Royal Enfield Himalayan: Is 24 Horsepower a Problem?
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2023
- #himalayan #motovlog #royalenfield
I was asked "How do you cope with 24 horsepower on the Himalayan?" After some thought, I offer my thoughts on riding a motorcycle that many feel is badly underpowered. What are your power requirements for a motorcycle? - Авто та транспорт
I've spent my entire adult life trying to purchase and use no more than I need. I think it's a quintessential American disease that has most Americans buying more than they need. So few people in this country ever stop to ask the question "Do I really need all that?" Cars, pickups, RVs, houses, motorcycles, computers - it's always the same. You, sir, are an American anomaly. You have specific needs, modest needs, and you purchased a motorcycle precisely tailored to those needs. If, as a nation, we were all to do the same thing, we'd be far better off. 24HP is just fine!
Buying more and more stuff is the fuel of our economy. Doesn't matter if it's guys like me or the military buying. It keeps the wheels turning I suppose. And it allows banks to keep building skyscrapers with all the money they make from people going into debt to pay for their stuff.
I'm grateful to have arrived at a place in life where my needs are few but I can indulge if necessary. It's nice to be able to respond now when asked what I want for Christmas with an honest, "Nothing."
I have my spending moments though. I recently bought an Iron and Resin Rambler jacket that I wanted but didn't need. If I'm an anomaly its only because I already have the stuff I want! Like my 12 year old laptop that I'm writing on. And the 20 year old boots I wore on this ride.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. I appreciate them.
Brilliant!🎉
+1 I'm rolling on me Meteor 350 here in Thailand... I've used dozens of bikes over the years here, some big behemoths amongst them... Meteor gives me more joy than all of em.. Never a need for more than
100 kph here... If I do that at all its very briefly... Sublime engine... 15,000 km done, hasn't missed a beat, zero engines... It's a sublime little power plant the 350.
*Crap Game* 🎉
Reminds one of the old quote that according to the expert engineers and principles of aerodynamics, the bumblebee should not be capable of flight.
However, the bumblebee doesn't know this and flies just fine, thank you.
The Himalayan serves the needs of many riders quite nicely. 👍
I agree. The Himalayan does serve the needs of many riders. But to be fair, not everyone is going to find it suitable. I just feel there are some who dismiss it out of hand without ever experiencing its charms.
I've been dealing with this for 5 years (first white one in MN) and darn close to not caring any longer. My response is, has been and will be, "It's made for what I do".
We all seem to be in an imagined hurry.
"It's made for what I do." I like that. It's the same for me.
Everyone does seem in a hurry. And when they stop for a moment they stare at their phones. It's a mass hypnosis.
Great question and video. When talking to non-himalayans owners one always gets that "but only 24 hp" comment. To Himi owners it's really one of the least important features of this wonderful bike. I love the way this bike works on all surfaces and conditions but interstate. I ride mine all winter, all year long and on all types of roads...love it! A Himalayan is a wonderful place to be. Great video and love those hand mitts too. Wahoo! PS I'm sharing this.
I agree. The Himalayan is fine everywhere but the really high speed Interstates. And even there, if you wanted, you could ride.
The Oxford mitts are great in the winter. They really keep my hands warm.
@@ScooterintheSticks I agree about the Mitts. This is my second year running them on my Himalayan. They work great :-)
I use a re classic 350 with 20hp. I ride it everywhere! Road. Dirt, Sand. Dirt roads with washouts, I stand on the pegs and 4th gear is like a tractor. I did want more out of the bike when I purchased it. So I gave up alcohol and changed my diet. Lost 15kg. Best performance mod I've ever made on a bike! Cheers from Australia.
Now that's a mod you don't often read about in regard to motorcycle performance -- losing weight. Sounds like you have things tuned up just right.
A very good discussion, Steve. I think the question was sincere from the viewer. Smaller displacement bikes just take a tad longer to get up to speed. Yes, you can wring its neck, but normal riding conditions aren't necessary. I've ridden small displacement bikes all my life and love them. Like you, I've been asked the same question many times.
I agree Eric. The question was sincere and it's why I decided to answer it in a video. When I first read it though I was a bit puzzled since I've never thought of the bike as problematic.
