I sold my bought new 2018 R1200GS 'Rallye' and ordered a new 2021 Himalayan in early March without a test ride due to covid restrictions.i picked it up on the 10th June and have fallen in love with it's character and basic charms, its a brilliant all round bike, no need for speed on these as they are only engine comfortable should i say up at 70mph, but the sweet spot is 55-60mph, every ride is just chilled out fun, they are well made and the tripper navigation works faultlessly..when covid restrictions are lifted all over, then i will be riding to spain again, but on the b roads ( no more boring motorways) and will actually SEE the countries I ride through for the first time at a leisurely pace...in my 32yrs of riding 1000cc+ bikes, I have found my first soul mate lifetime keeper in a little 411cc bike that i have named Alfie after my old deceased black Labrador. 😍 you dont need mega cc's to have fun on a bike 😁

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

I’m piecing together a review of the Himalayan, but you needn’t watch it. You’ve already summed it up perfectly. Like yourself, after years of bigger, better, faster, more, I rediscovered the joys of motorcycles when I bought a Classic 500. Very different to the Himalayan, but the same leisurely pace. I don’t have the tripper, being a 2020 version but I already had a sat nav. I have a compass though 🤷🏻‍♂️🤣 Thank you munta! Good luck with your tour. I’m planning a similar trip but on a different bike…maybe 🤔

How the hell did you get away with posting Mrs saddlebags weight for all the world to see😲🤣🤣🤣🤣 I love that you even muted her responses!!! A true legend mate. Oh....and the review is good too. Check out the new Classic 350. The Signals variant is tempting 🤔 Ride extra safe. Especially with your old lady on the back👍

@warrenhumphries1371

2 жыл бұрын

He got away with it cos she's only 8 stone 2 !

@pikebobstar2033

2 жыл бұрын

@@warrenhumphries1371 I thought the camera is supposed to add 10lbs too😁

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

I treated her to a romantic walk, and didn’t call her an ‘old lady’ 🤣🤣🤣 Are you thinking of fixing yourself up with a 350? They do look good. I wouldn’t buy one, but I’m chuffed they’re producing them. Thanks Pike, you take care too brother 👍🏼

@warrenhumphries1371

2 жыл бұрын

@@Saddlebags73 yeah the new classic 350 looks interesting. Great vid Pard, best regards to Mrs.

@pikebobstar2033

2 жыл бұрын

@@Saddlebags73 probably not but may be tempted in the future. Definitely wouldn't replace the classic 500 though. What, no romantic walk around a graveyard. Or is that only for a special treat🤣 Took missus for romantic walk around Sennen Cove this evening. Yes mate, we're here 😁😁

Thanks for this video! My wife and I wanted to know about two up on the Himalayan, as I just bought one, and you have answered all our questions.

@Saddlebags73

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching, I’m glad you found it useful. Brilliant little bikes. Even now it continues to impress me. Just got to remember, all four fingers for the front brake 🤣 Safe travels to you both 👍🏼

Thanks. Useful video.

@Saddlebags73

2 күн бұрын

Thank you!

@bm7760

2 күн бұрын

@@Saddlebags73 Within an hour I'd gone out and bought one!

@Saddlebags73

2 күн бұрын

@@bm7760 Wow! I hope you enjoy it. Have fun and safe travels.

Very helpful thank you

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

I’m glad you found it so. Thank you 👍🏼

Great to see the bikes great for 2 up. The RE Himalayan is ticking so many boxes 👍

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you HH. It isn’t perfect, but it ain’t bad either 😊👍🏼

Nice to see the country side in the UK. Very good honest review on the Himalayan.

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Many thanks MR. MRG 👍🏼

Very good video.. 👍

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much 🙂👍🏼

Hi ! Excellent ! not so many opportunities to have a real bike test with passenger on. Congratulations to you both for this refreshing video.

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

That’s very kind, thank you! I should really thank WSMV, as it was he who made me wonder if the Himalayan would work with a pillion. Thanks again and all the best 👍🏼

Thanks for sharing your experience riding two-up. My wife asked me about it yesterday and I told her I didn't know. Just purchased a 2022 Himalayan in January and the winter weather here has hardly allowed for much riding. Post a video of my first ride but wasn't thinking about a passenger then. I'll have to tell my wife the good news!

