Royal Enfield Himalayan 5000k review: Is this good for beginner offroading?
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
- Having just booked in the Himalayan for its 5000km service, we thought it was time to give my review of what the Enfield is like as an offroad bike for people new to 2 wheels.
Music Taken from the UA-cam Audio Library
-The Premier
I've come to the conclusion that the Himalayan is the equivalent to the 1940s Willys U.S. military jeep.
Yeah, it's under-powered, but it's tough as hell, will go anywhere you point it, get you into anything you want, then get you right back out again if you have any kind of ability at all.
...or if you at least make an effort.
Sure it's not gonna win any races, but it'll at least always finish the run.
( I've lost count of how many vehicles I've owned that couldn't make that claim. )
😀👍
Excellent analogy, and super affordable.
Watch Itchy Boots video's, a young woman travels the entire world. That proofs you are absolutely spot on.
Why anyone would buy a heavy bike? Only a 100 people in the world can ride a heavy bike like what it was meant for. Who on earth is using 150 horse power on a dirt bike? For real? While traveling? Forget it, most riders would be better off riding a Himalayan.
On the road that's another story, but even there, a lighter bike would do the job just as well as those license plate racers. Where are you allowed to double the speed limits? Most bikes ride 150 mph easily nowadays! Who actually travels that fast on the road? Even Germany is terminating that freedom.
So, get yourself a Himalayan, and let that bike surprise you. Have fun. Ride it. Don't let it fall asleep in your garage.
Good analogy. All terrain mules aren't sprinters.
Nice comment
But true
I’ve just brought one . Fantastic review, my wife and I have just retired and I’ll be taking it on the back of my motor home from brighton uk to Portugal 🦋
Liss: Thank you! That sounds like a wonderful retirement! I hear Portugal is great for motorbike riding - we hope to visit when we do our Sydney-London trip.
Great to hear anyone doing this, Ride safe.
Hi Terence, I’m thinking of doing the same. Did you get a rack or trailer? You ok weight wise?
awol andy hi Andy , I got a trailor , don’t like it all the time as my motor home is 7.7 m long
Terence Manthorpe cheers. We’re just under 6m so length less of an issue. I guess there’s pros and cons to each option.
probably the wisest words you will ever hear on youtube.from another who has been riding on similar fire trails for more than fifty years. the more heavy a bike is the harder it is to handle if it has enough power on the steepest hills. more weight and power is likely to get you injured. well spoken girl. cheers.
This is an extremely coherent and useful review. Really well done.
visuals are nice too ;)
I have been riding motorcycles for over 40 years. Enjoyed this, well done, thanx.
Thanks. That's one very useful, simply explained users review with lots of useful tips gained from actual riding , not theory. Enjoy! Subbed.
This is the cutest and very genuine review I have seen on yt for himalayan 👍
Had most of these swapped with aftermarket alternatives which are well made and quite decently priced. Also swapped the tyres to tubeless ones and it made the bike lighter as well as more durable for really dodgy trails. All of that didn't cost much but made the bike way better.
Don’t mind me, i’m just looking for Itchy Boots comments
You won't have to look far!
I love that Harry and Himalayan is always with you😁
Thank you both for putting this review together. Much appreciated.
I have been thinking of tackling some of the Trans European Trail. Trying to decide whether the Himalayan is the right bike for that.
Liss: Our pleasure - we had fun making it! We are planning to ride a lot of the TET next year, but I haven't looked at the trail to gauge how the enfield would perform. For me, given a bit more practice, I would send the Himalayan down anything that Harry on the DR650 would tackle. But I'm going to think twice if i encounter more enduro trails.
Great review! New subscriber here. My last bike was a Honda Trail 90 which I rode to the beach and around the Santa Monica mountains in Southern California. Now 64 yo and planning to retire to Portugal and believe this could be the perfect bike for me. Looking forward to following you and Harry. I'm slso a huge fan of Itchy Boots.
Liss: Thanks for subscribing!! Given your mix of interests in Portugal and Motovloggers, I'd also recommend checking out Pedro Mota who is from Portugal, and currently travelling Brazil, so he throws a bit of Portugeuse in when talking to the locals.
As for the bike, I obviously can't say what's right for you, but the Himalayan is calm and capable and I'd take it offroading in Portugal in a heartbeat.
@@RidingOnEggshells I'll check out Pedro's channel, thanks.
@Skodaman2 I'm reallly looking forward to my adventures there. Such an incredible country. Thanks for the input.
Great! A nice mix of useful information for anyone considering this bike.