I've ridden a half dozen big motorcycles and I can say as nice as they were on the highway and open roads, they weren't so nice on the backroads I enjoy. And I would not even consider taking most of them off the pavement. The smaller displacement machines have always been more fun for me and more of an adventure to ride.
Nice video Steve. Boston Bob checking in. The winter weather here will be tempering soon. I’m starting to get the itch to break out the gts 300.
Be well.
Good luck! I hope the weather cooperates. We've had a pretty mild winter here so far. I've been able to keep all three machines on the road and exercised.
Well put. I liked your comment about "ego," and I love the chugga chugga sound of your bike.
The sound has grown on me. It sounds rough though compared to other motorcycles.
Sounds like you have exactly the bike you need for what you want to do. That’s all that matters! Speed does not necessarily equal skill.
Enjoy the ride🙂
Well said!
Brilliant insight about ego defining the motorcycles we choose. I have a Himalayan in the same pine green trim, and I've come to accept its limitations. It's a pack mule, not a racehorse. I take routes avoiding highways and motorways: less heavy goods traffic, and it's usually a much more scenic and leisurely way to travel. The real joy of biking is in the journey, not the destination
Ego is a strange thing. It colors our decisions in many ways. I try to at least be aware of its machinations in my life.
You're right about the Himalayan -- it is a pack mule. Slow and steady. I make riding choices similar to yours and this motorcycle is superb for them. I want to remember the journey more than the machine.
Great video and commentary!! I love my Himalayan. If I need more horsepower and speed??? (and much more weight), I always have my Victorys.
Thank you for the kind words. It is nice to have an alternative machine available to fill in any gaps in performance if required. Between the Himalayan and my Vespa scooters I have all my riding covered.
As a new subscriber I have to say I love the music and laid back nature of your channel. I have a versys 300x that will easily get up to 85mph and not so easily 90 to 110mph. Having said that I rarely take it on the interstate. My idea about adventure bikes is that they do best on the back roads and twists. If you want to get on the interstate with a motorcycle get a goldwing or similar cross touring bike. My son who has had several "crotch rockets," just recently bought a Himalayan and he loves its laid back nature. Keep up the videos!
Thank you. My videos reflect the relaxed state I tend to find myself in after a ride.
I agree with you about adventure bikes and backroads. But a lot of riders seem to focus on the interstate capabilities as somehow essential. For some it might be but for me it doesn't matter.
The Himalayan is definitely a laid back ride. I hope your some has lots of fun with his.
@@ScooterintheSticks 👍
This is one of the benefits of being a woman I feel, very few people question my preference for low displacement bikes. I listen to the men at work talk and it feels like bravado more than informed discussion, since they talk about the Sportster being "too slow" but, I am pretty certain that it could break the speed limit in every state by a fair margin.
Men and bravado. Is that a thing??? *GRIN*
Yeah, I've heard it too. The dismissal of the 883 Sportster as a "girl's bike" is probably the most common. But that line of thought is reinforced by sales people who would rather sell a 25 thousand dollar machine than a Sportster under 10 grand.
And I suppose it explains why there's been an explosion of big pickup trucks and oversized SUVs. Everything else is too slow and lacks the needed capabilities to haul groceries. I guess.
Have fun on your low displacement, under-powered, too slow, too weak, untenable choice of ride! I know I have fun on mine!!
Mr cooper got it spot on ‘it’s made for what I do,my v -strom 250 is a excellent bike plus it’s cheap to own,cheers for a cracking vid neil 👀
Thanks for your comments. I appreciate them.
Getting the right bike to do what we actually do is a fantastic accomplishment. Too often it seems easy to get distracted by features or capabilities that have little to do with our own riding realities.
Great video. The question of ego seems to be a regular one. I love my Himalayan and couldn’t care less if it doesn’t do 100mph or accelerate 0-60 in 3 seconds. I have no interest in that stuff.
Liked and subscribed to your channel
Thank you for the kind words about the video.
My feelings about the Himalayan mirror yours. I don't care about high speeds or lightning fast acceleration. Neither have value for me or represent a better machine. Just different.
