The biking world has come full circle! What we really need is an economical, lightweight, simple single cylinder machine. That's what the British motorcycle industry was providing for decades until we were seduced by the glamour of the twin and later multi cylinder bikes.
I didn’t notice. Single cylinder economical ｂike’s haven’t been around for decades. I’ve had a Kawasaki Estrella, a classic 250cc single and a Yamaha SR400, very simple and kick-start. Estrellas are still made by Kawasaki Indonesia but were made in Japan for at least fifteen years from ‘92. The SR was made ‘78 - ‘20. Then there were tons of other singles, the TW200, Suzuki Tempter 400, Honda SS400, all made and sold loads of them up to about 2010.
Amazing how in the 70s we were all riding around on 250's my mate bought a Honda CB450 black bomber we thought of it as a big bike. Now we look as it as a small bike.
Yes I remember riding a Honda C 50 to work & dreaming of owing a Honda 250 or 400 , they seemed like super bikes at the time . Now they are regarded as one step up from a moped , & 65O cc is now deemed a learners bike to take your test on .
powerful cars would have 80-120hp and now even city cars have 100hp. Things change but human reflexes keep the same or even worse with all the modern confort
Back in 1975 I was a machine shop apprentice. My biker friends were similarly employed. If you were buying a "daily driver" then it was probably a four stroke, either a second-hand 250 or a new 175. I had a brand new Honda CD 175. The 250 two-stroke crowd looked down on such a machine but these days you can't even ride one on L-plates like I did. Mine took me all over the country for fun and to work every day for about 18 months until I passed the test and got something bigger. My favourite bike from the 70s was my Honda 400/4 which was immense fun - as chuckable as a 250 with plenty of go.
I had a road test last Friday on the Guerilla and was blown away by it!! I'm quite critical but honestly couldn't fault it. If I was being hyper critical I found that the footrest got in the way when putting it on the centre stand, a very minor issue and of no concern. Long and short of it is I ordered one which is being delivered this Saturday, the only sad part is I'm having to swap my Halcyon Black Classic for it as I'm limited for space in the shed but I'm keeping my Meteor Aurora, must have an air cooled one lunger on the fleet!! Great review and I've yet to see a negative report on the Guerilla. It's got to be the best in class and will impact on both Interceptor and Himalayan sales I feel, particularly for those riders who aren't bothered about off road capability. 🙂👍
This is by far the best thing to come out of India...its so much fun to ride . Go to your local dealer and take a test ride , i did and bought one next day .
Best review of this motorcycle that I have seen. Beautiful ride particularly the section from East Morton to the Menston Moor Road. First time that I have come across your channel, keep up the good work.
i bought the interceptor 650 six weeks before this came out..i would have definitely got this..(but not in yukky gold) ..... but... i take her 90% of the time so te 650 is exceptionally nice to torque around the newly speed restricted british lanes.. my speedy days are long gone im 58 yrs old.. done it all... just enjoy sub 70 mph cruising nowdays.... an bloody ekc as right... i ride what i like.. an i like what i ride....
I really like these smaller engine bikes that are coming through. It reminds me of being a youngster on my de restricted RD125 that could be thrashed to around 90-95 on the clock! I recently tested the triumph 400 scrambler and it was huge fun, easily hitting decent speeds and a joy to throw around any sort of road. It’ll be interesting to see how this compares to that bike. I’m currently riding a 160bhp naked bike but honestly have fallen out of love with the power and the speed needed to make the bike feel like it’s doing what it’s made for. This is certainly on the list as my next purchase. Thanks for a great review!
I could get the RD 125 over a 100 a very long time ago when I was a lad never owned one I had cg 😂😂😂the ones I used to tune were for the lads at work ps they didn't last long till they seized but the boys at work didn't seem to mind 😂😂😂brilliant days❤
The playa black tank one looks great. Test rode a Himalayan yesterday and was very impressed. Didn't think I would like it as much as i did after reviews saying its vibey but what a bike
Morning Dave. It’s bloody brilliant isn’t it !!! I have noticed that your demo bike has a few accessories on it. The different seat looks very smart, as does the cowl between the speedo and headlight. When I went up the motorway at a steady 70mph (and beyond 😉), I didn’t feel any vibration, or tingling at all. It had been used on the Spanish launch, and thrashed from day one, so just a thought that they do smooth out with more miles. I am just trying to figure what body parts I don’t need, so I can sell them to buy one of these beauties 😂
It's a great looking bike Dave, I'm looking forward to getting a test ride, I prefer the Playa black or the Yellow ribbon colours myself, but that's the thing with Enfield you get a good range of colours for all tastes! Great review 👍 Cheers Mel 🍻
I have a KTM 390 Adv and test rode this yesterday and I thought it was better than my KTM. Much more spritely from low to mid range and as I don’t use the KTM for off road it would suit my needs better. Both the adv and the duke are the same 390 engine which I find lacking till you hit six grand. Great ride from you again. Regards John.
Hi Dave, dont be afraid to tell us what you really, really think about the Guerrilla 450 😂😂😂. Thanks for a delightful review and journey. Now, if we could just get it in Canada…soon!
Good Morning Dave , Thanks for your in depth review on this bike , i have to say id already watched Ian Hughes video on the Guerrilla , i think yet again they have made another winner & from the price point whats not to like , so take care & ride safe
Love your bike reviews. I’m an older guy and thinking of returning to riding again. I’m liking the look of the extra grip that a Yamaha Niken GT offers with the extra front wheel. I also live in the North West so predominantly wet roads. I’d love to see you ride one and your thoughts.
