Royal Enfield HIMALAYAN & SCRAM 411. More power from Hitchcock's prototype STAGE 2 Camshaft!

[@chrisweeks6973]

Ignore the trolls, Stuart; they are, regrettably, people who haven't yet found a life and can't bear the fact that other people have. Thank you for your considered comments about the Stage 2 cam, which sounds as if it would certainly suit conditions in Oz and the US. Thank you too for the ride around the leafy lanes of Warwickshire, which brought back a lot of memories. Back in a previous life some 54 years ago, I worked very close to Hitchcocks' location, at the airfield that is today the JLR EVO location. Like Hitchcocks, we were making things go faster, but in our case it was above Mach 2...

[@chrisbush6659]

Ts

[@mslattery8710]

The cam modification has been available for a while now and it's great that it's been designed and engineered here in the UK. I've read a few comparitive tests using this cam and it has been reported that you can indeed raise the overal gearing slightly, by one tooth to make for less revvy motorway cruising. It's easy to install too, so long as you're a reasonably knowledgable and competant home mechanic.

[@plotholedetective4166]

You seem to know what you're talking about, I however do not. I live in Houston and a Himalayan is my daily ride but its a little slow for the interstate here. The typical speed limit here is 70mph and that's really The top I get before red line and I can't really keep up, is there anything I can do to squeeze another 10 to 15 mph out of it for cruising?

[@ekimandersom4478]

@@plotholedetective4166 Buy the new 450

[@shardlake]

What a perfect blind test for Hitchcock, you clearly noticed the difference, another great video :)

[@Fudders]

Interesting upgrade and being an oil/air-cooled, single cylinder engine, it shouldn't be a task beyond the average home mechanic. BTW, how wonderfully refreshing it is to clearly hear your wise words in your latest videos ,without your usual background "music" that we can't turn off while you're talking - thank you! I've resisted complaining about it, as I appreciate the effort you put in (and for fear of sounding like an "ungrateful troll"), but I'll happily mention it now and commend you for leaving it out!

[@johnlegge2556]

Measured, sensible, factual reporting. Reasonable commentary. You ride like a million miler, who walked away from some nasty spills as a young man, and has no wish to relive the moment. Your trolls, Stuart, sound like they've ridden dozens if not many hundreds of miles.

[@sergemoreillon1236]

Good description, very interesting project for the winter ! I finally bought an used well maintained and equipped himalayan 411 and I could make my first buys on Hitchcocks site 😃 I feel like a family member now, a special feeling that Royal Enfield and Hitchcoks provides 😉 I tried the new 450, a better motorcycle in every ways... technically, but not a typical indian single long stroke engine. It is made for the world market and had to sacrifise some soul to pass the press tests (cold technical analisys of numbers...) and for the younger people etc. But I don't want the "bestbike for Mr X selling papers and commercials" or "the winner of the comparo" 😂🤣 I'm even pleased to have find a euro4 bike without the "navigation thing" ... I know some of your viewers understand me ✌. Thank you Stuart!

[@biker_dale]

A little enhancement to a stock bike without impacting on reliability, mpg and my wallet too much, sounds good to me. The scram is a great road bike and this would definitely be a reasonable improvement. I'm glad you felt the difference, lets face it figures can be made to say anything. Definitely something I would invest in. Thanks for the video👍

[@alexfox564]

After watching your review on the scram 411 I’ve booked a test ride at DW in Scarborough looking forward to it. Keep up with the good work.

[@Mark-el8sb]

Thanks Stu. Hope Hitchcocks will offer a similar performing camshaft for the Meteor/Classic 350 models. An extra boost of 20% or so at the top end would make this very pleasant engine even better.

[@markymarknj]

TOTALLY! As a Meteor owner myself, I'd like that.

[@artiecisneros4691]

@@markymarknj me too. 😎

[@johnDukemaster]

Thank you mr Fillingham! It's a case of belt and braces making films on yt. I'm glad you make them, despite these trolls.

[@denlsgoulden2307]

A particularly informative post. It would be interesting to see if a similar upgrade might eventually be available for the underpowered 350 classic which currently appears to have a performance on par with a 125. Might make this great looking bike a little more practical on today's roads 🙄😊

[@peterstimpfle9424]

Hi Stuart, thank you so much for this insight. As you say, its an unusual one for you to be doing tuning evaluations. What I find most interesting is that you are not using the paper figures but what your bum feels on the seat. This to me is the most important part of tuning and it makes you feel good about the money spent. I value your chanel, thank you.

[@douglasross4629]

And there was no placebo effect because he didn't find out about it until he got back.

[@RonConsumer]

There was a time I would tear an entirely new bike and mod out the engine to squeak out every bit of HP out of the engine but now that I'm an old man the most mods I do for an engine is to change out the air filter because unlike car air filters motorcycle manufactures put in the cheapest paper air filter they can find which generally does not flow efficiently for the engine. I've tested this out on many bikes I've owned and the results are the same... just by changing out the air filter my gas mileage goes up significantly just because it can breathe. Great video Stu as always.

