Just completed a trundle across 40mph dartmoor, 95 miles on my bmw R1200RS and then straight on to the black Himalayan @ CMS Exeter for another hour. Swopping straight over the RE felt light, quick to turn, good brakes, easy smooth changing gearbox, seat in top height gives plenty of room for my solo use. Amazing bike, pleased I have mine on order, very responsive, no issues with handling, comfort and even the fuel consumption. This was their brand new demonstrator so only 4000rpm until first service but it was enough up to 50mph in traffic through to Cullompton. U turns when I got lost were very easy, good balance and throttle control all ok. Reset the fuel trip and at these speeds it topped out at 99.99 so in excess of 100 miles per gallon? Trip 2 was showing 86 on total mileage so I assume every test ride has been at low revs. Can't really comment on vibrations as this will probably change once the engines gets the first service and passes the second 6000 rpm limit, possiby 1000 miles? Obviously this route to break in/running in is only an option for owner riders rather than the current test riders. An honest review showing a good road test, thanks for your observations.
I think I must have test rode the same bike just before you at 10am yesterday and fully agree with you. I'm 6ft 5 and at top seat height was perfect for me. I will have the hanle black one next year when I have saved enough 😊
Morning. Nice review, and nice to see you come to similar conclusions as when I took one out. Yes you have to be in the right gear for the right situation, but other people should just ride it intuitively, and not over think it. I found riding through flooded lanes at 7mph in 2nd gear, was easy as, no lugging, then pulling cleanly away. It is a gem of a bike, easily coping with our knackered roads. As for it wanting to be revved, well the gearing is spot on, and yes it does enjoy being let off the leash to stretch it’s legs a bit. Vibes, I didn’t feel any on the one I rode, but I was treating it carefully as it only had 2 miles on the clock. I still cruised at 55-60mph on the dual carriageway, but still didn’t feel any vibes……maybe I am made of wood 😂 I tested the Himi 411, and just couldn’t get on with it, far to agricultural for me, but loved this from the moment I set off. Nice to hear another uk based opinion. Cheers
hi ian thanks for the feedback. yes i think, trying a few to make a comparison is important, that vibe thing could be different from bike to bike. it could be as simple as tyre pressures, suspension settings etc, just little things that might just tune it out a bit. im doing another episode looking at engine response and gearbox which il release tomorrow so watch out for that. safe riding
Fair review. Most RE reviews are like advertorials - This review is to the point, acknowledging the pros and cons of the bike and comparing it with what is available in the market. The KLR would be a great alternative.
The initial first service of the bike comes at 500 km. I don't think the press bike has been serviced yet. Replacement of oil and and cleaning of the oil filter as well as inspection and lubrication of necessary components is mandatory after first 500 km. That bike is almost 200 miles overdue. 😊
I test rode the new one and definitely felt l was not 'on' it. Also, it's not tall at 820mm seat height, l can flat foot it at 5ft 10". It's probably the lowest seat height for an adventure bike.
I found this video very instructive. I have a 411 and also a Transalp. I love them both. Totally agree with the resale thing. Selling the 411 is not an option. The second hand market has crashed, basically.
hi jane thanks for the comment, and yes, essentially the 411 is still the bike we love, it didn't suddenly become worthless because of its new big brother arriving. il keep enjoying my scram 411until it needs replacing. ride safe.
Only if u really ride out of paved roads. Most of u are scared to death to do so. For asphalt I can tell you another 8534799531368975477 bikes that are WAY better.
Good review. I think you’ve answered my main question. Is it £2.5K better than a new 411 or scram, even more if you go for a year old low mileage bike. I’ve got a 2018 411 & I think I’m more tempted to look at a newer 411 than the 452
yes indeed, the 411 hasn't suddenly become redundant because of the 450, its still a great option and the prices will be very tempting as dealer look to clear stock.
