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Himalayan or Honda CB500X Himalayan or Honda CB500X
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  #1  
Old 24 May 2020
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The Honda, I have got fed up with fixing things.
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  #2  
Old 25 May 2020
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Originally Posted by mark manley View Post
The Honda, I have got fed up with fixing things.
I didn't know you had a Himalayan.

Tell me about your experiences.
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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
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  #3  
Old 25 May 2020
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Japanese over Indian tech any day of the week, even a classic Jap bikes pisses over anything India can come up with.

Mezo.
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  #4  
Old 25 May 2020
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I was in the same dilemma recently - My brain said Honda CB500X but my heart said Royal Enfield Himalayan.

I bought a Honda Crf250 Rally...
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In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
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  #5  
Old 25 May 2020
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Thanks for the replies.
I get it the Honda is bullet proof reliable.
But it needs revs. Is soul less.
The RE looks the part, feels under stressed.
Nora Lee has given one a workout.
A bit similar for me in head says Honda, heart says RE. Had a crf.
Glad I didn't buy a baby gs Ted.
A few horror stories. Ok while in warranty
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  #6  
Old 26 May 2020
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It doesn't have to be that Honda.

I know what it feels like to hanker for something on an emotional level (the marketer's favourite leverage).

I mean, if you're really in love with the RE, get it. It's your money. It'll be your bike.
Just do so with open eyes as a number on here have already told you what to expect.

Ride it and tick that off.

Maybe you'll keep it, may be you'll sell it, but as you can see from the current prices of the two models you've been looking at, the Honda holds its value more, so if you decide to sell the RE once you've got that bug out of your system, expect to take a bit of a hit.

Or go back to the drawing board and look at what's around.

However, I know what you mean about the soulessness of a revvy parallel twin.

For me, for a 500cc to be charismatic means a single.

My Transalp is a twin 600 and even that can't be described as characterful (namely as it has no quirks and starts every time!).
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  #7  
Old 26 May 2020
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Originally Posted by floyd View Post
I get it the Honda is bullet proof reliable.
But it needs revs. Is soul less.
Have you ridden it?

I rented a CB500X for an eight-day trip. It was great. When you're traveling, you don't care so much about "soul" as you do when just doing a weekend ride. You care about the bike not impeding your travel and letting you do what you want, every time.
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  #8  
Old 26 May 2020
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I rode the Honda about three years back. I guess it didn't leave me enthused.
Probably pitched the wrong bike.
The NC700 on the other hand, I really liked.
Now the 750. Therefore I would like to change the 500 for the 700/750 NC
I rode the RE last year. I liked the engine. I didn't find the front brake that bad. Hard suspenders on the rear! Feet sit back a bit to far. Seat is uncomfortable.
What I do like is you can work on the RE as it is more simple
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