spot on assessment. Ive done 180 miles in a day on mine and comfort was great, dont get that terrible back side ache some bike seats cause. It's a great all-round package and quite an addictive ride. Was watching a clip with the RE chief designer and it sounds like they have plans to change the side stand and to me his words suggested they had got their calculations on it a bit wrong. Safe riding mate
Hi Many thanks for your comments. I agree, its an addictive ride. Interesting to hear about the side stand admission, maybe they will produce an after market option. Cheers Mike
One of the things I like about the RE is the way it's designed for some small bags on the upper crashbars. It's convenient, and it distributes the weight when you're on a long trip with lots of gear.
200miles is a short day on a bike. It would be interesting to hear how you get on during a bigger ride of about 8 hours in the saddle. My old GS1200 was good for 600miles (about 12hrs) then it was getting too uncomfortable for undistracted riding. My current 411 Himalayan is only good for 200miles or four hours at best. A better seat would improve that range and will be my next modification. I do enjoy longer days on the bike more than shorter ones.
Thanks for your comments. I try to avoid motorways at all costs, hence the 200 mile days. These 200 mile days are usually around 6 hours in the saddle. any more than that and I wouldn't enjoy the trip. If I did need to do the 600 mils and 12 hour days then the GS would be the pick.. Cheers Mike
@@mikelyon01 I enjoy riding longer distances, and like you I keep away from motorways unless there is no option. Having graduated to smaller adventure bikes, I still like to push the distance even though I know it’s kinda pointless for the most part. I just seem to get caught up in the ride and often ride on through planned stops (and the discomfort). I get about 300miles on a tank so often end up using that as a reason to stop. I will be making a conscious effort to spend more time on gravel roads enjoying the scenery as much as the destination. I have a few iron butts under my belt, but don’t plan to do any more though the Himalayan is well capable of it with a few modifications done to the saddle🥹.
@@joseantoniogomez8245 hi mate. Yes the price is for the pair. I fitted and tried them out today. Very impressive. Here’s the link. Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! ￡37.52 | For BMW R1200GS R1250GS ADV For HONDA NC750X CB500X Motorcycle Frame Crash Bars Waterproof Bag Bumper Repair Tool Placement Bag a.aliexpress.com/_Ex1jGdl
Thanks for your info.I ordered them also for my Himalyan and the arrived together with an adventure screen within a week.the screen had a delivery time in the Netherlands of more the 4 months !! excelent quality.
Got the 2018 black 250 rally , 10k miles on her now , just changed tires 1k ago and never the battery or spark plug , I do need to replace the air filter soon but other than that just oil/filter changes ( I do 2x as many as called for) , and it's been thru every kinda weather and landscape, never a problem .
Hi. Thanks for your comments. Yes there is a shade difference on the pannier rails. The paint looks thicker and of a harder finish on the racks, but this will get a lot of wear and tear from the luggage.
The link is on eBay. Currently priced at £82. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/386888069281?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=qesxjtuotak&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=zIZCxNVHQju&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Agreed- my riding clan are on Teneres, 790's and 890's. I go where they go. Been up to Canada and several of the western states. At 58 it's the last bike I need.
I've had the 300 Rally for 2 years and it has been flawless. Silly off-road trails to highways. I'm looking sideways at a couple of new 450 adventure models from other brands.. But deep down I know Honda is the best choice 😬 It has been flawless, will do genuine enduro off road and dealers are easy to find.
I have also been looking at said 450s you mention (we know who they are 😊). But I’m having way too much fun on my 300L. Seriously it can do 75% of the black trails I do on my Beta X trainer, with the added bonus I can ride it on the Highway to get there (110 KPH speed limit here in Australia ‘no problem at all’).. Liked and Subbed 👍
The secret in Aus was to put a deposit at one dealer and leave your number at another dealer for when people change their minds 😅 I went from a 8 month wait at one dealer, to 4 weeks.
Many thanks, I appreciate your kind comments. I also did do some fantastic drone footage, but unfortunately the SD card was faulty. I will get that footage for next year. Cheers Mick
The weekend was awesome mate. We didn't do much riding, as there was a lot of other activities and guest speakers we wanted to see. Highly the recommend festival, you should definitely book for next year.
