Royal Enfield ADV/TOUR

[Scubbo]

probably old news, just spotted it on their website : http://royalenfield.com/motorcycles/himalayan/bike/

http://gnear.net/READV.jpg
called the Himilayan looks heavy and underpowered but that makes for a real ADVADVADV especially when you ADD-V stickers to it... :rolleyes: rather awkward standing position there

[nerrrd]

probably old news, just spotted it on their website : http://royalenfield.com/motorcycles/himalayan/bike/

called the Himilayan looks heavy and underpowered but that makes for a real ADVADVADV especially when you ADD-V stickers to it... :rolleyes: rather awkward standing position there

Is that meant to be a 'beak'?? Talk about superfluous mudguard-age. Other than that I like it.

[Scubbo]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=31&v=aH070WwKoy8

[GrayWolf]

probably old news, just spotted it on their website : http://royalenfield.com/motorcycles/himalayan/bike/

called the Himilayan looks heavy and underpowered but that makes for a real ADVADVADV especially when you ADD-V stickers to it... :rolleyes: rather awkward standing position there

I think you'll find it a pleasant wee bike to ride. I rode the Bullet and the new conti' GT 500 a couple of weeks ago. Allowing they are still based on a 50 yr old design. They were reasonable rides. The GT was the obvious pick. With bikes based around an old 'brit single', you either get it, or you dont. It isnt about power or neck bending acceleration. They are 'putterers' they 'chuff' rather than pound.
What people nowadays have lost sight of, is yeh 27bhp, and what seems modest torque? These bikes were attached to and used with sidecars back in the day. It's like the Czech made Jawa/CZ 350 2T, or simlar, only?25 bhp with good torque, and attached to a single adult sidecar and will cruise at 80km's all day.
That 400 may seem underpowered, but it's a LONG STROKE engine it will produce brilliant 'low down grunt'.
QUOTE:
"The LS 410 comes with 24.5PS produced at 6,500rpm. But naturally, being a Royal Enfield the riding experience is going the be all about the torque that comes with the thump. 32Nm is a very generous amount and it’s just 3Nm less than the frenetic 372.3cc motor from KTM produces. However, in the Himalayan, torque peaks from a low 4,000-4,500rpm which is 3,250rpm lower than in the KTM. Royal Enfield says that given the amount of low end torque, 6-speed gearbox simply wasn’t needed so this bike sticks with a 5-speed."

http://overdrive.in/reviews/exclusive-royal-enfield-himalayan-road-test-review/

http://overdrive.in/reviews/2016-royal-enfield-himalayan-first-ride-review/

I loved the Conti' GT, it was a grin inducing ride over the Paekak' hill both ways.... it isnt going to produce awesome acceleration or top speed, hardly much faster than a GN250, but the GT's harris design chassis was a gem on those tight bends, and riding it as you need to... 4-5 gear and let the torque, not rev's do the work??
I also think the bike felt a bit 'strangled' a sport muffler and free flow air filter may free up a little 'extra'.

When TSS get the himalayan in, I will try an blag a road ride on it from Jimmy.... I had an XTZ660 a 'few' yrs ago, so will be an interesting 'comparison'.

[Doppleganger]

Not coming to NZ though according to the dealer :(

[Scubbo]

I hear the latest year models have a much smoother engine, I rode one of the GT when they came out a few years ago? it put my full knobblied DRZ to shame in terms of buzzy vibrating rides at highway speed >.>

[GrayWolf]

I hear the latest year models have a much smoother engine, I rode one of the GT when they came out a few years ago? it put my full knobblied DRZ to shame in terms of buzzy vibrating rides at highway speed >.>

It would'nt have been a 'new' GT, if you rode it few yrs ago. They were only released last year. It's a 'homage' to the 250 continental GT of the 60's but has a Harris brothers designed frame, and is a 'pukka' cafe racer design.
I rode one on a nice twisty 'back road'. 50-60mph and it was in it's element. It's not fast, it's just 'fun'.

https://rideapart.com/articles/first-ride-2014-royal-enfield-continental-gt

[Drew]

