Itchy BOOTS rides the new Himalayan 452 | Everything you need to know! 

If you haven't checked out Itchy Boots channel, head on over. There are some amazing adventures www.youtube.com/@ItchyBoots

Personally I think Royal Enfield have nailed it with this new 452. It's setting up to be that perfect little 'adventure' bike that is small enough to take down knarley trails, while being just powerful enough to cruise along with all your gear on. I also actually love the look - it's function over form and they have retained just enough retro to keep the family genes or brand origins visible. I think it's great. Well done to them. It's really surprising that it took an Indian brand to deliver what so many people want, I wish the Japanese brands would do the same!

i knew it, Noraly's drving the new Himalayan 452 will be a hit. As for the design-wise, i think RE is doing their best to be distinctive and have a design signature of their own and shouldn't be compared to european and japanese counterparts.

It is not intended to be a 'pretty' machine. It is a solid basic workhorse, down to earth a practical, just what I like

I'm not an adventure rider, too old for me to start now, but I do follow Itchy Boots. When she got on this bike I noticed right away how easily she was going over the rocks, and through the bumps, and the bike seemed really smooth doing it. Although my bikes have been 650 Burgman scooters for the last 17 years, I do follow the rest of the motorcycling industry. As far as the looks goes, the flashier the bike is, the more I like it. I am so tired of my matte black scoot. Not that my opinion counts for much, but this ADV bike has impressed me.

Thanks for the plug-in to Noraly’s Itchy Boots channel! She’s been trialing the new Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 - where else? - in the Himalayas and its passed with flying colours! The old school utilitarian adventure motorbike everyone wants. 😊

I like the fact the Himalayan has it's own distinctive look. I feel Royal Enfield is doing a good job of setting themselves apart for all the others. Admittedly a risky move but it's done in good taste. To my liking absolutetly.

This 452 looks to be everything the market needs at this point! Simple, affordable and a standard spec sheet to allow people to get into the sport and develop their skills. I have loved ( and sometimes hated my 411). The 411 is a dinosaur in comparison, the new one will be a breath of fresh air just like the 411 was years ago. Keep the info coming - we are all thirty for it!

The 452 would fit in as a mad max zombie apocalypse bike I kind of like it 👍

From my personal experience above 14000 ft older bikes without FI almost get their power halved, while FI bikes can see a quarter of a deecrease. So, the himlayan was really performing great on that terrain at that height. Also, the time she took to cover massive distances at such height and such road is incredible, that proves the bike did have great torque for the quick acceleration.

Black and gold, with gold rims looks nice to me. Probably my favourite brand at the moment, don’t own any at present, but had the 411 a few years ago and I like it for what it was.

I love my CRF300 Rally, but I'll be trading it for the Himalayan 452, love the look of it

Any color scheme that makes it look more like an old school Yamaha is a good thing. It makes me feel young again like my 79 YZ 125 is still in the garage. Yellow and Black looks nice. Shout out to the long hair band of the 90’s, Stryper, one of my favs.

The 411 is the bike that got me into the dirt. I've owned fast and fun street bikes in the past and non of them kept me motivated and inspired to ride like the little Himalayan. About a year ago I was severely rear ended at a stop on my Himalayan. Thank goodness that the car that hit me driving 60mph(100kph) was low to the ground. I suffered from a broken(ish) pelvis and bruises here and there but my bike did not make it sadly. I bought a brand new klr 650 back in May, I don't like it. Its a good bike just not for me. So I am going to wait patiently here in the states for the Himalayan 452 to become available and trade the ol' klr for one. I am slightly worried about the new engine since it is RE first liquid cooled engine but with their vigorous testing out and bout in the mountains I don't think they'd call it a Himalayan if the bike wasn't made to ride up mountains.

some pre production models are spotted with a cross spoke wheels, so a tubeless spoked wheel might be available at top trim or as an optional extra

Thank You Itchy Boots. I get to relive my from Toronto, a N.A Mexico Tour on a 1977 Yamaaha 500 single enduro way back in 1977. Noone drove a 500 in those days like that . 12000 miles in 40 days.

I really like the black and yellow scheme. I kind of like the styling of the 452!

It’s probably at the top of my list of bikes at the moment. I agree with the comment about the original “cool ugly” vs “ugly”. Something about the proportions worked with the 411, and don’t with the 452. The front “crash bars” are heinous. Happy to see something besides the black test mules. Didn’t like the all black. Somewhere, someone, mentioned the possibility of tubeless as an option?

