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  • Re: Royal Enfield Himalayan

    Originally posted by Wanheda 11 View Post
    Hello Ajay.

    I'll get right into it.

    The Engine :

    The Re Himalayan has 410cc Long stroke engine ,which you probably have heard a million times. But what does it feel like to ride one ?
    You're not getting all of the 410cc at the twist of your throttle but you get a hell lotta power when and where you need it. Which brings me to the second part

    Travelling on a RE Himalayan :

    What does a bike that looks like it was meant to be in the Dakar rally standing outside a vegetable shop buying groceries ?
    We'll the bike is as practical as the above statement ( pro tip : It's never a good Idea to tie your grocery bag on the back of your Himalayan. Just don't. )
    When RE said , " Built for all roads .Built for No roads " they weren't Joking. The Himalayan is a purpose built bike .As a bike to ride in the City it is not the best. As a bike to ride on the Highway's and venture into the unknown the Himalayan is truly yours.

    The Gear Box

    The effort that you put in shifting from your 1st gear to your 6th Gear on your KTM will only total to 1/4 th of effort in shifting one gear on the Himalayan. It's not the smoothest buddy.

    Owning an RE

    Owning an RE is full of surprises. One day your Bike will perform so spectacularly well , you will question reality and thank your Lucky stars for such a bike.And other days you will question your sanity as to what where you logically thinking when you bought this 176kg of off roading madness to pick up your grand mom from the Railway station.

    You love the people that hurt you the most and that quite aptly will summarise RE for you

    Service
    Servicing an RE is comparatively easier when compared to other bikes because they use Carb engines. It's basically like building blocks.Something goes wrong , you replace it with another part. And over time you gain quite a lot of knowledge on bike maintenance when you own it.

    Mileage:
    My daily commute consists of going on the Highway . I cruise around 85-100 and get 30-35 kmpl. Yes you can cruise at 110 . The bikes starts to vibrate over the 125kph mark.

    To answer your Bonus question: No you don't have any Magnets pulling in metal Particles on the Himalayan
    That's good info.. However, are the parts like the filters, elements etc, available outside shop so that I can do it myself?


    can a RE mechanic near my home fix the major issues, parts availability outside, because I just have "0" faith & trust on the "company technicians".. that's why..

    also the RE is tall geared, 3rd gear I'm touching 100 (read somewhere) for my KTM, I need to be on my 5th gear to be 100.. I do 50 KMs in daily commute & there's no guarantee that all the roads are smoothly laid out.. I know it's great for off-roading.. hence, my question about it's grip on the roads for on-roads..

    what are the alternative options I got for CEAT who manufacture the same sized tyres? MRF and any other brands??

    also the 10,000 KMs service interval - is it with mineral oil or synthetic?? I'll use a motul 7100 10w50 if it's compatible... two bottles every 10,000 KMs, sounds great to me..

    live long.. live happy.. that's the best revenge that can be served to the people who hate you..

    PDI Checklist here - Emergency Contacts

    Gear:
    MT Revenge [Arrowtip] | SMK Twister [Blade]
    Spartan Helios | Spartan Icarus
    BB Gears Racer Gloves | Aspida Phaeton
    BB Gears Tourer| Allen Cooper 1157
    Spartan Odysseus
    2007 - 2010 Kinetic Nova
    2010 - 2015 Honda Unicorn
    2014 - 2019 KTM RC 200
    2017 - Today KTM Duke 390

    Comment


    • Re: Royal Enfield Himalayan

      Originally posted by tripster View Post
      I tried fitting these knuckle guards but they were fouling with the windscreen and the levers had to be turned up making which turned out to be a unergonomical for me. Hope yours fit fine. Your H's swag level went a notch up.
      tripster,

      True that even my knuckle guards did not fit in the first attempt. What we did was instead of using the S-shaped lever that had to be fixed to the handle bar, we customized the lever that can be fit directly from the handle bolts which lies beneath the speedometer console.
      Secondly, yes. it touched the windscreen. So I had to screw it to the top level. I dont feel much difference adjusting the windshield.

      So far, I have not come across any discomfort by doing these mods.
      -- Praveen

      Comment


      • Re: Royal Enfield Himalayan

        Originally posted by [email protected] View Post
        tripster,

        True that even my knuckle guards did not fit in the first attempt. What we did was instead of using the S-shaped lever that had to be fixed to the handle bar, we customized the lever that can be fit directly from the handle bolts which lies beneath the speedometer console.
        Secondly, yes. it touched the windscreen. So I had to screw it to the top level. I dont feel much difference adjusting the windshield.

        So far, I have not come across any discomfort by doing these mods.
        can you please post few more pics. I too will try that. The shopkeeper here wasn't keen on adjusting it so just wanted to know.
        One life to ride....

