New Himalayan 450 - A few UK trail miles

[@Banditman369]

Literally not bothered watching any other 450 reviews. Just been waiting to hear Nathan’s, no BS take on the bike.

[@Peter-Old-Dog]

I’ll second that and a fantastic honest review I don’t trust most of the other reviewers

[@pclaxton78]

Lol same here, bought the 411 and the voge on his way so lol

[@nathanthepostman]

@@pclaxton78 I knew I should be on commission!

[@Sweens-o9l]

Spot on sir

[@stevec-b6214]

totally agreed

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Hands down, the best 452 Himmy review on the net.

[@mattwilliams9758]

You’ve hit the nail on the head with your description of the 411 as “an ally” just back from a tour of the lakes, and the 411 looked after me on the hardknott pass, the A and B roads, and on the M6 on the way home.

[@RawTopShot]

Surprised you included motorway, but I'd accept the rest. Was hardknott (and maybe Wrynose?) a chore with the available power, or did you just leave it in 1st and climb slowly?

[@mattwilliams9758]

@@RawTopShot …the motorway issue was fixed a couple of years ago on my bike by changing the front sprocket and going to a 112 pitch chain. It tops out now at 83mph, so with sufficient forward planning I can overtake on the motorway. The passes were done very early in the morning to ensure the tourists were not suddenly appearing around the corners in the narrow lanes before you get to the open higher terrain. It was 1st and occasionally 2nd gear stuff - I’ve fitted a DNA filter & booster plug so she has a bit more pull. Hope that helps.

[@Mart16g]

Done Hardknott on a few bikes and the 411 is by far the easiest to manage and enjoy the scenery…..

[@Robert-ui4dc]

Znakomity test. Brawo. Sprzedałem VStroma 650 i kupiłem Himalayana 450. Jestem zachwycony wszechstronnością tego motocykla. To taki wszędołaz, zwinny, lekki w prowadzeniu, bardzo oszczędny, spala mi ok 3l/100 km. Ten motocykl daje wolność, nie ma większych ograniczeń terenowych by jechać. Serdecznie pozdrawiam z Polski.

[@steve3cv]

Very impressive for a "straight out the dealers" bike on 50/50 tyres. A great, balanced review and it certainly looks like an excellent bike for getting out and just travelling the back roads or further field adventures. Definite improvement in fit and finish over the 411, which I loved for its character and practicality. No bike is perfect, but this looks like a worthy successor to the 411 in a more challenging field than when that was launched. It will be interesting to see if it builds a similar fan base.

[@Futuremodi]

Exactly my thoughts😊

[@Mandem909]

I've been looking forward to this video Nathan! 🎉

[@boycie1150]

I am a very happy owner of the 411, a bike which pound for pound, is my favourite bike I have ever owned, (and I have ridden for 45 years). I have been following the progress of the new one and have had a look at one in the flesh. I really quite like it, and I suspect that I may end up owning one in due course, but it will be at least three years, 'cos I have no need to 'upgrade'. The biggest thing for me with the new one is that at the moment, it doesn't quite grab my emotions like the 411 and that should be a big thing for any self-respecting motorcyclist. We shall see. And now to the main point of this comment, as someone has previously said, this is the one and only 452 review I have watched, and probably will remain so. This is simply because, Nathan, your style is refreshingly lacking in bollox and 'real world', and I believe you have the nous to know what you're talking about. Thanks for a very balanced review, mate!

[@jamesfairmind2247]

The 411 definitely has charisma, it was actually a very radical design which some people regarded as ugly but personally I have always thought it's honest ruggedness is very cool and every time I see one, it makes me look twice. The new 450 is just generic and no longer has that individual element.

[@drury2d8]

The big advantage of the old himalayan was the agricultural-like look and feel.

[@TheOfficialCaseMade]

The new Himalayan is better in every measurable aspect, but it is lacking the character and soul. The new liquid cooled engine sounds like anything else and it looks more modern and sporty. I'd have to ride one to settle my opinion, but so far, I prefer the original.

[@green_genie]

The side stand lean reminds me of my 1200gs which is much heavier and taller. A simple change in technique solves the problem. Turn the bars away from you and stand the bike up before you swing a leg over and its not a problem.

[@goldilocks913]

Been waiting for this one! Your reviews are always so holistic and organic but very real world. Nobody else comes close. Gorgeous scenery too! I so want to like this bike but I can’t get over the looks and all those design cues . I know it’s ridiculous but it’s like suddenly seeing something off about a friend you really trusted! Looking forward to part two.

[@CodgerBiker]

RE should give you a bike for that. What an advert, and genuine with it. 👍👍

[@jerzywoking1699]

Thanks Nathan. A proper review from someone that rides those lanes (and goes further afield) on these smaller capacity bikes. Your experiences with a few 411's and the miles you put on them are impressive. I watch a few of hhose yhat rode the 452 in Sardinia and learnt absolutely nothing from any of them. Best of luck on the Ireland and Iceland trips, be interesting to find out what the 452 would be like with more trail biased tyres too.

