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5:28 Last night I happened upon a video where Steve Everitt, the lead designer for the 450, goes into the reason for the short kickstand and not having cruise control. It's on Abhinav Bhatt's channel. In short: the kickstand is a cast unit and the moulds for that had to be engineered, and built. The length was determined by the prototype as it was at the time. Late in the development, another part of the company changed the suspension, so it didn't sag as much. The bike was suddenly much taller, with a lot more ground clearance. Unfortunately, they couldn't change the kickstand in time for the launch. Apparently, it is being changed (and has by now I guess). This is their first drive-by-wire bike, which takes a long time to calibrate and get right. RE didn't have the resources to develop cruise control at the same time. It's a great interview and Steve is very honest about choices they made, and points of improvement they are aware of.
Love what RE is doing. Might pick one of the up for long distance touring. I don't trust my KTM 790 ADV to go long distance. I like the simplicity and RE's commitment to their customers. Thx for the review !
That makes me happy I got the 2024 Transalp. Already took it on a long trip from Mexico to Canada and back. Yellowstone and Black hills were definitely highlights
Hi. I have a Tubeless Kamet White here in UK, I have 2,800 miles on the bike in 6 weeks. Your reviews are spot on. Three points. 1. RE recognise the side stand is too short and will be rectifying it in the future. 2. I have consistently managed to get 90mpg, mostly A roads and twisty B roads. 3. The windshield isn’t that effective and there is a lot of buffeting over 70mph. I have ordered the adventure screen to see if that helps. I will let you all know. Lastly, once I got past 1,500 miles the bike seemed to improve and become more relaxed. I am very happy with it.
Sold both of my Harley's last year, and thought I'd hang up riding. After watching and listening to the video, I will give this bike some serious thought.
to the guy on T7: I have a T7, my GF has the new Himalayan 450. I'm not super tall (183cm), but strong and T7 is a tough work in everyday/commuting situation. Himmy is a bliss ergonomically and comfort-wise in everyday riding. Riding offroad it's much more comfortable too, thanks to suspension, seat comfort (imo better than t7) and seat height. To answer your question: It is only 10kg lighter on paper, but in reality it's A LOT lighter. Feels almost like half the weight of the T7. It is not ideally geared for hard offroad that we sometimes do and maybe a little bit underpowered for it too.
Your comments make me want to buy a Himalayan 450. And Ian's (the BigRockMoto guy) review on the bike really made me lust for this machine. I'd probably pick the Royal Enfield over the CFMoto 450MT.
@@big566bunny Yes, RE 450 for me too for the reason you mentioned, plus it's a good looking machine. In my country, there's a guy who can remap the CFMoto ECM for $350US (he's the only one doing it, so he has a fixed non-negotiable fee) which takes out the snatchyness of the power delivery from idle, but that's a cost that adds 5% extra on top of the purchase price.
Great stuff Ian, I think you've reinforced everything I've read in other reviews, as always you're on the money and I can understand your comments perfectly. For those who are concerned re reliability, capabilities and general toughness, Adam Riemann rode one over the Himalayas and absolutely loved it and it performed brilliantly ! Incidentally Ian you and Adam are riders I trust and respect so I'm totally convinced on this bike!
Thanks Ian. I currently have the 411 300l and a full dress Harley. This is an Interesting upgrade to the 411. Every time I get ready to sell the 411 I can’t. Haha. I don’t u der stand that other than I’m an older rider and remember the vintage look and feel. You’re the best thanks.
Few yrs ago felt the urge to ride to Cabo again. At the time I had a Vespa et4 and a tw200. Took the tw200. It was the best trip I ever had riding to Cabo. My point: just take what you got. Just go.
