How will it do against what it is commended to compete with: the likes of the Versys 650 or V-Strom 650?
Well established players such as Kawasaki and Suzuki have tried and tested models in the 650cc segment in the adventure bike market. The Versys 650 and V-Strom 650 have established reputations for reliability, versatility and value for money. With Royal Enfield entering this space with the Himalayan 650, now there is curiosity about how it will compare. The character of the Himalayan has always been unique: simplicity with ruggedness, but entering the 650cc class it now has to compete with more sophisticated machines. It has resulted in debates around whether Royal Enfield could continue to deliver the refinement and features that the bikes from Japan come with, while still keeping them inimitably styled and accessible. There is also interest in how the Himalayan 650 will fare off road, given its adventure focused design, versus the more road biased design of some competitors.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Discussions and Questions How Will It Do Against What It Is Commended To Compete With The Likes Of The Versys 650 Or V Strom 650
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