EXCLUSIVE Herald Brute 500 First Ride Review!

Ok... I was thinking Royal Enfield Interceptor but this Herald is looking mighty fine. 😍

[@triumph_abroad6125]

Cool looking bike. Love the tank and the color. Sounds great too. I really like the amount of detail you go into describing all the major bits and how they're sourced.

[@thevtadventure1062]

Makes me very happy to see a manufacturer wanting to keep production in its own backyard! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@MadChalet]

Agreed, but I don't like the silence about the engine's origins. Maybe they'll inform us when the production bike comes out?

[@tvdinner325]

Imagine if the government bought British vehicles AND British police motorbikes. Triumph should build one, and the gov. SHOULD buy them. Maybe that cash investment would promote this? Hell, the Met. could use the Herald in the congested parts of the City.

[@elemental9039]

@@tvdinner325 It's a chinese engine

[@tvdinner325]

@@elemental9039 So what? I'm talking about investment in British bikes by the British Government.

[@atjungeelektra]

I'm glad to see you do not shy away from different motorcycles made by smaller brands that usually do not get deserved attention!

[@mrpantur7280]

Its very important to keep in mind that the engine is Chinese and if you look after them they do last but don't think you'll get 50k miles out of it without any problems. The engine is a Zongshen nc450.

[@masongoss4615]

Nice looking bike and the spec seems pretty good. Great to see Herald expanding their line up. I think it might be a little too pricey though to sell in big numbers but I hope it’s a success! 👍

[@stephaniemusick171]

Bigger single cylinder bikes are a great deal of fun on lovely serpentine roads. The simplicity of this package is very appealing. I ride a 2020 MT-07, lightweight, nimble bikes have a lot of appeal for me.

[@caleroby9483]

100% Just a scalpel on road!

[@timparkhouse9925]

Similar to my Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 … except for the price. I was hoping for a ‘5’ at the start. With no ABS, no TFT or other frills the price seems high. I love the sound tho’ and the styling is great too. I would’ve liked to have seen more of a scrambler look with chunky tyres and a bash plate - that would be dope

[@chrishart8548]

No ABS doesn't it need that to meet EU standards?

[@jaeger4966]

@@chrishart8548: yes I'm also puzzled by this. Love everything about the bike, but this makes me wonder if it is even road legal. Very poor choice from Herald in my opinion, unless it is only for the prototype? The video does not specify :(

[@joenickless2668]

@@jaeger4966 Bob mentions it's legal on SVA status, so it's treated as a 1-off custom, and doesn't need to be compliant with legislation like a mass produced bike.

[@iamrobot396]

Never touching a bike without ABS

[@VapidUsername]

Everyone complaining about the price, but not acknowledging that Herald can't rely on economy of scale the way established Japanese etc manufacturers can, especially when they're looking to make back some of that R&D expenditure. It's not cheap to equip a factory, or machine parts when you aren't mass producing for a global market.

[@markjones7189]

Yes, but by the same token you aren't getting much for your money so why would anyone take a chance at this price. Under 5K and they wouldn't be able to keep up with demand.

[@MrBTRDAYZ]

Many similarities to my 2020 Vitpilen 701. Prefer the Vitpilen's clip on bars and the alloy subframe, plus the known quality suspension and brake components. The seamless tank and grey paint are gorgeous. Overall though, nice to have choices in this market. Not everyone needs a 1300 cc inline 4 with 200 HP.

[@Some-Guy-]

Came here to say exactly this, except my Vitpilen is 2018 :)

[@krzysztofk9601]

I'm on the same side. Those wheels reminds me of MV Agusta Brutale and overall I see it a bit like a sall Brutale but without scary numbers of hp and torque. It is a good looking bike but I suppose it will not attract customers that can buy only one machine.

[@CaffeinatedCruiser]

Same here, I love my Svartpilen 701

[@PierredeCur]

I also considered the Vitpilen, but I found the seat incommodious and it lacked luggage options, so I went for a second-hand Duke 690 with 7000 km that I got for a bit more than 4000 euros. My other ride is a Victory Vision that's a floating sofa for my old bones, but this summer, I took the Duke to make it to a metal festival despite it was 5000 km round trip. My ass hurt, but my heart was in heaven. That bloody bike is the devil: I feel like Faust rejuvenated when I ride it... :-P

[@nockianlifter661]

I own a 2018 Vit, but the suspension ain’t great. Having that sorted. I also own the Fantic 500 which uses the same motor as the Herald. The engine is really chalk and cheese. The Vit needs lots of revs, but is capable of proper 100 mph performance and it’s smooth. The Fantic doesn’t require the same revs, it’s happy at 30mph in 5th, where the Vit needs 2nd. Performance is really all finished by 65mph, although I’ve seen 90mph on a steady uphill on the clock and its probably going to manage around 100mph flat on the tank but you really wouldn’t. The Fantic is far better for tiny backroads, the Vit likes more open twisties.

