Roundup from Motorcycle Live - what caught my eye. (mainly smaller travel bikes)

[@johngatland]

Best bike channel, period. Honest chat. No blowing smoke here...

[@1990-t1j]

I agree.

[@alfordmick]

@@1990-t1jMe too 👍🏻

[@fuglbird]

Just a brat who apparently skipped school.

[@jeffs2485]

Yeah, knows the bikes and the prices. And has an opinion.

[@angusrobinson5909]

Thanks Nathan. I’m the man sat on the back of the Multistrada with my dad looking on…I’ve sent it to my Ducati Multistrada pals with your comment on the video…’Ducatis, owned by boys who like carrying boys on the back’!!😂😂

[@Trev350]

Interesting point you make about "where does the lightness come from". Well, it's not coming from the use of exotic alloys because the bikes are too cheap to be dripping with that kind of thing. So I'm guessing that lightness comes from the complete absence of material. Thin frame tubes, exhausts/silencers wafer thin etc. .. you simply can't magic up some lightness. People often comment that royal Enfield bikes seem a bit heavy. Well yes, they are a bit, but that's because they are built tough. Chunky frames, solid stands, steel rather than plastic, solid wheels,. Everything is tough and durable; really robust. If you think about the road conditions in India, it's clear why they are built chunky. I'll take heavy and robust over flimsy and light every time.

[@seH2i]

Well said.

[@AceMcMoron]

BMW built the G650x triplets 20 years ago, around 155kg wet. Apart from the aluminum subframes in the first batch that had to reinforced for heavy off-road use, they turned out to be tough. The industry could build 150kg 650-ies if they intended to..

[@leslieaustin151]

If that’s where they get the lightness then it signals a change of build-type (but not necessarily quality) in China. I had a Chinese bike a few years ago and the frame tubes were very thick-walled and heavy, much heavier than needed for a 125cc - I cut one through to shorten the sub-frame, which is how I found out. That was not a bad little bike, despite the bad press people give to Chinese stuff, though there were bits that could have been better. Do you get what you pay for? Sometimes.. plenty of people bought KTM twins, paying a lot of money, and found that quality doesn’t always come with high prices.

[@seH2i]

@leslieaustin151 I rode an SSR xf250 dual purpose for 3 years. I'm 66 years of age around 230 pounds, disabled veteran. On road & off road I have no complaints about that SSR bike. Mind you, I've been riding for 55 years so this isn't an amateur point of view. At the time in 2020 I purchased that xf250 based on reviews and price. Recently I upgraded to a 2024 KLR 650. By nature I've been a Harley guy first & a dirt bike/dual purpose bike rider second. I rode those Italian Harley badged Aermacchis in the 70's. I had hoped that Harley would commit to a smaller version of the Pan American as rumors abounded. Well, nothing of the sort transpired - big bikes, Harley is about producing big bikes mostly. But I'm tolerant and open minded and use common sense when it comes to motorcycles wherever they're produced. No small Harley adventure bike produced after the 2018 introduction of the Pan American? They had 6 years to do it !!! I'm rambling. My point is Harley badged small displacement Aermacchi motorcycles in the 60's and 70's were somewhat successful.

[@leslieaustin151]

@@seH2i Interesting comment, though not sure what it has to do with mine regarding Chinese bike quality. I remember the Aermacchi bikes very well, watched them being raced at Brands Hatch in Kent. Harley has had many chances to turn itself around and make decent bikes that would sell world-wide, the Aermacchi chance being (in my opinion) the best one. I once helped a friend strip a WW2 Canadian Harley. I was not really impressed. I’m also an old codger, 78 back in the summer. Ride safe mate. Les

[@richardredding9632]

Good video. Thanks for your positivity on the small bike segment. Best show video so far.

[@nathanthepostman]

Cheers Richard

[@TobotronPrime]

A lot of dealers just aren’t adapting to the market - I walked into a shop in Poole, all the staff ignored me, one one guy that moved the bikes around was really helpful, the others and possibly the owner just seemed uninterested. Well I bought a CFMOTO 450MT a couple of weeks later from another shop that treated me like a customer. I’m happy for dealers to keep closing so long as the good ones stay open.

[@goldilocks913]

Glad you could get hold of one, really love everything about these bikes. Enjoy!!👍

[@nathanthepostman]

Yeah totally agree. Most bike shops just haven't moved with the times and sold the dream rather than the product. Must be intimidating for a new rider going in to a shop and wondering where to start. I bet most don't. Always amused me, we lived in a town that had a bike shop with a prime inner traffic jam viewpoint. Ideal for flogging bikes to folk sat in cars. Never did anything innovative to catch the eye. Just sat there waiting for someone to come in any buy a bike

[@nowillnoway]

I have to say, the Triumph dealer that Nathan mentioned closing was my local one, and they'd always done good by me. In that instance I can't help but wonder if being grouped with the Harley dealer on the other side of the car park was dragging things down. Not that we'll ever be able to, but I'd be really interested to see how their numbers compare. I also remember my mum commenting after dropping me up to get the bike, that there must be some portion of riders that got put off from even going into either of the dealers, because of the disdainful looks you'd get from the Harley group rides setting out from the dealer on a weekend morning - heaven forbid you should drive past their dealership in a *car* to get to the triumph car park! Interestingly, the pair were the only dealers not to have a cafe *inside* the dealership(s) - the burger van outside was top notch and fairly priced, but it was still outside. The local BMW dealer by contrast has a deal with at least one of the local schools for free tea/coffee in the cafe for instructors and students on training. Naturally during my training we ended up in there admiring the GS's and/or the s1000r's on most days.

