Been biking for over 45 years now had all sorts been all over Europe and covered just about all of the Uk. Small capacity bikes are the new joy to me and many others. Cheap to buy low cost to run easy to ride self maintenance an option . My Himalayan 411cc has been and still is one of the best bikes I’ve owned. It’s a conversation starter where ever I park it. Yes there is some snobbery towards lower cc bikes. Ride what you like if it gives you that grin it’s a winner.
Yes we do bumped into Mr Ditton in a concert today with his loverly mum and told him so Happy he is happy Happy he has a regular job Happy he took the risk to try what he did But said please out the odd video out we all miss you Sad did nt say to his mum you must be proud But just spoke to Andrew for a few secs taking his mum sums it all up of what a guy x
Thank you Andrew. I have to watch all your videos, for a couple of minutes of two little doggies at the end. You've made my day. Good to see you looking relaxed and happy. Hope the job is going well. ilona
So nice to see you again. I sold my motorcycle over a decade ago…I wonder if I could pick up riding again. There are enough rural roads where I live now…it would certainly be fun riding. Thanks for showing the pups; glad Dougal is still in apparently good nick (and, I agree with you about doggie mouth kisses! Yuck!). I hope all is well with your family. Take care.
Great to see you back Andrew! Informative as always. Nice to see Ted and Dougal too :) I can totally see why you got that bike, I think it’s a great thing for smiles per ££!
I've had my 250 Razorback (in red) for 21 months now and done 4.5k miles. It's perfect for the roads down here in Cornwall if you keep off the A30. It never fails to attract attention wherever I park up or ride. Like you, I've put bar end mirrors on. I don't really filter in traffic down here so the bars are just fine. I've got rid of the horrible plastic rear mudguard and gone for a more enduro look with parts all supplied by Mutt. I love the lightness of the bike especially after a double hip replacement. The only issue I've had was that the ABS light stayed on even though the brakes were fine. The whole speedo was replaced by the nice chaps at Thor Motorcycles under warranty and the problem was sorted.I keep it clean with a regular covering of WD40 on the nuts and bolts etc. As a mature rider, I agree it puts a big smile on your face and (in my case) brings out "my inner Steve McQueen"!
Andrew I’ve ridden a motorcycle but I’m not a motorcyclist I don’t have a licence. I love the look of your bike, it has Soul, there’s something Mad Max about it. Enjoy your bike. Hugs to Dougal & Ted ❤️🐕
Hi Andrew, love your motorbike, loved the Thruxton too!! Always been a fan of bikes for many years and recently found out my brother's first wife married an enthusiast and owns 3 bikes, get this, 2 Harleys and a Triumph Bonnie!! I was in raptures! I asked for photos but haven't got them yet! Anyway, I really loved this video Andrew, was worth waiting for and especially at the end, Dougal & Ted!! Missed them terribly! Take care, lots of love and hugs xxx 😘😍🐕🐶🏍
This is the first video of yours I have watched sir. You come across incredibly well, knowledgeable and likeable. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. New subscriber for sure.
Great honest review Andrew. I envy your ability to keep riding. It’s been far too many years since I sold my Honda 550K3 with all its chrome and shininess 😃 I have leg and back issues now so 4 wheels is my only choice but having the smaller VW Crafter camper has brought back some fun when driving. We are off to the Outer Hebrides next month and will give your channel a serious mention or 2 or 3 😉👍🏻 Goes without saying that we are thrilled to see you on RU-vid even if it is an occasional joy. Take care and be safe on those roads 💙 Trev n Sue
Beautiful bike Andrew, looks like something Steve McQueen would ride. Who cares what others think, the most important factor of what makes a bike great is how it makes you feel. If you look back at it parked up with a smile, you're on to a winner!
