A HUGE Improvement: Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 First Ride!

These are just some initial thoughts - a full review will be up on the main channel in the next week or two:
/ motobob

[@blackherring2009]

As a Himalayan owner (and owner of KTM890ADVR, 890SMT, 1290SAS) I can say you really missed the whole point about the original Himalayan. It is absolutely perfect bike in terms of enjoyment for money. It is super wrong to compare it to KTM 390. (I am telling this as KTM guy) those two bikes do not share anything common except approximately similar engine capacity. Cruising speed of 100km/h is more than enough for 90% of riding through Northern Europe and Baltics due to speed limits. In any way this is bike for chilled rolling through landscape, rural roads and trails through forest. It's not the Autobahn bike and never was intended to be that. As for "poor" brakes - bike was designed at first for India market - so whatever is short on front brakes, you can make up with the rear. To improve front brakes (as I like to brake with one finger) I installed Accossato Radial Brake Master Cylinder and that pretty much solved the issue. Bike originally is so cheap that it opens up universe of mods you can do to it and make it truly tailored to your needs. So my bike got TEC Performance camshaft, Öhlins suspension front and rear, custom made alloy rear sprocket that allowed lighter chain, Seat Concepts comfort seat and RE Touring seat, BART Factory tubeless rims, BAAK Motocyclettes front fairings, Power Commander with 2 switchable riding maps, Pivot Pegz, ZARD exaust and some things to make ride more comfortable and better on and off the road. I guess if I would be asked to leave only 1 motorcycle in my garage I would chose Himalayan. Nothing beats soft relaxed ride of this bike and how it chugs through trails and glides on rural roads. It does not provoke rider to do stupid things on highway but rather encourage and provide confidence to get off the beaten track and explore places that 1290SAS would just fly by. This bike got too much character to be judged just as a commodity. It is legendary. I've seen personally and met people travelling world on these bikes. Crossing most difficult mountain passes in Caucasus mountains, like Abano pass and certainly on KZbin one can see thousands of videos of people travelling world with the bike. When I bought this bike - it was not because it was really nicely priced, just 4700 euros. Price was not the factor at all. I really loved it after the first test ride - I covered few thousand kilometers during test ride week across the country - paved roads, gravel, dirt, forest trails. Upon return of test bike I bought one for me. I am glad to see that new Himalayan retains some of the core values of the original bike. I haven't got the chance to test it, hopefully in June I will have a time, but it would be certainly interesting to feel how it evolved.

[@oliverleifadams2003]

Your 411 sounds well loved & modified. Love to see a few pics & find out how much you’ve spent on her. Mine only has filter, bars, mirrors, rear sprocket & chain, Lextek slip-on, AX-41 mods but is great as it is…cheap & cheerful fun.

[@chriskay116]

Bought a 411, five years ago, and it has been one of my favourites to ride when weather conditions limit what you expect to do on a fast bike. Test rode a 452, last week and was seriously impressed. I pick up a new one from the dealer's tomorrow. It's not perfect, obviously : no bike can be, but there is so much they've got right. I'm keeping the 411 for a while, perhaps forever.... because one thing the new one doesn't have is instant, low down torque from tick over. I think I'll miss that when green lining at walking pace.

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Nice preview Bob. Looking forward to your full review - and getting a test ride myself too.

[@Jas6004]

I’m confused, you mention that on the 411 you tested it had a busted compass, now I really don’t know which direction you’re coming from. 😊

[@onecookieboy]

You really panned the 411, if I remember correctly you gave it quite a glowing review when it came out.

[@motobob]

I think you need to rewatch the review - most of the points are similar to here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGWoZHZ-lK5qnaM

[@Trackandshield]

​@@motobobI've watched it @onecookieboy is correct 💯💯

[@martykasa7864]

The 411 Himalayan is literally a large Honda monkey. The monkey is 10hp and 200#, the Himalayan is 20hp and 400#. ( Really easy power to weight ratio math. ) The suspension travel and 21" front wheel is what sells the Himalayan ... Both Monkey and Himalayan have the same seat height and top speed.

[@ekimandersom4478]

No it hasn’t

[@jimmyjam8795]

Found out today RE have brought in slate poppy Blue, slate himalayan salt and Kaza brown available to order and sell. Tubeless wheels are not available at this time. If I hadn't cancelled my order, my dealer said he would have been ringing me with revised delivery date of June July 24. Looking at 650 models now. Himalayan 450 sales are not going well in my region.