Thanks for subscribing. I hope you'll find future videos of value.
I agree, too many bikers think bigger and faster is the way with more and more tech to control the bike with rider modes. The answer is a simple 400cc air cooled economical, motorcycle. The Royal Enfield Himalayan is that bike that does everything you need. I bought the Scram as it’s more on road riding in the uk. We have average speed cameras on a lot of roads and restrictions due to the clean air etc so large fast bikes really can’t be used as they once we’re able to be ridden. Wales is set to introduce 20 speed limits, this of course will not effect the Himalayan but your sports bike rider and big bmw GS will. The latest Himalayan is bs6 compliant, so it’s emissions are less. I love the videos and enjoy watching them please keep making them ❤
The Himalayan and the SCRAM both fit the bill for simple, unassuming motorcycles for anyone not caught up in the speed and power frame of mind. It sounds as if the UK is really tightening its grip on speed.
And thank you for your kind words about my videos. I appreciate them.
Never thought of a Royal Enfield. Thanks.
I've been impressed with the new Royal Enfield machines. Particularly the Himalayan and the Classic 350. I would have bought a 350 if I hadn't stumbled upon the W650 last month.
I’m becoming quite enamored with my newly purchased Himalayan. It truly is a 2 wheel tractor. I currently have 8 motorcycles, from an R1200RT, airhead BMWs, 500 Bullet, to a Honda CT90. All of them have their strengths and weaknesses, but I can find joy riding any of them. The old saying, horses for courses. Really enjoying your videos and perspective as a fellow older rider.
I don't have as many machines in the garage as you do but I do enjoy riding any of my three. As you say, they all have their own strengths and weaknesses. When I choose one to ride it is with full knowledge of what it can do.
Thanks for the kind words about the videos. I'm working on more.
Hey Steve,Morning...great to see you post. When we were driving our parents 3 on the tree, were we looking for a 4th gear. When we snuck out our dad's vw bug in 1970 did we wish for a 5th gear....heck no, we wound the snot out of each gear. Sensationalism is the drive behind bigger, faster, cheaper...and that's the good old 🇺🇸 USA. Never enough.
Royal Enfield is changing that philosophy. Instead of screaming past the Roses, RE enthusiasts stop and smell the Roses. USA sales doubled last year and you can be assured the other big guys have taken notice. RE is a movement like a runaway train without brakes. Will the 450 or 650 satisfy the enthusiasts? Some but not all. The wine buckets will still have something to cry about. Others take notice and leave their Road kings in the garage and ride their RE's.
Interesting isn't it?
My first car had 3 on the tree. I drove the snot out of that car just as I did my second car, a 1970 VW bug with a sunroof. I loved that little car and have been attracted to little cars ever since. It probably explains why I enjoy the Honda Fit we have so much. Though I really wish we had bought a little Fiat...
Royal Enfield is definitely on to something though I hope they don't start building bigger and bigger machines for the US market. Or at least keep making the smaller ones.
For me, I'll keep riding and smelling the roses.
I respect your utilitarian attitude. I have the same personality. The Himalayan seems fine for everything you did in this video
The more I ride the Himalayan the more satisfied I've become with my choice. It's a steady motorcycle to ride pretty much anywhere I go.
I had a Yamaha Serow 225 for awhile and you really had to tap dance on the shifter to keep things at a boil. It was a lot of fun.
The Serow is a capable adventure bike. Isn't it the model that Lois Pryce (Lois on the Loose) rode by herself from Fairbanks, Alaska to the tip of South America? I think it was. I read that book a long time ago but I don't remember any tap dancing!
Steve you are such a nice human. Kind, measured, respectful, smart, considerate... and I am sure if I thought about this for a few more minutes, I'd have at least another handful of praise for your character. Oh... courageous, steadfast, reliable... No, I'll stop there. People are going to suspect I'm sucking up. Truly I am not. I literally have nothing, absolutely nothing to gain from this praise.... OK maybe the thought of you laughing as you read this, that's certainly worth this tribute. Royal Enfield should be beating a path to your door this very minute, with gobs of money to recruit you as a spokesperson. Be safe. Buy Paul a coffee and say hi for me.
