A Workhorse
Make no mistake, the 411 version of the Himalayan is a unique motorcycle. It looks different, sounds different, and acts differently than any other motorcycle I have ever ridden. Even with a meager 24 horsepower it far exceeds most of my riding abilities. And for the kind of rides I make it’s a nearly perfect companion.
Making this photograph of it in the driveway before a recent ride I wasn’t thinking about the positive aspects of ownership. Or admiring the camouflage styling.
I was standing there wondering, after four years of riding, is it time to surrender the Royal Enfield Himalayan?
What’s Wrong with this Picture?
The Himalayan has been a reliable riding partner allowing the exploration of tens of thousands of miles of dirt and gravel forest roads that crisscross Pennsylvania. It’s easy to ride and I joke about how much I love the throttle — no matter how hard I hit it the front wheel is never leaving the ground. At least for me. And equipped with SW Motech cases long trips (that I never make) are possible. Peter Egan waxed romantically about the Himalayan for Cycle World.
So what’s wrong here? With so many positive feelings about this motorcycle why am I asking is it time to surrender the Royal Enfield Himalayan? The answer is simple though probably not what you think.
I have grown weary of turning wrenches and maintaining any of my machines. Crawling on the concrete floor is uncomfortable work at my age. And because the closest dealer for service is over 100 miles away it was a problem. Asking friends to haul the bike felt wrong. With another valve check due the idea of riding down, leaving the bike overnight so the engine could cool, paying for a hotel and UBER rides, and hoping no problems emerged for which the parts weren’t on hand didn’t feel great either. So the thoughts began that it was time to consider a different motorcycle with a local dealer support system.
So I was bouncing back and forth between selling the bike and doing the service myself. Both felt painful. And one day just a couple weeks ago, while sitting at breakfast with my mother-in-law at the Family Chill and Grill, the Universe extended a helping hand.
An Independent Motorcycle Repair Shop to the Rescue
I couldn’t believe what I was reading. I love those ad filled placemats at diners. Especially seeing an ad for motorcycle repair. My heart sunk slightly seeing Harley-Davidson called out but held out hope that there was a chance they could service the Himalayan.
At home I found the Facebook page for Little Juniata Machine and Cycle confirming they worked on bikes other than Harleys. I dashed off an email with a description of the service I needed and received a reply, “Sure. I can take care of that for you.”
I talked to the owner, Brent, to schedule a time to drop off the Himalayan. He asked again the year, there was a pause, and he says he has the service manual. A few days ago I road in the rain to Tyrone to deliver the bike along with all the oil and filters I already had. Plus a front brake switch. And the need for a valve check and PA Safety Inspection.
The shop is a part-time enterprise of a man clearly passionate about machines in general and two-wheeled ones specifically. One of his in progress projects was completely rebuilding a barn find Vespa P200 for someone. And the fully outfitted machine shop produces custom parts when necessary.
I’m hoping this shop is the answer to many of my service concerns. And probably will be for riders who hear from their dealers that they won’t work on anything more than ten years old now. An independent shop may be the only option other than doing the work yourself or selling the bike.
For me, for now, the question of is it time to surrender the Royal Enfield Himalayan has been answered. No, it’s not time. I’ll keep on riding.
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Hey Steve
That’s great news!!! My mechanic and became my dear friend has passed I’m 71 now sadly he died on father’s day at age 62. We were the same age and born on the same month and year 1955.He was a machinist by trade and could make any part u would need. Pat rode anything on two wheels his whole life. Hope your new find for service will turn into a long lasting friendship too. Take care and motor safe . Dr.Don
I will pick up the Himalayan tomorrow. Hopefully the beginning of a long relationship with a new mechanic.
Sorry for the loss of your friend. It’s a gift though to be able to witness someone in your life with such skills and passions. Quiet reminders of the good things in life.
