The Himalayan
04/02/2020
I had looked at a Himalayan before and decided
it was more of an off road bike and not really my style.
But then I started to read posts on various websites and blogs
that were generally full of praise for it.
I looked more closely and decided it wasn't too
outrageous. I decided to go for a closer look (I had never
seen one on the road) and possibly a test ride.

First impression was:- it looked high.
Many
years ago I was silly enough to buy a Kawasaki KLR 600 as
I really fancied a big single.
The seat was far to high for me and to put my foot on the
kickstart required my knee to be around chin level. I
could only start it when on the stand and it only had a prop
stand.
I actually fell of it backing it out of the garage onto my
sloping drive. Despite having numerous spills in my riding
years, this was the only time my helmet made contact with
something hard - a small wall separating my drive from the
neighbours.
But when I sat on the Himalayan I found the seat
height about the same height as my BMW R65LS and totally
manegeable.
The bike had only done 15 miles! So I was told to take it very
easily and keep it around 3000rpm. I felt at home on it
after 100 yards. A very sweet motor, and nice handling.
The gearbox was a little stiff but that is to be expected at
such a low mileage, and the clutch cable had a little too much
slack in it.
But it was good, and the dealer offered me the
exact minimum amount I would have accepted for the Bullet.
I should get it in around three weeks. I
could have had a white one within a week but I wanted black.
(And I have delayed still further to get a 2020 number plate -
maybe the rain may stop by then!!)
Initial Jobs
Chain connecting link.
Reports on forums indicate that the chain connecting link is
often unlubricated.
I removed the link, coated it , and the holes with LN 47 Liqui
Moly and put it back,
The rear rack.
Daylight driving lights.
Call me olf fashioned and uncool, but I like to be seen by other
motorists. I have a pair of cree driving lights which I
want to mount but the simple way I had then on the BMW won't
work as I need a horizontal bar or a near vertical one. A simple
90 degree bracket would work if I mount the lights on the top of
the front bars.
Then again, is it worth it?
This research indicates that they do not make much
difference.
USB connection and phone mount
I also need to mount a USB driver and a phone
mount. It will simply be wired into the
ignition supply along with the driving lights. The type of
clamp on the BMW will not be ideal. It is magnetic and will
screw up the compass. The one used on the Bullet was a
home made one from various bits lieing about. I guess it
would be good to get it behind the screen for some protection.
The USB drive is very small but needs to be kept dry, I don't
like to just cover it in tape as it may overheat.
Usually the
horn is a good place to pick up the supply. It looks the
case on the Himalayan too. The fuse is 10Amps. The USB and the lights will
only be 1 amp between them so that should be fine.
Tyre Sealant
I've never used tyre sealant before, and all of my bikes (except
the Honda Deauville) have been tubed tyres. But it can't
do any harm and may save me somm hassel at some point.
This stuff seems to get a good review.
Corrosion Prevention
ACF 50 seems to be the
go-to product for this job
NO MORE MODS just ride it.
Except Maybe??
-
A set of pannier racks
£62.44 (If I decide to get these I will probably wait before
doing the rack re-enforcement above)
-
A couple of
Lomo bags for the front
£39 +P&P
-
Some
handguards
£44.85
-
Some
soft luggage bags
£51.+P&P
-
A side stand conversion (it seems a bit long) Not sure why I
can't alter the angle???
-
Heated handlebar grips - home made maybe -
maybe not
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