[@ElwoodPDowd-ed7pc]

Glad you made it back from the states safely and in one piece 😊. Good to see you back on the country lanes doing what you do best! I learned how to ride on the old Himi 411 back in 2018. It was my first bike ever. I thought it was a little tall (I’m 5,9”) and thought it was a bit heavy, especially on uneven dirt trails after a slow drop … trying to pick it back up, but I learned! After a few bikes later and a bit of riding experience I’ve migrated to the Triumph Speed 400, the scrambler was too tall for me to feel comfortable. I like the Speed 400 so far, a bit buzzy through the handlebars on the highways, enough to make my hand numb (don’t like that much). I may change out the tires to something more suitable for the occasional dirt / gravel roads. The new Himi hasn’t quite made it here to the states yet but I’m semi-curious about it. I appreciate your thoughts, ideas and practical views on this version. Always a pleasure to watch your videos! Many thanks and all the best!

[@murrayhyde4902]

Solid biking skills riding road tyres through the mud... well done.

[@peakrider4886]

Looking forward to part 2 and your overall first impressions. Not really been interested in any other KZbin reviewers as we all know you’d give it us straight without any shills! I keep thinking about where would I use all that extra power, certainly not really on the back roads, B roads, and off road. So it comes down to how much dual carriageway and motorway miles do you do, how much faster than 65-70 mph do you want to go, and how does the new bike feel at those increased speeds with possibly more vibrations and a woefully poor screen. So far I think I’m still in the 411 camp. Cheers Nathan! EDIT: and those side bars need to go! They’re not offering any additional carrying capacity, the indicators stick out between the bars, so they’re not protected, may be it offers some protection for the tank - if you rolled it in a field or something.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yeah that was a point I was intending to make. It's ok having the extra power but if the cockpit and screen set up still pins you to 65mph cruising speed then what's the point really. 411 at 65mph was happy all day long

[@dutch3000]

Thanks for this great review. Not again another from the presentation in Spain or whatever. I still have that Triumph 400X in my mind - not many greenroads in Germany (the farmers will hunt you down) and I´m pretty sure on our the fairly good country roads you can easily go on longer tours with the Triumph. But as always, only a proper test drive will really help to decide. Nevertheless, the 450 is a really fine bike and a favourite for my first motorbike after more than 10 years of not riding. As for the commission, I can only offer you one or ten beers in Düsseldorf when you´re around.

[@WainwrightWalksWiaLocalLad]

The best most honest review of this bike!

[@mark.e.p]

Test rode one 3 weeks ago. Outstanding in every aspect. Great review, Nathen.

[@matthewpreston5634]

Great review, but I think it looks better than the old one myself. Looks are a personal thing.

[@Eastsussexbiker]

One the most useful reviews I’ve seen I’m thinking HiMi or TRK now testing one in a day or so at JW Groombridges East Sussex. Watched part 2 as well. Impressive.

[@frankboff8185]

Very good and fair review, not what you normally get, and the man spends his own money !!!!!!

[@CosmicSeeker69]

HUGE DIFFERENCE to those hoards that were flown out (to Malaysia?) and wined and dined for two days.....they can't be at all realistic - or they won't get another invite - keep buying Nathan's book!

[@leeinwis]

@@CosmicSeeker69 yammie noobs bike conked out and he didn't mince words tryin to cover for them .

[@nathanthepostman]

@@leeinwis Yeah his was an interesting review. The only genuine bit of commentary that came out of India on that launch event.

[@Trigsbroom]

Excellent first impressions, Nathan! It's made me fall in love with my 411 again! If I get a 450, I'll wait for the tubeless wheels and more inspiring colour schemes, although Khazi Brown could inspire 'Carry on up the Himalayas'.

[@OrangeManStan]

Great review Nathan, I think we may grow to like the looks, the 411 is a very unusual looking bike when you first see one but eventually when owning it for a while you fall to love it. The simplicity and utilitarian looks of the 411 are very appealing and unique, whereas the new one is not so unique and definitely more complicated in every way, which will suit a different audience to the old one.

[@themoog3889]

Booked a test ride for next week , wasnt really looking for a new bike but unfortunately my MotoMorini X-Cape has been in the garage since early February awaiting spares for a solution to a really bad mis-fuelling issue which nearly had me off on a roundabout ! It'll make a good stable mate for my Interceptor....just hope I like it or stumped as to what else to look at !

[@robertward1367]

Great review, your comments about the side stand are so relevant especially for us shorter riders but I’m sure it can be sorted.

[@EpicAdamMotovlogs]

Adam ruts 😆 it looks like the lane has dried out now. I think I'll give it a go again. Nice, thorough review. Actually, I might wait for it to dry out a bit more 😮

[@stephensmith1118]

its ok just take a snorkle with you....

