Royal Enfield Himalayan vs. Classic. Which is best?
We’re frequently asked two questions about our motorcycles. Why do we ride Royal Enfield bikes, and which is better, the Classic 350cc motorcycle, or its more modern sibling the 411cc Himalayan? The first question is easily answered.
The most compelling reason we use Royal Enfields has everything to do with the romantic days of early motorcycle exploration. When the first roads were cut into the steep slopes of the Himalayas, the first motorized machines to ply them were often thumping hordes of Indian-made Royal Enfield motorcycles. The RE Bullet, now best known as the Classic, is an icon of the Himalayas. But that’s not the only reason we’re drawn to them.
In practical terms, Royal Enfield is affordable and available. Thanks to Nepal’s crushing import taxes there are not a lot of choices. A small 300cc Honda, KTM, or BMW (all of which are very rare) can ring in at well over $12,000. If a dealer were mad enough to try to sell a full-size adventure bike, it would cost an eye-watering $50,000 or more.
So, we use Royal Enfield and frankly, it just feels right. Which one is best? That’s a tougher question to answer.
Royal Enfield Classic 350cc
If we were to describe the experience of riding a Classic in the Himalayas we would define it as fun, quirky, and full of charm. It’s one of the easiest bikes we have ever ridden and no matter how rough the terrain gets, the plucky Classic always manages to soldier on with little drama. The low center of gravity, easy reach to the ground, powerful low end torque, and small size make it manageable in any terrain. It’s a great choice for riders new to off-road riding, but a fun alternative for experienced riders looking for something exciting and different.
Pros:
Easy to ride regardless of experience and skill level
Like a determined donkey you just can’t stop it, and it will go anywhere you point it
It’s a fun throwback to the old days of Himalayan travel and unlike anything else in the motorcycle world
Cons:
You have to ride it properly, which is to say—as it was designed to be ridden. No standing or typical adventure bike riding techniques
There isn’t a lot of suspension so you have to be careful with your line selection
It’s bumpy, particularly if you are not careful with your line selection as stated above
If you like riding with a tank and tail bag for your daily essentials, it doesn’t fit much on board
Royal Enfield Himalayan 411cc
The Himalayan was only released a few years ago in response to a need for a bike for the heavily touristed areas of Ladakh, India. As such, the Himalayan was purpose built for rough pavement and light gravel. There’s no shortage of that in Nepal, so it does quite well on our rides. If pressed to apply a couple of words to the Himalayan, we would say: Capable. Quirky. More than up to the challenge.
Pros:
Although it isn’t a great suspension system, it has ample boing to soak up the bumps
Great low end grunt for steep sections
Low stand-over for those without normal to long legs
Pretty good wind protection, although we travel at low enough speeds that’s not much of an issue
If you like riding with a tank and tail bag for your daily essentials, it makes for an easy hauler
Cons:
It’s good at most things, great at nothing in particular
With 25hp, it’s a little wimpy, but again, we don’t need big power on Nepal’s narrow and slow roads
It’s made for smaller riders, so anyone over 6’1” may feel a bit boxed in
In Summary
If you like the idea of riding something iconic and historically tied to motorcycle travel in the Himalayas, saddle up on a Classic. For newer riders unsure of how well their off-road skills pair to Nepal’s roads, the Classic will become a trusted friend. If you feel more comfortable, being more comfortable, the extra suspension of the Himalayan will be pretty nice by day seven. For riders most at home on an adventure bike, and want to employ adventure riding techniques, the Himalayan is your best bet.