Long-term: Royal Enfield Himalayan

The Royal Enfield Himalayan is a bike close to my heart. You see, I have a thing for that RE badge because it brings back tonnes of nostalgia. My first ever motorcycle was an Enfield 350, a 1983 model that I had bought with money that was begged, borrowed and almost stolen. That one had the gear shifter on the right and the brake lever on the left and a single lead drum that did precious little other than bringing the speedo needle down by about 5kmph. Cut to 2017 and I have just been handed the keys to a spanking new Royal Enfield Himalayan, much to my delight. This is a genuine all-new machine from the venerable marque, one that Royal Enfield promises is all the bike I’ll ever need. Although I am yet to ride it over any significant distance, I like the way it looks. I like the high seating because I can see past the roofs of hatchbacks in front and I like the dynamics of the chassis. No, really I mean it. I recently had the chance to try out a Himalayan around Kari at the jury evaluation of our awards and I was quite taken in by how good the bike felt. Sure it has its shortcomings, the brakes in particular. But hey, I’m not cribbing. Because I’m certain that just like my old Bullet, I’ll learn to enjoy its myriad positives.