[@TobotronPrime]

@@nowillnoway what I would like to see from dealers in general is not a club sandwich of random bikes squished up next to each other that occupy 99% of the shop floorspace. Instead put their main models on display like you would see at an event stand. Make the RE Himi look like it's in the mountains, make the Honda GB350S look like it's parked outside a café AND have a damn café in the shop and give customers a free drink when they come in. People buy from stores that look after them and look to see them to buy the right machine, those people go back for the servicing and to buy their next bike and tell their friends to go there. A lot of dealers are like jumble stores. They should put the jumble out the back and sell it online and keep the fresh stuff/big sellers up front presented how customers imagine themselves on them. Its not easy of course but I don't think it should be that hard for any company that wants to make it happen.

[@everythingandanything6405]

@@TobotronPrime was that Poole Moto? I have used without issue, been keen to keep my business, so far!

[@pitchwife7573]

'obviously popular with the boys who like boys on the back' near choked to death on my tea thanks for that :)

[@Trev350]

@@pitchwife7573 they should consider a Benda instead

[@MarkOneMoto]

Same here 😂

[@alfordmick]

Yet more great content, I wish more creators were prepared to voice an opinion. Always worth watching, thank you.

[@nathanthepostman]

Thanks alford

[@Followthebeard]

Great honest feedback and review as always Nathan. Laugh out loud at the Ducati multistrada quip, for boys who like boys on the back 😂😂😂😂😂😂 never change mate, never change.

[@davejenvey3598]

He needs the Benda lol.

[@mikereed7887]

Nice one 👍......That CF Moto 450 MT looks impressive 👍

[@IanSixbikes-by6ei]

Interesting review of the smaller (mid size) bikes, personally I think this is the sector where we will see sales grow, the new concept BMW 450 and Kawasaki KLE being cases in point. As for the Chinese built bikes, it's getting difficult to ignore them , they look good , appear well built and competitively priced so I am sure we are a lot more of them on the roads in the coming years. Good to see you covering the new CCM, you are pretty much in a class of one on CCM coverage at Motorcycle Live.

[@timbo9200]

Had a great day at the show on the Monday. Interestingly, every bike i looked at was the same bikes youve featured. Not surprising Nathan, as youre the reason i bought my 411 Himmy. Now with 25k trouble free miles on it, and no plans to change to anything else.

[@paulmullany7147]

Cheers Nathan. I could see the appeal for that DRZ. Hopefully they price it low and encourage a strong aftermarket so people can build the bike they want from a good starting point. Paul

[@BikingChap]

I'm old enough to remember the original and the DR350 before it, none were cheap but then they were a premium product. Does the market still want a premium offer in this segment? We'll see, let's hope so.

[@loki1066]

Great to see a video from someone who knows what he's on about. Just watched Nobby nobbs saying 'wow look at this and wow looks at that' for a hour.

[@johnharris7353]

I do like the looks of the Fantic.

[@leslieaustin151]

Good review Nathan, thanks. People like you save me a lot of money by doing a proper run-down on shows, and saving me the ‘joy’ (not) of attending in person. Well done the Sidecar Guys though, that looked a good idea. Still like the Himi, but I’m not even spending that much on a bike. My Serow and Innova Special do all I ask on two wheels. Les

[@rwriddell]

I think we spotted brother Dave hiding behind his coffee cup! Good vid, thanks Nathan!

[@colinmills3274]

Nice one Nathan, straight talking and concise report. People watch this because they respect and value your judgement and experience.....cheers matey.

[@robormsby7259]

Great real world video when we know these are your actual views and opinions and not what the manufacturer's might want you to hear 👏 good stuff 👍

[@williamlylecameron9345]

Thanks for another great video Nathan, an excellent summary of Motorcycle Live and in my opinion the best so far. I wouldn't expect anything less.

[@Papanchasonline]

Fantastic walk about, just as good as going along myself! Thanks for this mate - easy, breezy, detailed. Great to hear your thoughts, and you've updated me on most of 2025 in 25 mins

[@ashleymarkrhodes1571]

I'm with you on those, Nathan-the CCM was great!

[@williamrae9954]

Not twice the Fantic price great...£4500 buys you the current Caballero 500,before the new twin cam arrives!

[@ourspanishadventures]

Great round up of the show. Thanks 👍

[@gordonwood3184]

Nice to see someone doing review,s on the smaller cc bike,s 👍

[@Thegeordiemonkey]

6795 for the Enfield bear 650, 100 quid plus for the top spec model, was on my want list but the BSA scrambler looks lovely so waiting for more info.

