Is the Royal Enfield 450 Himalayan better than the 411 Himalayan? Which motorcycle would I buy?

Is the Royal Enfield 450 Himalayan better than the 411 Himalayan? Which motorcycle would I buy? I’m very late to the party. I finally get to have a look around and ride of the 450 Himalayan. Would I buy one ? The 411 is currently £2000 cheaper than the 450 so is it worth paying more? Bit thanks to Appleyard Motorcycles and ‪@MotoGBofficial‬. If you’re interested in one of these follow the link www.appleyardm...
#motorbike #bike #english #motorcycle #bikelife #bikereview #gillybikes #motorcyclereview #newbike #england #royalenfield #450 #450himalayan #himalayan #bargain #411 #buy #whichisbest #recommended ‪@royalenfield‬ ‪@RoyalEnfieldANZ‬ ‪@recolombia‬ ‪@royalenfieldargentina5‬ ‪@islamicteaching8463‬

[@maskedavenger2578]

The old one looks better & it has a proper throttle cable & just basic rugged quality , minimum tech ,more suited to traveling in remote places . Horsepower & speed isn’t everything & less can be more ,by keeping things simple on adventure / touring bike . My choice between the old 411 & this new pretender 450 would be the 411 , a pre registered bargain or good condition used bike . If that new bikes fly by wire goes wrong ,it can’t be sorted at the road side ,with an Emergency throttle cable kit . Which is not very good in the middle of nowhere in or in a developing third world country . I reckon they should of just ,increased the performance of the old Himalayan to give a comfortable motorway cruising speed of 70 to 75 mph & a top end around 90 mph . 👍

[@GillyBikes]

That’s very well put actually. I really like the 411 and think the only change It needed was a little bit of extra power. The 411’s are unbelievable value at the moment. Brand new ones are only £3800 which is amazing.

[@maskedavenger2578]

@@GillyBikes If I had not purchased my new to me Suzuki De 250 V strom ex demo bike ,or had more space in the garage , I would have took a punt at a bargain priced new old 411 Himalayan myself . 25 hp is more than enough for me these days ,as I only do the odd couple of stretches of motorway on rare occasions . I like to bimble along the A & B roads at a more leisurely relaxed pace , & arrive at the destination a lot less stressed . 👍

[@GillyBikes]

That’s why I like riding cruisers. Just chilled out. No rush. Much more relaxing way to ride.

[@maskedavenger2578]

@@GillyBikes The only two wheeled vehicle I can ride feet forward is a maxi auto scooter . It doesn’t feel right ,operating gears & rear foot brake , feet- forward on a geared motorcycle for me . I prefer the street bike or adventure riding position ,it feels more natural & more comfortable for me . I have tried cruisers but was glad to hand them back . 👍

[@GillyBikes]

They are weird until you get used to them. Years ago I stupidly bought a Kawasaki Vulcan s without test riding it. I just liked the looks. When I took it for its first ride I really didn’t like it. But I was stuck with it. A few thousand miles later and I was hooked on the position. I will definitely buy another cruiser at some point.

[@jimmyjam8795]

As a lover of single cylinder bikes, this thing still vibrates way too much and feels like a very small capacity bike. Changed mine for a Shotgun 650, really enjoying having the 650 engine... again!

[@GillyBikes]

It does feel like that at low speed. Just reminds me of the 411 but when you thrash it feels much better. But you can’t thrash it everywhere so changing to the shotgun is a great trade. I like the super meteor. I’ve not tried the shotgun yet. Hopefully get a go soon.

[@eanbarr35]

Hi m8 you do a good review of the kinda bikes i like, fair an honest to the point discriptions.

[@GillyBikes]

Thanks I really appreciate that. 😁👍

[@matusknives]

I think there is a reason why we see RE offering both 411 and 450 (and the Scram). I do prefer the looks of the 411 and hope to get the Scram myself, but very obviously the 450 will be preferred by many not only for its looks, but for what it does differently compared to the 411.

[@velocettektt]

Personally I prefer my 411 and will not be buying the new one. Basically you need to be happy to trade simplicity for more power. I really value a modern bike I can actually work on myself and the 411 is that. I have no idea why they think upside down forks with unprotected stanchions are a good idea on a bike intended for rough rugged use. If you want more power on a 411 do what I did, improve the breathing with a free flow exhaust, air intake and a Tec cam. Takes it up to about 30 horses and makes a real difference. Yes, the new one is 'better' in terms of power and possibly ride quality but there is a price to pay. More expensive, less rugged, not nearly so serviceable by you the owner.

