Thanks a lot for the series. My whole family watched it together every Friday, same as NZ before. For me it started as an interesting, slow paced travel channel. Now, several months later I got my motorcycle licence, I got Himalayan 411 and I'm spending every weekend on it chugging around Ireland.
Hello, Joe. I ride a 411, and I enjoyed reading the report comparing it to the 450. In Japan, there is almost no aggressive dirt like in the Himalayas, and there is a lot of flat dirt, so you can enjoy a leisurely ride. It's just the right size for my build, and it's a bike I can ride for a long time to come.
Yes the 411 is a great bike and sounds like the perfect bike for you there. I have watched Tokyo Offroad for years, he has definitely found so aggressive dirt www.youtube.com/@TokyoOffroad
I just want to Thank you Joe, for taking us to an amazing journey with you. Every week i use to eagerly wait for Friday. We love you and hope you will come back againe to explore other part of our beautiful country.💓💓
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place to ride and explore. I will be back again. Thanks for watching, It won't be too long before we are on the next one.
Super way to wrap up your trip Joe. Appreciate your honesty in a world of BS and bluster. A very enjoyable series you’ve presented to your followers. Thanks a lot
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place. Thanks for watching, It won't be too long before we are on the next one.
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place. Thanks for watching, It won't be too long before we are on the next one.
Un grand merci Joe pour votre retour sur l'Himalayan 450, je la possède depuis 2 mois et je suis très satisfait. J'espère vous voir dans d'autres aventures, merci merci merci et si vous passez en Haute Savoie en France vous serez le bienvenu.
Oui, c'est une excellente moto pour le type de conduite que je pratique. Je ne l'utiliserai que lorsque je partirai pour un autre voyage. Je ne sais pas exactement quand, mais j'irai en France à l'avenir.
Thank you Joe for the review and for capturing and sharing your beautiful journey. I have just moved to Portugal and next week my new friend, a brand new Himi 450, will be standing in the garage! To new adventures!
Great review Joe, spot on. I have done 50,000km on my 411 and will ride the 452 in NZ for a month (January ) then back on my 411 when I get to Oz. I test rode the 452 and agree with your comments. Many thanks! Safe riding :)
New Zealand is epic to ride, I barely scratched the surface when I was there. This site was helpful when trying to find trails www.wikiloc.com/trails/trail-bike/new-zealand I only found out about this one at the end of my time there but again more trails. www.adventureridingnz.co.nz/gps-tracks-rides/south-island-tracks/#google_vignette
A well informed, dispassionate review. I see so many reviews where they are comparing minutiae, how much faster on this track etc. that does not inform the owning experience. Just watch your videos and you can see what the bike can do and how miserly on fuel it is. My impression is that it is a much more refined bike than the 411.
At 71 I've ridden various types of bikes from dirt to touring sport bikes., giving myself an average+ score as a rider. Given the space and money I'd definitely buy the new 452 Himi. I enjoy my Classic having 20 hp and my GT 650 with S&S pipes to my BMW 1250 RS. All different styles and cc sizes. I live by the statement " Dont grow up... IT'S A TRAP". Lol. Great series--feeling the aches and pains of a long moto life.!! 👍👍
You're got it, the right bike for the terrain and riding. It sounds like the 450 will fit nicely in to your selection. I am 100% with you on that one "never grow up".
Great review Joe. Im a 411 Owner and agree with you 100%. Ive done the cam mod and YSS suspension upgrade and this has made quite a difference in the way it performs in the rough stuff . Its the only reason im not rushing down to the local dealer even though i can see the 450 pretty well cures all the negatives of the 411. Still love riding it and surprising the hell out of riders on more expensive and refined machinery.
Thanks, Joe. I’ve been thinking about the new Himalayan, they are now available in the USA, but I’m still happy with my 411. Not sure if the extra performance would make much difference as I am old and mostly just explore back roads. Looking forward to your next adventure!
Nice comparative review of the current versus the previous edition of the Royal Enfield Himalayan. Great to see the improvements RE has made. It certainly gets a lot of positive comments. And the price is impressive too. 👏👏👏
Hi Joe, am new to your channel and Ive really enjoyed your easy manner of presentation and the content. I like the way you do voice overs whilst the footage is being played. Top stuff. Ive got lots of your older stuff to enjoy yet but at this point, you have me👍 Im an older rider, 69, and have be blessed with good strong health but the places you go pose as intimading to me. However, coming from owning a triumph tiger and downsizing to a KTM 390 Adventure, Im finding this to be a great transition that allows me to go further, go stronger. You are a great inspiration to me to be more adventurous and for this, I appreciate it. Stay frosty mate. Regards, Mac.
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series Mac. That's awesome you've found another bike that allows you to explore further, it all about that progression going a little further each time before you know it you'll be on some goat track up a mountain having a ball.
Your review is spot on emphasizing riders ability and the terrain they will ride in. AND if riding solo being able to pick it up. I've purchased this new Himalayan and it's been a great experience for me as another "average Joe" rider!!!
Excellent comparison Joe,plus showing the video in relation to what you were talking about made it easy to understand. Thank you. I going to miss my Friday night unwinding watching your videos 😢.
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place, and yes it was great to do it on the 450. Thanks for watching, It won't be too long before we are on the next one.
Thank you Joe. Not only your content is great, the editing is professional level, your opinion knowledge and experience based is very important. I got convinced about the Himalayan 450 - the decision is made.
That should be the bike review... not the numbers. Good job mate. I hope you will make a consolidated video about your experience, good, bad and ugly. From your perspective what to do and what to avoid while in India. Overseas guys will like to see that and we Indians can try to improve your experience next time you or others plan to visit.
Thanks mate, yes the number unless you have a lot of experience many many bike don't really tell you much. Next week I have a video on what it was like as a first timer riding in the Himalayas, what I learnt and some other information that might help people interesting in riding in the region. I can't comment on bad or ugly as I did not experience any.
Excellent review Joe! I'm super happy with my 411, but I'm mostly commuting on the pavement. I don't want to test ride the 450 because I'm afraid I might love it and grow discontent with my 411 😊. Thanks Joe, for another great adventure.
The 411 is still great, awesome for exploring. It's great to hear you enjoyed the series. Thanks for watching, It won't be too long before we are on the next one.
I'm 62 average rider and I just bought one of these and its so much fun I love it. Everything Joe said ia spot on. Love it cos you don't have to turn around when the bitumen ends. You can keep exploring. And just so versatile. 👍
It's awesome to hear you are enjoying your bike and even better to hear you are using it for what it was intended for both road and dirt, have fun out there.
Another brilliant series Joe loved following your progress each week and watching a different way of life and culture that you show us each week and a great down to earth review on the Himalayan from someone who’s definitely been there and done it and has got the tee shirt 😁looking forward to your next adventure 👍regards from a bleak n stormy Uk ☹️
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series Alan, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place. I hope it is a short winter and you can get back out there. Thanks for watching, It won't be too long before we are on the next one.
Thanks for your honest feedback on the bike. You answered questions I had regarding it. I will now buy one as a result of what you have said. Thanks from New Zealand.
Honest review, something you don't see every day, thanks for that. Most of us are average, or in my case, below average riders, we don't need huge, heavy, and complicated. We just need something that will bring us home and not break the bank doing so. Looking forward to your next series.
Yes it's all about matching a bike to your ability, how you are going to ride it and where you are going to ride it. Don't get me wrong there are guys out there that can ride those top end bikes and push them to there limits, I filmed with a guy (awesome bloke) when working on a Redbull project but there skill are in and other world compared to mine. The way he took a KTM 1290 up a vertical climb I still don't understand the physics 😂😂😂
Wow Joe, that Series is breathtakingly beautiful from India, I'm SO late to the whole Himalayan lore having been out of 2 wheels for just over 20 years(rock band mostly, then trade shows with metal wares...sharp metal wares..so all to do with huge bulky stuff to hurl back into a car..) and I'm totally smitten with the tractor appeal of the 411 as well as the new puppy 450, quite when I can be baptised again I don't know but between you and Wiltshire Man, you've got me hooked on these machines and their appeal!
Hey Joe Thank you very much for this honest review. I have been looking for a motorcycle like that for a long time. For me it meets all the criteria that I need. Today I was in Cologne at the motorcycle fair "Intermod" and sat on the 450. It fits like a glove. I will order it in January next year. It was your films that made me buy it. I like your calm and level-headed manner. The clips are really extraordinary. I wish you safe journeys at all times. Take care. I look forward to your next video. Best wishes from Bochum, Germany, Marcus
It's great to hear you found a bike that suits what you need and how you ride. Hopefully you'll be out there exploring soon. It's great to hear you enjoyed the series, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place. Thanks for watching, It won't be too long before we are on the next one.
Thank you very much for the films you broadcast. This one in particular made me happy. You may not believe it, but after watching this movie, I go to buy a Himalayan 450 motorcycle in black. You can be sure that I also took into account your opinion about this motorcycle. 😄
About four months, I pick up a 450. Was told it was the fust one in the state of Michigan. I live just outside of Detroit, Michigan, and one of the things Detroit is known for is its bad roads. The 450 has been great for those roads. There's some locations that are really bad, and the bike rides smoothly. It's funny a buddy of mine asked me if there's anything bad about it that notes. I told him it's hard to stop riding it, a 10 minute trip can turn into a 40 mine trip because it's just hard to stop riding it ; )
Hi Joe You are a great ambassador for Royal enfield. The places you have taken those bikes to without breakdown or injury is a credit to you and the bike. I own an 2018 Africa Twin, great bike on bitumen and gravel roads. Get into conditions like you have been riding through and it is a handful. I dropped it on the Bridal track in South OZ and it took me 2 hours to lift it back up. Your right the Royal Enfield is a very good adventure bike Have a good Xmas Joe and looking forward to your next adventure
Thanks mate, Yes when riding solo it makes life easier if the bike is easy to lift with gear still on the bike. It won't be too long before we are on the next one.