That's it you've made up my mind I'm trading in my 500 bullet for one seen a few reviews this is the best one yet well done mate Loved the look of this bike from day one
Really enjoyed this video, thanks for posting. Brilliant presentation style I have a Hunter 350 which I won't sell, but this is another "do it all" machine looks irresistible 😅.
Great review ! , I test rode one on 4th Aug at a Royal Enfield City tour event , and like you found it to be a fantastic , Have a Brava Blue one on order !
Good morning Dave. Great review 😊. Apparently, the "Eco" mode softens power delivery in the first three gears but is unintrusive otherwise. Another good reason for this to be ideal as a first "big" bike. There are a choice of seats available, the one you have there being a taller accessory seat. I think the standard seat provides the very accessible 780mm seat height.
Good coverage of bike nice one. There are three things that caught my eye about this bike that I like. The off centre fuel cap, The flat tank, And the rear lights that are altogether in the indicators really like that. Were you aware of them ?
I have the Benelli Leoncino 500 which I would say is this bikes closest counterpart. If the RE was out a year ago when I bought my Benelli it would have been a close call between the two!! I hope it sells like hot cakes because it’s probably the best bang for buck you can get!
This feels a lot like what Hunter 350 kinda should've been all along. But I'd be satisfied with 26-34 hp.. don't really need 40, but the 20 of the J-engine (350) is not really enough. So looking for that sweet spot of easy slow pace rides and enough oomph for motorway.
Thanks for the review and your thoughts. I'd agree thaat RE has reached a crossroad in their development. RE seems to have shown they understand motorcycling better than many other manufacturers, emphasising ease of use and serviceability, simplicity in design yet completeness in its ability to fulfil a range of riding styles. I wonder how long we will wait for a modernised 650? And lovely to see Universal road tyres fitted instead of pretend racing ones. Maybe RE might consider using a Gates belt drive in future models.
What needs to be borne in mind with RE is build quality. In 5 years of ownership my one is so be badly corroded, with paint peeling on the engine and fork legs, that with 25k I'll be lucky to get £1k for it, if I can sell it at all. And then there were 2 almost catastrophic brake line ruptures, and a host of parts that needed replacement in the first 15k miles. My Yamaha 900 was ridden through 14 winters and there was very little corrosion, apart from consumables, few parts needed and it was totally reliable. Tldr, I'm now back on a Japanese twin.
Which model did you own? Had my Interceptor from new , June 2019, done 22k miles. Not an issue at all with the paint work. Had a couple of RR’s fail, replaced under warranty & that’s about it. Still think it’s brilliant.
@@martinowl Himalayan, ridden year round. At around 10k, steering head bearing and chain kaput. All sorts of parts quality failures / issues. The engine has real character, but the bike has had serial niggles that made me lose confidence.
Great review Dave, thanks for your efforts in detailing what the bikes all about. I agree that this is the best bike RE has produced to date, and will appeal to many. I’m now figuring out how it will look in the garage along side my SV 650.
I've been looking forward to this review Dave and I had the feeling you would really like it based on how you liked the new Himalayan. I think it looks great though I reckon some folk would like a spoked wheel version. It would be nice to have a carrier to strap your waterproofs or a tail bag to. I expect that will come soon enough. The price is great at five grand but I can't help wondering is £4,300 for the CFMOTO NK 450 twin a better buy. Good times! Cheers and thanks for the entertainment TC
I knew you would like this bike Dave .light agile punchy singe with sort of modern retro street styling a bit flat track. I watched some of the reviews from the launch in Spain and one jurno who tests very fast premium sports machines said that the this was one of the very best handling bikes bar non that he has tested ,I am so tempted a do it all bike with a big dollop of practicality. Well done Royal Enfield 👏
Quite fancied this after having a 800 ducati scrambler, but it's only 40bhp and weighs more than the scrambler did , and it just isn't quick , but it is very handsome .
Have to say I really like this one TBW just from the visuals leave alone the reviews I have seen so far and if I hadn't just changed bikes to a newish twin this would be on my radar and maybe still is in the near future Royal Enfield have played a blinder with this one in my opinion both with colour schemes price and performance for that price .This just nocks spots of most of the others in this category with maybe the Triumph although I think this even edges it .Very impressed it's a winner for sure imo and I haven't ridden any of them .👌👍
Had a test ride on one yesterday, I was surprised how small it is compared to the Himmy and it delivers the power more instantly . But personally I like the 450 Himalayan more.
The BSA 650 thumper is a really good looking ride. The reviews seem good. The triumph 400speed is a righteous bike. Now this! Honestly, what do we really need? 6 speed, good fuel economy, proper handling, smooth operation, dependability and customer support.
Seems like it's quite similar to Triumphs new 400 range. If I didn't already own a Scrambler 400X, the RE Guerilla would definitely be interesting to me.
We been asking the major brands to provide a cost effective solution it took Enfield to start giving us what we asked for and the 650 interceptor in the top 5 retro scared the major brands to get out and do something.
i'm no RE fan, but i but there does seem a lot of positives here, and if was going to go down the cc's a bit and stray away from my honda i'd take a look for sure, but the triumph speed 400 at more or less the same money would get my attention first, but it wouldn't do for us all to be the same would it lol, so thanks for the vid, enjoyed it. GL
Cracking review and great video. I am seriously considering g one of these as a sibling to my 2024 Triumph Tiger Rally Pro. The only things I would change on the Gorilla are the girls to gold ones and the exhaust.
