Nice to hear someone discuss this bike for exactly what it is, and what it's capable of, and how it can best be enjoyed. Everyone interested in the Himalayan needs to listen to this entire review. Thanks!
Thanks Nathan, you’ve really nailed the character of the Himalayan! I just love mine as it suits riding little used lanes so well. You’re right about the suspension which is a real strongpoint. A great bike for just getting out and exploring. Well done Royal Enfield for giving us such an honest machine. Safe riding!
Yes, they designed the bike for the Himalayan mountains and that's why it works. Let the clutch grab and it acts like a tractor to get you through the tough spots. It's brilliant!
I chopped in my 1200 Multistrada for a Himalayan and I don't regret it for one second. Everything Nathan says in this video is spot on, sure I miss the 154bhp of the multi but it's more than made up for by the enjoyment of the ride and development of my skills. I was always nervous about dropping the big Ducati, both for the undoubted hit my wallet would take but also as, realistically, it was a bugger to get up once it was on its side! Just relocated to mid France and looking to get out and explore Europe on this little gem.
Greetings David! Funny I am seeing this video today and reading your comment 6 months late. How has your experience been in Europe? How is your Himalayan? Sorry if I am being intrusive:D
@@prashantark i can't see my original comment but I've ridden four Himalayans in total, two I owned (one I still own....bought another last year a 2021, a courtesy bike at the dealers and one from the royal Enfield slide school.
@@peterd3215 Then how come you're negative about it since the Himalayan is a great bike and I've been using it for the last 5 years everyday without any issues! I find it more confident inspiring than my big GS which is unnerving when tackling the rough stuff!
Hi Postman, I'm another Aussie owner and your review is spot on. Like you said it improved with every kilometer and once the engine freed up it was like it found a new lease of life. I have 15000ks on mine and for 10,000 of those ks it's had a good old thrashing on and off road without as much as a whimper from this Mule as you put it. Secret is or most sensible thing is to keep the services up and it keeps on keeping on. Mule I like that. That's my pet name for this no nonsense bike. Keep up the good work Nathan.
As a guy who has ridden an 04' Honda XR650 R to Chile S.A .from Kentucky U.S., I appreciate people who ride non traditional or smaller motorcycles on long adventures. Even though the Himalayan is marketed for this purpose, it is not a big GS or KTM. We met folks adventure touring on all matter of motorcycles. You don't need a $15-20,000 dollar motorcycle to do it. I overloaded the stated weight capacity of the XR by well over a hundred lbs. I did not even strengthen the frame. I took a tool kit, brake pads, chain and sprockets, and carb jets for the Andes mountains, an Acerbis six gallon tank and that's it. The stock mx saddle was covered by a sheepskin pad. Long story short: You can travel anywhere on most any motorcycle. Just get going and do it. My friend and I (he rode a 650 Dakar) even dreamed about doing a similar trip on 125-250 c.c. bikes. Note: I'm 6'5" and weight over 260 lbs. This great review of the RE Himalayan is proof that you need nothing other than a well engineered motorcycle to fulfill your dream. I'd ride the Himalayan anywhere.
Loved your review, Nathan! I recently picked up a Himalayan and loving it. I live in Kodaikanal, which is a hill station in South India that sits at 2000mtrs above the sea. Today while returning from getting the number plate some 60 kilometres down hill, was fun to overtake pesky buses in steep inclines... :)
Digonta Bordoloi hey buddy I have an himalayan too living in chennai, but I bought it because I wanna ride in kodaikanal and settle there. Am a computer science engineer and MBA graduate, can I get any job there?
I like the originality of the RE Himalayan design and character along with it affordability. Nobody can claim it their's. RE is Indian Harley. Indian should proud of this product.
actually owning a royal Enfield is very controversial here , people don't think before buying a bike , assholes cut off with 125 cc Honda's and pulsars , every guy thinks Royal Enfield are elephants because they're slow , no quick pickup and a vibration issue .. no one cruises on bikes much so general standard is .. speed .. no speed = bad bike and most people can't afford it , they diss on it saying Enfield charges much and stuff nonebthe less I'm gonna get a signals edition airborne blue
Mihir patel well said Mihir. Hope you get yours soon. India really about smaller, zippier bikes. And still, only we could’ve done with RE that is now wowing the world. Here in USA there is huge fascination with this amazing entry from India. I drive an 1800 cc Goldwing, because there wasn’t a usable Enfield in the US when I got mine years ago. Today, the Himalayan, and Interceptor for urban commuting, is hands down one of the best options.
Thanks for the update Nathan! Very interesting to hear how you are getting on with the Himalayan. And very useful in helping me make a decision about my own motorcycling future. I especially liked your comments about how much power motorcycles really need. It really is a crazy world where a motorcycle with 90 hp is considered to be underpowered!
I believe Hitchcock's has some upgrades that add a bit more power. Say you wanted to drop a tooth or two on the rear sprocket so that it would be more comfortable on those short but sometimes necessary freeway portages; a couple more HP to take up the slack would not be a bad thing. The nice thing is, is that you can do these mild mods without permanently ruining the bike.
@@Reinemachefrau Ain't that the truth. I cringe when I hear bike reviewers say how they need 150 bhp to overtake cars and trucks "safely". I do that with a 69 bhp Versys 650. In fact, I fly past them every time. The only way you'll ever feel your bike is underpowered with less than 100 bhp is if you do motorways at 150+ kmh regularly, with a passenger, for several hours each time. And let's be honest - who does that? Nobody.