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you found it useful. I’m sure you’ll have a similar experience. I was pleasantly surprised. Thanks you for watching, and I hope you enjoy the new bike 🙂👍🏼

I really hope you do very well with your channel, you deserve to because it has everything needed, humour start to finish being the jam on the cream on the scone, or is it..................!

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

That’s very kind thank you. The channel has already surpassed all expectations. Erm, the cream on the jam on the scone, of course 🤣

@drdoolittle5724

2 жыл бұрын

@@Saddlebags73 you've found the 'secret' of the Himalayer and other bike makers are struggling to play catch-up, torque! Reality in most countries is not 12000 rpm 200mph screamers where bloody jams and stop-go 24/7 rules, so why not go back in time and enjoy the UK roads in a quality style! Traded my 400cc water cooled Yamaha which struggled to run below 5000 yet chucked out 30+ hp for an air cooled 350 sending only 20 hp yet smile-a-mile motoring! Baby brother of yours!

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

@@drdoolittle5724 You’re so right. I spent years in the ‘bigger better faster more’ trap. Then I rode an Enfield, and it all became clear. I love my Zed, but when I ride it, it feels extravagant and unnecessary. I have made a video that I’m unsure about posting. But in it I say, “while other bikes feel bland and sterile, this bike (Classic) feels alive and vibrant”. Biking isn’t about numbers. It’s about a feeling 👍🏼

Great video!!! Looks like the bike is more than capable of doing 2 up. The river walk area was a. beautiful .

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

I was pleasantly surprised how well it coped. Many thanks Goofy 👍🏼😊

Great video! Really interesting to see how your view changes. Seems the witch can do a lot more than many people think, next to see how it makes a cuppa 😁😁🥳🥳 but quite impressed with the Himalayan each time. Take care and ride safe 😊🖖🏽

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Quinn 👋🏼😊 The Witch is full of surprises, and mostly pleasant ones. A cuppa may be a stretch, but I have always admired your optimism 😉 Thanks mate, you take care too 😊👍🏼

Nice to see Mrs Saddlebags join you for a ride out

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

It was nice to drag her along 😊👍🏼

This was precisely what I've been searching for. I'm considering a Himalayan for traveling with my wife but was unsure it would be comfortable for the pillion, as well as able to go uphill with our weight plus baggage. You've answered all my questions! Brilliant! Subbed.

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

It’s nice to hear you found it helpful, thank you. We quite often head out on the Himalayan. You aren’t going to break any speed records but it’s quite capable 👍🏼

That walk along the river was very pretty. I like the dog have fun too. Looks like a fun bike. While Harleys were always 74 cubic inches (about 1200cc) when I was young, 650cc bikes were big bikes then too and worked well on the highways as well as 2 up.👍🏻

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Dogs make any video better, right? Yes, I think we have become obsessed with bigger bikes. This proves that it isn’t actually necessary, with its 411cc. Although it may be revving a little too high for comfort over 60mph. Thanks Easy, take care my friend.

Lovely ! Bless Mrs SB for getting involved, nice to meet you maam ! Also SB, you are a sly old dog. A riverside walk is a very cheap “date”. I like how your mind works 😉 Anyway, lovely to share this trip with the pair of you. If I should ever come into some money, I still see a Himalayan in my future ! All the best to you both ! ER.

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you ER 😊 I have been known to treat her occasionally, when I can find a burger van . She’s a lucky maid 😋 Thanks again my friend, from us both. Take care out there 👍🏼

At the start of this video I had my doubts that the little Himalayan would comfortably manage two-up. I was impressed as I watched. It kind of makes sense though, it is designed to handle less than ideal terrain loaded down with luggage 👍

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

I honestly thought I would be saying it doesn’t cope very well 2-up. But it keeps on surprising me. Thanks for watching Walt. Hope to see some of your own work soon 👍🏼

Good test mate, that's the beauty of torque, think you may have sold a few more Himalayans for RE, take care.