        Comment


        • Re: Royal Enfield Himalayan

          Originally posted by Ajay Vishwanath View Post
          Hello Everyone,

          I have a KTM RC 200, thinking of making a switch to the Himalayan, what do you guys think?

          my requirements:

          - reliable bike (my KTM is just as reliable, small niggles always happen)
          - comfortable for bumper to bumper city & highway touring (my RC is nimble and always on the toes in city. highways are fine for a few hours but not for really long rides, it'll tire me out, hence, same goes with city for traffic, normal it's easy but when there's heavy traffic, I'm getting tired, the bike isn't :P )
          - self-serviceability (lost the faith in KTM guys, I want to service my own bike.. change the oil, spark plug, filters etc. how easy/hard is it??)
          - parts availability (for tougher repairs, I'd like the local mechanic near my home to fix the big ones, so the availability of major parts & the smaller parts like filters etc so that I can service the bike myself or if I decide to service it near my home, KTM is far & a pain [literally nobody] to fix it outside the ASC!! I already maintain my KTM myself the small jobs like chain lubing, but for engine oil change and all, I have to go to the SVC..)
          - fuel economy (I get about 31-32 on my KTM)
          - Cruise speed (I get good mileage at 80-90, however, I can cruise at 100-110, can I expect the same out of the Himalayan to be cruising at 100-110??)
          - how's the road grip (dry/wet)?? are there any other tyre manufacturers other than CEAT for this bike that have better road grip during dry & wet situations?? any recommendations??

          so, I need your valued opinion on the above points..


          BONUS QUESTION: Is there any "magnet" in the engine that grabs up the small metal parts and needs to be cleaned???
          Hi Ajay,

          To answer your questions, I will use almost the same format as @Wanheda11 and make a few changes here and there from my side. I have done about ~900kms

          The Engine - Totally agree with Wanheda11 and you will surely get the power where you need it. But more than power, the machine is all about torque. Very high low rev torque, and at least I can feel that torque in the handle bar every time I am touching 3K-4K rpm (Haven't gone beyond that for now, max speed 90kmph). I commute about 80 kms everyday in Bangalore (Highly irritating ) traffic. There are times while overtaking I have felt that wish H could pull me a bit faster. I think that can be rectified with little adjustment in carb (need to ask the SC guys to do some changes).

          Travelling on a RE Himalayan -
          It's definitely built for all roads and no roads. The road rides can be felt as slight bumpy if you are cruising at 50kmph (my experience and only when you keenly focus on it, it is felt) I read it's because of the multi-purpose tyres and nothing to worry about. The best part is when I feel like I am off-roading on Bangalore main roads, thanks to all potholes and no roads, the bike just keeps going smoothly at 20-35kmph, no brakes nothing. The suspension is the bestest part of the machine, it just absorbs all the shocks. On hilly roads, you will have shit loads of torque to pull you, your pillion and your luggage up with ease. In city, it is advisable to avoid bumper to bumper traffic, the engine heat is felt badly and sure does affect your mileage (I leave early to avoid the traffic). On Highways and Off-road, it's super awesome to cruise.


          The Gear Box - It's rugged and not refined. Initially, shifting gears felt like stomping, but after the first service it's butter smooth. After riding for 30kms (daily commute) and the engine is sufficiently heated up, I find shifting between 1-2 & 2-1 a little tough. There was once, just once, when I went down to 1st gear, I felt like I hammered the bike. I haven't experienced any tappet noise so far, which was an issue earlier (Thank God). Shifting gears, I generally shift gear when it's 2.6k-2.8k rpm, else I face the knocking in the next gear. Apart from that, I haven't faced any issue in terms of oil leakages or anything. (Touch wood) The clutch is hard before the first service, over a period of time it eases. On by the way, there is misfiring/backfiring that happens in the exhaust, though the popcorn-making-sound is cool, I am researching on how to reduce it (heard that it's not that good, though it sounds awesome :P )


          Owning an RE -
          Sure does feel awesome to own Himalayan. People stare at your bike. I went to Krishnagiri last week and was happily cruising at 80, a guy comes from behind, honks, I look at him, he points to the bike and shows "super bike" sign. All my teeth were seen (If you had a camera inside my helmet). Personally, I feel a little classy owning Himalayan and I hope to have it till the end. In traffic, I feel why O lord, why did I buy this, could have got a Hornet or FZ or Pulsar. But on empty roads, It's just brilliant.


          Service - In agreement with Wanheda11. It's simple to work on it provided you know what you are doing. I am totally a bummer when it comes to doing it myself. Learning little by little. In terms of SC, the parts are more easily available in SC in major cities. I didn't find any such issue from my SC in terms of service.


