My youngest son and his partner, both riding Himalayans, covered 15,000 miles through thirty-five countries in Europe last year. They rode mainly off-road, took camping gear and various necessities to last for a four-month journey, including tools to do their own servicing and tyre changes en route. Both bikes were in daily use as general purpose/commuting, all weather every day riders before they completed their European tour and they still are. No mechanical failures! Just basic maintenance and servicing. I bought one. It's a total hoot! Love the review, I reckon the 411 Himmy is a future classic.Love and peace.
Nothing about these bikes makes them attractive on paper. Poor front brake, throttle cable like an elastic band, slow and rattly. Test rode one on Friday and laughed and enjoyed myself so much I bought the thing! What a brilliant daft bike. I've got a Tenere 700, and compared to the Himalayan it is no contest. But the Himalayan is just delightful on wet bumpy twisty potholed back roads. Totally planted feeling. All Royal Enfield need is to get people over their prejudice (including me!) , to actually have a ride on one. They'd clean up!
@@Motoccino sorry, I didn't see this reply. sintered pads help. the brakes are desperately bad, but offroad you get real good feel from the front brake strangely enough. Reminds me of a drum brake feel.
Indeed. And how it pulls from low down in top. All the things you want to know that other reviewers gloss over whilst we have to listen to their irritating music etc.
Nice review Mark. Based on Itchy Boots, Noraly's experience, this is worth serious consideration. She went halfway around the planet on on she bought in India. Some of the terrain she went over sold me this bike. Great price, even over here in Blighty!
Thanks for this great review Mark. I was thinking of getting the Interceptor but have now changed my mind. Noraly of Itchy Boots took one of these all through South America. I am in Thailand right now and this bike would be perfect for Thailand and there is a dealership right down the road from me. Thanks again Mark..........Sal : )
Thanks sal yes I've been watching itchy boots.....I think in Thailand this might be better suited than the interceptor ...it's a great work horse Regards mark
She did allot more than South America. She bought one in India and drove it home to the Netherlands over all of Asia and Europe. After that she got another one and drove South America until covid stopped her.
I would probably have bought one of these had my nearest dealer not been 250 miles away. It is a great pity that RE did not have a netwirk of authorised service agents for those of us too far away from the dealers in the event of warranty repairs being required.
Nice review as always Mark. It seems like bikers from all biking backgrounds (sport, cruiser, etc) seem to really enjoy riding this machine. Great value with all the bits on it. In Canada, our 2021s are the old style without the tripper, upgraded seat, or recurved side racks - we have to wait for the 2022s to have these upgrades. All the best & safe riding. Cheers, Ronny in Canada
I used to have a 2019 Himalayan. Great bike, if you're not in a hurry. I sold it in March to buy an Interceptor, but plan on getting another one in the future, for off-road use. I used to average up to 84 mpg on mine.
Looks fast enough for day to day riding. Might be a bit lacking on long motorway trips, but at least you won't get too many tickets! Nice bike. Simple to work on and cheap to run. Very tempting at that price...
I’ve got one and love it. The euro 5’s have a three year warranty not two. Easy to own ride and service. A low cost high smiles bike. It often get the nod over my RT as for nipping around or just getting a two wheel fix it’s perfect. Easy to clean cheap on fuel lots of add ons including a TEC parts cam that gives it a power boost. A good FB community also.
JUST BOUGHT MINE LAST WEEK....BOUGHT A HEADLIGHT SCREEN GUARD, HAND/BRUSH GUARDS AND A PAIR OF SADDLEBAGS.... JUST A NOTE- THERE IS NO KICK-STARTER!! GREAT VIDEO..EAGLE IN COLORADO
@@chrishart8548 Thats the reason. An injection engine always needs power. So even with a kickstart he wouldn’t start. Thats why they leave it out, it is useless
@@ekimandersom4478 lots of bikes with carburettors lost the kick-start too. There are a fair few bikes that were lucky enough to have both in the past. But not recently.
I think the right mind set is needed to own one of these, i.e. it’s a no frills budget do everything bike, work and back✔️green lanes✔️half way up a mountain✔️great economy✔️, there are plenty of us that have no intention of ever doing wheelies it’s just old school biking and what’s not to like. Great review of what to expect on a real world ride.
Brilliant review. BTW, tyres are CEAT… they are an Indian brand…pretty decent tyres. I believe RE are moving off the Pirelli brand for the export market and sticking to Ceat, which they put on their bikes in India as well.
@@bindudas9981 It WAS an Italian brand. The story of CEAT is not very different than Royal Enfield itself. CEAT started in Turin, Italy (Cavi Elettrici e Affini Torino). The Indian branch survived the death of the main company in its country of birth. Just like RE, CEAT India bought the International rights to the CEAT brand. Now CEAT survives only in India.
Great review. I normally ride an Africa Twin and DRZ400 but rented one of these in Spain a few weeks ago and it was absolutely perfect for the mountain trails, mostly just rough gravel roads. Also work well as transport around the city.
Bought one of these, a Cooperb special but basically the same bike. I love it ,it's so much fun on the country lanes where I live in Norfolk you really feel it could go anywhere. You can come off a lane and go across a ploughed field on it and it it takes it all in its stride. Also it has so many add ons for luggage ,spotlights etc you can make it what you want. Great video by the way. very clear. Regards Andy
Nice review Mark, they are really starting to throw down the gauntlet to other manufacturers now aren't they, love that they include the navigation which looks to work very well. They've got the new 350, the 650 twins, keeping things simple and affordable, what's not to like. I'm on a V-Strom 650 at the moment that's hard to fault but at some point I can see myself with an Enfield for sure...
@@markpulling12 yes I'm in Australia and doubt it'll be here earlier than end of next year. I'm keen to buy this meteor 350 and fantastic review by the way. Capable around 60-70mph? Cheers.