[@goldilocks913]

What worries me about the bsa is the recent hiccup with the manufacturer and dealers . Other than that looks a cracking fun bike. Love the yellow tank

Thanks Nathan I enjoyed that. On the Voge, I read somewhere that it has the f850 engine bored out to 900cc as opposed to the new f900 engine which is an all new design. I may be wrong but it’s what I read.

[@simonmillard8337]

First time seeing one of your videos, really like the approach / knowledge you apply to each bike & see it for what it is. I've been riding for a few years and I can already see how easily people are sold to, they buy bikes that aren't suitable / overpowered or otherwise all the same. I really appreciate build quality and simplicity over gadgets and screens. I liked your comments on the Royal Enfield, for me the Himalayan 411 was ture to its core but the 450 with rider modes and tech it doesn't really know what it is anymore. If it had analogue gauges I think it would be be a class of its own. Thanks again. Subscribed.

[@OrangeManStan]

The CCM is an interesting bike. Old school look, similar to the original Himalayan which i think is appealing to the majority audience that is buying these bikes. The front radiator side panels aren't needed in my opinion, keep it rugged looking so that you're not scared to damage it when you drop it. The only issue is it will be £13000 like most of the CCM's which is ridiculous 😅

[@biker_dale]

Thanks Nathan, saved me a load of money going down. Loved the honest opinions from a bloke who knows what he's talking about. Everyones had their day and it seems it's India's and China's time to shine with some really good practical and cost efective bikes. Good luck to them I say.

[@nathanthepostman]

Thanks dale but I did stuff it up on the fantic caballero. So I need more knowledge and wisdom!

[@biker_dale]

@nathanthepostman To be fair most bikes probably sell on the looks first and you did a good job getting round and showing us what was there. We all need a little more knowledge and wisdom 😊

[@CannyDanny]

I do love the look of the CCM "Project X", looks to have good power, is lightweight and I really like the retro Dakar styling. However, I saw on someone's photos of it that the price is £15k! For me that's just too much, 5-10 and it would sell well, but I can't imagine it'll do very well at that price, which is a real shame.

[@phillipchandler8862]

Thanks for that Nathan. The voice of unbiased summing up and experience. Just imagine dropping that big GS at speed off road the damage and repair bill😭 Good to see Honda getting competitive on pricing with a couple of bikes especially the new Hornet. The Chinese are innovating and pushing the market and it seems Honda is the first of the big boys to start responding. New KTM 390 looks very interesting but I've a feeling the price may affect sales. We will see. Cheers Nathan all the best.

[@mikepittard7249]

Always the voice of reason. Makes you realise you don't need all the flash to have a practical machine

[@jamesfairmind2247]

No AJP there? Shame because I would like to hear your thoughts on the new PR7 which after all, is under 600 cc (even though they say 650) and is a genuine lightweight rally style bike with a big 17 litre under-seat tank.

[@nathanthepostman]

I rode one a while back. I liked it. But too focussed for my type of use and unfortunately it's reputation for reliability proceeds it

[@jamesfairmind2247]

@@nathanthepostman I understand that the 22/23 model has had a big revamp to the electronics etc. The engine is a trustworthy unit and easy to work on.

[@nathanthepostman]

​@@jamesfairmind2247yes that engine must be solid given it's length of service. Would be good if reliability is now cast iron. I suspect biggest rival is the kove 450 but sadly no ajp at the show. I think the cost of attending makes it unviable

[@everythingandanything6405]

Top class, thanks Nathan, a bit of sanity navigating the show, bought a bike while i was there???

[@RichardKnight-cb5px]

Enjoyed my day at motorcycle live, I tend to go every 3 years as not enough changes IMO to go every year. But I burst out laughing when I saw a bike called a Benda - no matter how good it is, could you imagine telling your mates what you were riding ? Nope…….😂

[@dalefletcher2951]

As always, great review Nathan. On the point about dealers. I think they’ve had their day. They add cost for not enough added value, as you can see bikes at shows, see loads of reviews, and there's no reason you couldn't order direct. The only thing missing is a proper test facility at shows. All other retailers, like us, have had to close or rethink strategy, so why are bike and motorcycle dealers any different? At least there is the service and repair side, plus selling a few essentials that need professional fitting. They could have buyers' bikes delivered to them and assemble them, then add all the bits people want. This would save the consumer 10-20%, or the dealer blitzing the margin and earning nothing, saving the dealer half a million to a million in stocking costs and huge premises, rates, heat, more staff, and what must be massive insurance. People just have to accept times change.

[@everythingandanything6405]

I remember back in the 80s and 90s I was employed as a mobile service engineer, best bit of the job was visiting all the bike shops around the South, made the travelling tolerable (a bit). Motorcycle City and Heine Gerrick in Portsmouth, used bike store in Southampton, biggish dealer in Farnham, all gone. No more whiling away and hour or so dreaming.