Hi postman Aussie Himalayan owner and your bang on with your review mate, I love my little tractor, I have a MV Agusta aswell so got my bases covered..
After a ride on the weekend and a few honest reviews on youtube....you good sir have sold me.....I'm buying two to take around the world with my beautiful wife....awesome review mate....appreciate it!
Have been using the Enfield Himalyan for the last 3 months.. offroading it mostly... more aggressively than we're supposed to in early stages. And, it has impressed me & gotten me over the initial hesitation I had.. i am a fan.
Hi Nathan, thanks for the review been waiting for this, I’m really interested in this bike and just finished reading the owners thread on adv. Note to everyone else buy this guys books there awesome travel reads. Again thanks
Cracking! That gives me confidence to purchase. A used one from Scarborough in England with 1000 miles on the clock. Just got to wait 8 weeks to get my grubby mitts on it! Thanks Nathan for your clear and informative video. Happy riding!
Spot on! You completely sold me the bike. I will definately go try the himalayan. The fact that you did so many trips with the bike without breakdows really is reassuring. Looking forward to seeing your himalayan in Iceland. Keep me posted when the video becomes available. Thanks
Great summary, Nathan. You can certainly say you've put the bike through it's paces and by doing so proved that it's perfect within its power limitations. ADV credentials happily intact. That 'gamble' seems to have paid off in spades for you. Viewers take note. Oh and buy Nathan's superb books!
Great video Nathan thoroughly enjoyed your down-to-earth and experienced perspective. I particularly enjoyed when you said "I would buy another one, I would buy a fleet of them for hiring out, I HAVE FAITH IN THE BIKE".
Great review Nathan, I've read and watched everything you've said about this bike over this past year. As far as i'm concerned it has proved itself in your hands. I bought one last week don't what took me so long.
Happened across this channel and so glad I did. This must be the best analysis of the RE Himalayan on the net. Sounds more reliable than I'd been led to believe.
I'm a mileage hawk. 65 MPH for me is fine. the trade off benefit is 70ish MPG is well worth it. Because of the lower speed, that means my travels would be on different roads, and that means trending toward smaller roads well away from where I would have ridden before. That all adds up to another motorcycle adventure for me. I'm looking for something capable of riding off road now, and this came up on my radar in the last few weeks.
Between you and Noraly, I'm convinced this is the bike for me. My last bike was a Honda Trail 90 that gave me hours of fun in the Santa Monica mountains of California, which I sold in '77. After 29 years in Seattle I see the Himalayan as being perfect bike for a retirement in Mexico, where a mule is definitely needed! Thanks for a great review!
Great review, the information you shared about front rack and luggage mounting is really helpful. Indeed I've seen 100s videos, no one shared that tip, only fuel tank bags mentioned. Very comprehensive review many thanks
Just bought my first bike, a Himalayan. I'm nearly 50. Brand new to motorcycling. Did my training course last month. So far I'd have to say...I love it! Looking forward to developing my riding skills, on and off the road. Thanks for the content. Great channel mate, keep it up 👍
I agree that 411cc gives it the opportunity to create a market segment that doesn't exist right now, so no competition there. If they add everything it will loose its charm.
This is the best video i've found regarding an honest review of the Himalayan. All the other reviews focus on the negatives and put it in direct comparison to bikes 3 or 4 times more expensive which is pointless. Briliant review.
Great review! I love getting to hear all these long term reviews that are now trickling out of the western market, especially from y'all travel guides. It's amazing how differently various ppl can view the same bike depending on their riding background. It seems like a good deal of ppl who are accustomed to only riding modern, high-HP bikes can't get over the engine specs, but ppl like you, myself, and others who have spent a lot of saddle time on smaller displacement and/or older bikes (what a lot of us would call "real" bikes) can easily appreciate that the bike has enough power for just about everything short of hypermiling the super slab. Just got to see the Himmy in person finally this weekend. Going to start setting aside some cash cause I want one of these guys ASAP! Howdy from Texas.
Hey Man, I know you, max respect for your exploits. I enjoyed your take on the Enfield, I used to have a 350 Bullet back in the day and that bike was also under powered but great off road partly due to the engines good low end torque
Excellent. Subscribed. Mule description is perfick. They remind me of Urals & Dneipers for some reason. Was at my local RE dealer a couple of weeks ago, saw this bike for the first time. Very very impressed. Regards from NE Thailand.
great informative video from a position of actually been there and done that, you gotta respect that man! I've a harley sportster and a UJM as well as a Himalayan, what do I get most pure riding pleasure from? which is my go to bike for a warm evenings chill out ride? ............... Royal Enfield Himalayan, they sure have got it right for me too.
I bought one to do some trail riding here in chiang mai. I love it and with it's low seat height and luggage carrying capability my Mrs can join me on some tours (I also have a tiger xcx). She's only 50kg so has no worries scooting along on it. I had an old EJK efi controller laying around and wired that in along with deleting the o2 sensor and that made a big difference. Great review, you really nailed what this bike is all about.
I’ve heard UA-camrs comment on how they can’t believe how long people still watch their videos. Here I am 2 years in. :-) I’m shopping for a “dirt road” bike to explore the vast unpaved and poorly maintained roads in the hills of Oklahoma and Arkansas. The kids (I’m 61) testing bikes on UA-cam talk about nothing except how much more power and speed you can get from other bikes. You are using this bike in the manner intended and similar to my use case. I appreciate your presenting the bike in the context of its proper mission. Hope all is well.