Hari OM I join the chorus of joy at seeing you and the boyz on screen again! Your reviews are always engaging, even if I will never go near a motorbike! YAM xx
Whoa Mr. Mutt it's just brilliant to have you back , thoroughly enjoyed this video , hooray for the vintave leather pants , my late dearly beloved was a biker all his days , and when his favourite magazine came through the post , even I read it from cover to cover , what a brilliant time to launch your new video on your very smart bike 250cc , sure the North West 200 is in full swing this week , just about an hour up the road , when my husband took me with him first time , I got so engrossed in the race , I ate the little wee blue bag of salt in the Smiths Ready Salted Crisps , crazy LOL !!! Get to see your two lovelies Dougal and Ted , brilliant , a full smacker right on the lips , yummie !! ❤😊❤😊❤😊
I bought a new Royal Enfield Scram 411 as a second bike to use all year round while my 2020 Honda CB1100RS hibernates over Winter. Although I love the Honda for looks, performance and comfort, it's 550lb weight can sometimes be an issue. The Scram's light weight, low end torque and nimbleness on our narrow country roads is much more fun, especially with an aftermarket end can. The icing on the cake was the price.... £3699 + £200 OTR, brand new in July 2024. That's £1000 discount to clear UK stocks to make space at dealers ready for the new RE Guerrilla 450.
Hi Andrew, great to see you and the 'stars' again. I guess you chose a Mutt so you'd have a mechanical companion for Dougal and Ted. Great that this bike has been gateway for your return to biking. I look forward to seeing your two-wheeled touring solution (mine's a Honda CB500X and my wife's is a Speed 400). Happy Travels
We had one in our shop and it was 10 miles over its service miles ( booked well before service miles) the dealer refused to replace the frame under warranty because of that, it had snapped in several places, we welded it for him, needed new chain and sprockets,most of the lights stopped working, the tyres lasted 800 miles because the wheel bearings had gone, the list goes on, this bike was the guys pride and joy and he needed it for work, he wasn’t some kid, he was in his 30’s, just crap!
Good video Andrew. I've had my Herald 250 Cafe for 8 years. cost £2,800 new and has been totally reliable. I find the short stroke engine, once warmed up easilly sits at 70 {75+ indicated}.Maybe 21BHP and TK carb makes Euro3 engines a breath better? These bikes are great fun and although mine has high mileage uses no oil between changes. Low power and light weight seems to work for this 79 year old teenager.
Hi Andrew, it's lovely to see you & looking well . Have missed seeing you, dougal & ted so very much!! "Great minds think alike", i was just thinking maybe you could always get another bike - i love to see you on a bike in your leathers this is definitely you!!! So lovely to see dougal & ted too! You have made my day!! Thank you for sharing, take care lots of love to you,dougal & ted 💜💖💜XXX
Great to see you (and the dogs) back on RU-vid. That Mutt is a good looking bike and whilst I appreciate it may have enough power for your current riding I can’t believe it has 6bhp less than the Honda 250 I owned in 1980. Surely Mutt could have found a bit more performance. Just a few more ponies would be enough to keep with highway traffic even with a headwind.
I agree 100% on what you say. I like the look of the Mutt bikes and the price. I have never owned one but have seen one many times and the only disadvantage for me is how quick it rusts, but maybe it's only because the owner has never looked after it or cleaned it. I've had a few Chinese bikes in my days, and not one has let me down, not one, and had problems with other brand-new bikes like Harley Davidson, Moto Guzzi, BMW. You are right about the value of the bike; you try sell it second hand and there will be less people want to purchase this bike and will lower the value of the bike. Its great value if you buy the bike and keep it for 5 years + then you will get good value for money. If something is cheap, it will always get bad press, and if you have expensive brands, you will not hear about the bad, because they are embarrassed about it. For me if I ride a bike that makes me happy and feels great, it could break down every week, I'm not bothered, it makes me happy. Happy as a pig in Mutt, LOL
Hi Andrew, I own a royal enfield meteor and I'm looking at a mash 250 ( pretty much the same a the mutt) and the big advantage for me at 70 odd years old is the wieght difference, 140kg vs 191kg thats a whole heria less!