[@yellownev]

I'd say the 411 is the better bike if you own one !! I think they will sell but not to many 411 owners unless they are looking to 'upgrade for speed'. It didn't make we want one regardless after my three hours on it. I got back on my 411 and reflected there was not 5k worth of betterment. Also until they list the lower seat I'd not consider one at all as that lean angle with luggage would make it very difficulty for me to get the bike upright and might still be the same with the lower seat. I enjoyed your initial review and for me it's 10 x better than all the 'sponsored' reviews. No surprise a lot of what we are hearing from buyers or potential buyers isn't quite the same as the professional KZbinr's out there.

[@timlubbers2884]

Being a klr rider, I’m considering the 452. The only thing I’m going to wait a bit to see on is that engine. It is wound pretty tight and I’m curious at its failure rate in this first year …

[@kabir1327]

Lovely and long awaited. RE has a Scram 440 planned off the 411 mill. So both lines will continue.

[@jimmyjam8795]

Think you'll find the new Scram is the same engine and chassis as Himalayan.

[@morri03]

No way the old engine is toast. The new scram replacement will have the 450 engine

[@kabir1327]

@@jimmyjam8795 there’s an Autocar India article saying there’s an air cooled RE 440 in the works! Link: www.autocarindia.com/bike-news/new-royal-enfield-scram-440-in-the-works-428688

[@Peter-Old-Dog]

Great review very interesting. I loved my Euro 4 Himalayan and regret selling it in a lot of ways to buy my CRF 300 rally. Which ironically needs major engine repairs after 7,800 kms and one year lucky it’s a warranty repair. Very unusual for the Honda and as such parts aren’t available in Australia so it will be a couple of months. A valve shim came out one morning on cold start. And made a noise for a couple of minutes spoke to the Honda dealer and rode it to them and home again booked it in and they found the shim loose in the top of the head and on further inspection found damage to the piston, head and cylinder. They said it looked like it had been possibly detonating. I have just bought a new Transalp 750 which I am hoping will be the perfect bike for the type of riding I do. Mostly on road touring with a little gravel and forestry road exploring.

[@EngtecTrials]

I spotted the side stand problem if feels like the bike is going over. Seen some extenders on some of the bikes in India. The other bit I'm not sure about is the rear brake pedal looks like it could bend if caught up on some thing. Most other bikes have too much plastic for my liking. Last time I rode on Exmoor was on a TLR 200 with Doug Devon Rim guy.

[@ShadowVonChadwick]

I haven't done a good ride on mine yet, only a few Ks, it's cold and waiting for some Barkbusters. Hope to get out on the morrow, hoping for the sun and a good early start. As I'm getting older & the extra weight is a bit of a concern but must remember why I wanted it, not for the tracks I do on my KLX400e (DRZ) but the long rides, dirt back roads & national park forestry carrying camping gear. Originally had decided on a low K F800gs, but this girl came at a price I could not baulk at. Being an Itchy Boots fan It wasn't an unknown quantity. Good vid & thanks for sharing. Cheers from downunder. 👍

[@DavidSkidmore-e5t]

As a past 411owner I went back to new 411...mainly because after riding new 452 there only the same in name only its so different and wasn't what I wanted.. glad they've made it for a new type of rider ...my dislikes are as you said heavy off sidestand to peaky . techy ...no fan of tft it handled stopped and went well on road ...its all horses for courses...cheers ....

[@nathanthepostman]

I know what you mean. It's a sideways step in many ways, rather than a huge leap forward. I like it. I think it's got its own field. But that CF Moto is grabbing a lot of attention at the minute and I wouldn't be surprised if it out performs the Himi, although I don't think that bike's going to have the trail refinement of this one. We'll see in a few months when that one comes out.

[@Tobi-onTrail]

Jep, i own the BS4 model and tested the new 452. I think it is a really nice bike but pretty different. Nice Video and i agree also with what you said. For the cfmoto let's see. I think the fuel consumption, and service intervals are really not great so for me at least the cfmoto is out of my watchlist.

[@stumpy200vetmx]

Great review thanks Nathan, as a 60+ rider with MX bikes and a CB500X what I'd love for a travel bike is LIGHTER... But I agree it's largely a price point issue. Personally I'd pay £2k extra to drop 20kg, but I get that most customers won't.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yeah price seems to rule all at this end of the market. Or go niche like the Kove 450. It is a shame though that this one 'feels' heavier than the old one. I get why. But it'll put people off using it to explore in the way they did with the old one. The old one one to me definitely feels a more manageable bike for the average rider on rough roads. Iconic bike.

[@CosmicSeeker69]

@@nathanthepostman that last line was very important to me - being a new 'old' rider.

[@simonchilli2088]

Good review. I remember Adam's epic adventure! One thing I find odd is that the Himalayan doesn't have fork gaiters but the new Guerrilla does.