[@Metro6am]

Love the look of those Fantics

[@marthinusvorster]

Thanks for the post. Hope you were not on your feet for too long and had very comfortable shoes. Lots to think about. What got my blood flowing and gave me heart a little flutter was that CCM. ❤❤❤ My goodness, what a stunning looking machine. Where would one take it? Well...just send one down under to AUS and I'll show you. If they bring that stunner out in the Dakar camel colour it will be to steal for. CCM not available for us in AUS. I'll have to longway it 😅.

[@andymac3391]

It's the lack of money in people's pockets very few have disposable income anymore due to wage stagnation I love motorcycle's but just can't afford one anymore the rich have got considerably richer and the poor considerably poorer.

[@nathanthepostman]

Yes. Bike prices seem to have remained stable and even cheaper than ever, but we just don't have the coin in the pocket for them like we used to it seema

[@LoneAmigo17]

Great video with honesty well done Nathan 😉

[@wozza59]

I really enjoyed this good honest and down to earth review. I see RE have just announced a 440 Scram with the old air cooled long stroke engine taken out to 440. It would be good to see your take on this new Scram when it finally hits these shores in the late spring.

[@LeweyHooks]

Nice summary Nathan thank you - we are going through a big change of how anything is bought, not a good change but a change nevertheless and bike dealerships need to change too. see; high street banks, Amazon, Polestar - there will always be dealerships but it will be the exception not the rule. (until it does full circle and trends realise it's nicer to chat someone and sit on a bike/take it for a ride)

[@tigerick7291]

Were you wearing your invisibility cloak that day.🙂 Great walk round and i love your common sense approach regarding affordable cost and ability vs tech, power and sky high price tags.

[@dan123collins]

That Adventure 390 R looks like the star of the show for me. I was glad to see the DR-Z back, I feel they should also release a “rally” version of the DRZ as that would spike alot of interest. Finally what are Honda messing about at by not releasing a CRF 450 based adventure bike ?! Fit proper suspension, keep it light and it would sell like hot cakes.

[@djwolf7280]

Good stuff Nathan. I love seeing some of the niche bikes you filmed. Also enjoy hearing your unfiltered opinions instead of the sugar-coated chatter elsewhere. Thoughts on this vid - that Benda looks incredible; reminds me of a few different bikes from the past. Even if it rides like crap, I’m thrilled to see smaller-displacement v-twins being made again, no matter what country they are from. I forget where, but I saw an EICMA video with one of the better-known manufacturers showing off a ~400-550-ish V. I’ll edit this comment if I spot that bike again. - A lot of people are defending the new dr-z4’s five gears. The thing I find silly about that argument is, how many people would have complained about Suzuki adding a 6th gear? I can’t imagine it’s nearly as many people as those upset it doesn’t. I was really looking forward to a new drz4 as a better alternative for my needs than the crf300l rally. Oh well, Suzuki won’t be getting my money. For city dwellers, Hourlong 70+ mph freeway rides in the USA are common to reach good dirt. Stunningly deaf oversight by Suzuki. - I really love the looks of the Royal Enfield Classic 350, but need more engine (450cc minimum to ~800 max is generally my preferred size on the road). The 650cc Classic nails my sweet spot, but not a single one of the 2025 offerings looks good to my eyes. Maybe in 2026. - Never heard of CCM before. The “Maverick” you recorded looks amazing. Love that frame and swingarm. Website claims 600cc with modest power/torque (hopefully that means reliable), and only 150Kg. Wish we could get that in the USA. - zero interest in an electric bike. Crap range, and the “city” angle makes me laugh as well. At least here in the US, why would I want to pay insurance and be forced to obey all sorts of stricter traffic laws versus an electric bicycle? Now a hybrid motorcycle in the other hand… done right, that could be amazing for both performance and fuel efficiency. I don’t know much about Kawasaki’s current bike, but we need more of this. Motorcycle braking is perfect for this.

[@derekm6236]

I think the industry from top to bottom has overplayed the "premium" card and the chickens are now coming home to roost. You can only spend money once and motorcycles are now lifestyle items, not daily transport. Multistradas at 30 Grand? How many times have Ducati gone broke/changed hands? Doing the same thing and expecting different results comes to mind.

[@MarkOneMoto]

Best video of the event Nathan mate, hats off..the KTM 390 stands out for me (depending on price). Great to see the DRZ back but I kind of expected more and the headligh just looks daft. The BMW concept is interesting, but will probably be stupidly priced. It’s going to be an interesting year..looking forward to seeing what Kawasaki reveal with the new bike..my first love was a KMX125 in 1988..how I drooled over that bike in the window of Ken’s Motorcycles on Westgate Hill sigh…anyhow, for me personally…the best options out there are the CF, Voge 300 rally and the new KTM 390 which looks a cracker..let’s hope it’s priced well. Great video as always Nathan..appreciate your honest no nonsense approach as always 👏🏼

[@chrisbittlestone9264]

Hi mate. Regarding the Voge 900, up to the frame, everything is the same construction-wise as my new BMW F900GS, but @10 bhp less (not that you’d notice it, I guess). I had not seen it when I got the GS but, at this early stage, I’d probably have gone for the Beemer, anyway.