Excellent review .. Most "reviewers" just diis the power with out riding the machine. At the end of the day IMO what matters is a good balance of comfort and cost.
I haven't thrashed mine like you, but I'm really loving it still. The top end power did almost make me consider switching bikes, but I stuck with it for 3 more months and I'm over 1300 miles now and it's really breaking in nicely as you stated. I have found that it seems to prefer high octane fuel and gain probably 3-5 HP feeling from just running Shell High test. I also seem to be getting closer to the factory stated 78 mpg now even with the panniers installed. I've not done a lot of off-road, but what I have done it's terrific. Handles dirt and even washboard roads well and really eats up the Michigan pot holes when you cannot get around them. I've decided that over the winter, I'm going to install heated grips, a heated seat and a few other small conveniences and get me a better full face helmet. The wind here is already getting quite cool in the 40's. I was able to stack (3) rifles, a double pistol case and fill the pannier's with ammo for a range day, so that was fun as well. For the money it really is the best dual sport I've had. As an aside, It was cool to see your first bike, because my 1986 Honda CT110 was my first bike as well. ;)
Greetings. I have heard that the Himalayan's electrical system is not really up to supporting a lot of ancillary systems like heated grips or fog lights. Be interested to hear about what your experience is.
So true. Finally found someone who truly understand himalayan and did justice to it. Not endulge yourself in tech specs but ride it for sometime and you will find how good it is in that price range. Perfect and honest review 👌👌
Thanks for your long(er) term review. As many have said, a 6th gear and 10hp would make it a market killer. Although the lack of either aren't deal breakers for me.
The engine has an excessively long stroke to boost the piston speed and is tuned for indians where fuel is expensive. Another 10 HP means that the vibes will be too difficult to eliminate. 5HP is doable, and it would have given the bike that extra oomph.
Hay Mate Paul from the land of Aus , I think the Himalayan is a great Small to middle weight ADV/Duel sport bike, I own a 2017 SWM 650 Superdual and its fantastic ! it comes with everything ,I have used mine for at least 50% off road in Aus conditions ,with some VERY snotty riding .I now have 7500kms on the bike and it hasn't missed a beat.
Simon Steadmab Fits really well, compared to my Tiger the bars feel a bit closer to you and your leg angle is slightly smaller, but only just and it felt really comfortable. It didn’t feel small to ride at all, and you don’t look ridiculous on it as well
Reality: snapped frames, broken footpegs, easily bent handlebars. It's easy to make a bike look good when you compare it to off-road incapable bikes like a BMW 1200 or Ducati multistrada.
@@Andrew-vz3qk from what I know the first issue happened only on the first models, 2nd and 3rd are problems every bike can face depending on how it's ridden and if you handle an adv like a dirt bike, you're gonna run into trouble
Thank you. I rode one through Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and back to Tanzania. Quality control is an issue as is fear of a puncture with tube tyres, but you are right about it's capabilities.
What a cracking review! You've nailed exactly what the bike is about. Royal Enfield have done a wonderful job of creating a bike that fits right in between a road and trail bike. £4000 is an incredible price too.
My 2021 has had quite a few small problems like vibration damage to the speedometer and front directionals due to cheap plastic, but overall it does everything it needs to do. I cannot think of another bike that could replace it for mixed off and on road riding with two people and luggage. It handles city, country and the Andes mountains with no problem, and like Nathan says, if it falls and breaks something, the parts are very economical. And it gets lots of attention for it's classic styling. Great vid that pretty much perfectly describes why the bike is so popular.
I've been pulling my hair out for months now over this, when I first saw the Himalayan last year it was love at first sight, it was a Matt green one with green canvas panniers and Jerry cans on the front racks... I was blown away.. but skint! I landed a couple of decent jobs through the summer and only just now have I rounded up the Money , not been easy and it took it's toll on my relationship living on a very tight budget for a year but never the less I have 4k in my tin now, thing is in that year of watching adventure bikes on UA-cam iv had a small afair with the 660 tenere .. especially that sex beige one , and with the crash bars on the front has a resemblance of my old love the Himalayan .. just with a bit more get up and go when motorways are unavoidable.. I just hope my new love thinks I'm big enough for the job!? She is a big girl and I'm a mere 5"10 .. leaving me feeling a little demasulined (not a word but very fitting) and now here you are after great adventures saying how great my ex love is and I'm questioning myself again over a slower pace of life on a smaller bike and I'm checking eBay and they have them local ,ex demo for £3200 with 1200 miles... Real pulling my hair out moment as I could buy it tomorrow and be out camping the next day making survival videos again... Why is life so hard man? I need to mount both bikes and see what tickles my fancy ... It's just there's no bloody 660z for sale in the northwest, they are all in bloody Essex or Devon ! 5 Himalayans nr Bolton and Manchester.. is it a sign? Who knows .. the search for the best apocalypse bike continues
I pick my new E5 version up tomorrow! Basically the same bike but with a few minor upgrades and the E5 certification. I cant wait. Yes Honda have upgraded the 250 to 300 for very little extra money but you cant get them without a lengthy wait and the Enfield still looks like far better value and has far better seat, suspension and standard equipment for travelling.
