Royal Enfield Himalayan Review

Royal Enfield Himalayan Review: As a huge fan of everything Royal Enfield I was very interested to learn when the company brought out a brand new dual-sport adventure bike back in late 2016. It's been a long time coming to the UK but the Himalayan is finally here and I was chuffed to have a ride on one - stay tuned to find out how I got on...

Thanks to The Motorbike Man in Watford for lending me the bike to review.

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My current motorcyles are:-
Honda CRF250L
Triumph Street Triple R
BMW R1200GS
Ducati 899 Panigale

[hirdy]

What? The main downside is the looks?! I think that's the best thing about it. If Steve Mcqueen rode to Hong Kong or something that's what his bike would look like. Good video as always

[rickpage]

I was one of those who sold my Honda and bought a Himalayan on the back of Noraly's wonderful channel. I have to say that the compass is not just useful in the outback (I am in Oz) but also in town when the GPS lady says "head east on Main St". At least now I am not scratching my head wondering which way east is at night. :) Stay safe my fellow apes!

[Wheel-Peace]

I rode this bike from Katmandu, Nepal for 10 days toward the upper Mustang region of the Himalayas.

400 miles of it off-road. Spectacular views and fantastic bike. When I got off of it, I was ready to give up my 2015 bmw f800 gsa.

For the price point, features and rideability, it's a hard bike to beat. Look wise, it's a great looking bike in a utilitarian sort of way.. kind of the same way one looks at an Ural..

Once they iron out all the kicks.. be a nice bike for round the world trips and not be too preoccupied with it being stolen..lol.

Thanks for nice review..

[rockafella]

I genuinely really like the way the bike looks. Love it's functionality too. Great video as always.

[a]

Before i was planning for
Benelli TRK 502
( which cost 6500 pounds)
Then I took RE for spin &
Ended up buying
RE Himalayan(for weekend trails) +
RE continental GT 650(for everyday use)
(6500 pounds in total for both)
😆😅
Happy with my purchase...
Love from India🇮🇳

[S_R_x]

Viewed this video back in May.. and bought one in June.. have been riding one ever since.. far more aggresively than new bikes are supposed to.
I am in LOVE with the RE Himalayan... it's the perfect bike for somone like me & it is at a far more value for money than many others.

[arnenoot]

I don't hate the looks at all. I love how functional it looks.

[MercFlathead]

The closest competitor in the US would probably be the Yamaha XT 250 like my wife has. It is about the same seat height and power, but it weighs 100 lbs less. It costs about $800 more new, but dealers and parts are easier to find. We don't have enough simple bikes anymore. So good for the Indians making something functional that isn't designed for race tracks and doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

[jdamk]

Cracking little bike, Royal Enfield really made something special.

[velocettektt]

I have owned one of these now for about 18 months and done 5k miles on it. No issues at all. . A really great bike. I toured Spain, Italy, Switzerland and France on it last summer with full luggage and wife on pillion. Even loaded like that it would pull 70 on a motorway. It is probably the best bike I have ever ridden for shrugging off being loaded up. I love the handling and ease of use. He is right about the front brake. I think it looks good but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Things he did not mention that I really like are: proper fork gaiters protecting the stanchions, decent mudguarding, a centre stand and a brilliant tight turning circle. It also has a reasonable tool kit and a place to store the handbook under the seat. I really only have 2 niggles. I like the idea of a compass but it really doesn't work very well, to the point where you can't really trust it. It also has an ambient temperature display, which is really good in a bike that you might use in winter a lot, except that once it is running the display registers 3 or 4 degrees more than it really is. The handbook does say only look at it before firing up from cold! Fix those 2 things and improve the front brake RE and you have a perfect bike in my eyes.

[jfddelaney]

I own one. Bought it 2 years ago. Has been spot on. Runs around Sydney and never misses a beat. Plenty of accessories are available. Intend to take it touring soon.
Watch Itchy Boots on You Tube. She shows what it can do. I disconnected the side stand alarm.

[peterbye]

Front brakes are fine after a few hundred miles . The whole bike improves with mileage . I have 2000 on the clock . It just gets better

[kevindaly]

Bravo! Another beautifully honest review with not a hint of bias or snobbery. I recognized and enjoyed a fair amount of the route from your Classic 500 video. We proud Enfield owners thank you sincerely for your candor. Well done you.

[oilburner]

A compass is an extremely useful addition, I would hardly call it a gimmick for this type of motorcycle.

[prajullas]

Every time I see a Himalayan review reminds me of Nortaly in Itchy Boots.

[JohnC]

I like the way Royal Enfield are continuing to offer budget, but appealing bikes in the modern era. It must be quite a challenge. I'll be interested in your opinion of the new 650 twins when they become available.

[keithralfs]

I have an Australia Carb version, done nearly 7, 000klms - $7, 000 on Road in Aussie - l changed tyres to Mitas E-07 very quickly as CEAT tyres not good in rain, sand or mud - runs 110kph on highways with no trouble - actually quite impressive - average 26klms/litre - fuel gauge is "interesting" at approx 280klms starts counting backwards until the tank is refilled - the sidestand has an annoying buzzer which sounds when the engine runs & stand down, also indicated on dash - plastics are brittle & cheap as are the fasteners, nuts & bolts etc - great value l hope to get 100, 000klms out of mine

[robertwbeams]

I am re-visiting this Review two years later. I can't find my comment (if I in fact made one) but suspect that I thought it would rust quickly, and be as reliable as a 1960 Land Rover. I didn't rate it at all, and thought that ItchyBootys would junk it after a month or two. But no, its now March 2020 and I have followed Noraly on her amazing Channel since 2018. Sure, 2 x snapped clutch cables, inevitable puncture of the tubed tyres and suspension issues, but for me, absolutely expected. For goodness sakes, at GBP4k it was half the price of anything similar. Would this be the machine you chose on which to ride around the world - not a chance. But now I eat humble pie in huge chunks. ItchyBoots currently in Bolvia, is incredible. The Himalyan trundles on over appalling tracks, flood water, soft sand and sharp rocks. Credit to Noraly, but credit also to the machine. I was so wrong. I read that Noraly has through her Channel, increased global sales of the Himalyan by 125%. Well done to her, compliments to Royal Enfield for having faith in their machine. About 500% more than I did! I still don't want one, but gotta say how impressed and amazed that her bike 'Dhanno' is still going strong.

[belfasthuwcynhuw]

I love it. Looks like it would be a great city bike as well as being able to do a bit of touring. Plenty of luggage strap points, I like its retro almost military dirtbike looks. £4k is dirt cheap.

[skippywinters]

I absolutely love the looks of it. It’s old school simple turn on and go bike