After deciding I needed a smaller, lighter bike, I narrowed the field of possible bikes down to the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and the CF Moto 450MT, then I bought one of them. Watch the video to find out which one.
Right this vid speaks to all of us who have also questioned our manhood. Watching your far & wide adventures and also having done the same the realisation is lighter bikes are the way forward. Big Congrats and enjoy the miles.
Have same version arriving in 2 days, was blown away by its confidence inspiring feel, just made me smile. Lowest capacity bike i will have owned in 17 years. Also contemplated the MT, but not available in the UK until next Spring at the earliest, so couldn't even get a test ride.
So glad you bought this bike , I ride the RE meteor as my daily ride. Don’t use the car anymore . I’ve just got over 15000 km with no issues . Looking at adding the Himi 450 next year . Gold coast hinterland and surrounds has so many fantastic places to ride. Love your vlogs . Love your wit . Keep them coming
@@Joeyrider785 Cheers for the compliment re my wit, I will be sure to let my wife know it’s appreciated elsewhere if not at home. Agree re the hinterland, I was poking around in that general area on the weekend.
I have same bike and colour here in the UK, it arrived in June. I find it is light and precise to ride and has a real charm, just enough poke to be fun, and the all round talents to hit the 'do it all' category. I feel confident in the Royal Enfield dealer network backup and warranty in the event of any issues. I could have had my head turned by the uber cool looking CF Moto 450mt (none available till next year) but am more than happy with my choice, it just works straight outta the crate.
Bought an old 2007 BMW F650GS Dakar and sold a 2021 Ducati Multistrada 950s for the same reason. Loving the lighter and less tech focused bike. Looking forward your future content on the Himmy. Love the channel.
@@kramiam Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. Big bikes are fun when the throttle is being opened, small bikes are fun the rest of the time.
Great vid mate. I had the same dilemma over here in the UK. After many miles on the 450, it was definitely the right choice.. and you have gained another subscriber Cheers Mick
I'm at an age now when I can't do all day rides on a 400 single. I just sold mine - even with grip puppies the vibrations would set off pains in wrists and elbows the next day. A major reason I bought the 450MT was that is is a twin - around the size I wanted. It's buttery smooth compared my old 400 single and my body thanks me after each ride :)
I am a long term fan of smaller bikes, life is so much easier with them. I too was tossing up between those 2 bikes and went with the MT450. Both are great and I am sure you won't be disappointed on your choice. Looking forward to your next adventures.
Just recently rode the Gun Barrel, GCR, basically all dirt roads from Perth and back with a small leg on the Black top. A friends RE 450 Himy was stock except for tyres and lager screen. The Himy took everything thrown at it, no issues, the suspension showed its limits on Gun Barrel ( most stock suspension will ) its weight at times also raised its head, 4600km’s in 10 days Rain, mud, Corrugation, dust and the Himy shone all through it. I was very impressed with the performance of the Himy. Truely a good all rounder for the $$. Not perfect, none are. Some quality adjustable rear suspension, tweak the front forks, longer side stand with enlarged foot ( for soft dirt ) and I truely believe the Himy will be a winner for those that purchase one.
@@KirkAnderson-l3i I will be looking at suspension upgrades at some point and will certainly be changing the tyres soonish but it’s good to hear it performed well in some of the harshest conditions you’re going to find anywhere.
I'm 5'7" with a 30" inseam about to get into the Adventure scene for the first time. I've been looking at bikes like the Transalp, KTM 790 and Vstrom 800DE. My MAIN requirement is comfortable highway miles to get me to the dirt stuff. I plan to travel the US and do BDRs and I will be forced to use highways to get to them. In order to make the trips 'doable' I will need highways. If this 450 can reliably and comfortable do 70mph to 80mph safely then it might just be the perfect bike for me to 'learn' on. I've called a dealer about 100 miles north of me (closest one to me) and am headed up to take a test ride tomorrow. I'm thinking if it goes well then I'll spring for the tubeless version coming out in a few months.
@@cloud9847 There is an American guy on RU-vid whose been riding his Himalayan enormous miles at high speeds and he seems to be loving it. Mine is still in the running in stage but so far I’m impressed with its highway performance but I’m a the point where I’ll sacrifice a bit if highway speed for off road ability, which the Himalayan has in spades!
I have an Himi, I bought the 411 in JUly 23', could have waited for the 450, but it didn't ring my bells like the 411 did. I have been very interested in the 411, since they first came out, and my interest never wavered, even with early teething issues and that is normal with any new concept bike. Anyhow we have been to Tassie from the New England two up for a month, loved the trip and the comfort of the ride, cheap too. You will have a ball with your bike. Just keep up with services religiously and like all Enfeilds they will run for ever.