[@lucke1022]

That Honda CB 350 is sold for years in India, Japan and all over Asia and it is much better put together than the Royal Enfield 350 range. Better Engine, better fuelling, suspension, brakes... and so on. At least what's everyone in India says about the Honda. But it's much more expensive than the RE in India. Not in Europe though, will be a top seller for sure. Nice long Stroke Engine and extremely fuel efficient.

[@m2menuiserie540]

As you probably know, the CB 350 is made in India. I'm puzzled as to why it's taken so long to get to Europe. I doubt it broke down in Afghanistan.

[@BikingChap]

@@m2menuiserie540 the CB350S will be made in Japan from '25.

[@BikingChap]

Exactly and built in Japan from '25. Bless 'im though Nathan loves anything from China, quite likes anything made in India but to seems loathe anything from Japan ;)

[@nathanthepostman]

​@@BikingChapcome off it. That honda won't be made in Japan. Assembled maybe. But if you think they're cranking out the components for a £4k honda in Japan then you're on cloud cuckoo land. If honda were still made in Japan and we're of the quality that gave them their name then crack on. But sadly they're not.

[@Mackie01]

I have the GB350 here in Australia and can confirm it's made in Japan at their Kumamoto Factory as will all the European ones

[@yellownev]

Thanks for the video, not gone this year weather and not much new for me to be interested in. Only one bike there that I'd buy if i didn't have my Himmys (411) and thats the CFmoto 450. I've a good dealer close to me so that always is a bonus. Just didn't do anything much more ( for me) than my trusty 411. Your fault by the way I got another 411 ( 2 now) I rode your stock one earlier in the year and concluded despite all the tweaks to my 20k one there wasn't the difference to warrant the cost and wear the 'performance' cams put on the valve heads. Loved the day with you and came away knowing I still had the best bike !! Ride safe and keep that content coming.

[@stevex11sdw]

“Popular with boys who like boys on the back”. Priceless! 😂

[@PhilBradbury-oo2ue]

Nathen thanks for the walk round the show ,the tidy on brand names both in cars and bikes is turning ,ive had suzuki bikes from a kid gp 100 rgv 250 and now at 57 a v-strom 250 which when I had it new 7 years ago was disappointed it was made in china but have loved every miniute of owning it.2 up wales whitby rain winter it hasn't missed a beat.Do I need honda bmw or suzuki on the tank no I don't think so any more cf moto have proved themselves with a little help from you ,your a star and walk the walk bad back and all.

[@LiviuXSA]

starting off a 26 minute video with a burp, epic!

[@nathanthepostman]

To be honest I didn't realise that was on until you mentioned it. Poor editing, and manners!

[@LiviuXSA]

@nathanthepostman dont worry mate, it adds to the charm!

[@AShaw-bd4fy]

😂😂

[@micahnuckols]

I bought a 2024 KTM 250xc-w for $11k. At the end of the season, they let them go for $8k. The bike was around $12k MSRP. I don't haggle or negotiate. I picked that place because it was $1k cheaper than anywhere around plus, they have a park with miles of trails to ride and I want to support that. It's a dealership that's in it because they love it.

[@peterlamb87]

Interesting summary Nathan. Good to hear your opinions. The market is certainly changing, and in many different ways. I thought it was telling that there wasn’t a single person on the Can-Am stand looking at the electric bikes. The cheap 20bhp Hondas’ looked dismal. If they think they’re going to challenge Enfield with those they’ll need to think again!

[@Bordpie]

As someone with a 2024 Svartpilen 125, the KTM adventure style bike looks the most interesting, as it appears to be the same chassis (same as the 2024 Duke 390, Svartpilen 401, Vitpilen 401 etc.). I hope Husqvarna are working on an equivalent model, maybe like a Norden 401 perhaps? I do prefer the Husqvarna styling, and at least for my bike, they have all the same features as the KTM (or more) while being slightly cheaper. The Svartpilen is great as a road bike, but with only 17'' rims, and rearward footpegs it struggles even as a scrambler. Hopefully KTM can turn their prospects around with this model.

[@christianweller4288]

Interesting what you say about the Voge/BMW tie up. I’ve lived and worked in and around China for 27 years and German companies have been very successful at exporting quality control, (some would say too successful). Lots of. building product and Automotive joint ventures have been very successful.

[@BikingChap]

BMW are the last people to be showing anyone quality control, Yamaha or Honda maybe...

[@christianweller4288]

@@BikingChap Thats very true today , and personally I'd always go toward Honda nowadays. Back in the early 2000s when CN was modernising our Teutonic friends were well ahead of the game. I remember Shanghai where every vehicle was either a VW or a bicycle.

[@nickexarheas2880]

At last an interesting and honest review! We want simpler and cheaper bikes!