Great review Dave and I'm glad you enjoyed the bike so much. It's also firmed up my intention to make this my next bike next springtime! I just need to decide between the basic silver/grey bike and the red/gold colourscheme... I stopped buying new bikes many years ago but this is so cheap I'll make an exception.
I find it interesting to see Triumph and RE "fish in eachothers pond" more and more. A newborn rivalry? This one seems an obvious answer to Triumph's Speed 400. Same kind of vibe in the design, both a single delivering 40 BHP. Defenitely a possible purchase in the future for me, as a weekend-ride funbike ;)
There's a great deal to be said for a punchy middleweight, whether liquid or air cooled and regardless of the number of cylinders. It takes me right back to my wedding day in 1978. My future wife rejected blowing a load of cash on a wedding dress ("Sod that, I'm having a new motorbike!"). We went off on honeymoon with me riding my Honda 400/4 and her riding a brand new Honda 400 Superdream. Happy days.😀
Many thanks for your great review of the Guerilla, Dave. It s being released in Australia now and I am going to the unveiling on this Thursday night. Seriously looking forward to that. I presently own a RE Classic 350 and am looking to upgrade. Could you please let me know what helmet you use? My helmet is very noisy and gets buffetted around at 100 kmh. Many thanks, David
With this apparent trend to fewer cylinders and no hyperexpensive plastic “jacket” fitted, I’ve a feeling that this trend to simplicity might well - be well advised keep going - EG to getting rid of more expensive OHC designs and give us back our OHV heads, and their easily adjusted tappets. With just two valves and easy access, half an hours’ twiddling could do it. If an injection system could be bluetooth linked to a smartphone app, then owners could also tweak their “carburation”. With a toothed belt in place of a transmission chain as was used on some Harleys even chain adjustment & lubing could be dispensed with. And thereby get rid of dealer dependency. Brakes were checked & adjusted as needful. New linings -or even new shoes - if the owner were £flush. Now - in MY day (cue whippet racing and black puddin’ for tea) we all did our own mechanicking, and even dealt with an occasional rebore/bottom end rebuild when the simpler oils of the period allowed bores to “hook” - mains and big ends to slacken off till they’d thump or grumble audibly. Few of us could be bothered to get the skills and tools to split a big single’s flywheel ass’y, I never did, but a knowledgable pal would “know a bloke…” who’d do it for a few pints and the certain knowledge that a return favour’d be remembered till wooden-overcoat time arrived… Eee bah goom, them were t’days Lad. And our singles were model 16 Ajays, Bullets, B31s. Maybe a big cat (Panther) that’d annually get hitched to a Busmar Double Adult chair to take Mabel and t’twins to Morecambe if enough brass’d been saved. Those gave a soft Thud! every other lamppost, so they’d say…. And those bikes weren’t traded in “for the latest model” annually, you HP-bought a tiddler to see you till your bonded “time” was out, then you chose a man’s ride -what you’d ride - maybe not absolutely for ever, but ‘twere close to it. Great stuff, if only Hovis adverts were accurate portrayals. Only those with long teeth’ll recall those, with a cornet solo gently briefly playing that piece from the New World symphony in t’background. Flat caps on bairns, unsliced bread from t’corner shop on t’table. While I’d cough up a decent sum for a well seasoned Ajay 16 in its original black paint and gold pinstripes, I’m afraid that I’d stop short at what’s asked for these nowadays…. (But dreaming’s cheap enough for even the shallowest pocket)
SOHC isn’t difficult to adjust valves, OHV has benefits too though, my CG150 is super simple and cheap to replace if need be. My GL500i is OHV as well, 50hp at 9,500 rpm, no torque to speak of lol.
Cracking Review Dave, makes me nervous to test ride this as i know i'll end up buying one 😂. Kieran told me the demo bike was imminent. Must resist 😄. Keep up the great work
Great vid, l'd like a spin on one if Appleyards have a demo bike. Can see RE selling shed loads in the EU. Nitpicking.... maybe they should have home market and European colour schemes? The Interceptor (initially) was fine, similarly the Classic and Meteor but they went well wonky with some Super Meteor schemes and it's carried on here....
Well Mr Wheeler, test ride next then pennies out from under the bed, oh did forget need a test ride in between, complement my little hunter pocket rocket well, but if it’s that good hunter will have to go, thanks for the demo, you need a check list for all safety straps done, it’s an age thing you know and as myself speedily approaching 70 in deffo need one, thanks again tater, also where was the man bag, don’t go anywhere wi out mine, tek care NW biker dude, Ted
Remembering the inventive ways that Benson and Hedges developed their ads during the era, it is appropriate to compare to an “automotive work of art”. We must also bear in mind that many of our generation think such of the Leyland Sherpa 😂👏👍👌
It seems quite a looker and very desirable to me ! Not available here in the colonies yet, not the Himi 450 either, as far as I can tell. Oh well I'll continue to squeak along on my old BMW !
Very nice bike indeed Dave and I'm not really a RE fan. I think you should trade your 350 classic in on that bike? Beautiful day for a ride too. Take care and ride safe as always. Cheers bud from the States.