          Mileage -
          I haven't checked it so far. Will do it sometime and update on the same. But from what it hear it's usually between 25-35kmpl.


          Ergonomics and other stuffs - Being 6 1', I have back pain issues, hence Himalayan fitted the bill. The position is upright and that's when I feel I am in command of my bike. I haven't faced any back pains till now. Headlight, the throw isn't that good, initially the high beam focus was on trees, got it adjusted in my first service. Now it's better. There is option to change the headlight as well (Phillips). Pillion, my better half, my sister, my mother can comfortably sit without any problems, though my sister said I feel I am too high on the seat, she was comfortable. There is enough space to mount all your luggage, front, back, sides, etc.

          Grip on roads -
          On tarmac, on normal roads, on wet slush, while turning, it's grippy. Personally, I felt that it skids a bit in dry mud/sand if you brake hard (others can chip in their view). The rear wheel locks at times when you brake last minute and brake really hard. One instance I face, when I was at 60 taking a bend, the car in front hit hard brakes, there was water on road, I hit hard brakes, the bike skidded, but still at that point the bike was under my control and I knew I wasn't going to fall. If it was my previous beast (Apache) I would have been kissing the road. Since then, I have tried to change my braking style ( was a list minute brake guy )

          On tyre suggestions, I am not sure. More experienced bikers can share their view. I am still a toddler and learning.

          Cheers!

          ----consecutive posts auto-merged-----

          Originally posted by tripster View Post
          can you please post few more pics. I too will try that. The shopkeeper here wasn't keen on adjusting it so just wanted to know.
          Out of curiosity and ignorance (forgive me for that).

          1. Why a knuckle guard? I am not sure I am convinced why one should have a knuckle guard? How does it help?
          2. @tripster, yaar, I shift gears when I am near 2.6-2.8K, I was going through the whole H thread yday, saw that you had mentioned 2-2.5K rpms. Should I worry about it?
          3. Saw your post on change of clutch cable, how did it help? Any changes that you saw? (Sorry, if I missed out on reading that)
          4. I changed the position of windshield, it's buffeting in my helmet is much reduced now. I think it's because of my height that the air hits windshield and gets routed right to my face. lol

          Cheers!
          Last edited by Hemanz; 02-08-2017, 12:05 PM. Reason: Added info about misfiring
          Udne de in Parindo ko Aazad Fiza Mei... Jo Tere Apne Honge Wo Laut Aayenge Kisi Roz...

          Comment


          • Re: Royal Enfield Himalayan

            1. Cold wind protection, stops debris hitting your hands, gives more "adventurescue" look i.e. Swag
            2. The figure is approximate one. Came at it accidently while riding. So no worries I guess.
            3. It removes the kink at the end resulting in smoother operation of clutch
            4. May be. Try finding a wind deflector or shortening your spine 😜
            One life to ride....

            Comment


            • Re: Royal Enfield Himalayan

              Originally posted by tripster View Post
              can you please post few more pics. I too will try that. The shopkeeper here wasn't keen on adjusting it so just wanted to know.
              Sure.. Will do that may be today or latest by tomorrow.
              -- Praveen

              Comment


              • Re: Royal Enfield Himalayan

                Thanks [MENTION=89089]Hemanz[/MENTION]. I just hope they sell the spares for me.

                live long.. live happy.. that's the best revenge that can be served to the people who hate you..

                PDI Checklist here - Emergency Contacts

                Gear:
                MT Revenge [Arrowtip] | SMK Twister [Blade]
                Spartan Helios | Spartan Icarus
                BB Gears Racer Gloves | Aspida Phaeton
                BB Gears Tourer| Allen Cooper 1157
                Spartan Odysseus
                2007 - 2010 Kinetic Nova
                2010 - 2015 Honda Unicorn
                2014 - 2019 KTM RC 200
                2017 - Today KTM Duke 390

                Comment


                • Re: Royal Enfield Himalayan

                  Does RE retail the hard cases (panniers) that we saw on display models?? How much do they cost ??
                  Exploring South India
                  Ride to Dandeli
                  Kuntala waterfalls at its best
                  Father & Son ride to Nasik
                  Exploring South India -2
                  Hyderabad-Goa-Maharashtra

                  Comment


                  • Re: Royal Enfield Himalayan

                    Originally posted by bobisbacktorock View Post
                    Does RE retail the hard cases (panniers) that we saw on display models?? How much do they cost ??
                    Dunno about those since no details are available yet. Royal Enfield announced that they will start selling them. Nobody knows when. [emoji58]

                    You can go for these ones here:



                    Cheers and regards,
                    Safe riding![emoji111]
                    And then the lord said "Let there be Bike": And there was bike
                    And the lord saw the bike, and it was Goooood!