[@bsc1463]

Your best review so far !

[@economicalrides]

A great honest assessment Nathan, as expected. You seem to have a similar view to my good self. Looking forward to watching part two. By the way, the dash has problems at 50 Hz and 60 Hz anti-flicker settings on GoPros. The thing is, on either setting, at times it doesn’t flicker ! I think the problem has something to do with how the GoPros are trying to manage exposure. Maybe locking to a certain exposure setting rather than using auto will help ? Never got a chance to try it during my brief test ride. I think the vibes from 55-80 mph are exacerbated by the fact that this is the first RE frame to do away with a lower subframe, using the engine as a stressed member. I think RE need to look at the engine mounts and how they can improve them to better isolate the engine from the frame. If they can do a better job there, then it could indeed be a real upgrade option for current 411 owners. As things stand, I don’t think the 452 justifies the expense of upgrading because it is arguably worse for the touring thing. Cheers Nathan, ER

[@AndrewSmith-zm7vn]

I sat on the 450 at Himalayan and thought this may be the one, I saw the 450 MT and just had to put an order in for the cfmoto... loads of extras, great prices and just cooler looking ! No Test Ride involved! 🤣... Nathan you are fantastic in your reviews of bikes with a true opinion. Superb... keep producing this excellent content!

[@arifbobat5203]

Has the CF arrived and what are your impressions so far?

[@timsatchell6713]

Best review yet. Maybe the only review yet... Thanks.

[@Futuremodi]

Full pelt adventures did a trail run as well and he didn't hold back lol. This is my second fav review.

[@andyrussell2873]

Great review real world test as always thanks

[@TobotronPrime]

I tested one on the weekend, is pretty darn heavy to bring off the stand. Engine fantastic, gearbox is even better, brakes also strong especially the rear! I’m a tad short so struggled to paddle it, on the road it’s fine for me but off road I found it a bit in nerving because I can’t flat foot it but I actually managed fine. I would say that the stock tyres are no good in the soft mud, no grip on the front and barely enough on the rear. For me if I could lower the bike 20mm and fit some grippier tyres I would go for it. Although not seen any lowering kits for it yet?!

[@interstellargod6959]

It's look so sharp..love the look i think this is very unique looking bike

[@teneretraveller8980]

Interesting. I am the V strom man you spoke of, having sold a half rallyed 500x last year ( original wheels, changed suspension and sump guard). She loves the strom but it's a size too much. 500x has taken us round Greece twice no problems and i need to revert to this size. My dealer has now got a demo in. From what i could see it just needs hand guards, a rad guard abd something to support our ancient panniers. If its ok at 100kmh fir the schlep days thats enough. There's no CF450 to test yet nearby but its the only other option straight out of the box. Only negative is 10.9% finance if you go that way.

[@RawTopShot]

500x rally raid stage 3 (Inc spoked wheels) would be my perfect lake district bike for all year use.

[@teneretraveller8980]

@@RawTopShot they are great. But eith a Himmy 452 there is very little extra expense.

[@devonbikefilms]

Good review Nathan. Look forward to coming back at some point this year to give that bike a try out. Onwards to part 2

[@roviwoteap2375]

I prefer the looks of the new Himi compared the old one. Not sure about the weight though, even if there is a low seat option? Good honest review though. Shame they couldn’t have fitted hand guards to it as standard.

[@frankpinion4937]

Sadly it's got too big & is still too heavy. I had a sit on one & just lifting it off the side stand you could feel the weight & part of that is because with the different suspension setup on the back it has not only lengthened the bike but ended up with them putting the air cleaner under the tank. Their have being numerous design failures when they started with a clean page yet again but they seem to have made some of the same mistakes as well as some new mistakes. The pro link worked ok & it didn't take up so much room. The tank looks ridiculously big & the side cover by comparison tiny. The wiring on the old himlalyan was a shambles around the battery & extracting the battery was a major mission as it almost appeared the frame was built around the battery forgeting that it may need removing at some point. The screen was fine on the old model but this new one to me looks too small to be effective. It's somewhat disappointing as I'm a fan of Royal Enfields.

[@reinistraidas]

I fear you might find the new Himalayan not well suited to faster road riding. Try 70mph. The buzziness of the one I had for a test was so bad, I couldn’t take more than 45 minutes of highway riding without my feet and palms being totally numb from the vibrations. The old 411 wasn’t as vibey as this. That or I had a faulty unit, I just simply couldn’t believe a motor could be this vibey. I couldn’t hold my feet on the pegs with all that tickling.

[@kenbrooks7794]

Yes, I've seen a couple of reviews which hit hard about the vibrations. It might have been OK back in the thumper days of the 69/70s but it won't do anymore!

[@jerzywoking1699]

But wasn't yhat same criticism levelled at the 411? After a couple of thousand kms, the 411's just got better and better. No doubt the 452 will follow suit.

