Discussions and Questions Royal Enfield - Page 41
Is the Himalayan 450 Raid Dakar ready or is it just marketing hype?
09 January 2025 10:57
But it's the real test of how it will stand up to rally conditions. Talk is cheap.
How will it do against what it is commended to compete with: the likes of the Versys 650 or V-Strom 650?
09 January 2025 10:54
They'll probably undercut it on price, but I don't see it coming close to their refinement. The thing with RE is that character is what matters, not polish.
How will it do against what it is commended to compete with: the likes of the Versys 650 or V-Strom 650?
09 January 2025 10:54
Off road, the Himalayan might actually have an edge. The Versys and V Strom are great, but they are more road biased. It could carve out a nice niche if RE keeps the Himalayan's off road DNA.
How will it do against what it is commended to compete with: the likes of the Versys 650 or V-Strom 650?
09 January 2025 10:54
RE has made great progress, don't underestimate it. The Interceptor's 650 twin is about as smooth as butter. If they get the suspension right and ergonomics right, then they could have a real contender.
How will it do against what it is commended to compete with: the likes of the Versys 650 or V-Strom 650?
09 January 2025 10:54
Specs are not the only thing. The Japanese bikes don't have the cool factor of the Himalayan. That matters more than a few horsepower to a lot of riders.
How will it do against what it is commended to compete with: the likes of the Versys 650 or V-Strom 650?
09 January 2025 10:54
I reckon it’ll boil down to dealer network and parts availability. They have a big advantage there, the Japanese brands. If RE wants to compete in the long distance touring market, they need to step up their game.
Is the Himalayan 650 just an over powered Himalayan or a whole new beast?
09 January 2025 10:54
I think it's going to be a whole different animal. The Himalayan with that 650 twin is going to take the plucky little adventurer and turn it into a serious long distance tourer. It’ll probably do highways better, but I’m concerned it might lose some of that nimbleness off road.
Is the Himalayan 650 just an over powered Himalayan or a whole new beast?
09 January 2025 10:54
No, it's just going to be a bloated Himalayan. That 650 engine is gonna get slapped in and that’s it. It'll be heavier, less maneuverable, and I guess it'll lose a lot of what made the original Himalayan special. A perfect example of fixating the unbroken.
Is the Himalayan 650 just an over powered Himalayan or a whole new beast?
09 January 2025 10:54
You both miss the point. This isn’t about making the Himalayan ‘better,’ it’s about offering riders options. Those that crave that pure experience, the 411 will still be there, but the 650 will open up a whole new market. It’s smart business, and it’s probably going to be a fine bike in its own right.
Is the Himalayan 650 just an over powered Himalayan or a whole new beast?
09 January 2025 10:54
I’m withholding judgement until I see the final specs, but from the spy shots it looks like they’ve done more than a simple engine swap. I bet they also upgraded the suspension and the frame looks beefier. That could prove to be a really capable all rounder.
Is the Himalayan 650 just an over powered Himalayan or a whole new beast?
09 January 2025 10:54
I’m all for it as long as they keep it affordable. The Himalayan is great as it is, but it does struggle on highways. I’m fine with it as long as they can maintain the spirit of the original and make it more versatile.
Will the Himalayan 650 eat into sales of the Interceptor and Continental GT?
09 January 2025 10:54
I don't think it's gonna be a big thing. The Himalayan 650 will be for adventure touring, and the Interceptor and Continental GT are more road focused bikes. It’s different strokes for different folks.
Will the Himalayan 650 eat into sales of the Interceptor and Continental GT?
09 January 2025 10:54
In fact, it might increase sales board overall. Perhaps now the people who were on the fence about the 650 platform might be more inclined to check out all three options. Usually, more choice is a good thing.
Will the Himalayan 650 eat into sales of the Interceptor and Continental GT?
09 January 2025 10:54
I’m afraid it will muddle the waters. It’s pretty clear cut as it stands, but with a more powerful Himalayan, buyers may find it a tougher call. It could result in decision paralysis and lost sales.
Will the Himalayan 650 eat into sales of the Interceptor and Continental GT?
09 January 2025 10:54
Nah, anything that will eat into sales of other brands' adventure bikes. Pricing wise, RE’s usually competitive, so this can be a gateway drug to larger ADV bikes for many riders.
Will the Himalayan 650 eat into sales of the Interceptor and Continental GT?
09 January 2025 10:54
The thing is, it depends on how they market it. If they market it as an offroad capable alternative to the twins, it could work. But they need to take care not to make the Interceptor and GT look less attractive by comparison.
How does the weight of the Himalayan 650 impact its off road capability?
09 January 2025 10:54
It will definitely be heavier, but I think the extra power will make up for it. That 650 twin might actually be easier to muscle through deep sand or mud.
How does the weight of the Himalayan 650 impact its off road capability?
09 January 2025 10:54
No way, man. Weight is the enemy off-road. Good luck picking it up when you drop it, and it’ll be a handful on technical trails. The original Himalayan was so charming because of its simplicity and lightness.
How does the weight of the Himalayan 650 impact its off road capability?
09 January 2025 10:54
I believe it's going to depend on how RE distributes the weight. Maybe if they keep it low and centered it won't be as big of a problem as we're thinking. And, with better suspension, it would actually be able to better soak up bumps than the 411.
How does the weight of the Himalayan 650 impact its off road capability?
09 January 2025 10:54
Most Himalayan owners aren’t doing hardcore off roading anyway, so let’s be real. On the highway a bit more weight won't matter, and it'll be way better on fire roads and light trails.
Ask a Question