[@GillyBikes]

I think if your planning on just road riding the 450 is better, but if you are going off road the 411 is a better option. For the overall package I think I prefer the 411 👍

[@patmaher5500]

As always, good to see some daily weather riding 😁, on another note KZbin apparently unsubscribed me from you, but I'm back now

[@GillyBikes]

I can’t believe KZbin did that to you. Welcome back 😁

[@GillyBikes]

Hopefully the sympathy vote will get me some more subscribers.

[@barryhughes1612]

I collected my 450 on the 1 June it replaced my 411, lovely bike that it was the 450 is in a different dimension and we shouldn't compare the two they just happen to share the same name.

[@GillyBikes]

It is an improvement for road riding that’s for sure. Have you taken it off road yet? I’ve heard they have gone worse at that.

[@bobhiggins4729]

I have not ridden the 450 yet but I have sat on one and pushed it about. It feels like a ponderous lump to me and very top heavy. I have Moto Guzzi Mille GT 40 odd kilos heavier than the 450 but seems easier to push around and definitely better-balanced feet down and off the side stand. I also have a 411 which is much easier to manage in the static situation than my limited experience with the 450. I am an old bugger so managing the bike when at a standstill and pushing them around the garage is getting much more important to me than the dynamic on-road performance.

[@GillyBikes]

It really does feel heavy compared to the 411. On the same day as this I also took out a Suzuki vstrom 800DE which is about 40kg heavier and that felt much lighter to get off the side stand and whilst riding. I don’t know how RE has managed to do it 🧐

[@davidrobinson4118]

Totally agree. I bought a new 411 in March, I haven't ridden the 450 but I have sat on one. It's totally ridiculous that it is so hard to just get it upright off the side stand. I found it a real heave even on a flat surface, on a bit of a camber I think I'd need to ask a passing pedestrian for some assistance! The funny thing is though I find that the 411 leans too much as well on the side stand. It's not so much of an issue here though as it seems far less top heavy than the 450. Loving my 411 so far,. It isn't perfect by any means but I certainly don't regret buying it, especially at £4000 OTR.

[@marlarkin1090]

Things to remember , to get more HP and remain inside emissions regs RE had to go water cooled not air cooled like the 411. The centre of gravity of the 450 is higher than the 411 so the perceived weight is heavier when static. I was hoping they'd arrive with a 500cc single air cooled Himmy but the emissions issue prevented. They get the potential 500cc HP from a 450 liquid cooled. I think the heritage feel and looks has gone with 450 , but I guess its time to move forward.

[@GillyBikes]

I had a ride on a 800cc on the same day and that felt lighter. Review coming soon 😁

[@jimmydickson8854]

Royal enfeild used the engine as part of the frame so it’s caused vibration at certain speeds and revs their engineers might have to look in to this for sales reasons plus make a longer stand besides that it’s good value it dose every thing it says on the tin jimmy Aust

[@GoldOreOunce]

The new one does not feeling heavier for sure... I think the old one gets points for being a tractor in offroad scenes. But other than that the new one beats the old one in all other aspects.

[@GillyBikes]

The new one definitely feels heavier when taking it off the side stand, But I still agree that the 450 is a better bike. It has more tech, better screen and better suspension, better performance. Looks are always subjective. I think they are very similar looking.

[@fatange]

They look better than the 411’s with the extra tech but £2000 difference on the new price is quite a lot. My Taffy would never pay the extra. Yes he’s tight but he’s sensible

[@GillyBikes]

He would definitely go for the 411. Wouldn’t be a bad choice. Thats still a decent bike.

[@dazsyvo8499]

But the 411 did go up to to £5000 after we left the eu think there's about £800 in it

[@GillyBikes]

Not when buying from MotoGB garages. They are selling them new for £3799 which is a monster saving.

[@GillyBikes]

In2moto’s / Appleyards and other MotoGB dealerships are selling the 411 new for £3799 which is a really big saving.

[@idontwantahandle12345]

When taking a heavy bike off side stand you need to turn handlebars fully to the right and then stand the bike up. Works lovely.

[@GillyBikes]

You would have thought when making a bike they check this sort of thing out. Changing the side stand would make it lean less and be easier to straighten up. It’s like they never tested it

[@idontwantahandle12345]

@@GillyBikes The reason it has the stand it has is due to the heavier weight at the top of the bike and the feedback from 411 owners that the bike didn’t lean enough and was toppling over in high winds. So they have done what was asked of them.

