Tag: Yeti

  • Is switchable ABS in RE Himalayan BS6 changing definition of adventure?

    Is switchable ABS in RE Himalayan BS6 changing definition of adventure?

    Since the lockdown, it has been rather difficult to stay put. For a biker at heart, it is against my character. I take my Himalayan for grocery shopping or to buy milk when I can just walk to the nearest shop. It is a small window of opportunity to unwind, an adventure of a different kind.

    While threat from COVID has still not diminished, I request all readers to stay safe, wear a mask and always maintain social distance while out there on a ride.

    While being in the lockdown is not enjoyable, one of my favorite past-time has been to watch videos on YouTube, movies or series on Netflix/Amazon Prime/Hot Star etc. In doing so, I saw a series of the new Himalayan commercials that Royal Enfield has launched for Himalayan and it caught my eye and well, inspired me to write this article.

    Here is the playlist, do enjoy the micro-stories!

    With the advent of BS6 emission norms, I have been longing for a Himalayan with Interceptor engine. That is a long dream yet, and unconfirmed if that will happen at all. Meanwhile, we have the new BS6 Himalayan.

    What’s new on the BS6 Himalayan?

    Colors ahoy!

    When launched, the mighty Himalayan was launched in two colors – Snow White and Granite Black. While the motorcycle looked nice, with limited panel spaces it was no surprise that there were not many colors on the offer. Then, with the BS4 launch, Royal Enfield brought out the Sleet Grey.

    With BS6, Royal Enfield has given us two more colors to chose from, and named them rather interestingly. Apart from the Snow White, Granite Black and Sleet Grey, the new colors are Rock Red (Black and Red), Lake Blue (White and Blue), and Gravel Grey. Both Rock Red and Lake Blue are also the only two glossy colors. 

    Himalayan BS6 Compliant Engine

    As expected, this is perhaps a bit of a bummer but environmentally very important. With BS6, Himalayan has lost 0.2 horse power, and gained 5 Kgs. With the motorcycle already heavier from BS3 (183 KGs) to BS4 (195 KGs), and now further with BS6 weighing about 200 KGs (all Kerb weight).

    Hazard lamp switch is back baby!

    Royal Enfield Himalayan BS6 now comes (again) with Hazard lights switch
    Royal Enfield Himalayan BS6 now comes (again) with Hazard lights switch

    Something that I personally felt was a terrible miss from the BS4 edition, Hazard lamp switch is back in the BS6 edition. It is however not part of the instrument cluster as was in BS3 model. Instead, it is now in the place of the conventional headlight on-off switch which used to exist before AHO was mandated. Though it may be a very small addition, it has a greater emphasis when you consider safety.

    I will reiterate to people, you should not switch them on while riding and only use it when one is in a unfortunate situation. It’s purpose, globally across motorcycles and cars, is to alert people around you that your motorcycle or car has a problem.

    Other tit-bits

    While the earlier three are bigger improvements, Royal Enfield has managed to improve a lot of small things as well.

    Side panels don't have Himalayan embossing anymore, and screams out Himalayan in stickers (just like many who modified it to that look since BS3 era)
    Side panels don’t have Himalayan embossing anymore, and screams out Himalayan in stickers (just like many who modified it to that look since BS3 era)

    New side-stand design that is shorter, but better to use than previous models. Improved graphics with White back lit dials on the instrument cluster. Side panels don’t have Himalayan embossing anymore, and screams out Himalayan in stickers (just like many who modified it to that look since BS3 era). 

    Newly designed CEAT Grip XL tires with improved block patterns that aid in better grip for both on-road, and off-road. Overall quality improvement – RE has listened to customer feedback, time and again in case of Himalayan.

    Switchable ABS on Himalayan BS6!

    One of the biggest improvements that you will notice between BS3, BS4 and the BS6 Himalayan is in the breaking department. Although RE has not publicly revealed what changed but looks like a huge tweaking around of ABS is in the offing.

    Royal Enfield Himalayan BS6 comes with a Switchable ABS, that makes ride both on and off road safer
    Royal Enfield Himalayan BS6 comes with a Switchable ABS, that makes ride both on and off road safer

    While we all know how much Anti-lock Breaking System (or ABS) is important for safety, even on two wheels. However, any off-roading enthusiast worth his or her salt will know the value of switchable ABS. Switching the ABS off allows the rear wheel to lock, and lets the you drift when riding off-road. Now that has to get you exciting, in ‘it?

