Why I'm booking the Himalayan 450, despite concerns after a 250 km ride

On normal roads it's fine, but if it takes a fall in a muddy/slippery area I have to be a sumo wrestler to pick it up.

BHPian masterChief007 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I rented the Himalayan 450 from Twist Throttle in Bangalore on Sunday. Rode it around 250 kms I have a few concerns after the test rides below in the order of issues faced:

1. Wind buffeting (fixable): The windshield is actually detrimental for me, All it does is channel the wind to hit my helmet, and in case you have a MX style helmet or a helmet cam mounted (which I had), you will feel the wind trying to twist your head and too much buffeting noise. However, if you keep your palm on top of the windshield it reduces 70% of the issue and is tolerable.

2. Ergonomics (fixable): I had a recent tennis injury on my right shoulder and using the throttle with a somewhat extended hand caused a lot of fatigue pain in the injury. With a good handlebar/risers, this is fixable.

3. Heavy (non-fixable): One of my plans is to ride NE solo if plans come to fruition, in normal roads it's fine, but if it takes a fall in the muddy/slippery area I have to be a sumo wrestler to pick it up. Also putting on the main stand on slopes is difficult, however, not much of an issue on level ground. Also one can paddle the bike without many issues so that is good.

4. Minor issues (I am ok with these):

• 2-3 times I had false neutral
• The turn indicator sign on the console is not prominent (should at least have a separate LED light, those little green arrows are useless) left them on by mistake (or they could have given a non-returning switch so we could blindly know if the indicator is on or off by touching it)
• Side stand lean causes petrol leak (so maybe it is not 17 Ltr tank but 16.5 Ltr)
• Heating: not much I could feel as I was wearing base layer + riding pants
• Vibes at around 5k rpm (which gets compensated by the purrrrr sound and the pull on 1/2 throttle on any gear )

Positives: I liked the bike through and through, It is very nimble, not cumbersome at all even with its weight, super comfy seats and suspensions, blah blah blah ...

I might end up booking by the end of June! Unless KTM ruins my plan !!

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