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February 5, 2023February 5, 2023

Magnum Motorsports Handlebar For RE Himalayan – Review

Recently my friend had a minor crash and as always, the handlebar was the first thing to give in. So this time once again I decided to switch to a different handlebar. I had the AOM handlebar before and wanted to install it again, but it was a little over my budget. So I was on the hunt for a cheaper alternative but not low in quality.

So just in time our very own INRC rally champion and off-road instructor Asad Khan and his team at Magnum Motorsports came up with their adventure handlebars for the Himalayan and Xpulse. And so I got it installed and here’s my review. I’ll compare it with the stock and AOM’s handlebar because I’ve used both before.

I had the privilege to be trained in off-road riding by one of India’s best rally racers, Mr Asad Khan. He’s a 5-time INRC rally champion and the Hero’s first national dirt racing champion. He conducts train the tracks and trails in Bangalore and Chikamaglur and for those of you who want to up your skill in motorcycles, be it on-road or off-road, it’s worth checking it out.

His team at Magnum Motorsports have come up with this handlebar design after thoroughly testing it on track and off. But don’t worry I will try my maximum not to be biased in my opinion about this handlebar.

This handlebar has two advantages, one disadvantage and one suggestion from my side that I would’ve liked on this handlebar.

Advantages / Pros of the Magnum Motorsports Handlebar

1. Superior built quality

The first pro of this handlebar is its built quality. I’m yet to fall and crash with this handlebar and so I cannot quite comment on its durability but just by the look and feel of it, you can easily make out that it’s much more durable and sturdy than the stock ones.

2. Better riding and saddling ergonomics

The second main pro is that it improves riding ergonomics. It’s taller and wider than stock but not as wide as the AOM handlebar. So you can easily manoeuvre the bike in city traffic without the handlebar taking up too much of your headroom. It’s perfectly bent at the handles.

While touring you have a nicely rested arm position and while saddling when you go off-road, I can stand completely erect even though I’ve kept the handlebar a little lower than the normal position to suit my T-rex arms.

This handlebar is compatible with the stock configurations and the stock knuckle guards and bar end weights.

Disadvantages / Cons of the Magnum Motorsports Handlebar

Mild increase in vibration

The only disadvantage this handlebar has are the vibrations. Even the AOM handlebar had the same issue but this isn’t as bad as AOM’s. Handlebar starts buzzing at around 100 kph and gets worse as you go higher. You can live with it but it requires a little getting used to. If vibrations bother you a lot, stick to the stock ones.

The main attraction to this handlebar is its pricing. It’s 1400 rs for the Himalayan and they ship it across the country. For the advantages this handlebar has over the stock and even AOM’s, this is definitely a steal.

It would’ve been great if they provided some sort of branding to the handlebar. The logo of Magnum Motorsports looks very good and It’d have looked great on this centrepiece of the handlebar. That’s one thing I miss compared to the AOM’s.

So that’s my honest review of the handlebar. For those looking to tour with the Himalayan and for off-road adventures, this handlebar is miles ahead of the stock one and I’d definitely recommend you get it over the AOM’s. The vibes are definitely there at higher speeds but it’s not a deal breaker IMO.

Check out the video review of Magnum Motorsports Handlebar –

January 28, 2023January 24, 2023

Rolon Brass Chain And Sprocket Review

After 26000km of use, my chain and sprocket started giving issues. I agree the chain sprockets can last longer than that but I’m guessing I didn’t give it great care as required. Anyways it was time to swap the set for a new one.

I heard a lot about the Rolon brass coated chain and sprocket from many Himalayan owners. So even though it was more expensive (3100 INR) than the stock kit (around 2000INR), I decided to go for it. Here’s my review.

1. Silent operation of Rolon Brass Chain And Sprocket

The brass-coated chain is way more silent than the stock one. It’s so silent that you can hear more of the engine and exhaust note with every rev. The bike feels a lot calmer while cruising.

2. Smoother ride

The usual clunkiness of the stock chain is gone. The bike feels a lot smoother now. Maybe it’s because of the silence too but overall it feels a lot smoother.

Although the company promises better performance, I’m yet to notice any real-world improvement in power and torque.

The brass-coated chain has two major advantages.

It needs less frequent lubing than the stock chain.
It’s more durable and last longer than the stock chain and sprocket.

These advantages are yet to play out in the long run because as of now I’ve ridden with this chain sprocket kit for less than 2k km now. For the smoothness and silence this chain sprocket kit offers, it’s totally worth switching over.

