, but the highway test is really an issue.

[@Maneesh1301]

Upto 100 kmph it is great,I love to use it in my city as we have lot of bad roads, RE just glides with ease.

[@rightswap15]

32 MPG = 13.2 KMPL ,,,,,, sounds very very low, Himalayan easily gives 70 MPG = 29 KMPL ,,,, maintaining 70MPH for 60 miles stretch can affect the mileage so badly, never expected

[@UncleVoodoo]

I redid the fuel test more accurately in “part 3” of the highway test videos and got 46mpg. While that’s better than 32, I’ll prob keep it on roads it prefers to run on.

[@rightswap15]

@@UncleVoodoo yeah saw part 3 just now, still quite surprised, cause with good road conditions 46 MPG is low but with bad road conditions and insane traffic in India this machine delivers 26-30 KMPL

[@UncleVoodoo]

@@rightswap15 I’m going to run it on the Blue Ridge Parkway for the next fuel test, speeds are lower so we’ll see how big of a difference there is.

[@vf5126]

Having ridden in the same area, I was caught off guard at how much fuel my Himalayan had consumed at high speeds. After that experience - I mounted auxiliary fuel tanks. I never again want to be sweating over running out of gas - vs enjoying some of the most beautiful views in the world.. Interstate riding burns fuel fast.

[@jameslynch5716]

Thank you good info.

[@juleslemelle9027]

It's not a jackrabbit; it's a trusty donkey. Don't abuse it's willigness

[@loknlode]

You're doing five mph less than the speed limit. Of course people are going to pass you. They're doing at least 5 to 10 over. I don't see where anything was proven other than if you do less than speed limit, people doing or going over the speed limit, are going to pass you. What you did show, is the Himalayan is capable of maintaining posted highway speeds.

[@UncleVoodoo]

totally agree. this video was about what its like riding in the slow lane while maintaining viable rpms.

[@flatlander6928]

I'm a lil older and slower, I typically drive in the slow lane at just under the speed limit, let em go around. A lot more stress free watching the world fly by as you just coast and enjoy.

[@AndrewHeisey]

6th gear would solve a lot.

[@vf5126]

Consider that chart of diminishing returns.. A higher tooth front sprocket may be said to do the same … but if torque can’t push it, it’s gonna flat-line near the same rate of speed.

[@jackvliet]

Yeah not so good lol. But it wasn't made for it

[@sacredsounds4234]

The people who are making adventure bikes,are not listening to the people.For example the new KLR 40lbs heavier,and no 6 gear.The DRZ still not fuel injected,the Honda African twin 700lbs,the Vstrom to much street,not enough dirt.Guys are idiots.People are looking for light weight,fuel injected 6 speed machines that can go off road,and have freeway speeds.Shouldn't be that difficult.And yes at a reasonable price.

[@hazcat640]

Why are you blocking the middle lane? Get over to the far right where you belong.

[@UncleVoodoo]

If I’m not holding up traffic I belong anywhere I choose to be. That right lane is for semis climbing the mountains.

[@armadilllo]

So you're just on the highway pissin' people off?

[@UncleVoodoo]

No, that would be if I did this in the passing lane.