From what I understand from Indian press reports the 411 engine in the outgoing Himalayan and Scram is being retained for the updated Scram however, it is being tweaked to 440cc. Be interesting to see if it makes it to UK shores. I personally prefer an air cooled single. The new Himalayan for me seems to have lost that Royal Enfield DNA. Take the badges away and it could be any other bike. All very subjective I know and I hope it does well for RE, but not for me.
Good review. Regarding vibes on the NX500 which you mention here. A couple of days ago I had test rides on both the NX500 & CL500, I came away with pins and needles in my right foot which I still have 48hrs later. Lovely bikes spoilt by that engine which felt to me that it was revving a lot higher than it actually was. The 650 Interceptor and Honda NC750 on the other hand have a 270 crank and feel a lot smoother to me, so I’m wondering if it’s the 180 crank on the 471cc engine I can’t get on with.
Great to see some honest reviews coming now, too many influencers out there sitting on the fence for subs. I had the same experience with the nx500, felt like I was flogging the guts out of it, vibey through the bars, gear box felt a bit notchy aswell which surprised me, a bit cramped on the legs for me at 6ft 2. Lovely riding position though, suspension fit and finish etc. Personal opinion of course we are all different!
This is a good reliable bike good value ,but Royal Enfield needs a lowering kit ,thousands of shorter riders are missing out as the bike is to high for them even at low seat hight of 805 is still to high especially in Asia ,so Royal Enfield is missing out in thousands of orders because of the hight of the seat ,jimmy Australia ,I had to settle for a different brand of bike ,another thing they need not ,worry about the lean if they lowered the bike ,most don’t bother about sump clearance ,May be one day it will happen then I’ll trade in and buy one
Felt like going for a muddy stroll around the Ashdown Forest a couple of weeks ago and took my ancient-and-decrepit-looking-but still-goes-like-stink CB500 down to what looks like that very car park. Decided to press on as E Sussex council/Ashdown now charge motorbikes to park there and I'm a tight git. Sod 'em. (That Himalayan's a nice looking bike mind.)
"Great review," I think that people who take it off-road generally come away impressed, as opposed to those who judge it based solely on touring and commuting; they tend to be less impressed.
Nice honest review, I have only been able to sit on one at a bike show, struck me as a bit oversized but what really put me off was the elaborate brochure Enfield produced full of 'cool media bull' and PR crap. I wonder if a good secondhand Aprillia Pegaso at half the price is a better buy? A single is a single after all and the laws of physics still apply.
It's funny that everyone is 2nd guessing which way they should be pronouncing "Himalayan" thanks to Itchy Boots. Placing the stress on the third syllable is correct for English speakers. Boots just puts the stress on the 2nd syllable because that's how they pronounce it in India where she bought her first one.
Great review. Between the 450 and NX500 what would be your pick? I have a BMW K1600gt which is all the tourer I need, but for exploring country lanes its not the best option. Love the look of the Classic 350 but feel the power might be a tad low for the inevitable stretches of faster roads Id likely find myself on.
Having ridden the RE 450 today (got one on order too), and recently got rid of my CB500X due to being too sterile. I would conclude by saying Honda super smooth in any gear, easily ridden, lacks any kind of character. RE has vibes, needs to be in the right gear (more demanding of rider), definitely has the character of an RE single. It does have a certain 350 single vibe (like the Hunter I tested) . They're just not comparable really, because they are so different. I do have 2 bikes, so the RE goes well with my cb500f.
@@jimmyjam8795Thanks for reply...just spotted it. I tried RE450 and bullet and leaning towards the latter (great little bike for the back roads...I have other bikes for faster trips further afield.
Hey TWR, great Bike, great review ! I like the colour, but pls can you tell me: are the blue applications painted or are they removable like a glued strip ?
