2019 Royal Enfield Himalayan

Royal Enfield claims the Himalayan is the “only motorcycle you will ever need.” That’s probably stretching the truth a bit, but this Indian-manufactured single-cylinder adventure bike has a lot going for it. First and foremost, MSRP: $4,499. That’s a sweet deal, especially for a brand-new machine whose engine displaces more than the usual 250cc to 300cc found on many entry-level dual-purpose machines at this price—even if it is air- not liquid-cooled. Despite a displacement advantage on most of its competition, the Himalayan is not a fast motorcycle; company literature claims the little thumper makes less than 25 hp. And ready to ride, the bike weighs as much as a 600cc supersport. Combine the two and acceleration should probably be measured in minutes, not seconds.

Many on-/off-road machines boast long-legged suspension, the type of travel that can swallow potholes and tree roots with aplomb. Downside is skyscraper-like seat heights. Not so with the Himalayan, which allows average-height riders to place both feet firmly on the ground and confidently maneuver at low speeds. Which is yet another reason the Himalayan is both a practical commuter and a tempting long-distance companion.

Likes: Relaxed riding position, comfy seat, small but effective windscreen

Dislikes: Faster than molasses but not by much; eye-catching as a brown paper bag

Verdict: A strangely attractive, basic alternative to modern complexity

“The Himalayan suggests maybe New Delhi and New York aren’t worlds apart,” contributor Seth Richards wrote after riding Royal Enfield’s ADV bike. “This is a bike made for 45-mph speed zones. You won’t win a race to the summit on the Himalayan, but you’ll still make it to the top.”

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You’ll have to search high and low, long and hard, to find true, apples-to-apples competition for the 2019 Royal Enfield Himalayan, bikes that offer the versatility as well as the low manufacturer’s suggested retail price of this easy-to-maintain dual-purpose model. Here are links to a few of our suggestions:

2019 Honda CRF250L Rally

2019 Kawasaki Versys-X 300

2018 BMW G 310 GS

2019 Yamaha XT250

2019 Suzuki VanVan 200

The Himalayan is offered in two colors: Snow or Granite. In both cases, the front and rear fenders match the gas tank. Royal Enfield also sells several accessories, including engine guards, aluminum panniers, a pannier-mounting kit, and a cross brace-equipped aluminum handlebar.