Great review. They all seem to like putting those rubber inserts in the foot pegs. Bought another trailer to replace the one that went walkabout a couple of months after the wee bike went walkabout. The stolen bike is almost back together, but I've now found they smashed the light switches. Will soon be able to take a couple of bikes to a farm and get my youngest daughter riding at last. A happy camper.
As always thank you for the support. Thanks mate, I hope it helps people who are looking at the bike work out if it is the right one for them. I went from standing on the pegs slipping and landing on the back of my thigh on an angle, just from changing my weight going around a corner on those cliff edge roads, definitely not a fan of the rubber inserts. How epic will that be riding around with your daughter and how much fun would that be as a kid, epic.
@@freewayproject She bought herself a little road bike over a year ago but injured her wrist. Now it looks like we have all the ducks in a row. She's not really a kid, but hey, we all are at heart.
Ditto! Having ridden both the 411 and the 450, I concur with everything you say about the new 450. It is a generation ahead, with far better suspension and handling, a gearbox that now has only one neutral, unlike the 411 where they could appear anywhere, shifting is super smooth, and there's a gear for all occasions. Power now is exceptional. the dual seat height adjustment is great, dash screen is excellent, and we consistently got well over 500km out of a tank whilst in the Himalayas. Happily sold our 411 after trialing one in Ladakh, and went out and bought our first ever brand new bike, the 450 in Hanle Black.
Solid review Joe. As one with moth in wallet issues, I'll be keeping the 411 for a time yet (did a few upgrades this year that make it easier to live with), but it is nice to see through your travels how well the 450 works and your objective assessment is helpful. There is also a risk that if the moths get out, the liberated cash might end up in a 650 Bear. I must be getting old.
As always, great review and from, as you said...the average Joe. I think it will be my next bike. Sold the 22 KLR because of getting older and building a 23 DR now....dropped a hundred lbs...on the bike.....that helps. When the spring comes hopefully they will be in Canada and pick one up. Now let's get on with the next adventure! Keep your feet on the pegs and your right hand cranked. Garth
Yep, totally agree. I've put 8500+ km on mine around Melbourne and across Vic. I've even considered getting one of the low km predecessors to have both the old and the new. I'm not looking for anything bigger or 'more powerful'. I did that with cars. It's wasting money on the newest and best when what you've got is satisfactory. RE are on a winner.
Thanks mate, I hope it helps people who are looking at the bike work out if it is the right one for them. I brought my 411 second hand as that is all I could afford, it will be a while until the 450 are available second hand and at that price, but if I had the cash yes I'd get one.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the 450 Joe, it does seem the newer bike is more capable and perhaps a bit more enjoyable too! Take care mate, looking forward to your next adventure if there is to be one, if you decided to relax and take it easy for a while I’m sure we all understand and appreciate that, either way have fun mate! Cheers from the UK Tony.👏😀👍🏍
You're welcome, again it all comes down to how you are going to use the bike and where you are going to ride it. You never know I might find a side track on the way back to Australia.
What a great and honest comparison of the two bikes. I ride both and I am absolutely in all points your opinion. The only thing I disagree is the Ceat tyres. They didn‘t work for me at all. Very nice and very sympathetic video!
Yer there are way better tyres out there, but the stock ones were good enough in the conditions I had, if got steeper, or deep sand of deep mud I would need something else. Thanks for watching.
Joe, thanks for the real world practical review of the Himalayan 450. I've got several dirt bikes and a Honda 300l. But the Himilayan 450 just sounds so intriguing to me. The extra power and fuel capacity over the 300l is just what I'm looking for.
You're welcome. I have a KTM 250 EXC-F, that what I use when I want to push it off road and get better. When traveling and exploring I find it's a different kind of riding, it still fun and you can uses those skills (just not pushing it) and the 450 is capable enough to do so.
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series Mark, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place. Thanks for watching, It won't be too long before we are on the next one.
Well Joe Ryan what can I say apart from absolutely amazing trip been absolutely brilliant watching you you have made some great videos and I cannot wait to get some prints off you I hope you will be able to sign one of them for me amazing journey you have discovered..
Thanks Barrie, It's great to hear you enjoyed the series, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place. Due to shipping cost The company I use for the prints has printing locations in USA, Europe and Australia other wise shipping was $60+ for oversea orders. So I can not sign prints with the $13 shipping cost as they leave directly form the printers. If needed I can try find a work around, just message me on the website.
Thanks mate, It's great to hear you enjoyed the series, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place. Thanks for watching, It won't be too long before we are on the next one.
Great review that felt quite honest, thank you. I don't think I'm ready to give my 411 up yet, but when I am, this one is definitely going to be on the shortlist. Ref the 411 kickstand - they're not all the same - I've stood mine next to older ones and it's quite different. Early ones were too upright, and could actually fall over to the right, so at least with the last 2 or 3 years of production, they had shorter ones giving a better lean and generally solved that problem. I'm sure they'll get it right on the 452 soon enough, RE are pretty good at listening to feedback.
Thanks mate, I hope the information helps people work out if the bike is right for them. Yes it was refreshing to see the RE head design talk about the issue and how it happen and clarify there was a fix coming. Instead of deflecting or denying it.
Thanks mate, I hope it helps people who are looking at the bike work out if it is the right one for them. Yes it's amazing years ago people did these tracks (and I gather they would have been in worse conditions) on RE Bullets.
Good review. Just recently rode 4600 km’s in remote WA. Two bikes, one was the 450 Himi, stock except for tyres and larger screen, we rode on dirt roads including the Gun Barrel highway, GCR, old Laverton rd then back to Perth on as much dirt as possible. The bike took all that was thrown at it. The suspension was tested to its limits ( endless corrugation) and yes it did prove to be an area that needs tweaking ( aftermarket) though in fairness the suspension did take a pounding. The side stand was a pain and the foot to narrow, the Mirrors need to be thrown in the bin, kept vibrating loose. Fuel consumption was very good. I was not riding this bike, this is my observation and talking to my mate. This is a very capable bike, a few tweaks and this bike will take you all over AUSTRALIA. It’s a JACK OF ALL TRADES, MASTER OF NONE kind of bike. Acerbis fuel tank, adjustable rear brake and gear lever would be a good investment. Tweak the suspension with remote Pre load adjuster, double take mirrors, high front guard and your pretty well set with lots of coin left over for those adventure rides.
That sounds like an epic ride. Yer I think I'd change nearly every bikes mirrors to the double take ones I have. The bike is a cheaper way to get into exploring.
Thanks mate, I hope it helps people who are looking at the bike work out if it is the right one for them. I bought my 411 second hand as it was all I could afford, so it is going to be a while before the 450 are the same.
As always Joe, a cracking video mate. So enjoyed the series and been waiting for this video all week (like a kid before Christmas). I am currently looking to pull the trigger on a bike like this, and your video has answered most of most of my questions, but I do have one more if you have 2 minutes to read and respond Joe? Basically, I am looking at two bikes, the Himy 452 and the Voge 300 Rally. My use case is riding on roads from England to Europe on road, lets say 800 miles over 2 to 3 days, then doing something like the Adventure Country Tracks Pyrenees (bigger bike friendly off road, about 900 miles), then another 800 miles of tarmac back to old blighty. I know the himy 452 would be the better bike for the road miles, and likely the better buke for 90% of the simpler off road. The bit I am worried about, is the inevitable odd section of off road that could well be tricky, where I will be solo and without phone reception (rocky, muddy, steep inclines with switch backs). I suspect the Voge 300 rally (at 158KG wet rather than 195KG wet) would be the better option in the odd tricky bit. Interesting you thought the 452 had a higher centre of gravity than the 411 as that may be an issue off road? Although it does have a nice low seat height. Not sure if you have done much with things like the Voge 300, CRF 250 / 300 rally, a DRZ 400 or similar. But I am just trying to gauge how much more a of a challenge a 452 would be vs something like those in the more gnarly off road sections I encounter? Would the Voge be night and day easier to manage? Or would the himy be perfectly manageable if take time? It is a tricky one, I dont want to optimise my bike for 5% of the journey and be miserable on the rest (which would be the Voge) but at the same time, dont want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere either (which would be the himy 452 if much harder in the odd tricky bit). I am of intermediate level off road, and it is about exploration (much like yourself), not interested in pace or speed, just getting through the odd technical bit, to see what is around the next corner. If you have read this far Joe, the good on you mate. Obviously my responsibility and decision, but any insight from someone who has done the miles you have (and explores the same way) would be most welcome. Take it east Joe, and keep up the excellent work!
