2022 Himalayan, 9100 km already, I really love this bike, I will have to sell my 2013 Triumph Scrambler, because I don't use it anymore, I rode it only 2000 km this year. I used my Himmy for a trip from Sweden to Romania and back, and the speed of 120 kph on the Polish A1 and Hungarian M5 highways was not a problem to reach on the full loaded bike. I love this bike!!
Great discussion. I think people who are attracted to the Himmi accept it's shortcomings. A mule is not a unicorn .. this is a reasonably priced mule! The scram being a mulette. If speed matters, buy an expensive AT and then complain about the price. 😍
Nice to see you all again, including a new very welcome member ! I love your channel ! Please, do not let people believe that Royal Enfield 25 bhp bikes are for old persons...OK, I am 66 years old and ride a Classic 500...Pleasure and fun are not linked to power. These bikes are avalaible for anyone in a new world where pleasure is more important than speed ! Keep safe.
Thanks for the comment - someone said recently "Royal Enfield are reinventing motorcycling" and I believe they are as we get older they make more sense
Hi guys, I've had a himalayan since 2019 and I agree it's an excellent bike lots of fun at sensible speeds. For those speed demons out there, there are a few companies that sell a camshaft with a claimed 20% power increase, which is getting closer to 30bhp... I fitted one over 12 months ago and it certainly makes a difference, with other additions like a boosterplug etc the bike feels less strangled and revs out quicker and easier, don't get me wrong you still have to plan overtakes, as its still a slow bike, not the bike to buy if you want to blast around the countryside...... I've seen a lot of scenery in Wales on this bike than any other, if I see a side road/lane I just go down it to see where is goes.... lots of fun...
Have 2019 Himalayan, 3,500 miles on the clock. Last week did 700 mile tour in France. Cruising 65 - 70 mph easily and smooth, blip the throttle straight to 80. I was mighty impressed.
JUst bought my scram 1 month ago to back to riding. Always had bigger bike and never thought I will be happy with 24Hp but I love it so much. Paid £3200 with 800 miles on it, what not to love. We ride it with my daughter almost every day.
My crf250l rally has 24 hp lol , weighs far less tho .The scram should have more imho , but still looks fun, you got a great price and i'ld buy one for that too.
Run them in as per the book with a bit of respect for mechanical sympathy for the first 1200 miles and that engine will look after you for a long time.
Great review, which accurately sums up the bikes. My beloved and I have one each (Himalayans) she is a new rider, it is the perfect bike for a beginner. We took them to the Picos de Europa a few weeks back. Some quite challenging roads, the Himalayans were brilliant, forgiving and fun. They loosen up a lot after a few thousand miles, still happier at about 55mph. The fuel consumption is brilliant 90 plus to the gallon.
@@LemonDrizzleGang Absolutely fine, they plodded up the hills with power to spare, not a lot to start with, but it is useable low down, exactly what is needed on those roads.
I love the format of your show. Debriefing round a table with a cuppa, what could be better than that! Appreciate your comparison of the Himalayan and the Scram. I’m looking at the Scram but am now seeing the features of the Himalayan in a new light. How confusing is that……..!
