Everything you say makes perfect sense. The need for more horsepower seems more often a rationalization than something based in need. But I guess we’re all free to make our decisions regardless of fact or sense.

The 2006 Vespa GTS will carry me along anywhere I go (except stream crossings) and it has only 21 horsepower. No need for more.

Yes, perception really is reality. Something I’ve come to appreciate more as I’ve gotten older.

I too ride for pure pleasure. Though I was just outside thinking about riding today. I just installed a new front brake caliper and a new battery. But my blood must have thinned because 32F feels too cold.

Maybe tomorrow.

Having driven a lot on the Autobahn the idea of the Himalayan joining the crowd is a little thrilling. I would likely find myself riding behind one of the slow-moving trucks. But I know if I had to, I could ride the Himalayan on any freeway.

I’m with you and think 24 horsepower is plenty. I’ve ridden a lot of much bigger motorcycles but I can say for me that there is no correlation between more power and more enjoyment or utility.

Congratulations on the Meteor 350. I’ve looked at them but sort of have my heart set on a Classic 350 as a road bike. Pennsylvania has a lot of wonderful places to explore with a motorcycle like that.

I suppose the power question always comes down to riding style and needs. Like you, my style doesn’t require a lot of power.

ATGATT is my motto as well. Though I sometimes skimp on armored pants and ride in jeans…

I wonder if there is a limit to how large and powerful a motorcycle will be in our American market? We’re obsessed with “progress” and with motorcycles it seems more horsepower and more electronic gadgetry defines progress.

The Himalayan definitely has a unique engine sound.

Ego leads to all sorts of strange things.

I had a 1970 VW Bug when I went to college. That car took me everywhere and never once did I wish for more power. Just more time and more adventures.

The SCRAM sounds like a great motorcycle if you’re only occasionally riding off the pavement. I still have my eyes on a Classic 350 as a road bike but I know I don’t need it. I just want one.

I can say the same Karl. The Vespa opens many doors for me. But speed isn’t on the other side of any of them.

Having been around long enough to have seen the growth in horsepower, cogitate this. In the 1960s a Triumph Bonneville or single carb Tiger put out 40 to 45 hp. Exactly the same as a twin cylinder Ninja 400. Yet the Ninja is a “Toy, entry level, little bike” while a 60s Triumph Bonneville was a “Big Bike” in its day. Even worse, by the same shifting goalposts, a 900cc Z-1 Kawasaki has been rendered a Middleweight by today’s goalposts.

So, yeah, “only” 24-25 horsepower is certainly enough.