A lot of people love the amount of thought that’s gone into the design, and think the bike is great at what it does do, but would love a few extra hp. Being old enough to remember the Yamaha XT 500 single from the late seventies to early eighties, it’s specs were around 31.5 hp & 26.5 ft lbs of torque versus the 24.5 & 23.5 of the Himalayan. The XT was good for about 90 mph flat out, no motorway cruiser, but enough to have that little bit in reserve at motorway speeds. The XT engine wasn’t long stroke like the Himalayan but it wasn’t massively over square either - 87x84 mm vs 78x86 in the Himalayan. Dunno if a big bore kit would throw everything out of whack with an engine that has a balancing shaft, but 86x86 works out as 499.5 cc. Just an idea if someone really wanted it, but you’d probably have to sort the front brake too. A big bore kit would probably move the torque a little further up in the rev range, but you’d have more of it, so the effect may well cancel out as far as dirt riding. Agree that a 650 engine would make it more of a road bike rather than the 2 wheeled Land Rover it is currently.
I appreciate your honesty in this review. I am in the market for an adventure bike this year and it is hard to not be dazzled by the Beemers AT’s Multidtradas or Triumphs. Those are bikes that I would enjoy about 50% of their capability, maybe. The Himalayan looks and sounds like something I could explore 100% of it’s capability 99% of the time. Add to that a price that means you don’t have to be to precious about it. Thanks!
Thanks Graden, and yes, definitely, every time you go out on the Himalayan you feel like you get every pounds worth of value out of it for sure and it is nice being able to use and abuse a bike without the worry of huge bills or a huge loss if things go wrong. I think that's what I like best about it.
Hi Nathan, I appreciate this review was 4 years ago. I to use a golfing term am well into the back 9 holes at 65, I am old school by nature and before my time is up, want to experience the joy of freedom that a motorcycle offers. I am going to do my cbt and will be looking for a 125cc, I would like to own a old school looking bike that can take me off the beaten track to do overnight camping. Any suggestions on an affordable 125cc that can handle that. Many thanks. Kim PS Your review was absolutely the best I have seen on the Himalaya, I also have a desire to work my way up to getting a full licence to be able to ride one. Please excuse the long message.
This is a GREAT review! For me, living in high altitude Utah in the USA, I'd need more power for 85mph cruising, and to compensate for the altitude. IF they release a 600+cc version, I'm pretty sure I'd buy it in a snap.
Not at 80+ mph. I was passing through Utah a year ago in my car and I was going full throttle to drive the 80 mph speed limit and people were passing me @@VinayKumar-db4qz
Nice to hear someone discuss this bike for exactly what it is, and what it's capable of, and how it can best be enjoyed.
Everyone interested in the Himalayan needs to listen to this entire review. Thanks!
Waiting for Forth Part
@@krunalmule7604 My 4th part? Posting on Friday, Dec 7. 👍
True that
"just the way you are".... acc. guitar cover by Brazilian fingerpicking wizzard ua-cam.com/video/7zGXi36bNOc/v-deo.html
@First Name Last Name he is speaking about miles per hour... You speaking about kilometers per hour... 1 mile = 1.6 kilometers
Thanks Nathan, you’ve really nailed the character of the Himalayan! I just love mine as it suits riding little used lanes so well. You’re right about the suspension which is a real strongpoint. A great bike for just getting out and exploring. Well done Royal Enfield for giving us such an honest machine. Safe riding!
Royal Enfield bikes are not just bikes, they are sole mates. You don't own the bike you partner up with it.
@@Kasyom "Soul" mates, maybe? I could agree with that...
😭
Yes, they designed the bike for the Himalayan mountains and that's why it works. Let the clutch grab and it acts like a tractor to get you through the tough spots. It's brilliant!
I chopped in my 1200 Multistrada for a Himalayan and I don't regret it for one second. Everything Nathan says in this video is spot on, sure I miss the 154bhp of the multi but it's more than made up for by the enjoyment of the ride and development of my skills. I was always nervous about dropping the big Ducati, both for the undoubted hit my wallet would take but also as, realistically, it was a bugger to get up once it was on its side! Just relocated to mid France and looking to get out and explore Europe on this little gem.
Greetings David! Funny I am seeing this video today and reading your comment 6 months late. How has your experience been in Europe? How is your Himalayan? Sorry if I am being intrusive:D
Have you still got it though? Bet not.
@@peterd3215 Bet you've never been on a Himalayan!
@@prashantark i can't see my original comment but I've ridden four Himalayans in total, two I owned (one I still own....bought another last year a 2021, a courtesy bike at the dealers and one from the royal Enfield slide school.
@@peterd3215 Then how come you're negative about it since the Himalayan is a great bike and I've been using it for the last 5 years everyday without any issues!
I find it more confident inspiring than my big GS which is unnerving when tackling the rough stuff!
Lots of better bikes on paper. But ,you normally ride on dirt and pavement, not paper...
well said
Ha Ha... :)
Nice one
On paper, the bumble bee isn't supposed to be able to fly, either. Thumbs up!
Brilliant comment!
Hi Postman, I'm another Aussie owner and your review is spot on. Like you said it improved with every kilometer and once the engine freed up it was like it found a new lease of life. I have 15000ks on mine and for 10,000 of those ks it's had a good old thrashing on and off road without as much as a whimper from this Mule as you put it. Secret is or most sensible thing is to keep the services up and it keeps on keeping on. Mule I like that. That's my pet name for this no nonsense bike. Keep up the good work Nathan.
As a guy who has ridden an 04' Honda XR650 R to Chile S.A .from Kentucky U.S., I appreciate people who ride non traditional or smaller motorcycles on long adventures. Even though the Himalayan is marketed for this purpose, it is not a big GS or KTM. We met folks adventure touring on all matter of motorcycles. You don't need a $15-20,000 dollar motorcycle to do it.