Good review, you forgot to mention the cf moto 450s as competitors that donoffer something different as they run a twin not a single. Although much more modern looking the cf moto naked is the nk 450
I remember Colin Appleyards when it was at the bottom of Bradford Street. Do you? Opposite the fire station, when the fire station was at the bottom of Park Lane...
i remember the showroom near the main road at bradford street, ( now an asian shop) the workshop was in another terraced house further up the street near where that other asian thing is now, i started working there just before we moved into half of the old mill in coney lane, the other half belonged to a electrical contractors which burnt down years later and was used as the wardrobe dep't when they filmed part of the film yanks in keighley, nearly opposite the old old fire station at the bottom of park lane before they knocked it down, that's where the new shoroom is now, it was a happy place to work in those days.
@@stephenkinsley2483 I remember Yarno and Malcolm, I was mates with them at the time of their accident. I think at that time Malcolm lived on the steepest street in Keighley. around 1978 ish.
so, Dave are you getting one? lol, wonder if RE will do a tourer version with bigger tank and some luggage and keep it under 6k or will it be a different model, anyway another winner from RE
Some reviewers say the bike is small and being a big guy that is a concern but i know your a fairly big chap yourself and you didn't look like a golf ball on a tee. To my mind it's price, build quality and character knock spots of the bland Triumph 400s.
At which part of the Appleyard dealership did you film the introduction please? When I went to what Google tells me, there's no carparking facility with double yellow lines all around the little alleyway to the front door..
Morning Dave have you ridden the Triumph 400’s? I’ve test ridden the Speed 400 and found it excellent, comfortable, quick, brilliant handling with a superb engine. It’s lighter than the Enfield too and a very good looking bike. I think it’s a very strong competitor and costs similar money.
I've got my test soon been looking at v stroms , nx 500 . But I'm worried insurance will be ridiculous. This bike looks fantastic , do you think insurance could be cheaper because it's a new model bike ? Great review 👏
I'd love this engine on my small Meteor. Wondering if RE will put a fairing kit on this Guerrilla and boom: Royal Enfield sportbike. I don't like this digital display-mania on non-sportbikes tho.
The biking world has come full circle! What we really need is an economical, lightweight, simple single cylinder machine. That's what the British motorcycle industry was providing for decades until we were seduced by the glamour of the twin and later multi cylinder bikes.
So true !
I didn’t notice. Single cylinder economical ｂike’s haven’t been around for decades. I’ve had a Kawasaki Estrella, a classic 250cc single and a Yamaha SR400, very simple and kick-start. Estrellas are still made by Kawasaki Indonesia but were made in Japan for at least fifteen years from ‘92. The SR was made ‘78 - ‘20. Then there were tons of other singles, the TW200, Suzuki Tempter 400, Honda SS400, all made and sold loads of them up to about 2010.
I've known people who consider twins to be multi-cylinder bikes. 😃
yes,but they all broke down in a week of owning one
Why do you like 900cc bikes?
Amazing how in the 70s we were all riding around on 250's my mate bought a Honda CB450 black bomber we thought of it as a big bike. Now we look as it as a small bike.
Yes I remember riding a Honda C 50 to work & dreaming of owing a Honda 250 or 400 , they seemed like super bikes at the time . Now they are regarded as one step up from a moped , & 65O cc is now deemed a learners bike to take your test on .
@@paulmessenger1006 As soon as I passed my test in 1981 I bought a "big" bike too. Suzuki GS400E lol
Just a big con trick by the comics to get us to buy the larger capacity machines.
powerful cars would have 80-120hp and now even city cars have 100hp. Things change but human reflexes keep the same or even worse with all the modern confort
Back in 1975 I was a machine shop apprentice. My biker friends were similarly employed. If you were buying a "daily driver" then it was probably a four stroke, either a second-hand 250 or a new 175. I had a brand new Honda CD 175. The 250 two-stroke crowd looked down on such a machine but these days you can't even ride one on L-plates like I did. Mine took me all over the country for fun and to work every day for about 18 months until I passed the test and got something bigger. My favourite bike from the 70s was my Honda 400/4 which was immense fun - as chuckable as a 250 with plenty of go.
I had a road test last Friday on the Guerilla and was blown away by it!! I'm quite critical but honestly couldn't fault it. If I was being hyper critical I found that the footrest got in the way when putting it on the centre stand, a very minor issue and of no concern. Long and short of it is I ordered one which is being delivered this Saturday, the only sad part is I'm having to swap my Halcyon Black Classic for it as I'm limited for space in the shed but I'm keeping my Meteor Aurora, must have an air cooled one lunger on the fleet!!
Great review and I've yet to see a negative report on the Guerilla. It's got to be the best in class and will impact on both Interceptor and Himalayan sales I feel, particularly for those riders who aren't bothered about off road capability. 🙂👍
This is by far the best thing to come out of India...its so much fun to ride . Go to your local dealer and take a test ride , i did and bought one next day .
have you tried the Speed 400 as well?
Nice to see RE evolving, wonder what the future will bring. Oh dear Norman’s days are numbered
Norman stays! For now 😂
Agree with you RE's best addition to date , Love the Gold Colour
About time everything wasn't in fluorescent black.
Best review of this motorcycle that I have seen. Beautiful ride particularly the section from East Morton to the Menston Moor Road.
First time that I have come across your channel, keep up the good work.