Thank you David for your kinds words. I'm not sure I can live up to such praise. I didn't laugh but I did squirm a bit!
I'm extremely happy with my Royal Enfield Himalayan. I rode a lot of dual sport bikes and I have to say that the Himalayan is a perfect fit for me and my approach to riding. I doubt I have enough sales energy in me to be any sort of spokesperson or brand ambassador. I'll just share my experiences and leave it at that.
I'll say hello to Paul for you. I think I owe him a coffee or two!
Happy your happy. Top speed to fit the interstate is relevant..., but indeed---> acceleration and sixt gear could be mentioned in this horsepower-review...
Very true! I should have but it just didn't enter my mind as I was wandering. Acceleration is never on my mind. And 6th gear is just a "oh yeah, there's only 5 sort of thing." I'm not sure with the available power if a 6th gear would be a boon or a nuisance. I guess I'll never know....
I think you hit the nail on the head with your 'ego' reference Steve. But there's also the status thing as well. I've had my Himalayan for over two years now, and I find it to be a truly universal bike. Another comparison for me is to compare the humble Himalayan to the mighty R1250 GS; in the UK the GS is upwards of £20k, so total up 5k for the Himalayan, 4k for a Meteor/Classic/Hunter, 6k for a Continental GT/Interceptor, and you've still got damn near enough left for a Super Meteor! Quite a garage-full for the same money. I know which way I'd go Steve! Nice informative and thought provoking video. Cheers 👍
I always have to remind myself of the relative nature of cost. For some, dropping £20k on a motorcycle might be like me dropping a fraction of that on a Himalayan. At least I hope they're not mortgaging their future on ridiculous debt for a motorcycle.
The entire Royal Enfield line of machines is a great value proposition. I'm pleased with the motorcycle I've gotten for the money.
I've had HD baggers, hyper GT's and 2-cycle ring-a-ding-ding street racers, all for different reasons and styles of riding but my new Himalayan is absolutely perfect for New England-y secondary and back roads. All the other's were a chore just to run short errands on, not so the Himmy. All were a little nervous on dirt roads, not the Himmy. A perfect motorcycle that puts a huge amount of pure fun in utility.
I've found the same with my Himalayan. Great on the backroads. Easy to ride on errands. And pays great dividends in pleasure, fun, and smiles.
TLDR: I agree. 24 HP is actually a lot of power, especially relative to bicycles and e-bicycles; and it is enough power-with the right mindset. On the macro scale, though, things seem to be changing.
Most people will never have that mindset. My first car was a VW Bus, followed by a Mark II Golf, so I had time to develop the mindset haha. I’m a power usage minimalist, even if I have a lot of power available. I know you are, too, because I know how powerful modern minivans are (sold the Sienna a year ago). I currently put most of my riding miles, by far, on my F750GS, given the places I like to go riding, and for the occasional application of experience gained on deserted, curvy roads. The 750, while the bottom level of BMW touring-oriented bikes, is still an incredibly capable and highly underrated machine; probably the best all-rounder ever made. It enables me to enjoy a more inclusive set of riding experiences, and maintain my skills at my desired level. Being the factory-lowered version and relatively light, the 750 is extremely easy to use. All that said, I use the Himalayan and Kymco 300 scooter more often, and in more specific situations; gravel and urban, respectively. The two 24-HP machines are the backbone of my fleet. The 750 is basically for fun. If the 750 goes away first, I’ll be ok with that because I understand how to use and appreciate the capabilities of 24-HP machines.
There are some encouraging signs lately, regarding power trends; and speaking of fun, I have to admit that the new ZX4RR is an intriguing package-it’s speaking my HP language for a 4-cyl haha. The Guzzi 1200 8V was my most characterful engine, but the K1200 engine I had many years ago ruined me on all other engine types; like the Guzzi, it came along with too much power and weight for me to justify keeping. I may not be able to restrain myself from rewarding Kawasaki for making a small-displacement I-4, and selling it in the US. My point is that, to me, things seem to be moving in the right direction, with respect to usable motorcycle street power (at least, for those of us with no need or desire to run from the police haha).