If you’d like to check out the entire list of mods that I have done to Nino, whether it’s useful or not so useful, I’ve done a separate article and you can check it out here.

Here’s the article summed up in a video on my channel –

January 21, 2023January 21, 2023

How to wash motorcycle riding gear?

Motorcycle riding gears are made from the toughest pieces of fabric to withstand the shear forces you suffer from in the event of a fall. Yet, it is so delicate that one wrong wash can destroy it. Here are some tips on how to wash your motorcycle riding gear.

How to wash riding jackets and pants?

Riding jackets and pants can be of mesh material, fully waterproof ones or a mixture of both. Both jackets and pants need equal care while washing. Here are some dos and don’ts on how to wash your motorcycle jacket/pants.

Remove all the protective padding from the jacket or pants before washing.
If your motorcycle riding jacket/pant has some tough stain, wipe them off as much as possible with a damp cloth and a mild soap solution.
Close all the zips.
Soak the jacket or pants in plain water for 10-15 minutes. Do not soak them along with the detergent. This will cause the reflective lining to wear off.
Use a delicate machine/hand wash technique with the mildest detergent available.
Do not twist or squeeze for drying. Allow it to dry under the shade.
If your jacket/pants are made of leather, follow the specific wash instructions given on the label.

How to wash riding gloves and boots?

Riding gloves and boots may have parts made of leather. The best way to wash them is by wiping the dirt off with a damp cloth and a mild detergent.

Do not soak them or use machine wash as this might cause the leather and the glue to wear off. Dry them under the shade and not in direct sunlight.

How to wash helmet lining and balaclava?

Soak the detachable helmet lining in plain water and then wash in a machine or with hand using delicate techniques. Dry them under the shade only.

How to wash rain gear?

Wash rain gears under running water or wiped with a damp cloth. Usually, no detergent is needed but if there’s a tough stain, use a mild detergent. Never machine wash them or use twisting techniques to dry them. Dry them under the shade only.

Riding gear lasts a very long time if given the proper care it deserves. Use specific instructions as given in the instruction manual for riding gears for better results. If the gear is severely damaged, replace it with a new one. I hope this information on how to wash motorcycle riding gear was helpful.

Check out the article summed up in a video on my channel –

January 14, 2023January 14, 2023

Is Solo Motorcycle Touring The Best? Pros and Cons

Freedom, wind and peace. These words have deeper meanings and emotions attached to them when it comes to solo motorcycle touring.

While one might argue that solo touring is better than group touring, here are a few pros and cons to solo motorcycle touring.

Pros of solo motorcycle touring

1. Freedom

Freedom is the biggest perk to touring solo on a bike. You get to set your timelines, schedules, and itineraries and make impulsive decisions to feed your adventure needs on the go. You can relax and take break days when you feel tired without worrying about dragging anyone behind.

2. Making new connections

You mostly tend to stay in your group when you ride as a group. While you ride solo, you will be forced to interact with strangers for help or companionship. This opens up a new world of socialisation even to the shyest introverts.

You will get to meet people, be a part of their group, learn about new cultures, listen to stories and the list goes on. It’s a surreal experience.

3. Enjoy moments at your own pace

This goes out for all the introverted and shy folks like me. When you tour alone, you can stop at every sight that moves you and get emotional without feeling embarrassed.

When you are one with nature and with no one around, you can smile, sing, dance or even cry without fearing judgment. That’s something every solo motorcycle trip promises to offer.

Cons of solo motorcycle touring

1. Safety risk

Solo riders are more vulnerable than group riders. Often solo camping and riding in remote locations come with their fair share of the risk of being confronted by animals or humans.

Avoiding riding in the dark and riding in remote locations with proper communication and navigation equipment are some of the ways to mitigate the risk involved. Moreover having each other’s back in case of any health or motorcycle emergency is a big plus point of riding with a group.

2. Expensive

Solo rides tend to be more expensive. Often you’ll get only double bedded rooms to stay in and will have to pay two person charges. The same goes for tickets to tourist attractions, fuel, food and public transportation tickets.

3. Loneliness

At times riding long hours on the highway can get boring. Loneliness hits at the least expected moments and you’ll wish you had somebody to talk to. Taking a break and calling someone back home can be refreshing in these moments.

With all that being said, choosing to travel solo or as a group boils down to personal preference after weighing the pros and cons. With my experience in riding alone, I would anytime choose to travel solo because of the unique experience you get.

