Part I: Looking through the rear view Why a Himalayan? Just like a lot of readers here, I too have a paradoxical dream of owning a superbike that's heavy on features but light on the pocket. In an attempt to realize this dream, I started test riding some of the entry level ones, coincidently, just a fortnight before the Himalayan was officially launched. While one was better than the other, none that would fit my spec.
Now a few would wonder, what spec did I have in mind? I honestly didn't have one. The search indeed was without a purpose. Through a superb marketing strategy and even better product, Royal Enfield provided one with the Himalayan. The brand, I was all set to ditch by selling off my 2010 AVL Electra.
Through multiple test rides, it resonated well that the underlying need was to procure a capability. A capability that my current stable didn't offer and the Himalayan did at a very reasonable price point.
Connecting the dots The decision was done, as I underwent the booking process, I said to myself that if I am not taking it to the mountains, I am not doing justice to the money being pumped in. Justice prevailed when my better half volunteered to join me for this ride.
As this ride took shape of the ultimate purpose behind buying the Himalayan, during the waiting period, I drew these dots (the plan), thinking to myself that if they did connect for Jobs, they somehow will for me.
The Wait: I waited almost 2 months for the bike to get delivered, some of you would relate to this anxious phase of life. It can be worse than midlife crisis on bad days, on others, one thanks God for the Internet. There are gigabytes of reviews on the Himalayan, I followed almost every published word and every sec of visual available. The sponsored ones read from the catalogue, individual ones were inspiring and were largely based on the reviewer's riding profile. Most seasoned riders found the Himalayan underpowered, some were hoping for better quality materials and finish, there were a few futile cross-category comparisons but all of them reassuring the capability it offers.
Since I mentioned riding profiles,I thought it's important to share my own. While I have spent considerable time behind the wheel – 300K kms, if not more (and No, I don't work as an Ola/Uber driver yet!), when it comes to riding I consider myself a rookie – just have under 50K kms of riding experience; 85% of which of which has been commuting.
My rides: A TVS 50 when I was underage (literally, class III), on a Hero Puch(puke!) at not so legal riding age, I was flirting around on a splendour, Electra; when I was hitched, some Street 750 recently and the Himalayan finally !!!
The Plan: I usually take my vacations towards the end of May, following the same timeframe for this trip would have been nothing less than a gamble. A game where I would have played against the nature (weather in the mountains) & hope (bike delivery timelines, reliability, and run-in). Without contemplating my odds of winning, I decided for the 3rd week of June as the start date. This was of course with the assumption that the bike will get delivered by mid-May, allowing 2 weeks of running-in time before it gets shipped to the starting point of the ride.
The route and considerations: This trip was planned during the waiting period, where I had little appreciation of my partnership with the Himalayan, I opted for a gradual increase in complexity both in terms of distance and elevation. I chose Srinagar- Leh – Manali circuit over the reverse as its more AMS friendly. Typically, the trip planners recommend/budget 2 days for Srinagar – Leh route with a break at Kargil. I budgeted an additional day with an added break at Sonmarg to split the distance/elevation covered in 2 days.
Enablers: While waiting for the Himalayan to get delivered, I managed to procure a host of utilities that would help me sustain this tour:
Gear:- Besides the Joe Rocket gear that’s performing well for last 4-5 years, I took advantage of the RE discount season that coincided with my prep term. I was able to procure reasonable quality riding gear (with winter lining) at mouth-watering prices.
- I did buy additional gear like sleeping bags, fleece gloves, masks etc from Aliexpress.
- For long distance riding comfort, I chose the rideonair cushion over the gel seats
Luggage: From my conversations with the dealer(s) and reports in different forums, it was apparent that Himalayan accessories will not be available prior to my travel dates (and it's turning out to be true) therefore I had to look elsewhere.
This probably was the trickiest part, waiting for the bike to get delivered, then start looking for luggage would mean no time to test the equipment during practice rides. The contrary approach could mean fit, stability, and pillion comfort challenges. I turned to the internet for help and I came up with the following criteria for shortlisting luggage:
- Compatibility with Upswept exhaust.
- Tailbag width to match with stock carrier width.
- Storage capacity, Volume per rupee spent.
Without a surprise, Rynox gear was the best fit in the above criteria. Before the bike was delivered, I ordered for:
- Hawk tailbag – Viaterra claw mini was a big contender however lost on space by a few litres.
- Nomad Saddlebags – Undoubtedly the best in terms of volume, fit and strength.
- Optimus tankbags – Magnets left a few marks on the tank, am not too happy.
Other utilities from Aliexpress:
- 5L Jerrycan with frame mounts to carry fuel.
- A sturdy Phone Holder (white) – that's serving really well.