Hello from Romania I think your content is very great!!! Very calming in a world focused on speed. I also bought a Himalayan it's such a nice bike. You got a new subscriber in me :)
Awesome! Thank you for subscribing. I hope you are finding as much satisfaction riding your Himalayan as I do mine.
@@ScooterintheSticks 😊 thanks
I like the idea of a Himalayan and found it interesting when you said you can cruise comfortably at 70mph, and yet others reckon that 70 is flat out (downhill, with the wind behind it!). I'd love to get the chance to ride one though.
I listened to a podcast today where Peter Egan, author and moto-journalist was being interviewed. He has a Himalayan and said his will cruise at 70 but it happier a little slower. He indicated that his tops out at 78mph. Mine is roughly the same. If I was planning to do a lot of high speed cruising the Himalayan would not be my choice of motorcycle. Nothing in my garage would be a great choice for it even though the W650 and GTS could.
I have the machines I do for riding off the freeway. I consider it a personal failure of planning if I have to spend much time on an expressway...
@@ScooterintheSticks It's always interesting to hear people's different views of the same machine. It always comes down to personal preference in the end. Same with the classic 350 - some write it off as being too slow while others love it for what it is best suited to.
I'm happy you're happy with it. How does acceleration compare to your Vespa gts? I stupidly started on Kawi z750. It was too fast and heavy. Since, I've had, among others, Suzuki tu250x, too slow, Vespa gts300, surprisingly quick, Honda cb300f, relatively quick, and now the Ural, forget about it :-D in all small bikes i missed the instant passing capability. Sure the Vespa and Honda could easily go 80mph, but i need a little more and to get there way quicker to feel safe when passing zombies in cages. I'm waiting for Honda's cl500, really curious if it has enough so i don't have to go back for even more. I do miss the four cylinder wail though, bored with all the two cylinders coming out. I'm happy Royal Enfield is coming up. I'd love to try the int 650 or the new super meteor. And i wish they had new bullet 500. But they are not for everyone, just like Ural or super bikes. Thank the universe for that, couldn't stand another one of me.
The Vespa is faster but has about the same top speed. The Vespa is a sports car. The Himalayan is an old pick up truck.
23 more ponies per man than we have had for most of history.
It is other traffic that drives the need not the actually task.
Traffic certainly can drive the need for more speed in some situations where it is so heavy that it makes passing slower vehicles a real problem. That's not common here where I am. Even on Interstate 80 where traffic is routinely moving at 80 mph the traffic is spaced out enough that driving, or riding, at 70 mph is fine. The few times I found myself in dense, high speed traffic, I exited and found an alternative route. But i understand the pressures of the traffic.
@@ScooterintheSticks No probs then😃?!?
@@clangerbasher I’ve had no problems.
@@ScooterintheSticks Modern British vernacular - "No prob(lem)s" = "Okay"
No offense, but people questioning the limited horsepower really isn't about whether the Himalayan can cruise at highway speed. Horsepower really just equates to acceleration - being able to pass quickly enough on the highway to get out of trouble.
I completely appreciate that the Himalayan does the job for your needs, which is the smart criteria by which to choose a motorcycle.
For my needs, I chose the slightly more powerful, more road oriented 2022 Honda CB500X, which has a little less ground clearance vs your bike. The CB500X has enough low speed torque that it doesn't stall out off-pavement on steep climbs, yet it doesn't have enough torque or power to get me into trouble.
I've heard good things about the CB500X. Put some aggressive tires on it and you'll go anywhere with it.
I had looked at the CB500X along with the BMW g310 GS but I just didn't warm to the more modern styling. The Himalayan just has a rustic old pickup truck feel to it. It harkened back you my youth.
seriously enjoy you riding talks
Thank you. A lot of things flow into my head while I"m riding.
It was nerve wracking watching you ride on those icy roads and I’m impressed that you managed to keep talking 😊
Icy roads with a motorcycle is more challenging than navigating them on the Vespa scooter. I've traveled such icy and snow covered roads for many years and have learned what I can and can't do. The problem with talking is that it fogs the visor!