Hi, I’ve got my new Himalayan Hanle Black tubeless for 10 days now. Your review nicely reinforces me in my decision to buy it. Thnx! Marcel, The Netherlands
Those vids with this 800DE on the background always makes my days 😁👍 The only complain I would make about the Himalayan is the weight. Even heavier than a Kove 800. It's way too much IMHO (my KLR650 was lighter and was considered too heavy when they released it)
Thank you thank you thank you, for clarifying that there is significant differences in dual sports and ADV bikes!! Some people just can not come to terms with the differences! You rock!
I have a '22 Himalayan. RE's in general are well built. They are not up to Japanese standards tho. That doesn't mean they are going to leave you sitting on the side of the road. They tend to be more inconsistent in build quality/fit finish. Welds on mine are adequate but look awful for example. I fixed a lot a little stupid stuff like cable routing, crooked license plate bracket, etc. Mine dumped a full tank a fuel on my garage floor because of a oring in the fuel gauge sending unit (warranty but a hellova mess). Overall I'd say they're worth what you pay just be aware they're cheaper than Japenese bikes for a reason. If you're at all handy with a wrench and willing to tinker now and again you'll enjoy an RE. I'll probably get a Himalayan 450 when one becomes available around here but keep my 411 as well. The only thing I have a serious gripe about with it is power. Underwhelming is being kind but it gets away with that because its a capable bike in spite of it.
Ref reliability. I doubt it will be an issue, plenty of 411 Himalayans out there with in excess of 50k miles / 80k kms on them with top ends still undisturbed, and worst case scenarios a set of new clutch plates....and still running fine...
You might want to look up the problems with it when it was released way back in like 2011 in India I'm sure they'll sort out issues with the new engine but there's zero guarantee it doesn't have any
@@christopherpekel6096 yeah well it's usually a good rule of thumb not to buy a bike in the first year of production regardless of the bike. My understanding with the 411 is that they did spend a lot of time fixing the problems with the reliability issues, so I'd have confidence they'd do the same with the 450
Sir as I was waiting for your review for long time now it has been launched in Usa market it was nice watching your video the way you explained very well.As you know Himalayan 650cc also is being testing on Indian highway soon it will be launched.
Hi this is very useful and I appreciate your clearly expressed views on the bike. I may be a bit late in commenting in order to get your view on an issue that I have on the bike. Anyway, I will ask the question, do you think that the integrated tail, brake light and indicators is safe, are they sufficiently bright lights for other motorists to see that you are braking/ indicating to turn? Aesthetically they look good to me but this should not be at the expense of safety in my opinion. I would like to know if you think this is an issue or nothing to worry about? Thanks and your reviews are definitely some of the best and most informative.
From what I've looked at online, its either this or the cfmoto 450mt. Genuinly thinking I'll go with this though, but I will wait several more months to see if there are any long term ownership issues or reliability issues with it but so far so good. Less suspension travel, little heavier, single thumper vs inline twin, but this thing just looks better to me. Both bikes look great, but theres just something about this one. A few follow-up questions for anyone who can answer them; -How is it at midwest freeway speeds? Say 80-90mph. Would it do good with a sprocket change? -How are the services? Are they tedious or easy to do at home? I saw the airbox being under the tank but I think they tried to make it as easy as they could for that. -Say i want to take it through a real tough off road section, think big rocks and ruts and such. No high speed racing and minimal jumps, how would it do compared to something like a dr650? (Obviously the dr is better off road but by how much?) -Back to the long term reliability. This is the first water cooled engine from RE right? Will it be good with only regular maintenance and a proper break in as per the user manual? I don't want to put the money down on a new bike if it's gonna bite the dust after only 10k miles like what might happen with a KTM or an Italian bike (no hate, just my second-hand experience) -Last question, promise. How about part availability? If I take this thing literally around the world, how easy would it be to get a part in the middle of nowhere USA or out in the boonies in Australia or the mountains of Napal (not that i plan to go there, just a good thing to know overall). Have a good day everyone! Thanks for reading the ramblings of a small furry trash creature. ❤
It appears from all the reviews I have read and seen this bike can certainly go 70+ mph but the rpms, vibrations and sound may not be much fun for more than brief periods. 450cc single does not make a great highway bike in any configuration.