I think you'll find it a pleasant wee bike to ride. I rode the Bullet and the new conti' GT 500 a couple of weeks ago. Allowing they are still based on a 50 yr old design. They were reasonable rides. The GT was the obvious pick. With bikes based around an old 'brit single', you either get it, or you dont. It isnt about power or neck bending acceleration. They are 'putterers' they 'chuff' rather than pound.
What people nowadays have lost sight of, is yeh 27bhp, and what seems modest torque? These bikes were attached to and used with sidecars back in the day. It's like the Czech made Jawa/CZ 350 2T, or simlar, only?25 bhp with good torque, and attached to a single adult sidecar and will cruise at 80km's all day.
That 400 may seem underpowered, but it's a LONG STROKE engine it will produce brilliant 'low down grunt'.
QUOTE:
"The LS 410 comes with 24.5PS produced at 6,500rpm. But naturally, being a Royal Enfield the riding experience is going the be all about the torque that comes with the thump. 32Nm is a very generous amount and it’s just 3Nm less than the frenetic 372.3cc motor from KTM produces. However, in the Himalayan, torque peaks from a low 4,000-4,500rpm which is 3,250rpm lower than in the KTM. Royal Enfield says that given the amount of low end torque, 6-speed gearbox simply wasn’t needed so this bike sticks with a 5-speed."

http://overdrive.in/reviews/exclusive-royal-enfield-himalayan-road-test-review/

http://overdrive.in/reviews/2016-royal-enfield-himalayan-first-ride-review/

I loved the Conti' GT, it was a grin inducing ride over the Paekak' hill both ways.... it isnt going to produce awesome acceleration or top speed, hardly much faster than a GN250, but the GT's harris design chassis was a gem on those tight bends, and riding it as you need to... 4-5 gear and let the torque, not rev's do the work??
I also think the bike felt a bit 'strangled' a sport muffler and free flow air filter may free up a little 'extra'.

When TSS get the himalayan in, I will try an blag a road ride on it from Jimmy.... I had an XTZ660 a 'few' yrs ago, so will be an interesting 'comparison'.
Why do you keep putting question marks after statements? Is it because you know how dumb it sounds to talk about torque the way you do?

[Scubbo]

It would'nt have been a 'new' GT, if you rode it few yrs ago. They were only released last year. It's a 'homage' to the 250 continental GT of the 60's but has a Harris brothers designed frame, and is a 'pukka' cafe racer design.
I rode one on a nice twisty 'back road'. 50-60mph and it was in it's element. It's not fast, it's just 'fun'.

https://rideapart.com/articles/first-ride-2014-royal-enfield-continental-gt

I bet you the DRZ which is a dirtbike would have been a more fun on that same road... anyway--- was looking into one because it looked nice, but after reading how badly made they are and myriad of problems if ever actually abused on rough roads i'll look past it --- next goal.. W800 with some panniers. least it'll get to 60000KM without engine problems and a lot more bang for buck whilst still having that look.

http://images.mcn.bauercdn.com/upload/277255/images/04-w800.jpg

[GrayWolf]

Why do you keep putting question marks after statements? Is it because you know how dumb it sounds to talk about torque the way you do?

Why do you have to make dumb statements? to make yourself look a twat? Actually, you dont need to try!

troll FAIL !! <<<< ooooh look two exclamation marks, wanna make a dumbarse remark on those too? :facepalm:

[GrayWolf]

I bet you the DRZ which is a dirtbike would have been a more fun on that same road... anyway--- was looking into one because it looked nice, but after reading how badly made they are and myriad of problems if ever actually abused on rough roads i'll look past it --- next goal.. W800 with some panniers. least it'll get to 60000KM without engine problems and a lot more bang for buck whilst still having that look.

Seems Kwaka are 'canning' the W800, not enough sales it seems. I'd agree completely on your comment on the pre last 5 or so yrs about Enfields, but like the Italians, Enfield has upped it's game with a modern factory. But I do agree they are not japanese type 'thrashable to bits', bikes. They are 'stately old gents' that are modernised in a way the original bikes needed to be.
I havent read that the himalayn is badly made, most 'adventure' bikes need SERIOUS work on suspension, frame strengthening, etc to cope with real harsh terrain. Even the Bimmer GS's cant do it 'out the box'.
The test I linked said they are simple, rugged, basic machines... exactly the type of bike that is an easy fix on the roadside.

