Thinking of trading my V-Strom 650XT for the new Himalayan 450 – need your thoughts!

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Glenn/RZ500 said:
Good grief. Three pages of debating over a proven, dependable and reasonably powerful Suzuki V-twin and a wheezy 450 single with suspect reliability and thin dealer network. How did so many of us riding from the late `60s make it this far? :rolleyes:
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The DL650 (and all its variants) are proven over many years of use. Sadly, it seems Suzuki Canada as of late to have cut way back on it's domestic parts inventory. Wait for special rush orders from Japan - usually 2 to 3 weeks.
The Himi puts out around 40hp - the same as my old KLR650, a DR650 or XR650R. It IS available with tubeless spoke wheels. The frame breakage referred to was on very early Himi 411s, quickly rectified. There is at least one YouTuber with over 100,000kms on a 450 - crazy guy for sure - with nothing more than regular maintenance.
I would not hesitate to take either of them up the road to Tuk - if I was only about 30 years younger...:censored:
 
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adri said:
Any 650cc single enduro, dual sport, and/or ADV bike from a reputable brand is everything you need. I go German for my travels, but, there are so many options available from so many great brands👌🏻

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I prefer Japanese as my travel is often to remote areas. Easier and faster to find parts, mechanics and most importantly I prefer to need neither while I'm on the road.

650 twin for road and gravel, 750 single for the tougher stuff.
 
adri said:
With all of the great manufacturers out there, and all of the great models out there, and all of the kilometers that you ride, why do you want a Royal Enfield?!

I can't speak much to the Himalayan, other than it's the only motorcycle that has ever had parts break off of it during it's own promotional commercial. That should tell you something.

I've owned an Interceptor or two so I can tell you about that experience... The company's flagship "we make good motorcycles now!" motorcycle, now that it's been out for several years, is known for eating it's 3rd gear, recurring rear brake failures that could kill you, and disappointing finish quality/durability...

Would I buy another RE?
- At first, yes, because I have a half dozen other bikes, so it would barely get any miles, so odds are I wouldn't break too much.
- Since finding out about the recurring brake failure that RE dealers acknowlege, but that RE itself refuses to correct, putting riders' lives at risk, absolutely not.

There are so many great brands, and so many great bikes out. I currently have two BMW G650GS', I ride one across Italy every year. There are off-road oriented variants (see F650GS Dakar, G650GS Sertao), but putting aside my own personal preference, I'd buy five Honda CRF300L Rally or Suzuki DRZ400S before I even considered any RE. It seems like you've decided it's either the V-Strom or that RE 450 though. Weird. Why?

We've never met, but you seem like a cool guy. I think you deserve a lot better.
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The reason why I have posted this question to an online forum is to gauge the opinions of people based on their experiences and technical knowledge. I no longer consider myself “new rider” anymore. I am now in a more comfortable position on the road and I now know what I like/what works for me and what does not. After 2 riding seasons, I want to improve my riding experience going forward. Given I am no longer in my 20s, I pay attention to the signal that my body is sending to me. The last long distance ride was educational for me. Cruise control (ride by wire) for my style of riding is non-negotiable now. Others have pointed out the risks associated with it versus cable, and based on my risk appetite, I am fine with this.

I am in phase where reading, researching and watching loads of contents online in order to make the best decision that works for me.

There was one review that caught my attention:

There are others painting a positive review of the new Himalayan 450. Unlike many folks , I was aware of the brand Royal Enfield since late 80’s and 90s and they were selling mopeds which were of terrible quality both in terms of design and mechanical. However, it seems that since their new CEO took over, there has been a drastic change in their approach and how true this is, I can only rely on other people’s experience with the bike.

Similarly, KTM reputation has been tarnished based on how riders shared their experiences on YouTube or other online platforms.

