Royal Enfield in NE Ohio

[ohiorider]

I stopped by the BMW dealer in Aurora, Ohio this afternoon, as they were setting up several new Royal Enfields.  This included several of the current 500 cc singles, as well as the 2 new 650 cc models, and the Himalaya GS type bikes.

The 650 models feel tiny, much like my 2000 Kawasaki W650, which is not a bad thing, in my mind.  Very 1960'ish, which you'll understand if you've ever ridden any bikes from that era.

I sat on both the standard 650 as well as the cafe model, and decided that, at my age, the cafe model wouldn't work, but that the more conventional model would.

The Himalaya model would be a sweet little ADV bike (in my mind) if one didn't have to travel too many fast highways to get to the roads where this little bike would shine.

No pics included here, since there's a bunch of photos on the web.

I think RE may have an issue with the price point between their venerable 500cc single Bullet models and the much newer 650cc twins

Bob

[NC Steve]

I'm sure loving mine!

[MMRanch]

So , Steve

What's the Super-Slab like on one of those machines ?    Would you ride it 1000 miles to get to an event then want to ride it back a few days later ... what the limit it can cruise at ?

[NC Steve]

So , Steve

What's the Super-Slab like on one of those machines ?    Would you ride it 1000 miles to get to an event then want to ride it back a few days later ... what the limit it can cruise at ?

Probably not, that might be stretching it.
The Himalayan will easily cruise at 65-70, and hit 80 in a pinch, but its' sweet spot is 55-65mph back roads, and it's okay to throw in some dirt, water and gravel. It's just a 411cc single, and though torquey, not a true high speed runner. I've taken a few 200 mile trips on mine and mostly avoided the slab, finding parallel roads running 60 mph. Great for exploring the countryside!

[molly]

For many ears I have not seen so much fuss made of a new bike as the  650cc Enfields.
 At the end of the day they are a basic parralel twin of circa 1970's design. If it wasn't for the low purchase price most people would have not have given them a second glance.

[Bud]

     I really want a Himalayan but realistically I don't ride the bikes I have enough and I would have to travel a bit to dirt roads. Looks like you put the fender riser on yours.

[LongRanger]

I was a bit surprised at how heavy the 650 Interceptor felt when I sat on one at my dealer. Good looking little bike, though. I hope they sell container loads.

[NC Steve]

     I really want a Himalayan but realistically I don't ride the bikes I have enough and I would have to travel a bit to dirt roads. Looks like you put the fender riser on yours.

The Himalayan's a great commuter bike, I use mine mostly for running around town and day trips thru the countryside. It handles dirt well, but it's not really a dirt bike, rather a lightweight inexpensive all-arounder that's a lot of fun and gets 70mpg. Stirs up a lot of questions and conversations when parked too.

[ohiorider]

I was a bit surprised at how heavy the 650 Interceptor felt when I sat on one at my dealer. Good looking little bike, though. I hope they sell container loads.

I don't know what weight the specs call out, but I had the same impression.  Agree with your assessment of looks.  I wish them well.  While at the dealership, two young guys wearing backpacks, one riding a Honda Monkey, the other on a Honda retro step through, came in to look at the Himalayan.  Maybe it's dejavu all over again!