                    Comment


                    • Re: Royal Enfield Himalayan

                      Originally posted by Ajeet Padhi View Post
                      Dunno about those since no details are available yet. Royal Enfield announced that they will start selling them. Nobody knows when. [emoji58]

                      You can go for these ones here:

                      Buy Hard Luggage Online | Aluminium, Metal Motorcycle Panniers

                      Cheers and regards,
                      Safe riding![emoji111]
                      I see. But the Himalayan panniers shape looked more aerodynamic than the dirt sack ones which are proper cuboids.

                      Anywyas, thanks for the info.
                      Exploring South India
                      Ride to Dandeli
                      Kuntala waterfalls at its best
                      Father & Son ride to Nasik
                      Exploring South India -2
                      Hyderabad-Goa-Maharashtra

                      Comment


                      • Re: Royal Enfield Himalayan

                        The original REH aluminium panniers were supposedly retail at about 25-30k for the pair. Had read about it quite some months ago. The dirtsack ones are slightly smaller I believe and cost about 18k. Have no idea what RE is waiting for. Just fyi, the helmets that RE sells is manufactured by Vega.

                        Comment


                        • Re: Royal Enfield Himalayan

                          Originally posted by tripster View Post
                          can you please post few more pics. I too will try that. The shopkeeper here wasn't keen on adjusting it so just wanted to know.
                          Here are few more pics about the knuckle guard and LED lights fitting in my Himalayan..
                          Attached Files
                          Last edited by [email protected]; 02-09-2017, 04:06 PM.
                          -- Praveen

                          Comment


                          • Re: Royal Enfield Himalayan

                            Originally posted by [email protected] View Post
                            Here are few more pics about the knuckle guard and LED lights fitting in my Himalayan..
                            Sweet looking mods.[emoji7]

                            What are the technical haggles you faced, if any while installing the LED lights? Wattage rating of the bulbs? Other suggestions?

                            Mods required to the battery or relays?

                            How is the illumination and light beam throw on lit and unlit streets? Any pictures will be greatly appreciated.[emoji4]

                            I'm a total noob on this matter, so kindly bear with me.[emoji13]

                            Cheers and regards,
                            Safe riding![emoji111]
                            And then the lord said "Let there be Bike": And there was bike
                            And the lord saw the bike, and it was Goooood!

                            Comment


                            • Re: Royal Enfield Himalayan

                              Originally posted by Ajeet Padhi View Post
                              Sweet looking mods.[emoji7]

                              What are the technical haggles you faced, if any while installing the LED lights? Wattage rating of the bulbs? Other suggestions?

                              Mods required to the battery or relays?

                              How is the illumination and light beam throw on lit and unlit streets? Any pictures will be greatly appreciated.[emoji4]

                              I'm a total noob on this matter, so kindly bear with me.[emoji13]

                              Cheers and regards,
                              Safe riding![emoji111]

                              Well..Initially, I wanted to get the LEDs installed around the number plate so that i could use them when i turn my handle..(doesnt make much diff though).. However, the extra lever that can be added to extend beyond number plate touches the side grill that holds the head lamp and the RE symbol. Hence, had to drop that thought.

                              I had to settle down with the option of removing the yelanki screws and get the longer bolts to fit the LEDs as the clamps needed some extension to firmly sit on.

                              Mods do not need any battery changes/relays. These consume very less battery, hence i dont think so we need to worry about the battery changes much..

                              I have posted few images with the LEDs on earlier (few days back).. That should give you a rough idea as to how the LEDs glow.. I get more than good amount of light on the road when i light the LEDs..

                              Cheers,
                              Praveen
                              Last edited by [email protected]; 02-09-2017, 05:32 PM.
                              -- Praveen

                              Comment


                              • Re: Royal Enfield Himalayan

                                Originally posted by [email protected] View Post
                                Mods do not need any battery changes/relays. These consume very less battery, hence i dont think so we need to worry about the battery changes much..

                                I have posted few images with the LEDs on earlier (few days back), should give you a rough idea.

                                Cheers,
                                Praveen
                                True that LEDs consume a lot less energy than conventional bulbs. It is quite relaxing to know that they are a direct fit and need no mods.[emoji4]

                                Which ones are these? What is the wattage rating? Any link to the product description page? Any other alternative if you want even more light?

                                I saw the images, but I'm more curious about the beam spread and range on the road in unlit and lit conditions.

                                Cheers and regards,
                                Safe riding![emoji111]
                                And then the lord said "Let there be Bike": And there was bike
                                And the lord saw the bike, and it was Goooood!

                                Comment

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