@@ScooterintheSticks Well I’m saving for my first Himalayan myself. I think they’re lovely bikes with loads of character. I’ve watched loads of videos where experienced riders criticise the heck out of it - usually complaining about how underpowered and heavy it is, how it won’t go fast enough … and then they ride it. They all come back with huge grins on their faces!
@@gudgengrebe Once the new 452 comes out there may be some deals on both new and used 411s if that's what your after.
A lot of the criticism of the Himalayan is a non-issue depending on how you ride. For me, no issues at all.
@@ScooterintheSticks I once had an XT500 and I loved it. Still do although I don’t have it anymore. The new Himalayan 452 doesn’t interest me because I think it looks hideous. No, my heart is set on a 2023 Himalayan. I have a special feeling about that bike that I’ve not had since I was young and everything I’ve learned about it so far only confirms my instinct. When I’d open the throttle on that XT, it was a sound that made me feel alive and the way that thing just chugged along at low speed or climbing up a steep hill , you knew it would do as much as your personal skill allowed. The other thing I loved was finding those winding roads away from town, where you get the revs just right and the bike becomes weightless. I’ve missed that and I believe the Himalayan will rekindle that feeling of deep satisfaction and peace. I hope you understand what I’m trying to describe or I’m going to seem like some kind of nut case!
I just bought a Himalayan this morning.
Can you tell me what tank bag you use?
Thanks
Congratulations on getting a Himalayan. I hope you have as much fun with yours as I do with mine.
My tank bag is an SW-Motech PRO Micro Tank bag. I bought the PRO tank ring to make attaching it a breeze. No straps. They are pricey though.
Here's a link:
sw-motech.us/bike/Royal+Enfield/Himalayan/2022/Himalayan/products/luggage/tank+bags/PRO+tank+bag/4052572182345.htm
I'm in my late thirties and thinking about selling my klr650 and picking up a Himalayan for the rides I do in Idaho
For a long time I thought the KLR650 would be the perfect bike for me. I had one from the dealer for a couple weeks back in 2009 and it imprinted itself on my brain. I am tall enough to flat foot that lofty machine and it performed well in the dirt and gravel. But I have to say that the Himalayan is much easier to handle and ride. The KLR will go faster but that extra speed just wasn't something I needed.
Bonjours c'est une question de sagesse et philosophie je pense qu'il faut déjà avoir fait le tour des différentes puissances avant de revenir à l'essentiel...un cadre un moteur deux roues et hop! Je roule au quotidien avec 20,2 chv et c'est le bonheur absolue✌🇫🇷
J'ai conduit de nombreux scooters et motos différents et j'ai des attentes claires quant à ce dont j'ai besoin. L'Himalaya est parfait pour moi. Il en va de même pour mes scooters Vespa.
You might want to note that ten years ago your Vespa might have made 22 horsepower when someone asks you about coping. A few years ago I rode my overweight fourteen horsepower Helix clone on I-84 between Middletown, NY and Danbury, Ct. with no trouble. Those rear view mirrors are very helpful when you have to make sure you don't get run over.
That stretch of I-84 can be pretty intense and around Danbury my recollection was lots of potholes. We would often take that route on the way to Ogunquit, Maine. Doing it on a Helix is a heroic act!
Danbury eh, that's where I bought my Himmy, at the indian dealer there.
Question? What were the name of the hand warmers you have there???
They are Oxford Rainseal muffs. They're waterproof and windproof so they keep my gloves dry and keep the cold air from reaching my tender flesh. They are the secret to warm hands in the winter. I have Tucano Urbano muffs on my Vespa. Coupled with electric gloves I can ride both in sub-zero weather and my hands will be warm.
I'm quite content with my Himalayan, but I do occasionally wish there was a 6th gear.
Same with me. I'm often trying to shift up from 5th!
Having ridden big bikes and small bikes, the main thing is to adjust ones expectations. I find freeways (motorways this side the pond) the least agreeable environment for any motorcycle. Higher speeds demand exponentially greater concentration than I'm prepared to donate to the activity, my pulse and blood pressure dropping with each decrease in miles per hour. The truth is, there's no perfect motorcycle, each one is a compromise between handling, available power, power delivery, weight, comfort and the environment travelled.