Thank you sir 🙏
i bought the interceptor 650 six weeks before this came out..i would have definitely got this..(but not in yukky gold) ..... but... i take her 90% of the time so te 650 is exceptionally nice to torque around the newly speed restricted british lanes.. my speedy days are long gone im 58 yrs old.. done it all... just enjoy sub 70 mph cruising nowdays.... an bloody ekc as right... i ride what i like.. an i like what i ride....
I really like these smaller engine bikes that are coming through. It reminds me of being a youngster on my de restricted RD125 that could be thrashed to around 90-95 on the clock!
I recently tested the triumph 400 scrambler and it was huge fun, easily hitting decent speeds and a joy to throw around any sort of road. It’ll be interesting to see how this compares to that bike.
I’m currently riding a 160bhp naked bike but honestly have fallen out of love with the power and the speed needed to make the bike feel like it’s doing what it’s made for. This is certainly on the list as my next purchase.
Thanks for a great review!
I could get the RD 125 over a 100 a very long time ago when I was a lad never owned one I had cg 😂😂😂the ones I used to tune were for the lads at work ps they didn't last long till they seized but the boys at work didn't seem to mind 😂😂😂brilliant days❤
your narrative expression about the engine and ride quality is so lovely....
The old Lotus Gold Leaf F1 colours.As driven by Graham Hill. Bloody lovely 😍
Bike looks great matey. Top review as always.
Another winner from RE! Thanks for the good review!
The playa black tank one looks great. Test rode a Himalayan yesterday and was very impressed. Didn't think I would like it as much as i did after reviews saying its vibey but what a bike
Morning Dave. It’s bloody brilliant isn’t it !!! I have noticed that your demo bike has a few accessories on it. The different seat looks very smart, as does the cowl between the speedo and headlight. When I went up the motorway at a steady 70mph (and beyond 😉), I didn’t feel any vibration, or tingling at all. It had been used on the Spanish launch, and thrashed from day one, so just a thought that they do smooth out with more miles. I am just trying to figure what body parts I don’t need, so I can sell them to buy one of these beauties 😂
i'll give you £150 for a kidney .............. ??
Cheers Ian yes it really took me by surprise a magnificent effort by RE
@@raymondo162not enough 😂
It's a great looking bike Dave, I'm looking forward to getting a test ride, I prefer the Playa black or the Yellow ribbon colours myself, but that's the thing with Enfield you get a good range of colours for all tastes! Great review 👍
Cheers Mel 🍻
@melfzs cheers Mel enjoy the test ride 👍🏻
I have a KTM 390 Adv and test rode this yesterday and I thought it was better than my KTM. Much more spritely from low to mid range and as I don’t use the KTM for off road it would suit my needs better. Both the adv and the duke are the same 390 engine which I find lacking till you hit six grand. Great ride from you again. Regards John.
Nonsense, which duke 390 are you talking about?
You're right about the indicator sign on the dash
Perhaps having the speed indication flashing you wouldn't..miss that 😊
It sounds like to me, Dave, it could be goodbye CF Moto, and hello Royal Enfield Guerilla. 😆
Hi Dave, dont be afraid to tell us what you really, really think about the Guerrilla 450 😂😂😂. Thanks for a delightful review and journey. Now, if we could just get it in Canada…soon!
Good Morning Dave , Thanks for your in depth review on this bike , i have to say id already watched Ian Hughes video on the Guerrilla , i think yet again they have made another winner & from the price point whats not to like , so take care & ride safe
Love your bike reviews. I’m an older guy and thinking of returning to riding again.
I’m liking the look of the extra grip that a Yamaha Niken GT offers with the extra front wheel.
I also live in the North West so predominantly wet roads.
I’d love to see you ride one and your thoughts.
That's it you've made up my mind I'm trading in my 500 bullet for one seen a few reviews this is the best one yet well done mate
Loved the look of this bike from day one
So Iron Man reincarnated into a royal enfield after dying in the movies. Multiverse indeed works, i guess. 😂😅
Can't unsee it now. 😄
Damn you 😂
Really enjoyed this video, thanks for posting. Brilliant presentation style I have a Hunter 350 which I won't sell, but this is another "do it all" machine looks irresistible 😅.
Great review ! , I test rode one on 4th Aug at a Royal Enfield City tour event , and like you found it to be a fantastic , Have a Brava Blue one on order !
The blue one has that 1980's RD350 lc vibe to me. In terms of looks anyway. I do miss the smell of burning Castrol R!
i am just a poor oap now,but i know what will happen if i rode one.
@@richardeyers322 poor OAP ? , get the wallet open !!!!
Good morning Dave. Great review 😊. Apparently, the "Eco" mode softens power delivery in the first three gears but is unintrusive otherwise. Another good reason for this to be ideal as a first "big" bike. There are a choice of seats available, the one you have there being a taller accessory seat. I think the standard seat provides the very accessible 780mm seat height.
Great bike,great honest review,and as for the chin strap,I did exactly the same thing on a V85tt test ride,(think I was over excited tbh).👍🏻
Good coverage of bike nice one.
There are three things that caught my eye about this bike that I like.
The off centre fuel cap,
The flat tank,
And the rear lights that are altogether in the indicators really like that.
Were you aware of them ?
I have the Benelli Leoncino 500 which I would say is this bikes closest counterpart.
If the RE was out a year ago when I bought my Benelli it would have been a close call between the two!!