[@planefrog]

Just got back from the show and think if the Chinese can get a good reputation for back up they've got it made. All the Chinese bikes looked premium, well finished. That Voge 800x was a real eye opener. I've seen reviews and there's nothing really bad being said about it. The established manufacturers should be worried. Agree with Nathan the RE Bear looks great and feels great when sat on it. The BSA scrambler looked good but felt cramped with more weight on my wrists than I'd like, a much sportier riding position. Another no nonsense video and fair reflection the show, cheers Nathan.

[@BikingChap]

Of course the 'established' manufactures are worried but if the market wants under-developed bikes with short service intervals, dodgy spares back and a sparse dealer network I'm sure the Japanese will deliver that in time too.

[@misAdventuresonGenie-uw8bu]

Thanks for that mate. Means I don't have to go!

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Hoping Kove soon start being sold in Australia & Voge too!

[@BilfCushion]

I love that new Suzuki DRZ4S, I’d have one but most of my bikes have been from Suzuki

[@railcut]

Nathan, I wish you'd get off the fence! Haha! Yours is the only bike channel, that includes reviews, that I regularly follow where I know there's going to be no BS, just a refreshing, unpolished, honest content. Don't ever change. Bike channel I regularly follow that doesn't include reviews? Itchy Boots. An amazing woman. P.S. Still hoping you might find yourself somewhere near Bromsgrove next year, and able to pop in on a club night.

[@joh8379]

China bikes force European an Japan manufacturers to come of their high horse. I recently bought a good Chinese bike and it's lovely

[@JimLuders]

Hi from NZ. Early Himmies were a game changer over here and now CF Moto 450 the top seller. Still display only and you need to pre order. Would be going nuts if plenty on the floor. Older riders like me want basic, reasonably priced lighter bikes, we have alot of metal roads and our speed limit is 100 km if your lucky!

[@MaxUtley]

Best round up and agree on those Kove and CF Motos -

[@jurassic690]

It's really quite a complex market situation at the monent. Japanese (and to some extent Euro) manufacturers making bikes that people don't want at very high retail prices and the this tsunami of Chinese bikes costing way less and filling the niches that the established manufacturers have neglected. I just had a look on Autotrader and CRFs are still being advertised at full whack by Honda dealers, it's really not that hard to see why dealers are struggling. The Chinese just seem to be so much more agile in being able to bring bikes to the market that people are interested in owning and at great prices. How long until dealers start ditching the established manufacturers and jump in bed with the Chinese? That KTM 390R does look lovely though, imagine if they can price it competitively (somewhere not too far north of the MT450). Interesting times.

[@Keilnoth]

I have a hard time understanding the enjoyment for CFMoto. I tried one and it was feeling so cheap, full of plastic, nothing was tightly fixed, everything was vibrating in some way. A Royal Enfield in comparison is solid and well built. Royal Enfield are rust buckets though, I don't know if the new models are better, but I hope. The RE Bear looks amazing. I have an Inty 650 and just enjoy it so much, even with the "lack of power", it is just so nice to ride. Obviously, if you want an adrenaline rush every time you turn the throttle, it's not for you.

[@frankpinion4937]

Dealership has just closed in Christchurch-First European Motorcycles who were the Royal Enfield agent in Christchurch.

[@brandonwells9384]

I think one reason dealers are struggling is people just dont have the money to spend on bikes. At least here in the US everything is so expensive you can't afford a bike over $9k. I went with the X Cape. I have almost 5k miles now and love it. My wife is riding a Himi 411. My son is on a KLR. All 3 can be purchased new for less than $18k. We spaced the purchases out over 3 years. Smaller cheaper bikes are helping smaller dealers stay alive.

[@digdilem]

Great reviews, Nathan - appreciate your knowledge and experience. You mentioned MCN's review of the Enfield. Honestly, I'm surprised you found an article on MCN! It seems to be mostly advertorials now. Shame.

[@dankorolyk5917]

Great perspective mate

[@nathanthepostman]

Cheers Dan

[@mark.e.p]

Can't even get a demo on the MT450 until end of April in the UK.

[@davecornish6716]

CFmoto 450MT costs £100 more in a Malaysia dealer than the UK but it comes with the full 3 x box luggage system and they have them in stock ready to go.

[@AlexOnABoat]

I do like the CCM, not that I want one, but it's got that early Dakar bike look. As for the BMW, maybe there's scope for the GSA version, with a 21"/18" combo.

[@ronanrogers4127]

Depending on price, I think the new DRZ will sell well. Maybe not in the UK, but in the US, Australia etc they’re an ideal adventure bike once Safari etc sell a large tank

[@TwoWheelerSparky]

"They're gonna have to give us a little bit more than a front wheel". 😆

[@aDutchy1975]

Thank you :) it will be a MT 450 or 390 R for me in 2025. Coming from 2019 himalayan.