I have not ridden the Voge 300. I do have a KTM 250 EXC-F so understand what a 103kg bike is like to ride. I took the 411 through a place called Skytrek in Australia which has a verity of tricky tracks and climb with a very steep rocky long climb at the end, which the 411 managed, the thing that made it possible was the tyres a more aggressive tyre will change a bikes ability. If I took the 450 on this track with a more aggressive tyre it would eat this up, the 411 is capable but the 450 is a lot better off road. I'd be willing to take the 450 on most off road track unless the ruts are higher than the axels of the wheels, not sure how gnarly the tracks you are looking at riding are. I had no issue lifting the 450 at 4,500m (lack of oxygen) with gear still on the bike. You could always go into RE show room and see if they let you lay it down and lift it up again. If you did get one get bottom crash bars on it so if the bike falls in a bad angle on a steep trail you can drag the bike around on the crash bars to get it into a better position to lift, I did this on a trail in the Victorian High country, the way the bike fell I could not lift it, I dragged it 180 and it was easy to lift. The slightly higher centre of gravity on the 450 isn't an issue as it still feels lower than my KTM 250. For me this bike is probably perfect for the type of riding I do. A bit light would make this a little easier but the weight isn't stopping me from lifting the bike when needed. I hope you work out what is best for you, it sounds like an awesome trip. This is half of the Skytrek trail (other half is in the episode before this) with the steep climb, as always cameras done show how steep the climbs are. ruclips.net/video/30ZdQxHJ8OA/видео.html&t Hope this helps
@@freewayproject Thanks Joe. That puts my mind at rest and I think this will be the right bike for me. I am not "planning" on taking on anything overly gnarly, but experience tells me that when covering 100s of miles off road, it is inevitable you will come up against the off tricky bit on the way (and thats part the fun). I have only really done adventure travel on those 155KG type bikes in the past and really enjoyed it. The 452 looks perfect for what I want Joe, and great shout re the tyres and lower engine bars (and skid plate I think!) - it was really only that "fear of stranded solo on a heavier, unmanageable bike" making me hesitate. Obviously, that is always a risk regardless of bike, but it does not sound as if the 452 would be night and day harder to manage than the likes of the 300 rally in that odd section of more technical trail section (which was my main concern). And the 452 will 100% pay dividends on the roads and the easy twin track. Thanks again mate, currently pausing watching you in Tasmania to watch your Skytrek trail adventure. Stay safe mate, and thanks again for taking the time to reply Joe.
Hello Ryan I wish you a merry christmas wherever you are.I always look forward to a fantastic new video. Can you maybe make your video and photo segments in the video 2 or 3 seconds longer when looking at landscapes ? I look and just as I concentrate and focus, its gone to the next segment, and I think ohh, that was a bit.short. 😢 No biggie though.Your style of video is unique and enjoyable.Thanks.
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series Allan. I am slowly getting the hang of the style of editing so some of the better shots in future series should be longer. Hopefully that will be next week. As always thanks for watching.
Iam looking at getting a 450 next year, going from sports bikes to ADV, i live in the UK so no big ass mileage to cover just mild green lane off roading, iam looking at the himalayan and royal enfield as one of the few manufacturers that will survive as they are in touch with consumers and the changing motorcycle world, its also the right amount of investment for me as its a toy, great review on the bike
I think the 450 will do well there are it will eat the green lanes up but if you need to get on the motorway to get to a different area the good on there too, also as you say the price is right, no need to over invest in something that you won't use half it's ability.
Great video Joe, ill be sharing it with friends. An easily digestable video with the added advantage of snapshots of some superb scenery from your trip. Makes me want to bin the idea of a new GSA, Ktm SAS or Duc MS v4S ....LOL
Thanks, I hope it helps people who are looking at the bike work out if it is the right one for them. There are a lot of options out there, hopefully you find the right one for you.
It will thanks, only thing holding me back is height. Waiting to try low seat when it arrives in uk, also there’s a low link available but don’t want to go down that route really..
as a 411 himalyan rider from Costa Rica, this review is great thanks for sharing. l'm considering to make a change to the 450 due the lack of power of the 411, due to my weight been 100kg, is almost imposible to over take cars in my country narrow country side roads and seen the 450 is has more power and gear, l think is a good choice.
Good review, I am from India and I have done almost entire india solo on my classic stealth black 500, entire J&K, himachal, uttrakahnd, sikkim and Nepal.. I met few people who were riding himlayan 411 and wanted to switch and i rode it and ti was easy. though Classic look sexier. I moved to UAE and now i want to buy a bike here and i was thinking between two Tenere 700 and 450 for my central asia and Turkey trip, but Tenere is way to expensive and it well suited for skilled rider, also it has mid high torque which makes it difficult if i want to ride on low RPM in mountains for a person of my skill (may be this is my assumption), they dont allow test ride for T7 in UAE. nice content
I have jumped on the Yamaha and yes it is a more powerful machine and more aggressive with that power as you say higher up in the range. Great for big open fast section. it is a taller bike too so it helps to be a tall person to manage it. The 450 have a similar more manageable feel like the 411 to it, but more power better suspension etc. I found it easier to get through the rougher stuff than the 411. out of the T7 and 450, I'd say people would want to have more off road skills for the T7 than would be needed to ride the 450.
Hi Joe, thanks for this comparison. After listening to this I really need to try one for myself. I went with a 411 myself and listening to the plusses, I want to experience it for myself. As if I needed an excuse to return to Ladakh. 🤣👍🏻
Great review Joe, thanks. I did a test ride on a 450 yesterday. Impressive on the highway, very powerful and agile. But it’s not a machine to ride comfortably and peacefully in low revs. The softness of the engine and the ride begins from 3-4.000 revs. Below that it’s like a hammering, very unpleasant. It pushes you to ride faster. The bike is not an upgrade of 411, it’s totally a different bike for different tastes, different riders. I’m keeping happily my lovely 411😊
@@Futuremodi I didn't try it either. The only reason I took it for a test ride was because it was more powerful than the 411. If I'm going to ride it in eco mode, it's ridiculous to think about upgrading my 411. Because the 411 is already a very good bike, except for the fact that it's a little underpowered.
@@hakanoge7656Well if u r going to ride on an expressway u will be sitting on those high rpms all the time. When u r driving through the city and evading traffic switch to eco. Also u can use eco mode if u r a beginner offroader or if u want that 411 factor for a careful approach. Heard that the engine has dual character(they using square pistons or smth, idk) and those characters get enhanced by switching modes. Pardon my messy English.
Welcome back Rudolph😂. It's good to see your nose isn't burnt anymore. You were saying in one of the videos that you got an open face because of your visor fogging up. Look for a helmet that has a "pinlock" on it. Most helmets have them now and it eliminates fogging.
Dude, amazing review and series. Came across your channel as I have been researching buying a RE Himalayan 450 as a bike to explore Indonesia and SEA in general. I'm sold and also want to take a trip to India now... just gotta get to the mainland, right 😂
@@freewayproject Very much so! Have ridden cruisers for several years now but never been much of an off-roader. I think your comment about the bike having more ability than you/us hit the nail on the head that I'm going to fail before the bike's ability will 😂
Thanks mate, I hope it helps people who are looking at the bike work out if it is the right one for them. It won't be too long before we are on another journey.
Thanks mate. Bhutan would be amazing but with the way it is set up where you have to go on a prepaid pre-booked tour with guide. It wouldn't feel like an adventure to me, I would miss all the random things that happen when nothing is planned and you really get to explore. Hopefully that will change in the future. But there are a lot of other places I am keen to explore in the mean time.
Loved the series, your thoughts on the 450 and am looking forward to you next series, where that is I'm not sure however I'm sure it will be amazing. Maybe one day I'll see you down here in central west NSW.
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place. You know me, I could easily go down a side track on the way back to Australia haha.
@@freewayproject I'm currently adding some mods to my 450 in the shed whilst watching / listening to some of your older explorations and having a few cold ones. Now you've got me thinking... where could it be? Anticipation!
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place. Thanks for watching, It won't be too long before we are on the next one.
Hello joe You made all this Himalayan roads and this difficult terrains with stock tires?😮 Good job! you have really a good hand to dirt roads man. Cheers from Greece mate we wait to see your new adventure. By the way i own the Himalayan 450 and it's great bike
Yes on stock tyres, putting some more aggressive tread onto the bike would make it even more capable, you'd be able to attack a lot more difficult terrain.
Hello Joe, welcome back to Aussie land, what a whirlwind trip you’ve had, places you’ve been, what an adventure, one thing I was curious about about is how far from Everest were you, and did you ever lay eyes on it. Well not sure if and when your next adventure will be, but rest assured I’ll be waiting, thank you so very much, like I mentioned before, not only are you doing this for yourself but for us all, not to computer savvy and guess I’m old school, like to send you some coins just to say thanks, I know how to write a check and fair with a card but again just many thanks to you. Rob U.S.
Well I made not have made it quite back to Australia yet, you know me I can't resist a side track. Everest is in the country next to the Ladakh region of India in Nepal. it is about 1000km (600miles) to the east south east of the main town Leh where I was. Thanks you for the kind offer of support, not sure checks work in Australia anymore, i have not seen one here since the 1990's. You can purchase fuel supports with a credit card see link below, but just by watching and commenting does help. www.joeryan.store/store/youtube-channel-support
Just wanted to get my through down before I forgot. I hope it helps people who are looking at the bike work out if it is the right one for them. I bought my Himalayan 411 second hand as that is all I could afford, it will be a while before there are second hand 450's that drop down that much in price.
Thank you Joe, "I'm just an average rider" lol maybe but you are not average when it comes to adventure. Waiting for the next one. Take care and ride on!
@@freewayproject there is a postal strike here in Canada. I don't want to order a photo until that has ended unless you can send via Purolator or equivalent and let me know how much extra that would be?
I gatherWan Village is south of the Valley of Flowers? No that shot was on the road to Killar north west of Manali (from the third episode in the Himalayan series). I was hoping to get to Uttarakhand region but I ran out of time.
Great review Joe, definitely thinking of upgrading my 411cc in the Spring and the 450 is top of my list to test ride. Sat on one in the dealership and it feels very similar to the 411 which surprised me as did the side stand 😮😂 !! Glad a fix is coming. Love the black and gold ✨️ too. Really looking forward to riding it. Thanks again for the review and btw you are not an average rider!! Looking forward to seeing your next adventure. The question is 'Are you going to upgrade to the 450 or keeping your trusty 411 ? ' 🤔
I hope it helped. It does feel like they kept a lot of the feel on the 411, improve the parts that needed it and refined the rest. I bought my 411 second hand as that is all I could afford, it will be a while before the 450 drop that much for second hand ones.
