How does the weight of the RE compare to those bikes, I wonder? They went well enough though wouldn't stand full throttle for miles on end, certainly my T140 wouldn't - fast or far, but not both....
The other things I've learned from the Bike article and associated pictures is that the fuel filter is the more normal spin-on cartridge and is located at the front (should make filter changes easy) and that with its short stroke and relatively low revs for a four valve head ohc engine, mean piston speed is low (17m/sec) and well within the maximum. I reckon with lumpier cams, higher compression pistons - only 9.5:1 as standard - and biiger inlets there'd be a pokey engine. The steering geometry is sharper than the Triumph 900 bikes and the 650 weighs less and produces more bhp/litre. I'll definitely have a test ride on one, though I'll try a Himalayan too. The 650 was designed in the UK, which probably gives it the edge on the Himalayan for me, but who knows?