[cataclysm]

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

Yes, it definitely does make a difference and it has been well documented in the older Ninja 650 threads on our forum.

That's what I have been reading as well.

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

Both the Himalayan and Ninja 650 are good bikes in their own rights though one is clearly much better engineered than the other.

Well, I was sold on the Himalayan as it checks all the boxes in my list. I am not too keen on middle/big bikes as they draw too much attention. But this offer of a N650 at the same price as a new Himalayan has really got me thinking.

I mean, a part of me wants a powerful, well-engineered bike. Having ridden it, the N650 has always put a smile on my face.

Originally Posted by neil.jericho

I cant help but think that the ABS safety net should play a role in your decision making.

Exactly my concern. No-ABS is a big no for me, but then the mouth watering price

Originally Posted by imp!

I'm not sure I'd buy a bike without ABS today, so, perhaps for sane, sensible road riding you're thinking in the right manner.

You and me both.

Originally Posted by imp!

Better brake pads and steel braided lines will improve any bikes stopping power, lack of ABS and traction control(?) however will limit what a normal rider can do. Even if you have better than average skills, I'd still want the tech.

I want the tech too, but the price has really made be reconsider my decision of buying a Himalayan.

Originally Posted by imp!

At altitudes, Bikes lose performance, hence, in demanding conditions, an interceptor with larger displacement, will work better than the Himalayan. Other options are the BMW 310 or Ktm 390, both of which will suffer from performance related issues under luggage at altitude. Despite that, in your situation, I'd buy the 390 or Interceptor and be happy for years.

I don't want to buy an Interceptor because I don't trust any first-gen RE. I know that it's been engineered well etc etc. But I don't want to be a guinea pig.

BMW is way to expensive for what it offers. And, the Duke 390, it doesn't appeal to me. If manic acceleration was my thing, why not buy the used N650 then? The biggest downside being the lack of ABS.

[AtheK]

At this age and time, ABS should be the first requirement in any bike purchase. Please buy a bike with ABS. I recently picked a pre owned 2017 Ninja 650 myself, and i am very happy with the bike.

I would suggest to save up and get a preowned Ninja, also it would be a nightmare to ride a ninja in Spiti, the low GC means it scrapes speedbreakers.

[2000rpm]

Whats your usage? I think a Dominar will be your best bet to get back to riding.

Himalayan may also be a good choice but I would rate Dominar above Himalayan on convenience. The Himalayan is very heavy.

[mercedised]

I am being offered 2 Lacs for a 2013 Ninja 650. Only thing that prevented me from buying that bike is lack of ABS. For this type of bikes, it's not how fast they accelerate, it's how fast and safely they come to a stop. I would also have suggested you Harley 750, but that also does'nt have ABS, seriously donot know how the market heads of these companies think.

[bigron]

Long story short, save and get a better bike. The Himalayan is junk. I ve taken it where you intend to take it and it was nothing short of crap ( I am from the same town as you). I have access to a used Tiger 800 for those kind of trips now.
A used but newer 650 should be something you need to be looking at. Or even the 650 twins from RE. They are holding up well from what I hear from people who have spent some time with them.

[rbp]

Originally Posted by cataclysm

You are right on the brakes part, they are not confidence inspiring at all. Will better brake pads and steel braided lines make a difference?

I have braided lines and tried ebc extreme pro pads, they are definitely better than stock, but no where as good as they are supposed to be. When I jump on to my friends versys, the brakes feel like they are at whole different level and the Ninja650 brakes are far far behind.

[ethanhunt123]

Originally Posted by AtheK

At this age and time, ABS should be the first requirement in any bike purchase. Please buy a bike with ABS. I recently picked a pre owned 2017 Ninja 650 myself, and i am very happy with the bike.

I would suggest to save up and get a preowned Ninja, also it would be a nightmare to ride a ninja in Spiti, the low GC means it scrapes speedbreakers.

Cant second Athek more - in this day and age - buying a non-ABS "big" bike is sheer stupidity. Ninja 650 is capable of pretty crazy speeds - ABS is a safety net you should must have.

[cataclysm]

Thanks for the inputs folks.

The lack of ABS is something I don't think I would be able to live with. I'll be letting go of the offer.

[sagarpadaki]

Originally Posted by cataclysm

Thanks for the inputs folks.

The lack of ABS is something I don't think I would be able to live with. I'll be letting go of the offer.

You did the right choice. Take a few more rides on the Himalayan and come to a decision