Another thing, the only bike that fit almost all of my requirements is the Kove 800x Pro model 2026 but it will not be available in Canada until 2027 , so that i am exploring my options. I think am getting close to firming my decision.
 
xrljoel said:
A lot of people seem to be romanticizing what the Himalayan is.

They see simple, traditional, straight forward, and (modern buzzword incoming...) "authentic".

On the other hand you see potential suspect build quality, underpowered, thus over-priced. I tend to agree with you.

If the goal of the OP is truly overland travel then he should look for something that is a stone-age reliable and fixable like a carbureted KLR, DR650, Honda damn-near-anything, etc., etc.

If the goal involves mostly travel in USA/Canada on paved roads then add all the tech you want.

The Strom 650 is probably the ideal bike and could do both. No, it's not a dirt bike but it could reliably traverse difficult terrain if one manages their speed and expectations, and fit it with aggressive (enough) tires.

But what the hell do I know.
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I am trying to get the bike that will fit in my long term travel ambition, South America all the way from here, Africa (incl part of Europe). I noticed that different riders have taken different types of bike from 125cc to 1200cc. I also heard that a guy on a Goldwing apparently went to Tuk or Prudhoe Bay. Those are the extreme that i dont want to be in. I think i belong to the group where the vast majority would fall into: less headache with a complex bike, decent weight that i will be able to pick on my own when i am in remote location, not too heavy on the wallet in terms of maintenance, and some level of comfort that will not take away the joy of riding (there were days on my last trip where the pain in my right arm took the joy away). I do understand that a cruise control might not be important for all of you but in my case, it will be in the future.
 
Mad Mike said:
I prefer Japanese as my travel is often to remote areas. Easier and faster to find parts, mechanics and most importantly I prefer to need neither while I'm on the road.

650 twin for road and gravel, 750 single for the tougher stuff.
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We can all agree that the Japanese have mastered the art of reliability, though, they may have fallen asleep at the wheels now either through arrogance or something else. On my last trip, the only thing that failed on my Vstrom was the low beam light in Indianna and it cost me $7.50 to replace. Some of you who pays attention on innovation, listening to market needs, trends etc, you may have noticed the rise of moto-manufacturers from China. They are listening to what customers are asking for based on their market segment and they are producing those products unlike the Japanese. The future is bright imo in term of product development.
 
FreeAgent said:
I am trying to get the bike that will fit in my long term travel ambition, South America all the way from here, Africa (incl part of Europe). I noticed that different riders have taken different types of bike from 125cc to 1200cc. I also heard that a guy on a Goldwing apparently went to Tuk or Prudhoe Bay. Those are the extreme that i dont want to be in. I think i belong to the group where the vast majority would fall into: less headache with a complex bike, decent weight that i will be able to pick on my own when i am in remote location, not too heavy on the wallet in terms of maintenance, and some level of comfort that will not take away the joy of riding (there were days on my last trip where the pain in my right arm took the joy away). I do understand that a cruise control might not be important for all of you but in my case, it will be in the future.
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A trip that size and that remote is all the more reason to get something where international dealer supply chain is strong and plentiful, like Honda. Not sketchy and haphazard like Royal Enfield.

I saw your reply to me a couple posts above. I asked why, of all the wonderful motorcycles, from all the wonderful manufacturers, you were interested in this specific motorcycle, from this specific manufacturer. You mentioned what you want to do with your next bike, why you asked for feedback, and what your experience is, but I don't think you really shared why you're considering a Royal Enfield to begin with.

Yes, they're better than they were decades ago. My great uncles 1975 misfiring Fiat is a lot better than a 1920s Ford Model T. Doesn't mean I want to be driving either of them any great distance. I want better good vehicles, not better bad vehicles.
 
Mad Mike said:
I prefer Japanese as my travel is often to remote areas. Easier and faster to find parts, mechanics and most importantly I prefer to need neither while I'm on the road.