I’d prefer riding with a group in remote locations such as Ladakh and on difficult off-road trails. The only way to know which would suit you better is to try both. Ride safe.

Check out the pros and cons of solo motorcycle touring in a video format here –

January 7, 2023January 7, 2023

8 Motorcycle Pillion Rider Tips for Safety And Comfort

Riding a pillion doesn’t reduce the safety risk in any way. Here are 8 pillion rider tips to follow to ensure maximum safety and comfort.

1. Wear full protective riding gear

Always be equipped with the full riding gear as the rider. Wear an appropriate helmet, jacket, pants, boots and gloves. Never neglect the importance of proper riding gear for the pillion as the chances of the pillion getting hurt in the event of a fall are almost equal to the rider.

2. Use a pillion backrest

Fix an aftermarket backrest on your bike. This goes a long way in ensuring maximum comfort for the pillion rider.

3. Never let your hands be free

Pillion riders should always have at least one of their hand holding onto the grab rail at all times. Never let your both hands be free as you never know when the rider intends to brake or accelerate.

4. Keep your thighs close to the seat

Never let your legs sway away from the bike. This is will lead to unnecessary wind resistance and loss of balance. Keep your thighs close to the seat.

5. Never try to steer the motorcycle

Often the first instinct for pillion riders, when they see the oncoming traffic at a fast pace, would be to use his/her body weight to try and steer the bike to the opposite side. This is dangerous.

Trust the rider and keep yourself rigid to maintain the balance and thus make it easier for the rider to steer and control.

6. Never distract the rider

As tempting as it is to show the rider the unexpected sights you see on the side, it comes at a great cost to safety. The rider should always focus on the road and the immediate roadside.

If you have something to bring his/her attention to, signal him to slow down or stop the bike first.

7. Use helmet mounted Bluetooth intercoms for communication

Maintaining communication with the rider is vital. The rider has to be kept engaged so that he/she doesn’t dose off on long highway hauls. Do not try to talk through the helmet while riding. The wind noise makes it difficult to both speak and hear. Use helmet-mounted Bluetooth intercoms for communication.

8. Practice!

Practice riding pillion for short distances before you take on long highway hauls. Pillion riders tend to fatigue faster as they receive more impact of the road and have less seating real estate. So practice riding short distances first to get comfortable with the rider and the bike.

Pillion riders can also have a good time on a motorcycle without compromising safety. Never neglect the importance of gears and practice for the best safety and comfort. Follow these pillion rider tips and enjoy your long highway hauls.

Check out this article in a video below –

October 22, 2022October 22, 2022

6 good practices for a motorcycle rider / 6 motorcycle riding tips

Motorcycling is an art. Every form of art requires good practice to improve and become better at it day by day.

With the safety of the rider being the ulterior motive, here are the 6 best motorcycle riding tips for beginners and experts alike. Keep these motorcycle riding tips in mind for your short and long journeys alike.

1. Check the basic functions of your motorcycle every day

Turn on all the indicators and lights, sound the horn, check the chain slack, inspect the tyres, inspect the oil levels, start the engine, and look for any abnormal noises. An issue caught at the moment of inspection can avert a major disaster while you are on the journey.

2. Start your day’s journey early in the morning

I make it a point to start my ride at the break of dawn and end by sunset. This practice gives good legroom for any delay that can occur in between due to your ill health or your bike’s ill health. Also, it avoids all the dangers of riding in the dark.

3. Take frequent breaks, stretch and hydrate

The long monotonous highway riding tires your body faster than you know. Taking a 5 – 10 minute break for every 1 – 2 hour ride can relax all the tense muscles and recharge you to continue your ride. Do some basic stretches and hydrate yourself well. Know more about diet and exercise you can follow while travelling here.

4. Have frequent meals and in small quantities

Heavy meals can make you feel sleepy. Try to eat in small quantities whenever you take a break and keep the heavy meals at the end of a day’s journey.

Another practice to avoid sleepiness during the day is to make sure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep prior to your journey. Read more on that here.

5. Plan every move of your trip ahead of time

Although as exciting as it sounds to make impulse decisions on the go, practically this can wear you down faster and expose you to risky situations.

Every move might not go according to plan either but the ones that do, open up even more possibilities of unplanned excitement with much less risk involved.

6. Know the basic repairs of your motorcycle

Small punctures can leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere and a lack of mechanics around can leave you with a minor cable issue making your journey to a dead halt.