[@shardlake]

Looks to be a better product then the original, other than the servicing, something that seems to be hardly mentioned by any reviewers, still no owners manual available on the UK site.

[@timlubbers2884]

There’s a couple I’ve watched … oil is easy, battery is better, but air filter is atrocious (gotta remove fuel tank to get to it). Valves are now shim in cup which sucks … ✌🏻

[@Bhargav443]

@tomboyabit in her video at the last your questions will be answered.

[@shardlake]

@@Bhargav443 Which is why I did not say "Nobody"...

[@Alex-C90er]

I Planed to get a Transalp but After a quick Drive with this I think in getting the Himalayan 😂😎😍

Hello. How much vibration this produce?

[@srivatsakashyap6972]

100%. I agree on 411

[@RioHelmi]

Only did less than an hour on the 411 and it left me feeling blah

[@cpuuk]

Never liked the 411- it was heavy and under-powered.

[@Whatreally123]

To be fair, it was never meant to be sold in the western markets. It was purpose built for the Himalayas with that low end torque and an entry level adv. In fact the 411 was the first true blue adv in the Indian market which sort of kickstarted the adv touring scene. This however is totally different and for the better.

[@omkarkhamkar9388]

What about refinement?

[@aaronvarghese6955]

This or triumph scrambler 400x

[@mark.e.p]

I test rode one - no comparison to the old agricultural Himy. What l like about the new one is you can really rag it having only 40 HP and it takes it. It's a lot of fun.

[@gregwatts1159]

Congrats on the excellent on board audio quality. I think its the best I've heard.

[@motobob]

Has taken a few years (and quite a lot of money) to find the best setup. So thanks for noticing!

[@chrisblenkinsopp8588]

I have a 2019 Himmy with a big bore kit, up graded cam, free flow exhaust, air filter etc. It's a rocket and I love it,,,no ABS, carby model. Carries me all over NZ with no complaints. I love it's long stroke power and solid, no nonsense feel. A lovely go to bike.

[@RiderReview]

411 is cheap as chips. Of course, you will expect low cost, no frills. I paid 4089 for a himmy 411. 5700 for a 450

[@chrischart]

Just placed an order for one. Traded in my Harley 48 - the spine can't take it anymore 😂

[@wesleyjames.]

If I could buy an aftermarket tank that fitted it, (which had similar design to the older 411) I'd be sold. I've still yet to see one in the flesh here in NZ, but I find that tank to be so so ugly!

[@kevskibiz]

Thanks for the short review… looking forward to your next one on this … always looking for the do it all bike, that is a good all rounder and ticks all boxes, at a great price both purchasing and running costs …. Is this it ??

[@brucecurtis6281]

Never found your site yet, but 4 mins in and you’re still reviewing the 411. Moan moan moan. All comparing to the 411. I would like to know what the 450 is like to ride, of itself. Stop comparing: review the bike. Very frustrating, and the comparison to a ktm was silly. Last 5 mins was better.

[@MotoTourIreland]

I test rode one and liked it a lot. Might wait for the tubeless tyre option to be available.

[@nigelfisher3756]

Thanks for sharing your first impressions. On the surface a good looking and much improved bike over the original. But…..don’t put your money down until you’ve given this bike a good few hours in the saddle. Why? The wotsit in the woodpile with this bike is vibration. Acceptable for short commutes. But if you want to fit luggage, load it up and head for those, them, there hills for a week I’d argue the Honda CB500NX is the better bike.

[@wesleyjames.]

Good to know!

[@PAGallagher]

Nice mini review! I sat on one a few days ago for the first time. I'm not really into adventure bikes but, I have to say, this is one handsome looking machine ...... especially the black with gold wheels. I had a good look around it and I think it all looks good from any angle. Even the engine looks good for a water cooled lump. I'll look forward to your next review on this new Himalayan, all the best, Phil

[@hop-skip-ouch8798]

Can I ask you how old you are?

[@mark.e.p]

I agree. Most adventure bikes are ugly, especially KTM'S with ther beaks and plastic everywhere. What l like about the new RE 450 is pretty stripped back but with all the essentials for touring and off roading- high exhaust, long travel, small screen, bash plate, crash bars and rack. Also, even with a 21 " front wheel is one of the lowest seat heights. At 5ft 10" l can flat foot it, which gives a lot of confidence.