650 twin for road and gravel, 750 single for the tougher stuff.
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100%. Location and use is so, so important. I love both of my G650GS, but I hate being a BMW owner. If I wasn't doing all my long distance riding specifically in Europe, I would've gone Japanese too.

BUT

This summer on my third ride across Italy, I lost all power on the highway (later found out battery terminals came loose). I got towed in to the next town, called Viareggio. Population 60,000 people. Very pretty, but it's one of a million tiny little Italian nowhere towns that most Italians could never spot on a map.

But Viareggio had not only had a shop called Easy Rider open until 7:00 pm that had my BMW's battery in stock waiting for me when I arrived, but across the street from Easy Rider, was a BMW-only motorcycle service shop, called Red Bike, started by a former BMW master tech.

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Buddy over at Red Bike sees my bike the next day and tells me in a very somber voice, "Listen Adrian, I just need to warn you, if there's an issue with your charging system and I need to get a rectifier or something, I'm very sorry, but I won't be able to get it for you from Germany for two days."

TWO DAYS! To get a part from Germany, to the little Italian middle of nowhere town that has it's own BMW-only shop. I last time I ordered something from BMW Motorrad Toronto it took almost four weeks! LOL.

So I guess I should rephrase... I hate being a BMW owner in Canada, here I would definitely do my far-from-home riding on a japanese bike too... but I love being a BMW owner in Italy. OP if **** hits the fan, what kind of bike would you want to be on in the places that you're going to be headed?
 
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FreeAgent said:
We can all agree that the Japanese have mastered the art of reliability, though, they may have fallen asleep at the wheels now either through arrogance or something else. On my last trip, the only thing that failed on my Vstrom was the low beam light in Indianna and it cost me $7.50 to replace. Some of you who pays attention on innovation, listening to market needs, trends etc, you may have noticed the rise of moto-manufacturers from China. They are listening to what customers are asking for based on their market segment and they are producing those products unlike the Japanese. The future is bright imo in term of product development.
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China makes garbage on purpose.
 
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FreeAgent said:
We can all agree that the Japanese have mastered the art of reliability, though, they may have fallen asleep at the wheels now either through arrogance or something else. On my last trip, the only thing that failed on my Vstrom was the low beam light in Indianna and it cost me $7.50 to replace. Some of you who pays attention on innovation, listening to market needs, trends etc, you may have noticed the rise of moto-manufacturers from China. They are listening to what customers are asking for based on their market segment and they are producing those products unlike the Japanese. The future is bright imo in term of product development.
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This is the bike discussion so I`ll keep the cross contamination brief. No way in Hell am I sending a dime, never mind 20 Grand or whatever the ask is to Communist China for their motorcycles. It`s difficult enough to avoid their garbage product everywhere. Their relentless meddling continues in Canada and everywhere else, and now Carney is happy to lick their arse. Every tech guru I`ve ever heard says their tech heavy EV`s, and now bikes I`m certain are rolling spyware, why wouldn`t they be? Double F. those guys 🖕 🖕 🖕 🖕 🖕 🖕 🖕
 
This:
www.insidemotorcycles.com

Chasing 60 - Chapter 1

Welcome to Chasing 60, a three-part feature recounting our ride to the Arctic Circle. Enjoy and be sure to check back for the next chapters. -Ed. “We sho
www.insidemotorcycles.com www.insidemotorcycles.com
www.insidemotorcycles.com

Chasing 60 - Chapter 2

Welcome back to Chasing 60 and our adventures travelling to and from the Arctic Circle aboard a pair of Royal Enfield Himalayans. In case you missed chapter 1 y
www.insidemotorcycles.com www.insidemotorcycles.com
Chasing 60 Chapter 3
 
After working in marketing in the motorcycle industry I have seen too much of how Inside Motorcycles operates to trust anything they write about any bike.

I don't know if it's the same people in charge now, but back in 2011-2014, Ad spend = positive reviews for sale over there.
 
adri said:
After working in marketing in the motorcycle industry I have seen too much of how Inside Motorcycles operates to trust anything they write about any bike.

