2023 Royal Enfield Himalayan

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Well...despite knowing these bikes are woefully underpowered and perhaps a little small for my 6ft3 frame, I've had an itch to buy one of these for a while.

I already own at Tiger 1200, and just did 2000 miles all around scotland - super capable and a brilliant touring bike...BUT....a pain in the arse to run errands, pop to the post office, etc. It's just so big and heavy and I knew I wanted a smaller bike as a runaround. I had looked at an older Transalp 600 (I used to have one) or a dominator, but prices seem strong at the moment...spring is probably the best time for bike shopping as everyone wheels them out of the garage etc.

I then went down the rabbit hole of a classic Africa Twin - but prices are strong, and it is the opposite of what I want (small, nimble, etc).

Roll on last week and I start seeing some quite attractive deals popping up. MotoGB have lost the franchise (RE doing themselves) and have a load of stock to shift. Plus RE won't discount like this anytime soon, and they will have the new 450 coming out (probs £6k). I think this will protect used bike prices in the long run, so it seems a sensible buy. So I started looking again...had a couple test rides...

WOW! This bike is so much fun! Up to 50, it doesn't really feel slow and the engine is really charming. 65 is easily attained, and they will push on towards 75/80, but I'm not sure why you would want to. My use case is all the local stuff - 10 mile trips to town and back (on 50mph A roads etc). I also like the idea of popping around the lanes and maybe exploring some trails.

SO...I decided to pull the trigger. With used prices (low mileage) between £3 and £3.5k, it didn't make sense not to buy new for £4k which is the deal I secured. All through my local dealer who are really well known. 3 years warranty and 3 years breakdown cover.

Lot's of colour options and still stock of most things, but I was pretty settled on Lake Blue (as per the below).



Should have the bike in the next few weeks - parts and accessories are so cheap! About £100 and I have genuine handguards, engine guards, radiator/brake covers etc - all on their way from India! It's comfy, but I need to get the tall seat to just give me a little more room (which is about £280 for a well regarded aftermarket, but that's fine).

Will keep this thread updated as I go - and continue to update my opinions on the bike

[guitarcarfanatic]

andburg said:

Tell you what though at £4k brand new for a Himalayan with 3 years warranty its practically a throw away bike! buy now, beat on it for the length of the warranty and if its still running after 3 years you're quids in!

Exactly my position TBH - and genuinely, despite the lack of power, they make riding a hoot. Something about being full throttle everywhere, particularly when living semi rural like I do. I smiled so much, pottering about on it - it makes you want to ride for the sake of it. The Triumph Tiger 1200 is amazing, but almost too refined - it's staying for sure, but I feel like these two bikes will give me a good range of options.

[guitarcarfanatic]

CG Shell in the midlands have Rock Red for £3890 + £100 OTR.

Other dealers are doing £3995 plus OTR, but there is a little wiggle room. Some dealers are quickly moving to new royal Enfield though, not MotoGB - once the motogb stock goes, they will be more expensive.

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InitialDave said:

I do quite like these.

Question OP - with the new model apparently just round the corner, was there something specific that appealed to you more about this version? I can see the benefit of it being the simpler, proven one.

It’s exactly that - simpler, more charm. The new one looks good (check Noralys latest video - itchy boots), but…

A) It’s going to be more expensive. At least a grand more.

B) It looks a little odd. I love the classical look of the original Himalayan, and the dash has a nice mid 90s feel. The new single pod design is a little too stripped back for me (although the Google cast thing is clever).

C) Unproven - If it’s great, I can always upgrade in a few years once reliability proven and bugs ironed out.

[guitarcarfanatic]

Picked her up today - such a fun bike!





Despite the torrential rain, I immediately went off exploring the local farm tracks and lanes for an hour!







Will give the bike a proper clean, lube, fettle and liberal dosing with ACF-50 at the weekend

[guitarcarfanatic]

Also - lot's of packages from India have started arriving. Genuine RE parts are dirt cheap off India and have all arrived in a week.

Heel guard - £13



Large engine guards - £32



Touring Seat - £54 (I got this as I may fit a Seat Concept seat and it needs a sacrificial base)



I also grabbed a few bits from AliExpress...

Side Stand Foot - £14



Upgraded oil cooler guard - £12



Will get all these fitted at the weekend. I switched the OEM bulb to a Osram Nightbreaker as well

I have hand guards, bar risers and a Tall seat on the radar as well

[guitarcarfanatic]

Gave the bike a clean today and then a good going over with ACF-50. I also waxed the tank and lubed the chain.

I also fitted the engine bars, oil cooler guard, side stand foot and heel plate.











The patio isn't going rusty anytime soon!

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bimsb6 said:

Those guards look like they will fold in a strong breeze !

For £32 delivered from India, I can’t really complain. These are the genuine RE item and seem robust based on how often bikes seem to get dropped in India (there is a big Indian YouTube scene about the Himalayan!).

If I was doing regular off-road stuff, givi sell a set that have 3 fixing points. But for my use, I just want somewhere to mount spotlights at some point! 😂

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-Cappo- said:

Another India veteran here, 2 weeks around the Himalayas on a brand new Scram last year.

Did you go with a tour company? Any recommendations? On my list of things to do!!

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spoodler said:

Much like many of us, he's into all sorts of bikes. He got me into Harleys about twenty years ago when he chucked me the keys to his Evo' Sporty, I mentioned the Shovel and the KTM as they are world's apart from the Himalayan and just thought it would emphasise how much it has endeared itself to him.

It's not surprising - it's such a charming little bike. I keep walking past the Tiger 1200 and getting on the Enfield (despite the 106hp power difference )

[guitarcarfanatic]

Still loving it - perfect for nipping to the shops etc.

New one in Black / Yellow is growing on me. If it’s sub £5.5k, it will be a good seller and might be something I consider in a few years time once all the bugs have been worked out.

[guitarcarfanatic]

The Himalayan is now at 400 miles! Mostly local trips and one jaunt over Exmoor. First service in a few weeks time and will then try and get it out a bit more now the sun is shining. Despite having only 17% of the power of the Tiger 1200, it is still such a fun bike. And much more friendly around town!