Discussions and Questions Royal Enfield - Page 42
How does the weight of the Himalayan 650 impact its off road capability?
09 January 2025 10:54
I'm optimistic. Take the Africa Twin for example, these bikes are heavy but still able to go off road. The balance of the bike and the skill of the rider is all there is. The 650 could be a great all rounder if RE does it right.
But will the Himalayan 650 command a price premium over the 411, as expected?
09 January 2025 10:54
It will be a steal if they keep it under 4 lakhs. After that, you might as well be shopping for used Versys 650s or V Stroms.
But will the Himalayan 650 command a price premium over the 411, as expected?
09 January 2025 10:54
Just for the engine upgrade it will be worth it. It’s great on the 411, but it falls down on highways. It will make the 650 a true all rounder.
But will the Himalayan 650 command a price premium over the 411, as expected?
09 January 2025 10:54
It depends on what else they upgrade. If it's just an engine swap probably not. If they can improve the suspension brakes and electronics, it could be quite a deal.
But will the Himalayan 650 command a price premium over the 411, as expected?
09 January 2025 10:54
I'm skeptical. The Himalayan is also affordable, which is part of its charm. If they price it too high it will lose that everyman appeal that made it so popular.
But will the Himalayan 650 command a price premium over the 411, as expected?
09 January 2025 10:54
It's all relative. It will probably still undercut the big adventure bikes by a lot even if it's pricier. It could be a great middle ground for those who want more power than a KLR or DL650, but can’t justify spending big bucks on a GS or Africa Twin.
Can the Himalayan 450’s extra weight cancel out its advantage in power for off road?
09 January 2025 10:50
Off road the extra weight is definitely noticeable, especially in tight technical sections. Yes, the power is great on open trails, but trying to muscle the bike through a rocky section, those extra kilos really count. I think RE gave up some off road agility for on road performance.
Can the Himalayan 450’s extra weight cancel out its advantage in power for off road?
09 January 2025 10:50
I have been on both and the power difference of the 450 more than makes up for the weight it adds. It climbs hills much easier and pulls through sand like a champ. It's a bit heavier to pick up but the improved suspension helps keep the bike more planted so less likely to drop it in the first place.
Can the Himalayan 450’s extra weight cancel out its advantage in power for off road?
09 January 2025 10:50
It's a trade off, but it's a good trade off. Even with the extra weight the 450 feels more capable overall. It has more grunt to power through obstacles that would have bogged the 411 down and the power delivery is smoother as well. Additionally, most of us aren’t taking our adventure bikes to the extreme off road anyway – the 450 is plenty for the average adventure rider.
Can the Himalayan 450’s extra weight cancel out its advantage in power for off road?
09 January 2025 10:50
I’m short and actually like the 411 off road. The 450's weight really shows when you're trying to get around in tight spaces or on rough ground. It’s nice to have the extra power, but it doesn’t do much when you’re trying to duck walk through a tricky section.
Can the Himalayan 450’s extra weight cancel out its advantage in power for off road?
09 January 2025 10:50
I think people are thinking too much about the weight. Today's adventure bikes, such as the Africa Twin or BMW GSA, are way heavier and still do serious off road stuff. The 450's weight distribution is good, the chassis well balanced. If a skilled rider has it in his hands, it'll go anywhere the 411 would and some.
Has Royal Enfield lost the Himalayan 450’s reliability and simplicity for performance?
09 January 2025 10:50
I think RE has definitely paid some performance for simplicity on the 450. Liquid cooling and electronics are great for power and efficiency, but they’re also more points of failure. I’m concerned about how it will stand up on long, remote trips where you’re not going to be able to just pop into a dealer and have it fixed.
Has Royal Enfield lost the Himalayan 450’s reliability and simplicity for performance?
09 January 2025 10:50
It’s true the 450 is more complex, but I don’t think RE has sacrificed reliability. If you keep these bikes maintained, they’re pretty bulletproof. But it’s a better all rounder, plus the improved performance and comfort. It's still a lot easier than most adventure bikes in its class.
Has Royal Enfield lost the Himalayan 450’s reliability and simplicity for performance?
09 January 2025 10:50
I've done long trips on both the 411 and 450 and I actually like the new bike better. It's got more tech, but it's also much more capable and comfortable for long distances. The concerns over reliability are overblown, these systems have been proven on other bikes. It's fine as long as you do your maintenance.
Has Royal Enfield lost the Himalayan 450’s reliability and simplicity for performance?
09 January 2025 10:50
I'm torn on this one. The 411 is definitely simpler but the 450 is definitely a better performer. It was nice to know that I could fix most things with basic tools. I’m not sure that’s a good thing for long term reliability, but the 450 feels like it’s trying to compete with bikes way out of its price range.
Has Royal Enfield lost the Himalayan 450’s reliability and simplicity for performance?
09 January 2025 10:50
I think people romanticize the 411 far too quickly as being simple. Early models too had their share of issues. The modern design of the 450 could actually make it more reliable over the long haul. And because its performance is better, you aren’t thrashing the engine as hard to maintain highway speeds or climb hills.
Is the Himalayan 450 an adventure bike still, or has it turned into a road tourer?
09 January 2025 10:50
Definitely the 450 has shifted more towards being a road bike. It has more power and better highway manners, but it has lost some of that raw, go anywhere feel of the 411. Still, it's capable off road, but now it feels less like a true adventure bike and more like a tourer that can do dirt roads.
Is the Himalayan 450 an adventure bike still, or has it turned into a road tourer?
09 January 2025 10:50
I disagree; I think the 450 is a more well rounded adventure bike. The vast majority of people who do 'adventure' riding are actually spending far more time on pavement than off. It has the 450's real world useability, but enough off road chops to deal with whatever you throw at it. It's just more versatile.
Is the Himalayan 450 an adventure bike still, or has it turned into a road tourer?
09 January 2025 10:50
I've taken both models on long trips and I'd say the 450 is still a very much an adventure bike. Sure it's more capable on highways, but it's also got better suspension and more power for off road sections. It's just evolved to be the bike that most riders actually do with these bikes.
Is the Himalayan 450 an adventure bike still, or has it turned into a road tourer?
09 January 2025 10:50
I think RE has attempted to make the 450 more approachable, and in doing so, it's become less pure adventure. The bike is great, but it doesn’t feel like a hardcore off-roader, more like a competitor to something like the Versys X 300. That’s not necessarily bad, just different from what the original concept was.
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