Here are the basic repairs you should know and what spares to carry on your next trip.

Avoid unnecessary complications and enjoy your trip to the fullest with these tips for motorcycle riders. As always good practices will keep you going long and strong throughout your journey.

October 15, 2022October 15, 2022

Staying Fit While Travelling – Diet, Workout and Sleep Tips

how to stay fit while travelling diet workout and other tips to stay healthy while on vacation

Travel comes with its own share of compromises on a lifestyle routine. Eating habits, workouts and sleep routines get disturbed by ever-changing vacation plans.

While it’s difficult to work out while on vacation or eat healthy food while travelling, it’s not impossible to be fit while travelling if you follow a few tips to keep routines in balance.

What should you eat while travelling?

Keeping your diet in check forms the base of the fitness pyramid. It’s easy to lose track of your calorie intake while you are on vacation. Giving in to your cravings can make you take a few steps back on your fitness journey.

Here are a few things you can do to minimise the effect of travel on your diet.

As always, eat whole foods. Healthy meals while travelling include 2/3rd of the plate of a lean protein source (grilled or baked chicken, beef, tofu, eggs) with adequate amounts of vegetables and fruits and the rest 1/3rd of the plate can be a complex carbohydrate source (potato, rice, dry rotis).
Avoid high sugar and fat-containing food products like pastries and fried snacks. They add up unnecessary calories and won’t fill you too.
Eat in small quantities frequently as this helps keep your hunger in check and won’t make you sleepy while travelling as would be the case with a heavy meal. My go-to snack is all-natural peanut butter and whole wheat bread that I always store in my tank bag.
Hydrate yourself well. Don’t let the fear of not having clean toilet access deter you from hydrating yourself well. Take frequent toilet breaks as this helps in refreshing you to continue driving down the road.
Make sure you have your meals from relatively hygienic eat-outs although you cannot ensure cleanliness every time. Avoid street food stalls and cheap local eateries. They might be easy on your pocket but can cost your health big time.

How to workout while on vacation?

What if I told you that you carry a gym with you every day? Yes, your body is your gym. Callisthenics and body weight exercises are your best bet workout while on vacation.

Here’s a simple 1-hour travel workout routine I follow in my hotel room after/before a day’s travel.

Whole body workout while travelling

Warmup & dynamic stretches
Pushup – 3 sets till failure
Pull-up – 3 sets till failure
Lying leg raise – 3 sets till failure
Ab crunches – 3 sets till failure
Pistol squats – 3 sets till failure
Sliding leg curls – 3 sets till failure
Static stretches

Mix, match and improvise any variations of these exercises according to your liking. The goal is to keep your muscle stimulus active until you hit the gym back home. If you get access to a hotel gym, make use of it!

Don’t lose your sleep during vacation

Never lose your sleep while travelling, especially if you are driving/riding. I’ve seen and heard people crashing because they dozed off on the road. In many cases, they haven’t gotten enough sleep the previous night.

Heavily relying on coffee to keep you awake while driving/riding isn’t a foolproof method to get you through long distances. Make sure you get at least 7 – 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep in the nights before your drive/ride.

Postpone your ride/drive if you’ve had a night of partying or staying up late due to any circumstance. Never push your body beyond its limits or it’ll sure give up in the least expected moment.

Never let travel hinder or slow down your fitness routines and goals. Instead, let your vacation be a break your mind and body deserve without compromising the fitness gains you’ve achieved so far. Follow these tips and stay fit while travelling.

Watch this article summed up in a video here –

October 1, 2022October 15, 2022

Which Motorcycle Should I Buy? – Types Of Motorcycles

There are varieties of motorcycles in the Indian market to choose from. Which motorcycle should I buy? Based on your needs, there are motorcycles that can do one job perfectly and there are others who can do a bit of everything.

I will broadly classify the types of motorbikes and their primary mode of function or use so that you’ll get an answer to ‘Which motorcycle should I buy?’

Types of motorcycles available on the Indian market.

City Commuters

City commuters are generally 100 – 150cc scooters and bikes that are just powerful and comfortable enough for city rides. They are usually lightweight, have an upright seating posture and are easy to manoeuvre in city traffic. Eg Activa, Splendor.

Naked Street Bikes

Bikes with exposed engines and surroundings with a bit of sporty aggression are common in our streets. They are good for city commutes as well as short-distance highway touring. They have larger capacity engines ranging from 150 to even 1000cc ones. Dukes, Pulsars.