[@GillyBikes]

I see. Then it’s a case of careful what you ask for. 😂

[@idontwantahandle12345]

I have ridden the 450, mine is on order. My buddy has his already. It really isn’t hard to get off the stand and yes initially it seems to lean a lot, but after a few rides you don’t notice. RE are really trying their best and good luck to them. When I compare my Bullet Machismo to the 450, they are of course very different except in one way, RE’s have soul! 😊

[@GillyBikes]

I agree completely. I actually do believe this is an improvement on the 411. It’s not perfect but I don’t think any bike is.

[@geddstock]

Just back from the dealers after sitting on and checking the bikes in general and I was shocked by the weight of the 450 it seems much heavier than the 411,bit of context I’m 61yo,5’10”and 11st 9lbs I’m pretty fit I use the gym 3or4 times a week. My goals for the bike are back road and green lanes I could lift the 450 if I had to but I just don’t want to. I’m sure it would ride better on road but would just to much struggle on the muddy green lanes around neck of the woods. Anyone else think it’s heavy? The 411 seems to fit me perfectly

[@GillyBikes]

It does feel much heavier than it actually is.

[@geddstock]

⁠@@GillyBikesnot just me then. Really wasn’t expecting it. I’m sure it’s a great ride though. Another thing was I checked out the 650 shotgun which ticked a whole load of other boxes its friggin beautiful ❤

[@GillyBikes]

I’ve not tried that yet. I really like the super meteor so I can’t await to have a go on the shotgun. I might have to arrange another visit to Appleyard Motorcycles. Hopefully on a dry day.

[@Rick-ve5lx]

Very well put. It doesn’t go nicely onto the side-stand, it’s stopped in mid fall.

[@geddstock]

@@GillyBikes was it better when there was less choice? 😂 No I think you will love the shotgun,I’ve tried a few cruisers over the years I absolutely hate the forward controls I never felt in control of the bike. As you say the SM looks fantastic but it’s not for me. Great vids btw 👍👍cheers

[@taffy2wheels577]

Great video Gilly . I love a long stand. Nice bike but not for me . Having said that I would love a go on one.

[@GillyBikes]

You should try one. I believe the RadRacer might have one you could borrow 😉

[@ripmax333]

The feel of heaviness of this motorcycle is maybe because due being top Heavy perhaps 🤔, more than the older models?

[@GillyBikes]

That’s how it feels. Very top heavy compared to the 411

[@leegreveson]

They'll be turning you away at the border soon, bringing the rain with every visit 😅 Stu Fillingham was talking about the Enfield's running a whole lot better after a few thousand miles on the clock, probably no different with this new 450 engine. I wasn't a fan style wise of the original Himalayan, preferred the look of the Scram. They're supposed to be rugged I guess, it's what they're designed for, but this tank just looks odd, especially in matt magnolia by Dulux 😮 (other paint brands are available)

[@GillyBikes]

Yes the colour is a bit baby sick for me. The black one looks nice though. 100% the scram looks so much nicer 😎

[@jimmydickson8854]

If they could lower the bike a little for the thousands of shorter riders then the lean would be gone but the centre stand would have to be altered I like the bike but can’t reach the ground ,not bothered about sump clearance ,it’s a good utilitarian bike and good value ,have to go to a dealer and try the 805 seat that might do it. I hope other wise I can’t buy it ,Honda did a lower version of their 300 the LS

[@jimmydickson8854]

You can get a 805 seat hight for short riders, I like the naked bike no plastic good value it dose every thing it says on the tin

[@backontwowheels9469]

I am so glad that you found the power band. I could see you bimbleing along at 2000 revs and was saying you need to be cruising at 3K and then it is more responsive when picking up. I am also closer to the ground and the side stand lean is definitely a thing to be considered, especially as i am also getting on in years. That said I think get a thicker type of stand foot and it will give a head start, also for us normal sized people (anyone over 5’6” is a freak of nature 🤣) we are more aware of cambers and slopes, therefore if you are sticking the side stand down on the lower side of the slope, you will obviously struggle more to lift it upright, so we can park with that in mind or move it slightly to make things easier. I have chased mine up today and the dealership is expecting it by the 20th, that way I might be running it in at the ABR this year!

[@GillyBikes]

Love that. Those giants will never understand the struggles we have. I’m gutted I can’t make ABR this year. I will definitely get there next year. 😭

[@drdoolittle5724]

Allo allo allo, what's this then, trespassing on a certain coppers beat and stealing his thunder, dangerous! You brought out the good and bad for road work but because you didn't want to listen too much to 'others', one brilliant globe trotter who has lived with the 411 since it was first sold was not that happy about it when off-road, and thought it a poor bike to follow the original! I tried in the showroom last week and was shocked at the top heavy balance, a sure recipe for much dropping!

