6 days and 900 km with the Himalayan 450: 5 things that don't work

Coming down from Pauri side to Devprayag was more fun. Managing brakes while back sliding thru dust/ loose soil.

BHPian MileCruncher recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

896 Kms. That is what I rode over 6 days. 2 days in Delhi and the rest of the 4 days in the hills.

Since everybody has captured the +ves, I hence will focus on the things that don't work. And here they are:

• TFT Navigation through RE App - It's an innovative thing, but it also requires the phone screen to be on. Imagine you are on a 500 Km ride and you are taking breaks every 2 hours. The phone screen being on for those hours will not only heat up the phone but also gobble up the battery.
• Charging outlet - 1 C-Charging port. Really?
• Side stand - The angled side stand is a disaster, especially in the hills. Loading up 2 panniers and a tail bag and lifting it up to the riding position from a side stand becomes a task. That is when you feel the whole 200kgs and more of the bike.
• Saddle height of 830mm - I'm 162Cms and my both feet touch the ground on half foot basis on the Tiger 800. With 450 it tip toes with both feet simultaneously when the bike is without luggage. With luggage and with load dynamics changed it's a different story. I think the bent side stand has been done to ease ingress, and egress for shorter people like me, but I feel it doesn't work and should be rather straight.
• Tubed tyres - Get a puncture in the hills and then you will know. One tyre fellow just couldn't get the tyres off. Had to go to an experienced tyre fellow with the right tools.

I'll choose the Himalayan 450 because:

• Lighter than Tiger and in bad terrain every single kg matters
• It's a RE. There is a service center in every city, town, mofussil and some top visited location. You are assured of service everywhere
• Cost of repairs.
• I personally feel that the Himalayan 450 is better built to take on abuse on bad terrain.
• 4 Lacs vs 15 Lacs

But I had the most fun between Rishikesh and Devprayag on both sides. The wide road and twisties allow you to really lean on some of the long corners. I was grinning ear to ear

Coming down to the Half a Million Rupee question, will I buy it? I loved my 6 days with it, but with its drawbacks, I think, it's not straightforward yes. So I will wait and watch.

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