In 2011 I did a group ride through the Himalayas to Everest Base Camp (Tibet side), we were on a fleet of old rental Enfields, road bikes well pre the Himalayan model. Man these things just went and went and went with nothing more than punctures. First thing I did when I got home? Went out and bought one. No shaft drives to break and fail you!
Not sure there is a wrong choice here! RE has come a long way the last few years and their new 450 is a massive improvement over the last gen 411. Happy for you!
I’m so tempted! I’m coming from a Honda 250l and I want to travel farther and survive the highways in between dirt. I think this channel will be the one to watch as you got right to the dirty bits 😁
It wasn’t an easy decision but at the end of the day something drew me toward the Himalayan. It somehow seems a friendlier bike if that makes any sense.
I think you made the right choice, the CF is lovely and great value but fuel economy is rather poor, the Himalayan is much better on fuel efficiency and probably over all will be easier to live with regarding maintenance than the CF. In my opinion you made the right choice!
@@WiltshireMan Good point. The RE uses fuel very parsimoniously, and I have heard the CFMoto is a little less economical than people think it should be, perhaps a fueling update will sort that out in the future.
Spot on. Had to admit to myself a loaded dl650xt with management sat behind me is just too much weight once the tarmac ends. As much as I liked it and the places we've seen on it. CF ir Himmi? Can't even get e test on a cf, and all sold out until next year Rode the Himmi and loved it. A modern day xt500 already kitted to travel. Tall screen, barkbusters, heated grips needed here in Northern Europe. That's it. Good to go. Run in now and engine smoothing with every mile. Very happy with my choice and decision. Ride safe and enjoy 👍
@@teneretraveller8980 I like your modern day XT500 idea, you've struck on something there. As far as the CF Moto being sold out, that attests to its popularity and the fact there is a gaping hole in the adventure bike market that the big players are ignoring. Thanks for watching and enjoy that Himalayan.
@@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449 I really wanted to like the Rally. It ticks so many boxes, the only one really left unticked is a gruntier engine. You’ll be surprised how good the Himalayan is off-road. I’ve been taking it off-road a fair bit and some of the hills it’s gone up have impressed me.
I have just been through the exact same scenario coming from a 1200 Super Tenere, I talked to Buck about the Himalayan as I live in Toowoomba but ended up buying the CF Moto 450, don't think you can go wrong with either choice, both are great value for money, and yes the Honda is totally gutless.
@@stevencohen4580 You certainly can’t go wrong with either bike. I’ll flesh out my decision making process in the next video, but either way you jump, for less than $10k you can’t lose.
This bike calls to me! I am getting a little used KLX 300 to spice up my dirt skills this year, but am fully set on moving up to the new Himmy once the time comes. Still none in inventory in my area unfortunately. But Id love to see one in person some day. Congrats!
Congratulations 👏. I'm waiting for the exact bike to hit the states. The last bike I owned was a 1250 GS. I'm no spring chicken 😂. The idea of a smaller bike is very appealing. Stay safe!
Solid choice mate, been enjoying your videos so far and looking forward to seeing more on the Himalayan. If I didn't have a Goldwing and a keen passenger then I reckon I'd give one a go as well!
I'm at the point where a single bike just can't fulfill all my requirements. I now looking for something for two-up road work, but there's not much out there that's no too heavy, too fast, or two expensive.
Congrats on the new bike!! I will be very interesting in your next videos. I just came back of a 6 days solo trip in the outback (Syney up to Broken Hill) with my CB500X (seems I have no manhood issue..) and like in your previous trip, I did some uturn when I wantedd to go to Mungo National park, I felt the corrogation was too much for the bike (and/or my skill). Even the CB500X is under 200kg, so not that light with all luggage. I would like a lighter bike andd like you, the CRF300L (rally) would be a great choice (and Honda reliability) but underwhelming for the long Australian stretch of roads. Enjoy!!
I bought a new CB500X in 2020 to tour WA and NT. Some people thought I was mad because it was "only" a 500. You really don't need 100+HP to explore Australia. We are so lucky to have such a variety of bikes available, something for everybody. Safe travels.
Its wise to know your limits when you're a long way from the nearest hospital. The lighter the better but too light and long highway sections are miserable. I think the Himalayan and bikes like it are going to seen in much large numbers over the next five years or so and big 800cc plus Adventure bikes will become less of a common sight. Maybe. Men do strange things.