Brilliant review, thanks for your efforts here. Many reviews of Royal Enfields slate them for being older technology and not as refined as the Japanese models but you've given this a honest opinion and reviewed it for the bike and price point that it's in. I've got the classic 500 in chrome which I picked up last year but still have space in the garage and now planning to test ride a Himalayan after viewing it yesterday at my local dealer.
Itchy boots went across continents on her Himalayan. Wiltshire Man Sandy does all sorts on his, local riding off road and longer loaded up tours further afield in the UK. He loves his. They definitely have lots of old school character and charm.
Yes Alex watched some more of itchy boots the other day ... amazing how she does that hundreds of videos uploaded from the middle of nowhere ! Cheers mark
I have been watching "Itchy Boots" on her UA-cam channel ride through Africa, South America, Central America, and Europe on her Himalayan, and this has given me a healthy respect for this motorcycle. Pus her videos of her travels are simply spellbinding.
A very good video my new Himalayan is has you describe it just brilliant it’s a second bike to my 1250gs and find my my self using the Himalayan more it’s just brilliant being a 74 year old rider can’t wait to do a camping trip on it in October.
Thanks Donald's for the comment yes I really enjoyed riding the Himalayan good value for money solid dependable machine really nice for pottering down country lanes Kind regards mark
CEAT is an Indian tyre maker. They are making tyres for almost all RE models now. I think it's got something to do with a ban of imported tyres in India. Really like your reviews especially the bit where you show the riding position and seat height. Very helpful 👍
@@jonathandeeley6276 I googled it. CEAT is owned by RPG Group, a 200 year old Indian conglomerate. CEAT started in Italy in early 20s. Somebody must've took control in the 50s and ever since it's Indian.
@@jonathandeeley6276 pirelli own metzler. Doesn't really matter who owns who. You only get what you pay for. Old tyre moulds that don't get used anymore and older compounds that don't perform like the latest tyres.
Hi Mark, update from a Indian 🇮🇳 RE enthusiast, as you are making videos please keep yourself updated as well and refrain from commenting before checking facts. CEAT Tyres are one of the oldest Indian 🇮🇳 tyre manufacturers other than MRF (Madras Rubber Factory)which is also based out of India 🇮🇳. These tyres are pretty reliable and and are specifically made to handle any kind of terrains that you can throw at it and those which doesn’t even exist in you country! It’s not just any “Cheap Chinese” manufacturers that you are talking about! WE PROUDLY OWN THE ROYAL ENFIELD AS WELL AS THE BRAND CEAT 🇮🇳. So, please make the necessary adjustments in your next video before commenting!
I saw one recently and had to look it up, nice concise review and i appreciate the honesty about the power and simplicity but tbh thats just what i expected and hoped for. Think i would be very happy on one of these.
its all the bike you will ever need, take that screen of and you will not put it back on , better naked ! two and half years and 12k miles and still smiling !
This would have been an even more capable bike if it came with a 500cc 30bhp motor. Yes, there are 477cc big bores in the aftermarket as well. Would help it to be more sorted out in highway riding.
Another excellent review, as always with your reviews very honest rounded and bang on the money, thanks Mark, I really like the look of that simple machine
Definitely John ....I makes sense to buy "slower' bikes now with all the cameras and traffic...you can still have lots of fun ...I do !! You just need to go out with a different state of mind I think Regards mark
Thanks John ...I always try and look for the positives in bikes ...rather than slagging them off I'm definitely a glass half full guy in life !! Cheers mark
Bought a Yamaha Tw200 brand new not even 3 weeks later I seen these Himalayans advertised 😢 Don't get me wrong I love the TW but it's working hard on paved roads going 65 - 70 mph on stock gearing. My prediction is I'll own the RE Himalayan as my next adventure bike. IMO it has a beautiful classic look and basically what I am looking for 👍
I have some reasonable and some pretty rough roads in the Philippines but this tractor pretty much does it all. Bad cold starter.. it's needs run in.. get over 1600kms and then forget about being mechanically sympathetic. Run it 1 gear lower every now and then and keep it between 4 and 5,000 rpm and blow it through.. if you do that.. she will look after you. Ride safe.
Hi Mark, See a lot of these in Cornwall where speed isn’t so important and your not far from an off-road adventure. You could say it’s a rival for the CRF 300L. Not sure on that livery though. Enjoyed the double whammy this week. Thanks.👍
Just had a test ride of a 2022 model. Positives: comfortable seat/ride. Negatives: So slow, noisy engine, screen doesnt offer much protection, cant imagine using it off road on any substantial hills. Ok if you wanted to ride around at 40mph, or on a short commute, yeah I know its 24bhp and you get what you pay for but would be sooo annoying on a long ride. Rear brake lever very close to engine.
you can put a new UK designed camshaft in them and get 30 hp for £166.66 from TEC performance...i probably gonna buy one, fit it and say nothing to dealer due to warranty, how will they know lmao :D
@@markpulling12 I agree also, I own a 2022 in pine green, its underpowered for road use, dirt roads are ideal, it will take you on difficult trails easily, not moto cross style but more enduro wise ( slower ) , it is a little heavy when you get stuck in the mud lol, tires are bothersome at low speeds on the road, once your over 40mph there ok, cool bike for the price, factory panniers are ridiculously expensive, those grab bars in the front are excellent for pulling it out of the mud! Turning off abs for trails is great, flashing abs light telling you its disabled is annoying, geared mostly off road, I guess you could change tires to maybe a 90% road and 10% off road if you want more road than trail, it's not happy doing over 60mph, it'll do it, but I rather be on my goldwing if your gonna do that!
Hi thanks so much for this review, i have just ordered one from a dealer in Malaga, its going to be staying in Spain for holiday use. I'm a old school bike rider and i think now i've made a great choice for dusty spanish roads, i live in Redditch in the UK as well.