I love Itchy Boots. her good experience with this motorcycle will translate to big sales.

The Unicorn ADV has arrived?

I LIKE the way they both look! From what I had read, the Ducati designer designed the Himalayan 411.

I have to admit, the black and gold immediately caught my eye 🤪. When the prices are revealed we’ll have to see how hard it tugs at my wallet 😆!

You missed out the most exciting part of that leak, one of the bikes had cross-spoked tubeless wheels. Don't have to deal with untimely punctures and comparatively easier to fix.

I like the look of it, I think it is what the market needs a true ADV bike that it not afraid of getting dropped, no plastics that make you look like a pro racer, enough power low seat height. I think it looks a bit funny due to the rounded tank, and not the square look of the 411. Might just be the next bike.

Really really interested to here what the service intervals will be on the new liquid cooled engine, hoping for less frequent valve checks.

Good input and shared!

Still looks cool to me and that bit of extra power addresses the main complaint about the 411. Got to be a winner.

Solid: Nobody has yet mentioned the removable (replaceable) sub frame I think that's a plus for the 452.! Noraly trashed her crf250L subframe in a rally in southern Africa. Personally I am a fan of the 411 looks(and ride a 2008 us spec 500 avl bullet). The 452 looks will grow on me but I don't love it so far. Iam liking the 40hp, efi and water cooling. This bike is on a short list for me after it gets to the U.S.

I think it looks great [black and gold ] , I have been looking at it. and Triumph Scrambler 400X which also looks good

I like it and will probably buy one, (had a 411 before) If I had a complaint it would be the lower tank line rising up towards the front looks a little weird. Really though, this is shaping up to be an awesome bike that covers a lot of people's wants and needs plus likely good value as well. I live in Northern Thailand, it will be great there filling a gap with my other bikes nicely.

Not sure what to make of the looks but the black and gold look good. Seems to have tubeless rims which would be great, weight is 196kg which is still a bit heavy but I think we all expected that. Considering getting one anyway as a travel bike

The black and gold version looks pretty good. I still want to see the weight. The 411 is a pretty capable bike just a bit under powered for road work. The 411 has a more classic look that I like better.

I quite like the colour scheme of the bike Noraly is riding now in India.

Great for the European market! Riding offroad gets more and more popular, but the old 400 didn´t perform that well on an Autobahn. However, with 40 horsies it will be possible to go 140 km/h, which is pretty sufficient. I don´t doubt that RE will do a good job concerning roadholding and offroad performance, so it´s great news!

this one is flying of the shelf when it hits the market, apparently they hit the nail wid this one, I hope they have international distribution

The 411 was one of the most accessible Short-Guy ADV in the market. I hope they are able to retain a manageable seat height as it definitely looks a bit taller.

I own a 411 and I'm looking forward to trying out and probably getting a 452. I prefer the boxy look of the old one, designed by Pierre Terblanche. It reminds me of the boxy look of 4x4 best sellers such as the Lada Niva or Suzuki Samurai. The new design reminds me of a peanut shell, especially in the tank area. I really hate the peak-front mudguard design as well as the look of the tank from the side. However, I love pretty much everything else, from the beautiful screen to the rear section (with bolted instead of welded rear frame! Amazing). In Itchy Boots, we can see that several screen options are available, which makes it look very premium. The 452 has already addressed all the weaknesses of the 411 in my opinion (suspension, power, build quality). I'm already impressed and I'm sure, based on what I can already do with the 411, that the 452 is a great small ADV. And if it's really 3kg lighter than the 411, then it totally confirms that it's a fantastic model that will again strengthen the new reputation of this Indian brand.

Looks like a hybrid between old and new, but I still like the round headlight. The black and yellow color is a good idea, but not glossy like that. Overall, it's a huge improvement over the 411.

Another video masterpiece, thanks.

Nice preview. Ergonomics are rather important, any thoughts about that? While I am not a fan of the looks (the 411 really spoke to me), if the performance and ergonomics are right for me, and the price, that might change with use.