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you muchly Tom! Yes the same torque that ploughs through thick mud and deep water. It just keeps giving, this bike 👍🏼 All the best my friend 👋🏼

Brilliant, that really puts the cat amongst the pigeons because it doesn't have any real weak points. I won't comment on the combined weight of myself and Mrs weston super motovlogs but let's just say, I have clearly had a few too many doughnuts and burgers 🍔. Seems like the himmy can handle anything you throw at it, especially an emergency stop when a vehicle clearly too big for the lane comes towards you 😱😱

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

It does have one weak point. Motorways and dual carriageways. But I can live without those and avoid them when I can, whatever I’m riding. I too am guilty of over indulgence recently 🥴 Full of surprises, this bike. Most of them are pleasant ones. I have to drive an HGV down ridiculous lanes sometimes. Tiz just how it is in these parts 🤣

Top Man (and Mrs SB), more proof of the abilities of a very much underrated and over looked bike. I've only taken my grandson out, so far. Grumps.

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Grumps! Yep, this bike is full of surprises, and mostly pleasant ones 😊👍🏼

I was going to ask you if you had ridden the Witch 2 up! That’s just saved me asking 👍👍👍😀😀😀 absolutely invaluable information presented with your usual flair. 👍👍👍 I’m impressed with how you manage 2 people and 3 dogs. Those panniers are great😂😂😂 My only complaint is how can I now justify needing a Ducati Streetfighter for it’s power for 2 up riding now you have shown the Witch to be so good 😂😂😂😂😂😂

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Yep, The Witch coped admirably. It keeps surprising me, and usually pleasantly. Did you notice how out of breath the dogs were? They had to keep up 🤣 You’re a man. I know you can come up with at least a dozen excuses 😉🤣👍🏼 Many thanks. Hope all is well my friend!

@craigyllyn

2 жыл бұрын

@@Saddlebags73 😂😂😂👍👍👍😂😂😂

I from Australia i own one and your video was very helpful as i wondered what it would be like two up as my daughter keeps asking me to be doubled for short trips. thanks heaps

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Klano. I’m glad you found it helpful. I’m sure you’ll come to the same conclusion when you take her out. Enjoy and be safe. Many thanks 👍🏼

Excellent review!! Great to see Mrs. Saddlebags73 with ya. My wife is 4'11" tall, and about 120 pounds. We ride the VStrom 650 quite a lot before I picked up the Goldwing. We had a ball, and felt very comfortable, and safe. We even took a spirited ride across the Tail of the Dragon, no problem!! Seems like you found a great bike for a wide variety of riding!!! I'm sure Phil will be thrilled with this review!! See ya!!!

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Good things come in small packages, right? Yes, I was pleasantly surprised how well it managed with a pillion. I wouldn’t put her through the perils of the tail of the dragon though…or would I? 🤔🤣 Many thanks my friend, and take care over there 👍🏼

@Motoramblings

2 жыл бұрын

@@Saddlebags73 My wife loves the Dragon! She'll ask me if I can go faster!!🤣😂🤣

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Ha! 🤣 Perfect 👌🏼

@Motoramblings

2 жыл бұрын

@@Saddlebags73 only disappointed if I already feel fast!😂🤣😂

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

@@Motoramblings I’m sure she understands that when something is scraping in the bends, you can’t go much faster 😊

I enjoyed finally getting to see Mrs. Saddlebags :-) Hello Mrs. Saddlebags. I bet you two are a great team. Nice seeing how the Himalayan performs real world. How do you think she would do on US highways at 75 & 85 mph? On Texas highways Me And My Royal Enfield had to do 90mph to keep from getting run over, which she has no problem doing. Again, I love the new End Screen & the music is cool. Yours is now my favorite ending. "As The Magpie Flies" dropped to number two. She always asks a question for her, End Screen Crew. You are so talented, I'm jealous.

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Ah thank you my friend. It was nice to have her along. Honestly, the Himalayan isn’t up to those speeds. I’ll cover it in an owners review soon. But I wouldn’t want to ride at sustained speeds over 60mph. Anything over that and it’s revving high. I have a friend to thank for the music on the end screen. It’s just a snippet from a song he recorded for the channel, which was a pleasant surprise. Thanks again, and take care over there 👍🏼

Big tick on all boxes there. I have also found that many bikes feel better when riding 2 up. 👍🍻

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks ER. For some reason I’m always uncomfortable on the Zed with a pillion. It was much better on the witch. And the handling was a pleasant surprise. 👍🏼😊