[@MotoTvWoodsFarm]

shame the pictures are blurry and lack detail but the description and narrative was very soothing, I like this channel it never finds anything bad about any bike. It only ever finds positives and I think thats what buyers and bike owners like to hear, just tell me good news.

[@alenseven11]

Looks like a great light little bike for everyday fun. Great review as well, well done!

[@marcusgeorge1825]

Nice one Bob. Thank you. Any word on any export potential? As an Aussie, I’d be interested to see if we will get the opportunity to own one. I could find room in the garage for another bike (just don’t tell the misses). 👍😎🇦🇺

[@johnktm950]

Looks like the same Zongshen engine that is in the Fantic Caballero 500, they look like direct competitors, if I could afford a second bike I think I would lean toward the Fantic with its off road potential.

[@Shinysideup]

Yes me too the Fantic definitely looks more premium

[@petermckechnie581]

my thoughts as well

[@chrisbolton5461]

Great video. This is an interesting bike. Love the UK input, maybe Triumph should take note. Hope it succeeds.

[@HonestKeyboard1771]

I'm really hoping a variant of this comes to the US. It looks stunning.

[@WyreForestBiker]

Hat's off to them for trying to become a full on manufacturer rather than a badge engineer , I really hope they go from strength to strength .... the price for this model though ? , sorry its just too much ! They will struggle to sell in any numbers , but maybe enough to get some decent returns and build for future developments ? I hope so.

[@Steve-motorcycles]

It’s a decent looking bike and very interesting. However, I think if they could have undercut the MT07 or trident by a bit more money. Then it may have proved very popular indeed.

[@mrrashu77]

That might prove difficult due to the economics of scale in favour of the major manufacturers

[@Steve-motorcycles]

@@mrrashu77 absolutely.

[@Steve-motorcycles]

@@cowmath77 Agreed, but for that weight and power ratio, you’re looking at some good bikes, KTM390, MT03, Z400 it is only the price that compares to the Trident or other middleweight bikes

[@chrishart8548]

@@cowmath77 could be more like 370lbs wet it's a lot of fluid. Batter acid , oil, fuel, brake fluid, coolant, maybe even fork oil, dry means dry !

[@BikingChap]

Bearing in mind this is largely untested and the motors from an unknown source, it’s a brave buyer who pays more for this than Honda’s new hornet.

[@Gethsemanes]

Well deserved first dibs. Keep up the incredibly good work and content

[@robertmobley7964]

Engine looks to me very much like the Chinese made Zongshen NC450 as fitted to the Fantic Caballero

[@mikehorton8603]

I was thinking zongshen or loncin they make good engines

[@tonydare7614]

The specs and riding seem very similar to my Fantic Caballero 500. The Fantic is far faster than it should be, sounds great and handles beautifully and is one of the most fun bikes I've ever ridden. Would give the Herald a test if it comes to Paris.

[@tangoindiamike9189]

Wishing we had the Fantic Caballero 500 in the U.S. European countries get all the cool bikes.

[@tonydare7614]

@@tangoindiamike9189 that's true unfortunately! Take care

[@jasonmullin4310]

We need to buy 10 and go do a trackday! Lower hp bikes are a blast because everyone can find their limits.

[@martinellen1981]

Seen it at the NEC 2023 and it looks gorgeous. especially the Green and gold, I want one.

[@jonwright490]

looks great and pleased to know effort has been made to source uk parts but in all honesty, I would say £5995 is about right for this.

[@SantiWax]

these looks with the reliability and punchiness of an MT07 engine = Perfection

[@Hemlck]

XSR 700 - similar price but way better purchase?

[@Shinysideup]

Love the look of the bike but too expensive, I’d go with the Fantic Cabellero looks more premium

[@peterhannan3816]

I recognise those roads, pretty sure that’s My back yard!

[@ironkcirb285]

Black finish on the engine barrel would be really good .

