feeling that this was a really decent bike. Obviously the power wasn't going to tear your arms out but it was
never meant to. Handling was good, suspension worked well enough with the potholes, brakes were acceptable and
vibrations were minimal. Dash was easily read with good info including a slow reacting compass. Exhaust noise
very pleasant and matched the bike's easy nature perfectly. Five gears, easy clutch and perfect fuelling. Yup,
a very relaxing and calm ride that made you feel as though you could travel a few hundred miles quite easily
and be totally chilled about it. Seat was good though what it's like long distance I couldn't say. Economy was
showing an average of 65mpg but I'm sure that would be a whole lot better when properly broken in and on a
tour. Plus marks all round.
When talking to Bob at the dealership, I commented that it would've been that much better if it had been 500cc.
He pointed to a Benelli TRK 502 which was £1k more and asked if I wanted to take it out. So I did. Fook me,
what a horrible bike that was! Tank immediately got in the way of my knees (I'm 6'1"), engine felt weak for a
500, the handlebars tried to numb my fingers at 60mph and the suspension was totally shite and would've
ultimately done my back in. Made the Himalayan feel like a dream machine! Needless to say, that test ride was
much shorter. Only plus side was that it came with pannier rack & crash bars as standard. Er, ya, that's about
it.
So, Bob then asked if I wanted to try the new Suzuki DL250 Vstrom while I was there. Hell ya, I've had two
DL1000's in my time and really loved them so thought this would be an interesting comparison. Similar bhp and
price as the Himalayan but in modern Jap 250cc water cooled vertical twin form so not quite as simple. Took her
out for a spin. So so different to the other two! Very revvy, reasonably smooth and an extremely light feel.
Handling was probably better than the Himalayan, comfort was good, brakes excellent, 6 speed gearbox and a
comprehensive dash. Gears were very very low, you're doing 7.5k rpm at 60 in top so always sounds as though
you're thrashing it. Having said that it was surprising how it would actually accept well under 30 mph in 6th
and still pull. Also surprising is that I didn't feel cramped on the little Suzi. Economy is supposed to be
superb, again showing up the RE slightly and I was told that top speed is limited electronically to 85mph. I
came back feeling that this would be an ideal fun bike that you could use to work out some of life's
aggressions without hurting yourself or your licence.
So, which was my personal favourite? Which would I choose? No question, it would be the Himalayan. It's easy
nature and solid "do anything" feel won hands down. Add the fact that it's £4.2k otr (£4.7k with the panniers)
and it's a bargain to boot for anyone buying new. Nuff said. But will I buy one? Now there's the rub. I had a
long think about it. I came to the conclusion that if I didn't own the XF650 then, yes, definitely. But the
Freewind is such a brilliant all rounder that I think it would be hard to justify effectively spending a few
thousand pounds on top of what I'd probably get for the XF. It's economy, handling, comfort & brakes are superb
AND it's got the extra power and torque that makes a huge difference when touring.
An interesting test ride session, many thanks to Bob at Bolton Motorcycles who was really helpful and didn't
enter into the usual salesman pressure push. Recommended!
.
