[navin_v8]

Originally Posted by Gordon

The aluminum panniers do not gel along with the bike. The soft panniers look more in line. Also, doesn't seem like the pillion would be comfortable with the aluminum boxes on.

Gordon mate been a long time eh! While I tend to agree with you about the hard metal panniers not going with the overall looks of the Himalayan. But an ADV tourer is more of form over function and these metal panniers adhere to that. From the looks of it the pillion will find it really difficult to sit, then again for me its perfect as I don't take pillions on long rides.

Also since these are test motorcycles and not production ready, we can give them RE a benefit of doubt to sort these hiccups in the production version. Eagerly awaiting this one. I was actually planning to build a scrambler out of my AVL Tbird(was going to take your thread AVL Machismo Café Racer as a reference) but I think I will wait for the Himalayan first and then decide. As it is I have an option of making a Café Racer out of my AVL Tbird.

[bhogalrajnish]

Yes I can confirm around 2 dozen bikes are already in Shimla waiting for the review.

Originally Posted by petrolhead_neel

The press ride of the Himalayan is tomorrow! Just confirmed the news. It is situated to be in Shimla. Now waiting for the reviews and first rides to flow in.


Image source: Royal Enfield Website

Regards,
Neel

[man_of_steel]

Initial impressions from the media ride are coming in!

[Red Liner]

More here...

http://m.overdrive.in/reviews/2016-r...t-ride-review/

http://m.carandbike.com/news/royal-e...report-1286391

[Gordon]

Quite commendable and bold of Royal Enfield to organize such an event to showcase the bike, being fully aware that these reviews could go either ways.

I kind of suspected the false neutrals. Waiting for more. The floodgates have finally opened.

Originally Posted by navin_v8

Gordon mate been a long time eh! While I tend to agree with you about the hard metal panniers not going with the overall looks of the Himalayan. But an ADV tourer is more of form over function and these metal panniers adhere to that. From the looks of it the pillion will find it really difficult to sit, then again for me its perfect as I don't take pillions on long rides.

Also since these are test motorcycles and not production ready, we can give them RE a benefit of doubt to sort these hiccups in the production version. Eagerly awaiting this one. I was actually planning to build a scrambler out of my AVL Tbird(was going to take your thread AVL Machismo Café Racer as a reference) but I think I will wait for the Himalayan first and then decide. As it is I have an option of making a Café Racer out of my AVL Tbird.

I've been looking at your comments on the Himalayan and you seem very very excited about it. Regardless I'll be waiting for your update on your thunderbird.

I mentioned about the panniers because I would probably prefer the soft panniers so that the pillion would also be comfortable. However, all this is subject to if and when I get the bike for myself.

[Red Liner]

A full on better ride report is out from overdrive

http://m.overdrive.in/news/royal-enf...ngs-that-dont/

As expected, power and fi are the two major gripes right off the bat. This really is the major Achilles heel for this bike... And by the looks of it for the company as well.

Great job by the blokes at overdrive pushing this out so fast right out of simla...

And team bhp really needs to start doing bike reviews, I mean it's about time.

[petrolhead_neel]

Autocar India report:
http://www.autocarindia.com/auto-rev...form=hootsuite

evo India report:
http://evoindia.com/blog/2016/03/12/...ayan-ridden/2/

I would absolutely love to have official Team-BHP reviews for bikes too! Mods, please do give it a serious thought.

Regards,
Neel

[maker_of_things]

xBHP's review on the Himalayan. By Sandeep Goswami, aka Old Fox.

http://www.xbhp.com/royal-enfield-hi...an-revolution/

[tharian]

Overdrive's quick video review.

[Red Liner]

I like this guy.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?sto...95929050620444

Watch the product strat guys from royal Enfield... Owned!

Can't wait for part two...

I will be in chandigarh during launch day, hope the paajis let me have a go at the bike.

[ksameer1234]

The more I read and watch about Himalayan, the temptation becomes stronger. If this is reliable (read: fill it, shut it, forget it type) and does not suffer from traditional RE ailments, I guess people will ride out of showroom and straight away make a run for the Himalayas!

I only hope the saddle height is considerate enough of tiny Indian males like me.

[johannskaria]

Eventhough I'm not a bike guy, I'm mighty impressed with Royal Enfield Himalayan, especially the engine and even the way they designed the bike.
Only if they made it Future proof (Fi & ABS)!
But their minimalistic approach gives the bike easily maintainable tag, which more and more manufacturers are moving away from.
The company is sure on a roll. Can't wait to see more products with this engine.

[dkaile]

Some great reviews and photos coming in from the press rides...

[tharian]

Heard from an inside source the pricing is better than we expected.
The OTR Bangalore will be around the same as the ex showroom price that was speculated. Doesn't hit 2L.

[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by tharian

Heard from a inside source the pricing is better than we expected.
The OTR Bangalore will be around the same as the ex showroom price that was speculated. Doesn't hit 2L.

Hmmm.. That's pretty interesting. I am now debating buying this along with the Duke and still staying below the price of a reasonable used car that brings a smile to your face. If this comes to bangalore at 1.6, added with the Duke at about 2.4 we are talking 4 for two nice purpose built motorbikes.

Should actually make for a good city run about with the nice torque and solid real estate on the road and much hailed great suspension to tackle the stupid roads and traffic, even the dreaded monsoons! And a usable pillion in case a friend comes visiting. Won't miss the Dukes power in the city. Have to go test the clutch for myself. Anyone else thinking like me?