[Tazz]

They're just bikes for hipsters and old men wanting to relive their youth now. Nothing wrong with that, but there are much better rides out there for those with more practical, and maybe fun, priorities .

[Daffyd]

At 410 cc it's hardly overpowered.

[GrayWolf]

They're just bikes for hipsters and old men wanting to relive their youth now. Nothing wrong with that, but there are much better rides out there for those with more practical, and maybe fun, priorities .

Well I'm close to 60, so fit the old. Re-living my youth? Hardly. I never stopped riding, and dont own a car. I am seriously considering adding a conti to my 'stable' next year. As I said in an earlier post, you either 'get it' or you dont with old 'brit singles'.... and having ridden the Conti over the Paekak' hill both directions?? may be low powered, but it was no slouch for handling. Sometimes FUN, isnt about BHP, speed or 22 million RPM.

[Tazz]

Sometimes FUN, isnt about BHP, speed or 22 million RPM.

Didn't say you couldn't have fun on it. You can have fun on any bike :niceone:

Conti is a 'different' bike and market.

Considering some owners of RE's with those same motors say they'd be fucked if they had an RE as their only bike, I think as something you want to take off the beaten track you're in for some decent spanner time ironing out and keeping away the faults.

As for the 'getting it' comment, have you ever thought that maybe you actually just don't 'get' BHP, high RPMs and or whatever else you deem unworthy? :bleh:

I wouldn't throw an RE H out of bed, but if I had the cash in my hand to buy one for the purpose of an ADV bike, not a coffee chaser (nothing wrong with that either to be fair, you still get to ride a bike :D) I'd be looking elsewhere, easily.

[old slider]

I bet you the DRZ which is a dirtbike would have been a more fun on that same road... anyway--- was looking into one because it looked nice, but after reading how badly made they are and myriad of problems if ever actually abused on rough roads i'll look past it --- next goal.. W800 with some panniers. least it'll get to 60000KM without engine problems and a lot more bang for buck whilst still having that look.

http://images.mcn.bauercdn.com/upload/277255/images/04-w800.jpg


These w650 and 800s appear to be pretty solid performers, I like the scrambler mods being done to many around the world.


323093

[GrayWolf]

Didn't say you couldn't have fun on it. You can have fun on any bike :niceone:

Conti is a 'different' bike and market.

As for the 'getting it' comment, have you ever thought that maybe you actually just don't 'get' BHP, high RPMs and or whatever else you deem unworthy? :bleh:

I wouldn't throw and RE H out of bed, but if I had the cash in my hand to buy one for the purpose of an ADV bike, not a coffee chaser (nothing wrong with that either to be fair, you still get to ride a bike :D) I'd be looking elsewhere, easily.

Yeh, I'll agree the 'Conti' is a bit different to the normal RE. The motor is a massive 2bhp more powerful.. :shit::shit:

I actually do 'get it' for performance bikes, over the years had an H1-500a, tuned 350 elsie, various RD's, ZL1000, GPX1000, FJ1200, got a ZZR1100D3, which is still a pretty potent weapon 25yrs later. I dont want to be cramped up, or sit on a frigging rubber pad on a 'plank' anymore {sprotty bikes}.
My riding style changed over the years as I aged? Now middle range power and low down grunt {lazy riding, rather than gear changes} is my preference, so I buy bikes according to that need.
I dont think anyone who I have ridden with would say I hold up the group, but I'm simply not the quickest, or the one who 'hangs it out' the most.

[Scubbo]

these w650 and 800s appear to be pretty solid performers, i like the scrambler mods being done to many around the world.


323093


how gorgeous is that!

[old slider]

how gorgeous is that!


There are some awesome modified Ws I just googled it before looking and finding my 99 W650, they have a huge following on that Face Book thingy.

[pritch]

At 410 cc it's hardly overpowered.

Two thoughts about that.

BIKE Magazine did an interview with several long distance riders, as in 'around the world' type long distance. One comment was, no round the world rider ever complained his bike was too small.

