In the ever-evolving world of motorcycles, Royal Enfield has recently unleashed the highly anticipated Himalayan 450, promising a substantial upgrade from its predecessor, the Himalayan 411. Boasting 40 horsepower, a significant increase of 16bp from the previous model, the Himalayan 450 has captured the attention of enthusiasts and sparked a surge in pre-bookings, fueled by promising spec sheets and glowing reviews from automotive journalists.
However, seasoned riders and industry insiders caution against the allure of being among the first to own these new machines. A common adage in the motorcycle community warns, “Never buy the first lot of any motorcycle,” and this advice echoes loudly, especially in light of the quality issues that plagued the Himalayan 411.
Early adopters are beta testers in India
The previous iteration of the Himalayan, the 411, suffered from a litany of quality concerns. From a brittle chassis prone to breakage to cone set issues and fading brakes, early adopters found themselves grappling with a host of problems. While subsequent productions managed to address some of these issues, the initial experiences of the first lot left a lasting impact on the reputation of the Himalayan series.
The cautionary tale of the Himalayan 411 extends beyond the Royal Enfield stable to the latest offerings from Triumph in India—the Speed 400 and the Scrambler 400X. Despite garnering positive reviews from critics, the wise rider is reminded to exercise prudence and patience. As with any new motorcycle release, the first lot may bring unforeseen issues to light, and it is only through customer feedback that manufacturers can address and rectify these problems.
Prospective buyers are urged to wait and observe the real-world experiences of the initial customers, who will provide valuable insights into any potential hiccups with the Himalayan 450, Speed 400, and Scrambler 400X. This patient approach ensures that enthusiasts can make informed decisions, steering clear of the pitfalls that may accompany the initial batches of these exciting new motorcycles. In the fast-paced world of two-wheelers, a moment of caution can lead to a smoother ride in the long run.
Also read: Who is Itchy boots, the first to ride Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