[@interstellargod6959]

You're exaggerating a bit.. i don't find any issue when riding.. It's a single so will vibe a little but not much

[@reinistraidas]

@@interstellargod6959 That's why I said I might have gotten a lemon and others don't have this level of vibrations. I have ridden plenty of singles including the old 411 and the new Triumph Scrambler 400X and they vibe a lot less.

[@jursnijder5122]

The one I test rode a week ago was like that. In most respects a lovely bike to ride, but the excessive vibes between 5200 - 6000 rpm killed it for me. Riding in 5th at 60 mph on the curvy backroads, or at 70 mph in 6th on the motorway was pretty much unbearable. Much worse than the 411. The bike had done around 700 miles and maybe that is a factor. However, I wouldn't want to buy a 452 just in the hope that the one I get might be a less vibey one, or that it might smooth out over time. If it isn't, or doesn't, I would have to sell it again.

[@Geshmaal]

Haven't ridden the 450 but sat on one, it's actually crazy how heavy it feels off the stand, I swear it actually feels heavier than a BMW GS when you have to heft it up. I have just said goodbye to my 411 after getting sick of random things constantly going wrong and feeling like the bike needed a full shakedown after every ride, let's see if the 450s are screwed together better.

[@kevbaldwin9552]

Watched a few reviews ignored most the ones that I have taken anything from are Itchy Boots that biker Simon and last but not least yours ,I agree about the service being a bit less owner friendly but bucket and shim tappets should not need doing very often so long as valve seat and valve materials are well specified, looks like they have again managed to make a bike with abilities greater than the sum of its parts thanks for the proper off road impressions 👌

[@bikenavbm1229]

dont see the lean an issue in itself many are going to attach a foot anyway so probably less hassle for many, also consider longer travel suspension tends to mean the angle has a larger range of variation with more sag etc also many will add a little weight with this and that, plus often luggage will likely change the angle. Maybe a bigger picture and look again. interesting bike may try and ride one.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yep, each person will find it differently. Just the point that there isn't a lot of room for a sizeable foot.

[@dewipeach]

Tis good as before ya spent your own money on the 452.. speaks volumes, this has what the 411 lacked out the create, the getup an go, refinements, rear tyre hugger etc.. even for all it offers, my 411 will see me out. After all weights much the same (subject to accessories) and overall dimensions are a tad more too..! I lack the space and as prices fell on 21 BS4's.. then if that becomes a concern, like cams/shims/buckets, not something new nor unheard of today, likely even hydraulic.. the tank off to regularly check Air cleaner is to consider.. constant removal of connectors/pipes.. all in one indicator/tail/stop a lot of bikes carry these today, but not so much an off road orientated bike. take one or both out in the simplest mistake, you vanish to approaching traffic from behind, unless they understand O'l hand signals... Well that's just my thoughts.. Cheers

[@johnbaker2342]

I would like to get one but the nearest dealer is 200 miles away, I have 2021 himmi which is easy to service and maintain myself, a 400 mile round trip is out of the question. We did have a dealer in Aberdeen but they closed down!!

[@RioHelmi]

Hmmm I "tried out" the 411 and the KTM 390 and gave them back after 1 km each. Waiting for a 452 to show for a test ride, sounds more like my bag (thinking of either downsizing from.my old f800gs, weight is probably not the biggest issue). Kind of unfair trekking thru mud with those "dual purpose" tyres. It was interesting to see how begrudging your compliments were. Different strokes for different folks. As to the side stand, that would take a good custom welder about 45 minutes to fix

[@nathanthepostman]

If you've convinced yourself it's the right bike for you then it most likely will be.

[@ConsistentlyAwkward]

i’d like to see you take the 450MT down this trail

[@SteveInskip]

Excellent review. Thanks. Best one yet.

[@backontwowheels9469]

I think that the side stand is too short, however I test rode one last month and at 5’6” I was not put off by the lean, although I would add at least a larger foot to it and that should lift it up a bit too. I had a CRF250 Rally when I first got back into bikes in 2020 and that stand was too long, insofar as it was nearly up straight and I had to be careful with slopes etc when parking. I have mine on order and hopefully will get in the next few weeks, 🤞, my only bug bear is that I ordered the black with gold tubeless tyres, but they are not doing those yet, only black rims, so I opted for the white instead with black rims. I will be going green laning for the first time, although I did learn to ride motorbikes originally over the field when i was a nipper and grew up on an unmade road, riding pushbikes and my fizzy on them, so hopefully it wont be too steep a learning curve.