@freewayproject well here's hoping Royal Enfield can step in and give you a mega discount on a new one. You deserve it for all the fantastic free advertising you give them 🤞🍀 all the best Joe and hope you have a very happy Prosperous Holiday this festering season 🎁🎄🎅✨️🏍💨🎉
Now I really want you to try the new Scram 440. I do wish to know how the low end torque and a sixth gear of the 2 valve compare to the newer 4 valve 450
Having ridden both, the 411 won in rugged classic looks and ease of maintenance and servicing. The 450 won it in terms of power and torque. BUT the 450 still has some first generation issues. Pulled aggressively to the right and the side stand and engine mount issues. NOW they have the upgraded Scram 440 with more power, LED lights, a stronger frame, 6th gear in the original classic aesthetics. That would be my pick in an adventure bikes from RE.
What an excellent review! Thanks. About 5 vs 6 gears. I bought a Yamaha XT250 two years ago to learn some dirt skills after riding a Harley for a couple of years. That missing 6th gear on the XT still gets me whenever I'm on tar. A riding mate calls it "running out of gears early" when you are in 5th and go looking for 6th for that extra bit of power and, aghhh, it's just not there! But the XT is sensational on a steep downhill; it grinds in first gear slower than a tractor so I can ride the clutch down, pulling it in to speed up and letting it out to brake. So looking forward to your next adventure ... but where will it be? Somewhere in Asia?
I hope it helps, The XT2250 sounds like a fun bike. That the thing, the right bike for the right terrain and they way you ride it, there not a bad bike just choosing the wrong bike for the wrong type of riding, but in saying that it would be epic to they ride a Postie bike across the centre of Australia haha.
@@freewayproject Being a shortarse woman, the XT suits me well as I was able to have the seat cut down and a lowering link put in. But the XT is an absolute shocker to ride on the highway, so I also have a BMW F650 GS as my dual purpose bike: it's excellent on tar, but unfortunately isn't geared sufficiently low to creep down steep, slippery hills the way the XT does. I'd love a Himalayan because I can't pick up the BMW, but probably could pick up a Royal Enfield, but unfortunately they don't come/can't be made low enough. As you say, it's horses for courses of course, and all fun. BTW - I think you underestimate your off-road skills. You always seem to handle the bike superbly, whatever the conditions.
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place. As mentioned at the start of the first episode Royal Enfield lent me the bike to do the journey on. I have a video coming out on Friday that goes over the things I learnt riding in the area and other information that might help people who are thinking of riding there for the first time, not sure if that might help you. Thanks for watching.
@@freewayproject Sorry about that, I must've been taking a sip of coffee and missed that part, haha. Looking forward to the video, any info will be a huge help!
Hi Joe, some great feedback there, useful. Just wondering, were you running tubes? did you tinker with tyre pressures at all...or just set and forget type thing?
I gather it had tubes, I didn't check, I carried spares front and back tubes plus levers, pump and patch kit. I literal rode the bike out of Royal Enfield store and didn't touch anything on the bike until I got back to the same RE store beside taking those rubber inserts out of the foot pegs.
Do you have an opinion of the Himalayan 450 low end torque for its ability to climb steep roads from a dead stop with two people and luggage? I am considering purchasing the bike but have read that it lacks low end torque and an application would be when we travel to islands in Thailand with steep hills and may get stuck behind a truck crawling up the mountain - would we be in trouble trying to get enough forward momentum if we needed to stop on the incline? Thank you, Mike
Hi Mike. I have not had 2 people on my bike but found it had more torque than the 411, the 450's peak torque is higher in the range than the 411 but still had enough low end for me. I have not ridden other bikes so I can not give you a comparison to other bikes.
Hi Joe. It’s been great following your Himalayan adventures over the past months, and I’m excited to see where you’re going next. I’m thinking of changing my bike next year, and after visiting the recent Motorcycle Live show here in the UK, the 450 Himalayan and the CF Moto are the two I’m most interested in. I know you rode the standard bike in India, but in your opinion and if you were able to go out and buy a new Himalayan, do you think the tubeless wheel option is preferable over the tubed tyre version? Many congratulations on another superb series!
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series. I think the Tubeless version of the 450 are now available in some places. It definitely would not be a deal breaker, I have ridden a lot off road, 100,000km in the last 3 years and only had a couple of flat over the last couple of years (both on road, both I fixed not on the side of the road). Yes you can plug tubeless so it can be easier to fix that change tubes, you can drop the tyre pressure to get more grip on difficult terrain, but it happens so rarely. If they were both easily available yes I'd go with the tubeless but if they weren't I'd have no issue going with the tubed.
@ cheers Joe. I was also thinking about the space and weight that a spare front and rear inner tube takes, but I suppose patches and adhesive would be the same or smaller than a plug kit. As the tubeless Himalayan is more expensive here in the UK (£250 more in the Henle Black colour), and you don’t get those lovely gold rims, that’s a lot of fuel to go out and ride with. Next job will be to book a test ride! All the best, Richard.
I got my 411 second hand as that is all I could afford, it will take some time before they end up on the second hand market and drop enough in price. I'd take either tube or tubeless, it not hard to change a tube and it's rare.
I just wander why you used your phone for navigation, and didn’t use the new display with Google maps on it? Also could you give your height and inside leg please. Great review and well trialed. Sadly I found the bike too tall for me. But I enjoyed watching your series. 🙏
My phone is old and the battery doesn't last long and the plug to charge doesn't work so that mount wirelessly charges the phone. You can not get a connection in Ladakh (this will be explained in the next video) so no google, the GaiaGPS app has more map details, but the main reason is I don't check the map much, normally once I realise I've taken a wrong turn 😂. I think I am between 5'8 - 5'9 I have no idea what my inner leg length is.
Thanks a lot for the series. My whole family watched it together every Friday, same as NZ before.
For me it started as an interesting, slow paced travel channel.
Now, several months later I got my motorcycle licence, I got Himalayan 411 and I'm spending every weekend on it chugging around Ireland.
That is awesome to hear. So cool you're out there exploring. Thanks for watching. It won't be long until we are on the next one.
Hello, Joe. I ride a 411, and I enjoyed reading the report comparing it to the 450. In Japan, there is almost no aggressive dirt like in the Himalayas, and there is a lot of flat dirt, so you can enjoy a leisurely ride. It's just the right size for my build, and it's a bike I can ride for a long time to come.
Yes the 411 is a great bike and sounds like the perfect bike for you there.
I have watched Tokyo Offroad for years, he has definitely found so aggressive dirt www.youtube.com/@TokyoOffroad
I just want to Thank you Joe, for taking us to an amazing journey with you. Every week i use to eagerly wait for Friday. We love you and hope you will come back againe to explore other part of our beautiful country.💓💓
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place to ride and explore. I will be back again. Thanks for watching, It won't be too long before we are on the next one.
@@freewayproject Im excited to see other parts of world through your eye. Love and peace to you.
Super way to wrap up your trip Joe. Appreciate your honesty in a world of BS and bluster.
A very enjoyable series you’ve presented to your followers. Thanks a lot
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place. Thanks for watching, It won't be too long before we are on the next one.
Joe, you have a natural knack for storytelling. The whole series was bloody brilliant. Looking forward to more adventures, cheers!
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place. Thanks for watching, It won't be too long before we are on the next one.
Un grand merci Joe pour votre retour sur l'Himalayan 450, je la possède depuis 2 mois et je suis très satisfait. J'espère vous voir dans d'autres aventures, merci merci merci et si vous passez en Haute Savoie en France vous serez le bienvenu.
Oui, c'est une excellente moto pour le type de conduite que je pratique. Je ne l'utiliserai que lorsque je partirai pour un autre voyage. Je ne sais pas exactement quand, mais j'irai en France à l'avenir.
Thank you Joe for the review and for capturing and sharing your beautiful journey.
I have just moved to Portugal and next week my new friend, a brand new Himi 450, will be standing in the garage!
To new adventures!
Your'e welcome, Portugal looks like an awesome place to explore on a bike. I am sure you'll be very happy with the 450, it was ideal in the Himalayas.
Great review Joe, spot on. I have done 50,000km on my 411 and will ride the 452 in NZ for a month (January ) then back on my 411 when I get to Oz. I test rode the 452 and agree with your comments. Many thanks! Safe riding :)
New Zealand is epic to ride, I barely scratched the surface when I was there.
This site was helpful when trying to find trails
www.wikiloc.com/trails/trail-bike/new-zealand
I only found out about this one at the end of my time there but again more trails.
www.adventureridingnz.co.nz/gps-tracks-rides/south-island-tracks/#google_vignette
A well informed, dispassionate review. I see so many reviews where they are comparing minutiae, how much faster on this track etc. that does not inform the owning experience. Just watch your videos and you can see what the bike can do and how miserly on fuel it is. My impression is that it is a much more refined bike than the 411.
Yes it definitely feels like RE took the good bits from the 411 improve on its short coming and refined everything.
At 71 I've ridden various types of bikes from dirt to touring sport bikes., giving myself an average+ score as a rider. Given the space and money I'd definitely buy the new 452 Himi. I enjoy my Classic having 20 hp and my GT 650 with S&S pipes to my BMW 1250 RS. All different styles and cc sizes. I live by the statement " Dont grow up... IT'S A TRAP". Lol. Great series--feeling the aches and pains of a long moto life.!! 👍👍
You're got it, the right bike for the terrain and riding. It sounds like the 450 will fit nicely in to your selection.
I am 100% with you on that one "never grow up".
I agree with the "It's a trap" mentality. I am 69. My motto is "I'm going down fighting."
Great review Joe. Im a 411 Owner and agree with you 100%. Ive done the cam mod and YSS suspension upgrade and this has made quite a difference in the way it performs in the rough stuff . Its the only reason im not rushing down to the local dealer even though i can see the 450 pretty well cures all the negatives of the 411. Still love riding it and surprising the hell out of riders on more expensive and refined machinery.
Yes the it sounds like you got on top of the few things the 411 needed. I still have my 411.
