Thank you Erik, your last comment is true I think, hearsay, rumour, "how can it be so cheap?"
Back in 1980 I bought a fairly fresh MZ250/1, mixed views from other 250 rider's, but it was brilliant, two up at 80mph all day and simple. It's all relative, thanks,

Simply said because it is made from an indian motorcycle company for the price sensitive indian market who demands affordable and competitive bikes.

Sometimes hard to understand for buyers in markets where they are used to get shown a premium priced product to affect them to buy a midprice product.

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I've had a few days offline, so excuse delay. Yes the price in India must be an underlying factor to the 5,200 euros here in France.. Much as I like my old XT600 I couldn't bring myself to part with 10k for new 700 model with not so much as a centrestand, let alone pricey extras. Other consideration was Voge 500 DSX at 6,200euros with does have centrestand, affordable extras, but it's so new to market and spares might be an issue. Anyway I think I've found a willing Enfield agent for possible testride

Have a read of this French blog, if you have not found it already:
https://motohimalayan.wordpress.com/

My own PoV here: https://adventure-motorcycling.com/2...eld-himalayan/
https://adventure-motorcycling.com/2...0-mile-review/

You will see mine on the front cover of the AMHandbook somewhere on the right.

I would definitely try one first before buying.
It's not like other bikes: some get the Him, some don't.
I found mine great for plodding around the Moroccan mountains and desert but chose to get it vanned to Malaga from UK.
It's as fast as a Jap 250, but with more torque you'll appreciate on tracks.
Also, the 3000-mile valve checks are a right pain. Perhaps they can be extended if it's not revved too hard?

Like
• At £4000, with the stock equipment it’s a bargain
• Low, 800mm seat – at last a travel bike not limited to tall people
• Enfield build quality stood up to it
• Efi motor pulled smoothly up to 3000m (nearly 10,000′)
• Michelin Anakee Wilds (run tubeless) – great do-it-all tyres
• Low CoG and 21-″ front make it agile on the dirt
• Rear YSS shock showed up the rather harsh forks
• Yes it’s 190kg, but road and trail, it carries it well
• Subframe easily sturdy enough for RTW load carrying
• Economy went up and up: averaged 78 mpg (65 US; 27.6kpl; 3.62L/100k)
• 400km range from the 15-litre tank – about 250 miles

Like less
• Weak front brake on the road (fitting sintered pads is a fix)
• As a result, front ABS is a bit docile
• Stock seat foam way too mushy for my bulk
[• Tubliss core failed on the front; replaced with inner tube]
• Centre stand hangs low – but can be raised
• Valves need checking every 3000 miles (according to manual)
• Small digit dash data hard to read at a glance
• Compass is always out
• Head bearings notchy at 4000 miles, despite regressing @ 1200 (replaced on warranty @ 5000)

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Morocco Overland 4 (2025) • Trans Morocco Trail

The Himalayan is the perfect bike to ride. In India. Elsewhere you may consider something similar like a 1982 Honda XL 250.

The Himalayan is a bike that draws a lot of internet argument.

They have a very loyal and argumentative fan base. But from my experience, most of these flag bearers generally haven't owned many bikes for comparison or don't use it as anything but a weekend toy . Although there are obvious exceptions to this.

Their best argument was "Itchy boots uses one". But that's a sore point now as she's ditched it for Hondas after gaining more bike experience.

I can say that I have about ten good friends or close acquaintances that own or have owned one. I have also had a few on my bench for work, prep and maintenance.

It's worth noting that 90% of those people have sold them after the novelty has worn off or they have self destructed trying to use them as proper adv bikes.

Personally, I think they're an absolute pointless machine other than a cheap novelty to supplement a proper adv bike. Considering what else is out there. They are incredibly heavy, very underpowered, have terrible suspension, awful braking and have pretty poor reliability.


On paper, I can see their appeal. THEY'RE CHEAP. £4000 for a new bike !! WOW !! And they have a low seat. They look like an ADV bike. They're relatively simple too.

However, I don't know anyone with a Himmy who hasn't had electrical problems, oil leaks and other frustrating issues. Although if your a capable mechanic, most issues seem simple to fix. Although one of my friends Himmy jammed up it's gearbox after 25,000 miles and another has had constant head-gasket leaks.


But THINK !! You have £4000 to spend on an adventure bike.

Have you seen what you can buy from used Japanese/European pedigree stock for £4000. Bikes that will last FOREVER, are high spec, well designed and professionally built. With great after sales support and dedicated parts suppliers.

I could list fifty bikes that are better than the Himmy for the same money even with them being five, ten, twenty or even thirty years old.

I'm like a broken record on this forum:

NEW does not mean RELIABLE. CHEAP and NEW means quality is seriously compromised.

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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

To Svliker.

Do you need any further information on the Himalayan or is what has been posed sufficient for you?

I have ridden a BS4 UK model in excess of 28,000 miles all over Europe from Spain to Turkey. If you want my twopence worth let me know

Let's start with 5.