Very good discussion / review, guys. I’m also a senior and in recent months have been looking seriously at all the RE models but have decided that the smaller bikes, like the Scram and Classic 350 are what fit my current riding style. Easy going , relaxed and not trying to set any speed records. Hoping to pull the trigger soon. I like the full range of RE. Cheers and thanks for the video. Dan. 👍🏍🇨🇦
Such a great chat about these bikes. Thank you guys and all on my home turf! I’ve been pondering on Royal Enfields for the past six months and initially started looking at these bikes, particularly the 650 twins because I used to have 650 BSA Norton et cetera as well as a BMW 800 twin…. I think the shock I had when I visited Bill Smiths, was how physically big many bikes are…. The PSA 650 single wasn’t the slim nimble machines I remember as a young man…. It really put me off…. I was always a fast rider, even on those old bikes, and thank goodness because honestly, if I’d had a Japanese rocket, like many of my mates had, I’d be dead or banned… So I’ve gone into it with the mindset of buying a lazy bike that isn’t to physically big and less chance of me getting nicked for overcooking on the throttle…. And I’ve really taken a shine to these bikes, a little bit outside my nostalgic, memories of chrome and a nice paint job…. But I’m OK with it. I want something to use around these North Wales roads and occasionally pushing up to Scotland, and of course I know that will be a slog in between but done in small chunks could be a lot of fun at 65 years old…. Thank you for your group chat around the table at the end. You’re a good bunch and hope I bump into you sometime. Not literally Hahaha
For some time ago, when I was laying in my back on the sofa and thougt about what to do on my vacation and was watching some u-tube movies, I got my eyes on Itchy boot's. Then I knew. I'm going to travel around Sweden on motorcycle. All by myself, alone, with no one to tell me where to go and where to be on a surtain time. I just want to se Sweden. Not travel by the big roads. Just small roads and gravel trails and so on. So, yesterday i went to the Royal Enfield dealer here in Scania (Skåne), Sweden and got the oppertunity to try both the Himalayan and the Scram. I rode my VN800 down to the dealer and had to stop every 25 k to rest my aking back and bum. When testing both the Himy and Scram i didn't felt any of those pains. I just found out that I was sitting there with a big smile and the horns where growing on my fore head when riding at some gravelroads. The question now is, which one of the two I am going to choose for my adventure.
I own a suzuki v strom 1000. Load it up, loadsa power bang down the motorway, loaded, brilliant. But to big for me to off road, u turns, etc. Had a scram for a courtesy bike while strom in for its service. Had such a stupid grin when I took it back after offroading it i bought a brand new one. Very underrated. Used everyday commuting to work etc. I can see why they have such a good following fuuuunnnnn.
Just found this channel….brilliant real world ….A&D is fairly local to me and is a great shop….Got 4 big 4 cylinders myself but thinking of selling 2 and getting into these smaller machines as they look to be great fun👍🏻
Well, you’ve been missed, so it’s good to hear you have more vids lined up. Another well presented test ride and on great roads too. Odd that they didn’t put the fly screen on the Scram too. They look like tough little bikes. Looking forward to the next one chaps. 😉
My kind of bikers. A bit of a ride and a brew and banter. Lovely. Cheers guys. I can only dream of those roads and a Himalayan. I'm stuck in Corfu riding a 20 year old water cooled Suzuki 125 two stroke trails bike that some teens had for bashing around the olive groves. It's noisy, too tall for my 5'6" bod. But at least it gets me about. But both those bikes you tested look fabulous value for money. I was still in the UK in 2015. Passed my big bike test in June. Bought a Yamaha mt07. Brilliant bike. January 2016 I rode it down to Corfu. I was buying a wreck of a house to fix up. Sold the bike when I left.( Makes me cry). Still in the house. Brexit tanked the pound and emptied my savings. So I'm stuck here now. August is unbearable, unless you're on holiday having a lovely time. If your having to scratch a living doing odd jobs and gardening. Carrying strimmers and chainsaws and welders on a bike. It's not such a paradise. But the roads can be "interesting ". Potholes, olive pips, stray dogs, sheep, drunk Greeks, corners that tighten up with tummy churning drop offs. It's why I decided that I wouldn't need the 700 here. Nowhere long or straight enough to need that kind of power. So those 411, or even the 350s look ideal for here. Thanks again for the channel.
I just found your channel: 'nice job with filming/editing. I sold my Bonneville 4 years ago and quit riding at age 66, but... it's pulling at me again, with either the Scram or the upcoming Honda CL-500 Scrambler in my sights (a Honda, while bullet-proof, of course, is unlikely to ever be called "charming"). Thanks for the review and your subjective opinions.
I ride mine on the interstate here in the U.S. at 80 mph on a regular basis. I've had it up to 85 several times. And once, for about 15 seconds, it reached 90. The motor honestly seems to open up more and more as it accumulates mileage..