I agree …perfect bike.Did 700 km plus from Holland to Ragley Hall..no sweat,full camping gear and I am 66 years old 6 ft 3 93 kg…..road up with my brother in law on his gs and he was only slightly annoying with the fuel stops I needed😂
Totally agree with you. I rode up from near Brighton to the LWA on my 300 Rally and it just purred along up the motorways and then I did a 60 mile trip around Derbyshire doing 6 or 7 trails and it was all done on the standard tyres and suspension. One thing I have learned though is that on the trails I do need to upgrade the suspension and tyres though 👍🏻
That's a fair trip from Brighton. its a fantastic bike on all roads. I did the first year on the stock tyres and suspension, taking in the peak district lanes. I thought the bike handled them all well. but you will see a massive improvement on the upgrades. Thanks for your comments. Mike
@@mikelyon01 7 plus hours worth of trip but it was worth every mile. Re the suspension I’m planning to book it in with Rally Raid at some point next year and let them work there magic on her. Now I know she’s a keeper I don’t mind the spend if that makes sense 👍🏻
Bro do you think it’s comfortable to ride on American roads we ride faster thinking whether to buy is it comfortable to cruise around 70-80 mph what do you think?
The 450 is certainly capable of cruising at 70-80mph. However, it depends on your comfort levels. For me personally 70mph is perfect. But I feel when the bike has over a 1000 miles on it, I can give you a better answer. Cheers Mike
Royal Enfield has done a fantastic job supplying this bike at this price. However CF Moto are leading the way for value for money. it will be interesting what its competition will do. Cheers Mike
I didn't bother with ABR this year as I have been to three on the trot. Might rock up next year though. Are you guys going to the Lightweight Adventure Festival? 👍🏻
All I can say is that people better not complain about a bike being top heavy, because then they are going to give you a plastic gas tank and giant fuel bulbs like the horrendous KTM 890. Yes, the low center of gravity of "fuel bladders" is nice, but it's an abomination. Without a conventional fuel tank, you can't use a magnetic tank bag. Be glad that the Royal Enfield has a steel fuel tank, because it's one of the best looking motorcycles ever made.
Does it work satisfactorilly over the bulk of a motorcycle jacket collar and snood etc? If not you would have to leave the zip down and collar open and let the wind and rain in. Kind regards.
Yes it did work over my jacket well and was very comfortable. I have a large neck and a bulky jacket, and this worked fine. I personally would go for a size up though if it was available.. Cheers Mike
Good spot. I was trying to attach as much items as possible to test it before my weekend away. So agreed the I pad was fully charged. However it did hold up nicely on my three day camping trip..
@@mikelyon01so you still recommend? I found your video because I was thinking of buying one off eBay and was skeptical because of the obvious fake mAh claims.
Very interesting video. So impressive to hear about your trip on the 390 with your son - combined weight must have been close to 29 stone plus riding gear. Did you have much luggage, camping gear etc? I had the 390 ony shortlist along with the CB500x and everyone i spoke to said go for the Honda if you're going to be riding two-up - I am and my wife and I are only about 21 stone so we should be absolutely fine. Did you find the seat length ok for the two of you? We've got a test ride booked for Monday so I'm quite excited. I've got a 411 Himalayan at the moment and I just need a bit move "shove"! Cheers Mike
Hi Thanks for your comments. yes the seat and room was enough for both of us and we are both over 6 ft. We didn't take any camping gear on the bike, as we drove down in the van. You are doing the right thing test riding first. I recently bought a Himalayan 450 and that is a fantastic bike for two up riding. defiantly worth a look.
Thanks for your reply Mike. My wife and I actually had a 40 mile/one hour test ride on the KTM today. It was good fun and the power and physical size were not a problem but it just felt too frantic, buzzy so we're going to check out the cb500x, the Himmy 450 (got the 411 at the mo and it just doesn't have enough shove!) and maybe CF Moto 450 but I'm not keen on buying Chinese. Cheers Mike
I have a couple of friends that ride the Honda CBR500x and say its the perfect touring bike, with total reliability. I also have friends who swear by the Benelli 500, its your choice at the end of the day. Good luck and ride safe .
Hi Yes no problem, they was from eBay and just £30 ish really good quality and protection for the price and very comfortable. here's the link www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125546443863?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=g6ksqxeftjk&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=zIZCxNVHQju&var=426590841154&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
My experience with screens is that they work better if they are wide and low. I find a half faring with a low screen is all you need for clean air around the upper body. I also like to have clean airflow around the helmet to prevent visor misting and to clear raindrops. Tall narrow screens cause buffeting around your head. But, I admit, a wide screen won't suit this bike. I did wonder though about covering the crash bars to create a fairing (of sorts).
Totally agree with your comments. However RE seem to have done a vary good job with this design. Also it would be interesting if you go with the idea of creating a fairing around the crash bars. Cheers Mike
