re: Royal Enfield Motorcycles

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I know nothing about any of this. Can you explain why so I can incorporate that into my research. Like I said, a bike purchase is at least 5 years away for me so I am looking for info just like this to stop from making a poor choice.

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When you are on a motorcycle and there are big trucks nearby the wind buffets you. Open highways like the causeway are also prone to strong winds that do the same thing. On a lightweight motorcycle that wind buffeting shakes you and makes you feel like you might lose control. It can be unpleasant even on some big bikes but it can be terrifying on small bikes.

If you're riding a bike that is nearly tapped out, you are stressing the motor, it may be somewhat buzzy and unpleasant just from motor vibrations. Top speed on any vehicle is largely a matter of wind resistance. Add in a 10-15mph headwind on a small underpowered bike you can find yourself struggling to get away from big trucks on the highway.

In most of the world there are a plethora of roads w/ lower speed limits in 35-50 mph range - a 350cc RE can make a lot of sense there. Here in the US where you will be routinely operating at 55-70mph that bike is going to feel underpowered and overwhelmed.

A 40hp bike isn't a hot rod by any stretch, that's just kind of the floor for a bike that you plan on using regularly on US highways ( not freeways/ Interstates). The 650 will be much more pleasant to ride. The 450 Himalayan will also be much nicer (Liquid cooled, 40ish hp).

I understand the attraction to the lower price point, for a simple easy to ride bike, but I think you will be making a mistake. Take a course, get your endorsement, get some gear and then try renting a few bikes just to get some feel for how different bikes ride.

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