[ku69rd]

Originally Posted by Jaggu

, for Royal Enfield this would mean lot of investment .

Not Exactly, there is a difference of 9000 INR (ex Showroom) between the Classic 500 (FI) and Bullet 500 (Carb).

Suppose today's age of mass production, I do not think it will be such a huge cost variant. Else Kawasaki with all their might would have fitted one onto their KLR bikes.

[Darth Sid]

Originally Posted by Sheel

Sid, lots of things in lots of KTM's have gone wrong, let us not use KTM as a benchmark here.

I have been using FI bikes since '09, zilch issues yet. All petrol cars sold in India have FI, you came across any reported problem as such? [because of fuel-injection]

You have a valid point there. KTM is not a good benchmark of quality. Even their international models develop problems that may be electronic or mechanical or anything in between.

The keyword is quality. Car makers can't afford to mess up with this so they ensure the right parts are used. A quality built FI system won't go bad easily. I agree on that. But read my next point...

Originally Posted by dkaile

The purpose of this bike is slightly different than a conventional road biased bike.

...But for this RE, I would still prefer a carb.

Very significant statements there. The Ladakh area is the go-to place for this bike. It is easier to trust simple old school tech than sophisticated electronic and electromechanical parts when you are a hundred kilometres or so away from the nearest service centre. Not much a rider or a road side motorcycle mechanic can do about a busted fuel pump or clogged fuel injector unless you have a pickup truck accompanying you.

Originally Posted by Jaggu

Not really in a country like India, trying to get the right jet is not that easy as you think. It is a bloody pain, compared to EFI parts that you can readily order and get it delivered to your door steps in days.

It's plain and simple, they would be saving about 30-40 k INR per bike by sticking to carbs and sure will launch an EFI one couple of months down the line with a revised price tag. It is just marketing and economics, nothing to do with biking or maintenance.

Originally Posted by dkaile

No offense, but I have seen many 'jugaads' to changing jets all together, but those are possible only on a carbureted bike. Also, I don't agree with your point of view that EFI parts are easier to source than carburetor parts!

And if something went bad with it, the only way to get it back would be on a flat bed. Himalayan with a carb would at least be able to limp back to civilization.

Yes, they would be saving money on the hardware for sure but they still have some way to go to perfect their systems reliability factor.

Yes, getting the right jets is a pain and getting spare parts from the service centre is easier. But if you want to alter the power delivery characteristics or just get a little more power, you need aftermarket parts. It is cheaper to mod a carburettor by spending a few hundred rupees on a handful of jets than to remap your ECU or get a piggyback device which still cost at least 10k and 15k respectively for a sub 2-lakh bike like the Duke 200. 10% of the price of the vehicle! Even if you don't want to get aftermarket jets, just buy several stock jets and use a wire to widen them to the right size. Not precise but very cheap.

Until component quality becomes bulletproof, simple tech is more trustworthy and is DIY repairable. My previous comment echos what @dkaile said.

Originally Posted by Motard_Blr

In my opinion, the main reason why EFI on bikes in India has a bad rap is because of the manufacturer inexperience and organisational capability.

That makes sense. You rarely hear about these parts failing in cars but it happens a lot in bikes. Yes, the Japanese makers seem to have got it right.

Originally Posted by ku69rd

Not Exactly, there is a difference of 9000 INR (ex Showroom) between the Classic 500 (FI) and Bullet 500 (Carb)

Originally Posted by ku69rd

Not too sure if there is so much a gap in motorcycles at-least.
Yamaha retails both their FI & Carb versions with a difference of around 7700. (Ex-Showroom)

PS: Kawasaki KLR 650 sold in the US...still on carbs. Will let others to derive their own understandings.

The difference between the P220 FI and carb was around 11k. The ECU is the most expensive component which adds the bulk of FI's cost and then there is the fuel pump. Subtract the cost of the carb from that and you get a very rough ballpark figure of the additional amount you would pay for FI over carb. I know it's a very simplistic calculation and there are many other factors that influence that difference in pricing but the point is that some components are still not cheap and greatly affect cost.

Isn't the KLR 650 an adventure tourer too? I see a pattern here. I'm guessing they stuck with carbs so that people who ride to really remote places can at least limp their bikes home or to a bush mechanic to get going. This factor is important to some, not to others.