Well done ‘ living the dream . Some one told me that Travelers never age 🦋
thank you for all these precisions, i love this bike, see you soon kisses from France
What a great video. I've seen the technical vlogs but this is by far the best practical one I've seen. Very useful. Having just sold a sports bike as my back and wrists won't stand it any longer (well I am 66!!) A Himalayan look a good proposition. Your video has just confirmed that. Many thanks for the excellent video. Cheers.
Liss: So good to hear you found it useful. There are already quite a few reviews online, but we hoped to be able to add something new to the mix. Hope you enjoy the Hima as much as I do.
I just love that the part which doubles up as a bash plate is the center stand and not the engine or frame!
Great video; I love the playful sense of humor. I bought my Himalayan a few weeks ago and I couldn't be happier. The dealer threw in crash bars and pannier racks for free, so I bought Tusk aluminum panniers for 1/3 the price of the RE panniers and bolted them on. I just passed 500 km, so I'll be doing my first service soon.
Liss: Thanks!! We wanted to do a serious review, but also not take ourselves too seriously - which is a bit of a theme in our other videos. Sounds like you got a great deal on the purchases, I have been really happy with the RE racks. We have strapped directly onto them several times, so they are pretty versatile.
Hi.Iam too a proud owner of the Himalayan since 2016 and this bike with a few mods and a little TLC is the best thing to own.One can go in for the longer(1.5")dirt bike handle with bar ends of the Himalayan Sleet model.Afully synthetic engine oil(300V Motul15W50-1.8ltrs).A NGK iridium plug CR9EIX and a K&N or BMC air filter,Nitrogen in tyres and also the Motul fork oil and this baby is a different machine altogether.she's butter smooth and flies On and Off road and will last forever.Tried and tested.
Wonderful! "If you are planning to drop the bike several times..." Excellent review
Wow! Looks like a good hot ride! The bike looks nice too!
Great review. About to pounce on a new 2019 Snow, as I am not thrilled with the color offerings for 2020. BTW: As a retired Medic, I found your "Give me the clap" comment rather amusing , (even though I understand the video/audio synchronization reference). LOL
Liss: I just saw the 2020 colours yesterday when watching NathanThePostman's latest video. What is the red one about? Why they thought painting the bars was a good idea, is beyond me. I would have loved move colour options, but I think Snow is still the best of the bunch.
Harry was very well aware of what he was saying...we had to edit out his laughing. ;)
Great review Liss. Nice to hear what a newer rider thinks of a bike from their perspective.
Subscribed. 425 subscribers!!
Nice fluent presentation. Waiting for BS6 to buy. Wish you and Harry good luck
Thank you Partha!
Very well presented with useful information. I just bought one myself and this is helpful. I'm getting the Givi TN9050 crash bars which should be much more durable. Warm regards from Alaska.
Liss: Thanks, Mike! Was having a discussion with one of our scribblers, Geoff, who was deciding between the Givi and the Zana which seem to be the two best options. I always get stuck in analysis paralysis with these things. Hope the Givi vastly outperform my bars!
Another way of looking at it is that if the standard crash-bars bend, then they are absorbing energy which 3-point bars (such as the Givi option) transfer to the frame or wherever.
@@alfnoakes392 Very good point Alf. I have also considered that and wonder which tactic is the better choice. I suppose just as long as the standard bars don't bend to the point where they can trap or crush a leg or ankle.
this bike stands for its name, tested in the Indian Himalayan and the company is very respected in India
good review. nice perspective from someone just starting out with this kind of riding. you remind a little of alicia silverstone. keep it up.
I wasn't expecting this, excellent useful review!
Liss: Thanks! For something more technical, nathanthepostman gives a few great reviews, but we wanted to come at it from the perspective of someone new to riding. Glad you liked it!
AceMcMoron it’s a great review innit
I've got one and agree with all she said especially the long side stand. A fantastic go anywhere bike.i love mine.
"Good for a bit of touring" you mean like around the world!
Ittchy boots have done it already on Himalayan.
Cool. Mine arrives next week! Can't wait
Thanks Liss - great review.
I totally agree! I love the look of it. Anyone who disagrees isn't worth knowing. 😁
Absolutely honest review 👍👍👍, covering all the important pionts 💫
As you say, this Engine puls you through, no matter what.
I dead, this bike is not made to race 💫
Love my Himalayan 😁, yes she is not my only bike (Tiger, MT, GS, but she is the one, the whole family is in love with 💫
Did you mention the weak front brake 🤔😂
Good stuff, you two. Change those engine guards, get yourself some knuckle guards, and a new clutch lever, and it'll be as good as new. Better, in fact. Really enjoy your vids.