Another interesting review Mark.Seems to me that bike has pretty much all we need unless you spend most of your time on the motorway.Tanks for taking the time.
Wow thank you for a great bit of information ! I’ve had many bikes of all styles and just need this one here in California for the coastal mountains cruising and a few trips to nearby states, your descriptions were just what I needed to finalize my decision ! Thanks again
You're spoiling me for choice as to what to buy. I've been off of bikes for 10 years so following your reviews to help me choose my last bike in my 70s.. jim pardy
I am actually a RE fan. They are really building good bikes and have a nice line up. This company has upped its quality and the appearance is great. Alas I must go without. The bikes are as mini bikes to me. I can still look. They are great for 90% of men. Even H.D.s are small to me.
Quite attractive in an agricultural sort of way. I like this colour. Superb dash. I can understand exactly why people buy these. I wouldn't, though. The usual first-class review, Mark.
The front Tyre said ..CEAT ..well that's fully made in India & one of the best we have here ..no ding done tyres those Great review btw..safe rides brother
The Himalayan "Built for all roads. Built for no roads. ...and the South Pole!" Wait! What? The South Pole?!? Yup. On 16/12/2021 two Himalayans arrive at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station having been ridden for 770km from Ross Ice Shelf in 15 days. What a splendid way to celebrate 120 years of motorcycle production. 🙂
As always Mark, a brilliant review, caught a video of a chap doing the NC 500 on the Himalayan and his friends on bigger bikes, he was never phased and kept up great, once the motorway was out the way you don't need a bigger bike, Enfield are bringing the 650 model out in 2024, would I buy one, yes.
I am liking the Enfield's more and I can see myself owning one before to much longer probably the Interceptor they are not silly money like most other bikes these days and you could still work on them yourself like you said .Great : )
I realize this is a couple years back.. and there’s a new, or replacement ‘Himalayan.’ Mine’s a 2019, just put a couple hundred more miles on it today! But they’re about gone 😔 Smart money would grab one quick, as the replacements are not built as ..bullet-proof ~
I have a BMW G 310gs and really like the ergonomics and comfort/ suspension but disappointed with its transmission. Seriously considering swapping it for a Himalayan. Thanks Mark, great review.
Hi Mark, Nice and Honest review...BTW CEAT tyres are Indian Made and well known brand in India. RE is 100% made in India and no cheap Chinese Components are used
@@markpulling12 cos you kept repeating it mate...and when you dont know about something, best not to talk about it cos otherwise it comes off as rather offensive!
I have ridden mostly big trail bikes in recent years (Africa twin, GS, Tiger 955i, Multistrada etc), but when I was younger it was XL250’s and KLX250’s and the like. Recently bought an MT500 Armstrong (ex MoD) with maybe a bit more power from the Rotax 500 engine, but otherwise very similar. It was a fantastic bike that I would have kept long term had I been staying in the UK. Plans to move to Australia have seen me sell the MT, but I am already planning what I will get myself when I get to Oz and the REH is high on the list of potentials.
@Luke Maltby I decided on the Honda in the end. Got it in Feb, has just gone for its first service. I'm really pleased with it for all the same reasons as all the UA-cam reviewers. I'm astonished at the MPG I'm getting. Only negative so far is the vibration through the accessory bar, makes my efforts of filming my ride with my phone attached to it too shaky to watch, and don't go anywhere near wet grass with the stock tyres they are rubbish, I nearly came a cropper moving of tarmac at 5mph to let a car pass..
Nice mk1 Versys at the front !....considering a himalayan as a 3rd bike to commute on , great bike for what I need and 1000's of others ....Nice review 👍
Hard not to notice it in that metallic green. Damb good riding position on those versey's 650's especially the mk1 think they went down hill overtime. Has got better looking now.
These bikes are proof that you don't need to spend big bucks for gigantic ADVs or cruisers, etc to have fun and explore. One day I'll be trading in my 750lb road pig for one of these.
Very tempting. Ideal for the rural lanes where I live. I have an old 1200 Bandit at the moment which is getting to be a bit of a handful as I get older. Will have to have a ride on one.!
Excellent review. Thanks for cutting through, eliminating and not being tempted to include the nonsence some "circus actors" try to slip into their reviews. You are informative and to the point. Thanks.
Hi Marc, Jerry can you say ,you mean itchy boots there? But your channel I also very much like it.I always looking forward to your reviews and are a joy to watch .Great bike and price..cheers
Thanks for a great review. Is the fuel capacity really 12.5 litres (as you said at 1:22)? Prior to this year the Himalayan had a claimed fuel capacity of 15 litres.
Yes you are right...it's 3.3 gallons but I must have made a mistake ..in my conversion table in looking at us gallons or something as metric gallons are smaller cheers mark
I fancy a return to biking this year after the pandemic. It's made me realise that your here today and God knows! tomorrow? All the demo's I've seen on the Himalayan never do a test with a pillion. I might be able to convince my partner to jump aboard. I wonder how it would perform two up under changing road conditions. The last bike I rode was a 1982 Suzuki Katana 1000 about 40 years ago😜
@@markpulling12 hi mark yeah I came across this Yankie guy on his youtube channel and he said he takes his wife with him around the wineries out in California and the Himalayan is quite happy pulling from low down.,👍🎸
Yes it comes in a pretty modest state of tune but if that's not enough you can always send off to Hitchcocks for a high compression piston and 498cc kit
Ceat tyres are awesome in my opinion. Their most famous advertisement in India is "Streets are filled with idiots, that's why our tyres comes with special grip pattern for better braking". It's actually true and very useful in India. Their grip is awesome.
I have loved the look of these since they came out, but, 24 hp is not going to do it for me. If it was 35 hp or more maybe i would sell my F650GS, which is a fantastic bike, until then it wont happen. Before all the Indians jump in saying that there is a 650 twin coming soon, well lets see shall we. Think i would spend a bit more and get a TRK 502.