I hope it sells like hot cakes because it’s probably the best bang for buck you can get!
Some of us started on embassy number 6,but yes we progressed to the B&H market,nice comparison with the paintwork and a lovely looking bike
Players No6 or Embassy No1
This feels a lot like what Hunter 350 kinda should've been all along. But I'd be satisfied with 26-34 hp.. don't really need 40, but the 20 of the J-engine (350) is not really enough. So looking for that sweet spot of easy slow pace rides and enough oomph for motorway.
great looking bike.. i like the curved seat that gives the front some tank protection.
Great review, love your down to earth and frank style mate.
Thanks for the review and your thoughts. I'd agree thaat RE has reached a crossroad in their development. RE seems to have shown they understand motorcycling better than many other manufacturers, emphasising ease of use and serviceability, simplicity in design yet completeness in its ability to fulfil a range of riding styles. I wonder how long we will wait for a modernised 650? And lovely to see Universal road tyres fitted instead of pretend racing ones. Maybe RE might consider using a Gates belt drive in future models.
What needs to be borne in mind with RE is build quality. In 5 years of ownership my one is so be badly corroded, with paint peeling on the engine and fork legs, that with 25k I'll be lucky to get £1k for it, if I can sell it at all. And then there were 2 almost catastrophic brake line ruptures, and a host of parts that needed replacement in the first 15k miles.
My Yamaha 900 was ridden through 14 winters and there was very little corrosion, apart from consumables, few parts needed and it was totally reliable. Tldr, I'm now back on a Japanese twin.
HONDA = Top Quality imo
@@raymondo162Depends when and where it was made 😉
Which model did you own? Had my Interceptor from new , June 2019, done 22k miles. Not an issue at all with the paint work. Had a couple of RR’s fail, replaced under warranty & that’s about it. Still think it’s brilliant.
@@martinowl
Himalayan, ridden year round. At around 10k, steering head bearing and chain kaput. All sorts of parts quality failures / issues. The engine has real character, but the bike has had serial niggles that made me lose confidence.
@@gurnstein sorry to hear that. I’m still on the original chain too.
Great review Dave, thanks for your efforts in detailing what the bikes all about. I agree that this is the best bike RE has produced to date, and will appeal to many. I’m now figuring out how it will look in the garage along side my SV 650.
I’ll have to see it in person, but I think the gold dip is going to be the one for me.
First thing I thought of was B&H Gold when I seen the colour, they were my granddad’s smoke of choice 😅 nice video, I’m test riding one tomorrow!
Based on reviews particularly yours and a test ride bought a guerrilla today from Kieran. Cheers David 👍
Cheers Dave always good to know….great bike
Great video dave,lovely looking bike, i wonder if badge snobbery will make the triumph sell better 🏍🇬🇧👍🙂
I've been looking forward to this review Dave and I had the feeling you would really like it based on how you liked the new Himalayan. I think it looks great though I reckon some folk would like a spoked wheel version. It would be nice to have a carrier to strap your waterproofs or a tail bag to. I expect that will come soon enough. The price is great at five grand but I can't help wondering is £4,300 for the CFMOTO NK 450 twin a better buy. Good times!
Cheers and thanks for the entertainment TC
They’re both great bikes
I knew you would like this bike Dave .light agile punchy singe with sort of modern retro street styling a bit flat track. I watched some of the reviews from the launch in Spain and one jurno who tests very fast premium sports machines said that the this was one of the very best handling bikes bar non that he has tested ,I am so tempted a do it all bike with a big dollop of practicality. Well done Royal Enfield 👏
Quite fancied this after having a 800 ducati scrambler, but it's only 40bhp and weighs more than the scrambler did , and it just isn't quick , but it is very handsome .
Good one... Seems like you and Ian Hughes are of the same mind on this bike, Dave! 👍
I need one, think it would be a breath of fresh air for me
Excellent review…You have a great place to ride…beautiful…
Have to say I really like this one TBW just from the visuals leave alone the reviews I have seen so far and if I hadn't just changed bikes to a newish twin this would be on my radar and maybe still is in the near future Royal Enfield have played a blinder with this one in my opinion both with colour schemes price and performance for that price .This just nocks spots of most of the others in this category with maybe the Triumph although I think this even edges it .Very impressed it's a winner for sure imo and I haven't ridden any of them .👌👍
Had a test ride on one yesterday, I was surprised how small it is compared to the Himmy and it delivers the power more instantly . But personally I like the 450 Himalayan more.
The Guerilla seems very similar to my Triumph Speed 400.
I wonder if they will do a dedicated scrambler variant
The BSA 650 thumper is a really good looking ride. The reviews seem good. The triumph 400speed is a righteous bike. Now this! Honestly, what do we really need? 6 speed, good fuel economy, proper handling, smooth operation, dependability and customer support.
And chicks! But unfortunately the only thing motorcycles attract is other guys :(
Nice looking bike indeed...
Seems like it's quite similar to Triumphs new 400 range. If I didn't already own a Scrambler 400X, the RE Guerilla would definitely be interesting to me.
