[Richard230]

The June 2018 issue of Motorcycle Consumer News contains a full, instrumented, test of the RE Himalayan and compares it with the BMW G310GS, head to head.  They don't think much of the Himalayan.  They do like its slow-speed off road capabilities, its apparent ruggedness and "affordable ownership", but not much else.  They really hated its braking performance, Pirelli MT60 tires, didn't think too much of its build quality, lack of top-end power and very inaccurate speedometer.

I was surprised to see that the Himalayan's top speed is only 72 mph, but its speedometer shows 80 mph at that speed. When the speedometer shows 65 mph, the actual speed is only 59 mph. Measured wet weight is 434 pounds, fuel economy averaged only 52 mpg (the G310GS had an average of 60 mpg), braking from 60 mph took 148.5 feet (128.5 feet for the BMW) and several times the wheels locked up when braking hard (apparently there was no ABS on their test bike), 0-60 takes 9.77 seconds and the quarter mile was covered in a very slow 18 seconds, with a top speed of 72 mph (Slower than a 1962 Honda CB-250 Hawk). RPM at 65 mph is 5,200 and the rpm limit is 6,500.  Measured horsepower is 21.86 at 6,500 rpm and measured torque is 21.24 lb.-ft. at 4,500 rpm.

However, one thing the Himalayan really has going for it, in comparison to the BMW G310GS, is its low maintenance costs. A routine 6000 mile service costs only $160, with a 3K valve adjustment coming in at only $47.50.  These prices were furnished by RENA.  Compare that with the maintenance costs for the BMW G310GS (as provided by a local BMW shop). Routine 6K servicing is not bad (for a BMW) at $160, however getting the four valves adjusted will really hurt.  The total for parts and labor comes to $1,075!   

Even so, the BMW received an overall rating of 4.5 dots (out of 5), while the Himalayan only got three dots, about the lowest overall score that I can recall for one of their motorcycle evaluations. 

[Richard230]

I recalled that MCN performed a complete test of the RE Bullet Classic C5 in their April 2010 issue. I thought it might be interesting to include the results of that test in this thread.  Just keep in mind that the magazine has a new editor and new road testers.  I am not sure if they are still using the same dyno, but as you know dyno results can vary from day to day, much less from year to year, still the results should be in the ballpark.

The C5 made 19.86 hp at 4,250 rpm and 26.61 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. Maximum rpm on the dyno was 5,250. Measured top speed was 79.7 mph and it covered the 1/4 mile in 17.36 seconds at 71.38 mph. 0-60 took 11.41 seconds.  Stopping from 60 mph took 135.86 feet. The speedometer was just as inaccurate as the Himalayan's, reading 65 mph when the actual speed was 59.6 mph. The wet weight of the bike was measured as 418.5 pounds. The front forks were made by Paoli of India and had 5.1 inches of travel. Rear shocks had 3.2 inches of travel, no manufacturer was specified. Average gas mileage is listed as being 57.7 miles per gallon.

They liked the C5's good handling and authentic British styling, comfortable riding position and hassle-free reliability  . They didn't like it's lack of power, too much vibration, steering headshake at freeway speeds and that it is a "cult classic and not for everyone".  The 2010 C5 received a value of 4 dots out of five.

[Merrill]

A while back I began to wonder if moto- journalists wrote for the subscribers or for each other.  I suspected the latter,  Peter Egan being the exception.
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Peter seemed to consider the audience a machine drew and addressed them on that basis.   
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There was a day I put much stock in bike reviews.
I still  appreciate the  insight of others,  but weave in other things which are worth considering.
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For instance , yes, a two valve single with a long stroke will go flat on the top end.  But, that low end roll on torque is so sweet !! 
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The horsepower wars practically ruined motorcycling.
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By “today’s standard” the Himalayan appeals to me for what it is not......

[Morgan65]

The Motorcycle Consumer News review of the Himalayan was a hatchet job plain and simple.