Cruisers

Perhaps motorcycles with the most upright seating ergonomics, cruisers are meant for long-distance highway touring. Their wide and tall handlebars, plush seats and forward-placed foot pegs make long highway hauls easy. They can be a bit difficult on city roads due to their heavy weight but are still manageable. Eg Classic, Meteor, Avenger.

Sports Tourers

Resembling a sports bike, they have the most aggressive seating ergonomics in the group. They are meant to go fast on the highways owing to their aerodynamic design. Sports tourers are difficult for city commutes due to their wider turning radius and low ground clearance. eg R15, RCs, Gixer SFs

Dirt Bikes

Although not very common on Indian roads, dirt bikes are the most suitable ones. Their long travel suspension, larger radius tyres and better low-end torque offer great advantages in riding harsh off-road terrain. New models are coming up on the market as these bikes have gained popularity over the years. eg Xpulse with rally kit, Impulse.

Dual purpose ADVs

ADV bikes offer the best of both worlds – cruisers and dirt bikes. The upright seating ergonomics and long travel suspension offer great highway touring and moderate off-road riding capabilities. Their popularity has skyrocketed in the Indian market over the past decade due to their versatility. eg Himalayan, KTM ADVs

There are many more types of motorcycles that ply on our roads. A few examples would be scramblers, roadsters, retro bikes, bobbers, and so on. These ones are not very common and their functionality can be attributed to one of the above-mentioned ones.

Which motorcycle should I buy?

When deciding which motorcycle to buy you should ask yourself which functionality I use the most in my daily life. Is it city commuting, long-distance touring or even dirt racing? Find a motorcycle type that fits your need overall. This can help you narrow down your available choices and thus make your decision faster.

Watch the article summed up in a video here

August 6, 2022September 18, 2022

3 Best Monsoon Riding Tips To Make Your Ride In The Rain, Safer

Monsoon riding is a different feel altogether for riders. The long western ghat routes to the beach routes during the monsoon are simply a joy to ride on. And to top it all off, is the highway chai!

I’m sure everyone reading this would be imagining their experience riding during the monsoon. If you haven’t already, it’s high time you experience it.

As good as it sounds, monsoon riding is risky compared to any other day. The roads are wet, visibility is low and it can get cold and uncomfortable. I’ll share with you 3 best monsoon riding tips to make your ride in the rain, safer.

1. Tools & Gear: Using adequate rain gear

Assuming that you have proper riding gear, you must use adequate rain gear to keep your riding gear dry. I use Decathlon’s Rain jacket and pants that are a size larger than my riding gear so that it fits fine. They are very durable, high quality and cheap too.

It’s good to have a pair of shoe covers as well even if your shoes are waterproof. You can get one from amazon for a good price.

Buy it here!

Normally I don’t use riding gloves while it’s raining but it’s recommended to use gloves even when it rains. You can get waterproof gloves or use waterproof hiking gloves from Decathlon over your riding gloves.

Coming to the helmet, it’s good to have a pin lock visor to prevent fogging. I’ve never used hydrophobic coatings on the visor but If anyone of you have tried it, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it!

You can check out all my riding gear here – https://bulletstrings.com/motorcycle-riding-gear-review/

2. Preparation is Prevention: How to prepare your motorcycle for the monsoon ride

Your motorcycle needs its fair share of preparations when it comes to monsoon riding. Start with the tyres. Your tyre grip matters a lot in wet conditions to provide you with better stability and braking. If your tyres are nearly worn, change them before your monsoon ride.

The chain will need frequent cleaning and lubrication due to its exposure to slush and muck. And so I advise that carry all the tools needed for chain maintenance when you head out during the monsoon.

Braking performance also tends to be low while riding in the rain. Be sure to replace your brake pads a little before its usual schedule.

Overall keep your motorcycle in good health. Get a thorough check-up done before a monsoon ride and get it serviced if that’s due. Keep a spare set of cables, fuses and fluids just in case.

3. Safety Visibility and Responsibility: Precautions for a responsible trip.

Last but not the least are the steps you need to take as a responsible rider to enjoy your monsoon ride

Since the visibility is generally poor due to the rain or fog, drive slower than you would normally do on a sunny day. 20-30 kmph slower than your average would be ideal. That’ll give you more confidence in both braking and acceleration.

Make yourself visible. Four wheeler drivers tend to miss riders in oncoming traffic due to the general low visibility and due to smaller sizes of bikes compared to cars or trucks. So it becomes our responsibility to make our presence known. Use indicators, always have the headlamps on and sound horn around the corners or before overtaking.

