Does the RE Himalayan 411 have a future?  

Keeping my 411, had it since new in 2019 and now almost 20K miles on the clock. Happy to cruise at 55 to 60 mph, returns great fuel economy 80 to 90 mpg, a major service including valve check, oil and filter change, air filter and spark plug costs around £60 and take 90 minutes to do at home....Keeping it for sure.

The 411, the one and only. Mine has 20 000 km on the clock and still all the future I will give her. Cheers from France.👍

I'm 33 and bought a 411 as my first big bike last year. Did a 1,400 mile UK tour on it in June, no problems. Get med respect riding one of these all geared up.

I agree with you Ian on all points. I think RE must've mis-interpreted or ignored the feedback from 411 owners. They just wanted a few more horsepower not water cooling and electronix. They can go to the Japanese big 4 for that. I've wanted to try biking again since lockdown and watching various YTers. I nearly got sucked into thinking I need 750cc or more. I didn't think the 20 hp of the Classic 350 would be enough. I waited patiently for something to come up nearby. It did in the end. A Classic 350 dark black with 363 miles on it and a year old. I got it for £3399 with the first service done. It was about a 20 mile ride home on a mixture of medium to fast b and a roads. It got up a few big hills no problem. I'm well happy with it and will be for the ten years I bet.

I've had mine for nearly a year now and done 2k miles. Enjoyed every mile, on and off road. So easy to work on. Most places I've stopped, there is someone who wants to know all about it. Keep up the good work. Cheers

I bought one of the five last ones in Belgium before they run out . First 500 km done. Going to service it myself. Nice bike. Bike before this one was a Yamaha SRX600. One cylinder. Only kickstart. Rode 23 years with it. Dream bike. That´s the only thing I miss on Himalayan. Kickstarter.

Cracking ramble. And absolutely nailed why I just bought one, bit spooky really. Same colour Himi, exactly as you predict: £3.2K, 600 miles, 2 years old, lots of extras, from a dealer who had 4 traded for 450’s. I restored old cars and bikes in the 80,s, learnt spannering climbing all over stacks of cars in breakers yards for parts. Your summary of its practical old school nature is very reassuring, and it’s fun to be intimate mechanically with the machine you own. Loved the cam and dished valve stem advice, so useful and common sense. + no ego or RU-vid strut. Very enjoyable to watch.

Bought my himalayan in 2021 new. 30,000km. Feels like it now just fully run in. Simple to self service, buy the parts from India too. Chugs is a keeper

72 years old and returning to motorcycling . Settled for the last 411 in the shop, march 2024 and still smiling, 600 km on the clock. No long trips yet but hopefully when the weather gets warmer.

Good video Ian . IF you have the right kind of roads , I think the 411 is a good bike ( with a few mods ) . I've toured quite a bit on a DR650 and that is a very good bike too . Seat however is appalling and it needs a bigger tank . Still has a carb and here in Canada available new for about $7000. 2023 411 Himmys were about the same price , but now you cam get one for $5000. 450s haven't shown up yet . I agree with you that the 411 will become a cult bike . It had no direct competitor and I can't really see why RE ditched it . But RE are masters at reading the market . Who'd have thought that an old fashioned looking , slow chugger like the 350 variants would be such a success ? They must have a very good crystal ball.

The 411 is a fine bike..... always be around , people love them... but.... I test rode the 450 and was blown away by it. Mainly , I have a classic 350 as well and the whole long stroke thumper thing is there with that also, makes me smile every time I ride it. My 411 was always something I wanted a bit more from... more power, more comfort, more space for 2 up with luggage, I did the cam and it was OK and did enjoy it for what it was or is and not sure if I have made the right choice... because I sold it straight away... and I am currently running in my new 450. Yes it's more electronic, but I'm not using the phone to connect to it... I love its dash... it doesn't vibrate and I can see out the mirrors just as well.... its far more comfy, has far better space for wife to sit on, and has better load carrying capacity.... its good enough out the box with power and can cope with boring motorways far better than the 411... have I made the right choice...who knows... if it stays reliable I rekon I will have done exactly that. But the 411 is always a special bike 😊

Mine was the first white one in our State back in 2018. 28.5k miles, my favorite bike in the garage. I'll say it once more, it's made for what I do. I've got an '18 Stealth and a '10 Bullet with a sidecar, the Stealth nipping at the Himmi's heels for being my favorite but the Himalayan's still the one.