[@chrisbrowne8997]

This thing looks sick....I wish more manufacturers made bikes like this and looked this good wish this was coming to the US 🇺🇸 I would 💯 buy one

[@davidfoster9890]

Like others have said.....same spec as Fantic Caballero. I have the Scrambler, really happy with it. Priced at £6399. Herald almost £7000. At least it's not in CCM bracket....

[@tonydare7614]

Ditto, the Fantic is so much fun and so engaging!

[@daveinwla6360]

I like that the Herald is largely made of UK parts and design, and can actually be called a "British" bike. It seems well suited for the roads that are available in the Isles. But here in the US (and probably Australia), a single-cylinder bike won't make a blip in sales unless it can do dirt.

[@pgkr67]

Engine is Chinese..

[@daveinwla6360]

@@pgkr67 - It's probably *manufactured* in a Chinese factory (like KTM and Norden), but who designed and developed it?

[@mcstaal]

@@daveinwla6360 Zongshen

[@daveinwla6360]

@@mcstaal Be specific, please. Is "Zongshen" the designer and developer of the *engine*, or of the rest of the bike? Who designed the suspension? What are your information sources?

[@funguseater40]

Looks like it's got that one desirable ingredient - Character. Wonder if an off road bike is in the pipeline, similar perhaps to the Fantic Motor Cabellero?

[@the.communist]

These bike you probably get them off the shelf in chinese factories, change minorthings n stick your label on the tank.

[@the.communist]

By the way the famous "bike caracther" just means negative traits on the bike

[@michaeldasilva6753]

A single thumper with a proper can attached sounds great

[@agustincuevae]

It seems like the same motor of the Fantic Caballero, (Wich is call NC 450, by zongshen, desing in the UK by Ricardo ), I can't help it but the whole bike seems like the British version of it, more road oriented maybe, and I like it ⚡✊

[@alexdire2405]

Tank reminds me of the Guzzi V7, nice bike.

[@dannyaustin84]

how cool! I think this is a really great market segment! exciting

[@nosferatube6828]

I've been waiting for this review for ages! Good job. I've been so impressed with my Herald Classic 125, and I'm looking to get a bigger bike soon. I'd love to stick with Herald, but for the same price of the Brute or their 400 models, I could get a Royal Enfield Classic 350 or Meteor, or even their 650 Interceptor or GT. Looking forward to test riding this. I'd love to support British manufacturing.

[@_Makanko_]

So this going through SVA instead of being euro5 compliant means it can only be sold in UK market? I don't really know enough about the SVA approval system. I infer below that your presentation was done in your garage, I must say it looks very nicely lighted and very clean. Kudos to that!

[@colindeans5972]

Looks great but it's too expensive considering the others in that price bracket.

[@jamesrobinson46]

Huh, that's the same switchgear MV Agusta had on their bikes circa 2010, I had it on my old 1078rr. Odd thing to notice I know but there you go

[@MrSmileyshaun]

Nice one I hope it sells well will look for in test riding, and great a lot of it is made in the Uk just need a Uk engine manufacturer to supply and think we would get a lot more Uk motorcycles made here like this

[@jackgreen1738]

Is it gonna have the same amount of issues as the 125s

[@photographerjonathan]

What other bikes would this get compared to ? Maybe like a 390 Duke ?

[@agustincuevae]

Husky Vitpilen/svartpilen, fantic caballero, Suzuki DR Sm, any big single bike.

[@Porsche996driver]

Something different! Sounds good when you get on it. Wish them success!

[@jyredjericocalimpong1336]

Hi, Mr. MotoBob I really love your videos. Ride safe always:) from your fan here in the Philippines.

[@motobob]

Thanks Jyred! Appreciate the kind words 🙏

[@tvdinner325]

I recently installed a gold chain. I have seen noticeable decrease in performance? Could I have installed it backwards?

[@motobob]

Check the manual! It's an easy mistake to make mate...

[@tvdinner325]

@@motobob I'll check. If possible, could you do a video on British police bikes, and their demise. I really think Triumph should build them, and pressure the gov. to buy a British product. Knowing your quality of production and research, you could make the subject interesting and productive. Thanks in advance.

[@Trevor_Austin]

That was a great mix between modern and retro. This bike has great lines and some nice detailing. If Herald can continue with SVA and make a profit then they have a future. I wish them the very best.

