Royal Enfield Himalayan

[SteveC#222]

New bike from Enfield designed for Off Road/Adventure motorcycling. Looks quite nice, IF the new engine proves reliable could be a lot more sensible choice for real Adventure riding than the Ewan/Charlie GS tank?

Pros/Cons Discuss?



http://royalenfield.com/motorcycles/himalayan/

[Richard]

I've been following this on Visordown, where I seem to be one of few supporters with most lambasting it for poor performance and reliability.

They got particular stick for their first promo video in which the right footpeg can be seen falling off after a jump.

If reliability with the new engine and chassis is sorted I think it is a good looking and better proposition for real world and affordable adventure touring than the BMW tanks.

[Richard]

Although I'm still wiating to see the price on the Dual whatever SWM mentioned in the thread below.

[SteveC#222]

I've been following this on Visordown, where I seem to be one of few supporters with most lambasting it for poor performance and reliability.

I can see this happening with all the magazine tests too because they don't get it. They will be comparing it against the current stock of (urban) 'adventure'  bikes and expecting the same performance. If this has really been designed for true adventure riding then it's going to be a different beast. You don't need high top speed because most of the time on real off road you won't be doing more than 30/40 mph tops, but you do need low down torque. you don't need electronic suspension and traction control because if it breaks in the back of beyond due to the less than perfect conditions you're screwed! What you do need is a simple bike that can be fixed anywhere by the local bike man/blacksmith.  You don't need all the toys that only add weight.

Having watched 'Long Way Round' several times ( and enjoying the concept), two things struck me - one was how much they struggled with those big BMW's once they left the tarmac and two, how much easier it was for the cameraman when his BM broke and he got to use a little (local) Russian 2 stroke because it was so much lighter .....they should have gone with KTM ( or at least the BMW 650 single instead of the GS1200).

I think this has promise if they can sort reliability and quality control. The only thing that would worry me is the relatively small tank, it doesn't look like it would have much range.

[iansoady]

Having watched 'Long Way Round' several times ( and enjoying the concept), two things struck me - one was how much they struggled with those big BMW's once they left the tarmac and two, how much easier it was for the cameraman when his BM broke and he got to use a little (local) Russian 2 stroke because it was so much lighter .....they should have gone with KTM ( or at least the BMW 650 single instead of the GS1200).

I agree. Having also read the book, it appears KTM weren't sure their bikes could do it, and BMW came up with the sponsorship cash. So like all dutiful sponsored "sportspeople" they said how good their freely provided kit was.

[timbo]

Totally agree with all the above  I'm a big RE fan too, so hope the bike does well. It certainly looks appealing, but not sure about having a monoshock, as they aren't as practical as twin shocks IMHO 

[Richard]

For what its worth I agree too.

This is getting suspicious, we keep agreeing on things.

[Andy M]

Gets my vote. A CCM with an actual dealer network and less likely to go bust again.

Andy

[SteveC#222]

Having read a few of the comments on 'Visordown' I really wonder where some of these folks are coming from. " it'll probably rev to 8000rpm" " probably crusing at 150kph"  ".....but what's it going to be like two up on a windy day on the M62"  " ...the CB500 is much better for a daily ride.."

Sorry but what are they on? ....it's been designed as a long stroke single so it's not designed to rev highly or give massive bhp, it's made to give lots of low speed torque - thats what long strokes do...it's made to get over rough terrain with a reasonable crusing speed if you find some tarmac. It's designed for a rider and luggage not a two up cruiser.

My favourite was along the lines of " it must be rubbish coz the footpeg fell off in the video"....er...with this sort of bike destruction testing is a valid option...you take it out, hammer it, if something breaks you repair it with a stronger part, try and break it again and when it stops breaking you've got it right....I think it's called developement.

[tj63]

Meanwhile, BMW have quietly dropped the 650 single from their range. Glad I got one while I could.

[Moto63]

if something breaks you repair it with a stronger part, try and break it again and when it stops breaking you've got it right....I think it's called developement.

Yes well said Steve, well said

[timbo]

Blooming typical Trevor  That's was the only beemer I'd have been interested in