It’s a great improvement on the last model and looks the part 👍🏻

Well being a CRF 250L owner which is pretty much useless 😅 other than for farm use. I like the new Enfield at least 40hp is a step in the right direction

it looks fine!

i like the looks ... cant wait to get one for summer 2024

Wonder how good the bash-skid plate is as that seems where most short cuts / price savings that most dual purpose/adv MCs cut the corners on, The crash engine / tank protection bars look OK. More data on these 2 items plus tube-less rims+tires would be great too. Good reporting mate, you made a friend/fan subscriber here in the USA.😎👍

That RE Himalayan has got rugged , solid beauty... made for the real African adventure!!!!

The bike looks just like everyone was hoping for. Any word on the x300 replacement now that a 450 is available with more torque?

Love the dash

It’s different ugly 😊. I have a 411 which I love, but the new 452 is going to be amazing. Cannot wait to test ride it. Great video - especially as I haven’t heard the phrase ‘piss poor’ for years!

Interesting for me is the rear swingarm. Looks like maybe an alloy upgrade on the existing very heavy plain steel versions. That's one of the issues with getting the current bikes suspension to perform.

I like it. I would definitely consider it in the future.

Hi Solid, great video. You didn't mention about the tubeless wheels. There is footage with some clearly tubeless wheels, some people mentioned potentially an option. Have you seen those images?

Judging by their recent models (Super meteor, Interceptor, conti GT, hunter, etc) I know RE already has a winner on their hands

This could easily be the unicorn adventure bike everyone was asking for. Curious to know the wet weight, but power figures, and torque figures excel against the crf300l. Think the seat height will be great for many more riders, as would the comfort levels. This could be the bike that replaces my drz400.

This is one of the sweeetest bikes I've ever seen!

The tank shape looks quite weird, and the little cover below as well. Seems they switched from angular to a curvy design language. Wish they had retained the old styling.

Good video. Even better than the Ithcyboots videos which lacked detail.

If Noraly likes it...I like it. Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.

For the Everyman and women the RE 450 Himmy is the most cost effective Segway. AUD $9K stock as for looks it’s very subjective but as you said if you planing on trashing is by going offroad then it’s probably more about how much it will stand up to it rather then looking the part. For me I like retro style and as a casual adventurer and weekend tourist it’s a good option

Agree about the black/gold! Now… this or the new Scrambler 400x? Not exactly apples to apples, but has to be asked! 😬

i love the old style of the 411

I wonder if the 411, in some markets, makes more sense for many riders due to licensing levels or insurance. Just thinking out loud.

I’m sticking with the 411.

The power,performance upgrade will be useful in a place like Australia where you do a lot of freeway riding in general and to get out of the burbs into the bush. Styling? This isn’t Honda. With off-road bikes it’s more a case of how the bike works.

Ahh, I like the analogue mode Noraly showed in vid 4. I prefer the instruments of the 411 actually. One large screen is cool, until one wants to mount a separate NAV unit. For daily jaunts, the 452 screen is probably great.

@COS - What do think of the V Strom 800 DE? Good job on the 452 by the way. :-)

Looks really interesting. Id like to test ride it. 430lbs fully fuelled with crash bars etc is actually decent. Id like to know the fuel capacity/range. Hopefully price will not be too shabby.

You missed the cross spoked wheels that have been spotted on RE official social media platforms. It’s missing on itchyboots pre production motorcycle, could be an accessory fitting and talking about accessories the tank guard have quite many loops baked in, I’m expecting more luggage offering from the brand alongside the existing aluminium panniers.

Does anyone know if they continue producing the 411? It has a more classic look what I like. Next spring I'm planning to change my Honda Rebel for a Royal Enfield Himalyan because I discovered I really enjoy exploring new places and motorcycle camping.

For me that bike looks better than the pure "form follows function" design approach of the first model. And some nice details: bolted on (not welded) rear fram, that can easily be replaced or welded, they kept the tank bars that are perfect for some small storage pockets and if you look closely: there is an R inside the right hand side hand protector, for all those people who don't know what left and right is! ;-) Now let's wait for the technical details, mostly power, torque, weight and tank volume.

No mention of the cross spoke rims? It looked like one had them in the leaked colourways pics? Also it looks like it is a bolt on subframe?

I love the utilitarian aesthetic of the 411, but the upgrades of the 452 may be good enough to make the switch depending on the final mph & hp data. A 650 scrambler, if true will cloud the issue.

You missed the spoke tubeless wheel option. Rumour is that it will be available on top variant only.