High speed riding of any sort takes a toll. Unless perhaps you're crossing some empty spaces in the American West with no other vehicles around. But it is as you share -- demanding. I ride to relax, escape, and enjoy the scenery. High speed focus is anathema to that.
We each find the sweet spot of expectation and need in a motorcycle. The right compromise makes riding good.
Acceleration is also a consideration. It’s really odd that my 2005 Honda Rebel has just 16hp but is quicker than my Himalayan. Perhaps I fell victim to your aesthetics argument. I love the looks of the Himalayan, but have been trying to like how it rides (and sounds). I test rode a RE Meteor and liked it (at 17 hp). I found the engine to be quieter and more refined than the Himalayan even with the lower hp. It may have just been the novelty of riding a new bike. I may go back to the dealer to try the RE Interceptor. I’m looking forward to your next video.
I certainly have experienced big differences in acceleration between different motorcycles. My Vespa GTS will accelerate faster than the Himalayan. But for me, acceleration isn't an issue (yet) on the motorcycle. It just is satisfying to plod along on it.
The Himalayan indeed sounds rough. Like my dad's 1949 Ford 8N tractor -- chug chug chug. Other motorcycles sound smooth and quiet in comparison.
I'm working on the next video now. It will take some time to put together since I need to shoot a lot of new footage. But it's fun to ride to get it!
Is 24.5hp enough??? Well the himalayan is roughly 195kg which is 125hp per tonne, and the average car weight is 1.5 tonne so on a power to weight ratio I think that it has enough hp in my opinion.
The Himalayan meets all my needs. But I don't have a lot of high performance stuff on my list of "Must Haves." In fact, I don't have any high performance stuff on that list.
I've toured on a Honda 50
Itchy boots has toured the globe on bikes under 500cc
One being a Himalayan.
Understand USA long distances and limited vacation time.
But for me I hate highspeed roads as I just find them plain boring so try to always ride back roads.
Im lucky as time is not a factor.
Had a big bore Kawasaki Vulcan V twin cruiser but inthe end i found it boring and around town just clumsy.
Lets be honest indian is not noted for great roads yet the little 350 is its most popular bike .
Ego riders are everywhere. something at 70 I grew out of decades ago.
Lee the wrinkly rider
Size and power are overrated when it comes to scooters and motorcycles and I have to believe rider's egos have much to do with that as it does with the growing size of four-wheeled vehicles.
If you're commuting 10 miles to work do you really require a motorcycle with 120 horsepower? Alas, we all here in the U.S. get to chose our poisons regardless of whether it makes a lick of sense.
I find the smaller and less powerful machines easier to ride, more fun, and a challenge sometimes to puzzle out the right route of travel.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate them.
I took my Himalayan on back roads today and I wouldn't have liked to go any faster.
If I want to go fast, I'll just borrow a friend's bike & have a blast then I'll be content again.
Any day we get to ride the Himalayan is a gift. I have friends with fast machines but I've not wanted to go fast yet!
@@ScooterintheSticks I text a friend with a 600 Bandit yesterday & asked if he wanted to swap bikes for the day but what he doesn't realise is I'll swap my custom c90. He's a giant, it will be hilarious
24hp May be well and good but Cycle World’s Dyno Numbers suggest that at the rear wheel the Himilayan churns out 21.8hp. Might this change greatly diminish your appreciation of this fine steed? 😉
I judge my Himalayan by what it can do for me. I wouldn't care if the rear wheel was churning out 12 horsepower as long as it is carrying me along like it is now.
@@ScooterintheSticks I enjoy ownership of both large and small all roads motos and my experience has been that riding my Versys 300X has informed my R12GS rides. Though age is a component too the smaller bike has helped me to slow down and appreciate all that slowing down brings to my rides. Timely video Steve. 👍
It’s more fun to ride fast on a slow motorcycle than ride slow on a fast motorcycle 👊🏻
I agree!
Its always a matter of the rider .. i love the bike and i does what i want it to.. and i took it to africa he he
You really hammered on yours during your ride in Africa. It looked sad on that palette when it got back to you!
@@ScooterintheSticks well , now it looks like it's saying "come on , let's do it again" 😅 and have some more fun 😊
I ride a CB500X which can easily manage 70 MPH/110KMH and that's all I want.
