Adjusting My Riding Life
To make a long, meandering story short — I purchased a 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan today after a test ride. The Pine Green model. And to make room in the garage, my 1992 BMW K75C is going to live on a farm.
The reason?
At my doorstep are hundreds of miles of dirt and gravel forest roads, jeep trails, and other avenues not suitable for the K75, and not the best choice for my Vespa. So after a year of resistance, I finally made the decision to make a change in my riding life and buy this new motorcycle.
I paid for the bike and once the BMW is gone, I’ll haul the machine home. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks.
A new motorcycle means a change in some of the riding stories shared here.
One Door Closes, Another Door Opens
For two and a half years the K75 motorcycle has provided miles of enjoyment and a wealth of fine memories. It was a loving present by my wife on my 65th birthday and fulfilled the fantasy of the perfect motorcycle for me in terms of performance, appearance, and simplicity. And it met those goals during the thousands of miles we were together.
But time changes mind and body. Troubling physical reminders of aging joints and decreased strength shine a light on the mismatch between the motorcycle I have and the one I need.
Euphemistically, telling myself the K75 is going to go and live on a farm helps to soften the departure.
Italian Appreciation
Paul and I traveled together to Battlefield Harley-Davidson for the test ride. While I signed papers and wrote a check he explored his appreciation for all things Italian in the Vespa area of the dealership.
It was good to have someone to bounce thoughts and ideas off of.
Next Steps
I didn’t bring the motorcycle home. The check has to clear. The BMW needs to go away. And the snow has to melt along the driveway in order to unload the motorcycle off the back of Paul’s truck. So I have some time to consider the next steps in Himalayan ownership and do a little light reading.
Already I’ve discovered the run-in period requirements for the Himalayan engine. Very slow going for the first 1200 miles according to the manufacturer. And of course, there’s going to be time to consider if I want engine guards, panniers, or some other Farkle for an already fully functional machine.
I’ll share more once I have it home and am able to do a little riding.
Well, wow. Himalayan strikes me as the “friendliest” ADV around, whch is seriously whay I think you’d want, not something too top-heavy and/or higher-strung. I’m assuming here that your forays farther off the beaten path will be largely mellow and contemplative, rather than a bombardier-style rush. Looking quite forward to those dustier tales.
It certainly felt comfortable and inviting for the very short riding I did. I really only needed to check whether my body “fit” the motorcycle. Compared to the K75 it was light and much easier to deal with from start to finish.
I think your observation of “mellow and contemplative” is the key to my decision. I’m not looking for raw power and exhilaration due to speed or acceleration. Whatever exhilaration I find will likely come from the world I consume while on the Himalayan.
I’m sure there will be tales to tell.
Nice one. Looking forward to seeing you explore the Pennsylvanian gravel on that machine.
Any particular reason for the Royal Enfield and not something like your friend’s KTM or a Yamaha/Honda?
I’ve been pouring over maps looking at forest routes and trails I have wanted to ride. Pennsylvania has thousands of miles of public forest roads. This motorcycle will allow me easier access to them than the Vespa could. While the scooter has spent considerable time on dirt and gravel, those roads take a toll on the machine. It’s not made for that sort of riding.
I seriously considered a number of motorcycles before making my choice. The BMW G310 GS, Honda CRF300L, and the KTM 390 Adventure were all in contention. But as amateriat shared in his post, I was looking for something that was a naturally mellow ride and not one of those taller, more powerful bikes. The Himalayan was consistently described in text and videos as being underpowered and really made for someone who just wants to sit back and enjoy the view. Someone who’s not in a hurry. And that is me.
Time and experience will reveal whether I’ve made the right decision but I’m pretty sure I have. I’ve ridden a lot of dirt and adventure bikes over the years but was never really excited about them. They didn’t have the cozy feel and performance of the Vespa. And I think the Himalayan does.
1000s of miles of public forest roads sounds like paradise. Here you’d have to look hard and usually not allowed to ride them with a motorized vehicle.
Yeah it definitely looks like a more comfortable mellow ride than the usual adv bikes. My brother had a CRF250 Rally but changed it for a Tenere 700 as it was a bit underpowered for highway riding and longer trips he does, something the RE will defly be able to as well (Itchy Boots had one as well?) but you probably won’t need/use much around there on your outings.
I’m sure you’ll have plenty of fun on it. Enjoy!