I overloaded the stated weight capacity of the XR by well over a hundred lbs. I did not even strengthen the frame. I took a tool kit, brake pads, chain and sprockets, and carb jets for the Andes mountains, an Acerbis six gallon tank and that's it. The stock mx saddle was covered by a sheepskin pad.
Long story short: You can travel anywhere on most any motorcycle. Just get going and do it. My friend and I (he rode a 650 Dakar) even dreamed about doing a similar trip on 125-250 c.c. bikes. Note: I'm 6'5" and weight over 260 lbs.
This great review of the RE Himalayan is proof that you need nothing other than a well engineered motorcycle to fulfill your dream. I'd ride the Himalayan anywhere.
What did you mean by GS?
This was last review I watched before test riding one, order placed and picking up sleet model next Saturday, thank you for a no frills honest review
Loved your review, Nathan! I recently picked up a Himalayan and loving it. I live in Kodaikanal, which is a hill station in South India that sits at 2000mtrs above the sea. Today while returning from getting the number plate some 60 kilometres down hill, was fun to overtake pesky buses in steep inclines... :)
Digonta Bordoloi hey buddy I have an himalayan too living in chennai, but I bought it because I wanna ride in kodaikanal and settle there. Am a computer science engineer and MBA graduate, can I get any job there?
Digonta Da..Ahomia na ki Apuni..🙂
I like the originality of the RE Himalayan design and character along with it affordability. Nobody can claim it their's. RE is Indian Harley. Indian should proud of this product.
actually owning a royal Enfield is very controversial here , people don't think before buying a bike , assholes cut off with 125 cc Honda's and pulsars , every guy thinks Royal Enfield are elephants because they're slow , no quick pickup and a vibration issue .. no one cruises on bikes much so general standard is .. speed .. no speed = bad bike
and most people can't afford it , they diss on it saying Enfield charges much and stuff
nonebthe less I'm gonna get a signals edition airborne blue
@@mihir2607 kaunse India mai rehte hai ye banda
Mihir patel aj kal 10 me se 7 RE ke owners hain pata ni kis India ki baat kr rhe ho .. badnaam na kro apno ko
@@mihir2607 who demanded your asshole stinky rotten detailed reply...u sick frustrated, be proud of Himalayan.
Mihir patel well said Mihir. Hope you get yours soon. India really about smaller, zippier bikes. And still, only we could’ve done with RE that is now wowing the world. Here in USA there is huge fascination with this amazing entry from India. I drive an 1800 cc Goldwing, because there wasn’t a usable Enfield in the US when I got mine years ago. Today, the Himalayan, and Interceptor for urban commuting, is hands down one of the best options.
Thanks for the update Nathan! Very interesting to hear how you are getting on with the Himalayan. And very useful in helping me make a decision about my own motorcycling future. I especially liked your comments about how much power motorcycles really need. It really is a crazy world where a motorcycle with 90 hp is considered to be underpowered!
If 90bhp isn't enough for a particular rider then he or she is either really fat or an MCN journo! The bike isn't the problem. You are.
@@Reinemachefrau lol
Yamaha Rx 100 with 11.5 bhp is enough to just understand the emotion of riding a motorcycle. 90bhp is mentalist fast.
I believe Hitchcock's has some upgrades that add a bit more power. Say you wanted to drop a tooth or two on the rear sprocket so that it would be more comfortable on those short but sometimes necessary freeway portages; a couple more HP to take up the slack would not be a bad thing. The nice thing is, is that you can do these mild mods without permanently ruining the bike.
@@Reinemachefrau
Ain't that the truth. I cringe when I hear bike reviewers say how they need 150 bhp to overtake cars and trucks "safely". I do that with a 69 bhp Versys 650. In fact, I fly past them every time. The only way you'll ever feel your bike is underpowered with less than 100 bhp is if you do motorways at 150+ kmh regularly, with a passenger, for several hours each time. And let's be honest - who does that? Nobody.
RE + Pierre Terblanche + Harris Performance = Himalayan
a great steed indeed
Hi postman
Aussie Himalayan owner and your bang on with your review mate, I love my little tractor, I have a MV Agusta aswell so got my bases covered..
After a ride on the weekend and a few honest reviews on youtube....you good sir have sold me.....I'm buying two to take around the world with my beautiful wife....awesome review mate....appreciate it!
Great honest review, which I think has made up my mind for me. Anyone who’s ridden an Aussie postie bike the miles you have has got my respect!
Thanks for the honest report , I definitely want one now
it is the ak 47 of bikes
I feel funny with your comment😂😂🤣🤣
Old.but destruction at 1000%
Richtig 😛
Himalayan is not the AK-47 of bikes... It's more of a purse pistol
Thank you for posting this review. It was one of the most educational and informative ones that I have seen. Cheers!
Have been using the Enfield Himalyan for the last 3 months.. offroading it mostly... more aggressively than we're supposed to in early stages.
And, it has impressed me & gotten me over the initial hesitation I had.. i am a fan.
Much needed credit bestowed on the capable and simple machine.. fantastically honest review to watch 👍🏼🤙🏼 happy riding to you.
Hi Nathan, thanks for the review been waiting for this, I’m really interested in this bike and just finished reading the owners thread on adv.
Note to everyone else buy this guys books there awesome travel reads. Again thanks
Cracking! That gives me confidence to purchase. A used one from Scarborough in England with 1000 miles on the clock. Just got to wait 8 weeks to get my grubby mitts on it! Thanks Nathan for your clear and informative video. Happy riding!
Well done - best review I've watched. Objective and informative.