[@jemararapan3418]

Bike looks so 'pure'. Like how bikes used to be when we were growing up 😄. Personally, Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR or MT60RS to complete the tracker theme. And what if it had the same dash combo as the Z900RS? Analog with a screen in the middle or just all analog, to compliment it better? Since it really doesn't have any tech anyway 😄🤔 Cool bike and review 👏

[@MarioPanait27]

So they will not be able to sell it in Europe at all since it lacks the Euro5 complian ABS?

[@krazed0451]

That's a Zongshen NC450, nice little motors :-)

[@adamsimper6364]

What a fantastic option to have on the market

[@veldringr]

No ABS, a dash that certainly needs improving (why decimals on miles?!), single-cylinder, non-comfortable seat, untested quality/longevity. And the price is equal to or greater than a Z650RS or a Trident? I live in Cambridgeshire and I would love to support something local, but if you want to disrupt the market that is certainly not the way to do it.

[@mencewilkinson9625]

£6950 is a touch high but I would still consider one. Engine appears to be same as the Caballero which is a decent unit and I like the fact it is (apart from the engine) 'made in England'

[@CaffeinatedCruiser]

This bike is reminding me of my 701 Svartpilen and 390 duke. It’s making me crave riding. Just waiting for this long Michigan winter to end lol

[@fredthebarber]

At 7:15 MOTOBOB channels every father figure ever when he effectively says “I’m not so much mad, I’m just disappointed in you.”

[@ZediMaster]

Interesting vid. The trimmings look improved a bit, but the style looks like a typical rough retro brit bike (still working out its kinks). Anyway, ride safe, god bless u.

[@warwickwearing5042]

great looking kit!!!

[@peter7624]

Sounds nice and looks clean and modern. 450cc's is enough for fun on backroads. Great video.

[@Dreddingbath]

Nice job Herald, an interesting alternative, hope this does well and we see more from them.

[@donwasinger6654]

Pretty sure these aren't sold in the US. I'm just here to check out the new studio!

[@sdefiel3719]

I've heard that a gold chain only adds 7-8 HP. S

[@motobob]

My bad! I need to check the specs of that chain properly

[@triumph_abroad6125]

I think it depends on whether or not they outsource the chain. Some of the cheaper knock-offs only give you 7hp+/-1

[@motobob]

@@triumph_abroad6125 well you gets what you pays for!

[@SimonBrisbane]

“Leading asian motor manufacturer” means China. I wouldn’t touch it. Those rear indicators are ridiculous. Scrolling is ridiculous on a bike, you want maximum brightness every flash so the car on the roundabout sees you turning and doesn’t pull out in front of you. It does look good otherwise.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Terrible tailpiece. Just put a proper seat and guards on. Sell the racey seat as an option.

[@kevskibiz]

Love the look … defo be on my list to test ride and purchase 🤙

[@Thepreppersbunkeroutdoors]

ssssoooooooo.... will it come to the US?

[@leonardbartley5670]

Is this a for Europe only bike, Have not seen or heard of it here in the U.S. ? Great video as usual.

[@jcollins2826]

A proper motorcycle. Do you think they will sell them in the US? Good video as always.

[@Shabycube]

You can see the tightening nut for the clutch wire on the lever shake loose in beginning of the riding lol

[@SunnyKim_]

It still makes me giggle that we are at a point in motorcycling that its normal to say things like "it doesnt even have ABS".

[@jeffgordon5590]

Love to see that bike in Canada; love singles! Cheers!

[@nickbrigg5203]

Studio is looking good, where did you get that hexagonal light from?

[@motobob]

hexagonlighting.com/

[@junderwoituk]

Nice, looks like it could be a really good fun little bike.

[@igorkon]

looks like the engine is Zongshen 194MQ and front fork is FastAce one. and if I'm correct about engine, this means extremely short service intervals (10 hours only between oil changes, less than 600 miles). and the price - 4500 is OK for this, not 6000...

[@pistonpinup]

Well done @motobob nice review of the Herald, nice to see they are pushing to bigger engines. I have to comment on my favourite moment : "why does the gold chain add 10hp?" it doesn't is just a joke ( priceless Face of Rob to follow)

[@motobob]

🙃

[@scoc253]

_wow looks so simple and there's not much goin on that bike. means business, straight to the point. that is vibe i am gettin with that bike. wish more of that style with different manufacturer in 250-300cc would be awesome._

[@Jay_Speed]

The weight is really good, what is the seat height ?

[@jaeger4966]

Thank you, believe it or not I had never heard about Herald. This one looks even better than the Vitpilens to me, and it comes with sensible ergonomics. But come on, no ABS in 2022, not Euro5 approved? Not interested in the EU market???