Better pain schemes are needed for the 452. I would love to see a red and black one! The yellow and black is also nice..........Sal : )

I prefer the asthetics of the original... but like the performances upgrades

I hated the old Himalayan it looked like something the postie would use but I love the new one and the gold rim model looks amazing and will obviously be a premium option costing more

There’s a model with tubeless cross-spoke rims. Shots of a white “premium” model with tubeless rims floating around that have been shared from the assembly line in the factory. Easy to find with a quick google

Hi, mate,though i have my issiues with your austrailian slang,i really like you channel! You always hit the themes,that really are of interrest! I like the himi all the time! Wht re set up here is exactly what i like! As soon as it gets in the market i will order one! Would like to know the weight and seathight! But i will need eventually still a bit patiance! Hopefully it is easy to get here in germany!thaks for your work!

Black/Yellow 👍 with gold rims 👍. It will match my R9T Urban GS got to have that one.

How does it compare to the KTM 390 Adv? Hopefully it will lead KTM to introduce the updated 399cc engine of the new Duke in the Adv.

When you are riding the bike, are you running alongside it to see how nice it looks? At the end of the day, for me, it’s about my experience on the bike. What do I see and experience. Even if it is plug ugly,if it achieves what I need and want and is pretty from my vantage point, mission accomplished. My ride is a 2005 R1200GS

I’m looking forward to all the cheap used Himalayans as people trade up.

I will test ride the HIMMY450 but have a pre order on a Triumph 400X Matte Green-nice price, should do me for touring in Asia and 80/20 riding plus it looks damn sexy....but happy to see the RE new lineup and cant wait to see the new HNTR450 make its debut it should be a looker. More the merrier in the 400-500cc range is making me very happy its the sweet spot. Sold my Honda Rally, just not enough poop but loved it just the same wnderful bike good memories. Honda Rally 450???

Still 30kg heavier than a DR650 with 17&21 wheels. I love the fuel injection but do I really need it if I never get to ride above 1,200 meters of elevation? What is the seat height Is it still that ridiculous 800 mm? Is it another ADV for short riders only?

It will be interesting to see how long it takes to get to Australia?

In leaked image re 450 has tubeless tyre. I think in higher models we can find the tubleless tyre.

Tubeless spoke wheel is present on one of the bikes. Not the one Norlay Shoemaker rode though.

What sort of clutch gearbox setup?? Itchy Boots mentioned something about how smooth it was with like a limited slip diff as the rear wheel didn’t spin as much on loose surfaces. Maybe I misunderstood her comments

But will it have a sixth gear? Would be necessary for me on hiway

Now im confused between the 452 and the Triumph Scrambler 400x...which one's the better one to get n why?

I agree, the 411 was cool ugly, the 452 is just ugly. But, I'm not sure any other adv or enduro bike is that attractive.

Water cooling really is imperative on a motorcycle not only for emissions but also longevity, efficiency, power, vibration, so many great reasons. I can't believe it's taken this long but at least it's here. As for the bike I think its great. I don't think the 411 will sell I'd much rather have the 452. Who wants to smell like fuel after riding?

For really remote areas I'd need a kickstart and an independent ignition system

The black yellow makes the tank look less weird which is a good thing.

The original Himalayan had true utilitarian look to it - sharp lines, rugged accessory panels, rough and tough, zero nonsense. You couldn't point out a single styling fad on it, even the iconic large headlight was purposeful, not aesthetic. But looking at this new design I find myself wondering which cross-eyed undergrad designer approved it. No continuous lines, out of proportions beak/tank/saddle, frame protection/crash bars look like an aftermarket item from wish... I hate to say it, not every bike has to be an Italian eyepiece but damn, she ugly for real. Oddly enough I can't point out a single bad thing, it is just a goulash of ideas that went trough a blender with result that will not win on looks basis. Let's hope the performance (on and off road) is there together with impressive price tag.

The Himalaya 452 is now a direct competitor to the CB500X compare and contrast.

🤠

You asked for opinion regarding the design: I very much like the 411-design more than the new one. I had preferred a 'slightly' more powerfull HIM . If I'd wanted a real powerfull offroad bike it wouldn't be a RE either. So far I'll stay a happy 411 driver

November 11 worldwide or just in India?

Love the look of Bike looks like will do job Right not over top Flashing lights