The CB500X is a fine motorcycle. And it definitely has more available power than the Himalayan with only a slight increase in weight. And Honda makes good stuff.
The seat is higher, an issue for some, the ground clearance is lower, and the front tire is smaller. At the end of the day, we all make our own choice. You've found the CB500X to meet your needs and that's what we should all be shooting for.
People still think a klr 650 with 40hp is low powered in reality most modern bikes have to much power.
Perceptions of necessary power seems out of line with reality. It's the same with four wheeled vehicles. Something about that fantasy of needing power to "get out of trouble."
I ride the Him7 on German Autobahn from time to time if I have to. Its clearly not made for that but it does fine if it has to. I dont get why mostly US guys complain about Himalayan underpowered. BTW I had a Harley for a short while that was not really faster 😂
I wish I could provide an answer to your question of why so many US guys complain about the Himalayan being underpowered. I suppose compared to many of the big motorcycles they might ride 24 horsepower is certainly less. And some seem to think they are being ripped off with a 24 horsepower engine when a smaller engine on the KTM 390 Adventure gets so much more.
And off course, you can't dismiss ego and image.
There are of course riders who need more power. They plan to ride much faster, haul more weight, etc. But generally, I agree with you. The Himalayan is fine for just about everything I might ever do. I'll just be doing it a little more slowly!
Big bikes are all about ego, bragging rights and ppl thinking they are cool in other ppl's eyes....
That is probably true for a lot of riders but I know there are some who do serious touring, sometimes two-up, and carry a lot of stuff. Big machines make that more comfortable though for me I would probably just drive a car.
Doesn't matter where you ride, there will always be someone not happy with you.
That's true. The quicker that truth is accepted the happier a person can be.
Perfect bike for a Zombie Apocalypse, can adventure off road 😅
I hope to never find out how perfect it is!
2023 Himalayan supposed to get 450cc to end that freeway conversation.
It will be interesting to see how it performs with an extra 40cc displacement. I still don't think it will suddenly become a highway bomber.
@@ScooterintheSticks no, by any means. It needs one more gear. IMHO we need right vehicle for every situation.
Why are people so obsessed with speed, even here in the comments. In a hurry to get to the next life? All the time it's, how fast does it go, what's the 0 to 60mph time. Wow its only 24bhp! After driving a truck for 20 years 100kmph is plenty for me thank you. I ride very gently, none of this wrenching the throttle the way you so many of the test riders doing 🤦♂️a speed limit is just that, a speed limit! Not a target,... in my country 90% of the roads are 90kmph limit so who needs a rocket ship to go six feet under
Speed and power seem to fill voids in people. Or it provides the impetus to generate some adrenaline and dopamine by hurtling along at insane speeds. Or you need power to raise the front wheel into the air. Or do burnouts on the road.
I'm with you though. I'm a gentle rider and am usually content to cruise along at relatively slow speeds so I can admire the scenery.
Things like that are typically said by people who think they understand power to weight ratio but really do not. I've yet to ride any full size bike that has any issue keeping up with traffic on USA roads. Some I have to twist the throttle farther than others. Not hard to figure out.
I've driven on roads that I would not want to ride the motorcycle just because of the chaotic, high speed mayhem. But on most roads, the Himalayan will be fine. Just not the most comfortable perhaps, or have any reserve power left.
Whilst I agree 110% with your coments this bike is under power I always like a littl to one side for emergencies ie overtaking etc
This bike having now riden one would benefit from being a 500c.c. This extra engine capacity would not add to size and very little to weight but would make a fantastic all round bike for all users Male or Female It might also persuade the macho man to have a look would it not ??
They would have to drop a 650 engine in to get an appreciable amount of power. The 500 wouldn’t be a great increase. Both would make a heavier machine.
The bottom line for me and all the places I ride - it has plenty of overtaking power. The highest speed limit on two lane roads is 55. And 70mph on Interstate Highways. I’m not going to be passing in either case.
It only seems to be an issue if you want to go faster. I tend to want to go slower. But everyone has their own needs and desires. We need the choose something that meets them.