Glad you bought the RE....exact model i would go for...one problem i can't tear myself away from my Aprilia Tuareg ATM..btw I was born in Ipswich (England!)....subscibed 👍🏻
Still waiting for the CFMOTO bikes to arrive here in South Africa. Unfortunately nobody imports Royal Enfield to our country. So I guess it will be between "sweet and sour" or "sushi" (Honda NX500)
I have a 2015 gs adventure. Sold my dr 650. I can't wait to get a less gigantic bike again. Lol. BMW is great on the freeway. I need to take one of these for a test ride!
@@realthing66 My VFR is amazing on the bitumen. On the dirt it does the job but it’s not much fun. The 450 is so much fun on the dirt on good enough on the highway.
Here in the US, I've already "bought" the MT/Ibex, but we don't know when, and now IF they'll ever be released...looking forward to your thoughts on both, since the Himy is the next contender...
One RE Himalayan was enough for me. I know the 450 is leaps and bounds better but I’m not taking a chance on the RE build quality ever again. I’ll be buying a 450MT when they are available here. Congrats, I’m sure it will be a great bike.
I reckon the reliability question is out in the future a bit and hangs equally over both machines. Like a lot of things its probably just down to the luck of the draw.
I’m on a CB500X and the vibes on it aren’t huge but still annoying, so for me, out of those two I would have gone the MT. Fortunately, we are all individuals who can choose what ever suits us so therefore, you have made the right choice. I presume you still have the VFR.
Everyone has a different set of things they'll look for in a bike, and after a lot of deliberation I landed on the Himalayan but I'd not be upset with the MT. VFR is still in the garage but its probably going on the market.
So far, the more I ride it the more I like it. Just did a little 300k loop on Sunday and had a fantastic time. Haven’t enjoyed riding off-road this much in a long time.
I’m trying to sell my vfr1200 crosstourer to get a himi. Hard to sell the vfr. Nobody knows about it and it’s heavy. Hate to give it away but the 450 impressed me on the test ride
@@charlesbarnett2724 I hadn’t really considered that but I can’t imagine what useful insights they could glean from my weekend wanderings. “What, he’s stopped at Dayboro bakery again!”
Great video - would you recommend the 450 for an absolute beginner to motorcycling (let alone off-road)? I was tossing up between the KTM 390 Adventure and the 450? Also - would be interesting to know if you also used the same approach with the 450 and if you got a better deal.
@@revertsui I would definitely recommend it to new riders. It’s a simple machine, very useable power, nothing to frighten the horses. Lowish seat height and very neutral handling. I asked around the the best discount I could get was twelve months registration instead of the six everyone else was offering. Brett from Bucks was very easy to deal with and has an interesting little shop full of old bikes.
A more detailed explanation on my decision making process is coming soon. There was a variety of factors that led to me choose the Himalayan none of which are entirely clear to me even now. Watch this space.
Good choice. The RE has metal parts while the Chinese bikes look a bit plasticky and flimsy. Also, I’m not sure how to get spares for the Chinese bikes .
@@edsondias6604 I imagine CFMoto dealers will be keeping a wide range of spare parts, but here in Brisbane that is Team Moto, a large conglomerate I’ll have to more to say about in the future.
@@3goldfinger I did, and if people keep watching my videos in ten years or so I’ll have the money to pay someone to build me a super custom something or other!
Nice bike for sure, id have gone with the DR myself. To much electric's, ride by wire throttle, ABS and don't know why a 450 thumper needs four different maps. But enjoy my man nice bike no doubt.
@@pucknhusker9426 Time will tell what goes wrong if anything. I tried the DR and it just felt old. Plus, I’ve owned before and it was time for something new. Thanks for weighing in to the discussion.
Congrats been looking at both these bikes but more royle enfield dealers in uk 🇬🇧 the bike designed in uk, also watch big rock moto review he loved it ❤
@@straightup1234 I have watched so many reviews my eyes hurt, and I concur with most of them. I’ll weigh in a little in an upcoming video on a few points I feel have been overlooked or overplayed, but I’m not a reviewer, unless you’re talking about cheap motels, in which case….
@@Chris_Z. Not really, for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s $20k, which is out of my budget. Secondly, it’s really an enduro bike in my view and I can’t see it being fun doing highway miles. Thirdly, and this is a personal opinion, I reckon it’s a bit ugly.
@@Chooky88 It’s not just ticked over a thousand Kay’s and RE says no going over 80 till two thousand, so I couldn’t possibly say! However, occasionally the speedo needle strays and yes, they are a bit vibey but not in an unpleasant way. Some grip puppies may be in order.