A Brilliant and Honest review, Thank You Nathan
The Best advice and information anyone ever got from anyone or anywhere .
I bought mine on 19th February and is all you have so well described. Great video and the best review I've seen so far, and I saw a lot.
Thanks for this. Really well considered. You've nearly pushed me over the edge!
Spot on!
You completely sold me the bike.
I will definately go try the himalayan.
The fact that you did so many trips with the bike without breakdows really is reassuring.
Looking forward to seeing your himalayan in Iceland. Keep me posted when the video becomes available. Thanks
Great summary, Nathan. You can certainly say you've put the bike through it's paces and by doing so proved that it's perfect within its power limitations. ADV credentials happily intact. That 'gamble' seems to have paid off in spades for you. Viewers take note.
Oh and buy Nathan's superb books!
This is the best, most thorough review of this bike on youtube.
Excellent review - straightforward, to the point, and comprehensive. Cheers mate
As usual Nathan, a good honest and balanced review.
Keep up the good work 😊
Great video Nathan thoroughly enjoyed your down-to-earth and experienced perspective. I particularly enjoyed when you said "I would buy another one, I would buy a fleet of them for hiring out, I HAVE FAITH IN THE BIKE".
Great review Nathan, I've read and watched everything you've said about this bike over this past year. As far as i'm concerned it has proved itself in your hands. I bought one last week don't what took me so long.
Happened across this channel and so glad I did. This must be the best analysis of the RE Himalayan on the net. Sounds more reliable than I'd been led to believe.
Best RE review I've seen, well done! BTW used to get around during the day on the little Honda postie step-thru in the 70s - delivering mail no less.
I'm a mileage hawk. 65 MPH for me is fine. the trade off benefit is 70ish MPG is well worth it. Because of the lower speed, that means my travels would be on different roads, and that means trending toward smaller roads well away from where I would have ridden before. That all adds up to another motorcycle adventure for me. I'm looking for something capable of riding off road now, and this came up on my radar in the last few weeks.
Between you and Noraly, I'm convinced this is the bike for me. My last bike was a Honda Trail 90 that gave me hours of fun in the Santa Monica mountains of California, which I sold in '77. After 29 years in Seattle I see the Himalayan as being perfect bike for a retirement in Mexico, where a mule is definitely needed! Thanks for a great review!
Awesome honest review I’ve had one for a couple of years here in OZ and haven’t looked back great bike. Land Rover of bikes!
Great review, the information you shared about front rack and luggage mounting is really helpful. Indeed I've seen 100s videos, no one shared that tip, only fuel tank bags mentioned. Very comprehensive review many thanks
Just bought my first bike, a Himalayan. I'm nearly 50. Brand new to motorcycling. Did my training course last month. So far I'd have to say...I love it! Looking forward to developing my riding skills, on and off the road. Thanks for the content. Great channel mate, keep it up 👍
Thanks! Nice encouraging review as I had reservations about the low power.
I agree that 411cc gives it the opportunity to create a market segment that doesn't exist right now, so no competition there.
If they add everything it will loose its charm.
This is the best video i've found regarding an honest review of the Himalayan. All the other reviews focus on the negatives and put it in direct comparison to bikes 3 or 4 times more expensive which is pointless. Briliant review.
Great review Nathan...that's clinched it for me!
Sounds great good review, enjoyed your vid . Thank you 😊
Thank you Nathan very informative
Interesting and informative - especially the points about the suspension.
Thanks for sharing this video Nathan, very informative, I may just buy one when I finally retire my F650st!
One of the best, well balance, informative and honest review.
Great review! I love getting to hear all these long term reviews that are now trickling out of the western market, especially from y'all travel guides. It's amazing how differently various ppl can view the same bike depending on their riding background. It seems like a good deal of ppl who are accustomed to only riding modern, high-HP bikes can't get over the engine specs, but ppl like you, myself, and others who have spent a lot of saddle time on smaller displacement and/or older bikes (what a lot of us would call "real" bikes) can easily appreciate that the bike has enough power for just about everything short of hypermiling the super slab.
Just got to see the Himmy in person finally this weekend. Going to start setting aside some cash cause I want one of these guys ASAP! Howdy from Texas.
I too am from Texas. Did you get one? I am thinking about it, but even our back roads are 75 mph and I'm a little worried about getting hit.
Hey Man, I know you, max respect for your exploits. I enjoyed your take on the Enfield, I used to have a 350 Bullet back in the day and that bike was also under powered but great off road partly due to the engines good low end torque
Great review thank you 🙏
I considered the Himalayan but ultimately went with the KLR. Great review.
Excellent. Subscribed. Mule description is perfick. They remind me of Urals & Dneipers for some reason. Was at my local RE dealer a couple of weeks ago, saw this bike for the first time. Very very impressed. Regards from NE Thailand.
great informative video from a position of actually been there and done that, you gotta respect that man! I've a harley sportster and a UJM as well as a Himalayan, what do I get most pure riding pleasure from? which is my go to bike for a warm evenings chill out ride? ............... Royal Enfield Himalayan, they sure have got it right for me too.
Great little bike for the money which will only get better.Great review.Thank you!
brilliant review! Thanks so much.
Mules are awesome! :-)
Great in depth review!
Great review, thanks.
Honest review thank you
Brilliant review, from someone who clearly understands what qualities an adventure bike really needs, when really going on an adventure 👍.
Thanks for the real world useful info.