Central Pennsylvania is blessed with fields and forests. And even though many of the roads and paths are closed to motorized vehicles, far more are not.
The Himalayan in my short time on it so far has felt perfectly comfortable. I’m looking forward to more hours with it. And Itchy Boots rode them early in their production lives so I think it has been greatly refined since then. And I won’t be doing any of the extreme kind of riding she did. I expect no problems!
Did you take a look at the Yamaha TW200? It’s a fairly lightweight ADV bike with oversized wheels (but legal on the street). I’ve got the same issue out here in California – lots of gravel and/or badly paved roads that the Vespa isn’t that good on … looking forward to your thoughts on the Himalayan after you get some miles on it …
A neighbor had two of them and my friend Dom Chang rides one as well. I didn’t consider them mainly because they seem to be rarer than hen’s teeth around here. Plus the Himalayan has a bit more capability if I want to ride farther.
I’m anxious to take it for a ride.
Well….my first big smile of the day, the coffee hasn’t even started to drip yet. Right there at the top of the list….”Excerpts: 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan/My New Motorcycle”.
You already know that I approve. Don’t know how many times my reply has been when asked, “Made for what I do”. Your green one is made for what you do. Three years ago this month I did what you’ve just done but had to wait 5 months to see mine or even touch one. You’re a lucky man!
I spent some time on your blog as I was trying to sort out my decision. And I’ve watched a lot of YouTube videos as well. I’m still smiling from my decision yesterday.
You are absolutely right about the idea of “made for what I do.” I think the Himalayan was made for me.
I hope I don’t have to wait 5 months! I just need the snow to melt in the yard so Paul can pull his truck up to the side of our driveway which is elevated to the height of his tailgate. My own little loading dock. Until then I’ll make some room in the garage for a third machine.
I’m not sure how I feel about this new adventure.
My next post with make you feel better Ken. The Vespa still occupies a large part of my riding life. I suspect the experiences with the Himalayan will have much more in common with the scooter than was the case with the K75. The big difference will be the types of roads it will embrace.
i can identify with the need for change. I may be a year or two older than you and after a couple of heart probs had to think of letting go my large old 1965 LandRover when I found I could no longer lift the wheels on and off and found stretching across the engine bay a chore. I sold it to finance a return to two wheels which I had always eschewed after my intimations of mortality ,but had revised my opinion as I continued surviving. Started with a token 50cc -too dangerous for packed UK roads- moved to 125cc- still too slow for our traffic on main routes and finally hit on a 300cc Vespa. The ideal machine which I had always discounted . It’s large enough and fast enough to keep out of trouble and perfectly slow and comfy enough to permit my main use… pottering the country lanes.
The Himalayan was a consideration for me, but the neshness (passim) encouraged the need for Pontedera protection. I am suited. I know you will be with the Enfield- they are v. common here in the UK as is the whole RE range. British sentimentality perhaps but a lovely size/power/weight compromise …with a lovely exhaust note. That should rattle your woody trails. Nice to “hear” you back in the saddle again. I do understand the hesitation in trading in a loved gift, but we old blokes have to remain practical and active…
Kind regards
Chris
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences Chris.
First, it must have been hard to part with a 1965 Land Rover for any reason. As a kid in high school, I used to dream of owning a Land Rover. They occupied a rarefied, mystical realm in my mind.
But I understand the need to change and be practical as you suggest. While the K75 is no Land Rover, it just wasn’t practical. The Himalayan will much better meet the needs and desires of this old bloke!
Be well and safe with your pottering through country roads. The best kind of roads!
And a quick aside — I always appreciate a comment that provides me the opportunity to expand my vocabulary. I had never heard the term “neshness.” Thank you for that.
Fantastic! Not sure I could handle the wait to ride it!
Andy, waiting for the motorcycle is a wonderful opportunity for personal growth! It will allow me to practice patience. And give me time to do some further reorganization of the garage. Besides, until the snow melts, Paul won’t be able to pull his truck up to the edge of the driveway to unload the motorcycle.
Though I guess I could get four or five young, healthy, strapping guys to come and just lift it off…
Wow! That is news!
I’m excited for the new paths it will open for some aimless wandering!
Oh the excitement! Congrats Steve. Looking forward to exploring your part of the World through this fresh focal length. 👍
Thanks! I find myself pouring over maps again, exploring routes that have been left unexplored because they were either too rough for the Vespa or too challenging for the K75.
Once the roads clear and the weather tempers I’ll be ready to go.