What an excellent review! -What I would call "honourable"- no BS. Also concise and well thought out; no repetitions. Thanks.
Thanks George, I hope it helps people who are looking at the bike work out if it is the right bike for them.
Thanks, Joe. I’ve been thinking about the new Himalayan, they are now available in the USA, but I’m still happy with my 411. Not sure if the extra performance would make much difference as I am old and mostly just explore back roads. Looking forward to your next adventure!
I hope the review helped them. Yer the new one has more performance, it all depends if you would use it.
Nice comparative review of the current versus the previous edition of the Royal Enfield Himalayan. Great to see the improvements RE has made. It certainly gets a lot of positive comments. And the price is impressive too. 👏👏👏
Yes it does feel like they kept a lot of the feel on the 411, improve the parts that needed it and refined the rest.
Hi Joe, am new to your channel and Ive really enjoyed your easy manner of presentation and the content. I like the way you do voice overs whilst the footage is being played. Top stuff.
Ive got lots of your older stuff to enjoy yet but at this point, you have me👍
Im an older rider, 69, and have be blessed with good strong health but the places you go pose as intimading to me. However, coming from owning a triumph tiger and downsizing to a KTM 390 Adventure, Im finding this to be a great transition that allows me to go further, go stronger. You are a great inspiration to me to be more adventurous and for this, I appreciate it.
Stay frosty mate.
Regards, Mac.
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series Mac. That's awesome you've found another bike that allows you to explore further, it all about that progression going a little further each time before you know it you'll be on some goat track up a mountain having a ball.
Your review is spot on emphasizing riders ability and the terrain they will ride in. AND if riding solo being able to pick it up. I've purchased this new Himalayan and it's been a great experience for me as another "average Joe" rider!!!
It's great to hear you have found the right bike for you, they are great for exploring.
Excellent comparison Joe,plus showing the video in relation to what you were talking about made it easy to understand. Thank you.
I going to miss my Friday night unwinding watching your videos 😢.
I hope it helps people who are looking at the bike work out if it is the right one for them.
You may not have to wait too long.
@ nice 😊
Me too
A great way to wrap up your latest adventure, Joe. I love my 411, but I'm sorely tempted by the 452! Looking forward to more of your travels soon.
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place, and yes it was great to do it on the 450. Thanks for watching, It won't be too long before we are on the next one.
Thank you Joe. Not only your content is great, the editing is professional level, your opinion knowledge and experience based is very important. I got convinced about the Himalayan 450 - the decision is made.
You're welcome Antonio, I hope it helped.
That should be the bike review... not the numbers. Good job mate. I hope you will make a consolidated video about your experience, good, bad and ugly. From your perspective what to do and what to avoid while in India. Overseas guys will like to see that and we Indians can try to improve your experience next time you or others plan to visit.
Thanks mate, yes the number unless you have a lot of experience many many bike don't really tell you much. Next week I have a video on what it was like as a first timer riding in the Himalayas, what I learnt and some other information that might help people interesting in riding in the region. I can't comment on bad or ugly as I did not experience any.
Thanks for the great review! Im in love with this bike and just might find myself on one soon. Safe travels and happy riding!
You are welcome, I hope it helped. It was the ideal bike for riding in the Himalayas.
Excellent review Joe! I'm super happy with my 411, but I'm mostly commuting on the pavement. I don't want to test ride the 450 because I'm afraid I might love it and grow discontent with my 411 😊.
Thanks Joe, for another great adventure.
The 411 is still great, awesome for exploring. It's great to hear you enjoyed the series. Thanks for watching, It won't be too long before we are on the next one.
I'm 62 average rider and I just bought one of these and its so much fun I love it. Everything Joe said ia spot on. Love it cos you don't have to turn around when the bitumen ends. You can keep exploring. And just so versatile. 👍
It's awesome to hear you are enjoying your bike and even better to hear you are using it for what it was intended for both road and dirt, have fun out there.
Another brilliant series Joe loved following your progress each week and watching a different way of life and culture that you show us each week and a great down to earth review on the Himalayan from someone who’s definitely been there and done it and has got the tee shirt 😁looking forward to your next adventure 👍regards from a bleak n stormy Uk ☹️
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series Alan, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place. I hope it is a short winter and you can get back out there.
Thanks for watching, It won't be too long before we are on the next one.
Thanks for your honest feedback on the bike. You answered questions I had regarding it. I will now buy one as a result of what you have said. Thanks from New Zealand.
You're welcome, it was the ideal bike for the terrain I was in.
Honest review, something you don't see every day, thanks for that. Most of us are average, or in my case, below average riders, we don't need huge, heavy, and complicated. We just need something that will bring us home and not break the bank doing so. Looking forward to your next series.
Yes it's all about matching a bike to your ability, how you are going to ride it and where you are going to ride it. Don't get me wrong there are guys out there that can ride those top end bikes and push them to there limits, I filmed with a guy (awesome bloke) when working on a Redbull project but there skill are in and other world compared to mine. The way he took a KTM 1290 up a vertical climb I still don't understand the physics 😂😂😂
@@freewayproject if I were to match my skills, I'd be on a kid's push bike! 🤣
Wow Joe, that Series is breathtakingly beautiful from India, I'm SO late to the whole Himalayan lore having been out of 2 wheels for just over 20 years(rock band mostly, then trade shows with metal wares...sharp metal wares..so all to do with huge bulky stuff to hurl back into a car..) and I'm totally smitten with the tractor appeal of the 411 as well as the new puppy 450, quite when I can be baptised again I don't know but between you and Wiltshire Man, you've got me hooked on these machines and their appeal!
Thanks mate, it's great to hear you enjoyed the series, yes both bike are great to explore on, just got to pick your flavour. Thanks for watching.
Hey Joe
Thank you very much for this honest review. I have been looking for a motorcycle like that for a long time. For me it meets all the criteria that I need. Today I was in Cologne at the motorcycle fair "Intermod" and sat on the 450. It fits like a glove. I will order it in January next year. It was your films that made me buy it. I like your calm and level-headed manner. The clips are really extraordinary. I wish you safe journeys at all times. Take care. I look forward to your next video.
Best wishes from Bochum, Germany, Marcus
It's great to hear you found a bike that suits what you need and how you ride. Hopefully you'll be out there exploring soon.
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place. Thanks for watching, It won't be too long before we are on the next one.
Thank you very much for the films you broadcast. This one in particular made me happy. You may not believe it, but after watching this movie, I go to buy a Himalayan 450 motorcycle in black. You can be sure that I also took into account your opinion about this motorcycle. 😄
Nothing like a new bike. You'll have a lot of fun riding and exploring on it. Great to hear you enjoyed the series. Thanks for watching.
About four months, I pick up a 450. Was told it was the fust one in the state of Michigan. I live just outside of Detroit, Michigan, and one of the things Detroit is known for is its bad roads. The 450 has been great for those roads. There's some locations that are really bad, and the bike rides smoothly.
It's funny a buddy of mine asked me if there's anything bad about it that notes. I told him it's hard to stop riding it, a 10 minute trip can turn into a 40 mine trip because it's just hard to stop riding it ; )
haha, well if that the bad thing I think you have picked well..
Great review. Pleased to see a review by someone who has put some miles on the bike, here in the reviewers UK they only ride it round the block.
Thanks Paul, I hope the information helps people work out if the bike is right for them.
Great review! Just ordered one in the Hanle Black, and now I'm counting down the minutes to delivery and my first ride 🤩
Nothing better than new bike day! I found it an awesome bike to ride and ideal for the type of riding I am doing.
Hi Joe
You are a great ambassador for Royal enfield. The places you have taken those bikes to without breakdown or injury is a credit to you and the bike.
I own an 2018 Africa Twin, great bike on bitumen and gravel roads. Get into conditions like you have been riding through and it is a handful. I dropped it on the Bridal track in South OZ and it took me 2 hours to lift it back up.
Your right the Royal Enfield is a very good adventure bike
Have a good Xmas Joe and looking forward to your next adventure
Thanks mate, Yes when riding solo it makes life easier if the bike is easy to lift with gear still on the bike. It won't be too long before we are on the next one.
Great review. They all seem to like putting those rubber inserts in the foot pegs.
Bought another trailer to replace the one that went walkabout a couple of months after the wee bike went walkabout. The stolen bike is almost back together, but I've now found they smashed the light switches.
Will soon be able to take a couple of bikes to a farm and get my youngest daughter riding at last. A happy camper.
As always thank you for the support.
Thanks mate, I hope it helps people who are looking at the bike work out if it is the right one for them.
I went from standing on the pegs slipping and landing on the back of my thigh on an angle, just from changing my weight going around a corner on those cliff edge roads, definitely not a fan of the rubber inserts.
How epic will that be riding around with your daughter and how much fun would that be as a kid, epic.
@@freewayproject She bought herself a little road bike over a year ago but injured her wrist. Now it looks like we have all the ducks in a row. She's not really a kid, but hey, we all are at heart.
Ditto!
Having ridden both the 411 and the 450, I concur with everything you say about the new 450. It is a generation ahead, with far better suspension and handling, a gearbox that now has only one neutral, unlike the 411 where they could appear anywhere, shifting is super smooth, and there's a gear for all occasions. Power now is exceptional. the dual seat height adjustment is great, dash screen is excellent, and we consistently got well over 500km out of a tank whilst in the Himalayas. Happily sold our 411 after trialing one in Ladakh, and went out and bought our first ever brand new bike, the 450 in Hanle Black.
Yes the seem to keep the feel of the 411, make the changes needed and refined the rest. I hope you're having lots of fun exploring on your new bike.
Solid review Joe. As one with moth in wallet issues, I'll be keeping the 411 for a time yet (did a few upgrades this year that make it easier to live with), but it is nice to see through your travels how well the 450 works and your objective assessment is helpful. There is also a risk that if the moths get out, the liberated cash might end up in a 650 Bear. I must be getting old.
haha, keep the moths parked for now, apparently there are more bikes to come for RE.
