Why I sold my Royal Enfield Himalayan

Day1 of the launch of the highly anticipated Royal Enfield Himalayan, I reached the company store, test rode the motorcycle, loved it, booked it. I was fully aware that this was going to be a purchase of the first lot of a motorcycle by a brand which is not too well known for reliability. About 45 days later, took delivery and the engine had trouble getting up to temperature. A cold engine would keep stalling and would require riding on the choke for a good 10-15 mins before it would idle normally. The clutch pull was kind of hard and the gearshifts were smooth only at the right rpms.

First service, RE changed the engine rockers and clutch assembly. The engine now idled perfectly. In fact, it felt so perfect that it seemed like a fuel injected unit. The clutch felt lighter and the bike felt near perfect.

Next chapter, the bike started stalling while the handlebar would be turned to one side. 2nd service. RE promptly changed the ignition unit under warranty. The bike now felt near perfect.

Next chapter, the battery ran out of charge. Called up RE, they acknowledged the issue and said the rectifier will be replaced under warranty. However, the same was not in stock and I had to wait a couple of weeks. In the absence of a kick start, I went on running my errands push starting the mammoth. To add to it, the mainstand gave way under the weight of my leg. Finally got fed up and deposited the bike with the service centre. They replaced the rectifier and mainstand under warranty. The bike once again felt near perfect.

3rd service. They changed the clutch assembly again under warranty. The clutch now felt significantly lighter and the shifts significantly smoother. The bike felt near perfect.

Finally, while returning from a ride, I noticed the rear mudguard rattling. It had developed a crack due to the speed breakers and potholes I didn't slow down at. The decision was made. I knew Royal Enfield would replace it under warranty and the bike would once again feel near perfect but I was tired of this Trip.

At the price, there is no matching the comfort of the Himalayan. The seating position, the wind protection, the low revving torquey nature of the engine, it all makes​ for a very comfortable ride on the highway or even through city traffic. But she's like the girl who loves shopping cheap fashion frequently and compulsively. She may shop with her own money but you'll have to take her to the shop every time. She's not the one who'd buy good quality branded stuff and make it last.

Over last one year of ownership, Royal Enfield has easily spent more money on my Himalayan than I have and I respect the brand for that. The bike is now in the hands of a guy who owns an old Bullet and a Classic 350. He knows the quirks that come with the brand. Hopefully he'll enjoy them too. For me, I was never a Royal Enfield guy and I guess I never will be. My fling with the most iconic motorcycle brand in India has ended. Time to bring back some revs in life. Time to move back to Japan!

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