Great video. I agree with the Scram. Waiting mine to go to work, buy bread and pass the dirt roads around my village in Mallorca. More than enough. But, what I don't like is the painting job on the Scram's, already prepared to changing the color to Sahara raptor liner and Black. I think gonna looks great. Like the concept idea.
Hahah no we aren't going anywhere we did a planning session the other day and we have abou 25 bikes lined up trouble is getting the time to do them when we are all availible
I just test rode a scram 411 at Bike Week in Daytona... Love the bike. Likely gonna buy it. Working towards coming over to the UK to ride. I need to find a rental or a purchase to use for a couple weeks.
Excellent review chaps.Nice to see you back.Not for me though I'm afraid .I think you nailed it when you described having to plan your overtaking with a bit of care but take nothing away from RE as their build quality is very good nowadays.The Interceptor is a peach for the money!
I liken my Himmy to a modernised MZ250. A do anything bike with lots of scope for fettling and ‘upgrades’.😊I found the screen shite, lots of wind noise and helmet rattle so I binned it. Bliss.
Very enjoyable review, loved the chat over tea. I've just sold a 2020 Himalayan and immediately regretted it. Mine responded nicely to a (road-legal) slip on exhaust, free-flow air filter and a fuel booster plug. I have a few bikes in my garage but the Himalayan is definitely missed. Best wishes for the channel.
The 350s 411s are good bikes. If you are going on the byways, blue roads, etc, they are great bikes. If you are in an area that utilized the freeways, expressways or national highways, they will come up short. Do not call them starter bikes. Call them smaller bore bikes that are fun.
I thought that Dave would say "The Scram will do everything, except go fast". 😁😁Times are changing! As an Interceptor owner, I would love to see your impressions. Great stuff as always.
My first new 1985 was a CB250RS. That had 26hp and weighted 142kg at the brochure so a bit more power and a lot less weight. It would do maybe 80-85mph flat out but felt much happier at 50-55. I think for a modern bike 40 years later more power is needed to be even adequate. Say 35hp. I’m not a hp nut either I have a 150hp Ducati and an Interceptor 650
Agree another 10bhp would make it a more practical proposition, its great on those welsh roads but get on a dual carriage way and you are revving them a bit hard
Loved this video ! A small band of piss-takin' bastids, some great, simple, cheap bike and the open road. What more could you ask for? 2 months ago I was in a RE showroom trying to decide which to have the Scram (which I liked the look of very much) or the Himi (which I fancied to offroad in the Alps and the Pair of knees). I decided on a Lake blue Himi and since then I done 1800 kms and the motor is opening up very nicely. She seems to average, in my hands, about 100 mpg and handles like a dream on and off road. She is giving me more fun than I've had in years - I'm just hoping for some LDC on the next rideout.
I want the Himmy . No I want the Scram. No I want the Himmy. No, I want the Scram. That's what I have to deal with every day in my own head. I guess I'll get both. The Himmy first. No, the Scram first. No, the Himmy first. Oh I don't care which is first, just gotta get one soon! Like in the next week! Oh, and I like your video and hope to see more! Thanks a lot guys!
I would rather see cast wheels. The advantage of spoke rims do not outweigh the trouble that can come from needing to make a roadside flat repair. Pull the wheel, dismount the tyre, and patch the tube, then put it all back together. This is opposed to just putting in a plug on a tubeless tyre.
I agree with the man in the Moto Morini T shirt ....you do get a lot more for your money with the Himalayan ..including a cetre stand which was not mentioned but on a chain drive bike is essential....Nice reviews as usual
I have a Honda sh300 scooter and that is 28bhp and will happily cruise at 75mph. It will also get there in reasonable time compared to cars. Cant wait to have a test on one of these
I have a 2021 Himalayan, and the only two things I didn’t like were the mirrors, as you can’t see much behind you other than your shoulder and a bit of the road. Wider mirrors would fix this. The other thing being the headlight. It’s not mega bad, and it is usable, but a stronger LED bulb would certainly be a plus. Both of these things are easy and cheap to fix. Other than that I love the bike.
love the chat.... I'm looking at the scrambler.. I've ridden fastish bikes. but reality is doing 50kmh over speed limit is not liked by local police. i like the ride the slow bike fast...or closer to its limits comment, and keep your licence intact...
