CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN

I’m sure that I move in the same sort of circles as many people in RealClassic land. After all, I fit the profile; sixty-something, I’ve messed about with motorbikes for fifty years and I still own, ride and maintain a classic bike. I wondered whether to write about my first impressions of my new Royal Enfield Himalayan for this esteemed publication. After all, it’s not a classic, nor even a retro, so would RealClassic readers be interested?

Please listen to my reasons before making a judgement. A straw poll at local watering holes for motorcyclists revealed unsurprisingly that a number of classic bike riders also own a modern bike. Many riders want something that they can just press a button and go for a ride, keeping their P&J for special occasions.

Often, when discussing the suitability of various modern steeds for us oldies, the talk turns to low, light and (relatively) simple machinery. Interest in EFI Enfield Classics remains high and newer marques, such as Mash, are gaining a foothold. I’ve noticed that whenever potentially suitable new bikes are discussed, the Himalayan frequently gets a mention. I must admit that I was smitten by the strange-looking device as soon as I saw the pictures. Tales of horror stories from India about various reliability issues on the home market BS3 version