Good question, from memory im pretty sure they are under the gel coat, but are stickers but not 100% sure. either way, you would have to sand it back to remove. im not that taken with the colours, id rather they did pain white, then id have at it with the spray to get the look i wanted, sadly the gold wheels are not an option you can just spec at the moment.
hi, its certainly staying for now, ive just come back from France after a quick visit, and used the scram for 3 days solid. its just a great get on it and go kind of bike. il be doing some more scram videos in july.
really tricky question, my view would be the Honda, it just has that larger bike overall feel. if you had to use the upper setting on the himi seat, i think you would be looking way over the bikes bars. you definitely need a test ride before choosing.
I've just test ridden one, actually quite disappointed. Hideous seat and useless mirrors. Nice clutch/gearbox, great brakes. It hasn't got enough grunt for anything other than B roads. The vibes are really noticeable and ruin it for me.
I’m in Australia and I’m not able to get a demo ride. I want to see what the vibes are like before I buy. Pity about your review verdict, suspected the vibe’s might be worse than mentioned in reviews
hi bubba yes they are a fairly generic type, by spadex i find them at the auto jumble sellers i go to , cost around £30 but very hard wearing ive had they for 2 years and worn every other day. il be doing a video on my gear soon.
im keen to look at the CF, my only initial concern is dealer back up. it certainly looks good and the price is right. there's always that sensible side of me that says, if youve got 5-6 grand to spend, is a second hand tenere or africa twin or transalp worth considering, if the weight isnt an issue.
@@theartisanrider472 thanks, actually i really prefer a new bike and a smaller and one with cheaper maintenance costs. Where i do live the Himalayan is sold at a good price (around 5600usd) while cfmoto is at 7400usd, and while i find it nicer i am not sure suspension, even they are fully adjustable, are as good as the royal enfield. But actually they aren't available to test, so.... Hard decision :D
hi im 5.10 and a bit with 30inch leg so probably fairly average. i was surprised at the seat height at the low setting, but it wasn't difficult to lift my leg over , interestingly compared to the triumph which was tricky in that respect.
@@theartisanrider472 Oh sweet! I am 5ft 8in tall, and 30in inseam. The seat height on the low setting is lower than my current bike that I can flat foot with ease when I have my riding shoes on. I'm so tempted to buy one when they come to the USA. It seems like such an approachable motorcycle, and good at all around/general use.
best review I´ve seen on the new Hima 450 .... Straight to the point and checking things that nobody did ... Nice job ! Cheers from Brazil.
Just completed a trundle across 40mph dartmoor, 95 miles on my bmw R1200RS and then straight on to the black Himalayan @ CMS Exeter for another hour. Swopping straight over the RE felt light, quick to turn, good brakes, easy smooth changing gearbox, seat in top height gives plenty of room for my solo use. Amazing bike, pleased I have mine on order, very responsive, no issues with handling, comfort and even the fuel consumption. This was their brand new demonstrator so only 4000rpm until first service but it was enough up to 50mph in traffic through to Cullompton. U turns when I got lost were very easy, good balance and throttle control all ok. Reset the fuel trip and at these speeds it topped out at 99.99 so in excess of 100 miles per gallon? Trip 2 was showing 86 on total mileage so I assume every test ride has been at low revs.
Can't really comment on vibrations as this will probably change once the engines gets the first service and passes the second 6000 rpm limit, possiby 1000 miles? Obviously this route to break in/running in is only an option for owner riders rather than the current test riders. An honest review showing a good road test, thanks for your observations.