As someone who is in the market for a small, beginner friendly, all arounder in the small ADV or dual sport class, for extended trips among other things, I am fairly drawn to the RE Himalayan, it seems like a good compromise between a lot of things, I would be interested to hear some alternative options at a similar price point.

If this is not the proper place to discuss this, shoot me a PM.

I don't know where you are based but if anywhere near the Southwest, Moto Passion 65 in Pouzac near Bagneres de Bigorre are very helpful.

https://www.madornomad.com/royal-enf...alayan-review/

https://www.advpulse.com/adv-news/20...t-ride-review/

https://adventure-motorcycling.com/2...0-mile-review/

I have written and posted about the Himalayan on several occasions in this forum but until recently I have only testridden it around a couple of blocks around 3 years ago.

But this past week I finally got the chance to do a decent ride on a Himalayan. Im currently in Chiang Mai - northern Thailand (riders paradise) and since my main ride the trusty Crf is waiting for new fork seals and I found a rental that offered different Royal Enfields for rent I took the oportunity and I choose a Himalayan and rented it for a 3 days ride in the mountains of northern Thailand. Or more specific the Mae Hong Son loop and some decent detours in the area as well. Those who know - will know what this means. I had a pillion on the trip and my comparison will be the trusty Crf250 although its not a totally comparable bike of course. I have also done 2 trips in Nepal and Bhutan/Sikkim on Royal Enfield 500 cc Bullets each approx 2000 and 2500 kms and rented a Bullet for 2 days in Goa - India. So I have some previous experience with Royal Enfields.

So we rode around 750 kms altogether on partially very steep and winding roads in the mountains of northern Thailand on the Himalayan. My thoughts:

Negatives:
* Weight - OMG its a heavy beast. Almost 200 kilos on a 411 cc bike is a lot! And you cannot avoid to notice it. It does carry most of its weight down low - so not topheavy.
* Engine ohmp - wow never have 24,5 horses felt so little. The Crf I own with less HP would have beaten the Hima very very easily on all kinds of speed and accelration comparisions. Even the torque at low rpm the Royal Enfields are known for did not not feel adequate at all in the mountains. As mentioned above I have ridden Royal Enfield Bullets two different trips of 2-3 weeks each in Nepal and Bhutan/India and the Bullets felt much torquier. But thats probably logical as the Bullets are 500 cc and I rode them without a pillion.
* First gear are high - so not great for technical single track duties and rough gravel roads.

On pairs:
* Gearbox - much better and more precise gearbox compared to the Bullets I have ridden. Not as buttersmooth as most japanese bikes though.
* Brakes - positively surprised with the brakes as compared to what I have read previously about them from other Hima riders. They felt relatively adequate even for 2 persons and riding some very very steep downhills with altitude differences of more than 1000 meters in just a very few kms. I noticed that the Hima I rented had steel braided (correct expression??) brake lines so that might have helped. In comparison when I rode the same roads with my 660 Tenere during my RTW trip the rear brakes on the Tenere faded to zero brake action several times riding with a pillion.
* Seat comfort and sitting position. Im 180 cm and around 90 kilos atm - and the seat is a bit soft and after a couple of hours in the saddle the well known bum pain set in. Thats better than on some bikes I have ridden and worse than others.
* Suspension - not the best or most plush - but for what it is its adequate. The Bullets I have ridden felt much more comfortable though…

Positives:
* Low seat hight - for those vertically challenged it would be a comfortable and practical bike to mount and ride. For a very tall person maybe not…
* Cruising ability - for riding country roads, back roads, secondary and tertiary roads - it felt a nice ride. Its a quite big and heavy stallion and it felt stable and comfortable to ride. Long wheel base might help to this. It felt quite flickable for its size throwing it through the sharp curves of northern Thailand roads, even with a pillion. For really tough and winding mountain climbs - not so much as it lacks power and ohmp to climb comfortably.
Fuel milage - for around 750 kms mostly very steep and winding mountain roads with a pillion we averaged approx 34,5 kms to the liter. That equals approx 98 mpg imperial or 81-82 mpg US. Or 2,9 liters pr 100 kms. Not bad at all! That would mean a range of + 500 kms and thats very impressive and practical!
EDIT: A couple of things more that I now remember that was on the positive side…
Gear indicator - its not a big thing for me, but I understand many riders like a gear indicator. The Hima have one and it works.
Indicated speed versus real speed - now this is a thing that have irritated me enormously since I started using a GPS and could compare real speed with indicated speed. The speedo on the Tenere 660 I rode around the world was 10 % off! What a PITA! And so freaking unneccesary! And the Hondas I have owned lately are also 7-8 % off! But the Hima speedo was only 2-3 % off - so thats almot nothing. A very good thing if you ask me!