Liss: Cheers, Geoff! Might need to watch this space on the mods. Currently having a lively debate on whether I part ways with Pooja to get the same bike as Harry. Been holding off on changes while we decide.
@@RidingOnEggshells Try to get Harry to get a Himalayan. If you'e planning that long trip it'll save loads of money on fuel because, as you would have found out, they're very frugal - and very frugal x 2 = very, very frugal.
Liss: I'm not sure he can be convinced, but I do keep trying. At the end of the day, the Suzuki is the practical choice for long-distance riding (particularly in Africa - where parts are going to be hard to come by). I just wish the DR was a bit nicer looking (call me shallow).
There's just a couple of things I like about this ..........
You aren't looking at her eyes, are you?
@@guarddog318 lol
@@guarddog318 no, the wheels...
@@wildone2163, uh huh, sure.
Next you'll be telling me she has such nice... panniers.
Nice details in the review 👍🏻 Made me chuckle when he said every mans worry ……..give me the clap 😳😂
Good vid as usual guys! 👏 I’m loving my Himalayan so far! It proves you don’t need a fast bike to enjoy riding (this is my fourth bike & the slowest) Love the looks and functionality. It’s a smooth ride and suspension is great! I fitted the GIVI engine bars which are very impressive quality and three attachment points, also have nice hand guards fitted! 👍 Not been off road yet.. it’s surprisingly difficult to find somewhere.. 🤔 I’ll eventually shoot a couple of vids about the bike itself, but hard to find a chance (however it’s dark for most of the day with horrible weather for next few months, most people put their bikes away for winter here)
Look forward to more of your off road vids! 🙌
Liss: Thanks a lot! I think the important thing is that the Himalayan makes you not care about going fast. We just stiffened the back suspension for touring and might have taken it a bit far. Potholes a bit more noticeable now. We will soon have the opposite problem weather-wise. Starting to get quite hot to be attempting slow trails. Planning to retreat up the mountains for our Xmas trip.
Great full honest reviews. Have to have one! Thanks to Riding on eggs shell and Itchy Boots.
A simple solution to the broken lever problem, loosen the clamp a little, just enough to let it move under a fall but not so much that it moves when using it. This lets the lever move out of the way if you drop the bike and could save the lever from breakage. It's not fool proof but it could save them under light drops! (When stationary , for example).
Do this AND fit a good handlebar guard and you'll never have to replace a lever again!
You were lucky to get the speedo cable replaced under warranty, Most maunfacturers warranties don't cover control cables. Excellent customer care from Royal Enfield!
Liss: I was really surprised that they covered it too. Santina and the guys at RE Sydney always looked after me. I am sad that they won't be my go to people with my next bike.
roythearcher, Or buy some decent handguards, not the Enfield ones, they only have one fixing.
I really love those headlights.
Great review. I love the look of this bike but the weight and size makes it not the bike for me otherwise I would of brought one. I now have a DRZ400 that has been lowered 13cm in the springs and forks and seat chopped out. This will be used for travelling, hopefully soon.
Keep the videos coming, I enjoy watching them
The DR650 can be lowered quite a bit. There is a second mounting hole on the rear shock, and on the front the spring and spacer can be reversed. If not still low enough, you can do links and raise the front tubes in the triple tree. The DR650 is actually a lot lighter than the Himalayan by about 60lb or 27kgs. I have looked at several bikes from India. They all seem to use lead instead of steel in the frames.
Got the same problem with my sidestand, think of shortening it. And even my midstand is kind of wiggly, uphill no problem, but as soon as. it goes just a little downhill, it does intend to fold in.
I can highly recomend the givi engine guards, pretty good quality!
Liss: I actually did get the guys at royal enfield to shorten it for me. Leans beautifully now. That's a couple of recommendations were had now for the Givi - good to hear, thanks!
You must have got the MOST DROPPED Himalayan so far :-) Enjoyed the update!
If you'd like a much-dropped Himalayan, we are selling it!
@@RidingOnEggshells Well actually I am over in europe but looking for either a Himalayan bs6 2020 model (EFI and switchable abs) or a KTM 390 Adventure. Any particular reason why the sale? Or is there a video coming up on that? Cheers!