I think I must have test rode the same bike just before you at 10am yesterday and fully agree with you. I'm 6ft 5 and at top seat height was perfect for me. I will have the hanle black one next year when I have saved enough 😊
Morning. Nice review, and nice to see you come to similar conclusions as when I took one out. Yes you have to be in the right gear for the right situation, but other people should just ride it intuitively, and not over think it. I found riding through flooded lanes at 7mph in 2nd gear, was easy as, no lugging, then pulling cleanly away. It is a gem of a bike, easily coping with our knackered roads. As for it wanting to be revved, well the gearing is spot on, and yes it does enjoy being let off the leash to stretch it’s legs a bit. Vibes, I didn’t feel any on the one I rode, but I was treating it carefully as it only had 2 miles on the clock. I still cruised at 55-60mph on the dual carriageway, but still didn’t feel any vibes……maybe I am made of wood 😂 I tested the Himi 411, and just couldn’t get on with it, far to agricultural for me, but loved this from the moment I set off. Nice to hear another uk based opinion. Cheers
hi ian
thanks for the feedback. yes i think, trying a few to make a comparison is important, that vibe thing could be different from bike to bike. it could be as simple as tyre pressures, suspension settings etc, just little things that might just tune it out a bit. im doing another episode looking at engine response and gearbox which il release tomorrow so watch out for that. safe riding
Fair review. Most RE reviews are like advertorials - This review is to the point, acknowledging the pros and cons of the bike and comparing it with what is available in the market. The KLR would be a great alternative.
The initial first service of the bike comes at 500 km. I don't think the press bike has been serviced yet. Replacement of oil and and cleaning of the oil filter as well as inspection and lubrication of necessary components is mandatory after first 500 km. That bike is almost 200 miles overdue. 😊
500km is 300 miles, the bike now has 500 miles on it... so yes it should have been service 200 miles ago!
I test rode the new one and definitely felt l was not 'on' it. Also, it's not tall at 820mm seat height, l can flat foot it at 5ft 10". It's probably the lowest seat height for an adventure bike.
Great review... I hope somebody can do a comparison between it and a klxr650..... I think they're both top heavy they both cost the same.
I found this video very instructive. I have a 411 and also a Transalp. I love them both. Totally agree with the resale thing. Selling the 411 is not an option. The second hand market has crashed, basically.
The market crashes if your selling .....buying its a good time! 😊
hi jane
thanks for the comment, and yes, essentially the 411 is still the bike we love, it didn't suddenly become worthless because of its new big brother arriving. il keep enjoying my scram 411until it needs replacing.
ride safe.
How much for the Transalp ?
Just so you know but the screen issue is shutter speed not the frame rate. So perhaps thats adjustable on your camera I dont know.
That’s a bloody good bike and fast enough for most riders ,bang for buck it’s good value
Only if u really ride out of paved roads. Most of u are scared to death to do so. For asphalt I can tell you another 8534799531368975477 bikes that are WAY better.
Most singles has vibrations but bang for buck it’s good value riders have traveled thousands of klm on the 411 this is better
Good review. I think you’ve answered my main question. Is it £2.5K better than a new 411 or scram, even more if you go for a year old low mileage bike. I’ve got a 2018 411 & I think I’m more tempted to look at a newer 411 than the 452
yes indeed, the 411 hasn't suddenly become redundant because of the 450, its still a great option and the prices will be very tempting as dealer look to clear stock.
Good job! I bought it few days ago.
have fun ride safe. great choice.
Me too
Keeping my scram as well 👌 excellent bike.
From what I understand from Indian press reports the 411 engine in the outgoing Himalayan and Scram is being retained for the updated Scram however, it is being tweaked to 440cc. Be interesting to see if it makes it to UK shores. I personally prefer an air cooled single. The new Himalayan for me seems to have lost that Royal Enfield DNA. Take the badges away and it could be any other bike. All very subjective I know and I hope it does well for RE, but not for me.
Wake up, we are not in 60s anymore
@@podunkman2709 🙄😑
Good review.
Regarding vibes on the NX500 which you mention here. A couple of days ago I had test rides on both the NX500 & CL500, I came away with pins and needles in my right foot which I still have 48hrs later. Lovely bikes spoilt by that engine which felt to me that it was revving a lot higher than it actually was. The 650 Interceptor and Honda NC750 on the other hand have a 270 crank and feel a lot smoother to me, so I’m wondering if it’s the 180 crank on the 471cc engine I can’t get on with.
Thanks for sharing. indeed my interceptor is incredibly smooth.
