Triumph Scrambler 400X Vs RE Himalayan 450: Ever walked into a dealership for one car and drove out with another? BHPian Ridesbysky recently shared a similar story, one that will resonate with motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere. His quest for a Triumph Scrambler 400X took an unexpected turn thanks to a chance encounter with the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450.
Triumph to Himalayan in a Flash:
Ridesbysky‘s Sunday morning began with a simple mission: finalize the purchase of his pre-booked Scrambler 400X. But fate had other plans. Nearing the Triumph showroom, a sleek Kaza Brown Himalayan 450 whizzed past, sparking an immediate intrigue. Parked right next door at the Royal Enfield showroom, it beckoned like a siren song.
Ignoring his initial destination, Ridesbysky impulsively walked into the RE store, inquiring about a test ride. To his surprise, he found himself straddling the Himalayan within minutes, ready to test its mettle on the familiar pothole-ridden road he’d previously conquered on the Scrambler.
First Impressions Matter:
The first thing that struck him was the Himalayan’s commanding presence. The bulky fuel tank and comfortable seat height, perfect for his 5’10” frame, offered a confident “big bike” feel. As he navigated the rough road, the suspension effortlessly swallowed the bumps, surpassing the Scrambler’s performance on the same terrain.
However, city traffic revealed a slight difference. While the Himalayan handled well, the engine required more gear shifting compared to the Scrambler, causing occasional knocking at low speeds. Still, the light clutch provided effortless gear changes, making the ride an overall pleasurable experience.
From Test Ride to Booking Spree:
After a 20-minute foray into the urban jungle, Ridesbysky was smitten. He returned to the showroom, mesmerized by the Himalayan’s capabilities. The Kaza Brown color, juxtaposed against the Hanley Black model, won him over with its larger-than-life aura. And a delivery timeframe of 60 days for the Kaza Brown (compared to 90 days for the Hanley Black) sealed the deal.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Price Hike: Is the King of Adventure Still Affordable?
Price remained a slight uncertainty. Would the introductory offer apply to December bookings or December deliveries? Undeterred, Ridesbysky happily booked his Kaza Brown Himalayan.
Farewell, Scrambler:
Next door, canceling the Scrambler booking was almost anticlimactic. The process was quick and courteous, devoid of any pressure or probing questions. Ridesbysky wasn’t trying to disparage the Scrambler; both bikes cater to different needs. But for him, as an average Indian rider with a limited budget seeking a versatile motorcycle, the Himalayan emerged as the clear winner.