Just starting to run her in after spending time getting it setup with sump/engine guard, travel plate, Barkbusters, Windscreen etc., still waiting for Touring Seat, but I think it's going to be a good economical travel bike. Still keeping my KLX400r for the weekend bash or serious tough rides. The weight will take time to be comfortable with, just the manhandling, once feet up it's great. Only things I did or do have concerns is the use of "plain" big-end & I believe also main bearings and the non cradle frame. But my big jump days are long gone & it's not what I acquired another bike for. And plain bearings is a well known science. Change the oil, change the filter. It should last longer than I.
Thanks, Ian. This, and the previous episode were enlightening. My garage holds the ‘06 KLR650, the ‘21 Honda CRF300 Rally, and the ‘22 Triumph Scrambler 1200xe. From your, and other’s reviews, it seems like I could easily replace the Honda and the Kawasaki with the new Himalayan 450. I’ll be thinking about it. Also, you often mention the inadequate suspension on the Honda CRF300 Rally. For me, at 130 lbs, the suspension is perfect on the Honda. You probably weigh more than me. Still and all, the old KLR 650 is still my favorite bike to ride. Everything about the ergonomics of that bike fits me perfectly. It’s not a great highway bike, and it’s not a great dirt bike, but it manages to straddle those two with power and grace.
FYI: At 100+ kilograms, when I sit on Honda CRF300 Rally the bike sags 50% of its travel. It fine if you weigh a lot less and are not going use it like a dirt bike.
I like the review and these questions. I bought a 22 leftover last year and like the simplicity. I plan on some cross country trips. My local dealer is now selling the Scram for less than $4k. Really good deal. You can't reply on reliability since it is a new engine. Ive seen in the Ford dealership world some new engines blow up and i have one with 275k miles . The price is really good with the improvement made with one more gear and 15 horsepower. My only question is top speed RPM looks similar to the old 411. I am at 5,000 rpm at 70 and 4500 at 65. To me, that is the sweet spot of highway engine speed. Ive had fuel pump issues with mine after riding 3 hours and stopping for fuel. Dealership is getting ready to replace the fuel pump for the second time in 4500 miles. I think it was evap tank pressure causing the fuel pump failures.
Really hope you can do an early as possible impression / review of the new 2025 KTM 390 Adventure, esp. if it remains sub 400lbs, low seat height, KTM 890 type gas tank, & proper off road foot pegs !!!
To the guy talking KTM 390 adventure - incomparable bikes. We rode both KTM 390 and H450, ended up buying H450. KTM 390 has tragic position for standing, pretty cramped sitting position, poor suspension and it's travel length, ridiculous ANGLED pegs, honestly 2/10 bike, should be discontinued.
Hey man great video. You reviewed this bike enthusiastically, and you gave the 2022 Honda CB 500X a good review as well. Which Motorcycle would you buy for your one and only bike? For BDR-x's and highway touring speeds ( USA) . Thanks
When you do the NX500 review, please do a rear monoshock upgrade (HyperPro, RR level 1, or YSS) as you'll find that it really improves the off pavement performance. Yes, ground clearance is still an issue but the RR level 1 shock upgrade on my 2022 CB500X has made a huge difference. So much so that I've decided to keep my CB500X for a few more years before buying either a Himi 450 or an Ibex 450 to replace it. For new ADV bike buyers, the NX500 shouldn't be the first choice unless the person mostly wants a commuter bike, but existing owners it would be helpful to spreah the word that a shock upgrade really transforms the off pavement ride quality.
If it's anything like the newer 411 it will be. I have a 411 (2022 Himalayan) and I love it, the thing is like a Massey Furgason tractor in reliability (and rideability!) so far. I just rode the top half of the NorCal bdr with it and it would be perfect if the suspension wouldn't bottom so easily and had a wee bit more power on the highway. In other words - sign me up for a 450!