I’ve never had the skill to be able to repair my vehicles, so paying for repairs was always part of the game. But I wonder – since the Trail 125 does essentially the same thing (minus the ability to do highway speeds), why bother with the expense of both? I’m the kind of person who is not particularly attentive to regular maintenance, so for me the Honda – which is unstoppable – makes sense. Here’s hoping the independent shop makes sense for you.
I’ve certainly had the conversation with myself regarding of having both the Honda Trail 125 and the Himalayan. If I had to pick one it would definitely be the Honda. At my age it’s the smart choice in terms of weight and usability. Thankfully I don’t have to choose. I love riding the Himalayan and for those seldom, far flung adventures it would be a better choice. Time will catch up with me though and it will become solely a pavement rider and then I’ll be having the W650 or Himalayan conversation!
I am not really concerned with the expense. It’s all a passion and hobby and worth every penny I spend and more. And far less expensive than bass fishing. No boat involved.
I pick the bike up tomorrow. I am hoping it is the start of a great service relationship.
Morning Steve, great news in finding a local, independent small shop. Best vibes that your question has been answered. Cheers to the Himalayan.
Thanks! I am hoping this gives some peace regarding servicing the Himalayan.
I began using a local Independent several years ago to fix the directional signals on my Honda Nighthawk. I didn’t want to get mired in miles of possibly malfunctioning wiring and he said he could do the job. I only had to get the parts for him and a new relay and a new clutch lever assembly later I was on the road. He also found a wire rubbed nearly through on my 250 scooter after stripping all the plastics off and my lights were working again. He was my go-to for years since the price was fair. He recently found other work and I found another place with good reviews to do my rear tire on the Kawasaki. I supplied the tire, he supplied the labor and I’m leaving for Americade in two weeks. No shame in asking others to do work for you.
Thanks for sharing your experiences Jim. I’ve worked with two independent mechanics and it was much the same process as you describe. And the prices are fair. I am grateful to have found someone so close.
And there is some element of shame for sure that I had to put to rest. Just because I can do something does not mean I have to. A big hurdle for me.
Treasure that local, independent mechanic!! We’re in the same situation out here on the West Coast. When I moved here, 38 years ago, Santa Cruz County had 5 motorcycle dealerships and several independent repair shops. Around 2015(?) the last dealership closed and today there’s only one “all bikes” repair shop and one part time shop that does scooters only . Like a lot of folks, I don’t do my own maintenance anymore on my Vespa (I’m 71) so I’ll gladly support any local places that do. We, as a community, need to keep these places in business.
Independent motorcycle shops are indeed rare. Unlike cars and trucks there just may not be enough machines around to support a business. This fellow works on bikes, ATVs, mowers, and pretty much anything with an engine. Hopefully I can drive some business his way. He’s young and could be around for a long time.
With the nearest Ural dealer an unknown distance away, I need to do my own maintenance and repair. Fortunately, not much has been needed. At least recently. Just enough to keep me entertained.
Entertained — a fine way to describe it.
With the nearest Ural dealer an unknown distance away, I need to do my own maintenance and repair. Fortunately, not much has been needed. At least recently. Just enough to keep me entertained.
Glad to see your name appear Richard. It’s been awhile. You riding a URAL means all is right with the Universe. Regardless of the service challenges!
I feel very fortunate to have an outstanding dealership (Iron Horse BMW) in Tucson. My two motorcycles are getting a bit old and they will still service them. One is a 2010 R1200RT and the other is a 2006 F650GS. If anything happens to that dealership I will be in the market for an independent mechanic too.
That’s where I am. Makes me sad to think that the day could come that I can’t get someone to work on stuff and I would have to look for something newer. And more complicated.
Keep riding those “vintage” BMWs. Fine machines.
So glad you found someone to wrench on your 411! I know I’d be lost without mine. My all-time favorite bike! Although my MP3 is quickly becoming a strong competitor 🙂
I love my 411. It is just different than everything else. When people call it a tractor I just smile. And the MP3 is amazing in its own right. I’ve seen the local Vespa dealer have them show up. For me though, they just seem incredibly complex. More so that I am comfortable owning.