Having a beer and pizza in Esperance WA, the end of the working week, watching your vid. Lifes good! Cheers.
That does sound good, in a stunning place as well. Thanks for watching, new series soon.
Hi Joe thank you so much for your fabulous tour of the himalayas ,best man on a bike i have ever seen 😀
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place.
As always, great review and from, as you said...the average Joe. I think it will be my next bike. Sold the 22 KLR because of getting older and building a 23 DR now....dropped a hundred lbs...on the bike.....that helps. When the spring comes hopefully they will be in Canada and pick one up. Now let's get on with the next adventure! Keep your feet on the pegs and your right hand cranked. Garth
Thanks mate, bring on Spring. It won't be too long before we are on another journey.
Yep, totally agree. I've put 8500+ km on mine around Melbourne and across Vic. I've even considered getting one of the low km predecessors to have both the old and the new. I'm not looking for anything bigger or 'more powerful'. I did that with cars. It's wasting money on the newest and best when what you've got is satisfactory. RE are on a winner.
Yes if you put logic to what bike will get the job done for most people this one certainly rates a mention.
Best review I have seen on this bike,well done mate. Thing is are you having one.
Thanks mate, I hope it helps people who are looking at the bike work out if it is the right one for them. I brought my 411 second hand as that is all I could afford, it will be a while until the 450 are available second hand and at that price, but if I had the cash yes I'd get one.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the 450 Joe, it does seem the newer bike is more capable and perhaps a bit more enjoyable too! Take care mate, looking forward to your next adventure if there is to be one, if you decided to relax and take it easy for a while I’m sure we all understand and appreciate that, either way have fun mate! Cheers from the UK Tony.👏😀👍🏍
You're welcome, again it all comes down to how you are going to use the bike and where you are going to ride it.
You never know I might find a side track on the way back to Australia.
Joe great review and a great series looking forward to your next adventure
Thanks heaps
Dave
Thanks Dave, I hope it helps people who are looking at the bike work out if it is the right one for them.
You won't have to wait too long.
What a great and honest comparison of the two bikes. I ride both and I am absolutely in all points your opinion. The only thing I disagree is the Ceat tyres. They didn‘t work for me at all. Very nice and very sympathetic video!
Yer there are way better tyres out there, but the stock ones were good enough in the conditions I had, if got steeper, or deep sand of deep mud I would need something else. Thanks for watching.
Joe, thanks for the real world practical review of the Himalayan 450. I've got several dirt bikes and a Honda 300l. But the Himilayan 450 just sounds so intriguing to me. The extra power and fuel capacity over the 300l is just what I'm looking for.
You're welcome. I have a KTM 250 EXC-F, that what I use when I want to push it off road and get better. When traveling and exploring I find it's a different kind of riding, it still fun and you can uses those skills (just not pushing it) and the 450 is capable enough to do so.
Great journey Joe...really enjoyed every bit. And an interesting review on the 450...i like them 🙏
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series Mark, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place. Thanks for watching, It won't be too long before we are on the next one.
A really good ,review ,Joe a very good ,common sense approach.
Thanks mate, I hope it helps people who are looking at the bike work out if it is the right one for them.
@freewayproject i confess if i didn't have a fully kitted out CB500X ,I'd consider buying the Himmy 450
@@noelbowerman1562 As long as you have a bike you can get out and explore on that's all that matters.
Well Joe Ryan what can I say apart from absolutely amazing trip been absolutely brilliant watching you you have made some great videos and I cannot wait to get some prints off you I hope you will be able to sign one of them for me amazing journey you have discovered..
Thanks Barrie, It's great to hear you enjoyed the series, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place. Due to shipping cost The company I use for the prints has printing locations in USA, Europe and Australia other wise shipping was $60+ for oversea orders. So I can not sign prints with the $13 shipping cost as they leave directly form the printers. If needed I can try find a work around, just message me on the website.
Hello Joe, a really good review., thanks. Great photography, the right detail and l like your candidness. 👍🏻
Thanks mate, I hope the review will help people looking at the bike to see if it is the right one for them. Thanks for watching
@ You hit your goal👍🏻
Great review, loved your Himalayan adventure.
Thanks mate, It's great to hear you enjoyed the series, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place. Thanks for watching, It won't be too long before we are on the next one.
@@freewayproject You inspired me to buy an RE, although the Bear, not the himmy.
Great review that felt quite honest, thank you. I don't think I'm ready to give my 411 up yet, but when I am, this one is definitely going to be on the shortlist.
Ref the 411 kickstand - they're not all the same - I've stood mine next to older ones and it's quite different. Early ones were too upright, and could actually fall over to the right, so at least with the last 2 or 3 years of production, they had shorter ones giving a better lean and generally solved that problem. I'm sure they'll get it right on the 452 soon enough, RE are pretty good at listening to feedback.
Thanks mate, I hope the information helps people work out if the bike is right for them. Yes it was refreshing to see the RE head design talk about the issue and how it happen and clarify there was a fix coming. Instead of deflecting or denying it.
Good review of a very competent bike.
Thanks Joe.
Oh, in some of your footage I did see RE Classic 350s tackling some gnarly looking tracks.
Rgs
Thanks mate, I hope it helps people who are looking at the bike work out if it is the right one for them.
Yes it's amazing years ago people did these tracks (and I gather they would have been in worse conditions) on RE Bullets.
Good review. Just recently rode 4600 km’s in remote WA. Two bikes, one was the 450 Himi, stock except for tyres and larger screen, we rode on dirt roads including the Gun Barrel highway, GCR, old Laverton rd then back to Perth on as much dirt as possible. The bike took all that was thrown at it. The suspension was tested to its limits ( endless corrugation) and yes it did prove to be an area that needs tweaking ( aftermarket) though in fairness the suspension did take a pounding. The side stand was a pain and the foot to narrow, the Mirrors need to be thrown in the bin, kept vibrating loose. Fuel consumption was very good. I was not riding this bike, this is my observation and talking to my mate. This is a very capable bike, a few tweaks and this bike will take you all over AUSTRALIA. It’s a JACK OF ALL TRADES, MASTER OF NONE kind of bike. Acerbis fuel tank, adjustable rear brake and gear lever would be a good investment. Tweak the suspension with remote Pre load adjuster, double take mirrors, high front guard and your pretty well set with lots of coin left over for those adventure rides.
That sounds like an epic ride. Yer I think I'd change nearly every bikes mirrors to the double take ones I have. The bike is a cheaper way to get into exploring.
Great series mate, I still have to get back to the last two episodes though
Thanks mate, it is an incredible place to ride and explore, definitely worth it if you can get there.
As usual Joe great video mate. But the ultimate question is "will you be getting one" :) cheers
Thanks mate, I hope it helps people who are looking at the bike work out if it is the right one for them.
I bought my 411 second hand as it was all I could afford, so it is going to be a while before the 450 are the same.
As always Joe, a cracking video mate. So enjoyed the series and been waiting for this video all week (like a kid before Christmas). I am currently looking to pull the trigger on a bike like this, and your video has answered most of most of my questions, but I do have one more if you have 2 minutes to read and respond Joe? Basically, I am looking at two bikes, the Himy 452 and the Voge 300 Rally. My use case is riding on roads from England to Europe on road, lets say 800 miles over 2 to 3 days, then doing something like the Adventure Country Tracks Pyrenees (bigger bike friendly off road, about 900 miles), then another 800 miles of tarmac back to old blighty. I know the himy 452 would be the better bike for the road miles, and likely the better buke for 90% of the simpler off road. The bit I am worried about, is the inevitable odd section of off road that could well be tricky, where I will be solo and without phone reception (rocky, muddy, steep inclines with switch backs). I suspect the Voge 300 rally (at 158KG wet rather than 195KG wet) would be the better option in the odd tricky bit. Interesting you thought the 452 had a higher centre of gravity than the 411 as that may be an issue off road? Although it does have a nice low seat height. Not sure if you have done much with things like the Voge 300, CRF 250 / 300 rally, a DRZ 400 or similar. But I am just trying to gauge how much more a of a challenge a 452 would be vs something like those in the more gnarly off road sections I encounter? Would the Voge be night and day easier to manage? Or would the himy be perfectly manageable if take time? It is a tricky one, I dont want to optimise my bike for 5% of the journey and be miserable on the rest (which would be the Voge) but at the same time, dont want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere either (which would be the himy 452 if much harder in the odd tricky bit). I am of intermediate level off road, and it is about exploration (much like yourself), not interested in pace or speed, just getting through the odd technical bit, to see what is around the next corner. If you have read this far Joe, the good on you mate. Obviously my responsibility and decision, but any insight from someone who has done the miles you have (and explores the same way) would be most welcome. Take it east Joe, and keep up the excellent work!
I have not ridden the Voge 300. I do have a KTM 250 EXC-F so understand what a 103kg bike is like to ride. I took the 411 through a place called Skytrek in Australia which has a verity of tricky tracks and climb with a very steep rocky long climb at the end, which the 411 managed, the thing that made it possible was the tyres a more aggressive tyre will change a bikes ability. If I took the 450 on this track with a more aggressive tyre it would eat this up, the 411 is capable but the 450 is a lot better off road. I'd be willing to take the 450 on most off road track unless the ruts are higher than the axels of the wheels, not sure how gnarly the tracks you are looking at riding are. I had no issue lifting the 450 at 4,500m (lack of oxygen) with gear still on the bike. You could always go into RE show room and see if they let you lay it down and lift it up again. If you did get one get bottom crash bars on it so if the bike falls in a bad angle on a steep trail you can drag the bike around on the crash bars to get it into a better position to lift, I did this on a trail in the Victorian High country, the way the bike fell I could not lift it, I dragged it 180 and it was easy to lift.