[@GillyBikes]

It wouldn’t be my choice for anything difficult off road. The 411 would be better, my Voge rally is even better 👍

[@jimmydickson8854]

Because a few idiots spoil it for majority it’s like everything else so that’s why lane splitting is banned some places

[@GillyBikes]

That’s probably true. I had a mate paralysed doing it to quick and a car pulled out into him. I will always think of that. It slows me down.

[@DavidSkidmore-e5t]

Same day or doz it always rain when you review😉😉🤣🤣

[@GillyBikes]

😂 it was a different day. A few weeks after I did the cfmoto’s. The rain seems to follow me. Or I’m cursed. 🧐

[@gillykids8446]

It’s always raining. You should try riding in the nice weather 😂

[@GillyBikes]

I would love to. Hopefully I will get some nice weather soon 🤞

[@Sweens-o9l]

There isn’t that much difference in weight. How does it feel heavy??

[@GillyBikes]

Just feels top heavy. It was strange. Before I took this out I went on the 800 Vstrom which is something like 40kg heavier than this. But riding it felt lighter. Getting it off the stand it felt lighter. But of a shock really Because having looked at the specs before hand I expected it to feel really light especially after just getting add of the vstrom.

[@geddstock]

CG mate

[@bobritter7197]

On an entirely tangential point, do you think the boss man at in2moto would let you out on that Enfield 500 Trials he's got in ATM? I would love to hear your opinion of it as every review I've seen here tells a completely different story. Anyway, hope you're having a great weekend. 🙂

[@GillyBikes]

Funnily enough last time I was in there I asked for a go on that. It looks nice. Hopefully get a go on it next time I go in. (If its still there)

[@bobritter7197]

@GillyBikes excellent. It's got over 500 miles on it too, I think, so should have smoothed out a bit.

[@godfreytomlinson2282]

I would like to know what the comfort/vibration is like at speeds above 65mph

[@GillyBikes]

There wasn’t any. It was really smooth at high speeds.

[@jimmyjam8795]

I found vibration to be quite intense and the seat really hard, been waiting for mine since Nov 23. After test ride, cancelled my order and now have Shotgun 650.

[@GillyBikes]

It vibes at slow speed but in the high revs it felt better. I’ve not tried the shotgun yet. Hope to get back to Appleyards soon and try one.

[@garykeighley712]

Not sure about the 450 🤔 are they discontinuing the 411 ?

[@GillyBikes]

I hope not. There is certainly enough new 411’s in storage to keep selling them for a few years. Hopefully they will continue to sell both. 🤞

[@jimmyjam8795]

Yes, RE said the 411 will go out of production. I thought this would be the case anyway, as RE need to free up production capacity in their factories to build all models.

[@stephenpidwell3427]

The petrol tank is the problem its a horrible shape scram is better looking.

[@GillyBikes]

I agree the scram is better looking.

[@jimmydickson8854]

Can’t you get a seat at 805 mm I heard you could

[@randomnummba7478]

in my optinion the 411 and 450 are not comparable. totally different. depends what you have ridden before. if it was the 411 then you wont get happy. and in the middle of your vid you ride at 2,5k in 4th gear. on mine this is not a healthy rpm region. there should be at least 3000 on the clock - especially from 3rd gear up...

[@GillyBikes]

I’ve seen a few people say they are not comparable. However side by side they look very similar. The new version is apparently the improvements and modernisation that people asked for. Now to ride at slow speeds they feel like the same bike. Similar seating position. Vibrations. Lots of rattling. It’s only when you open up the 450 and thrash it that you really notice the difference. When you unleash the power. Only then do you realise how much of a great road bike it has become. But in making all these changes many have complained that its off road capability has been compromised. It now feels to heavy. It feels as though it’s worse than the 411. Now I can’t comment on that as I didn’t take it off road. All I can comment about is the road riding that I did and for that it’s an improvement

[@davidhollands3338]

My 411 will happily sit at 70 mph and still not full throttle so Will my friends so dont know how you come up with it will only do 60- 65 mph. I also run a bike that is capable of speeds well well over twice the national speed limit. Is it better because its faster it also has Olin's shocks and fork's is it better no its just different Same as the new Sherpa i don't call it the Himalayan because they are totally different. How can you even start to compare air cooled to water cooled ive test ridden the Sherpa it was ok but i didn't like the dash or the looks and i think the Himalayan is better at lower more technical speeds the Sherpa did feel top heavy but as you said it's got showa forks and TFT dash and can also travel at illegal speeds over the national speed limit much more easily then the Himalayan so is a better bike. I definitely know which one i would like to have the misfortune to repair. Why do you guys keep on about its performance its fine its what it was made for The new shepa is a different bike . Royal Enfield is very good at marketing so they would use the old name but a Himalayan its not