28 upcoming launches in the next 7 years. The company confirmed it. Some local publications even mentioned a new bigger ADV being developed in the UK but I wouldn't expect anything soon.
@@mikehurley5052 Benelli Trk 502 is a popular bike also in India. It's the cheapest big size ADV. Its a good bike. If you can overlook the morality issue 👍
Apologies.....ceat tyres on these are made in India ... regards mark
Hahaha. “Cheng Ching Chinese things”. Are we allowed to say that any more? 😂😂. GREAT review……why do I want one?
@@murdocampbell4858 you little sitty ass u fanny fatt get outta here
My youngest son and his partner, both riding Himalayans, covered 15,000 miles through thirty-five countries in Europe last year. They rode mainly off-road, took camping gear and various necessities to last for a four-month journey, including tools to do their own servicing and tyre changes en route.
Both bikes were in daily use as general purpose/commuting, all weather every day riders before they completed their European tour and they still are. No mechanical failures! Just basic maintenance and servicing.
I bought one. It's a total hoot!
Love the review, I reckon the 411 Himmy is a future classic.Love and peace.
Nothing about these bikes makes them attractive on paper. Poor front brake, throttle cable like an elastic band, slow and rattly. Test rode one on Friday and laughed and enjoyed myself so much I bought the thing! What a brilliant daft bike. I've got a Tenere 700, and compared to the Himalayan it is no contest. But the Himalayan is just delightful on wet bumpy twisty potholed back roads. Totally planted feeling.
All Royal Enfield need is to get people over their prejudice (including me!) , to actually have a ride on one. They'd clean up!
I know I thought the same . ...but they are still great to ride ..
Cheers mark
What did you do about improving the bite on the front brakes? Curious...
@@Motoccino EBC brake pads i guess.
@@Motoccino sorry, I didn't see this reply. sintered pads help. the brakes are desperately bad, but offroad you get real good feel from the front brake strangely enough. Reminds me of a drum brake feel.
@@mikehurley5052 sorry, late to reply, but yes.
Great review! And finally, someone letting us know what Revs the bike is doing at various speeds.
Indeed. And how it pulls from low down in top. All the things you want to know that other reviewers gloss over whilst we have to listen to their irritating music etc.
Thanks for the feedback peter !
Nice review Mark. Based on Itchy Boots, Noraly's experience, this is worth serious consideration. She went halfway around the planet on on she bought in India. Some of the terrain she went over sold me this bike. Great price, even over here in Blighty!
Thanks David yes amazing bike I've watched some of noralys stuff
Cheers mark
Thanks for this great review Mark. I was thinking of getting the Interceptor but have now changed my mind. Noraly of Itchy Boots took one of these all through South America. I am in Thailand right now and this bike would be perfect for Thailand and there is a dealership right down the road from me. Thanks again Mark..........Sal : )
Thanks sal yes I've been watching itchy boots.....I think in Thailand this might be better suited than the interceptor ...it's a great work horse
Regards mark
RE are killing it right now in TH.
Before S America, she did 34k thru Asia and back to Europe on another Himalayan.
@@markpulling12 concur. See a pothole, aim for it. Rather than avoid.
She did allot more than South America.
She bought one in India and drove it home to the Netherlands over all of Asia and Europe.
After that she got another one and drove South America until covid stopped her.
I would probably have bought one of these had my nearest dealer not been 250 miles away. It is a great pity that RE did not have a netwirk of authorised service agents for those of us too far away from the dealers in the event of warranty repairs being required.
Nice review as always Mark. It seems like bikers from all biking backgrounds (sport, cruiser, etc) seem to really enjoy riding this machine. Great value with all the bits on it. In Canada, our 2021s are the old style without the tripper, upgraded seat, or recurved side racks - we have to wait for the 2022s to have these upgrades. All the best & safe riding. Cheers, Ronny in Canada
Thanks Ronny !
I used to have a 2019 Himalayan. Great bike, if you're not in a hurry. I sold it in March to buy an Interceptor, but plan on getting another one in the future, for off-road use. I used to average up to 84 mpg on mine.
Thanks for the comment
84 mpg that's good !
Regards mark
Looks fast enough for day to day riding. Might be a bit lacking on long motorway trips, but at least you won't get too many tickets! Nice bike. Simple to work on and cheap to run. Very tempting at that price...
Thanks Peter ...these are great 👍
I’ve got one and love it. The euro 5’s have a three year warranty not two. Easy to own ride and service. A low cost high smiles bike. It often get the nod over my RT as for nipping around or just getting a two wheel fix it’s perfect. Easy to clean cheap on fuel lots of add ons including a TEC parts cam that gives it a power boost. A good FB community also.
Sounds great nev .. thanks for the info
Cheers mark
One of the best reviews of the Himalayan I've seen yet. Really thinking of getting one of these. Or an Interceptor. Thanks!
Thanks Scott the interceptor is great :)
@@lomate1963 Yeah the Himalayan looks fun but the Interceptor looks more fun for what I would use it for mainly on road. Thanks.
JUST BOUGHT MINE LAST WEEK....BOUGHT A HEADLIGHT SCREEN GUARD, HAND/BRUSH GUARDS AND A PAIR OF SADDLEBAGS.... JUST A NOTE- THERE IS NO KICK-STARTER!! GREAT VIDEO..EAGLE IN COLORADO
Thanks John. Great choice .. enjoy your new Himalayan :)
Regards mark
There is no point to have a kickstarter
@@ekimandersom4478 really? What if the battery runs flat off road with sand or mud. Or just no grip or room for a bump start.
@@chrishart8548 Thats the reason.
An injection engine always needs power.
So even with a kickstart he wouldn’t start.
Thats why they leave it out, it is useless
@@ekimandersom4478 lots of bikes with carburettors lost the kick-start too. There are a fair few bikes that were lucky enough to have both in the past. But not recently.