My Mrs has rode on our 2021 Himmy since day one. We did the best part of 900 miles in Scotland a couple of weeks a go. We did the NC500 on her. She did Belach na Bah and Applecross no problem. Several days were well over 250 miles with no problems at all for either of us. My wife thinks the Himmy is more comfy than our CBF 1000 A7. We call our Himmy, Hera after a Greek god and she is rapidly becoming my go to bike in my modest stable. Luved the video; I totally agree with all your comments and observations. He Royal Enfield Himalayan is one cracking motorcycle. Take care and ride safe. Neil

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Hey Neil. Well it sounds like you’ve put Hera through the paces. I’m glad you’ve come to the same conclusion. I keep doubting the bike, and it keeps proving me wrong. It’s full of surprises. Yes, a cracking little all rounder. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and for watching 😊👍🏼

@mrgrizzlyrides

2 жыл бұрын

@@Saddlebags73 Thank you Jeff. Yes we seem to agree on a lot of things Himalayan don’t we, even our wives agree that our Himmy’s are more comfy than our big four cylinder bikes. Enjoy Neil

I am really impressed with this bike, looks, price and agility.. Now how the hell did you manage to get 3 dogs on there as well 😂😂. Great 2 up review which is something that gets missed a lot in reviews.. Go the Witch 👍

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

It keeps coming up with the goods, when I expect it to fall short. It isn’t perfect, but for the money it’s pretty good. Ha, the dogs traced our scent. Well, my scent…I stink. Many thanks Lochwood 👍🏼

Hi , the RE Himalayan seems to cope well for 24 .5 Hp and if goes along well at 60 mph , keeping up with the traffic . This must be a first review of two up riding . Nice video and ride and stay safe both of you .

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Hey ALL@SEA 👋🏼 It coped admirably. Full of surprises is the Witch, and mostly nice ones. Low hp but the torque helps it through, as it does with thick mud and deep puddles 🤣 Many thanks my friend, and you take care too 👍🏼

Mrs Bandit and I are definitely not built for two up riding, I suspect we would be over the max weight of the bike. Nice ride out👍

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

You’re a gurt behemoth of a man. Africa twin for you me thinks 🤣 Many thanks Bandit 😊🤣

Great video good to see your wife with you. Thumbs-up catch you later brother

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Ah thank you kindly MrG! Hope all is well. Take care over there 👍🏼

👍 👍

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Gypsy 👍🏼✌🏼

My Missus says that of the four bikes she's been on then Chugga Bug (Himalayan) is the most comfortable and easiest to relax on. I too was wary of taking the two of us up our many local one in six climbs but this little bike takes it all in it's stride and will cruise at 60-65 no problem.

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

That’s good to hear. I’m very impressed with the Himalayan. I keep doubting, and it keeps delivering. It’s full of surprises, and usually pleasant ones. Thanks my friend 😊👍🏼

Hello Saddlebags, excellent video nothing too extreme. You showed us that the Himi is actually a decent bike for two-up riding. Not extremely powerful, but it does get the job done on a rather comfortable bike. Question though, if the bike had panniers bags on it would be more or less comfortable for the passenger?

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Many thanks Waffle. It’s funny you should ask. I have the aluminium boxes with this, and just a couple of days ago I said to Mrs Bags, that we must see how it is for her with the panniers attached. So, it is yet to be tested. I suspect it won’t make any difference to comfort, but getting on and off may be an issue. I’ll try and keep you updated on that 👍🏼

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

We’ve been out together with the panniers on. It was still easy enough for her to get on and off and made no difference to comfort 👍🏼

That's good to know.

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks BOA. Hope you’re ok 👍🏼

@waffey2008

2 жыл бұрын

@@Saddlebags73 all 👌, day by day

Impressive, SB. It just goes to show that 24.5bhp is often more than adequate. Unfortunately my wife would rather climb Everest in a blindfold than go on a motorcycle.

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Many thanks! Yes, I think we all get obsessed with bigger, better, faster, more. The witch coped admirably. Full of surprises. Let me know if you want to borrow any camping gear 🤣👍🏼

@jimsadler8704

2 жыл бұрын

@@Saddlebags73 Thanks, SB. I think I'll stick to motorcycles.

Thanks Saddle for this. You showed also some "technical data" of you and your miss. :) Anyway, what do you thing about vibes on this particular bike? Your miss may have also some experience. It is a single, that is why ... :) p.s. In the evening I will upload one for you. :) Be ready.