[@GillyBikes]

Unfortunately Royal Enfield have called it the Himalayan so on that basis it was always going to be compared to the previous Himalayan. I get what you’re saying about the performance but having ridden both the 411 and the 450 I stand by my initial impression which is the 450 is a better road bike. Unfortunately I didn’t get to ride it off road but I would bet the 411 is better at that due to the weight. I think both bikes have a place as they are both good at different things. I really hope RE continue to make both.

[@davidhollands3338]

Thanks for replying. Unfortunately RE are or have at least in Europe discontinued the 411 Himalayan. I live in Spain and the new 450 wouldn't really be any better as the roads around here are only small and very tight but fantastic because you can keep up with sports bikes mostly. But I stand by what I said about them being completely different but that's a good thing it's just sad that there's very few air cooled low tech bikes being manufactured. I think you should probably compare it to some of the other 400-500cc bikes Adventure/Trail bikes on the market

[@GillyBikes]

I will definitely do a comparison at some point. In the UK the RE importer was MotoGB. They in their wisdom brought lots of 411’s over and then ended their agreement with RE so they have lots of brand new ones that they are selling them with Hugh discounts. Hopefully they have enough for the next year or so.

[@davidhollands3338]

I'm looking forward to your comparison on other adventure bikes. It's very Difficult to buy the latest upgraded 411 in Spain in my area I can't speak for other areas. Ive been offered more then I payed for it and it's over a year old it was actually manufactured late 22 but not registered till 23 I wonder if other countries has this demand.

[@mark.e.p]

It's a single, it's going to vibrate!

[@maskedavenger2578]

Not if they installed front & aft balancer shaft ,like on my old Honda 250 RSA to greatly reduce any bad vibes . They have obviously cheap skated on this 450 engine & wasted the money on fancy gimmicks like riding modes & fly by wire throttle, which are not ideal on an adventure bike ,meant to travel to out of the way places .

[@Chris78pl]

It’s a while now for 450 and was thinking new look will grow on me but nope still a duck

[@GillyBikes]

😂. Yes the looks are splitting opinions

[@japhets34]

THE 411 looks much better ,better whith air cool and better to Travel if you need to change something quiqly.the songs IS better too for less Price.sorry but 411 win ...🌞

[@GillyBikes]

I can see why you would say that. Lots of others saying the same for the same reasons. 👍

[@alrhodes5011]

Its the ugliest bike I think I've ever seen. What were they thinking with that fuel tank, that round display and that pathetically small front screen!?!?!? Your comments about the 411 cutting out - mine never has, but it always feels like a bag of bolts. I think the build quality on the old one is really bad, although I've got a TEC cam and other mods so 30bhp and it will sit at 70mph happily.

[@GillyBikes]

I love the 411, I’ve ridden a few. They are built to a price but they pass that on by making them cheap to buy. In Appleyards they had a 450 next to a 411 and side by side they are very similar looking bikes.

[@jimmydickson8854]

Slow down mate on these wet roads

[@GillyBikes]

I’m so used to wet roads now it’s just the norm.

[@jimmydickson8854]

Because there’s to many idiots who lane split to fast

[@johna6968]

Why you sitting idling in 2nd gear with clutch pulled in. Pet hate

[@GillyBikes]

My bad. 😳

[@mikehurley5052]

Saw one the other day, kept on walking, hideous looking thing.

[@GillyBikes]

Seems to be what the majority think. I think it just looks like the last one. Just a made a bit better.

[@hectorshouse7348]

Rain again🤣

[@GillyBikes]

Always. 😂

[@atinshed]

Why sit chatting for five minutes whilst holding the clutch lever in with the bike in second gear? You lost me there!

[@GillyBikes]

I’m sorry I lost you there. I will report you missing and hopefully I will find you.

[@jimmydickson8854]

Royal enfeild used the engine as part of the frame so it’s caused vibration at certain speeds and revs their engineers might have to look in to this for sales reasons plus make a longer stand besides that it’s good value it dose every thing it says on the tin jimmy Aust

[@GillyBikes]

It’s definitely great value. The stand change will definitely help as well. Leans over far too much. Shouldn’t be that difficult to take off the stand.