Buying recommendation: Benelli TRK251x vs. RE Himalayan 400

[CLW]

Hello everyone,

 

I've narrowed down my preferences to those two models (Benelli TRK251x vs. RE Himalayan 400) for a new / 2nd hand bike purchase.

 

Asking you guys for any recommendations or experience for people who own / riding those bikes.

 

Any input is appreciated!

[Kwasaki]

Ride both and choose yourself the one you like.

Everyone's opinion is different.

[Agusts]

.... 

 

Edited December 10, 2020 by Agusts

[JonnyF]

Given a choice of these 2, I'd probably buy the Versys 300.

[CLW]

2 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Given a choice of these 2, I'd probably buy the Versys 300.

Also worth a look. Just found a few good second hand deals.

 

Any particular reason why you would suggest the Kawa Versys 300?

[JonnyF]

16 minutes ago, CLW said:

Also worth a look. Just found a few good second hand deals.

 

Any particular reason why you would suggest the Kawa Versys 300?

 

Kawasaki are incredibly reliable and have a very good dealer support network in Thailand. I don't think I could say the same for Benelli or Royal Enfield to be honest. I'm not slating those brands, I just don't think they're in the same league as Kawasaki.

 

The parallel twin on the Kawi is smooth and bullet proof. I still have a 2008 Ninja 250 which I bought from new and I ride it like I stole it and never had any issues. The 300 Versys has around 40 HP compared to under 30 on the Royal Enfield and Benelli.

[Agusts]

16 minutes ago, CLW said:

Also worth a look. Just found a few good second hand deals.

 

Any particular reason why you would suggest the Kawa Versys 300?

 

I deleted my post before, as you specifically asked if someone own our rode those bikes, but a used, even high mileage, Kawa Versys 300 or Honda CB500X would be better option unless the price is very different...

 

Better reliability, more shops and dealers to get repairs and spare parts, a bit more power, more aftermarket parts - even more advise and groups to join and get help and feedback, and finally better after sale value - one day you want to sell your bike...!

 

[guzzi850m2]

I agree with JonnyF and Agusts getting a bike from the "big 4" is properly the best all things considered. 

 

The Himalayen however will be the best if you really like your off-roading and are planning on going to India on it but app 24hp isn't really something to be excited about, around 100km/h cruising speed? I think there was a young lady from Europe riding all over the world on one?

I am crazy about the Interceptor 650 myself I must admit and will not rule out, I buy one, one day, they are really beautiful bikes and cheap too, sometimes you just have to follow your heart and not your brain, 555. 

 

 

Ahh found it:

 

 

[Agusts]

Very true guzzi..., OP if something really specially tickle your fancy about those bikes, and like the look or handling etc. , go for it... , it's not all doom and gloom, many do buy RE and Benelli bikes.....

 

I actually love the Benelli Leoncino 500 as oppose to boring CB500F, and might one day lose my senses and buy one...!!! ????

 

[teacherclaire]

OP, more cc's can't be replaced by anything else. 24 horses is underpowered and riding on a highway with 90, or 100 can be boring.

 

    I agree that the Kawa might be the better option, i do not like RE and their materials they are using.

 

     The Benelli is only good if you can do a lot of stuff by yourself. Getting parts might be a huge problem.

 

    But go for a test ride and decide what's best for you. I ride an 1100 cc Cruiser, others love the rice cooking reng deng deng bikes that do 250 km/h and more.

 

You are the one who has to like the bike. Read a lot about them and ride them. 

 

P.S. My apologies for the rant about some sports bikes. I just don't like the handling, how you sit on them and the time consuming repairs. Even a spark plug change can take a long time.

 

Only to remove the fairing is difficult, these bikes are made to ride them I feel sorry for those who have to fix them. 

 

But why would I put countless stickers on my bike to make advertisement for all sorts of parts? Some might get the feeling to be a pu magnet, but that's not the case. 

 

Don't pay for 80 % plastic, buy something that you still like in two years. 

 

It's similar to girls. Would we all like blondes, there'd be a huge problem. Go for it! 

 

  

 

    

Edited December 10, 2020 by teacherclaire

[CLW]

I'm so glad that I asked this question here and somehow reminded me of the Versys 300 again. New it's too expensive for me and the last time I looked for second hand models there were almost none available. In fact, in the past the Kawa was my favourite because it has three important things: Two cylinder engine, more HP and slipper clutch.

[Agusts]

See if anything useful:

 

https://www.bahtsold.com/quicksearch2?s=Versys&c=&ca=689&pr_from=0&pr_to=NULL&top=0&lang=en