Deciding between 2018 and 2020

[Docradio]

I'm considering getting either a new 2018 Himalayan for $3499 or a new 2020 for $4700. That's a pretty big price differential.
What about the substantive differences between the bikes (I know the 2020 has switchable ABS, anything else? Quality differences?)
Appreciate all insights. Thx!

 

[Roy Gavin]

If the 2018 has full warranty you can add a few flash bits to it for $1200-.
No one seems certain of the differences between the bikes, and RE might have been making subtle changes to troublesome parts without any announcement or even change in the part number.
Side stand is reputed to be around 6mm shorter , but still has same part number, oil change quantity has changed from "opprox " 2 to 1.6 liters, better front brake pads,etc.
The conventional wisdom is that latter bikes are likely to be better, as problems are sorted out.
So it is your call, take the saving go with the potentially more sorted bike .
Me ? I would go for the latter bike, but I am an old fellow and don't have any time to waste!

 

[Docradio]

Very practical and helpful advice. Thx!

 

[BurnieM]

The 2020 Indian BS6 model has further emissions restrictions, switchable ABS and (we believe) a shorter sidestand.
None of these features have been seen on the 2020 models of any other market.

The Australia 2020 model is built to BS4/Euro4 and does not have these features but does come in the new colour schemes.

I suspect the 2 US models above are the carb/non-ABS (BS3) bike and the EFI/ABS (BS4) bike.
The EFI/ABS Indian BS4 model was available in India in mid 2018 but not available in Australia until October 2019.

 

[sam2019]

I'm considering getting either a new 2018 Himalayan for $3499 or a new 2020 for $4700. That's a pretty big price differential.
What about the substantive differences between the bikes (I know the 2020 has switchable ABS, anything else? Quality differences?)
Appreciate all insights. Thx!

I for one would definitely go for the 2018 model at that big a price difference. I am also old but have neither money nor time to waste LOL
While it is true that there likely are subtle changes, this model is now on the market for over 4 years and there wont be any revolutionary changes I suspect. on the other hand who needs switchable abs when you can only switch one channel.
sidestand? it costs 7 bucks here and likely 20 or so on ebay.
for the money you save you can upgrade the engine to some useful torque from what it has off the shelf. I know, many are happy with it as is but I can tell you, its a whole different world with the 462cc engine. there may even be enough to get a useful front brake which also is quite anemic off the shelf.

so my vote is clearly: get the 2018 and make it run better than any 2020 ever will (if left OEM).

 

[TN_twowheeladdict]

I'm considering getting either a new 2018 Himalayan for $3499 or a new 2020 for $4700. That's a pretty big price differential.
What about the substantive differences between the bikes (I know the 2020 has switchable ABS, anything else? Quality differences?)
Appreciate all insights. Thx!

Can you truly get the 2020 for $4700? Many dealers add on all kind of fees on new bikes that aren't there on used bikes. Make sure you are comparing Out The Door prices.

Here is an example. I was looking at a leftover new bike that MSRPs for $9700. There are manufacturer rebates and a local dealer is advertising it for $6999. I would pay that plus my tax and registration. I decided to look around and found a dealer advertising the same bike for $5389. I call and after some phone tag I am told that the price would be $7174 plus tax and registration. Very frustrating.

 

[Pirate]

I guess it's down to how much money and sleep you have - I'm not wealthy by any means but would go for the later version as more problems should have been ironed out and/or features added. This means I sleep better! For the record, my 2019 EFI BS4 doesn't have switchable ABS (but I'm not planning on much off-roading, so don't care) not does it have a hazard light switch (if I'm broken down, a single indicator will be almost as effective). Final thought - what has a 2018 bike been doing for 2 years? If it's been sitting around doing nothing it might have issues that a brand new bike wouldn't have.

 

[TCBronson]

Pirate has a good point about a bike sitting for that long. But if it's new with a full warranty then the dealer can fix any problems it might have.

 

[cwadej]

A new bike sitting around at a dealer wont have issues beyond MAYBE some gummy gas.

Have them write that into the buying agreement and save some money.

I wouldnt hesitate to buy the 2018, and did in January

 

[blender]

It’s been 2 weeks, what’s the decision? No pressure, take your time.

 

[Roy Gavin]

Some tires and other rubber items get noticeably harder in two years , and, depending on where you are, you can get condensation in the sump, forks and brake reservoir.

It seems that RE leave the initial fill oil in the sump till the 500 km service, and this basic oil might drain off vital surfaces like the cams and if/ when the bike is started if it is revved like you are stealing it the cams stand a good chance of being damaged too.
Particularly if there is water in the bottom of the sump!
Just saw pics of this cam damage on a Hima somewhere, and my buddy who thought he had done a great deal on a Kawasaki quad which had been standing a similar time found that his cams were wiped out PDQ too.

 

[sam2019]

I think the original questioner has either given up on this forum or on the Himma. He was last seen on 14th this month
on another note: yes, long standing times can damage stuff e.g. in the head. But it does so rarely. I bought bikes with long standing times but never had a problem. so I wouldn't say "there is a good chance" rather a slim chance. And in any case: for the money he would save he can get a new head, and a 450cc cylinder, and then some....

 

[cwadej]

or perhaps he bought one and is out riding?

Let's go with that