I owned a KLR when they were air cooled and carburated. If the new Hima is slimmer, faster, cheaper, etc. then I am sold. I enjoyed my KRL, and by what you say, Hima is better in every way?
Not feeling the weight sounds similar to the NC750x DCT which is a porky 510 pounds or so but only feels that way when you're pushing it around in the garage. (or maybe a bit when picking it up) Road feel is much less b/c the weight is so low.
I ride Triumph Bonneville T100, I know it's a completely different type of bike, but it's a similar thing with weight. On paper, Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 is 11kgs(24lbs) lighter, but when you sit on it, it feels significantly heavier.
I would like to see this push KTM to improve their 390 adventure into a competitive model along with Kawasaki and their Versys 300 into a proper 450 adventure bike.
I have a 2021 CB500X with Rally Raid level 1 and tons of other upgrades (7K worth). How would you compare this to the Himalayan in terms of ease for a non dirt rider to get into some light adventure riding. I will loose my shirt selling the CB but that's to be expected with any aftermarket additions.
Re. Reliability: previous RE motorbikes have been good, regarding this bike, it is new so no history, but it has a warranty better than anything else on the market.
I’m stuck between KLR and the new 450? I’m tall at 6’4”, in your opinion which would be better as far as comfort goes. I will not do that much off road riding. Thanks. Good channel.
IMO - RI has a great line-up of wonderful "cool" motorcycles to choose from and prices to cause one to seriously ask, "Why should I spend more, for a similar kind of motorcycle?"
Cruise control is important for ALL bikes. I even want it on my Honda monkey. Edit- obviously not on non street legal dirt bikes. So many of you can’t comprehend it should really be on any touring/adventure/road travelling bike. Especially for bikes like this they encourage you travelling 1000s of road miles on. Haven’t you guys spent days in and out on the highway and wish you had cruise? Sheesh you’d think I said something controversial. It’s nothing for them to add it especially to drive by wire bikes. Usually the programming is literally already there even.
Great stuff, I am contemplationg on selling my Transalp XL 750 and getting a Himi. I travel long distances mostly on paved roads across Australia. I will be venturing more on gravel and dirt in coming years. Honda is a great machine but I feel it is little heavy and big when taking off road. Seeking your advise on that? Thanks
When you screw your rim, or stake your tyre, you have to put a tube in. Facts. (Unless you have some kind of mousse setup which can have its own issues!)
Good answers to good questions. I have one since I'm a half crippled old rider of 69 yrs, What's it like to pick up off the ground? I have a Tenere T7 which is hell. Also a BMW R9t UGS which is ok. And some more machines. I went to a local dealer which is an optimistic crook adding three thousand dollars to the price of all their bikes on the floor. I was going to do a pre order but walked out pissed and no one even offered to speak to me. Not only the Royal Enfield's also the new Triumph Speed and Scrambler 400's. Sad. Over 8k for a 5 k machine. Plus tax and insurance. I don't think they will be around this time next year.
@@randymcgiveron3268 my local dealers fir the atv's have a very high return for warranty service. Generally in the first of ownership. A lack of quality control is evident. A couple factors keeo them moving. Availability and price. Since covid production has come around a lot for most companies. So better quality is available but the prices and hidden expenses have skyrocketted. Straight up factory add on fees are very exoensive. These internet prices are low ball just to get the customer in. That extra cost isn't factored into later value.
I mostly have odd cross-shopping questions as a CB500X owner: is the Himalayan worth the lateral move? I've always wished my Honda had proper dirt wheels and kit. And is the lateral move worth it when compared to upgrading to a Transalp? Different class of bike entirely, I know. But im very much stuck in between those two choices (three, if you count the Ibex 450): would a step up to a Transalp be more fun as a road bike? Or is the Himalayan SO well rounded that I'll have more fun on local dirt roads and ATV trails trails while still having a functional highway bike?
