Great review and thanks for the your observations on the differences between the two. I've had my Himalayan for almost a year now and still enjoying it, it is very much a state of mind when riding.
A couple of other things to mention, it will loosen up and be much nicer to ride in a couple of thousand miles, the engines are built tight and do benefit from running in. If looking to keep one I'd steer clear of ex demonstrators, as they will have not been run in as they're advised. That's one of the downsides, the first 300 miles at not more than 40mph followed by up to 50mph for until 1500 miles (might be 1200, I forget).
From what I've read, the Himalayan wasn't designed as a first world bike, that's the role of the Interceptor and Continental and the new 350 engine (Meteor etc), it will come with added character which might not always be appreciated, bolts coming loose, head gasket/rocker leaks, steering bearings made of cheese (like the F650GS
), ancillary OEM parts which won't fit properly (pannier frames, engine guards, racks), the misting clocks and for some, but not all bikes the infuriating stalling, which will iron itself out. Ah, also the compass, it'll work if the bike is ridden lots, the complaints come from bids who only occasionally use their bikes. Be prepared.
However, a lovely bike which puts the joy back into motorcycling for me.
Lastly, I'll try not to mention that 'B' word in my trip reports in future... Bimble
of course YMMV