Himalayan 411
An Off-Road Delight!
I’ve been dreaming of riding adventure bikes for nearly a year, and I'm incredibly grateful to Royal Enfield for giving me the opportunity to make it a reality.
In this blog post, I will share my experience riding the 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan 411, a bike that’s been creating quite a buzz in the dual sport and adventure riding community, especially with the new Himalayan 450 which, rumor has it, will be released in the US in 2025. I don’t know about you, but I am waiting impatiently. Whether you're an experienced rider or a beginner looking to explore off-road adventures, here's my take on why this bike could be the perfect match for your journey — or not.
Picking up the bike from Southern California Royal Enfield in Brea at 535 W Lambert Rd, Unit A, Brea, CA 92821 was a breeze. The experience was as quick as, “My name is Ana Rand and I am here to pick up a press bike” *follows a gentleman to the garage* "Here’s the key, have fun!.” 😮 Honestly, it took me longer to get on the bike and get ready to hit the road hehe
First Impressions
From the moment I swung my leg over the Himalayan 411, I knew I was gonna have to mount it a different way or I was going to pull a muscle. I am 5 feet 2 inches short and the seat of the Himalayan is 31.5 inches. No big deal though! Just use the pegs to get on and then tippy toes see saw the hell out of that thing hehe.
The 411cc engine was the perfect amount of power for the off road adventures I went on, but I have to admit that riding on the highway was not always fun for two reasons.
One: Cars were passing me left and right; the top speed of this motorcycle is supposed to be around 80-85 miles per hour, but I would advise riders to keep it under 75mph. Don’t get me wrong, I had no problem gaining speed or riding on the highway, but riding at about 75 mph and seeing the rpm hand get closer and closer to the section of the speedometer, can be a little unsettling, at least for me. This is why I’m looking forward to test riding the new Himalayan 450!
The Kasa Brown color is calling my name, but I'm also tempted by the Hanle Black design.
Two: Even though the rides on the highway felt quite smooth, after holding your speed at 70-75 miles per hour for more than 1 hour, you better be wearing a good pair of gloves, a compression sleeve, or own an Atlas. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is very real in motorcycle riders. BUT not all is lost, let me elaborate... a good pair of padded gloves can absorb some of the vibrations, and help you prevent numbness in your hand. I find the Ardor Gloves from 509 very comfortable. A compression arm sleeve can do wonders as well. I own a Moto Sleeve from Saint CC that improves circulation, helps reduce muscle vibration and fatigue caused by riding your motorcycle for long periods of time, and it's breathable during those hot summer days. (Feel free to use code: ANA20 for a discount). Last but not least, you can always use a throttle lock. Atlas Moto has a lock that can give your motorcycle the Cruise Control button you always wanted to have. Go to their website to find out more Atlas Throttle Lock.
Why I think the Himalayan 411 Might Be a Good Beginner Adventure Bike
Easy to use: The Himalayan 411 isn’t intimidating when you twist the throttle, which makes it less likely to surprise you with sudden bursts of speed. This is a crucial feature for beginners who are still getting comfortable with off road terrains. Its minimalist dashboard design includes, a speedometer, odometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and a compass. No fobs, you get an actual key! It also has a choke handle on the left hand side to help you start the bike when necessary.
Comfort: With a seat height of 31.5", I think it’s accessible for most riders. The upright seating position is comfortable for long rides, and the handlebars are positioned to offer a relaxed riding posture. It makes me feel like I'm floating and, believe it or not, the view from sitting on a bike with a 26" seat vs a 31.5" seat is very different hehe. These aspects reduce rider fatigue, (back, wrists, and legs) which is important for those still building endurance.
Suspension and Handling: The suspension soaks up bumps and rough patches effortlessly. I found myself almost riding over them on purpose. This, combined with the 21 inch front wheel, makes the Himalayan the perfect companion to tackle (🌮) rugged (🐸) terrains. I hope you got my joke... English is my second language, so I find the sound of some words extremely hilarious.
Built In Adventure Gear: The Himalayan comes equipped with racks and mounts, making it easy to carry gear on longer trips. Securing my duffle bag to the bike with just a Cargo Net was surprisingly easy. I didn't miss my sissy bar at all. Oh! And believe me, you are going to drop your adventure bike sooner rather than later, it's inevitable, but that's ok - the bike comes with engine guards muahaha
Affordable: This bike if probably one of the most budget friendly adventure motorcycles out there. A brand new Himalayan 411 can go from $3,500 to $5,500. Previously loved bikes range from $3,000 to $4,500. They are also fuel efficient! With a 4 gal tank, the Himalayan can provide approximately 50mpg, some say around 70mph, but I never wait that long to find out hehe. This makes it a cost effective option for long distance riding and daily commuting. Note that fuel efficiency can vary depending on factors such as riding style, maintenance, weight, etc.
Why I think the Himalayan 411 Might Not Be Ideal for Beginners
Weight: At about 440 pounds the Himalayan 411 is on the heavier side for a dual sport bike but not bad for an adventure bike. For beginners, especially those new to off roading like myself, managing this weight in tricky situations might be challenging. However, I feel I might have a slight advantage, having ridden cruisers weighing between 550 to 700 pounds for the past 3.5 years, which made the bike feel light to me. If you have similar experience, you'll be perfectly fine!
Power: While the power delivery is beginner friendly, more experienced riders might find the 24.3 bhp insufficient when they start pushing their skills. For those looking for more extreme off road riding, this might be limiting.
Braking: While the bike offers a beginner friendly throttle, I found the braking system a little spongy (although adequate); I prefer an immediate response. What I'm trying to say is that while the braking system is functional, there is room for improvement in terms of responsiveness. This can be an obstacle to navigate different terrains with more ease.
Here are some specs you might want to take a look at:
Final Thoughts
The 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 is a solid choice and it has left a lasting impression on me. Despite its weight, the Himalayan handles very well on most riding situations (city, canyons, off-road) and the 411cc engine provides just enough power to enjoy every ride. Please note that if you are a beginner rider with no experience, the weight and braking performance might pose challenges for you.
I will wait for the Himalayan 450. It’s clear that Royal Enfield is listening and they are committed to evolve and meet the needs of motorcycle riders. Rumors suggest improved suspension, braking system, and a more powerful engine (hip hip hooray!) which could potentially make it a compelling option for both beginners and experienced riders. If Royal Enfield can maintain the accessibility and user friendly characteristics of the 411 while boosting performance, I have no doubt the Himalayan 450 will become the next go-to adventure bike for those looking to venture the dual sport/adventure riding world. Do you agree or disagree? And why?
Thank you for reading and ride safe!