I think the right mind set is needed to own one of these, i.e. it’s a no frills budget do everything bike, work and back✔️green lanes✔️half way up a mountain✔️great economy✔️, there are plenty of us that have no intention of ever doing wheelies it’s just old school biking and what’s not to like.
Great review of what to expect on a real world ride.
Hi many thanks ...well said :)
Hello Mark hope you're well. This review proves that you can buy and run a bike that's cheap as chips and still thoroughly enjoy it.
Definitely Nigel I really enjoyed it
Brilliant review. BTW, tyres are CEAT… they are an Indian brand…pretty decent tyres. I believe RE are moving off the Pirelli brand for the export market and sticking to Ceat, which they put on their bikes in India as well.
Thanks for the update
Best regards mark
CEAT is an Italian brand
@@bindudas9981 It WAS an Italian brand. The story of CEAT is not very different than Royal Enfield itself. CEAT started in Turin, Italy (Cavi Elettrici e Affini Torino). The Indian branch survived the death of the main company in its country of birth. Just like RE, CEAT India bought the International rights to the CEAT brand. Now CEAT survives only in India.
Great review. I normally ride an Africa Twin and DRZ400 but rented one of these in Spain a few weeks ago and it was absolutely perfect for the mountain trails, mostly just rough gravel roads. Also work well as transport around the city.
Many thanks regards mark
Bought one of these, a Cooperb special but basically the same bike. I love it ,it's so much fun on the country lanes where I live in Norfolk you really feel it could go anywhere. You can come off a lane and go across a ploughed field on it and it it takes it all in its stride. Also it has so many add ons for luggage ,spotlights etc you can make it what you want. Great video by the way. very clear. Regards Andy
Thanks Andy royal Enfield are doing so well at the moment
Best wishes mark
Nice review Mark, they are really starting to throw down the gauntlet to other manufacturers now aren't they, love that they include the navigation which looks to work very well. They've got the new 350, the 650 twins, keeping things simple and affordable, what's not to like. I'm on a V-Strom 650 at the moment that's hard to fault but at some point I can see myself with an Enfield for sure...
Thanks David I'm really looking forward to trying the new meteor :)
Filling the gap between exorbitant Japanese/German/Italian motorcycles and the cheaper Chinese garbage.
@@markpulling12 would that be the new meteor 650 by any chance? I've heard it's not far away from release in India
@@MrRexy04 I think the meteor 650 will be a while yet here in the uk ...we are apparently getting the classic 350 in the spring :)
Regards mark
@@markpulling12 yes I'm in Australia and doubt it'll be here earlier than end of next year. I'm keen to buy this meteor 350 and fantastic review by the way. Capable around 60-70mph? Cheers.
BS6 is out from the catalogue,glad to have one of them its gonna be in the hall of fame
Brilliant review, thanks for your efforts here. Many reviews of Royal Enfields slate them for being older technology and not as refined as the Japanese models but you've given this a honest opinion and reviewed it for the bike and price point that it's in. I've got the classic 500 in chrome which I picked up last year but still have space in the garage and now planning to test ride a Himalayan after viewing it yesterday at my local dealer.
Thanks Darren :)
Bro if you can wait for a bit hold it off, 650 Vtwin is coming. Right now being tested in India.
Thanks for the heads up, collected mine a couple of months back. Still happy though
@@mailmeabhilash That will be years away if it ever happens.
Itchy boots went across continents on her Himalayan. Wiltshire Man Sandy does all sorts on his, local riding off road and longer loaded up tours further afield in the UK. He loves his. They definitely have lots of old school character and charm.
Yes Alex watched some more of itchy boots the other day ... amazing how she does that hundreds of videos uploaded from the middle of nowhere !
Cheers mark
And Old Man Ronin in the USA.
Love this bike. Set my heart on one when I pass my A2 test.
Thanks Oscar
I have been watching "Itchy Boots" on her UA-cam channel ride through Africa, South America, Central America, and Europe on her Himalayan, and this has given me a healthy respect for this motorcycle. Pus her videos of her travels are simply spellbinding.
Yes I've watched them too :)
A very good video my new Himalayan is has you describe it just brilliant it’s a second bike to my 1250gs and find my my self using the Himalayan more it’s just brilliant being a 74 year old rider can’t wait to do a camping trip on it in October.
Thanks Chris ...yes I really like royal enfield bikes especially the new meteor cheers mark
Nice, honest no frills review Mark.
Well done I’ve again!
Well done once again, even!
Thanks Donald's for the comment yes I really enjoyed riding the Himalayan good value for money solid dependable machine really nice for pottering down country lanes
Kind regards mark
CEAT is an Indian tyre maker. They are making tyres for almost all RE models now. I think it's got something to do with a ban of imported tyres in India.
Really like your reviews especially the bit where you show the riding position and seat height. Very helpful 👍
Hi thanks for the info re CEAT TYRES
They felt good to me :)
Regards mark
I understand that CEAT tyres are owned by Pirelli.👍
@@jonathandeeley6276 I googled it. CEAT is owned by RPG Group, a 200 year old Indian conglomerate. CEAT started in Italy in early 20s. Somebody must've took control in the 50s and ever since it's Indian.
@@jonathandeeley6276 pirelli own metzler. Doesn't really matter who owns who. You only get what you pay for. Old tyre moulds that don't get used anymore and older compounds that don't perform like the latest tyres.
Hi Mark, update from a Indian 🇮🇳 RE enthusiast, as you are making videos please keep yourself updated as well and refrain from commenting before checking facts. CEAT Tyres are one of the oldest Indian 🇮🇳 tyre manufacturers other than MRF (Madras Rubber Factory)which is also based out of India 🇮🇳. These tyres are pretty reliable and and are specifically made to handle any kind of terrains that you can throw at it and those which doesn’t even exist in you country! It’s not just any “Cheap Chinese” manufacturers that you are talking about! WE PROUDLY OWN THE ROYAL ENFIELD AS WELL AS THE BRAND CEAT 🇮🇳. So, please make the necessary adjustments in your next video before commenting!