[@peakrider4886]

Cheers Nathan, I was at the show today, was very busy, more so than in your video. What was I excited about? Certainly the KLE whenever Kawasaki decide to reveal it to us, KTM looked very good, seat height too tall for me, but depends on the shock compression and how slim that seat is, but CF Moto 450MT was my favourite. I can see why you like it so much. Disappointed the Mondial 452 Mud and the Moto Morini Allthrike were absent. Did you notice nearly all of those MotoGB Chinese bikes had E5 stickers on the tank? Makes me a little nervous as to why they are doing that.

[@speedfinder1]

Thanks for posting. Looking at the whole business of motorcycling in general, from a, "Who's doing well point of view?" Small, one-man and two-man band type operation, motorcycle shops seem to be thriving with their small overheads. They are not so "Premium looking" as a Destination dealership, but that is what the market seems to be able to support. I'm guessing here but maybe, the "Flagship Brand Dealerships" just didn't have enough footfall to justify the cost of being open. "Blokes and Girls, who ride bikes" probably are not in the demographic who want to spend £14.00 on a cup of coffee while they wait for their bike to be valeted..

[@nathanthepostman]

I think you're right. Overheads must be the killer for the big showrooms

[@murrayhyde4902]

Commercial rents are brutal. Even in smaller towns in Oz. Muz from Geelong

[@GlynOC]

I think a lot of those big showrooms don't really like bikes, or motorcyclists really. They're just targets, if you ever have a glance though the door at the back office there's usually a big whiteboard with everyones names on with how many bikes they've sold and their targets, can't be pleasant. No wonder they come whizzing over, poor buggers

[@stephencartwright5046]

Keeway, Benelli, Benda, all sold out of Benelli shops here. I believe the V twin engines are based on the Yamaha Virago 250, 535, 750, 1100 ? It will be down to the Chinese/MotoGB to exploit the dealer closures. Perhaps more dealers will turn to selling Chinese bikes if they want to survive. Another honest bit of reporting. Thank you. 🙏

[@nathanthepostman]

Ah that would make sense. Thanks Stephen

[@andreafurlan4369]

They are all part of the Keeway group. Same company we could say. Interesting to note that they are the only chinese manufacturer that are actually directly present on the market, not trough importers. Based in Italy at the Benelly plant. Same for Morini but is a much smaller reality.

[@stephencartwright5046]

@@andreafurlan4369 The whole branding issue is very confusing. I currently own a Keeway V250 FI. In Belgium this is a Hanway Bullit V Bob, In the Phiipines Longja V Bob, in Turkey Mondial Nevada 250 or RKS Light 250, in Russia Bluroc V Bob 250.

[@andreafurlan4369]

@@stephencartwright5046 Totally agree. Now they have also the brand Morbidelli. What for?

[@MichaelShaw206]

I am tempted by the CFMoto 450 but the Kove 800 is lighter and the value proposition is pretty close. I like my Kove 450 and reliability has been good so far.

[@keepitreal1547]

Nathan, there's more than plenty of profit in dealers selling bikes, per bike. The issue is dealer overheads & dealers poor planning.

[@nathanthepostman]

manufacturer requirements on dealers can't be easy. Are you in the trade?

[@keepitreal1547]

@nathanthepostman As a mechanic I've been involved in the trade in the past & have kept in regular contact with dealers since. There's good profits to be made on new bikes & more so in used bikes, especially given the generally very low PX prices dealers offer against new bikes. Such a sale of both bikes can bring a substantial profit of around 35% combined. Lack of sales, especially this time of year/over winter is a problem, as is big overheads when sales are low (again over the winters) plus poor planning for the above. A dealer I spoke with only yesterday told me how he made a clear £1,600 on a bike he paid the selling customer £1,900 for this week...& this is typical. Recently, a chap I know asked his local dealer what he would give him for his 11month old Scram with minimal miles on it...£1,750 He declined & decided to keep it, but again good profits to be made by dealers. I'd actually say, too much per used bike.

[@williamrae9954]

Yamaha and Triumph were notorious for demanding dealers spend 10's if thousands on modern showrooms...Ford always had the best business model, small,family owned businesses, not huge,glass buildings! Maybe where biking needs to return to?

[@keepitreal1547]

@@nathanthepostman Such a shame an informative comment in reply to yours has been deleted Nathan 😔

[@nathanthepostman]

​@@keepitreal1547I've not deleted anything

[@chilledout5881]

wonder why the new 450 single wasn't put in a refreshed classic from RE?

[@GlynOC]

I think the KTM might be delayed now they've gone into some sort of administration, maybe Bajaj will continue with the Indian KTM line?

[@CamJowlViewer]

That ccm looks fantastic but checking website its not listed. Shame.

[@wanderlpnw]

Disappointed there was no Voge 800 Rally there. That's a really intriguing bike to me. I might buy it if they get a better dealer network in the States.

[@nockianlifter661]

There is a guy on YT that took apart the CF Moto 450 engine. He said it is essentially a copy of the Tenere, but that big end bearings needed improving as they were plain white metal and had no copper - hard to tell exactly, but I used the comments to figure out what he was saying. Interesting because I believe they specify a high zinc content oil for break in, so maybe they realise that it isn’t quite as robust as Japanese engines. Won’t stop me buying it though, although if the KTM 390 beats it to the showroom floor I might buy that instead. I’m not trouble is the height/price - same with the DRZ 400 very tall.