[dkaile]

1000kms done 04-08-2016

Another #1000 down



Did a 68 kms evening ride to celebrate it





Reverted back to the round mirrors as they are more stable. With proper adjustment, even the view is quite good enough



----------------

Also got some heavy Tyre Levers made. Sitting with a traditional 'blacksmith' was quite a experience



Seeing him revive a dying trade was a treat



Giving a proper curvature is a 'art'. And he charged just 100 bucks with the Tata Tiscon Iron rod included. Sad to see what he will earn from it!



Compared with my old flimsy tyre levers. These are in 10 and 11 inches and same as used by your friendly neighborhood puncture 'walah'. Should get the job done now in remote locations.



The rounded curvature so as to not puncture the tube. Will get it further polished on a grinder.



---------------

Came across this 'Himalayan' adventure with 'bikewithgirl'.



The post is self explanatory





Respect...

---------------

Also came across this 'Army Cut' Himalayan







---------------------

These are the Original Himalayan Tyres with part# and price mentioned in the photo. These are available 'only' at a few dealerships for now. Hoping to see them in open market with reduced prices.



The Bike Covers I am using for 'both' my lovelies...lolz



Keep exploring #offthebeatentrack



Peace...

[ku69rd]

Originally Posted by dkaile

Also came across this 'Army Cut' Himalayan

Peace...

Congrats on the milestone Dhiraj, my bike just completed 5000 mark.

Regarding the army cut Himalayan, was it on display at the showroom?
Those fuel panniers look juicy...Are they on sale?

[dkaile]

Originally Posted by ku69rd

Congrats on the milestone Dhiraj, my bike just completed 5000 mark.

Regarding the army cut Himalayan, was it on display at the showroom?
Those fuel panniers look juicy...Are they on sale?

Congrats Mahesh on the milestone. Yes, my Himalayan has done quite less by your standards but as you know this is not the only bike in my garage...lolz. Also as I don't use it for commuting, it is just a weekend leisure ride. Planning to leave on 27th for Leh with 1 more Himalayan, a Iron and a Street. Wish me luck.

That Himalayan was passed on to me from another group. Seems to be custom painted. Fuel panniers are RE OE equipment if you can get hands on one.

Cheers...

[ku69rd]

Originally Posted by dkaile

Planning to leave on 27th for Leh with 1 more Himalayan, a Iron and a Street. Wish me luck.

Fuel panniers are RE OE equipment if you can get hands on one.

Cheers...

Hey No no...never meant to start off a tug on whose bike has done more

Am awaiting for the full range of RE accessories for my Himalayan, predominantly the leg guards, Fuel Panniers & those Aluminium Panniers.

Make your luck mate on the Leh trip and if possible try to keep a live update on your trip atleast once a day. I shall surely be glued onto your thread.

Interesting to note that an Iron with its non existent rear suspension is making to Leh...wish them all the more luck though (not bashing the HD but life will be hard for them on those unforgiving terrains).

Am sure you will have a bindas time with your Himalaya. Do have a trial run with all the stuff loaded to observe the bike's behavior in full load.

[arulpeem]

Originally Posted by dkaile

Also as I don't use it for commuting, it is just a weekend leisure ride. Planning to leave on 27th for Leh with 1 more Himalayan, a Iron and a Street. Wish me luck.
Cheers...

Hi Dhiraj,
All the best for your trip to Leh. The full potential of the Himalayan will be revealed during the trip and also the only weakness, if one chooses to call it a weakness. At the end of my Leh trip my bike has just touched 5500 Km on the odometer. The bike is still in transit and should be back with me in another week or so.

[dkaile]

Originally Posted by arulpeem

and also the only weakness

Thanks Arul. I presume you mean the loss of power at very high altitudes?

-----------

Himalayan is in Top 10 @cycleworld - http://www.cycleworld.com/ten-rest-m...ten-best-bikes

[dkaile]

Got some stuff for the oncoming Leh Trip starting 27-08-2016

Our Itinerary



Received this Rynox Tank/Tail/Backpack Bag from outdoorgear.com. They ship for free unlike Rynox directly. https://www.outdoortravelgear.com/pr...mus-m-v2/black Total damages Rs. 3250/-

You can even mount it as a full fledged Tail Bag like those costly Luggage Boxes from Shad/Hepco Becker which cost around 11k. Does the job perfectly with the 3 included straps.