[@richardadkins6998]

Interesting initial thoughts. The tank and styling in that area looks very much like my 1996 Triumph Tiger 900. It’s heavy bike to take off the stand (and on) when fuelled up, and it’s all because that fuel his high up. But once rolling that top heaviness disappears. So maybe the 452 has similar dynamics? Shimmed valves are more involved to set. Depends on the type. Some you can get a tool to hold the valve open to change the shim (Triumph T300 series bikes for example). Others is a cam shafts out job. The problem is for a home mechanic it’s a three part job and time consuming and potentially costly. Step 1 measure the clearances and the shim fitted, do the calculation to establish the new shim thickness. To get at the shim to measure it, have to get the damn thing out. So potentially take the camshafts out and the bucket to access the shim. The measure the shim you need a micrometer, because the number etched on the shim can be worn off and if it’s a third party shim you need to confirm the thickness is actually what claims to be. From experience on a Honda CBF250 and wanting to pay genuine Honda price of £10 a shim, always check those non genuine shims to ensure it’s the thickness it purports to be. Step 2 order the shims and wait for them to arrive, which can be expensive if four shims are required. It would be interesting to see the RE pricing for shims. Triumph are expensive! Step 3, repeat step 1 but fitting the new shims. If you’ve got the calcs wrong go back to step 2 😂 Overall personally I’m not a fan of shimmed valves. The Kawasaki GPZ500 engine is 60bhp and has some go, yet uses screw and locknut. Hydraulic bucket tappets like on car engine would mean valve clearance checks would be a thing of the past… I also have a 411 Himalayan I bought a couple of months ago and I think it’s the best bike I’ve ever owned, especially the stability. Its bike that I just keep riding and every ride so far I don’t really want to go home. It’s super bike for the Yorkshire Wolds, Dales and North Yorkshire Moors and the back lanes. Not tried it on a trail off road. But the 411 is an impressive package which on cost alone this new model for me personally cannot compete with. It’s different package, especially if you do your own maintenance and repairs, for me that part of the whole ownership experience and pleasure. If you use a dealer for maintenance and servicing I’d expect to see the servicing costs are higher due to increased labour time to do the valve clearances.

[@guyonacub4335]

Love the fact that people wanted more power from the himalayan Well if your going on the trails you wont need that much And as you have just shown us Everytime you stopped the guy on the 230 was right with you On the road I dont think its worth the bother of changing from the previous model What enfield should of done was just keep the winning formula and just beef up the engine As for sevice intervals of 6k My dealer in Dumfries says you need a visual check at 3k Would like any info you have on that please Nathan as it could be dealer discretion Nice honest review 👌

[@nickmayfield6951]

Are you going to do a test of the Aprilia Tuareg 660? I'd love to see Chris ride one.

[@everythingandanything6405]

Nice one, been waiting for your breakdown of the bike, thanks

[@ogasi1798]

this will be an honest experience - looking forward to watching

[@youtuberAstar]

Between the Himalayan 452 and the MT Moto 450, which do you think is the better quality and would last longer? Thanks for sharing. From New Zealand.

[@gromit576]

The RE 452 was designed by Pierre Terblanche(formerly of Ducati and Moto Guzzi) and the Sherpa engine designed by Ben Edy.

[@nathanthepostman]

I believe it was the 411 that was designed by Terblanche.

[@hop-skip-ouch8798]

@kseth6992 was right. You did end up buying the new Himalayan.

[@phillipchandler8862]

Like others here been waiting for you to get out on a 450. I've yet to ride one but the first thing I noticed getting on one was that side stand angle. I reckon if the design won't allow the stand to be lengthened would be to remove the centre stand and get the tubeless tyre model where a puncture can be plugged in situ. Then modify the sidestand. I know that wont suit every circumstance though. I am disappointed about the weight too. Not much different to my KTM 890 R. The crash bars would give a bit of protection on a slow speed tip off. I believe there is a rally screen available that is just a bit bigger and might afford a bit more weather protection. Great to hear your thoughts Nathan. Cheers.

[@jonathanmellish4439]

Here is a proper review. I think RE are one of the few manufacturers to give us screw and locknut with most of their bikes up until now. (How about the Voge Rally ?) Shims can be done by the owner if you have the time and access isn’t a ball ache, but not out on the trail ! I did my Desmo Ducati in the kitchen over the winter months before I was married..

[@bencluroe4183]

I only spent an hour on the bike so my opinion isn’t really relevant, I did like it however it’s not perfect (what is) I thought it was very vibey over 60 and the screen is literally pointless. Taller optional screen should be standard fit. Not sure I’ll be upgrading from my 411 (also brought after your recommendation). Think I’m moving to a post 2019 cb500x. Thanks Nathan great vids mate.

[@andrewlindley837]

Great analysis Nathan.

[@quinnpeaksbiker]

Great video 👍 have been waiting to hear your thoughts!! Looking forward to part 2!

[@mynxl]

I have noticed on my own 452 that when I let the clutch out in 1st gear and use no throttle, the revs automatically rise as if to prevent a stall. Have not heard anyone mention this in any reveiw. Is this my imagination?