So will I ever buy one? Probably not. My current ride in Thailand a Honda Crf250L that I have upgraded with bigger gas tank, wind shield, better foot pegs, extra lights etc would outperform the Himalayan on almost all points. Its lighter, faster, more flickable, has better overall performances. Same fuel milage, harder seat though.
The Hima would be better for riding with a pillion though and better luggage carrying capacity - so an adequate touring machine albeit a slow one. I would say the comfortable cruising speed was around 80-90 kms/h. When we got close to 100 kms/h vibration was noticable and engine started to feel stressed. Yes we could cruise at 100 km/h and even a bit above - but that was not a comfortable ride though. So on pair with my Crf250 I would say.

If I was to buy it - for which trip/rides would I buy it?
Well if I wanted a bike to do a trip in India, Nepal and Bhutan - especially two up I would have considered a Himalayan. Or maybe any other Royal Enfield model.
Also now in south America there are plentiful dealers of Royal Enfield afaik (?) - so for a cheap economically two up bike for a south America adventure I would have considered a Hima. For Europe or north America NO. For southeast Asia - NO.

My 5 baht thought atm…

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In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....

Thanks Snakeboy - Good comparison there

Enjoy your trip mate

My opinion was formed from a 90 minute or so ride over around 40 miles - it told me I didn’t want to do my commute on the Himalayan (50 miles each way on dual carriageways) but when I took it off the main road and onto country lanes it made for a real blast - I loved it - I took it into its natural environment and it shone.

I don’t expect that many would take much notice of my opinion after that short ride but a 3 day ride is hardly a short test - 750km is not short either - probably longer than most motorcycle magazine test rides. Having a pillion also adds another perspective about the bike’s capabilities that is very rarely given especially as the route taken would appear to be a more adventurous one in keeping with those that many on here would like to undertake. Hardly worth knocking him for it.

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You will have to do without pocket handkerchiefs, and a great many other things, before we reach our journey's end, Bilbo Baggins. You were born to the rolling hills and little rivers of the Shire, but home is now behind you. The world is ahead.

Please don't try to get the last word; you'll fail, because I'll start deleting more posts instead of just the worst and most recent offenders.

This thread includes experiences and opinions about the RE Himalayan. All relevant information is welcome, as long as it's free of attacks on other members (and within the usual other guidelines).

Thanks for your cooperation.

Your remarkably tolerant moderator,

Mark

@TouringTed

I could not agree more!! Bravo!

This bike is astonishingly beautiful, and dirt cheap. It is capable for sure - but far from the most suitable low budget bike. Even if the bike had bulletproof reliability (which it is far from being) - it is a poor bike in every performance aspect.

Estetics and the recycling of old tech for cost cutting purposes, simply takes away far more than it ads. In the same budget range, if one consideres bikes that has only been slightly used for a season or two only, you have sooooo many far more superior options to choose from!

As mentioned, itchy boots chose the Himalayan (much because if where she was in the world), and later opted for a Honda CRF after having gained tremendous experience.

A CRF300 Rally might cost a penny more than the Himalayan, and it is ugly as a troll (when comparing it to the Himalayan) - but it's value is twice as great! It will beat the Himalayan in every single reliability aspect that comes to mind, as well as every single performance aspect - and on top of that be more comfortable, practical and fun to travel on.

Why someone still shies away from fuel injected engines is beyond me. This tech is now ancient, tried and tested, and more bullet proof than a carburetor. Should it fail (unlikely), swapping parts is easy and not too expensive (if you are too worried, carry a spare). Combined with liquid cooling, it translates into; lower fuel consumption, more power, better power distribution, less engine servicing (in addition to not having to swap jets), reduced engine wear (improved longevity and reliability), and more.

As for air cooled. When you have to push the bike (heavy loads, rough terrain, steep hills, scorching heat, or what not) - and you start hearing that pinking sound (if you are lucky enough to catch it in time before your engine seizes)? When you know you are close to have the engine seize on you... When you know you are adding a crap tone of wear every minute... If you are so lucky to notice, do you stop for an hour to cool down, or do you ease off and push through "carefully" - saying your prayers and hoping for the best? Can you even ease off to get you up the final climb, out if the sand or mud?

A liquid cooled engine ,where you take steps to protect and maintain the system, gives more peace of mind. On a few bike models, the pump might be prone to fail (just carry a spare) - but on most bike models it is extremely reliable.

On most bikes the radiator and other parts is too exposed (simply add a protector).

If the bike gets close to dangerously hot hot, the injector will change the fuel mixture too cool the engine more. If that is not enough, it will come up on the display in time for you to save the engine from seizing up. All of this gives far more peace of mind than a carbureted air cooled engine.

The Himalayan is less than a relic from the past. In the rush to make a nostalgic and dirt cheap bike with curb appeal, they did a whole lot of senseless engineering - some which has been mentioned. I just wrote in another post about the knee indents on the tank, which really doesn't fit a human. It takes away fuel consumption and knee grip. The sole purpose is looks and being cable to recycle parts to keep cost down. The front wheel has both an upper and a lower fender. What for? The upper has no purpose other than estetics. It adds weight in addition for something for the side winds to act up against (impair steering). The entire bike is more or less designed like this. It is beautiful, but senseless.

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