Great review! Thank you! We will see what kind of accessories will be available for this bike next year 😉
Bought a Himalayan 450 a while ago, absolutely loving it tdh
Looks a great bike, can't wait to get my hands on one 👍
We been asking the major brands to provide a cost effective solution it took Enfield to start giving us what we asked for and the 650 interceptor in the top 5 retro scared the major brands to get out and do something.
i'm no RE fan, but i but there does seem a lot of positives here, and if was going to go down the cc's a bit and stray away from my honda i'd take a look for sure, but the triumph speed 400 at more or less the same money would get my attention first, but it wouldn't do for us all to be the same would it lol, so thanks for the vid, enjoyed it. GL
Please RE…stick it in a Classic frame /configuration!! 🤞🙏😉😎👍
Thanks for the review, maybe will trade in my scram. I just don’t like the offset tank cap. I can’t use my givi bag anymore.
Great review. I wonder what mpg will be in eco? They just need to do a classic version and I’ll be running to a dealer
Cracking review and great video.
I am seriously considering g one of these as a sibling to my 2024 Triumph Tiger Rally Pro.
The only things I would change on the Gorilla are the girls to gold ones and the exhaust.
Great review Dave and I'm glad you enjoyed the bike so much. It's also firmed up my intention to make this my next bike next springtime!
I just need to decide between the basic silver/grey bike and the red/gold colourscheme...
I stopped buying new bikes many years ago but this is so cheap I'll make an exception.
Cheers Terry remember the grey one doesn’t have the tft
I find it interesting to see Triumph and RE "fish in eachothers pond" more and more. A newborn rivalry? This one seems an obvious answer to Triumph's Speed 400. Same kind of vibe in the design, both a single delivering 40 BHP. Defenitely a possible purchase in the future for me, as a weekend-ride funbike ;)
It takes years to develope these bikes...not an answer.
@@timeaftertime3563 Hmm, yes. So, Triumph and RE, just accidentally had the same idea and just happened to build it in the same country?
There's a great deal to be said for a punchy middleweight, whether liquid or air cooled and regardless of the number of cylinders. It takes me right back to my wedding day in 1978. My future wife rejected blowing a load of cash on a wedding dress ("Sod that, I'm having a new motorbike!"). We went off on honeymoon with me riding my Honda 400/4 and her riding a brand new Honda 400 Superdream. Happy days.😀
Brother what camera you used for the ride ? Was it a GoPro ? The quality was very rich.
Many thanks for your great review of the Guerilla, Dave. It s being released in Australia now and I am going to the unveiling on this Thursday night. Seriously looking forward to that. I presently own a RE Classic 350 and am looking to upgrade. Could you please let me know what helmet you use? My helmet is very noisy and gets buffetted around at 100 kmh. Many thanks, David
With this apparent trend to fewer cylinders and no hyperexpensive plastic “jacket” fitted, I’ve a feeling that this trend to simplicity might well - be well advised keep going - EG to getting rid of more expensive OHC designs and give us back our OHV heads, and their easily adjusted tappets. With just two valves and easy access, half an hours’ twiddling could do it. If an injection system could be bluetooth linked to a smartphone app, then owners could also tweak their “carburation”. With a toothed belt in place of a transmission chain as was used on some Harleys even chain adjustment & lubing could be dispensed with. And thereby get rid of dealer dependency.
Brakes were checked & adjusted as needful. New linings -or even new shoes - if the owner were £flush.
Now - in MY day (cue whippet racing and black puddin’ for tea) we all did our own mechanicking, and even dealt with an occasional rebore/bottom end rebuild when the simpler oils of the period allowed bores to “hook” - mains and big ends to slacken off till they’d thump or grumble audibly. Few of us could be bothered to get the skills and tools to split a big single’s flywheel ass’y, I never did, but a knowledgable pal would “know a bloke…” who’d do it for a few pints and the certain knowledge that a return favour’d be remembered till wooden-overcoat time arrived…
Eee bah goom, them were t’days Lad. And our singles were model 16 Ajays, Bullets, B31s. Maybe a big cat (Panther) that’d annually get hitched to a Busmar Double Adult chair to take Mabel and t’twins to Morecambe if enough brass’d been saved. Those gave a soft Thud! every other lamppost, so they’d say….
And those bikes weren’t traded in “for the latest model” annually, you HP-bought a tiddler to see you till your bonded “time” was out, then you chose a man’s ride -what you’d ride - maybe not absolutely for ever, but ‘twere close to it.
Great stuff, if only Hovis adverts were accurate portrayals. Only those with long teeth’ll recall those, with a cornet solo gently briefly playing that piece from the New World symphony in t’background. Flat caps on bairns, unsliced bread from t’corner shop on t’table.
While I’d cough up a decent sum for a well seasoned Ajay 16 in its original black paint and gold pinstripes, I’m afraid that I’d stop short at what’s asked for these nowadays…. (But dreaming’s cheap enough for even the shallowest pocket)
SOHC isn’t difficult to adjust valves, OHV has benefits too though, my CG150 is super simple and cheap to replace if need be. My GL500i is OHV as well, 50hp at 9,500 rpm, no torque to speak of lol.
Cracking Review Dave, makes me nervous to test ride this as i know i'll end up buying one 😂. Kieran told me the demo bike was imminent. Must resist 😄. Keep up the great work
Go for it 😎
Wonder what it's like with a pillion on, excellent reviews thanks I still haven't been over the hill to appleyards Keighley to have a test ride
Lovely review, could see those cogs going at 31 mins in ….. 4 bikes or the MG gone next year !
Great vid, l'd like a spin on one if Appleyards have a demo bike. Can see RE selling shed loads in the EU. Nitpicking.... maybe they should have home market and European colour schemes? The Interceptor (initially) was fine, similarly the Classic and Meteor but they went well wonky with some Super Meteor schemes and it's carried on here....