Thanks for the info re CEAT TYRES
Will do :)
Best regards mark
.......and just ordered its baby brother, Meteor 350, never had such a big smile after trial run, thank you Paul Dedman Performance of Ramsey.
Can't wait to try the meteor !!
you will love it!! happy days ahead and adventures galore! :D
I saw one recently and had to look it up, nice concise review and i appreciate the honesty about the power and simplicity but tbh thats just what i expected and hoped for. Think i would be very happy on one of these.
Hi Mark. Another fantastic review. I've been really enjoying catching up on all of your reviews. Greetings from New Jersey!
Thanks Chris my pleasure greetings to new Jersey !!
its all the bike you will ever need, take that screen of and you will not put it back on , better naked ! two and half years and 12k miles and still smiling !
Thanks Antony sounds great
Cheers mark
the battery likes to go flat, watch that black ice. I see you out there !
This would have been an even more capable bike if it came with a 500cc 30bhp motor. Yes, there are 477cc big bores in the aftermarket as well. Would help it to be more sorted out in highway riding.
Exactly.
Seriously looking at buying one... your review has helped a lot . Cheers from Western Australia.
Thanks regards to Australia 🦘
Same place at the dealer after test riding the continental, I got to sit on a new himalayan and it was very comfortable. I would buy one.
Great review mark always liked these great value can’t believe they now include sat nav to amazing
Thanks Pete yes they ride well and have character :)
Another excellent review, as always with your reviews very honest rounded and bang on the money, thanks Mark, I really like the look of that simple machine
Thanks peter
Real world motorcycle that's afordable for many and with road speeds getting lower and lower, it makes sense.
Definitely John ....I makes sense to buy "slower' bikes now with all the cameras and traffic...you can still have lots of fun ...I do !!
You just need to go out with a different state of mind I think
Regards mark
@@markpulling12 most guys I meet are the high side of 50 so why 150hp when 99% of the time 60hp sees the ton!
Great review as always Mark. You are always objective in your reviews and give lots of information and very fair in your evaluations.
Thanks John ...I always try and look for the positives in bikes ...rather than slagging them off
I'm definitely a glass half full guy in life !!
Cheers mark
@@markpulling12 I was looking for a new bike recently and following your review of the Tracer 700 I have just bought one. So thanks for that.
@@johnbateman3244 ah that's great John ....good choice :)
Bought a Yamaha Tw200 brand new not even 3 weeks later I seen these Himalayans advertised 😢 Don't get me wrong I love the TW but it's working hard on paved roads going 65 - 70 mph on stock gearing. My prediction is I'll own the RE Himalayan as my next adventure bike. IMO it has a beautiful classic look and basically what I am looking for 👍
Thanks for the comment
Regards mark
I have some reasonable and some pretty rough roads in the Philippines but this tractor pretty much does it all. Bad cold starter.. it's needs run in.. get over 1600kms and then forget about being mechanically sympathetic. Run it 1 gear lower every now and then and keep it between 4 and 5,000 rpm and blow it through.. if you do that.. she will look after you. Ride safe.
I like the idea of working on a bike myself. P.S. Back road riding is where that bike belongs.
Thanks for the comment jim ...yes even the valves are simple to do on these :)
Regards mark
Hi Mark,
See a lot of these in Cornwall where speed isn’t so important and your not far from an off-road adventure.
You could say it’s a rival for the CRF 300L.
Not sure on that livery though.
Enjoyed the double whammy this week.
Thanks.👍
Thanks Chris ...yes quirky colour
Cheers mark
Thanks for the review, you've convinced me to book a test ride at my local dealership.
Hello Mark,..the tyre is not of Chinese company.its purely indian manufacturer from CEAT..
Thank you for that ....someone else has already told me that yesterday on these comments
Regards mark
Thanks Mark for ur fast reply... going to subscribe you😊...nice gesture..love from India.
I like these and looks great in that green.
Thanks Michael ...yes kind of army style !
Just had a test ride of a 2022 model. Positives: comfortable seat/ride.
Negatives: So slow, noisy engine, screen doesnt offer much protection, cant imagine using it off road on any substantial hills. Ok if you wanted to ride around at 40mph, or on a short commute, yeah I know its 24bhp and you get what you pay for but would be sooo annoying on a long ride.
Rear brake lever very close to engine.
I had a fantastic day at Superior Motorcycle Experiences in west Dorset on one of these, with on and off road sections. Loved it 😁
That sounds like fun 😄
@Robert Lippiatt nice one Robert :)
They need to enlarge the capacity to about 500 and make it like 30 or 32 h.p. That would be ideal.
Yes I agree 😊
you can put a new UK designed camshaft in them and get 30 hp for £166.66 from TEC performance...i probably gonna buy one, fit it and say nothing to dealer due to warranty, how will they know lmao :D
The 650 is coming soon
@@ronakm17 Been coming soon for 4 years...........
@@markpulling12 I agree also, I own a 2022 in pine green, its underpowered for road use, dirt roads are ideal, it will take you on difficult trails easily, not moto cross style but more enduro wise ( slower ) , it is a little heavy when you get stuck in the mud lol, tires are bothersome at low speeds on the road, once your over 40mph there ok, cool bike for the price, factory panniers are ridiculously expensive, those grab bars in the front are excellent for pulling it out of the mud! Turning off abs for trails is great, flashing abs light telling you its disabled is annoying, geared mostly off road, I guess you could change tires to maybe a 90% road and 10% off road if you want more road than trail, it's not happy doing over 60mph, it'll do it, but I rather be on my goldwing if your gonna do that!
