I went to my local RE dealer and tried both the interceptor and the Himalayan. The interceptor was better in every respect. Brakes, engine , aesthetics, handling.
I still find myself weirdly drawn to the Himalayan. Something about it's looks, its clunkiness, the weird compass.
I'm 6"3 so both aren't comfortable but I can adapt. They will both be just fun runabouts, maybe a long trip or two.
My last bike was a 2020 Triumph Scrambler. Way too fast and unmechanical for me. I like the old school feeling. I want something slow and fun, not a death machine. After crashing my sports bike at 100mph, I've lost my nerve.
Anyway give me your 2 cents on going with the Himalayan as in about to pull the trigger.
I own both, a 2018 Himalaya and a 2020 Interceptor. And prefer the Himalayan, though not by much. If you're a go fast guy look elsewhere, neither bike will suit you. But if you think you'd be happy on light, moderately powered bike that combines great handling, decent brakes and balanced power with reliability and good looks you've come to the right place.
From a technical perspective the Interceptor does have an advantage, especially if you're a pure road rider, and if that's the case you might be better off on one.
If you want to explore back roads, dirt roads and no roads, take a good look at the Himalayan, they're slow as death, but they handle well, are comfortable and reliable to a fault. They are also easy to maintain, don't need a whole of attention, and are easy to repair if something does break. Fuel mileage averages around 75 miles per gallon if that's a consideration. There are also a ton accessories available and plenty of information about them, especially on this forum. I've owned over 50 new motorcycles in my day, and this is by far my very favorite.
If you prefer a roadster type motorcycle go for the Interceptor, all of the above applies, though I wouldn't recommend riding it down any single track. The Interceptors can be ridden deceptively quick so don't let the perceived lack of power put you off.
My concern is that at 6' 3" neither bike will fit you very well, but like they say, that's a you problem, not a me problem. At 5'10" 175lbs both my bikes are more than comfortable.
The attached photo was taken on top of Mount Washington NH, about halfway through a four day tour of Vermont and New Hampshire.
BTW, I was in the motorcycle industry for over 40 years, and have ridden or raced just about everything that's come down the pike, so I am speaking from some experience.
Topic: Talk me out of it (Read 2438 times)