Me too I’m really excited for you the timing is perfect, I’m glad you got brand new shiny one. God I hope I get invited on some trail rides this spring.
I’ll invite you on some wet, muddy rides so you can practice detailing your KTM when we get back!
Congratulations Steve ! I know well of what you speak. I just said goodbye to my Ninja 650 in favour of a new KLR650 which should be in the garage within a week or two.
Like other moves I’ve made, this one is aimed at modifying my behaviour somewhat , as this coming April I will turn 73 and no part of riding like a testosterone loaded 15 year old is in my best interest.
Everything I’ve read about your new scoot suggests you just got yourself a winner.
Here’s to many , many miles of smiles, Steve.
I considered a KLR. I had ridden one for a few days about 12 years ago and loved it. A great all-around machine. As I thought about it I didn’t want such a tall machine. And it was tall. I could flat-foot it but the Himalayan feels much more comfortable because, in part, of a lower center of gravity and a seat that’s four inches lower.
I hope we both find that we have chosen winners!
Moved up to another Big Boy Toy. It’s no Land Yacht but
You are your way to needing a much bigger garage
The number of vehicles is directly proportional to the need to organize. I’ll have another Vespa coming at some point so unless the BMW goes I’ll have four vehicles. So the BMW definitely has to go.
No way to have a bigger garage, at least not in regard to adding on. I guess we could build a separate garage…
Wow, Steve!
First off, I am getting spoiled by the recent frequency of your posts, thanks!
I don’t know why I am so happy you got the Himalayan, I’ve been eyeing it too, but I am. I live in Madison, Wi and went to ogle it at Englehart, sales person told me that Peter Egan rides it too, so I looked up his article on it… I might just copy you again like I did with the GTS. That one is long sold now, i guess scooters of that size aren’t my thing. Although, I have been re-reading your Ural articles as I would really love something with sidecar to start hauling my three year old daughter around in the summer…
Been riding to/from work all 2021, frost still on the back seat when I arrived before Christmas, but turns out the neighborhood we moved to in October does not get streets plowed/salted, it’s all hard packed ice with some sand on top now… Not that it matters, I don’t fit in my motorcycle pants after the holidays anyway, gonna have to start with a bicycle first when the streets clear 😀
cheers and stay well!
I’m not sure why but I’ve felt a bit more enthused about writing. I have a lot of things to share that have piled up over the past 8 months so hopefully, I’ll be able to make some sense of it all.
I’ve had my eye on the Himalayan for a while too, and have spent a lot of time reading and watching reviews and commentary about the motorcycle. Peter Egan is an outstanding writer but I had not stumbled upon the article you referenced. Just finished reading it and his experience mirrors my own thoughts and desires.
Regarding the URAL, it was enjoyable to ride but it is nothing like a motorcycle. I had considered having my dog ride in the sidecar but his reaction seemed to say, “What? Ride in that thing? You’re nuts if you think I’ll get in that.”
The holidays have done the same for me. Clothes are tight. Warm weather will fix it.
Be well and safe.
Steve! Omg, omg, omg, today i met the Peter Egan in person! My hero, my first time, lifetime bucket list item, wow, i myself don’t even know how happy i am. Wanted to share with you. Sorry. It was at a Madison bar/grill, in the parking lot, he’s just got off his Himalayan. He’s got a white one, have had it for two years and has almost 10kmi on the clock. I could only insist for a few minutes, an acquaintance from party he was meeting there came to rescue him shortly. But he was genuinely friendly like a normal mortal, more than i hoped for. He asked me about me riding and my bikes and answered when i asked how many he’s still got – only one more and guess what it is! BMW! No brick though, 1999 R1100S, if i remember correctly. I also told him about your blog. Wow, some dreams do come true… Now if only i had enough vaca time to take the lazy Ural to Boalsburg 😀 anyway, thanks for your ‘ear’. As always, I’m grateful for your blog (and vids).
Thank you for sharing your meeting with Mr. Egan. I too have long admired his writing. It’s nice to know that he’s as nice in person as he is on the page.
He wrote a wonderful essay about his experience with the Royal Enfield Himalayan. Pretty amazing you got to connect with him in person, if only for a few minutes.
Who knows, maybe someday our paths will cross!
Congratulations Steve! The Himalayan has tempted me for a while as well. I’m very much looking forward to your future posts.