Includes a full Rain Cover and 3 excellent straps



A full size helmet fits perfectly. This is with it being in non-expanded position (22L) which can be further expanded to 31L. Even my larger MT Helmet fits perfectly in the expanded mode.



Of course it works as a Tank Bag too. Very strong magnets and removable magnetic base. Here in 22L version.



In the expanded Version as a Tank Bag. Has a nice transparent window on top for your mobile phone and with a slot to even slip in the charger/headphone cable without exposing it to the elements.



The view from the other side



And expanded



As a Tail Bag. Sits nicely plush on the Luggage Carrier of the Himalayan and doesn't budge with the 3 straps tightened. Leaves the space for the pillion or in my case to mount my Viaterra Claw Bag perfectly on the pillion seat.



Expanded View



The removable Magnetic Base



------------------

Also ordered some other Leh Essentials

RE original Rain Covers for your Riding shoes for the deep water crossings - 1300 bucks for these Version 2 which have double water seepage protection with a zipper and velcro at the back - http://store.royalenfield.com/collections/shoe-covers



ROK Straps. World's best and better than any bungee that I have seen and lasts a lifetime. 1700 bucks from - http://bigbadbikes.com/tag/rok-straps/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUQD0S6DkrA

Some essential stuff that I ordered from Decathlon



The Phantom 4 drone that we are planning to carry



Being tested today. To be used very judiciously in non military areas and for personal leisure purposes only.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVCGDx94MV0

Cheers....

[Motard_Blr]

Originally Posted by dkaile

...

Being tested today. To be used very judiciously in non military areas and for personal leisure purposes only.

....

I was in Ladakh last month and what I realised it's that there is no such thing as a non - military area there. The army is everywhere. Drones are not viewed favourably by Indian administration, particularly in border areas.

Good luck with your trip! Ride safe.

[dkaile]

Originally Posted by Motard_Blr

I was in Ladakh last month and what I realised it's that there is no such thing as a non - military area there. The army is everywhere. Drones are not viewed favourably by Indian administration, particularly in border areas.

We have done our research on that. Thanks for the concern though. It is to be used for very short period and in deep Ladakh away from the border or sensitive areas. It will also be demoed to some military personnel at Leh.

Cheers...

[Dodge_Viper]

Originally Posted by dkaile

RE original Rain Covers for your Riding shoes for the deep water crossings - 1300 bucks for these Version 2 which have double water seepage protection with a zipper and velcro at the back -

Don't rely on these completely. Used them in my recent Ladakh ride and they are not 100% waterproof. Water still finds it way. And since Himalayan gear lever is not heel shifter type, the material of that rain cover will not stand the abuse. Mine was torn a bit and water came in.

Infact on this trip only I realised that nothing is waterproof in this world, water will still find its way inside

[dkaile]

Originally Posted by Dodge_Viper

Infact on this trip only I realised that nothing is waterproof in this world, water will still find its way inside

That is so true. I hope these Version 2 ones are better than the earlier ones. Though nothing better than to use Black Plastic Garbage Disposal Bags tied with rubber bands. Use and throw, though to be disposed responsibly.

Cheers...

[Sting]

dkaile, your excitement is evident in your preparation, and rightly so! I am sure you will thoroughly enjoy this trip.

You might have it already but still noting since I did not see it in the list- a balacalava. The synthetic ski layered ones would be my recommendation instead of fleece.

Have a super enjoyable and safe trip. We look forward to the travelogue.

Cheers,
Sting

[dkaile]

Originally Posted by Sting

You might have it already but still noting since I did not see it in the list- a balacalava. The synthetic ski layered ones would be my recommendation instead of fleece.

Thanks Sting! I have a couple of good tubes which sort of double up as Balaclava, if needed, though I am not a fan of these. Do send me a link for the one you are talking about so that I can have a look. I do prefer one cotton and one warm muffler over these because those are very versatile and can be used in a variety of ways.

Another thing that I find of great help is a Yoga Mat. It can be folded on to the seat as a very comfortable bum saver cushion and also can be spread out over any surface while taking a break.

Cheers...