Great to see some honest reviews coming now, too many influencers out there sitting on the fence for subs. I had the same experience with the nx500, felt like I was flogging the guts out of it, vibey through the bars, gear box felt a bit notchy aswell which surprised me, a bit cramped on the legs for me at 6ft 2. Lovely riding position though, suspension fit and finish etc. Personal opinion of course we are all different!
@@taylored78agreed, the RE 450 I tested today, certainly had a smoother gear box than my new cb500f that I rode back home on.
A nice Teneré might be an option?
This is a good reliable bike good value ,but Royal Enfield needs a lowering kit ,thousands of shorter riders are missing out as the bike is to high for them even at low seat hight of 805 is still to high especially in Asia ,so Royal Enfield is missing out in thousands of orders because of the hight of the seat ,jimmy Australia ,I had to settle for a different brand of bike ,another thing they need not ,worry about the lean if they lowered the bike ,most don’t bother about sump clearance ,May be one day it will happen then I’ll trade in and buy one
Every body says the same on the vibes for long trips ,it is a single with more power
Great and fair review, well put together, cheers
Thanks for the thorough review.
It was very helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
Felt like going for a muddy stroll around the Ashdown Forest a couple of weeks ago and took my ancient-and-decrepit-looking-but still-goes-like-stink CB500 down to what looks like that very car park. Decided to press on as E Sussex council/Ashdown now charge motorbikes to park there and I'm a tight git. Sod 'em. (That Himalayan's a nice looking bike mind.)
"Great review," I think that people who take it off-road generally come away impressed, as opposed to those who judge it based solely on touring and commuting; they tend to be less impressed.
spot on observation, i think thats exactly where itll excel
Nice honest review, I have only been able to sit on one at a bike show, struck me as a bit oversized but what really put me off was the elaborate brochure Enfield produced full of 'cool media bull' and PR crap.
I wonder if a good secondhand Aprillia Pegaso at half the price is a better buy? A single is a single after all and the laws of physics still apply.
I was looking at a pegaso the other day 😅 seems a good buy, they go cheap nowadays
@@slakk5093spares are not easy. I wouldn't bother.
@@mark.e.p yeah good point
It's funny that everyone is 2nd guessing which way they should be pronouncing "Himalayan" thanks to Itchy Boots. Placing the stress on the third syllable is correct for English speakers. Boots just puts the stress on the 2nd syllable because that's how they pronounce it in India where she bought her first one.
Great review. Between the 450 and NX500 what would be your pick? I have a BMW K1600gt which is all the tourer I need, but for exploring country lanes its not the best option. Love the look of the Classic 350 but feel the power might be a tad low for the inevitable stretches of faster roads Id likely find myself on.
Having ridden the RE 450 today (got one on order too), and recently got rid of my CB500X due to being too sterile. I would conclude by saying Honda super smooth in any gear, easily ridden, lacks any kind of character. RE has vibes, needs to be in the right gear (more demanding of rider), definitely has the character of an RE single. It does have a certain 350 single vibe (like the Hunter I tested) .
They're just not comparable really, because they are so different. I do have 2 bikes, so the RE goes well with my cb500f.
@@jimmyjam8795Thanks for reply...just spotted it. I tried RE450 and bullet and leaning towards the latter (great little bike for the back roads...I have other bikes for faster trips further afield.
Hey TWR, great Bike, great review ! I like the colour, but pls can you tell me: are the blue applications painted or are they removable like a glued strip ?
Good question, from memory im pretty sure they are under the gel coat, but are stickers but not 100% sure. either way, you would have to sand it back to remove. im not that taken with the colours, id rather they did pain white, then id have at it with the spray to get the look i wanted, sadly the gold wheels are not an option you can just spec at the moment.
I like your reviews…Will you be covering the Guerrilla?
yep its on the list
Great and practical review mate!!!
Thanks! 👍
@@theartisanrider472 from Australia
I’d rather have a full high front fender than that bottom thing and high half thing
Looks like we rode the same bike if that’s the one from Groombridges.
it was indeed. now that Chichester dealer gone its only one for miles.