By the way, to me at least, it doesn’t matter what you ride, or even if you ride at all. You express your thoughts so well on any subject that I would very much enjoy what you have to say about well…rambling around in the grocery store, or washing your car, or taking out the trash…or…whatever!
The Himalayan was quite attractive in the texts and videos I’ve reviewed. And seeing it in person only enhanced my positive feelings toward it. As I muck my way forward with it I’ll be sure to share some of those experiences.
And thank you for the generous words about my writing. I’m not sure I could write anything engaging about washing the car but it would be an interesting experiment someday!
If you buy the optional saddlebags the Himalayan will rival the Vespa for ease of use. It has gotten nothing but praise from all quarters and even Peter Eagan bought one. His story in Cycle World was a love story of his Summer with his Himalayan. And the statement about underpowered is so ridiculous. The moto press is so out of touch with reality it’s inane. The Triumph Trident 660 with a mere 80 horsepower has been labeled ” Entry Level” by the moto press. So of course your coming Himalayan has been called underpowered. By comparison the Trident is four Vespa GT 300s strong.
In any case good choice of bikes.
I’ve been looking at luggage for the bike but just today decided to shelve any investigation and see what needs arise when riding. I have side cases on the BMW but really don’t need them. Experience will reveal what I’ll buy. I’ve been looking at a Kriega US-20 Dry Pack for the tail. But even that, well, who knows…
The essay by Egan was like a love story. Kind of surprised me that he would embrace an Enfield but he has seen the utility as it fits into his life now. And you are right, the moto press, and many riders, have a completely screwy of what an entry-level or beginners bike is. I just try and acknowledge what they say and then move on to what makes sense for me.
Well Steve, if your garage will be getting cramped, you can always get a CycleShell for one of your rides, store that ride outside – and then you can keep all three! http://www.cycleshell.com/
I’ve seen one of those and it seems pretty useful. But I’m going to keep the number of machines in the garage to three. So the BMW will have to go to someone who can enjoy it.
Let the serious dirt riding begin! Congrats!
Dom, I’m ready to explore. I don’t have the kinds of wild landscapes that you experience, but they’re pretty good. And the Himalayan is just the ticket.
Hello Steve,
Very good choice ! The Himalayan is the good motorcycle for the cool trip.
Laurent
It’s too cool. Too cool to bring it home yet. 5F here this morning. And tomorrow it will be below zero. I’m looking forward to some cool trips though on the Himalayan.
Yes!
I can sense the vitality, and more than anything, I am looking forward to the impact it will surely have on your photography.
Well done Steve!
I hadn’t thought about it affecting my photography but I suspect it will. I’m excited to begin some new adventures, both with the Himalayan and the Vespa!
Congratulations, enjoy the new bike!
Thanks!
Congratulations on the new bike.
The RE Himalaya may be perfect for your rides on dirt and gravel in the forests.
But it will foul those beautiful photographs.
I will always favor the Vespa shots but understand your new direction.
Luckily the Vespa remains.
Bill
Thanks Bill.
The motorcycle will no doubt be a better option for exploring the dirt and gravel. But the Vespa will still be called to action for many other rides. Like you, I have an affinity for the Vespa as a photographic subject. The BMW K75 motorcycle never worked as well in that regard. While I liked how it looked, I never found its good side photographically.
The Royal Enfield Himalayan is a handsome machine. I chose it for its capabilities but if it did not possess the potential to be a fine subject I would not have purchased it. That’s why I dismissed the KTM and Honda — they just looked gaudy to my eyes.
You’ll have to let me know once I start posting pictures of the new motorcycle if it is less foul than you might imagine right now.
Great choice, Steve. Congrats on the new bike!
I know the Himalayan well, rented one a couple of years ago and find it really impressive for the kind of rides I like the most. To me the only negative is the lack of a decent top speed when you want or need to “eat” some miles quicky. It´s not quicker than my Vespa GTS.
And yes, there´s nothing better for photos than a Vespa. Ehhhrrr…Only a Lambretta 🙂
The Vespa is definitely quicker than the Himalayan. At least up to about 40 mph. At that point it would be a race I think. But going fast was never a concern for me. And eating miles above 70 mph wasn’t either. Primarily, the Himalayan will finally provide me with a much easier and smoother way to tackle the forest and mountain roads around here that are dirt and gravel. I’m looking forward to the ice melting so I can do some adventuring.
As far as a photo subject, the Himalayan is a rather handsome model!