I don't know if it's the same people in charge now, but back in 2011-2014, Ad spend = positive reviews for sale over there.
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@adri, you're getting cynical in your old age.
This story was about a trip to the Arctic, it was not an advertorial.
Point being, those two guys went north on 450cc, 40hp ADV machines, not 100hp, 650lb behemoths.
 
TK4 said:
This:
www.insidemotorcycles.com

Chasing 60 - Chapter 1

Welcome to Chasing 60, a three-part feature recounting our ride to the Arctic Circle. Enjoy and be sure to check back for the next chapters. -Ed. “We sho
www.insidemotorcycles.com www.insidemotorcycles.com
www.insidemotorcycles.com

Chasing 60 - Chapter 2

Welcome back to Chasing 60 and our adventures travelling to and from the Arctic Circle aboard a pair of Royal Enfield Himalayans. In case you missed chapter 1 y
www.insidemotorcycles.com www.insidemotorcycles.com
Chasing 60 Chapter 3
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There is another dude on a similar trip:
 
  • Wow
Reactions: TK4
adri said:
100%. Location and use is so, so important. I love both of my G650GS, but I hate being a BMW owner. If I wasn't doing all my long distance riding specifically in Europe, I would've gone Japanese too.

BUT

This summer on my third ride across Italy, I lost all power on the highway (later found out battery terminals came loose). I got towed in to the next town, called Viareggio. Population 60,000 people. Very pretty, but it's one of a million tiny little Italian nowhere towns that most Italians could never spot on a map.

But Viareggio had not only had a shop called Easy Rider open until 7:00 pm that had my BMW's battery in stock waiting for me when I arrived, but across the street from Easy Rider, was a BMW-only motorcycle service shop, called Red Bike, started by a former BMW master tech.

View attachment 76738

Buddy over at Red Bike sees my bike the next day and tells me in a very somber voice, "Listen Adrian, I just need to warn you, if there's an issue with your charging system and I need to get a rectifier or something, I'm very sorry, but I won't be able to get it for you from Germany for two days."

TWO DAYS! To get a part from Germany, to the little Italian middle of nowhere town that has it's own BMW-only shop. I last time I ordered something from BMW Motorrad Toronto it took almost four weeks! LOL.

So I guess I should rephrase... I hate being a BMW owner in Canada, here I would definitely do my far-from-home riding on a japanese bike too... but I love being a BMW owner in Italy. OP if **** hits the fan, what kind of bike would you want to be on in the places that you're going to be headed?
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The key points i agree with "hate being a BMW owner in Canada". Planned obsolescence is part of BMW engineering and the likes philosophy.
 
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adri said:
After working in marketing in the motorcycle industry I have seen too much of how Inside Motorcycles operates to trust anything they write about any bike.

I don't know if it's the same people in charge now, but back in 2011-2014, Ad spend = positive reviews for sale over there.
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Agree and the same goes for some YouTubers who are motorcycle reviewers but never rode the bikes on long term basis and finance the expenses out of their own pocket. I do understand they rely on the advertisers to make money and repeat business and it is upon us buyers not to fall into the trap of believing everything they say. I am guilty of this myself. Hence my reason joining to forum to get real life feedback from different perspectives.
 
adri said:
After working in marketing in the motorcycle industry I have seen too much of how Inside Motorcycles operates to trust anything they write about any bike.
Click to expand...
Thread hijack. I worked for one of the major Japanese companies in the early 2000s, eventually being promoted (likely past my level of competence) to P&A Sales and Marketing Manager. I came up with what I thought was a great idea, and made a big presentation to the President and his ATPs (assistants). Momentary silence, then one of them said "thank you, we hear you". At that point I knew it was likely time to start packing the cardboard box. Large multinationals do not like original thought unless it trickles from the top down. Mediocrity is expected and often rewarded.
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