[@milan_spasić]

Forget the dealers. Selling straight to consumer should be the future.

[@texazwhyte2791]

I’m probably out of touch,, in my mid 50’s,, but,, being 70kg’s, with an eye for the old school,, a 500cc to 600cc light weight retro,ish styled low interval servicing and set up for adventure with 45hp is appealing. It’s probably called a DR. )

[@richardshilling2958]

I walked around the whole show twice and the only bike I fancied buying was the Voge 300 rally. Looked so much bike for £3500 compared to thr crf.

[@nathanthepostman]

Give away at that price isn't it

[@richardshilling2958]

You really dont mind throwing it on floor at that price. would be great if you can do an update video on yours? Any problems? Thanks Nathan. ​@nathanthepostman

[@florme6494]

The KLE500 is really exciting me. I assume the in between KLR 650 and Versys 300. With a ninja 500 engine. I just hope it gets the suspension to really enjoy off road, which Kawasaki has never been known for.

[@1990-t1j]

The KTM 390 R looks the business, but I'm interested in the Suzuki DR-Z4. Suzuki don't have much of a presence in Thailand, though. I'll probably still have my 2018 390 Duke in a year's time. Lol! The Bear looks like a scaled-down version of my SCR950. I never take any notice of what MCN says. It's a rag. I like the Honda GB350. The Kove 450 Rally, wow! I think the BMW GSA looks the b0ll0cks. Great long-distance road bike. Nick

[@johnwillard6198]

I love RE Bear and classic 650❤ I own 3 bikes dr650, Versys 650,& RE Classic 350 😊

[@peterhobbs7609]

Great review of the show, without all the additional waffle from other reviewers, for sure the Chinese manufacturers are shaking up the market

[@Rabbydabbydoo]

Another problem we have here in Australia is importers aren’t doing the brands justice in the after sales or support area. Kove still not here yet in any decent capacity and this place is crying out for a proper 450 Dakar bike given our road system is partially unsealed dirt roads and a continent that’s barely populated and those who ride here are hugely into off road and adv. Cfmoto are killing it here with the 450mt

[@Rabbydabbydoo]

BMW adv bikes are for MANIACS. Middle Aged Nonces In Adventure Clothing

[@BikingChap]

Well, I guess we shouldn't be surprised if so many dealers close if the market is lapping up cheap chinese brand bikes with few dealers, careful what we wish for etc. Interesting to see the re-emergence of the DRZ and to a lesser extent the KLE, the former certainly had a great following back in the day. As for the super long stroke GB350S, yes i agree it's probably the most interesting or rather significant new Honda but it's been around a few years in India (who came up with it first) and Japan. To be made in Japan from '25 on and perhaps the nearest thing to a modern SR400 out there and barely any more expensive than an Enfield, no wonder they're discounting like made at the moment. Thankfully those who like the Enfield 350s have another option but with a dealer network that can actually supply spares. Cool.

[@nathanthepostman]

It's strange logic to me to think we should pay more for bikes that are no better because historically they once were. If that's justification for the old guard staying relevant and in business then it doesn't bode well for them. The honda CB is interesting. But a pioneer of innovation such as honda to be copying an Indian brand we until recently laughed at is a huge reversal of roles. They need more than old loyalty to stay afloat I would have said.

[@BikingChap]

@@nathanthepostman I'm not suggesting we pay more becuase they used to be better, I'm suggesting the Japanese brands prices are higher for a reason. We can absolutely dismiss those reasons as unimportant to us but to suggest the Chinese manufacturers are no different, just cheaper, is disingenuous imho. As for the GB350S, we can't have it both ways, we can't say Japan isn't giving the Indian market what it wants and then when Honda India make the case for the 350 we moan about them just following Enfields lead. For years folk moan that they want Honda et al to do a cheap small bike like Enfield yet here they are, for no more money and what is it now? Honda lack innovation? Hmm.

[@matusknives]

Great video (without quoting specs on every single bike!), thank you. Chinese are throwing stuff (everything they can come up with, basically) at western markets and see what sticks at a low price, before US/EU will slap some extra taxes on it. One can discuss the 'other' things when it comes to Chinese products, but one thing that I am not convinced about is, whether they are into it for the long run, or just reinvent a new brand every few months if the previous one failed because of reliability or parts availability. But whether they succeed in the longer run on not, they deliver a well needed kick in the nuts to the western makers who have forgotten that the customer's opinions and needs matter.

[@devonbikefilms]

MCN missing the point so we don’t have to😂 The Chinese bikes have come of age now, once the early adopters start showing they are reliable and capable within their segment (Voge 300, CFMoto 450) they’ll take over like the Japanese did 60 years ago. And that KTM390, wouldn’t touch it with yours, not at that price😂😂

[@seawench555]

With the electric bikes it's not just about range, its being able to charge it, an find a charging station in the first place 🇦🇺🤙