The slightly higher centre of gravity on the 450 isn't an issue as it still feels lower than my KTM 250.
For me this bike is probably perfect for the type of riding I do. A bit light would make this a little easier but the weight isn't stopping me from lifting the bike when needed.
I hope you work out what is best for you, it sounds like an awesome trip.
This is half of the Skytrek trail (other half is in the episode before this) with the steep climb, as always cameras done show how steep the climbs are.
ruclips.net/video/30ZdQxHJ8OA/видео.html&t
Hope this helps
@@freewayproject Thanks Joe. That puts my mind at rest and I think this will be the right bike for me. I am not "planning" on taking on anything overly gnarly, but experience tells me that when covering 100s of miles off road, it is inevitable you will come up against the off tricky bit on the way (and thats part the fun). I have only really done adventure travel on those 155KG type bikes in the past and really enjoyed it. The 452 looks perfect for what I want Joe, and great shout re the tyres and lower engine bars (and skid plate I think!) - it was really only that "fear of stranded solo on a heavier, unmanageable bike" making me hesitate. Obviously, that is always a risk regardless of bike, but it does not sound as if the 452 would be night and day harder to manage than the likes of the 300 rally in that odd section of more technical trail section (which was my main concern). And the 452 will 100% pay dividends on the roads and the easy twin track. Thanks again mate, currently pausing watching you in Tasmania to watch your Skytrek trail adventure. Stay safe mate, and thanks again for taking the time to reply Joe.
Hello Ryan
I wish you a merry christmas wherever you are.I always look forward to a fantastic new video.
Can you maybe make your video and photo segments in the video 2 or 3 seconds longer when looking at landscapes ?
I look and just as I concentrate and focus, its gone to the next segment, and I think ohh, that was a bit.short. 😢
No biggie though.Your style of video is unique and enjoyable.Thanks.
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series Allan. I am slowly getting the hang of the style of editing so some of the better shots in future series should be longer. Hopefully that will be next week. As always thanks for watching.
Thanks for your review Joe!
You're welcome Robb, I hope it helps.
Iam looking at getting a 450 next year, going from sports bikes to ADV, i live in the UK so no big ass mileage to cover just mild green lane off roading, iam looking at the himalayan and royal enfield as one of the few manufacturers that will survive as they are in touch with consumers and the changing motorcycle world, its also the right amount of investment for me as its a toy, great review on the bike
I think the 450 will do well there are it will eat the green lanes up but if you need to get on the motorway to get to a different area the good on there too, also as you say the price is right, no need to over invest in something that you won't use half it's ability.
Great video Joe, ill be sharing it with friends. An easily digestable video with the added advantage of snapshots of some superb scenery from your trip. Makes me want to bin the idea of a new GSA, Ktm SAS or Duc MS v4S ....LOL
Thanks, I hope it helps people who are looking at the bike work out if it is the right one for them. There are a lot of options out there, hopefully you find the right one for you.
Looking at the 452 as my next bike , thanks Ryan Great real world review
I hope it helps you work out which bike is best for you.
It will thanks, only thing holding me back is height. Waiting to try low seat when it arrives in uk, also there’s a low link available but don’t want to go down that route really..
Cheers for your review Joe.👍🍻
You're welcome. I hope it helps people who are looking at the bike work out if it is the right one for them.
as a 411 himalyan rider from Costa Rica, this review is great thanks for sharing.
l'm considering to make a change to the 450 due the lack of power of the 411, due to my weight been 100kg, is almost imposible to over take cars in my country narrow country side roads and seen the 450 is has more power and gear, l think is a good choice.
You are welcome, I hope it helps. I think the 450 power difference will solve your issue with the 411.
Good review, I am from India and I have done almost entire india solo on my classic stealth black 500, entire J&K, himachal, uttrakahnd, sikkim and Nepal.. I met few people who were riding himlayan 411 and wanted to switch and i rode it and ti was easy. though Classic look sexier.
I moved to UAE and now i want to buy a bike here and i was thinking between two Tenere 700 and 450 for my central asia and Turkey trip, but Tenere is way to expensive and it well suited for skilled rider, also it has mid high torque which makes it difficult if i want to ride on low RPM in mountains for a person of my skill (may be this is my assumption), they dont allow test ride for T7 in UAE.
nice content
I have jumped on the Yamaha and yes it is a more powerful machine and more aggressive with that power as you say higher up in the range. Great for big open fast section. it is a taller bike too so it helps to be a tall person to manage it. The 450 have a similar more manageable feel like the 411 to it, but more power better suspension etc. I found it easier to get through the rougher stuff than the 411. out of the T7 and 450, I'd say people would want to have more off road skills for the T7 than would be needed to ride the 450.
@ indeed T7 is preferable for more skilled rider and may be later in sometime. For now i think Himalayan can do it.
Smart, precise and practical . Thanks as always Joe.
Thanks mate, I hope it helps people who are looking at the bike work out if it is the right one for them.
Hi Joe, thanks for this comparison. After listening to this I really need to try one for myself. I went with a 411 myself and listening to the plusses, I want to experience it for myself. As if I needed an excuse to return to Ladakh. 🤣👍🏻
It's definitely worth trying one out to see if it's the right bike for you.
That was a brilliant review! Thank you.
I hope it was informative and helps people work out if it is the right bike them. Thanks for watching.
Great review Joe, thanks. I did a test ride on a 450 yesterday. Impressive on the highway, very powerful and agile. But it’s not a machine to ride comfortably and peacefully in low revs. The softness of the engine and the ride begins from 3-4.000 revs. Below that it’s like a hammering, very unpleasant. It pushes you to ride faster. The bike is not an upgrade of 411, it’s totally a different bike for different tastes, different riders. I’m keeping happily my lovely 411😊
The 450 definitely wants to run faster. Both do what they are design to do well.
Did u try the eco mode? If u haven't give it a try.
@@Futuremodi I didn't try any of the modes. I rode it as I got it the whole way.
@@Futuremodi I didn't try it either. The only reason I took it for a test ride was because it was more powerful than the 411. If I'm going to ride it in eco mode, it's ridiculous to think about upgrading my 411. Because the 411 is already a very good bike, except for the fact that it's a little underpowered.
@@hakanoge7656Well if u r going to ride on an expressway u will be sitting on those high rpms all the time. When u r driving through the city and evading traffic switch to eco. Also u can use eco mode if u r a beginner offroader or if u want that 411 factor for a careful approach. Heard that the engine has dual character(they using square pistons or smth, idk) and those characters get enhanced by switching modes. Pardon my messy English.
Welcome back Rudolph😂.
It's good to see your nose isn't burnt anymore. You were saying in one of the videos that you got an open face because of your visor fogging up. Look for a helmet that has a "pinlock" on it. Most helmets have them now and it eliminates fogging.
the helmet I have with the visor does but it more likely the camera mount and positioning, also leaving before or at dawn doesn't help
Dude, amazing review and series. Came across your channel as I have been researching buying a RE Himalayan 450 as a bike to explore Indonesia and SEA in general. I'm sold and also want to take a trip to India now... just gotta get to the mainland, right 😂
I hope it helped workout if it's the right bike for you. It's a great bike to explore solo on. Definitely get to the mainland as welll
@@freewayproject Very much so! Have ridden cruisers for several years now but never been much of an off-roader. I think your comment about the bike having more ability than you/us hit the nail on the head that I'm going to fail before the bike's ability will 😂
Awesome trip and great review Joe. Thanks so much for the sharing your experience.
Thanks mate, I hope it helps people who are looking at the bike work out if it is the right one for them. It won't be too long before we are on another journey.
Cannot wait, been following you on the other channel for years.We love how you show the world from your perspective.
Great realistic review, love your work, congrats to you and Royal Enfield 👍 Bhutan would be an awesome next adventure 😁
Thanks mate. Bhutan would be amazing but with the way it is set up where you have to go on a prepaid pre-booked tour with guide. It wouldn't feel like an adventure to me, I would miss all the random things that happen when nothing is planned and you really get to explore. Hopefully that will change in the future. But there are a lot of other places I am keen to explore in the mean time.
@ I didn’t know that - happy to keep viewing wherever you end up 👍😁
Loved the series, your thoughts on the 450 and am looking forward to you next series, where that is I'm not sure however I'm sure it will be amazing. Maybe one day I'll see you down here in central west NSW.
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place. You know me, I could easily go down a side track on the way back to Australia haha.
@@freewayproject I'm currently adding some mods to my 450 in the shed whilst watching / listening to some of your older explorations and having a few cold ones. Now you've got me thinking... where could it be? Anticipation!
i deeply enjoyed your himalayas trip videos. good luck.
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place. Thanks for watching, It won't be too long before we are on the next one.
Hello joe
You made all this Himalayan roads and this difficult terrains with stock tires?😮 Good job! you have really a good hand to dirt roads man. Cheers from Greece mate we wait to see your new adventure. By the way i own the Himalayan 450 and it's great bike
Yes on stock tyres, putting some more aggressive tread onto the bike would make it even more capable, you'd be able to attack a lot more difficult terrain.
Hello Joe, welcome back to Aussie land, what a whirlwind trip you’ve had, places you’ve been, what an adventure, one thing I was curious about about is how far from Everest were you, and did you ever lay eyes on it. Well not sure if and when your next adventure will be, but rest assured I’ll be waiting, thank you so very much, like I mentioned before, not only are you doing this for yourself but for us all, not to computer savvy and guess I’m old school, like to send you some coins just to say thanks, I know how to write a check and fair with a card but again just many thanks to you. Rob U.S.
Well I made not have made it quite back to Australia yet, you know me I can't resist a side track.
Everest is in the country next to the Ladakh region of India in Nepal. it is about 1000km (600miles) to the east south east of the main town Leh where I was.