In general, take frequent breaks, hydrate yourself well and get a good night’s sleep before you head out.

PRO TIP

Check the weather online before you head out. Take another route or wait another day if there are alerts of bad weather.

You can watch the entire best monsoon riding tips summed up in a video here –

Check out my post on all the motorcycle accessories that failed – https://bulletstrings.com/5-motorcycle-accessories-that-failed/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it okay to ride bike in rain?

It’s safe to ride bike in rain provided you take necessary precautions and wear adequate gear as mentioned above.

Is riding a motorcycle in the rain hard?

Riding a motorcycle in the rain is difficult compared to riding in dry weather condition. However with necessary precautions and gear, riding in the rain can be fun!

How do you stay dry while riding a motorcycle in the rain?

By using rain jacket and pant over your riding gear, using a waterproof show cover over your boots, full face helmet and waterproof gloves over your riding gloves, you can stay dry while riding a motorcycle in rain even for long hours.

Will my bike rust if I ride it in the rain?

Exposed metal parts on your bike are prone to rusting if you don’t wipe your bike dry after a ride in the rain or if it is parked in an area exposed to rain.

Should I dry my bike after rain?

It’s ideal to wash and wipe your bike dry after riding in the rain to reduce chances of rusting of exposed metal parts.

July 23, 2022September 2, 2022

Motul 15W 50 Semi Synthetic Engine Oil Review

My review of Motul 15W 50 semi synthetic engine oil for Himalayan

At 20000 km service of my RE Himalayan, I decided to change the engine oil myself and use the highly praised Motul 15W 50 Semi synthetic engine oil. After 4000 kms of riding, here’s my honest opinion of the oil. Spoilers – It’s good, not great.

Pros of Motul 15W 50 Semi Synthetic Engine Oil

There are 2 main pros I noticed with Motul 15W 50 Semi Synthetic Engine oil compared to the RE’s liquid gun engine oil.

1. Better engine heat management

The engine heat noticeably reduced with Motul’s engine oil. I rode the same stretch in Bangalore’s bumper to bumper traffic with the stock oil and Motul’s oil while wearing shorts.

The engine heat in traffic reduced to a point where it was not severely uncomfortable anymore but manageable. It’s not something very significant but helpful in daily commute.

2. Easier gear shifts

The usual clunky and hard gear shifts became slicker and smoother with Motul’s oil. Again it doesn’t make a world of a difference but it’s definitely noticeable and enjoyable. Anything that reduces the Himalayan’s notoriously difficult gear shifts are a welcome.

Cons of Motul 15W 50 Semi Synthetic Engine Oil

Now here are 2 main cons I thought of Motul 15W 50 Semi Synthetic Engine oil compared to the RE’s liquid gun engine oil.

1. Lower oil life

RE’s liquid gun performs well upto 7000 km after which the engine starts showing signs of burnt out oil. With Motul, it starts at 4000 km. Even though it outperforms the liquid gun, it wears faster.

2. Higher cost

Oil change with Liquid gun costs around 800 rs at the service center. Motul comes in 1L bottles of which each costs near to 600 rs and you’ll need 2 bottles at once.

Conclusion

Motul 15W 50 semi synthetic oil is better than RE Liquid in terms of engine cooling and gear shifts. It lacks the life of Liquid gun oil. There’s no other added benefits in performance or maintenance.

If you are someone who changes oil every 5000 km and is willing to spend few extra bucks, go for the Motul. If you want the maximum life out of the oil and don’t care about the better performance, stick to the Liquid gun oil.

As for me, I’d go with Motul from now on. Watch the video review below.

Watch and learn how to change the engine oil of the RE Himalayan below

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Motul 5100 15w50 fully synthetic?

Motul 15w 50 5100 engine oil is semi synthetic.

How long does Motul oil last?

Motul 15w 50 5100 engine oil lasts around 4000 Kms in the RE Himalayan.

Which engine oil is used in Royal Enfield?

15W 50 Semi synthetic engine oils are recommended for most of the Royal Enfield motorcycles including the Himalayan.

Can we use 20w50 instead of 15w50?

Yes you can use 20w 50 instead of 15w50 but it’s better to follow the company recommended grade for better life of the engine.

Can I use 15w40 instead of 15w50?

It’s ideal not to use 15W 40 in place of 15W 50 as the former is not good for high performance or high heat generating engines as it is less viscous than the latter.