😊 RE is very, very... very simple bike. If mostly ride on road (like most of riders) there's not even single reason to buy Himalayan instead of Honda. Is this a good road bike? No. Not at all. Small engine will result in shifting gears every second. You try to choose between Transalp and Himalayan as road bike? 😊
This must be a cb500x owners. Problem about cross shopping. I love my CB as an everyday bike. I think it's difficult to find a single bike that does it all. I've been thinking about getting a larger street bike and a beat up dual sport to cover all the bases.
I’ve gotta sign up for a local dealer test ride event. Looks the business and seems capable enough for local jaunts. At that price you don’t have too much to lose! Kind of the Miata of ADV?
Hey Ian any chance you you could give me your camera settings so you don’t get the LCD flicker when filming? You’re the first person where I did not see Flickr. How do you think this will stack up against my 40 hp air cooled Himalayan? 😂??
Like others I am concerned about the reliability of this new bike and engine; what confidence (or not) can we take from the manufacturers pre production testing? how many miles do the do? long term/bench engine testing details?
Compelling machine for sure. I've been pricing Bonnies but the Him 450 is a significantly better value. Use case would be mostly LA commuting with weekend jaunts into the mountains. You think this bike would excel in the city?
Sorry I’m a little late on the uptake. Just wanted to express my hopes that Royal Enfield would learn how to loose some weight. I’m waiting for Triumph to come out with their take on this.
There is a weight reduction build of Himalayan available in YT where the guy managed to remove 30+kgs from the himalayan. You can remove the accessories provided free of cost like centre stand, crash bars, grab handles etc that other companies charge you extra to shave off some weight.
Some of the reviews have said this is a great adventure beginner bike.What makes it for a beginner?The bike seems to go everywhere.Maybe they mean cheaper?
Might be the best value in all of the 2wheel segments for a beginner or smaller rider who wants to dabble on a gravel road along with long rides on pavement.
I think the more important question with regard to reliability and RTW is, how easy is it to find parts and service? Lots of expensive or even big bore (250cc+, "alto cilindraje") bikes don't have much of a sales base in poorer countries, it's mostly 125cc bikes. Otoh I actually saw the original Himalayan being sold new in Medellin, despite having what would be a larger motor there. And because these are less expensive, you're more likely to see a Royal Enfield dealer along side the ubiquitous Bajaj, TVS, and Hero dealers in the "global south". Anyway, to be certain, look at where you plan to go and see if there are dealers along the way. And of course, know how to do all the maintenance and some small repairs yourself.
Impressive but price notwithstanding I don’t understand why a USA domestic rider would choose either this or the 450MT over the Tuareg 660 - twice the power and only weighs 10lbs more wet.
No one seemed to ask about the infotainment system. You mentioned on the other video how it syncs to your phone and mirrors it but I'd really like a more in depth explanation of how they did it and if it's good.
It's good but your phone's screen will be on all the time. So I think it's good only when it's raining, and our phones can lay safe in a bag or sth ig.
I wonder why the Kawasaki versus-x 300 is never brought up in these bike comparisons. I feel like it is a more direct comparison than that of a duel sport like the crf.
I like the 450 but there’s one concern I have that’s stopping me buying one is the ride by wire I live in Australia if I’m in an isolated area and the ride by wire packs up I’m stuck , if it was a cable I could fix it may be you can comment on that mate
Great review on the Enfield 450, question, I seen some information on the web that KTM may be having some serious financial problems. Is that true or is it fake news.
What trouble is this 450 likely to get you into, and what trouble will it get you out of? My 411 likes to tackle dirt hills that are too steep and 4WD tracks that are too rocky, washed out or "undropable". Are you going to be able to pick up and turn around the 450 alone by yourself in a difficult situation with no phone signal for help? At least the limitations of the 411 stop me from making stupider decisions.
@@BigRockMoto appreciate this. We have very similar taste and opinions on bikes and I put a lot of faith in your reviews. Excited to throw a leg over one of these whenever they are on dealer floors.