Hi thanks so much for this review, i have just ordered one from a dealer in Malaga, its going to be staying in Spain for holiday use. I'm a old school bike rider and i think now i've made a great choice for dusty spanish roads, i live in Redditch in the UK as well.
Hi Stephen yes 100% the right bike for your situation :)
Another interesting review Mark.Seems to me that bike has pretty much all we need unless you spend most of your time on the motorway.Tanks for taking the time.
I always watch other reviews, leave disappointed, then come back to watch Mark's because they are that good and neither 5 mins nor 2 hours long! :)
Thanks very much :)
Wow thank you for a great bit of information !
I’ve had many bikes of all styles and just need this one here in California for the coastal mountains cruising and a few trips to nearby states, your descriptions were just what I needed to finalize my decision ! Thanks again
My pleasure Rick :)
You're spoiling me for choice as to what to buy. I've been off of bikes for 10 years so following your reviews to help me choose my last bike in my 70s.. jim pardy
Thanks Jim ... can highly recommend the classic 350 :)
I am actually a RE fan. They are really building good bikes and have a nice line up. This company has upped its quality and the appearance is great. Alas I must go without. The bikes are as mini bikes to me. I can still look. They are great for 90% of men. Even H.D.s are small to me.
Thanks for the comment Steph :)
Quite attractive in an agricultural sort of way. I like this colour. Superb dash. I can understand exactly why people buy these. I wouldn't, though.
The usual first-class review, Mark.
Thanks greetings to Thailand ...you're my most popular commenter :)
What's your first name ?
Cheers mark
@@markpulling12 Am I really? My name is Nick.
@@1990-t1j cheers Nick !
The front Tyre said ..CEAT ..well that's fully made in India & one of the best we have here ..no ding done tyres those
Great review btw..safe rides brother
Thanks for the comment
Best regards mark
Just bought one, get to pick it up next week👍👍
Good choice John !
I was blown away by Itchy Boots. I would be tempted to add this to my bikes. It has its place.
Yes George the itchy boots series is amazing !!
The Himalayan "Built for all roads. Built for no roads. ...and the South Pole!"
Wait! What? The South Pole?!?
Yup.
On 16/12/2021 two Himalayans arrive at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station having been ridden for 770km from Ross Ice Shelf in 15 days. What a splendid way to celebrate 120 years of motorcycle production. 🙂
As always Mark, a brilliant review, caught a video of a chap doing the NC 500 on the Himalayan and his friends on bigger bikes, he was never phased and kept up great, once the motorway was out the way you don't need a bigger bike, Enfield are bringing the 650 model out in 2024, would I buy one, yes.
Many thanks David :)
I am liking the Enfield's more and I can see myself owning one before to much longer probably the Interceptor they are not silly money like most other bikes these days and you could still work on them yourself like you said .Great : )
Thanks Malcolm ...yes you can't go wrong with the interceptor..nice power on that one :)
Dont buy the service is very bad from enfield
Had my Interceptor for a year as a second bike.. Did 3000 miles on her and loved every minute of it.
@@blackeye6057
Tell me why ...
I realize this is a couple years back.. and there’s a new, or replacement ‘Himalayan.’ Mine’s a 2019, just put a couple hundred more miles on it today! But they’re about gone 😔 Smart money would grab one quick, as the replacements are not built as ..bullet-proof ~
I have a BMW G 310gs and really like the ergonomics and comfort/ suspension but disappointed with its transmission. Seriously considering swapping it for a Himalayan. Thanks Mark, great review.
Thanks Paul .....yes I think you'll like these :)
I am on the same situation but with a G650GS. Transmission is a wreck. I would change for an himalayan for this reason.
Hi Mark, Nice and Honest review...BTW CEAT tyres are Indian Made and well known brand in India. RE is 100% made in India and no cheap Chinese Components are used
Many thanks ...about 20 people have told me this already ...but thanks for the feedback great bike
Best regards mark
Great review there!!... Btw those tires are from "CEAT" & it's an indian company.
Thanks for letting me know re the tyres but about six others have done the same on here :)
Best wishes mark
@@markpulling12 cos you kept repeating it mate...and when you dont know about something, best not to talk about it cos otherwise it comes off as rather offensive!
Taken the plunge, old school charm, reminds me of my RS250 😁👍🏼
Good choice roel :)
@@markpulling12 keep up the great honest reviews, always great to hear and see a bike as you present 👍
I have ridden mostly big trail bikes in recent years (Africa twin, GS, Tiger 955i, Multistrada etc), but when I was younger it was XL250’s and KLX250’s and the like. Recently bought an MT500 Armstrong (ex MoD) with maybe a bit more power from the Rotax 500 engine, but otherwise very similar. It was a fantastic bike that I would have kept long term had I been staying in the UK. Plans to move to Australia have seen me sell the MT, but I am already planning what I will get myself when I get to Oz and the REH is high on the list of potentials.
Thanks Jack great choice ...I was looking at one again yesterday funny enough cheers mark
Nicely done - a great review, thanks for sharing your honest thoughts👍
My pleasure thanks
I was really impressed with the Himalayan ...lots of character
Cheers mark
Super 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Do a review of the new Classic 350 (New Born) too which has been just released .
Another great review Mark :-)
Thanks for the feedback
Best regards mark
Great review as always.......I'm in the market for a small capacity adventure bike and still can't make my mind up between the RE or the CB500X.
Tough choice Andy ...both great bikes but ride differently cheers mark
@Luke Maltby I decided on the Honda in the end. Got it in Feb, has just gone for its first service. I'm really pleased with it for all the same reasons as all the UA-cam reviewers. I'm astonished at the MPG I'm getting. Only negative so far is the vibration through the accessory bar, makes my efforts of filming my ride with my phone attached to it too shaky to watch, and don't go anywhere near wet grass with the stock tyres they are rubbish, I nearly came a cropper moving of tarmac at 5mph to let a car pass..