[@davidmayer4579]

No ABS! YAY!!

[@joemcgovern8318]

As for how reviews go you are in a class of your own!! Kudos from ireland bob with a moto!!😎

[@neilmackinnon3371]

I prefer that to anything CCM make. Although, for the price it is a little tiny bit basic. I recognise those roads, I was along that way myself a couple of hours ago.

[@sergio.mremoaldo]

Hi there from Portugal. Minute 9:26, the cable that goes directy to the inside of the wheel. ABS? Sure not having ABS?

[@_aakashpandey]

Worthy duke 390 competitor, would appreciate a scrambler version more though. Great review!

[@Hemlck]

Duke 390 is £2,000 cheaper though - and there is an established KTM dealer network

[@aidens04]

Cool looking bike that. Love it

[@nickp3977]

Interesting. There's a lot to like about this bike. The 835mm seat height means it's not for me though.

[@billycaspersghost7528]

Same here , I do not see why a seat height range could not be easily achieved with such a simple chassis and the fact that it is made here. Seems to limit choice ,there must be plenty of people looking for this mid range ,lighter bike, who are probably not of a height to flat foot this thing. Would really be a deal breaker for me as I would love to put my money into British manufacturing. Annoying.

[@paulcasey5204]

Might still be worth a look because the bike is so narrow and light.

[@billycaspersghost7528]

@@paulcasey5204 I` will look at it but at 835 mm I would feel uncomfortable. I think it is just the annoyance factor that bothers me most.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Geez , don't short people ride dirt bikes???

[@billycaspersghost7528]

@@redtobertshateshandles Yes, I do . On the Dirt ,the clues in the name. I do not want a road bike with an unnecessarily tall seat height,there`s no reason for it.

[@s.venkateswarpatnaik2484]

You're looking very good on Herald brute 500⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐👍🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁

[@ericc.7000]

Finally! A thumbstart SR500!!! Doubt we'll ever see one here in America...

[@pgkr67]

Looks like the same engine used by Fantic in the Caballero. Made by Zongshen as i recall..

[@michaeltrumph121]

This looks great.

[@mogumede8211]

Would love this with Honda's 500cc twin motor. It would change the engine sound, but that's a sacrifice I'd take for a smooth parallel twin.

[@roviwoteap2375]

Nice looking back to basics bike.

[@JB-nj4cp]

Too bad i don't have the funds for a second bike; i would buy this in a heartbeat! Being a beginner and using my er-6f for everyday use, the lack of minimalistic wind protection and specially, ABS is a no-no for me for my only bike. Made in U.K, that has to be encouraged!!! You go, Brits! Greetings from Belgium.

[@ashleyreading297]

I feel like I rode past this bike a couple of days ago in the Midlands, caught my eye 👀

[@marius93]

Guessing this is for UK market only?

[@pistolpete6321]

Very cool bike! Great review!

[@10secondsrule]

Hahaha your delivery of a golden chain is brilliant. Saying that I’m sure in this Trabant shade takes away at least 15 m/h from the top speed. Red option would be better. Hahaha still chuckle about the chain….

[@joeblow5037]

Where is the engine produced...and what else is it installed in?

[@Thepreppersbunkeroutdoors]

Engine- SWM 450 probably, same as Janus and others

[@bullvine2062]

Considering I'm bike crazy, I'd not heard of Herald. Lots I like, don't like the frame. Look to me not much thought has gone into it. That's obviously not the case. It's a hard market to get into. Great video again.

[@sangeethsuresh9320]

The herald Brute 500 is a amazing looking neo retro bike. The design looks absolutely superb, its simple sleek and minimalist. The performance numbers are also decent. Although for the price it should have given ABS. Over 6000 pounds its little bit expensive considering it does not get riders aids or any other extra features. Still its unique looking bike, feels like custom built machine. Hope the production ready version will be Even better.

[@reidspeed77]

LOL

[@sangeethsuresh9320]

@@reidspeed77 😎🤔 what exactly you mean by LOL.

[@gerryryan2302]

I do like it , not sure who the target buyer is tho? Id say it’s up against the CCM which looks a lot better albeit 3k more , But the CCM also looks a lot more special for a Sunday afternoon cafe run !.

[@stephencooper2507]

Fantastic looking bike

[@stubrakon9683]

Great vid thanks! Bike looks awesome 👍😃🤘