Re: Used Duke 390 or Royal Enfield Himalayan ?

It's not like the Himalayan has a defective engine or anything of that sorts. They are replacing the parts so that the experience of the customer becomes better. The sound is better as intended.
The Himalayan is obviously very slow if you compare it to the D390. The D390 is a hooligan of a bike, meant to be on the edge always. The Himalayan is a relaxed touring bike, though with a smaller fuel tank. The bike is meant to take all the beatings, unlike the D390 which is surely not a bike meant to tackle the bad indian roads. But one can always argue it can do the same and can be taken to Leh too.

It all depends on your need. If you need a relaxed bike, Himalayan is the goof option. If you need something to excite you every single time, close your eyes and buy the D390.

Help me in deciding between RE Himalayan/Duke 390

Finally decided to upgrade from 150cc bike to something big. Initially I was clear about buying RE TB 350/500. So, went to RE showroom and asked for TB350 test drive. Showroom guys insisted me to drive all the variant, So I took one by one TB350, Classic 350, Bullet 350. I did not had any intention to buy Himalayan / Continental, especially Himalayan I didn't liked the look at all. But they forced me to check the performance of the bike. To be very frank here, I don't know anything about performance in technical jargons like torque or bhp or anything. Since they forced I took the Himalayan for a ride, OMG I am mind blown. I didn't expected such an experience. I was confused, I thought of booking thunderbird before entering the showroom, now I am impressed with Himalayan. I didn't wanted to take any hasty decision, So, I left the showroom without booking any model.

After reaching home, I had gone through all the review videos about himalayan, almost every ownership reviews & issues. I am convinced with Himalayan. However I wanted to test drive it again, So went to the showroom next day asked for a bit long ride , rode it for almost 8 kms. Checked the braking, pickup, stability and handling. I felt it is exactly fine for me. So I booked the Himalayan .

Its been 17 days now, I was happy with my decision for first 5 days. Suddenly I felt like I made hasty decision. I am spending 175K on bike, I want it to be the best selection in all aspects. And ofcourse suitable for my riding style and riding habits. So, I thought of exploring bikes in same category/price range.

I came up with Duke 390,Honda CBR with ABS. Analyzed both, everything is good in its own aspect , But I particularly didn't like racing stance while riding, So I finally shortlisted Duke 390. Took a test drive of 390, I really liked it, so the story continued with viewing reviews of Duke 390, it's Pro's and Con's.

I really like both of it, so need your guys help. Some required details below.

1. Budget : 200 K
2. Age : 29
3. Height : 169 cms
4. Weight : 84 Kg
5. Intended usage : Office commute (Up and down 20 Kms, Moving traffic), Highway runs ( apprx once in 2 months from Chennai to Bangalore and return),Weekend recreation riding (Up and down 200 Max))
6. Fuel Efficiency requirement 30 KMPL approx
7. City & Highway percentage usage : 70:30
8. Approximate Daily / Monthly running: 700
9. City / Town /Village of residence: Chennai

So, now the main confusion is ABS and FI. If there is ABS and FI in Himalayan, I would have certainly gone with Himalyan.

Now the question is do I really need ABS and FI? I am happy with ~30 mileage. Regarding ABS I am in serious confusion, I used to drive bike without Disc itself. So, I got driving habit which stuck with drum brakes, I mean, No sudden reducing of speed, Will gradually shift gears and slow down, will always maintain safe distance between vehicles as I could not manage immediate stops with drum brakes.

Since I am used to this habits, Would no ABS be fine for me? Or should I need ABS?

And one more question, I heard that duke's engine will be more hot in slow traffic, is it? Is it bearable? Since my every day commute will be in moving traffic.

Please make any suggestions regarding these bikes, Since I am new to high powered bikes. I am more than happy to take suggestions.

Re: Help me in deciding between RE Himalayan/Duke 390

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