RealClassic ROYAL ENFIELD HIMALAYAN
I had a test ride, was suitably impressed and… I took the plunge and bought a new bike! This would be my first new bike for 17 years, although it wasn't entirely brand new; a three months old, pre-registered machine with a mere 40 miles on the clock. I part exchanged my 1986 Harley 1200 which I've owned for several years. I enjoyed fixing and then riding the big, air-cooled Harley but struggled to keep its chromework in good condition. I vowed that my next machine would have a lot less to polish – and indeed it has hardly any chrome at all. I advertised the Harley for £2500 and was inundated with interested folk tempted to dip their toes in the cheap, classic Harley pond, but by the time the advert came out the Harley had already gone in part-ex.
To be replaced by… an Enfield Himalayan 411cc with not a gram of chrome. You really have to try one for a while in all weathers to understand its appeal. Apart from the price, on paper the Himalayan doesn't look too appealing. It