[@nathanthepostman]

Probably not your imagination and I'll try it next time I'm out. Suzuki called a stall assist feature and I suspect it's the switch to ride by wire throttle that's allowed them to build in an automatic fluffer to avoid stalling, much like the euro 5 BMW 310 GS does

[@EngtecTrials]

Our petrol Skoda car will pull away with out touching the pedal bit like a diesel !!

[@Stefan_trekkie]

Nathans is one of the best people to tell you what the bikes really are. I will be very interested to hear about the engine feel and vibes after 2-3k km or so. Kudos, Nathan .. Are you going to get the CF moto 450 mt as well?

[@nathanthepostman]

There's a good chance of that yes

[@grumpsrides42]

Having yesterday, test rode/filmed my review, of the 450, I personally, really like it. I like the looks, I think the suspension, comfort and power, are a definite improvement. However, I agree, the side stand is 'way' too short, making it difficult to lift off the stand. I also found, it was quite 'revvy', at slow riding and pulling away?! I found I needed to rev higher, and slip the clutch more than the old Himalayan. Other than that, great bike.

[@craigjohnson6597]

I think they have nailed the looks. Looks like a purposeful big bike. The triumph looks like a toy

[@allanotoole3304]

If you turn the front wheel in instead of out when parked it doesn’t feel that heavy🤔

[@nathanthepostman]

The bars are turned to the right. In comparison to other bikes in this class it does feel heavy imo and iis the first thing most people say when they sit on the bike. Obviously all relative

[@allanotoole3304]

@@nathanthepostman I’m looking for another bike and it sounds like it would suit me especially with low seat option (short arse 😀)

[@user-ps6qi9fi4o]

Brilliant honest review. I had one for a full day Monday gone. Picked it up with 3 miles on - returned it late afternoon with 165 miles I did not go off road but spent most of the time on country lanes, absolutely loved it, Didn't want to take it back. Kept it under 5k revs as requested by the dealer, And I stuck to this as someone else will buy it. Loved the motor, The superb gearbox, clutch feel & engagement window, Suspension, brakes. All 1st class Next summer 🙂

[@joepphoto]

The opinion I was looking out for!

[@me_bikerider]

Good review. I used to have a 411 and did a test ride on a 450 last week on road only and wasn’t too impressed. It did feel too heavy for me and extra power yes it was there but what’s the point if you cannot sit comfortably at say 70 due to shitty screen. Waiting for part 2.

[@buzzlightyear1484]

What shitty screen. Its upgradeable.

[@bobbmw4332]

Hi Nathan, I follow you on KZbin. Could you give me an idea which is the best or usable soft luggage for the Royal Enfield 411 seen you do a lot of travelling and you're down to earth with your comments. If you could get back to me, I would appreciate it.

[@nick1bb1]

Great real world test as usual👍I'd be very interested to hear your thoughts on Kove 450, I appreciate its a fair bit more expensive and not really in the same category but given the similar displacement ?? have you ridden one?

[@matusknives]

I am with you on the looks - like something AI generator would produce. But hey, if it rides, it rides. I am really curious whether we will get a 450 Scram.

[@ユキヒョウ229]

My biggest issue with this bike is it feels rather like a lateral move rather than a step forward for RE. A lot of time and engineering went into it and it doesn't necesarilly show to me. Perhaps they will use the engine for a future more enduro focused platform but I doubt it.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yes I almost feel the same. I'm not sure they were clear on what they were trying to achieve with it. I almost wonder if the project was hijacked slightly by the need for it to be 'great' off road. A desire to build a race horse, rather than another donkey. Maybe the 650 twin Himalayan was the bike they should have built. But I'm definitely keen to find out where this one finds it's place.

[@morri03]

How is it not better than the 411 in every single way?

[@nathanthepostman]

@@morri03 Weight, serviceability, price, looks.

[@SezerPAL]

So how come you didn’t buy new Himalayan but Triumph Scrambler 400x (coming from other video)

[@joshdoddadbod]

I think the new 390 adventure will be that more expensive and lighter bike. I think the 452 will have a large following though. Seems like a good bike. I just wouldnt be taking it on any singletrack. I am still waiting for a good 450cc dual sport to come out and hope yamaha is secretly working on it but i think that is just a dream.

[@BikingChap]

Thanks Nathan, great common sense review as ever. Re the styling I get the appeal of the utilitarian earlier model but the challenge on this model I guess is to broaden the appeal and inevitably that brings compromise. I personally prefer the less utilitarian looks but the really jarring bit is the side view of the tank. My eye keeps being drawn to it and not in a good way. For me it’s mostly the lower edge kicking up towards the front that looks all wrong. The bike overall looks far better in black as it hides the tank shape better but the good wheels are just a bit ott. Unlike you I tend to be tarmac focussed so I’d be happy with the weight I think BUT it’s the same as an NX500 and that’s got to be a better road bike for not that much more than a Himi with nice paint and tubeless wheels. So is it too heavy for the trails and too little performance on road for the money or as good a compromise as you’ll get if you want something that’ll do both?