Hard to believe but you actually talk a lot of sense 😂. I agree with everything you say about this bike!
Well Mr Wheeler, test ride next then pennies out from under the bed, oh did forget need a test ride in between, complement my little hunter pocket rocket well, but if it’s that good hunter will have to go, thanks for the demo, you need a check list for all safety straps done, it’s an age thing you know and as myself speedily approaching 70 in deffo need one, thanks again tater, also where was the man bag, don’t go anywhere wi out mine, tek care
NW biker dude, Ted
A classic 350, with a slightly de-tuned version of that engine...Nice
Great review! Great bike, beautiful jacket and gloves. Would you mind tell me your jacket 's brand, I'd love to have one. Thanks a lot for the vídeo !
Great review... cool little bike
I like it. Good review. Lovely part of the country to ride. 👍
Tough rival for the Speed 400 and Duke 390. It is a matter of taste and character to decide on one or the other.
11k subs…flying!
I don't like the rear indicator combined with tail light, it's dangerous. The indicators cant be seen while braking
Better than money in the bank…due to high inflation and low interest rates…I need one👍
Any excuse. 🤣 I prefer the saying, " An only motorbike is a lonely motorbike. "
Nice one TBW, RE appear to have another winner in their stable, Ian Hughes was pretty smitten after his test ride.....
Remembering the inventive ways that Benson and Hedges developed their ads during the era, it is appropriate to compare to an “automotive work of art”. We must also bear in mind that many of our generation think such of the Leyland Sherpa 😂👏👍👌
It seems quite a looker and very desirable to me ! Not available here in the colonies yet, not the Himi 450 either, as far as I can tell. Oh well I'll continue to squeak along on my old BMW !
Very nice bike indeed Dave and I'm not really a RE fan. I think you should trade your 350 classic in on that bike? Beautiful day for a ride too. Take care and ride safe as always. Cheers bud from the States.
Cheers Rick all the best buddy
Good review, you forgot to mention the cf moto 450s as competitors that donoffer something different as they run a twin not a single. Although much more modern looking the cf moto naked is the nk 450
What does TFT mean? I prefer the more conservative Smoke Silver colour scheme myself.
Ideal for customization
Great review, thank you.
I remember Colin Appleyards when it was at the bottom of Bradford Street. Do you? Opposite the fire station, when the fire station was at the bottom of Park Lane...
i remember the showroom near the main road at bradford street, ( now an asian shop) the workshop was in another terraced house further up the street near where that other asian thing is now, i started working there just before we moved into half of the old mill in coney lane, the other half belonged to a electrical contractors which burnt down years later and was used as the wardrobe dep't when they filmed part of the film yanks in keighley, nearly opposite the old old fire station at the bottom of park lane before they knocked it down, that's where the new shoroom is now, it was a happy place to work in those days.
@@stephenkinsley2483 I remember Yarno and Malcolm, I was mates with them at the time of their accident. I think at that time Malcolm lived on the steepest street in Keighley. around 1978 ish.
I remember them well. I bought my first trials bike from them. It was Colin himself who sold it to me.
@@reddleman7978 Ossa, Montesa, or Bultaco? I had a cota 247.
so, Dave are you getting one? lol, wonder if RE will do a tourer version with bigger tank and some luggage and keep it under 6k or will it be a different model, anyway another winner from RE
It's called a Himalayan
What jacket are you wearing in this? Love the pockets and general style of it.
Also, great review, looking forward to this bike.
Cheers…Merlin Edale wax cotton
After watching this, I really fancy getting myself one . Do we really need high powered heavy Adventure bike, I'm beginning to wonder.🤔
Not on UK roads, e.g. Yorkshire Dales, Lake District. Yes, on long distance journeys cross continent on decent tarmac.
Some reviewers say the bike is small and being a big guy that is a concern but i know your a fairly big chap yourself and you didn't look like a golf ball on a tee. To my mind it's price, build quality and character knock spots of the bland Triumph 400s.
I’m 6’1” and it was really comfortable
At which part of the Appleyard dealership did you film the introduction please? When I went to what Google tells me, there's no carparking facility with double yellow lines all around the little alleyway to the front door..
Morning Dave have you ridden the Triumph 400’s? I’ve test ridden the Speed 400 and found it excellent, comfortable, quick, brilliant handling with a superb engine. It’s lighter than the Enfield too and a very good looking bike. I think it’s a very strong competitor and costs similar money.
No sadly neither Triumph nor the Triumph dealership will give me the time of day
What jacket are you wearing? I’m liking that!
Merlin Edale Waxed Cotton 👍🏻
@@thebingleywheelerthank you friend!
I've got my test soon been looking at v stroms , nx 500 . But I'm worried insurance will be ridiculous. This bike looks fantastic , do you think insurance could be cheaper because it's a new model bike ?
Great review 👏
Probably….due to the 3 year warranty 👍🏻
I'd love this engine on my small Meteor. Wondering if RE will put a fairing kit on this Guerrilla and boom: Royal Enfield sportbike.
I don't like this digital display-mania on non-sportbikes tho.
Nice review. Thank you. QQ - is there a luggage set up for light touring? Thanks again 😃
Yes there is coming from RE soon
@@thebingleywheeler - Thanks for the response 👍