Thoughts on the Royal Enfield Himalayan after the initial 1000 miles

[@ScooterintheSticks]

An excellent overview of the Himalayan. And your perspective of appreciating the motorcycle for what it is rather than what it isn't is a refreshing change from a lot of the reviews I've watched before deciding to buy one last month. As an old and slow rider, it's perfect for the rides I make. Good luck on the TAT. I don't see such an adventure in my future but the Mid-Atlantic BDR passes a dozen miles to the East of me so I'll probably ride parts of that.

[@DrMemory70]

Appreciate your reflections on the Himi. I'm pushing 70 and traded in my GS for the Himi and couldn't be happier, I tried the touring seat without much improvement and found the Seat Concepts seat perfect for me. Have found the windshield extensions create a lot of vibration so just went back to the original windscreen. I too found the racks creatively welded!. I know the Himi is not an interstate motorbike but found overtaking a vehicle on the secondary roads hard on my ticker so I went with the TEC cam and and a 16 tooth front sprocket and it has made all the difference. Looking forward to following your journeys and ride safe!

[@stevesjourney7000]

John Thank you for the great observations. Much appreciated. I have been a Seat Concepts fan for a good while and just put one on today. Video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJuynpqfgs2LepY Maybe our paths will cross and we can ride together sometime

[@jobhatta]

I love the way you describe the bike. I used to ride a RE Machismo 350 a long time back. After your honest review, I am in the lookout for a Himalayan too. Looking forward for a great deal. I already have a HD1200 XLC, in the garage. I like the fact that you describe what is stock and the fact that it is not as bad at all. Thanks! Look forward to more videos from you!!

[@stevesjourney7000]

Thank you for the thoughts. After 7500 miles now I wouldn't change a word. I did upgrade the cam and front sprocket and it opened up the top speed but that was only because I had it all apart anyway through no fault of the bike. I do recommend that but there really isn't anything necessary. It's a great bike when you just expect it to be what it is. Oh, and I did change brake pads, and they are notably better but again, no super need

[@UndeadHermit]

Old as dirt but still looking good. Keep it up Big G!

[@stevesjourney7000]

Well damn. Now flattered as hell. Thank you

[@roblippiatt874]

I fitted the RE touring seat and it’s definitely an improvement.

[@stevesjourney7000]

I hope to meet others so I can get a good read on the comparison. I have loved my Seat Concepts seats in the past so I'm hoping it's a winner. Thanks

[@tenpole41]

I got a seat pad from amazon £11 works well and looks ok as well

[@kevincraig8257]

just wondering what panniers those are thanks

[@stevesjourney7000]

WILD HEART Waterproof bag... www.amazon.com/dp/B077TPKNH4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@whatsnext_42]

Yesterday I paid the deposit for my Himalayan... back to riding since 1990.

[@stevesjourney7000]

Did you get it? Tell me what you think. I continue to be amazed

[@whatsnext_42]

@@stevesjourney7000 Ye i got it, made cca 2k km so far (i am from Europe) and i just love this bike, i suits me perfectly, easy to ride. Right now i am working on a custom top back plate for eazy mounting Mosko moto reckless revolver.. I am a bit rusty, haven't worked with metal for some years now, and i don't have a workshop so all the work is done on my terace on the 8th flor with limited tools, but it will be ok. I will upload some pics when it is finished.

[@stevesjourney7000]

@@whatsnext_42 fantastic. I'll be looking for pics

[@SouravAcharya9444]

dude i really do fell like that i will die in the dark those Halogen bulbs r not best for me

[@stevesjourney7000]

Lol.. I guess being ancient I remember old 6 volt incandescent lights that were like the soft glow of a yellow candle. Anyway I've never found them lacking but you have to go with what you want or need.

[@spenserwalker7768]

Do you still have the V Strom 650 ? It sure costs more than the Royal Endfield . I guess it's even more versatile than the R. E. I'm 6'3 so I guess the V Strom would be more suitable for me. You really explained well the ins and outs of the R. E.

[@stevesjourney7000]

I loved the vstrom. It had it on everything as far as reliability and comfort. 40k+ and not a hitch. Really too heavy for serious off road and I'm height challenged so that was scary a time or two on ridges with slopes on both sides. I rode heavily loaded up over Donner pass and up Pikes Peak at high altitude with no issue or bogging. West Texas had posted 90mph speed limits and I sat at 105 (allegedly on this public forum 😉).. So the bottom line is as far as I'm concerned there is ZERO need for the 1000. So why the Himalayan? Because I've ridden all lower 48 and Alaska and don't need the 85 mph cruise capability. I do have more need to climb that no road mountain and stealth camp and take remote pictures. I will ride the TAT this year. For all those things the Himilayan is better suited and I have already run it for hours at 70 and it's fine on the freeway.. Think 1963 VW bug... They are both stellar in their category. The RE has dune issues but they are known issues and worth addressing at the price point.

[@spenserwalker7768]

@@stevesjourney7000 Thanks for the useful information. I've got some details clearer now. I'm ''age challenged'' ;-). Have to reduce . I cracked about the bicycle brake lines on the R.E. All the best for your TAT ride. Ride safe.

[@stevesjourney7000]

I'm 66 so don't be too "age challenged". Lol I may have said brake lines but they are hydraulic on the RE. It's the clutch that is the weight of a bicycle cable but fortunately the pull is super light. Enjoy whatever you get.

[@spenserwalker7768]

@@stevesjourney7000 I'll try the RE. The Strom 650 as well . I'm 72 and sure I'm going to have fun with my next bike. My good old BMW air head I'm going to keep though . By the way as Mark Twain said : Age is a matter of mind , if you don't mind it doesn't matter. :-)

[@stevesjourney7000]

@@spenserwalker7768 my brother in Alaska has an old BMW airhead with a sidecar. You couldn't pry it away from him. I'll be all over the country in the next years. Maybe we'll cross paths

[@osmanalud2285]

Si me compro una Himalayan será blanca como la tuya.

[@DavidWoods-rk8st]

Thought of the day you pay for what you get

[@stevesjourney7000]

I really feel like I get a lot more than I paid for but considering it wasn't much the minimal fixes are well worth it. I am happier with it every day