I bought mine because valve clearance is as nut and screw it's air cooled and I like the look of it. It's had it's issues I'll admit but it's my go to bike. It's 100 bhp and 3 cylinders down on my yam but it puts a smile on my face which what it's all about.

Appreciate the ramble john in St Louis, Missouri !

Im keeping my scram 411 as long as i can . I installed TEC cam, the aftermarket tappet valves from Hitchcock's, DNA filter lextec+decat exhaust and an indian kit of chain and sprockets 520 (instead of 525) from takasago. That with bartuless wheels make the bike closer to 30bhp and performance is stellar! That how it should have been from the factory i think.

I personally find it strange that they decided to exit the 411 niche(adv, long stroke, oil cooled), from the monetary side it makes sense since currently the adv market is in very high demand, however they now have to compete practically against all existing manufacturers plus the huge used market that the traditional bikes offer.

Another great video, I know 40° is hot but you’ll be glad you’re not in England this summer! Yes I’m keeping my BS4 .. I’m 68 so you demographic.. I toyed with the idea of a 450 etc, but the Old Himmie is so nice to ride and I’m in no hurry to meet my maker…..! The 411 is easy to fix and cheap to run I knew the first time I rode it this was a bike to love and keep, I’ve hardly ridden my a Speed Twin since I’ve had the Himmie despite the performance difference. See you in the next video… all the best Ian

I’m on my second one due to emigration ( cheaper to buy a new one than ship the first one). I fitted a TEC cam and 16 tooth rear sprocket and that is all it needs to make highway travel more bearable. I say more bearable because it’s a back roads bike that can do the main roads without fuss. If you want to be sitting for long periods on highway/motorway then it’s not for you. If you want to see more when you’re riding and have an adventure, then these bikes are as good as you get.

I bought the scram: and im happy ! 1. I wanted to do the maintenance myself and not use the dealer. 2. I was interested in driving a long-stroke engine. 3. Not too much electronics on the motorcycle. 4. Inexpensive spare parts supply. 5. Often less is more and that is Himalayan

I'll be keeping my 411 also. Don't like the looks of 450 Himalayan and when I saw video where you have to remove the gas tank to change the air filter that enough for me to not even test drive one. On discontinue of the 411, this is same company that dropped the bullet 500. They should have just upgraded the 411.

I'll have my brand new 2023 Himalayan, Mirage Silver by the end of this month- July 2024. I've been making payments since March. I will most likely have the panniers installed before I pick it up.

Good afternoon Ian, great early morning run avoiding the heat, enjoyed your thoughts on the future of 411, I agree it’s not about speed anymore, it’s reliability & enjoyment.. looking forward to where the inter 650 essentially goes in its next development stage as you work your magic.. cheers mate, Phil 🇦🇺

Good video thanks. I have a 2020 Himalayan and love it, no intention to trade it in

Love my ‘22 411 dearly, no matter how much headache it gave me over 8k kms, it never fails to make me grin while I ride. Bike’s got character, is simple to fix and can tractor on over the rough stuff easily. Ride it to office and back daily in traffic, no problems

I could probably count on one hand the amounts of cars on the road in that video, very nice. Bigger not required really, that's just a nice lolling pace, wouldn't mind a trip in Bulgaria, many years since i was there. Good video Ian 👍

In the UK, the 450 starts at £5750 and runs up to £6300 if you want gold wheels and tubeless tyres. Brand New 411s can be had for about £4100 at the moment. That's less than a lot of new 125s. Absolute bargain.

You are partially to blame for my recent purchase of a 2016 Bullet 500 and now you have me looking at Himalayan 411. HA! My local dealer has 3.