Cross incontinence? I think I had that once. Lol.
Nice review. I've been looking at this bike for a while now and this was really helpful. Cheers.
Thanks ...oh sounds nasty 🤢 haha
Cheers mark
Nice mk1 Versys at the front !....considering a himalayan as a 3rd bike to commute on , great bike for what I need and 1000's of others ....Nice review 👍
Thanks yes saw the versys !!
Hard not to notice it in that metallic green. Damb good riding position on those versey's 650's especially the mk1 think they went down hill overtime. Has got better looking now.
Great review, the Honda crf300l on the road would be a good comparison, motorways speeds etc ** as soon as I type it I see your review****
Thanks for the feedback...the crf300 is a better off road option :)
Cheers mark
@@markpulling12 the crf300l is under 150kg this is damb near 200kg or the same as a cb500x probably a closer rival
These bikes are proof that you don't need to spend big bucks for gigantic ADVs or cruisers, etc to have fun and explore. One day I'll be trading in my 750lb road pig for one of these.
Good choice Donald !
Great review many thanks ❤
Great video. I love my Himi. waiting to go on an adventure myself
Many thanks 😊
Review a newer model of Himalayan, I'm looking forward to buy one soon
Very tempting. Ideal for the rural lanes where I live. I have an old 1200 Bandit at the moment which is getting to be a bit of a handful as I get older. Will have to have a ride on one.!
Thanks Tim ...yes these are great bikes cheers mark
Great review man! Thanks. Quick question- How do you like this green colour in the flesh? Some people say it's ugly, what's your opinion?
Hi no I think it's good ...kind of army khaki style ...I'd like to see all the colors lined up :)
Cheers mark
Excellent review.
Thanks for cutting through, eliminating and not being tempted to include the nonsence some "circus actors" try to slip into their reviews.
You are informative and to the point.
Thanks.
Thanks for the kind words Frank
Great detailed review. 👍 Do a review of the next gen classic 350 when it is launched.
Thanks my pleasure
Will do :)
Hi Marc, Jerry can you say ,you mean itchy boots there?
But your channel I also very much like it.I always looking
forward to your reviews and are a joy to watch .Great bike and price..cheers
Thanks for the feedback tony :)
Spot on! Such character, at great price point. If in no hurry, wonderful adventure bike.
Thanks David ...I really enjoyed the Himalayan cheers mark
Sold my Harley Davidson. Planning to buy a Royal Enfield Himalayan.
Great choice 😊
Thanks for a great review. Is the fuel capacity really 12.5 litres (as you said at 1:22)? Prior to this year the Himalayan had a claimed fuel capacity of 15 litres.
Yes you are right...it's 3.3 gallons but I must have made a mistake ..in my conversion table in looking at us gallons or something as metric gallons are smaller cheers mark
@@markpulling12 metric gallons? 🤣
@@mmm357m yes lol I meant usa gallons are smaller:)
Good review. Im looking to upgrade from my BS4 to the BS5 model. The latest incarnation looks very good.
Thanks David yes really enjoyed it
Cheers mark
I fancy a return to biking this year after the pandemic. It's made me realise that your here today and God knows! tomorrow?
All the demo's I've seen on the Himalayan never do a test with a pillion. I might be able to convince my partner to jump aboard. I wonder how it would perform two up under changing road conditions. The last bike I rode was a 1982 Suzuki Katana 1000 about 40 years ago😜
Hi I'm sure it would be fine for a passenger...the seat looks big and comfortable :)
Cheers mark
@@markpulling12 hi mark yeah I came across this Yankie guy on his youtube channel and he said he takes his wife with him around the wineries out in California and the Himalayan is quite happy pulling from low down.,👍🎸
Great review! 👍.
New subscriber 👊
Thanks for the sub 😊
Enjoyable video and test. Right information too. Thank you.
Thanks peter my pleasure
Regards mark
Yes it comes in a pretty modest state of tune but if that's not enough you can always send off to Hitchcocks for a high compression piston and 498cc kit
Thanks for the update on the big bore kit Andrew !
Indian Motorcycles Manufacturers are genius
I agree !
Nice review I like the look and sounds like a decent bike. 👍
Thanks Ewan ...yes great bike for the money :)
Regards mark
Ceat tyres are awesome in my opinion. Their most famous advertisement in India is "Streets are filled with idiots, that's why our tyres comes with special grip pattern for better braking". It's actually true and very useful in India. Their grip is awesome.
Thanks ...yes I agree they are good :)
Regards mark
I have loved the look of these since they came out, but, 24 hp is not going to do it for me. If it was 35 hp or more maybe i would sell my F650GS, which is a fantastic bike, until then it wont happen. Before all the Indians jump in saying that there is a 650 twin coming soon, well lets see shall we. Think i would spend a bit more and get a TRK 502.
thanks mike...yes trk 502s are very good cheers mark
28 upcoming launches in the next 7 years. The company confirmed it. Some local publications even mentioned a new bigger ADV being developed in the UK but I wouldn't expect anything soon.
@@seauryakumar And here we go................
@@mikehurley5052 Benelli Trk 502 is a popular bike also in India. It's the cheapest big size ADV. Its a good bike. If you can overlook the morality issue 👍
@@seauryakumar morality issue? You mean because it’s Chinese?
Simple lovely bike with simple covered review. 🥰
Many thanks 😊
There is a lovely mod now for this, a new drop in cam, get around a 1/3 more power and liberates it totally…
Thanks Nicholas
One of these ?
www.tecbikeparts.com/product/tec-performance-camshaft-royal-enfield-himalayan-410cc/
@@markpulling12 that’s the one mark !
Nice Review!. Alhough those tyres are CEAT which is Indian. Not some chinese rubber.
Thanks for the update...but about five people have told me that already on here :)
Best regards mark
I remember isle of man in this roads