@@abitofadetour7315 I am running mine in. P69 of the manual regarding running in says max of 4000rpm for the first 500klms. That gets you stuck at 80kph in 6th. For the next 500 to 1000klms not to go past 6000rpm. In sixth the bike will do a bit over 100klm/hr at 5300 rpm. On mine the vibration is noticeable at 100kph but goes away a fair bit once you get closer to 110kph. Where did you get the no faster than 80kph for the first 2000klms? Would be interesting to know. Thanks.
@@davidtaylor1188If you regularly travel at 110kmh have you really bought the best bike for you? The Himalayan is designed for backroads and byways not dual carriageways and speed. You can do huge distances without needing to exceed 80kmh and really get to experience the country you are travelling through at the same time.
@@davidmatthews3093 no ......bought it to ride on the dirt.....but I have to get there and that means roads that are 100klm speed limited and it is not safe to be riding at 80kph forcing every one to overtake you.. I was commenting on the vibrations...they are real and replying to @Chooky88 question. They are the worst on my bike at about 100.....take it to 110 and they reduce IMO....that is all I was saying. Chill out mate.
@@davidtaylor1188yeah. The vibes r between 100 and 110kmph. After that it reduces. Still its a single cylinder. I would say re has done a fantastic job designing the engine to reduce the vibes.
I have an older CFM 500 quad bike that I have tried to break on many occasions, so can vouch for their toughness, but I am compelled to enquire, as a Honda man, did you give any consideration to a CB500X? and if so would you care to share those musings.
Just bought the MT, running it in. I've ridden a few bikes over the years, just love them pretty much. Any bike, anywhere. • I felt a bit uncomfortable revving the MT on the highway. • Neutral is a bit sticky to find. That's pretty much it. Coming from my background. Haven't put it on the dirt yet. Still wiping the bugs off hahaha.
I found on the test ride I kept flicking it onto high beam and I also had a nasty buffeting from the screen at anything over 75ish with my visor down regardless of screen height. Might be unique to my height and helmet but it was pretty annoying, although I've heard no one else complain of it.
@@abitofadetour7315 I'm at 179cm. It fits well. I'm thinking about the higher seat later on. The dealer had a checklist of things that may be buggy. Cables for brake and clutch stretching, chain and the brakes. Squeaking, some shudder. I havent thought of the ABS until now. All free adjustment. However (Jeremy Clarkson voiceover) the first service at 1000 km is not free. Couple of years ago I fell for the Benelli 502 X. The first service was free. The tippy toe bike. The dealer was a prick. Got the first service done and took it to another dealer, traded it for a Yamaha Bolt. Flawless. Then a KTM RC390 To a Yamaha Roadliner 1900cc. Early 2000's had the R1 etc 310km/h. Ag bikes on the farm. But great for a cruise.
Belted a few bikes in Bali and Vietnam. Got run over by a motorcycle in Kuala Lumpur, just days before the Sepang Moto GP last year. (Malaysia) I'm sharing this because we need the laughs these days. So I ended up in a Malaysian hospital with black mould on the roof. The surgeons were probably cutting bits of meat off my leg, I was under a local anaesthetic, so we're sharing jokes like a comedy. 18 stitches later. A perfectly L shape on my right lower leg 🍗. Imagine an L on the right leg? A refined tattoo of my initial.
It’s still glaring at me from the corner of the garage but it will be going once I get time to properly clean and service it for sale. Then I can decide on another road biased bike to replace it!
@@jasonstansborough3037 It’s been a reliable and charming partner for many kilometres, it just spent too much time at the Honda buffet and got a bit thick around the middle! I won’t enjoy seeing it ride out of my driveway without me that’s for sure.
@@andysmith2013 If you can live with the flat power delivery, it’s an outstanding machine off-road. On the bitumen I suspect it gets a bit tiresome, but a great little bike.
It the MT450 also gets water in the frame both sides, so if you get one you either have to weld the holes or fill them with silastic - not a good thing you should have to do on a brand new bike.
@@ayushgiria I feel there is room in the market for “heritage” and also for new players from China. The market provides what they think people want and the people will decide. Both these bikes seem to be selling very well and I think it’s more the larger established brands who will be wondering where ‘their’ customers went in a few years time.
@@abitofadetour7315 truly, but favoring a bike cutting out all the variables is what we would like to be investigated, RE needs to get better in offering the value compared to CF. I would bet R&D in India compared to China is miles off. CF is set to create its own heritage if it respects after sales, naturally the resale value will gradually improve. Bikers all over the world are loving the CF, the perception related to production or origin is below the belt tactics. No country or government has ever been saints. Quality wise the bike has creating waves.