I had a Himalayan and did around 7,000 km from new. Both stands I never really had an issue with, so perhaps the side stand on the NZ spec model was slightly different. Mine was a 2017 model with carb. Main stand I'd agree you could in my case occasionally hit (I am only 65 kg or around 9.5 stone), so your results will vary depending on your weight. As you say though very useful to have a centre stand for lubing chain or taking rear wheel out etc. I now have a Ducati Scrambler Classic which is less weight than Himalayan-3 X the horse power and far more torque. The Himalayan for a 411cc single is heavy and also for modern standards of even an average expectation the performance is low. However I'd agree with you that this is an advantage for those less experienced riding off road as it's more forgiving and far less chance of getting someone into trouble or giving them a scare. The levers you simply back the bolt off enough to hold levers in place however enough to allow them to move if you hit the deck-that way the lever assembly will move and not break. Otherwise as you have said you can add bark busters or Acerbis protectors. I had pannier frames made up to run the C bow system by Hepco Becker. Mainly because that's what I had on the previous bike and liked. They are soft luggage so compress if you come off and also not so big as to create too much added weight-around 22 litres. They lock on with a key and each have a handle so you just unlock and pick them up and walk away into your accommodation with your luggage in hand.
Does the Scrambler manage tricky tracks? I loved the look of those bikes but never saw anyone doing any serious off-road and thus couldn't justify the price. - Harry
Hey cutapie, you gave such a great review because honestly no one talk this types of many things you told about so thankyou so much .. btw you are beautiful , may your channel grow n you glow 😍😅❤️❤️ ..
I have had Touratech engine guards bend like yours did. It protected the bike due to the flexing.
Liss: Yeah, a few people have pointed that out since I made the video, and it's really true. They did a great job protecting the bike.
The one thing I agree with is the side stand has the rong angle on it but that’s just a small point. I think Royal Enfield has a winner with this bike.
Wow, this girl knows her bike. 👌👌😍
what bike?
Good honest review ..thanks subbed..
The more I see the Himalayan the more I want to buy one. Quirks and all.
Nice review, thanks for your input .... 👍
There are great videos that explain easy ways to lift a motorcycle that has fallen over on its side.
It’s a very handsome machine
Definitely looks well built.
It does doesn’t it
MotoZo what are you on about mate?
Are you being rude in a air quotes manly way you know the way I mean you know the way that gets you glassed
You remind me Noraly of Itchy Boots youtube channel in her beginning!
Liss: High praise indeed. Thanks!
Itchy Boots is a badass
Much more personality than Itchy boots!
m.ua-cam.com/video/gMTPsumjfTA/v-deo.html
Maybe because both are women ?
You are correct that the ambient temperature gauge is not accurate. It seems to be too close to the engine as once the bike is running it reads on the high side. If it's a carby model then to get the best out of the bike they need re-jetting as they run too lean in order to meet emissions. As far as a value for money adventure bike already kitted out with most of the stuff you need, like screen, bash plate, mains stand, carrier, fork gators they are pretty hard to go past. The are without doubt great value for money and a simple design which is relatively easy to work on and maintain, as well as being pretty reliable.
I have been riding royal Enfield for years now and have seen people who don't like RE and 2nd group who just font want anything.
Himalayan is a zero gravity bike the most balanced one.
What I feel is to get a real potential of himalayan we need to know how to ride it.
This bike is just The Gorgeoust.
Beautifully explained.
Shukriya.
Hi, great review. Just love this bike. As a total 50 years old beginner, will you recommend it as first bike for town and also country riding but not so much off-road!? Thanx and regards from Serbia ✌️
Nice review but I think I will stick with my Tiger. But as a second bike for off roading for a vertically challenged person like me I am intrigued, I may just get a test ride in the uK. Thanks
Great review 👍 I'm considering the Himalayan for a alrounder. Just wondering how you find the factory Tyers off road? I've heard there not bad on road and in the wet.
If you see our video 'Enduro on an Enfield' or something, they're average surprisingly capable. -H
@@RidingOnEggshells ok cool good to know 👍 I'll check it out
Where are you ? Really miss you two !
Awesome Bike..
A honest review
Its versatile Because the bike is made in India for the Indian market, where your mom or wife doesnt care about your off roading capabilities but more about your skill in going multiple times to the local shop for getting eggs, bread, milk , etc.
Now available in BS 6 engine. That is now more smooth to ride...... and now with BAS switch..... let's take a test drive.... 😃🤗👍
Oh Bhai BS 6 Is only for India, .....
Great review, thank you
Noraly (Itchy Boots) the solo female rider has proven what a Himalayan is capable of when she rode from Asia to Europe. She is currently doing South America to Alaska which has been halted coz of Covid-19.
Yeah she's great isn't she!?
@@RidingOnEggshells Yes, she is !
Regards & Best wishes to u !
Great review! Give me more!!..... May be a world tour next?
Liss: Thanks you! At the minute, the world consists of the bathroom, living room, bedroom, and a weekly trip to Coles. Not sure how many people would tune in!
word to the wise, if you keep bending the guards back they will break eventually; next time maybe just leave it? it'll still protect. Good for you taking on the adventures!!