The other thought that comes to mind is the "spy" picture of a 750 Royal Enfield prototype that is probably appearing at a website near you.

[GrayWolf]

Two thoughts about that.

BIKE Magazine did an interview with several long distance riders, as in 'around the world' type long distance. One comment was, no round the world rider ever complained his bike was too small.

The other thought that comes to mind is the "spy" picture of a 750 Royal Enfield prototype that is probably appearing at a website near you.

That is true about the bike magazine interview, however 'Jupiter's travels' somewhat flies in the face of it.... and there are a lot who have done distance/round the world on big singles, Jap and Brit.

[pritch]

That is true about the bike magazine interview, however 'Jupiter's travels' somewhat flies in the face of it.... and there are a lot who have done distance/round the world on big singles, Jap and Brit.

I have read both of his books, the first time he used a Triumph and the second time an 800 Beemer from memory. The Beemer broke too IIRC.

The big singles don't get the headlines but at one stage my reading suggested that most people who travel to far away places used Yamaha XT660s.
In sand dunes or deep mud a 1200 would be a liability. OK if you've got a TV crew following in a four wheel drive but...

I liked the part in 'Jupiter' where he is discussing his technique of paddling his feet in sand dunes. People were only too keen to tell him he was doing it wrong. Then he came across a photo of a famous German long distance rider paddling through sand. He was moved to comment that perhaps those who best know how to ride don't actually go anywhere. Love it!

[GrayWolf]

Was chatting to Jimmy at TSS yesterday,
seems the Himalayan will be coming to NZ, very competitively priced, and a 400cc overhead cam motor that is about the same power as a GT.
May be very basic, but at a good price?? :clap:

[Drew]

Was chatting to Jimmy at TSS yesterday,
seems the Himalayan will be coming to NZ, very competitively priced, and a 400cc overhead cam motor that is about the same power as a GT.
May be very basic, but at a good price?? :clap:

That cunt, fucken useless.

[GrayWolf]

That cunt, fucken useless.

He said the same thing when I asked how you were! :laugh:

[Scubbo]

competitively priced meaning it should be much less than anyone else as they're about 155500rupees (~3300NZD) in India so says my Indian comrade... if its not close to that, you'd be better off on a DRZ/DR650/KLR all be lighter and more powerful and reliable with parts support both new and 2nd hand.

[GrayWolf]

competitively priced meaning it should be much less than anyone else as they're about 155500rupees (~3300NZD) in India so says my Indian comrade... if its not close to that, you'd be better off on a DRZ/DR650/KLR all be lighter and more powerful and reliable with parts support both new and 2nd hand.

Well if you apply that logic to Hardlyrideitsons?? the fatboy lo starts at $16,699 in the USA, $31,495 at thunder rd, NZ

going by that 'doubling' of domestic market price? Jimmy said 'around' 7k for the Himalayan,

[Scubbo]

if it's 7K that's not too bad since it will have a year warranty? if its 7999 then they've got it wrong and you mightaswell buy an as new/new DRZ/DR650

those HD's are giant ripoffs but that's what you get when you buy Prada...

[old slider]

if it's 7K that's not too bad since it will have a year warranty? if its 7999 then they've got it wrong and you mightaswell buy an as new/new DRZ/DR650

those HD's are giant ripoffs but that's what you get when you buy Prada...



I spent quite some time looking at HDs in various states of the US, they certainly hold their value.

I actually struggled to find a 2nd hand bike that would be much cheaper than the prices here in NZ after adding the freight costs etc.

[GrayWolf]

I spent quite some time looking at HDs in various states of the US, they certainly hold their value.

I actually struggled to find a 2nd hand bike that would be much cheaper than the prices here in NZ after adding the freight costs etc.

If they hold their value so well in the States? Why is if so attractive for companies to buy and ship container loads to Europe etc?

and as your own post points out,, it would be the cost of 'Shipping, import', etc charges that made any bike the same price as here...

[MrMarko]

The dominator seems to just pull through anything happily.... until it snapped a chain at 130 and locked the back wheel.... mid overtake... with an oncoming tanker truck...

Twas rather interesting.

