Hari Krishna

Hello friends, We all know and have heard of the legendary Royal Enfiled Bullet motorcycles that are being used in the Himalayan Expeditions. Of all the other numerous motorcycles, It is the most popular motorcycle that is being used & trusted by most.

Suppose i was to ride my 2-Stroke motorcycle like my powerfull & mighty BOSS of road - Suzuki Shogun to such an expedition, do u think i can make it through those in hospitable terrains of the mighty Himalayas with ease.

Since there is lack of oxygen as compared to the plains, what difficulty will my motorcycle suffer.

Is that a handicap. Cant we overcome this problem with any modifications or use any technique to complete this expedition successfully

Sunny

Qury Approved

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the_trooper

I gave it a lot of thought, and decided that it was best not to take my RX for the Himalayan trip this year. I took the Karizma and went and it was a wise bet.

You will have to fiddle with the jetting once you climb altitude. That apart, your biggest hassle is carrying extra petrol and 2T oil! If you don't use the pump like me, then you will also need to have a measuring jar.

That said, people have gone there on RD350s, kinetics, LMLs are running up to Khardung-la, and we even saw an RX100 (not RX135!) going up Rhotang, with three guys on it. The bike may do it, but that does not really mean you will have a comfortable trip.

Hope this helps.

Hari Krishna

Thank you for ur suggestion

joeprodigy

My cousin went to Rohtang pass last week...all alone....he had rented a RX100 from one of the mechanics in Manali.....he said he saw many foreigners getting stuck in one feet of slush on the roads with their bullets.....but he went through perfectly......i think you can go ahead with the 2 stroke...but I guess you might have to tune it accordingly....

ttg

Why don't you save your shogun and try it on an rx instead (If you really want a lightweight 2 stroke).
I admire the gun a lot & If i had one, I'd keep it well maintained & close to home. (Due to an obvious lack of spares)

just my 2 cents
T

atul_astro

here's my 2 cents

The shogun has good revs, but weak torque..just like the RX100. There is a reason why bullets and karizmas and other long stroke motors are preferred for such expeditions. They obviously have more low down torque to pull the weight of you, your baggage and other stuff and do it comfortably without stressing the engine much.

@ttg - bikes are meant to be ridden. Not saved at home for laying eggs. esp the 2strokes.

cheers

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ttg

To lay eggs, the gun (assumed female) would need a decent stud. why don't you suggest one too? & incase you have come across such an egg, please let me know, where I can get one

On more serious note,
That's what i'd do mate if I had a shogun or a shaolin
you can take your gun or rd (or whatever bike)and go to wherever you please.
Not everyone has access to stuff like you do.
There're shaolins and shoguns offered for as low as 9k here in kerala.
The obvious reason for this low pricing being the lack of spares.
and I'll never suggest to anyone to finish off the remaining juice in their bikes


BTW, I reckon a lot of people with RDs have kept them at home as an occasional ride and I don't remember reading any news about any of them laying eggs.

Joel

I know some RD guys who regularly ride to Leh and other spots and they find it very inspiring each time. The bullets are hopeless for terrains but its somewhat the "never die" attitude of a bulleteer which keeps things rolling. Its terribly underpowered and what not.
The shogun is a peaky engine and not a good bet for such rides. However we shogun which took part regularly in the Raid-de-himalaya year on year, but the 4-strokes proved them all wrong. The Fiero was a trend setter for the Raid rally since 2000 and they have set the best timings. Later the karizma (another awesome tourer) joined the pack and its the favourite machine for the extremists.
If you are hell bent on taking a 2-stroke, go for an RX135. Its more torquey than an RX100 and a shogun is a disaster for such attempts.
Shogun was a fast and mean machine back in 1993 when it was launched, but not anymore. With non-availibility of parts, you are better-off saving the machine.

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