I have the Honda cb500x 2019 and at 64 years old it’s probably going to get bit on the tall top heavy side.will have to check out the royal enfield offerings do a back to back to see which one I prefer. The wife has the same bike she likes gravel tracks I hate them, don’t want to drop the bike etc. Low seat height light weight is always best I am not in a hurry anymore.
Nice to have you back. Are you on a diet as I did not see any cake? As I´m in the same age group (64 now) the thought has crossed my mind that there will come a time when it will be prudent to downsize. And those Enfields would both be worth serious consideration. But not yet, it is still way too much fun to sometimes twist the throttle.
I tend to like bikes that are too small for my 6 foot height, so I’m thinking the Himalayan might be perfect. I’m not really an off-road rider, but love back roads, and if they turn into gravel or dirt, all the better.
Hi guys just a question, I have not long ago bought the scram and I’m not sure if I’m expecting to much but I’ve noticed mine feels a little scatty ( not completely stable) steering especially on an uneven bend or above 68 mph. The steering feels to lite. I am use to my Ducati scrambler 1100 but still feel my scram is not as stable as it maybe should be, any ideas!?
100 % correct, Himalayans are for OLD men ! That's why I bought a Scram, yea know "down wid the Kidz" am only 65 and a half so it years before I need an old mans bike !
I've been tempted by a Himalayan, as I've been finding myself riding my interceptor and arriving at a lot of dirt roads that would be nice to explore a bit. The many reports of serious frame breaks resulting in the forks/bars/front wheel completely detaching on normal roads is seriously scary though. Any idea if this major problem has been addressed?
Hi Jules, I've occasionally considered a Himalayan too. I was aware of those stories having done some background research, however from what I gather they were some isolated cases on very early models which have long since been rectified. I was very impressed with both the Himalayan and the Scram, the build quality seemed very good on such an inexpensive bike. I think if you took one for a test you'd be impressed.👍
I think that's from India? Early machines used on very rough roads, I've not heard of a single example of later machines that haven't been misused... I've had one for 3 years with no issues or warranty claims... just puts a smile on my face every time I use it...
First series in India had occasionally problems, 36 improvements made at factory before first exports in 2018. Have 3 year old Himalayan, love the bike !!?
+Zaphod Beeblebrox there is no faint praise we very clearly point out a number of times that we would love them to have a few more horses We say for what they are and what they cost they are great little bikes
@@LemonDrizzleGang pls dear sir, define "serious"? 17y ago i was trailblazing with 125cc Honda scooter across half Europe, for two months, with 51kg girlfriend. It was more than pleasant. Why would 411c make any diff.? The only things is that rear shock doesn't have some / any mud protection. Rly stupid
+MAX UZB dont really understand in your original comment you said the 411 was no good with a passenger now you are saying a 125 scooter is I also have taken passengers many many miles on lots of different bikes (including 50cc) Most bikes will pull a passenger but I wouldn’t buy a 411 for a lot of passenger use
The Himmi is downright comfy claims my pillion wifey, especially riding gravel logging roads. It's her fav 😍out of 4.. one bigger 2 smaller. If you're boppin about on 90kph highways, they're a blast. The secret is not to be in a hurry.
+64fairlane359 you dont have to apologise 👍 the bike is soo much more than performance, these bikes are not meant to be VRF400 racers they are relaxing plodders I have owned 350 two stroke race bikes with double the horsepower But that isnt the point of these
@@LemonDrizzleGang Could sit upright doing 105-6mph on my 1973 Honda CB350F, passing cars was not a problem. There`s no reason why a 400cc made 50 years later should be this weak
Hi guys just a question, I have not long ago bought the scram and I’m not sure if I’m expecting to much but I’ve noticed mine feels a little scatty ( not completely stable) steering especially on an uneven bend or above 68 mph. The steering feels to lite. I am use to my Ducati scrambler 1100 but still feel my scram is not as stable as it maybe should be, any ideas!?