    With switchable ABS, Himalayan can now truly be much safer motorcycle both on-road and off-road. Still, longing for my next adventure ride, while I wish you all safety in this unprecedented crisis that we have to face, defeat and emerge victorious.

    Where will you take your Himalayan for the first ride after COVID? Let me know in the comments below. 

    Pictures Credits: Royal Enfield Himalayan website.

  • The legend and legacy that is Royal Enfiled

    The legend and legacy that is Royal Enfiled

    It’s been a while since I did a long ride on my RE Himalayan, whom I named Yeti. After my longest ride ever from Mumbai to Kerala, I have only done two short rides. I joined for work again, life in general has been fighting for time. Or rather, let me say other things have taken priority. However, there always comes a time when you look back and say – what did I miss?

    Rides on my Yeti, of course, is one of them. A pop notification from Quora about a question I had answered long ago helped in a bit more reminiscing. The story of how and why I opted to go for my first Royal Enfield bike.

    • Yeti, my Royal Enfield Himalayan
      Yeti, my Royal Enfield Himalayan
    • Royal Enfield Himalayan
      Royal Enfield Himalayan
    • Breakfast at Pune with Nikhil, Tyjo, two Himalayans and a Dominar
      Breakfast at Pune with Nikhil, Tyjo, two Himalayans and a Dominar
    • Kerala Ride to the god's own country
      Kerala Ride to the god’s own country
    • Kerala Ride to the god's own country
      Kerala Ride to the god’s own country
    • Kerala Ride to the god's own country
      Kerala Ride to the god’s own country

    Is Royal Enfield still a legend?

    I own a Royal Enfield Himalayan, never rode a Royal Enfield before buying it. For me, the brand connect to RE is via a relatively new bike which cannot be added to this “legend” tag yet. It will take the Himalayan years to match up to the Legend tag if at all it can. However, the brand’s rise to prominence is a story to tell. Even with the imminent launch of Jawa motorcycles by Mahindra, Royal Enfield is here to stay and compete head on.

    Over the years, I have felt and heard the amount of improvements RE has made to their quality of products and the twins (Interceptor and Continental GT) add to the Royal Enfield legacy. Especially the twins, have pushed the bar and shows the direction for all other products to follow. I hope to get the Interceptor to be part of my garage someday, soon.

    Royal Enfield as a Brand and it’s legacy

    RE is a brand that stands for pure pride, biking, comfort and retro appeal, and now technological expertise after the launch of the twins. Royal Enfield’s legacy is unparalleled to any other manufacturer. These attributes are hard to match in comparison to any other motorcycle brand’s lineup.

    1. The bike is intended for street, not the racetrack. It is a street naked and begs to ride respectfully. The motorcycle commands you to ride safe!
    2. It is designed in a way that you can maintain it on your own. Most of the new generation owners who bought an RE want near zero maintenance which takes away the fun of owning and maintaining their own bike.
    3. Speaking of Retro, the bike is not a replica of the 60’s bikes Enfield of UK used to make. The UCE that now powers the Bullet, Classic and Thunderbird, the 410 that powers Himalayan and 650 Twin are modern motors but tuned to give the retro feel. The manufacturing techniques have also improved, and only a few parts are handmade. Bullet still is painted by hand, though.
    4. The retro looks also add to the vintage appeal to the motorcycle. Triumph tries to do that with Bonnie, though it never looks retro vintage in comparison to RE Bullet for example. Those looks are something that a vast majority of buyers crave.
    5. It is easily the most customizable bike today in the market. You look at custom bike market in Asia, and RE leads the way.
    6. It is cheaper than Triumph, Harley Davidson and any other retro bike in the market.
    • Royal Enfiled Himalayan Sleet Panniers - close up
      Royal Enfiled Himalayan Sleet Panniers – close up
    • Royal Enfiled Himalayan Sleet Panniers
      Royal Enfiled Himalayan Sleet Panniers
    • Royal Enfiled Himalayan brand new engine guards
      Royal Enfiled Himalayan brand new engine guards
    • Royal Enfiled Himalayan brand new Bar Ends that look more premium!
      Royal Enfiled Himalayan brand new Bar Ends that look more premium!
    • Royal Enfiled Himalayan aluminium handle bar with cross brace
      Royal Enfiled Himalayan aluminium handle bar with cross brace
    • The Limited edition Royal Enfield Himalayan looks classy in its natural surroundings.
      The Limited edition Royal Enfield Himalayan looks classy in its natural surroundings.
    • RE Himalayan - Ownership experience
      RE Himalayan – Ownership experience

    The Thump!