I always wanted to get a motorbike when I was younger; a long, long time ago; but my parents, mainly mum, said not in our house, so it had to be a car. I still feel a little envy when I see bikers on the road, if only I had been a rebel. 😉 👍🖖🏴🏴🏴
I owned a baja, main issues I had where the indicators dropping off due to cracking as well as the chain stretching and licence plate cracking when I had an L plate on. Bike dismantling itself aside, the customer service was great and we were able to talk directly with the guys that work on the bikes, and so sorting replacement parts was a breeze, especially after having a crash. They sent us a replacement tank, chain, front forks, brake, disc etc within the week. personally I'd love to see a 400cc version. Though I will say I found the 125 a blast around back roads at full tilt. It probably one of the few bikes that lets you feel like you're getting the most out of a bike, while being at one with it, while also not breaking the law. Also riding the baja on knobbly tyres was hilarious as in snow I actually had more grip which did result in a hilarious interaction during snow after being pulled over for going around a roundabout at full lock while maintaining lane discipline. That being said I wouldn't recommend long motorway stretches. maybe the 250 would be better however its really a bike meant to be used around cities or back roads.
Thailand 🇹🇭 manufacturing is ov a very good quality,India are definitely getting there,china has to up its game?tho im not slagging this bike off! Enjoy 👍
Couldn't keep a full set of indicators working on mine, as soon as one was replaced another failed, the numberplate mounts kept fracturing. The stainless exhaust split and the warranty replacement was weirdly discoloured. It was good fun though and never actually failed to get me home.
''Who rides a motorcycle to be practical?''... I do! After first swinging my leg over a Honda CB92 Super Sport Benly in 1964, and now approaching my 78th birthday and having never owned or driven a four-wheeled thingy, a motorcycle has to be practical for me. It has to have a luggage rack or top box for my shopping, it has to have good fuel consumption, it has to be light and it has to be as reliable as a Honda. I would like to see a long-term review of these Mutts. Are they as rugged and tough as they look?.... And I do like the look of them.
I'd say any small capacity motorcycle could be considered an underdog these days with the majority of motorcyclists wanting only big bikes. I've just bought a new Honda CB300R for £74 more than the Mutt RS-13 OTR price, as with all bikes there things I like and dislike about it, 100mpg is one plus, and the wide bars one negative.
I have used VHT paint, seems successful but if it gets very hot then some will burn off. The hardest thing was the removal of the oxygen sensor. Depreciation seems to hit both mutt and mash. AJS and lexmoto seem to do better with excellent parts support. Keeway parts are expensive, so the right off value is quite high, seemingly aiding value as they crash and get broken up.
Mutt, Mash, Sinnis, Lexmoto, AJS…. So many of them and the thing that I like is there are some awesome looking bikes - such a variety of designs! But it’s hard to find any that don’t have quality control issues. Sigh.
Every bike is different and suits different riders and styles. It can be difficult to find the right balance. If it ticks boxes. Feels good to ride and you enjoy it. What matters what others think ?
I’m a big fan of smalle bikes for their light weight fun too, and find myself enjoying my Thruxton less to ride ( but love the looks) . Not to detract , but those 250 mutts should be nearer £3500 for what it is, but that’s just my opinion, if people are happy to pay that and feel they’re getting value, or someth8ng less common, good for them , biking’s a broad church. If triumph could make a 400 cafe racer for same money as the 400 then ……
I have a Bluroc Legend 125 as my L- Plate bike, bought 2nd hand and now two years old. It was pristine when I bought it, the previous owner wasn't a winter rider, but I've been out on it over winter and boy has it taken it's toll. The exhaust corrosion is shocking but also the frame itself, literally paint flaking off where the rear axle meets the frame. The 125 variant struggles to get and maintain 50mph but at 4.4k miles now, I've accepted those limitations, but it's great for slower country lanes and a bit of greenlaning. Herald also produce their variant but offer a 400cc with 27hp. That would be the better option rather than the 250cc, but no, I'll be buying a reputable Japanese 650cc retro once I get my full license 😂. Though I have to say, I've had no major issues with the Bluroc and they're even cheaper than MUTT. The overall fittings and finish of MUTT is much better though.
I’m not a biker, what are clip ons? Surely they don’t just clip on? Agree they look better though! With regard to depreciation …The beauty is you only paid 4k in the first place, ignore the percentage figure, the most you’re going to lose is a couple of grand, and that’s only if you sell it, you don’t lose anything if you keep it and enjoy it! 😀. Best wishes, Tristan & Katie.