[@frankhumphrey6402]

I test rode one and ordered one 😮 in black with tubeless rims. Just the wait now 😢

[@stefanhansen5882]

Better than the 411, you say. Nathan disagrees: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5bdg62fg5KUZqs - and I think his perspective is valuable as well.

[@thomascriviera5779]

Testrode the new 450 last week. And compared to my current A2 licensed '03 Honda CB500S it was a featherweight to ride around. Though both weight about the same. The sound while giving it beans was thrilling and the brakes feel just as good as what I can compare it to. And I didn't even have to the abs at all to get there. Plenty of power, which I don't need much more of as where (aside autobahn) can you go safely faster than 140kph? Clutch was a featherweight again and quite responsive. Low fuel consumption and 17L tank! Which means I will be able to do the same on 1 tank as I can now, which is roughly 400km. Luggage space and a comfy riding position. Aside not being that fast a learner on a new machine I felt that the throttle felt unresponsive at first, or rather, a lot of play before anything happens which caught me off guard the entire ride. And once rolling it felt skittish, which is sort of a good thing but still caught me off guard. Also, no underseat storage. So I cannot bring my chain around with me without having a topcase of anything similar. (Yes I can make something small in my own, but rn I have underseat storage and boy is that nice.) Also and I am sorry to the fans, I am the type who, if he has to work to like something, I will never like it at all. And that is the case with the looking down at the bike while riding, and the front end view. It looks great from the side don't get me wrong (I am a newbie designer and RE did a great job on the lines for this new 450), but for someone who likes cafe racers with fairings, and sports tourers (no nakeds and supersports), the 450 only ticks one of those aesthetics boxes. Also, rn the 450 misses creature comforts for me as I will 50/50 split daily the motorcycle with my classic car. That also means during winter where I would love bark busters and heated grips so my fingers do d!e in -10 degrees C. So if those come available (with the Arrow or other aftermarket exhaust, because I am a 'young and dumb' 24 year old) the 450 will probably drag me over the line to buy it in camo White tubeless

[@maskedavenger2578]

The less tech the less to potentially go wrong & cause issues . Also adventure bikes are not about speed ,or riding down boring motorways ,they are about rugged plod ability .

[@joshuasarfati5520]

I've ridden an old himmy and have been the owner of a few classic 500s. I'm a fan of the enfeild brand. However the old himmy was way too soft in the suspension, combined with very low ground clearance I actually found it dangerous off road. I loved the fuel economy of the old himmy and the classic. I'm glad the new himmy is getting rave reviews. It could be the new work horse for the working man.

[@oliverleifadams2003]

Agree with all points made about 411 but got mine for pre-loved for sub £3k & it provides smiles all day. Spent days in the saddle around Wales on & off road. Cheap fun & shabby chic. Not many bikes are that versatile & cheap. Can cruise at 70 mph & hit 80 at a push (indicated). Sub-£3k remember. The fun:money ratio is looking pretty good. If you have a big budget-get an a new 450 which will be around £7k min (with essential mods of tyres & can)…budget is the limiting factor for most people.

[@stefanhansen5882]

What is that awesome looking jacket you are wearing here?

[@jimmyjam8795]

I road tested dealer demo whilst waiting for one I had on order since the end out 23 (kamet white with tubeless). Vibration can be excessive, seat is too hard and bars send vibes in to your hands. I cancelled my order. I still think its a good bike, but not for me!

[@josh53sharp]

Both my wife and I ride V2 Multistradas but whilst very experienced riders, we are 170cm and 70 years old meaning physically picking up or even manoevering them full loaded is off putting, so smaller, lighter bikes are now our target purchases. Although performance is a big step down, if the 450 is easy to manage then it’s on the short list although your review didn’t mention those aspects. Is it easier to manage? I also ride a CRF 300 Rally which is lighter but lacks a bit of long distance comfort.

[@RandomPunter-xo9tx]

Similar thoughts to what I had after a test ride this week. Vibes weren't an issue for me but I found the seat hard after an hour. I could probably get on quite well with one as a commuter and back lanes (occasional green lane) bike as it does have plenty of charm but I think I might wait a bit and see if any common problems emerge over the coming year.

[@TheExodusV]

I’m hoping to buy either the Himy 450 or the CFMOTO 450MT this year. I would love to see head to head of those two!

[@RS23545]

if you want to enjoy your bike for many years buy himy but if you just want to keep your bike for 1-2 year then also go for himy because you will get more price selling.

[@mikehurley5052]

Its not an improvement, its a completely different bike.