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Many thanks RRR! Actually the vibrations are very little. I don’t even notice them. It has the counter balance thingamejig I know I have missed one of yours already, but I will catch up, always 😊👍🏼

@RRRRefuelRideRace

2 жыл бұрын

@@Saddlebags73 Aha, some singles are terrible. They vibe like crazy. :) Thanks for explaining me.

Its very unlikely I do a pillion, but its nice to see someone actually making a review on going 2 up. My only question is - the 3 dogs -are they just local extra's? I would have expected to at least know their names, their favourite snack and whether they prefer butt scritches over ear scritches - you know it is those kind of details I have becoming to expect form your videos! :)

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣🤣 The lack of information in this video is embarrassing ha! I do apologise. I had to go to the river because the dogs were overheating, keeping up. Many thanks Franky 👍🏼

@frankysworld

2 жыл бұрын

@@Saddlebags73 Hahaha - shame on them - being water-cooled and all -not keeping up :P

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

@@frankysworld 🤣🤣🤣

How did you fit those dogs on the bike as well? It seems like the himy can do everything. I'm wondering what the real world benefits the 650 will bring.

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

I forgot to mention the trailer. I’d be interested to see what the 650 would be like. More power would be good for motorway/dual carriageway. It does struggle with that. But apart from that, it does everything I want it to 👍🏼

@quinnpeaksbiker

2 жыл бұрын

@@Saddlebags73 the bike I wrote off in Chile was a klr 650, I absolutely love that bike to bits! Almost impossible to get a decent one these days. Will be interesting to see how it compares! If it is comparable then things will get really interesting!!

So are there suspension adjustments that can be made for the extra weight?

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Good question. There is preload step adjustment on the rear spring. You have to undo a drop link to adjust it though, so a bit of a faff.

The black witch has proven she’s capable two up saying nowt on the pillion your one brave man 🤣🤣👍👍👍👍

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Full of surprises is the witch. I think it can’t manage something, and she whips up a spell to prove me wrong. Thankfully I have a very forgiving pillion. She hasn’t said anything about my jokes. In fact, she hasn’t said anything at all for a week or so. Come to think of it, I haven’t even seen her 🤔

@SOLOMOTOUK

2 жыл бұрын

@@Saddlebags73 😂😂😂😂 is that good or bad that you haven’t seen her for a while have checked for her suit cases 😂😂👍👍👍 Ride safe take care brother biker 👍👍👍

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

@@SOLOMOTOUK 🤣🤣🤣 it’s all gone. All that’s left is echoes 😢 Was it something I said? 🤷🏻‍♂️ Thanks man, you too 😊👍🏼

I suppose the next test could be how does it handle 2up down some green lanes? 👀 If the two of you are brave enough! 😆

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

Good idea! I’m up for it 😊

Cor you must have sore ribs after that! :D

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

The bruises are fading 🤪👍🏼

@HippoDrones

2 жыл бұрын

@@Saddlebags73 :D

The Himalayan passed all the tests with ease and you only got thumped a couple of times. Result!

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

It keeps on surprising me, this bike. And the bruises are fading already 🤣👍🏼

Great review there by Mrs Saddlebags. You have been taking advantage of her talent for far too long 😉 Hope your kidneys heal soon.

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

I’ll pass that on, if she comes back 😢 Thanks Noob. Bruises are fading 😊🤣

Most women wouldn't want to be called "Saddlebags"....hahahaha !! :P Seems like that bike will handle a lot of things you do with it. It's weird, but my bike rides better with a bit of weight on the passenger seat, too. I notice it a lot when bringing home big bags of dog food. lol. Good vid, man !! Cheers to you both !! :)

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

She is very forgiving, luckily. It’s a bike full of surprises, and mostly nice ones 🤣 Dog food, you say. Definitely not beer 🤣😉🍻 Thanks man! Always good to hear from you 👍🏼

I bet he either is very brave or very… well you know!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

It’s the latter…always has been 🤣 Thanks MR GS 🤣

@MRGS48

2 жыл бұрын

@@Saddlebags73 haha why ya think I got me a GS?? So I can escape safe and sound well maybe with a few scratches but you get the point!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

@@MRGS48 🤣🤣🤣👍🏼👌🏼

hmm ,, pulls well for such a low hp engine ;;

@Saddlebags73

2 жыл бұрын

This bike is full of surprises, and mostly pleasant ones 😊👍🏼