    If one thing Bullets are famous in India, it is the thumping sound of its exhaust that is audible from a long, long distance and it is a Royal Enfield legacy. It is so imbibed into the culture here and one of the most critical aspects of its identity, that it cannot be just a bullet point (pun unintended).

    That thumping sound has a potential to get a brain orgasm of a die-heart fan of RE. Those born after the 70’s have often heard the tone of it, usually rode by bullies and strong muscular men in the upper social circles. Of course, it was a luxury brand of bike in the age of Chetak and Priya geared scooters that could never match the sound.

    So why are RE bikes called the legend?

    It can be called a ‘legend’ because;

    1. They are an oldest motorcycle manufacturer today alive and kicking. Have almost cornered the market and owns a huge market share.
    2. The thump is alive in the newer generation bullet! Nothing comes close to it.
    3. Pride of the rider, the feel of riding a Bullet isn’t something you can explain!
    4. Easy to maintain at home, and service centers are often reliable and spread across India.
    5. Most importantly, passion for the brand! There are many biker groups in India that are solely dedicated to RE Brand of vehicles. Other manufactures are not close to that kind of fan following.
    6. People make the brand a legend, because they feel so connected and attached to the brand.

    My answer to Quora needs to be updated, I guess. Because, with the launch of the twins, Royal Enfield has really lifted the technology quotient. And I need to head out for a ride. Sooner, the better. Head over to indianomics.tv for videos that I have made with my Yeti, the Himalayan.

  • TGW Independence Day Ride to South Mumbai

    TGW Independence Day Ride to South Mumbai

    ThrottleGun Wolves (TGW), the biker group that I have co-founded, had a fun breakfast ride to South Mumbai to celebrate Indian Independence day. Well, there has been many a debate if it is India’s 70th or 71st Independence day, we could care less as long as we are passionate about this country.

    Independence Day Ride

    A bunch of bikers started off from different parts of the city, and some from outside as well. The ride was planned to start at 6 am and it went according to plan. Rain did play a bit of spoil sport that day, however.

    Initially, the meeting point was decided to be at Bharatmata Cinema, however it wasn’t on the way for the lot from western line. Hence, we changed the meeting point on the fly to Heera Panna market. Once there, I saw the RX135 of Pooja Sahni Pangam, one of TGW’s co-founders and could not resist the urge to ask her for a swap.

    And swap I did – with her riding the Yeti.

    The old world charm of RX135

    I was always fascinated with how people drool over RX100 and RX135, both from Yamaha’s yesteryear stable. The 2-strokes are fun to ride, at least that is what I had heard people craving about them. They used to exist around me when I was too young to ride but no one would teach me to ride one either.

    So when Pooja’s RX135 came around, I had to ask her. And from the word go, I kept thinking how powerful the RX felt, even compared to my Yeti. It took a few minutes for me to get used to it. Once I got the grip, it took me a few seconds to gun it to 80kmph. What a delight!!

    The breakfast

    Not withstanding the initial plan of having breakfast at Kayani Restaurant, we changed it again. This time in favor of the famous kheema pav at Stadium Restaurant, a stone’s throw away from Church gate station. To find vegetarian breakfast there did seemed difficult, but the classic bun maska and chai is an all time favorite.

    So there you have it, a summary of our ride captured in this beautiful video, exclusive on Indianomics TV.

     

  • RE Service Camp with The Himalayan Tribe

    RE Service Camp with The Himalayan Tribe

    THT has been my man-Friday for anything related to my Yeti, the Himalayan. Two weeks ago, THT and Royal Enfield met up at Borivali Service Center for a training camp. Unfortunately I missed that.  During the question answer session, the discussion turned to issues everyone faces.

    Yeti about to be stripped down
    Yeti about to be stripped down

    Taking a stone from the rock solid guys who were there, RE worked out details and collaborated with THT for a service camp. The date was 5th of Feb, 2017. And I had my clock (more…)

  • Yeti. The Himalayan beast in my life

    Yeti. The Himalayan beast in my life

    Yeti is what I named him. Many preferred to call it a goat, a Himalayan Goat. But for me, it never looked like one. It always looked like the beast. Untamed, but well mannered and imposing. It has been an agonizing three and half months of a wait, to be honest. Waiting time for my beast was killing me. My friends who knew about this decision kept on asking me on the status, adding salt to the burn. On 16th of Aug., 2016 he arrived. I got to see first glimpse of Royal Enfield Himalayan, reserved in my name at the show room. (more…)