I bought one to do some trail riding here in chiang mai. I love it and with it's low seat height and luggage carrying capability my Mrs can join me on some tours (I also have a tiger xcx). She's only 50kg so has no worries scooting along on it. I had an old EJK efi controller laying around and wired that in along with deleting the o2 sensor and that made a big difference. Great review, you really nailed what this bike is all about.
Great video. Thanks
I’ve heard UA-camrs comment on how they can’t believe how long people still watch their videos. Here I am 2 years in. :-) I’m shopping for a “dirt road” bike to explore the vast unpaved and poorly maintained roads in the hills of Oklahoma and Arkansas. The kids (I’m 61) testing bikes on UA-cam talk about nothing except how much more power and speed you can get from other bikes. You are using this bike in the manner intended and similar to my use case. I appreciate your presenting the bike in the context of its proper mission. Hope all is well.
now that's a nice honest review. thanks!
Excellent review .. Most "reviewers" just diis the power with out riding the machine. At the end of the day IMO what matters is a good balance of comfort and cost.
Tried one today, loved it
I haven't thrashed mine like you, but I'm really loving it still. The top end power did almost make me consider switching bikes, but I stuck with it for 3 more months and I'm over 1300 miles now and it's really breaking in nicely as you stated. I have found that it seems to prefer high octane fuel and gain probably 3-5 HP feeling from just running Shell High test. I also seem to be getting closer to the factory stated 78 mpg now even with the panniers installed. I've not done a lot of off-road, but what I have done it's terrific. Handles dirt and even washboard roads well and really eats up the Michigan pot holes when you cannot get around them. I've decided that over the winter, I'm going to install heated grips, a heated seat and a few other small conveniences and get me a better full face helmet. The wind here is already getting quite cool in the 40's. I was able to stack (3) rifles, a double pistol case and fill the pannier's with ammo for a range day, so that was fun as well. For the money it really is the best dual sport I've had.
As an aside, It was cool to see your first bike, because my 1986 Honda CT110 was my first bike as well. ;)
Greetings. I have heard that the Himalayan's electrical system is not really up to supporting a lot of ancillary systems like heated grips or fog lights. Be interested to hear about what your experience is.
@@davidskogley3570 I'd like to know too re the heated grips & seat !!
That was a very fair review of the Himalayan. Lots of folks have liked it but no one has come close to explaining why like you just did.
Took one for a test before the lock-down, very impressed great commuter and green lane bike. Although it needs more power and better front brake.
So true. Finally found someone who truly understand himalayan and did justice to it. Not endulge yourself in tech specs but ride it for sometime and you will find how good it is in that price range. Perfect and honest review 👌👌
Great detailed review, thanks for sharing. ride safe.Cheers
BRILLIANT!!!!!!!
Thanks. Thats what i think also about that brilliant bike.
Long live thumper engines! 😉🚜🏍great reveiw!
You got common sense mate. A very accurate and measured review covering all aspects. Cheers for taking the time to tell all that info. :)
Excellent honest video. I couldn't agree more with everything you said. FWIW, I love my Himalayan.
Informative. Thank you
Thanks for your long(er) term review. As many have said, a 6th gear and 10hp would make it a market killer. Although the lack of either aren't deal breakers for me.
Perfect summation!
The engine has an excessively long stroke to boost the piston speed and is tuned for indians where fuel is expensive. Another 10 HP means that the vibes will be too difficult to eliminate. 5HP is doable, and it would have given the bike that extra oomph.
great info, thank you
Hay Mate Paul from the land of Aus , I think the Himalayan is a great Small to middle weight ADV/Duel sport bike, I own a 2017 SWM 650 Superdual and its fantastic ! it comes with everything ,I have used mine for at least 50% off road in Aus conditions ,with some VERY snotty riding .I now have 7500kms on the bike and it hasn't missed a beat.
are you following "itchyboots" and her trip across the planet on the same bike?
i am ua-cam.com/video/P1El7rCUBFA/v-deo.html amazing !
Beware, she has deployed her forces..
I don't follow her per se as I generally don't watch much UA-cam but I know she's doing an amazing job of documenting her trip.
I wonder what she think of Nathan calling her Basanti a "Mule" ?. Lol!
A MULE 😄😄😄 I HAVE A DONKEY ITS A 1999 HONDA DEAUVILLE 650 CC AND NEVER LET ME DOWN 😉
Great review by someone who actually rode it over some distance for what its for.Id love one,for that price,amazing.
Subscribed. 😍
Nice content.
Thank you for your 15600miles review.
'am definitely gonna get one for me.
Have a good time ahead.
I'm seriously considering getting one of these
It’s great fun, I’m 6’2” with a Triumph tiger 1200 and my test ride was so fun, if I had £4K laying around I’d love to have one as well.
@@scotwilson4169 how did you get find its fiscal size?
Simon Steadmab Fits really well, compared to my Tiger the bars feel a bit closer to you and your leg angle is slightly smaller, but only just and it felt really comfortable.
It didn’t feel small to ride at all, and you don’t look ridiculous on it as well
I think you nailed that.
Thanks
Prediction: Instant Cult Classic.
Agreed
Totally agree
Totally.
Reality: snapped frames, broken footpegs, easily bent handlebars. It's easy to make a bike look good when you compare it to off-road incapable bikes like a BMW 1200 or Ducati multistrada.