We have 2 x 2021 411 Himalayans. One at 83000km the other at 79000 km. The more kilometers you do, the more the bikes like it. Consoles on both bikes replaced under warranty. Headset bearings done once on one bike, twice on the other bike. Stator & regulator replaced on one bike. Original clutches. Rebuilt one wheel after dropping into a deep sharp hole off road. No broken spokes. We have just bought a slightly younger 2021 Himalayan with 3600km on the clock at a bargain price we couldn't refuse. Both the older bikes can keep up with the newer bike so compression has not suffered over 80000km. Easy to work on, & a very forgiving bike to ride on or off road. Australia

Just watched your video re your heart attack and dark days Excellent m8 I'm glad you're feeling positive now I had a breakdown 9yrs ago and often struggle BUT you're absolutely correct riding your bike is a game changer obviously as long as you are safe to do so so THANKS for taking the time to make this video it's helped me and remember "Keep the Sticky Side Down" Cheers

I see it this way:- the 411 is a Royal Enfield. Old school tech, cable throttle, screw and locknut valve adjustment, long stroke engine, roller bearing crank... It's what we all expect. However the 452 with water cooling, ride by wire throttle, shim valve adjustment, shell bearing crank, short stroke motor, fancy dash, etc. seems to me they have designed a TRIUMPH.

I think the 411 is hear to stay. Think Mk1 Landy

I believe you missed one important reason people love the 411, and that is the long stroke design. A Colombian mechanic friend has the RE 500 and the Himmy 411 and he said the thing he loves about the Himmy is the LS engine. He is 35 and for many young people it is the poor man's Harley. I thought of selling mine many times because of a terrible stalling problem. After trying all the recommended fixes I finally did what my Father did on his Harley, I replaced the cam and eliminated the mechanical decompressor. Upon inspection, the spring was doing nothing so it was just flopping around on the cam. No wonder it constantly stalled when near idle. Since doing the cam replacement, no more stalling. I also smile at the fact that my 411 feels like it has been hitting the gym. The Kent cam power is subtle due to the LS engine, but I noticed that the throttle response is snappier and I use much less throttle when accelerating. Of course I did the Fuel-x pro upgrade and the air filter upgrade as well. The bike is much more relaxed. I now love my 411 and would buy another if this one needed to be replaced. So will there be an ongoing market for this bike? I would say yes. I can see them bringing it back in the future with some needed improvements if the resale value remains strong.

Always loved the look of the 411 Himalayan and even though i have a few bikes and so called premium i knew i would have the 411 at some point... It was this channel and one other that made me make my decision to get one. After the 450 was announced the deals on the 411 were fantastic so i bought a new Euro5 Model at the start of this year and to be honest i cant keep off it there's something about this bike and engine it has charactor and charm a little gem. You get fed up of people buying them then winging about the power what do they expect and do they not research? Anyway i have covered over 8000 miles through winter here in the uk both on and off road you have to ride it with momentum no need to thrash it or go over 5000 revs its a sweet little motor and yes they have niggles but anyone buying one of these should know that already its part of the owning experience, the stock suspension is fine for normal use and still working fine for now that is but will upgrade if it breaks. Ive fitted a new battery a few weeks after purchase ive had to tweak the head bearings for now and the clutch groans and moans at times but i expect this and using Ians videos i will learn to fix these issues myself... no way will i get rid of it....its a keeper. As for the 450 i think RE were just trying to keep up with this fast going breed of low priced small engined ADV bikes but i don't think it will be as successful as the 411 where there's too much competition now i still think the 411 stands out for being basic and user friendly. I bought a brand new Bmw R1250 GSA in 2020 it arrived at my door and when i turned it on for the very first time i got a fault warning up on the TFT saying take the bike to the nearest dealer for repair😬I hadn't even sat on it and that cost £18k at the time not knocking the GS but just goes to show that high tech can be hit and miss. Anyone fancying a 411 just do the research so you know what you are getting into then ride and enjoy the experience.I have noticed that after 8000 miles the engine feels better it took a while to get that way so don't let higher mileage bikes put you off then you are open to some great bargains as most of these bike are not owned by thrashers usually the older end who take care of their stuff. Great channel this and like Ian says he is there for advice should we need him and I'm sure we will. Thumbs up all the way keep the 411 flag flying👍👍👍

The scram 411 is still available for now and what the little info i've manage to find is that the scram will not stop be produced for the Indian market. I am thinking about the bike, because don't need what the Himmy has, don't like the stock screen, don't need the front rack but it does look cool on the Himmy, that is for sure.

Interesting video. I got the bike not because I’m an old guy that used to tinker on cars, I just happen to be. I have a Ducati for when I think I’m eighteen again 😜

Keeping mine, any thing bigger in Malta is a waste of space! National speed limit 80kph, NO motorways, a few dual carriageways, and LOADS of back roads and lanes, I tend to do a mix on rides out. Cheers DINO.

Great video as always Ian. Have you considered buying and fitting a big bore kit or content with the 411cc? Cheers, Michael.

