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