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Here is a link to a real-world use report from advrider.com:http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/royal-enfield-himalayan-owners-thread.1253460/page-69#post-35187012Reply #1364
I will say it again. Yamaha needs to put an electric leg on it's 400cc lump, and put it in a XT frame.
Kawasaki-whatever .
It's called the Versys X-300...
It's called the Versys X-300. All the reviews I have watched on youtube definitely favor the Kawasaki. Bulletproof, smooth, fun engine that redlines at like 12,500 RPMs, less maintenance.I will say though that the Himalayan definitely "looks" up to the task.
The Himalayan has more maintenance needs & issues, so if you like working on your bikes frequently, its a good one to have.
After doing all the online research on the BMW G310, the Himalayan and the Versys x-300, and test riding the X300 and the BMW, I ended up adding this Versys X-300 to the stables a few weeks ago. Primarily for local short trip urban use and riding cow pastures, woods & trails type of use. Like you, out of all the reviews, that I read and video's watched on all three, the Versys X-300 had the edge. That being said, all three have their pro's & cons, it all comes down to how you intend to use the bike, how much off roading compared to street riding, and what type of off roading you will be doing. Motocross stuff, rocky terrain with boulders and log jumping or gravel roads, unpaved fire roads & trails. The Himalayan has more maintenance needs & issues, so if you like working on your bikes frequently, its a good one to have. The one thing I quickly liked about the X-300 was the ability to move it around in the garage with one hand, and the ease of slow speed maneuvering basically at crawl speed. After many years of riding and still riding 1200cc to 1800cc heavy bikes, this was a pleasant change. But, I still like my big bikes...
What are the needs and issues that the other two don't have?
From what I recall of Florida (lived there 12 years) the vanvan200 and TW200 would be good choices with their wide tires for the swamp and sugar sand encountered. :) Unless you live in the panhandle areas maybe.I've ridden the Ninja 300, but haven't had a go on the Versys 300 yet. You have to be willing to rev to enjoy the bike's capabilities, but that was the same way with the KLX250 I had or the Ninja 250 I owned for a time.
Some of the issues that I found doing online research was from the Royal Enfield Forum (Himalayan). Like I said earlier, if you like working on bikes, some of these are easy fixes, others are not though.Engine Management System (computer) throwing a fault code showing the motor is out of compliance with its operating parameters. Reported by many of the members is a rattle/buzzing noise coming from either the windscreen or headlight bucket.Magnetic coil, T-stem, gear and clutch issue, oil Leakage, and irregular engine noise. Here's a link to a good article on those issues. https://www.change.org/p/suffering-major-problems-with-royal-enfield-himalayan
That petition seems to be owners of the "first series" of Himalayan, AFAIK the one sold in the US is the "newer BS4 model" referenced in it.
but that was the same way with the KLX250 I had or the Ninja 250 I owned for a time.
I loved the KLX250S I had and still regret selling it. For the money and the type uses I see in this thread, I think I would just find a good used KLX250S and be happy again.