That didn't take long to think about an upgrade did it. Shame they don't make 400 .500cc single still light with more poke... Lets see what you get next. I still have the GS1000s from 1981 back on the road soon but it's rather heavy these days maybe a down size in order. Meet for fish and chips at the pilot one day👍
I think witht the big wide bars it's a question of what you're used to - you've almost always had sports bikes so you're used to clip-ons, but I grew up on DT-125s & the like, and I like the leverage & the fine control big bars give me. I can't imagine riding something the size of my Aftica Twin with small bars. Heck, going from a DT-125 to a CB-500 with its slightly less big, slightly less wide bars was a bit of a shock to the system! 😀
Exelent review, thank you! Exactly what i needed, i need it for the same reason as you and an important point as you sad it looks great for comuting! hard to beat for the money ofc with 2x changes you made
I’ve only ever ridden 1 mutt. It was a 1 year old 125. The most disappointing bike I’ve ever ridden. It looked amazing, very similar to yours, which is why I was so disappointed by the ride. It was appalling to ride. Vibrating like nothing I’ve ever ridden. Kept cutting out. Without doubt the worst bike I’ve ever ridden.
Depreciates like a big Citroën... Little bikes like that are remarkably capable and can knock out respectable daily mileages. Even if you're just averaging a humble 40mph or so, a day's riding will see you pretty far from home. If you can commute, you can tour. Overnight bag, B&B, map. Touring on a smaller bike means that you don't have to spend all your time and energy managing the vehicle. You can just ride. Don't plan to be 500 miles away by sunset. Just bimble about all day, and see where you end up.
The RRP is way too high, when you consider a Triumph Speed 400 is only a few hundred quid more. I own the same bike but branded by Bullit, with a chromed exhaust that won't rust. Bullit sold this bike in Euro 3 guise for £2500. BTW the engine is a Suzuki GN250 clone.
It's not that I don't like them but you can deny that unfortunately many of the components on these are very bad in quality. If you take good care of them regularly it won't be that much of a problem but if you are like me used to owning small Honda's and clean them just once every month and still remain in pristine condition it would be a problem to own thes MUTT, Mash or ORCAL motorcycles. The frame paint flaking and Rust would be a very annoying issues just after a year, but still they are splendid motorcycles, really a shame Honda, yamaha or Suzuki don'tv make 125 or 250 with this type of styling.
As far as depreciation goes, if you buy new you should probably keep it till it's falling to bits, a forever bike, a winter hack. Fix it up at minimal expense & ratbike / survival bike it, make it a bike the local criminals wouldn't look twice at but never lets you down.
With over 50,000 sales of the "..clinical.." TRIUMPH 400 it seems that "clinical" has won against a 'boutique' oem branding exercise in 'smoke and mirrors'. However, if you like the branding concept of 'MUTT' - ENJOY, safe riding.
I’d like something very like this bike to take on or in a motorhome in the future. I can’t seem to find reviews of motorhomes that can carry a bigger bike.
It's all down to checking the size and weight limit of the moho garage. There are loads of larger motorhomes that could carry this bike due to its lighter weight. Good luck!
Great review, just looking at buying my first 125 and came across this and don’t lie never heard of mutts before. I noticed you said about riding it through winter. What was the bike like for that?
TBH Tom I am a fair weather biker. Some of the other Mutters on the FB page seem to get on OK when commuting in bad weather, but you do have to watch the electrics and keep on top of maintenance and weather protection (eg ACF50). Cheers!
Interesting that you say the power is just enough, yet you go on to say that you can't overtake a car doing 40mph easily. In my opinion that's not enough.
India and Thailand are not China though! I've found through experience, that the Chinese are quite capable of decent quality engineering. But you do need to do some pretty extensive checking (predominantly on quality) before commiting to buy! In the case of you bike, there is the distinct advantage that it's actually assembled in the UK, in the case of Triumph, the manufacturer is a British company that assembles worldwide and Royal Enfield, India have been making them since the 1950s. China is relatively new to manufacturing and very new to quality expectations!
