[suitcasejefferson]

I can't find any place in AZ that sells ethanol free gas. I have 4 bikes stored in what used to be my living room, and I put a gallon of SEF in each one. I got it at Walmart. It is $20 a gallon and claims to have a 2 year life. That way I can start and warm up the engines once in a while to prevent deterioration. And not have to worry about messing up the carburetors.

[Richard230]

You can write your Congressperson all you want complaining about your fuel containing mashed corn drippings, but unless you send along a few million dollars in your letter, all you will be receiving in more corn squeezings. (Now the big dash is to increase the percentage of included ethanol in your fuel to 15%, that no motorcycles or off-road vehicles can stomach.) Meanwhile, the price of corn and corn tortillas goes up in Mexico. 

[Arizoni]

The times I checked out the stations listed on some of the web sites that show filling stations that sell alcohol free gasoline in Arizona I found that they didn't have any.

I have found several places that do sell alcohol free gasoline but they all are in the business of selling racing fuel and they want an arm, a leg and part of your rectum as payment for it.
They also want you to sign a form that swears you will only use the fuel off road in a racing environment and lying about it is punishable by the law.

[Richard230]

The times I checked out the stations listed on some of the web sites that show filling stations that sell alcohol free gasoline in Arizona I found that they didn't have any.

I have found several places that do sell alcohol free gasoline but they all are in the business of selling racing fuel and they want an arm, a leg and part of your rectum as payment for it.
They also want you to sign a form that swears you will only use the fuel off road in a racing environment and lying about it is punishable by the law.

Sounds like California is moving east. 

[suitcasejefferson]

I am taking a trip up to Portland OR next week to visit relatives (in a car) I found a dealer called Triumph of Seattle that sells RE. They have Himalayans in stock, and allow test rides. I'm going to take a run up there and check one out again. My only issue has been getting on it. The riders seat is fine, but I found it difficult to swing my leg over the passenger seat getting on. But I really like this bike, and have a couple of other bikes I don't really want anymore that I can sell to pay for most of it, and make room for it.

[Bilgemaster]

Sounds like a plan. I hear and see only good things about the Himis. Affordable off-road competence. As for me,  I spent the afternoon looking over a forlorn '95 1200 Sportster in blue. Pictures and commentary to follow as a separate topic soon if I wind up adopting this rescue scoot...

[9fingers]

Suitcasejefferson, I am a little late to this thread but wanted to comment. I went to the NYC bike show Saturday to check out the new 650s and  I have to say, while I was there, I checked out the Himalayan and was very impressed. It looks and feels right and was just super comfortable. I watched all the YouTube videos I could find and this thing is pretty cool! I could see myself getting one. After riding bikes between 154lbs and 204lbs most of my life....see list below......I can't quite get my head around riding a 400lb bike off road, but I watched people do it successfully on the videos and it was clear the bike was pretty good even if some of the riders were not that good. As for getting a leg up over the back? Yes, it is a bit of a stretch. Maybe try the method used by hotshot cowboys in the old westerns and jump off something high and land in the saddle..........then again, maybe not. Please let us know after your test ride.
9fingers

[Beardo]

I'm 5'9. Short of leg and too many injuries.

How I get on the Himalayan?

Bike on side stand. Left boot on the peg. Lift myself up. And over goes my right leg, with much less lifting height involved.

As for this 421 pound dual sport motorcycle offroad?

Way better than it ever has a right to be, according to paper specs. The center of gravity, and suspension that is over achieving, it is one set of narley 10/90 tires to allow it to climb the side of a mountain.

You won't be going fast. You'll just be going...

[9fingers]

And supposedly adding an EJK or maybe a Powertronic, does wonders for the power and responsiveness.
9fingers

[Beardo]

Of those two systems, from what information there is by actual users of the products, seems the PowerTronic is heads and shoulders above the EJK. And for good reason, it covers tha gamut, whereas the EJK, is simply as the name implies, Electronic Jet Kit.

Nothing 'wrong' with the EJK, mind you. I've used them on other motorcycles. I had never heard of PowerTronic until I got the 2013 Bullet, a month ago.

[suitcasejefferson]

Well, I have sold two of my 6 bikes, the 2016 Rebel, and my 2001 Yamaha XT225 (which is harder to get on and off of than the Himalayan) I have been to the local dealer and sat on the Himalayan 3 times. I have watched a lot of YouTube videos about it. I was able to get on the seat ok with nothing on the rear portion. However, I would likely have an issue getting on it with something strapped to the rear part of the seat. I am waiting on my tax refund. Right now I'm planning to spend it on a new Himalayan.

Despite the fact that I love the looks of the Interceptor twin, I'll pass on that. From all the videos I've seen on it it just seems too smooth and quiet. I love the sound and feel of my 2013 Bullet, but not the reliability. I've had to have it hauled home 3 times since buying it new. But I have a 2006 H-D Sportster 1200 which satisfies my desire for a bike with character. And it has yet to break down. I will still keep the Bullet and ride it once in a while. It is not worth trying to sell. A 6 year old RE converted to an Amal carb has almost no resale value.

[9fingers]

SuitcaseJefferson, what were the issues that led to your breakdowns on the C5? I am guessing at least one of them was the small negative lead at the battery? Mine broke at around 1,000 miles, if I recall correctly. But no issues in the next 1200 miles.......well the sidestand did cut out once on me, but I figured that out quickly. I am riding the full length of the Blue Ridge Parkway, both directions thru Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, in August, and I will have my fingers crossed......all 9 of them.
9fingers