Old Himalayan v new

[Paul68]

I have a 2021 Himalayan which I use for a 20 mile commute to work (if the weather is half-decent). The route is mainly twisty pot-holed back roads at which the Himmy excels, but there is a 5 mile stretch of motorway where it doesn't. Has anyone tried the new Himalayan yet and do you think it will make my motorway section less fraught?
Thanks
Paul

 

[dabs]

I think in your shoes Paul i would suck it up, i just did 130 x 2 at the weekend wihtout any issues, is it worth spending the extra moolah to upgrade for 5 miles only, imo it does'nt, if money is no issue i say fill your boots, to answer your question, then yes you'll have more power for situations you need out of, but really your current bike is ideal for the job, i overtake trucks and spend my time in the inside lane and am aware what's going on always...
For what it's worth and it's only my opinion, if i was spending 6k on a new bike i would be looking elsewhere, ie, CFMoto450MT or a few hundred more the 700X, mainly because i love parrallel twins, they make me feel fuzzy maybe try and perservere a little longer and see if you begin to feel more confident, either way good luck.

 

[Bluestrom13]

A pal of mine manages Leeds to Liverpool on M62 on his 30K miler 411, regularly.
80mph isn't compulsory after all.
I do 20 to 30mph stretches of M1 at 60 to 65 without worries. I just go with the flow of HGVs, staying out of their slipstream / eddy currents.
Himmi is capable of 70 to 75 (indicated, with a bit to spare) for any overtakes that may be required.
(And I'm still on standard gearing, preferring less gear changes to taller gearing).

+1 to @dabs advise.

 

[Paul68]

Thanks Dabs.
I'm too tight to buy a new one, I would be looking for a second-hand one early next year when someone else has run it in and sorted out any recalls.
My current bike is fine up to 60mph ish - it's just that short section of motorway where I'm not used to being in the inside lane.
(I just sold my Kawasaki Vulcan 650 - that was a lovely bike and perfect for the motorway, but no good at all for the bumpy back roads. )

 

[Paul68]

A pal of mine manages Leeds to Liverpool on M62 on his 30K miler 411, regularly.
80mph isn't compulsory after all.
I do 20 to 30mph stretches of M1 at 60 to 65 without worries. I just go with the flow of HGVs, staying out of their slipstream / eddy currents.
Himmi is capable of 70 to 75 (indicated, with a bit to spare) for any overtakes that may be required.
(And I'm still on standard gearing, preferring less gear changes to taller gearing).

+1 to @dabs advise.

Thanks Bluestrom,
It's true that most of the time the Himmi can keep up with the traffic, and will get up to 70mph (eventually) but it's out of its comfort zone at that speed.
It's the slowest bike by far that I've owned in the last 20+ years and I need to adjust my head to not being able to ride in the outside lane.
Ironically the M62 is fine Eastbound because of the 50mph restrictions, it's coming home Westbound that's the problem.

 

[Ajr650]

I had a test ride on the 450 last week. And I really liked it. It definitely has the extra poke you would want, along with an annoying vibe at about 70/75 mph! I came away thinking that I will be getting one. But having spent the weekend on my 411, then commuting these last couple of days (similar sort of distance to yourself) I am now not so sure of "upgrading". The 411 just seems to do all I need.
How many miles have you on your bike? I only ask as mine is just over 3000 now and is a different feeling engine to 1000 miles ago. I'm up to 70 mph now without really thinking that I'm trying that hard and the bike feels happy enough

 

[dabs]

Paul you've hit the nail on the head, I came from years of Tdm 850's and 900's and jumped straight on the Himmy, your right it can take awhile to adjust your head but you do get to it.. was'nt so bad for me I think because I new what I was getting having had thumpers for all my early bike riding years, give it awhile and I'm sure it will work out.

 

[Paul68]

Thanks Ajr650 and dabs.
I bought the bike second-hand and the previous owner had made all the mods I would have done, including
Heated grips and Barkbusters
Raised and extended the front mudguard and removed the beak
Taller screen and mirror extenders
RE panniers and rack
Brighter bulb, hotter plug and louder horn.
It's well set up, and just right...for most of my journeys.
I only travel on motorways when I have to, but do feel vulnerable going flat-out on the inside lane and being overtaken by trucks.
I'll book a test ride on the new version and see what I think - these days I'm not bothered about having a bike that will do the ton, but I would like one that would cruise at an indicated 75mph and still have a little in reserve.

 

[Harleyboy]

I have a 2021 Himalayan which I use for a 20 mile commute to work (if the weather is half-decent). The route is mainly twisty pot-holed back roads at which the Himmy excels, but there is a 5 mile stretch of motorway where it doesn't. Has anyone tried the new Himalayan yet and do you think it will make my motorway section less fraught?
Thanks
Paul

Had my test ride today 11/4/24. Unfortunately disappointed so have cancelled my order. Yes it looks lovely and it's a step up in terms of development for RE.

For me I found I was sitting on the bike like a supermoto although never had/tried one, just felt very exposed. The screen I think is better on the 411 whether the touring/larger screen would make a difference don't/won't know. The gap to the screen gives the impression of being big/huge unlike the 411 which to me feels snug/cosy. The rear suspension was set 2 off the softest and it felt harsh when going over bumps really kicking you out of the saddle, I'm 6ft and about 90kg with kit. This in turn made the seat feal hard yes it's new and may soften over time/use, it was on it's low setting. Finally the engine yes it's got some poke compared too the 411 as expected but it's buzzy practically between 60-70mph, yes I was expecting some vibes but disappointed. Also up to 40/50 fairly smooth and pulled well from 2/2.5k revs in 5th although I thought 6th was snatchy at this point. Also sounds ok but harsh/raspy character I suppose. Security wise they have missed the market in terms of immobiliser which the 400x has, and this will affect insurance and this also a factor of a NO.

