RE Himalayan, love at first sight!
2018, I was reading a bike magazine when suddenly I found out an image of the brand-new Royal Enfield Himalayan. My brain’s synapsis went crazy: affordable and stylish motorcycle with a vintage look that could open doors to any adventurous journey around the world. I decided to put this idea on top spending priorities and some weeks later the dream came true. Some of the main characteristics:
ENGINE
Type Single cylinder, 4 strokes, air-cooled, SOHC,
fuel injection
Displacement 411cc
Bore x stroke 78 mm x 86 mm
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Maximum power 24.5 bhp (18.02KW) @ 6500 rpm
Maximum torque 32 Nm @ 4250 - 4500 rpm
Ignition system Digital electronic ignition
Clutch Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox 5 speed constant mesh
Lubrication Wet sump
Engine oil Semi-synthetic 15W 50 API, SL grade & above JASO MA 2
Fuel supply Electronic fuel injection
Air cleaner Paper element
Engine start Electric
CHASSIS & SUSPENSION
Type Half-duplex split cradle frame
Front suspension Telescopic, 41 mm forks, 200 mm travel
Rear suspension Monoshock with linkage, 180 mm wheel travel
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase 1465 mm
Ground clearance 220 mm
Length 2190 mm
Width 840 mm (without mirrors)
Height 1360 mm (y screen top)
Seat height 800 mm
Kerb weight 194 kgs (with 90% fuel & oil)
Fuel capacity 15 ltr
How to drive?
I never forgot my first ride: summertime, crowded hot roads, zero clouds forecasted and finally my awesome bike waiting to turn the key and sweetly bring me to destination. Well, riding a Royal is in my opinion an intense emotional experience: the friendly sound of 400 cc mono-cylinder is the right symphony for every ride with the five gears very well designed for cornering in a country hills or climbing an hard mountain. Engine is full of torque with maximized performance starting from 3000 rpms up to 5000 rpms. I frequently use the range from 2500-3500 rpms for a smooth and economical ride, under 2000 rpm some vibrations raise and the engine response obviously become not efficient. The clutch is easy to use and works fine also in heavy duty environment. Brakes are simply ok: the feeling of the rear one is slightly better than the front and both aligned with bike performances and expectations. The “soft” brake feeling can be a huge plus in off-road condition especially with sand or mud but there is still room to improve it. In the corners Himalayan is always well predictable and easy to manage with surprising good capability if driver push to the limits its chassis. Shock absorbers are really well tuned for all road conditions including ride with passenger onboard. In off-road conditions some limits come out in overcoming obstacles at highest speed, to reinforce message of a peaceful soul of the whole Himalayan’s project.
Top speed is around 130 km/h even if best compromise is to cruise at 90/100 km/h.
Finally fuel consumption: average distance in city driving (worse scenario) is around 350/400 km with a full tank (ca 15 liters) that corresponds to 30 km/lt, quite impressive result.
Why should I buy it and why not?
I’m firmly convinced that nowadays the true prosperity is linked to having time to spend for your dream or to do what you really want to do: sitting on RE Himalayan is a revenge against our time-consuming lifestyle, one of the easiest ways to forget boundaries of a lifestyle made by routinary jobs, repetitive duties that often are “squeezing” our lives.
Purchase GREEN LIGHT: for whom desires a high reliable and affordable motorcycle to cruising all terrains (cities, mountains, sand, mud), easy to drive and to service.
Purchase RED LIGHT: for fanatic of top performances
Conclusion
After more than 8000 kilometers I can confirm Himalayan as one proven case of “less is more”: no unnecessary technology but one reliable and mechanically simple tool that give you the freedom to move in a relaxing and peaceful way. It could be a valuable alternative to a scooter for city commuters like me due to very affordable running costs and spare parts.
As usual more to come in next posts, stay tuned!