Yeah we did leave them a bit but a) I worried about them rubbing on the engine casings, and b) they get in the way of Liss' toes. - Harry
The bike is not too low powered. It is somewhat too heavy for its power.
This video btw to me is the best review of the Himalayan.
I see no one has told you how to pick up a bike by yourself! Go to the opposite site of the bike that is down, grab the handle bars and put your feel on the front tire and lean back!
Poor Harry - must be a Arnold Schwarzenegger double based on the number of drops (and pickups) ;-) Own the EFI version and like it a lot - never let me down, even when overrun by a minivan I could pick it up and go to the garage by myself. A very impressive little bike with its quirks for sure. Stay safe
Liss: haha! Check out our next upload (releasing tonight!) to see me finally start pulling my own weight with the bike lifting. Turns out I could lift it, just needed to change my technique!
@@RidingOnEggshells @Liss - looking forward 2 it :-)
Awesome!
IMPRESIONANTE
Noticed your panniers are fitted the wrong way around. They should be fitted instead of acting as a wind break if left open they close if pulling away by mistake or if they come undone while driving. How they are is really dangerous if an issue happens. Always locks to back and close in driving direction.
Liss: Thanks for the comment. I hadn't thought about them being dangerous and it's an interesting point you raise. Having considered what you are saying, I'm going to keep them on facing the front for a couple of reasons; 1) I have driven off with the panniers unlatched a few times and due to the design it's always immediately obvious that they need to be fastened, which I have corrected before getting up to any speed. If they were backwards-facing I'd need to get off the bike to correct this. 2) It's much more practical to have the panniers facing the front. I keep water bottles and things in which I can reach without stepping off the bike.
I think what you are saying is a valid point, and definitely should be a consideration when fitting panniers, in general. But for how I ride, and my experience with these particular panniers, I don't feel they pose a danger to keep them as they are.
@@RidingOnEggshells no problems ride safe.
Weld a bit larger footplate on the kickstand, will not sink in the dirt so easily.
Liss: If you watch our very latest video you might notice that we've got a larger fotplate now. RE adjusted it when I took it in to shorten the stand
If you haven't come across her UA-cam channel you should do yourself a favour and go to Itchy Boots.
She is riding a Himalayan around the world. She has completed a trip from India through 5 countries in Asia then continued from Oman through Central Asia then on to Holland.
She is now riding from Brazil to Patagonia then all the way to Alaska.
Also nathanthepostman now on his second himalayan
Good review 👍
She's a unicorn. A smart, pretty girl who likes motorcycles. Ride on, girl. Ride on...
It is not the ambient temperature reader. It is the engine temp indiactor
they are good bikes and that bike of yours has what you call...battle scars lol
Very naturally funny indeed.
I concur.
Most motorcycle fuel guages are poor, the tanks are just not big enough and are usually an odd shape. Even the one on my Goldwing with its 25 litre fuel capacity only gives a vague approximation.
You should always drop your bike a few times, shows the damn thing who is boss. Helps if you piss on it also, shows your dominance.
Good content
Great RE Himmalayan review! (was it sponsored by the Delhi office? ;) )
We wish!! Got it here in Oz and didn't do any kind of partnership, just wanted to review it because people keep asking. - Harry
@@RidingOnEggshells Thks!
I set more preload [max preload] on my Himalayan and the side stand works better as well as better ground clearance. There are much better engine guards direct from India at a nice price.
Liss: I had royal enfield chop down the stand down for me and it leans really nicely now. As for leg guards, the comments so far have mostly been between the Zana and Givi
It is a good looking bike..
Thank you for the review. Which year is that?
Liss: It was a 2018 model
I watched this entire video and never noticed it included a motorcycle...
Love it
What’s with the pronunciation of Himalayan?
Liss: Dunno - I watched lots of UA-cam videos from Royal Enfield before I bought the bike and their pronunciation got stuck in my head. Harry always makes fun of me for pronouncing things wrong.
Could you ride it up the himalias 😂
@@stevejobson3399 dunno, but I can pronounce and spell it correctly.
marklloyd, That was just so annoying plus the ammount of times she said it.
RE first made strategy to focus on re most popular Indian bike RE classic 350 but they soon realize what's popular in india doesn't work abroad.
But Himalayan clicked which is also made for Himalayan travellers and suddenly brand started getting traction in big markets.
I only see so much appreciatiom for re Himalayan other wise dnt seem much indians interested in Himalayan over classic.
Im In Love
Nice review
Himalayan is about A$ 3500 in India
Well done. Nailed it!