If just commuting mainly then I'd stick with the 411, easy to self maintain in my opinion. I have a 2020 bs4 model now at 5300 miles and it's a keeper.

 

[Paul68]

How disappointing Harleyboy :-(
I've booked a test ride next month - I'm a similar size and weight to you, wonder if I will find it the same...

 

[Bluestrom13]

I bought the bike second-hand and the previous owner had made all the mods I would have done,....

.....feel vulnerable going flat-out on the inside lane and being overtaken by trucks.

It sounds like he may well have also fitted a smaller gearbox sprocket.
If by "trucks" you mean HGVs, and they are passing you, then you are "flat-out" at <60mph, so something's amiss.

HGVs are fitted, by law, with speed governors, and tachometers. Only 2% of HGV drivers exceed 60mph on motorways.
"UK Speed Limiter Requirements
Since 1 August 1992 all-new goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes maximum gross weight and with a speed capability of over 60mph have had to be fitted with a speed limiter calibrated at 60mph,"

I think that you'll like the New Himalayan....

 

[Paul68]

Thanks Bluestrom13.
I don't think the sprocket has been changed. I'm not tiny and sitting upright with the taller screen and panniers on have never managed to get over 70mph.
Sorry - "trucks" was a generic term for big vans, lorries etc - I think up to 7.5 tonnes they can travel at 70mph on the motorway.
Having them up your a**e and blowing their horn is equally as bad as them overtaking at a couple of more mph than you.

I hope I do

 

[MarlonBanjo]

The biggest thing for me is going away from the reason I bought into the Enfields , air/ oil cooled and I can work on any part of it without any specialist tools. The old Himmy is the keeper imho !

 

[BruceH]

I have a 2021 I bought new. Think I'm pushing around 10k on the mileage. Similar to you I'm not crazy about how it feels at 60/70 mph. It feels safe enough but like I'm beating a donkey (and the donkey doesn't like it).

On the other hand it feels absolutely great around 45mph and below which is where I mainly ride.

It's a fantastic bike for putting around. If you can adjust yourself to the short high speed trips you won't regret keeping it.

Just my $.02

 

[Paul68]

Thanks MarlonBanjo and BruceH. I bought the Himalayan to extend my riding season and to keep my gorgeous Vulcan 650s pristine. (It was without doubt, the prettiest bike I have ever owned in 50 years of riding.)
However, I found the Kawasaki stayed at the back of the garage whilst the Himmy became my go to bike almost every time. I recently sold the Vulcan and hoped that the new Himalayan would combine the best of both. I'm reading mixed reviews on the new one - I guess I'll have to try it and see for myself.
I have already altered my route to work to reduce the amount of time spent on the motorway - but there's still one stretch that can't be avoided.

 

[Bluestrom13]

MY take / understanding...



For reference, I am 105kgs geared up, have a tall screen, tank side bags, and soft Oxford panniers - And plenty of mechanical sympathy.

 

[Paul68]

Thanks Bluestrom13. I don't know about 84 mph being achievable, but agree 100% that 50 - 60 mph is a happy place to be, for both me and the bike
Have you ever got yours to 80 mph?

 

[Harleyboy]

How disappointing Harleyboy :-(
I've booked a test ride next month - I'm a similar size and weight to you, wonder if I will find it the same...

Yes be interested in your view, test rides are short so the more people ride/review hopefully a more accurate picture will appear. Long term will have to wait.

On my 411 I run a 16t front 38t rear which I'm happy with reduces the revs slightly at 65/70 by 100+, others will say no need but I've tried it and happy. On an odd occasion my speedo nearly read 80 (ish) but yes it was not a happy place to be.

Also this week the CFMoto 450 twin is reviewed in MCN which is comparable on price but spec seems higher.

 

[Paul68]

I'll let you know Harleyboy.
On a separate issue - what do you think actual speed is compared to indicated speed?
My wife disagrees, but I believe manufacturers of motorbikes and cars over-egg the speedo calibration so that an indicated 75 mph for example, is actually no more than 70 mph. On this basis, when on 4 wheels I would set the cruise control to 75 mph convinced that I was not speeding.
Am I a numpty or is my assumption sound?

 

[Bluestrom13]

Have you ever got yours to 80 mph?

Never had the desire or the need.
But am confident it will though. If it must.
75 is NO problem.
Never had my V-Strom there either, consciously.
(I got the "speed thing" out of my system in the 80's, on fairly quick Kawasakis, and today am overconcious of speed camers et al.

Riding big singles most of my life, I learned to plan overtakes. No good getting too close to the bloke in front. Leave room for the steady build up of speed. Then pick your (safe) spot. And go.
Getting places quickly isn't about TOP speed, but maintaining a good AVERAGE.

What I have observed - My mate reckoned his CB500X is MUCH "faster" at any given speed.
His speedo is.....by 10%.
My Himmis speedo, checked against my Garmin, is very accurate.
So he's doing about 70 when I'm keeping up at a tad over 60.