[Scubbo]

I think people missunderstand how inexpensive it actually is to ship stuff... 40T containers dont cost much to ship form one side of the world to the other.... import duties are feck all if you get it from a country with a FTA in place --- like china... anyway --- I am looking forward to seeing one in the flesh especially if the price is lower than the reliable jap equivalents just for that reason that it is cheaper (i'm a scrooge) right now thinking a MT-03 at $6700 is a bargain though!

[old slider]

If they hold their value so well in the States? Why is if so attractive for companies to buy and ship container loads to Europe etc?

and as your own post points out,, it would be the cost of 'Shipping, import', etc charges that made any bike the same price as here...


I could have possibly saved a few bucks on the average NZ prices for the model I wanted with less due diligence (not been so fussy)

I only started looking over there because second hand HD prices from the shops here seemed over the top, it wasn't until I looked at bringing one over that I realised why, Now A container load of HDs would no doubt make you some coin, but your putting in a big outlay and probably along time with them sitting in the showroom as you sell them off.

[Drew]

I could have possibly saved a few bucks on the average NZ prices for the model I wanted with less due diligence (not been so fussy)

I only started looking over there because second hand HD prices from the shops here seemed over the top, it wasn't until I looked at bringing one over that I realised why, Now A container load of HDs would no doubt make you some coin, but your putting in a big outlay and probably along time with them sitting in the showroom as you sell them off.

If you're looking for a load of used Harleys, bring them in from Japan.

[IronPawz]

I did the tour in India some years back on Enfields (they where early 2000's models so on the old system with disc breaks). Roads included ones washed out by monsoon and the 'classic' RE did very well. I'd say this version would have been the better bike for it and it looks good. These guys did the tour http://indianmotorcycleadventures.com/ (happy to recommend). I also road the Conti GT a while back and just loved it (such a great looking fun loving bike) but I soon realised if I tried by 2 hours a day commute it would just rattle itself to death as the build just did not seem up to that (love one in the shed though).

I can totally see some people doing the adventure tour thing on these new ones, if the early 2000's can take it (and they did) surely these new ones could for a while (more for the occasional weekender I think verses serious kms). There is just something about Enfield especially if you have something for India. I know at least one passionate ex-pat here who loves his RE and talks of the misty eye's of old men when he rides its about.

Great to see them make something like this. As for the Conti I'd never get tired of looking at it and I just smiled like a lune riding it. Laying prone on the highway I could not cox it over 120 but I was laughing with delight in the effort. It was great around town. I think there where performance kits coming out for them too (3rd party TSS would know otherwise the AK importers discussed it at the time I rode one). Might get a little more kick.

For kick I'd stick to my Blade but for kicks I could ride any RE and consider it a day well spent. I look forward to riding one of these before likewise passing it over as a non high kms commuter option. Be GREAT to take on up the Himalaya's though!

[Tazz]

If you're looking for a load of used Harleys, bring them in from Japan.

Already converted to RHD. Smart man.

[nerrrd]

And here it is for sale in NZ...kind of. Listed on Trademe for $7,490.


BRAND SPANKING NEW !!

ARRIVING NOVEMBER ....ORDER NOW ( RRP IS ESTIMATE ONLY )

Can they do that?? Order one at your potential financial peril, I guess.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/dual-purpose/auction-1189924864.htm

[Scubbo]

would be interested to see how it is in the flesh / go for a ride and see if its better in person than on paper. if she can get to and sit on 100kph ok too

[GrayWolf]

would be interested to see how it is in the flesh / go for a ride and see if its better in person than on paper. if she can get to and sit on 100kph ok too

If my local bike shop has a demo?? I'll go for a ride and let you know.

[tamarillo]

Love it. What a supercool no nonsense everyday workhorse bike with class. Something just seems right about it.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Scubbo]

saw it pop up on trademe, http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-1166450481.htm

did anyone ever get to demo ride one?

[GrayWolf]

saw it pop up on trademe, http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/classic-vintage/auction-1166450481.htm

did anyone ever get to demo ride one?

Spoke to Jimmy at TSS today, They are on their way, maybe next month he will have a Demo one in the shop... I will definitely go grab a test on one.....