[@WyreForestBiker]

Its a great looking bike that's for sure . The problem for smaller rider's is the weight ,particularly noticeable when you take it off the side stand , it feels like a 300kg Harley !

[@MfrOffroadRiderNorCal]

It’s on my list as well as the Cfmoto 450 MT will choose one as my next bike!!

[@toddpillow3074]

This 450 seems to correct the terrible flaws of the 411. The 411 had atrocious suspension and just no power…. Strangely though the 411 was OK for adventures in really big terrain, such as Manali-Leh in northern India, where the scenery and adventure took your mind off the bike. Nice commentary here on the 450 so thanks. Where the 411 would get you there, this 450 might get you there with a smile all the while…

[@ekimandersom4478]

The 411 cost at the time 2500$ in India. And that is all it was , a 2500$ bike. It was great for that price, just in other countries the price was double .

[@yellownev]

Get it to 70 and feel the vibrations feet and hands and don’t even think about using the mirrors. Hopefully when they are run in more the vibrations will ease but I have my doubts. Shame…. I want to like this bike but those vibes !!

[@vibin.v]

Yea, its more to do with running-in. The vibration definitely LEFT mine when I did my first service after riding 500KM

[@davmanlop333]

I wanna see the cfmoto 450mt... Make it happen 😁

[@agawaga]

How the hell is that a two way road 😂

[@poledicavladan]

I am wondering how does compare to the new Honda NX500?

[@Ride_XP]

As that is an updated CB500X, the NX500 will be a lot more road-oriented (19in front wheel, alloy rims) and will be a smoother engine on the highway. I am not sure if it will win in comfort now with the updates to the Himalayan. I think the main advantage of the Honda is more proven reliability. However if it has the same air filter access as the CB500X, then that is a weak point.

[@frankpinion4937]

You didn't go off road-I thought it was an adventure bike test?? They didn't address the weight issue-still too heavy 196 kg wet compared to the 200 kg of the old model. This is bullocks when CF Moto can put out a 450 MT twin adventure bike with a weight of 192 kg wet for a twin cylinder with 17.5 litre tank. Why do Royal Enfield have to make a motorcycle like a tank. Why put the air cleaner for an adventure bike under the tank for goodness sake. What happened to the promised tubeless rims?

[@ivoaferreira]

There is a tubeless version...i dont know in the uk but in europe is just 1000euros more for a updated design ( debatable if better) , better suspension and brakes and a good bump in power compared to the old one... i sat on the RE and CFmoto this week in a expo and the cf felt very plastic , and if you drop the weight of the center stand and tank protection i bet the RE is lighter

[@endianAphones]

From another video I saw, their justification for the weight is that Indians see weight as a sign of quality, so they didn't want to make it much lighter 🤷

[@davidbesant]

I've seen the tubeless version. The wheels are as ugly as sin.

[@khalidalgurayed322]

Great video. What jacket are you wearing?

[@oliverleifadams2003]

Looks like a Merlin Edale or similar. Great jackets just not washable & absorbs sweat in Summer. Looks great though.

[@aminerouane5551]

Almost 200kg 😱

[@Trackandshield]

Yup 6 kg heavier than cf moto mt 450 Dry😑😑😬

[@tatasth8559]

@@Trackandshieldwhat’s wet weight of cf Moto 450 mt ? I can’t seem to find any solid details about it 😅

[@mark.e.p]

It doesn't feel 200kg as it's low weight. Also, once you bin that ridiculous exhaust and CAT not only will it be lighter but breath more.

[@Hutchie2112]

Owned a 2020 Himalayan from new. Nothing but trouble. R.E. ended up buying it back after 1400 miserable miles. ABS circuit board failed, relays went, head bearings were clunking, forks were sticking and finally the clutch completely packed in. Piece of junk. Desperately bad brakes as well. Sticking with my awesome KTM 390 adventure, 8000 miles never let me down once. Hope this new himalayan is better built than that heap of junk old air cooled on. Folk love it, and rave about it's easy maintenance. I'm happy for them, but I'll never even look at another R.E. bike.

[@angusrodger6407]

Yup your right my 411 was junk 3000mls valve guides fell out new cylinder head gear linkage broke head bearing seized clocks misted up brakes and handling were shit glad toget rid of it never buy RE again !

[@Hutchie2112]

@@angusrodger6407 I hope their new one is better, cos it's as expensive as anything else around that size now. Not the 'bargain' brand any more. Falls short though I reckon.