[@unrealshots]

how do you find the headlight not following the direction of the bars at night?

[@leeinwis]

It no problem, you forget about it very quickly , I have the crf rally.

[@nockianlifter661]

Have you ridden the Tuareg 660 ? It’s another ground up design.

[@nathanthepostman]

Ridden one briefly. Cracking engine. A monster machine! I personally still find it a big bike - tall - and so it wouldn't be my choice as a travel/trail bike but I know owners seem to love them

[@nockianlifter661]

@@nathanthepostman I was thinking comparable weight and comfort over distance. Too tall for me. Tuono 660 was perfect though, but it’s never going near the trails 😂 Got the Fantic and Serrow for that job.

[@nathanthepostman]

@@nockianlifter661 Ha. No, I don't think I'd fancy the Tuono up Heartbreak Hill either! Toureg probably a bit too much bike and a bit too much complexity for me.

[@nockianlifter661]

@@nathanthepostman For bashing off some distance over a short time frame I prefer some extra power, but for everywhere else 40bhp is easily sufficient. It’s torque really for making progress on back lanes and trails. Is the Tuareg really any more complex than the 450 ? 2 cylinders, the rest is pretty standard these days with most of it being electronics. Compared to the CCM or my XT250, yes, wildly complex😆. I’m off to Spain on Sunday, I’d happily take the Serrow if I had several weeks.

[@Miamivice74]

Does the new model fire laser beams?

[@leeinwis]

HAARP is real

[@vincenash1358]

Great review ! Are you going to the ABR again this year with the bikes Nathan ?

[@nathanthepostman]

Unfortunately not Vince. Center parcs with the family instead

[@vincenash1358]

Ah that’s a shame for me 😂 but great for you and the family 👍

[@lestersmyth692]

Thanks for an awesome true to life review. Obviously an improvement over previous but has some annoying features IMHO. I can’t for the life of me understand why they offer tubeless and tubed variants, the screen is far too small and the archaic looking bars around the tank area do nothing for looks or weight and no hand guards. I also think the short side stand issue you highlighted would frustrate me too, it really leans over. Otherwise I quite like it 😁 but wouldn’t rush out to buy one.

[@ianseddon9347]

Well - I’m better informed, but none the wiser! Do I want to replace my much modded 411? I guess the answer is ‘there’s only a moderate hurry before all ICE bikes are banned’ so I’ll wait for the next video….. thanks Nathan!

[@nathanthepostman]

Just give one a try when you can. Swings and roundabouts!

[@jimmydickson8854]

In India when a coupl goes to the shops the hang there bags on the front bars and Indians drive on the back break hence the side bang for buck it good value what it says on the tin it dose nothing comes close to it I think ,Jimmy Australia

[@Bob-oo7sm]

Lovely review Nathan.when did you order your bike.I ordered mine at the beginning of Feb.I ordered the white tubeless model but still waiting for delivery .I'm in Devon also

[@nathanthepostman]

I think I ordered it around then, but this is a cheapo tubed version so less demand and quicker supply

[@Bob-oo7sm]

@@nathanthepostman agree.that's the bad point with RE they never seem to be able to keep to time frame with delivery dates .

[@paramarky]

You're lucky have such a plethora of green lanes handy chum.

[@olrenison]

'Visually it's a bit of a shower of shit.' Spot on 😂

[@maxflight777]

Love Nathan’s honesty and integrity… tells it how it is 😂

[@BobsBikingAdventures]

Wow those lanes have dried up a lot! New Himalayan sounds like a great bike to ride. Just don't look at it. 😅

[@nathanthepostman]

Yeah haven't they just!

[@kepa504]

Interceptor has the same heave compared to a triumph twin

[@cangaroojack]

i was WAITING for this video, and for everyone else commenting, boys this is not a review! This is his first impressions at best, and i look forward to the updates he always does with other bikes, since i'm really curioys how this bike does on the long run! As for the air filter, i was honestly so fking disappointed when i found out that it was under the tank, what were they thinking! But i've watched a couple of videos and it seems they have half thought about it and made the tank fairly easy to remove, still a baffling decision, thankfully not a disastrous one

[@yorkchris10]

It really seems like a BMW 450 GS, but with a steel tank. Pretty much a global bike too.

[@nathanthepostman]

Absolutely spot on with that comment. It does feel like what BMW should be building if they were taking this market seriously

[@SalopianBivvyman]

I prefer the look of the old Himalayan.

[@skaraborgcraft]

Its been a week of several utubers complaining about vibes on brand new bikes, but those reviewers usually give a run down of what clothes they are wearing too. Sgt Bentos keeping it real. Pity about the shims, old XR/XL/XT could chuck out over 45hp on lock-nut valve adjustment. Shims are a deal breaker for me.