@@Andrew-vz3qk from what I know the first issue happened only on the first models, 2nd and 3rd are problems every bike can face depending on how it's ridden and if you handle an adv like a dirt bike, you're gonna run into trouble
Thank you. I rode one through Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and back to Tanzania. Quality control is an issue as is fear of a puncture with tube tyres, but you are right about it's capabilities.
please refer itchy boots and karmakaze in alaska for reliability. Regarding tubed tyres, refer Lyndon Poskitt, Dakar rally competitor worldwide adventure rider and offroad / mechanical guru. He uses tubes, nuff said.
What a cracking review! You've nailed exactly what the bike is about. Royal Enfield have done a wonderful job of creating a bike that fits right in between a road and trail bike. £4000 is an incredible price too.
Well actually It cost half of its price here in India. So it's actually lot more cheaper.
My 2021 has had quite a few small problems like vibration damage to the speedometer and front directionals due to cheap plastic, but overall it does everything it needs to do. I cannot think of another bike that could replace it for mixed off and on road riding with two people and luggage. It handles city, country and the Andes mountains with no problem, and like Nathan says, if it falls and breaks something, the parts are very economical. And it gets lots of attention for it's classic styling. Great vid that pretty much perfectly describes why the bike is so popular.
I've been pulling my hair out for months now over this, when I first saw the Himalayan last year it was love at first sight, it was a Matt green one with green canvas panniers and Jerry cans on the front racks... I was blown away.. but skint! I landed a couple of decent jobs through the summer and only just now have I rounded up the Money , not been easy and it took it's toll on my relationship living on a very tight budget for a year but never the less I have 4k in my tin now, thing is in that year of watching adventure bikes on UA-cam iv had a small afair with the 660 tenere .. especially that sex beige one , and with the crash bars on the front has a resemblance of my old love the Himalayan .. just with a bit more get up and go when motorways are unavoidable.. I just hope my new love thinks I'm big enough for the job!? She is a big girl and I'm a mere 5"10 .. leaving me feeling a little demasulined (not a word but very fitting) and now here you are after great adventures saying how great my ex love is and I'm questioning myself again over a slower pace of life on a smaller bike and I'm checking eBay and they have them local ,ex demo for £3200 with 1200 miles... Real pulling my hair out moment as I could buy it tomorrow and be out camping the next day making survival videos again... Why is life so hard man? I need to mount both bikes and see what tickles my fancy ... It's just there's no bloody 660z for sale in the northwest, they are all in bloody Essex or Devon ! 5 Himalayans nr Bolton and Manchester.. is it a sign? Who knows .. the search for the best apocalypse bike continues
A very good explanatory review.
I pick my new E5 version up tomorrow! Basically the same bike but with a few minor upgrades and the E5 certification. I cant wait. Yes Honda have upgraded the 250 to 300 for very little extra money but you cant get them without a lengthy wait and the Enfield still looks like far better value and has far better seat, suspension and standard equipment for travelling.
I like the sound of it. I ride a Gen 2 ZZR1400, but fancy getting a small puddle-jumper. This seems worth considering. Thanks!
A lot of people love the amount of thought that’s gone into the design, and think the bike is great at what it does do, but would love a few extra hp. Being old enough to remember the Yamaha XT 500 single from the late seventies to early eighties, it’s specs were around 31.5 hp & 26.5 ft lbs of torque versus the 24.5 & 23.5 of the Himalayan. The XT was good for about 90 mph flat out, no motorway cruiser, but enough to have that little bit in reserve at motorway speeds. The XT engine wasn’t long stroke like the Himalayan but it wasn’t massively over square either - 87x84 mm vs 78x86 in the Himalayan. Dunno if a big bore kit would throw everything out of whack with an engine that has a balancing shaft, but 86x86 works out as 499.5 cc. Just an idea if someone really wanted it, but you’d probably have to sort the front brake too. A big bore kit would probably move the torque a little further up in the rev range, but you’d have more of it, so the effect may well cancel out as far as dirt riding. Agree that a 650 engine would make it more of a road bike rather than the 2 wheeled Land Rover it is currently.
I appreciate your honesty in this review. I am in the market for an adventure bike this year and it is hard to not be dazzled by the Beemers AT’s Multidtradas or Triumphs. Those are bikes that I would enjoy about 50% of their capability, maybe. The Himalayan looks and sounds like something I could explore 100% of it’s capability 99% of the time. Add to that a price that means you don’t have to be to precious about it. Thanks!
Thanks Graden, and yes, definitely, every time you go out on the Himalayan you feel like you get every pounds worth of value out of it for sure and it is nice being able to use and abuse a bike without the worry of huge bills or a huge loss if things go wrong. I think that's what I like best about it.
Hi Nathan, I appreciate this review was 4 years ago. I to use a golfing term am well into the back 9 holes at 65, I am old school by nature and before my time is up, want to experience the joy of freedom that a motorcycle offers. I am going to do my cbt and will be looking for a 125cc, I would like to own a old school looking bike that can take me off the beaten track to do overnight camping. Any suggestions on an affordable 125cc that can handle that. Many thanks. Kim PS Your review was absolutely the best I have seen on the Himalaya, I also have a desire to work my way up to getting a full licence to be able to ride one. Please excuse the long message.
Last lines were nicely done👍
This is a GREAT review! For me, living in high altitude Utah in the USA, I'd need more power for 85mph cruising, and to compensate for the altitude. IF they release a 600+cc version, I'm pretty sure I'd buy it in a snap.
People in India take it to 14000 ft in Leh, Ladakh part of the Himalayas, this should do just fine in Utah.
Not at 80+ mph. I was passing through Utah a year ago in my car and I was going full throttle to drive the 80 mph speed limit and people were passing me @@VinayKumar-db4qz