Good and fair review
Excellent review. Dont sell your scram !
hi, its certainly staying for now, ive just come back from France after a quick visit, and used the scram for 3 days solid. its just a great get on it and go kind of bike. il be doing some more scram videos in july.
Honda own 41% of Showa,35% of Keihin and 35% of Nissin !
Showa are owned by Hitatchi
Is the oil filter on the side or the front?
Thank you.
nice review, in terms of ergonomics which would a better fit for a 6 ft rider, the himalayan 450 or the nx500? Thanks!
really tricky question, my view would be the Honda, it just has that larger bike overall feel. if you had to use the upper setting on the himi seat, i think you would be looking way over the bikes bars. you definitely need a test ride before choosing.
@@theartisanrider472 thanks, I thought the himi was the bigger bike of the two, but haven't seen them in real life, appreciate your comment
The cb500x used to come with high or low seats, the NX500 may be the same!
@@jimmyjam8795 thanks, will check that out
I've just test ridden one, actually quite disappointed. Hideous seat and useless mirrors. Nice clutch/gearbox, great brakes. It hasn't got enough grunt for anything other than B roads. The vibes are really noticeable and ruin it for me.
I’m in Australia and I’m not able to get a demo ride. I want to see what the vibes are like before I buy. Pity about your review verdict, suspected the vibe’s might be worse than mentioned in reviews
Fair enough! i think its not the golden bullet that alot are saying but it is great value, but i was concerned about those vibes.
Why u demonstrate such bikes on paved roads? Dare to go off-road. This is not so difficult. Even beginner should handle this bike out of asphalt.
Nice gloves.
hi bubba
yes they are a fairly generic type, by spadex i find them at the auto jumble sellers i go to , cost around £30 but very hard wearing ive had they for 2 years and worn every other day. il be doing a video on my gear soon.
This one or Cfmoto 450 MT?
im keen to look at the CF, my only initial concern is dealer back up. it certainly looks good and the price is right. there's always that sensible side of me that says, if youve got 5-6 grand to spend, is a second hand tenere or africa twin or transalp worth considering, if the weight isnt an issue.
@@theartisanrider472 thanks, actually i really prefer a new bike and a smaller and one with cheaper maintenance costs. Where i do live the Himalayan is sold at a good price (around 5600usd) while cfmoto is at 7400usd, and while i find it nicer i am not sure suspension, even they are fully adjustable, are as good as the royal enfield. But actually they aren't available to test, so.... Hard decision :D
Air filter access between the two clinched the CF for us ...
It's HimaLAYan outside of India in English speaking countries. Itchy Boots as all sorts of moto-vlogers second guessing themselves lol.
How were the vibes compared to the scram ?
i dont really notice any vibe on the scram, or nothing that causes issue. which was why i was surprised by the himi.
la présentation est intéressante mais les "um , um ,euh euh " sont insupportables
What is your height/in-seam length?
hi
im 5.10 and a bit with 30inch leg so probably fairly average. i was surprised at the seat height at the low setting, but it wasn't difficult to lift my leg over , interestingly compared to the triumph which was tricky in that respect.
@@theartisanrider472 Oh sweet! I am 5ft 8in tall, and 30in inseam. The seat height on the low setting is lower than my current bike that I can flat foot with ease when I have my riding shoes on. I'm so tempted to buy one when they come to the USA. It seems like such an approachable motorcycle, and good at all around/general use.
One guy said it was a usb- c what ever that means
yes the c type is more common now, or as we expect, just another bloody adapter to buy. lol
You say tomato I say tomato
Can you reviewers please stop calling it a bloody hymarlyian
Couldn't agree more!
yes , it is getting a bit tedious trying to get it grammatically correct if that's the right word lol. Himi it is.
That's literally how it's pronounced in India tho?? 😂
@@theartisanrider472don't worry about it, you are doing a great job
But that's how it's pronounced, it's the rest of us that's been saying it wrong forever 😹