When the Royal Enfield Himalayan 🏍️ motorbike launched in India around 4 years back, people were skeptical. Enfield has a history of botching up the first lot of all of their new launches and right enough, there was an issue or two in the initial batch of their new motorcycle. However, they were quick enough to get the bikes recalled, fixed, and returned to users.
Today, Read Scoops speaks to one such Himalayan user from Mumbai who played it smart, waited a bit and went on to buy the Bharat Stage IV (BS-IV) version of the bike, a little more than a year after the original launch. We’re talking about 24-year old Raunaq Pinto who is completing 3 years with his beloved Himalayan Granite, who he baptized as ‘Valeria’ as soon as he welcomed her into the family.
Probably one of Enfield’s best productions till date, there have always been mixed reviews about the bike. Good power, but could’ve been better. Great suspension but not nearly as good mileage, great handling but not a daily transport vehicle. We decided to ask an owner itself, what it feels to own such a beast, how he’s maintained it and how long before he sees himself moving on from Valeria…
“It feels like only yesterday that I welcomed Valeria home. I walked in to the showroom with my friends and there she was, waiting for me. Shiny, skinny, tall and beautiful, just how I like it. It was with utmost care that I rode her home, enjoying every minute with her. Day by day, the ride comfort, familiarity and love grew and what can I say?! The rest is history. It’s been nearly 3 years since that day and she’s kept me safe, 13,900 kilometers later.”
As we spoke to Mr. Pinto, we noticed his love for this beast, which he purchased for close to two lakh rupees in 2017, recounting it as one of his best investments till date. People often talk about the bike being more of an adventurer and off-roader and less of a daily use vehicle. However, Raunaq has used his Himalayan across the city on a daily basis, and he said the comfort level was second to none.
“One might argue it’s not for the city roads but I’ll tell you, for a city like Mumbai, it’s easy to handle in traffic and you can head into all those potholes and not worry about losing control of the bike. So, who said an off-roader isn’t meant for city limits?! I’ve felt next-level comfort and power, and it comes with a super smooth suspension system as well. While I don’t mean any disrespect to other Enfields, we’re used to feeling vibrations all over the bike once we hit 110+ kmph, but Valeria and me have often rode at 140+kmph without my handle moving a centimeter here or there.”
However, it hasn’t been a bed of roses for him either. Like every relationship has its ups and downs, they’ve also travelled the rocky roads a few times, and that pun is totally intended. They’ve seen plenty of breakdowns, punctures, brake failures, battery failures and more. However, the love has stayed strong, much like the name Valeria itself, which literally means strength and valor.
They say a motorbike is as good as any family member in your home, and it’s been the same for Valeria as well. When the weather’s been bad and not conducive to her well-being, Raunaq has welcomed her into his home on multiple occasions, and given her all the love and care that’s required. She’s also had the odd dirty days out, but he’s made sure she comes out sparkling clean again the next morning.
“I’ve not done the ideal road trips that you’d want to do with a beast like her. The Leh-Ladakh dream is still alive and it’s something we will experience soon. So far, I’ve done plenty of trips to Panchgani, Karjat, Lonavla, Pune and more, but haven’t taken her past state borders yet. Like they say, this beauty is built for the mountains and the mountains are definitely calling us, and we will answer that call too. Probably first thing I do post this COVID-19 lockdown.”
Manufactured by Eicher Motors in India, Royal Enfield bikes have always had prestige associated to them. One who owns an Enfield can walk with a chest full of pride, and that’s how Raunaq feels when he’s around Valeria or talks about her. The company outdid themselves with the Himalayan, launching what is arguably their best product till date, with the closest competition probably being the Continental GT – 535 cc.
RE Himalayan BS-IV specs:
- Displacement: 411 cc
- Gear box: 5-speed
- Max power: 24.8 PS @ 6500 RPM
- Max torque: 32 Nm @ 4500 RPM
- Top speed: 145 kmph
- Mileage: 30-35 kmpl
- Front tyre: 90/90-21
- Rear tyre: 120/90-17
On a parting note, Raunaq said, “I haven’t had the privilege of riding any another adventure bike apart from the Himalayan. But from all the others in this similar price range and cc category, the Himalayan really stands out if you’re looking for muscle and riding comfort. It is an adventure bike and meant mainly for the mountains or rough terrains. The Himalayan is strong, steady and she runs like a horse. Its presence is felt on the roads!”
Keep coming back to ReadScoops.com for similar stories of bikes and their owners, as well as other stories across entertainment, sporting and other industries. If you liked what you read, don’t forget to leave a comment and if you want to follow Raunaq Pinto and his travels stories with his Himalayan, make sure to follow him on Instagram – @RaunaqPinto95.