Mine is just fine. But my old hips are starting to complain a bit 😂

I heard that they had to go to water cooled on the 452 to be able to comply with the Euro 6 regs.

Keeping mine! Just did ABR on stock tyres fine. My 3k service soon then am doing myself. (Warranty ending)

I have the same view as you regarding enfields decision not to leave the 411 exactly the same as it is now and just upgrade it. That's all anyone wanted.

I bought the Himalayan specifically because it was a DIY basic bike. I'm sure the 450 is a fine product if you want a water cooled bike. I'm not particularly interested in it. I think they should have produced both models concurrently.

Hi Ian interesting comments from you there me old tater, with regard to age yes speed not worried been there, and like you many many miles, always fix me own gear just ask if stuck, mech engineering all my life even in the pram watching me dad fix his dbd34, I have thought many times to get a Himalayan (as well) they will go for ever, I have a bullet 350 and a hunter but a him I would look great next to em, like you 69, don’t drink, smoke ( never have) and don’t go out apart from in the morning with the wife for some shopping and a coffee, so same thought process as you take care mate thanks for info and now him I hunting Ted NW biker dude

The DR650 hasn't been sold in Europe for, oh, must be 20-odd years. There are cheap new Enfields, of various models models, in the UK because RE is now the importer, and motogb, the previous importer, is clearing stock. Hence I bought a new Himalayan, for 4000 pounds on the road, to use as a winter hack and, possibly, to ride on some easy green lanes.

Hey man. Great video. Question. Are the TEC Camshaft and valves for the Himalayan 411 good for everyday use (commute) and traveling long distance? what are your thoughts having installed and using them after a while?

I just want to know if RE will still supply a brand new engine for it, when the time comes. My 2023 mod is a keeper, maybe down the track I will need a new engine, and I would prefer to have new instead of a recon. version. Did that back in the day with cars, never really successful, so yeah I would prefer new. > Not sure RE will keep on making new engines for them, like other companies make available for a few years after they discontinue a model, maybe they have already stopped. I have sent the parent company an email a month ago about this have not got a reply, so most likely they have stopped making them already. Probably maybe intend to stop making parts as well.

Keeping mine also 2020 Also 350 classic reborn 3months old also a keeper ❤. Them ❤them

Hi m8 just joined your channel I own a 2021 bs6 Himmy and would like to know what LED headlight have you fitted Oh and keep up the good work Thanks

Hi Paul, I have two questions for you the first being in your opinion is the euro 4 better than the euro 5 model with respect to modifications to the engine etc to get the best out of it? Second question what helmet was you wearing on the 411 ? Kind Regards, DCT Dave & Butty Bach 🙂

Cheers m8

I make you right on pretty much all you said here mate. I think RE have rather 'over egged the pudding' with the new 450 and lost sight a bit on what the Himalayan is all about. Keep it simple and air/oil cooled. They could have carried on with the 411 alongside the new bike but have instead chosen to chuck out the baby with the bath water. I love my 411 and here it will stay. RE aren't immune from this kind of mistake when they replaced the Classic 500 with the All New 'Plastic' 350 and the backlash in India kept the old 350 on sale for 3 more years before they introduced the new plastic one. You wouldn't think it by the glowing reviews the 350 gets though but I guess those RU-vidr's have been 'bought'. On the subject of the 500, I've fitted the Fuel X Lite kit and even on a first stationary start in my kitchen, the bike runs much smoother. I've put a short video up on my Facebook page. I'm easy to find and my page is open to the public if you're interested 🙂

Does the comments about spares from India hold true if your in the UK?

Whats happening to the Scram, I wonder?

None of my bikes have a future. I hope my 411 lives to see 150'000km somewhere in 2026

It's a dinosaur zero future

You are missing the big picture, completely. The old Himalayan was Royal Enfields worst selling model by a long way, the home market ignored it, the US market ignored it, South America forget it and the big European markets weren't interested. I live in Germany and have never seen one ever, it doesn't suit the market and there is absolutely no nostalgia for old British bikes whatsover. I visited two old-timer meets last week and saw maybe a thousand classic bikes, not one was a British brand and in the car parks there were only three modern Triumphs. I owned two RE's back in the 60's/70's (I'm that old) and actually test rode a 411 out of curiosity, no way would I consider buying one ever.