Thanks you for the kind offer of support, not sure checks work in Australia anymore, i have not seen one here since the 1990's. You can purchase fuel supports with a credit card see link below, but just by watching and commenting does help.
www.joeryan.store/store/youtube-channel-support
A really good honest review Joe, and perfectly timed straight after your epic adventure. Will you upgrade??
Just wanted to get my through down before I forgot. I hope it helps people who are looking at the bike work out if it is the right one for them.
I bought my Himalayan 411 second hand as that is all I could afford, it will be a while before there are second hand 450's that drop down that much in price.
Thank you Joe, "I'm just an average rider" lol maybe but you are not average when it comes to adventure. Waiting for the next one. Take care and ride on!
A couple of weeks and we will be on the next journey. As always thanks for the support.
@@freewayproject there is a postal strike here in Canada. I don't want to order a photo until that has ended unless you can send via Purolator or equivalent and let me know how much extra that would be?
0:28 is this clip from a few kilometers before Wan village (basecamp of Roopkund trek)?
I gatherWan Village is south of the Valley of Flowers? No that shot was on the road to Killar north west of Manali (from the third episode in the Himalayan series). I was hoping to get to Uttarakhand region but I ran out of time.
@freewayproject whenever you'll come to India next time, You are most welcome to Uttarakhand, specially to Chamoli District. ☺️🫡
Great review Joe, definitely thinking of upgrading my 411cc in the Spring and the 450 is top of my list to test ride. Sat on one in the dealership and it feels very similar to the 411 which surprised me as did the side stand 😮😂 !! Glad a fix is coming. Love the black and gold ✨️ too. Really looking forward to riding it. Thanks again for the review and btw you are not an average rider!! Looking forward to seeing your next adventure. The question is 'Are you going to upgrade to the 450 or keeping your trusty 411 ? ' 🤔
I hope it helped. It does feel like they kept a lot of the feel on the 411, improve the parts that needed it and refined the rest.
I bought my 411 second hand as that is all I could afford, it will be a while before the 450 drop that much for second hand ones.
@freewayproject well here's hoping Royal Enfield can step in and give you a mega discount on a new one. You deserve it for all the fantastic free advertising you give them 🤞🍀 all the best Joe and hope you have a very happy Prosperous Holiday this festering season 🎁🎄🎅✨️🏍💨🎉
Practical, down to earth, reporting as always Joe. Great job 👏👏👏
Thanks mate, I hope it helps people who are looking at the bike work out if it is the right one for them.
Super helpful review. Cheers!
I hope to helps.
I am gonna buy this bike. You are not an average Joe. You are badass.
It's a great bike for riding terrain like the Himalayas, I am sure you'll have a great time riding and exploring on it.
A very fair & worthy review Joe, thanks for sharing.
Are you planning a future adventure?
Thanks mate, I hope it helps people who are looking at the bike work out if it is the right one for them.
I might be on one now 😁
@freewayproject
Brilliant, enjoy, I will look forward to it 👍
Best wishes mate! Your video quality is better than many million subscriber channels. @youtube, please do your magic :)
Thanks mate, it's great to hear you enjoyed the series, thanks for watching.
Now I really want you to try the new Scram 440. I do wish to know how the low end torque and a sixth gear of the 2 valve compare to the newer 4 valve 450
I have not seen the new Scram 440 as yet, it's great there are more options.
4000 miles 5050 riding in Colorado. Best ADV I've ever owned, and I've had everything. Age 60.
I can see how the bike would do well there, I have ridden a mountain bike and trail run on Colorado trails, I can wait to ride a motorbike out there.
Having ridden both, the 411 won in rugged classic looks and ease of maintenance and servicing. The 450 won it in terms of power and torque. BUT the 450 still has some first generation issues. Pulled aggressively to the right and the side stand and engine mount issues. NOW they have the upgraded Scram 440 with more power, LED lights, a stronger frame, 6th gear in the original classic aesthetics. That would be my pick in an adventure bikes from RE.
It's great to see there is more selection so everyone can pick the right bike for them, everybody wins.
What an excellent review! Thanks. About 5 vs 6 gears. I bought a Yamaha XT250 two years ago to learn some dirt skills after riding a Harley for a couple of years. That missing 6th gear on the XT still gets me whenever I'm on tar. A riding mate calls it "running out of gears early" when you are in 5th and go looking for 6th for that extra bit of power and, aghhh, it's just not there! But the XT is sensational on a steep downhill; it grinds in first gear slower than a tractor so I can ride the clutch down, pulling it in to speed up and letting it out to brake. So looking forward to your next adventure ... but where will it be? Somewhere in Asia?
I hope it helps, The XT2250 sounds like a fun bike. That the thing, the right bike for the right terrain and they way you ride it, there not a bad bike just choosing the wrong bike for the wrong type of riding, but in saying that it would be epic to they ride a Postie bike across the centre of Australia haha.
@@freewayproject Being a shortarse woman, the XT suits me well as I was able to have the seat cut down and a lowering link put in. But the XT is an absolute shocker to ride on the highway, so I also have a BMW F650 GS as my dual purpose bike: it's excellent on tar, but unfortunately isn't geared sufficiently low to creep down steep, slippery hills the way the XT does. I'd love a Himalayan because I can't pick up the BMW, but probably could pick up a Royal Enfield, but unfortunately they don't come/can't be made low enough. As you say, it's horses for courses of course, and all fun. BTW - I think you underestimate your off-road skills. You always seem to handle the bike superbly, whatever the conditions.
Good to see you mate..nice review..you look so fresh though..
Thanks mate, oh I only need a few hours sleep and I am ready to go on another adventure.
Good review, Joe. Thanks.
Thanks mate.
Great series, thanks for taking us on your journey. I’m starting my planning for a similar trip. Did you rent the bike you used?
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series, it was a lot of fun in an incredible place. As mentioned at the start of the first episode Royal Enfield lent me the bike to do the journey on. I have a video coming out on Friday that goes over the things I learnt riding in the area and other information that might help people who are thinking of riding there for the first time, not sure if that might help you. Thanks for watching.
@@freewayproject Sorry about that, I must've been taking a sip of coffee and missed that part, haha. Looking forward to the video, any info will be a huge help!
Hi Joe, some great feedback there, useful. Just wondering, were you running tubes? did you tinker with tyre pressures at all...or just set and forget type thing?
I gather it had tubes, I didn't check, I carried spares front and back tubes plus levers, pump and patch kit. I literal rode the bike out of Royal Enfield store and didn't touch anything on the bike until I got back to the same RE store beside taking those rubber inserts out of the foot pegs.
Great review Joe. Where are you off to next?
Thanks mate, you know me I could find a side track on the way back to Australia.
@@freewayproject Yes please Joe - Take the long way home
Do you have an opinion of the Himalayan 450 low end torque for its ability to climb steep roads from a dead stop with two people and luggage? I am considering purchasing the bike but have read that it lacks low end torque and an application would be when we travel to islands in Thailand with steep hills and may get stuck behind a truck crawling up the mountain - would we be in trouble trying to get enough forward momentum if we needed to stop on the incline?
Thank you,
Mike
Hi Mike. I have not had 2 people on my bike but found it had more torque than the 411, the 450's peak torque is higher in the range than the 411 but still had enough low end for me. I have not ridden other bikes so I can not give you a comparison to other bikes.
Hi Joe. It’s been great following your Himalayan adventures over the past months, and I’m excited to see where you’re going next. I’m thinking of changing my bike next year, and after visiting the recent Motorcycle Live show here in the UK, the 450 Himalayan and the CF Moto are the two I’m most interested in. I know you rode the standard bike in India, but in your opinion and if you were able to go out and buy a new Himalayan, do you think the tubeless wheel option is preferable over the tubed tyre version? Many congratulations on another superb series!
It's great to hear you enjoyed the series. I think the Tubeless version of the 450 are now available in some places. It definitely would not be a deal breaker, I have ridden a lot off road, 100,000km in the last 3 years and only had a couple of flat over the last couple of years (both on road, both I fixed not on the side of the road). Yes you can plug tubeless so it can be easier to fix that change tubes, you can drop the tyre pressure to get more grip on difficult terrain, but it happens so rarely. If they were both easily available yes I'd go with the tubeless but if they weren't I'd have no issue going with the tubed.
@ cheers Joe. I was also thinking about the space and weight that a spare front and rear inner tube takes, but I suppose patches and adhesive would be the same or smaller than a plug kit. As the tubeless Himalayan is more expensive here in the UK (£250 more in the Henle Black colour), and you don’t get those lovely gold rims, that’s a lot of fuel to go out and ride with. Next job will be to book a test ride! All the best, Richard.
Hi Joe, so what colour are you going to buy when you start shopping at home? Tube or tubless wheels?
I got my 411 second hand as that is all I could afford, it will take some time before they end up on the second hand market and drop enough in price. I'd take either tube or tubeless, it not hard to change a tube and it's rare.
Suspension and brakes are phenomenal in H450 🔥
Definitely a big upgrade on the previous version.
I just wander why you used your phone for navigation, and didn’t use the new display with Google maps on it? Also could you give your height and inside leg please. Great review and well trialed. Sadly I found the bike too tall for me. But I enjoyed watching your series. 🙏
My phone is old and the battery doesn't last long and the plug to charge doesn't work so that mount wirelessly charges the phone. You can not get a connection in Ladakh (this will be explained in the next video) so no google, the GaiaGPS app has more map details, but the main reason is I don't check the map much, normally once I realise I've taken a wrong turn 😂. I think I am between 5'8 - 5'9 I have no idea what my inner leg length is.
@ Thanks Joe. 🙏
Great your home safe joe an a great honest review sir. Any punctures??
Surprisingly no punctures over all that rough terrain.
411 are still great
@@Sweens-o9l They all sound like interesting places to explore, maybe I'll find a side track on the way back to Australia.