[@jaykarandikar]

Thank you Uncle Stu! .. This video actually made me buy the taller Himalayan windshield and the air filter from Hitchcocks. I foresee you riding and loving the Himalayan more, in the future!! I will be buying the camshaft soon. My himalayan cruises at 60 mph (4500 rpm) .. 5, 10 mph more at the same rpm, or under 5K rpm would be great. I bought the himalayan brand new, and love it. Its at 2k miles and opening up and feeling better with every passing mile.

[@SteveRobertsTheNurdler]

Very informative and interesting, thanks for taking the time to be so thorough 🙏🏿

[@MrJpb2000]

Great footage Stuart…apart from 13 Minutes 42 Seconds where the video seemed to end. I will keep subscribed and give you benefit of the doubt that this was indeed intentional! 😎

[@SteeeveO]

he's going to be heavily trolled for that error........

[@SteeeveO]

Test riding a Scram later today - I'll try and imagine it with 20% more power! edit....really enjoyed the ride, (thanks Cooperb, Northants) keeping to A & B roads. The bike wasn't fully run-in so I didn't thrash it, but it still easily kept up with the flow of traffic. The extra 20% might have tempted me into an overtake! I'd heard the front brake is a bit weak but it was hard to tell as it may not have been fully bedded in, but the back brake was great and not an on/off switch like most bikes. When used together I suspect the braking will be as good as any other comparable bike. Only downside was that I found the gear change (not the box) a bit of a faff as my boot kept hitting the gear lever boss, making me think I couldn't change up. Odd that as it didn't happen on the Himalayan & that has the same lever set up. So, come September, will it be a new Scram, or do I add bar risers to the Conti, & do some cosmetics to the rear light cluster & indicators, & add a screen, tart that I am??????

[@friktionrc]

I read in another post someone saying the same thing about their boot hitting the leaver-boss. Another poster said it’s position can be adjusted and that on any new bike it’s always advisable to do this to suit yourself. No idea how true this is but it may explain why on one bike you had no issues and yet on another you did.

[@SteeeveO]

@@friktionrc hi, yes the lever itself can be adjusted but the problem seems to be the relationship between the footpeg position & lever pivot boss which are both fixed. Didn't buy a Scram in the end but I probably will at some point in future!

[@7346ful]

Many thanks for the info Stuart. As a Himalayan owner this makes very interesting viewing! Think I'll call Hitchcock's...

[@GapBahnDirk]

I wonder how the torque curve would be affected. These cams would be especially appropriate for the Scram, which is essentially a road bike, I would think. Interesting. Thanks!

[@garycarr2530]

Stuart please ignore the negative vibe the trolls like to pass onto the rest of the human race. As always a great video, informative and thoughtful with common sense at the forefront.

[@ianjohnson4753]

Ignore the trolls Your videos are the best in my opinion. Very interesting and factual. Hitchcocks upgrades look very impressive.

[@peterbell5556]

Awesome news. I've been waiting for the 450 himmy. But maybe I should wait no more. Cheers Stuart. Informative TBS. And while I am ranting.. your insight into future gvnt control of our vehicles appears to be spot on. That's sad to be honest. I had hoped you were wrong.

[@martinowl]

An on road test of such mods means so much more than just reading figures from a spec sheet.

[@gudgengrebe]

Great descriptions, full of useful information. This was very interesting and well made. Thank you!

[@Ohio_Motonaut]

Good info, Stuart. This is why I think RE needs to make a larger touring version of the Himalayan (not a replacement) for those looking to ride longer distances both on highway and on steep roads and such (for places like North America where I am). I love both my Himalayan and my Interceptor but I wish the Himalayan had the same power as the Interceptor. Yes, I could buy a bigger bike for touring but I love the RE brand, their affordability and simplicity of their designs. Cheers! 🍻

[@virajkadbhane7496]

Check out the new Himalayan 452 it has significantly more power than the 411 engine

[@ivarsandin7275]

Great video, shows dedication to the art of the review. I must say, dont give any mind to the trolls, to someone else reading the comments here they seen like 99% positive and constructive. Cheers

[@johndavis-tn3il]

Thanks for the video! When I learned of this modification, perhaps a month ago, I was certain that I wanted it. However, I tend to be rather cautious about any modification and hadn't completed the break in of my 21 (US) Himalayan. The performance of the engine has improved as the miles accumulated. I did purchase an install (yesterday) the Booster Plug in the hopes of addressing the open loop performance issues. I realize that those could have been sorted out by the dealer, but I'm a few hours away and the cost of delivering and retrieving the bike a few times would have exceeded the cost of the mod.

[@crumblymal8479]

Stu !! waiting to see you take this 865 conversion out for a test would love to see it 😊👍

[@philtucker1224]

Hi Stu, I liked your idea and shots at the skate park. Innovative mate! 🇬🇧

[@vgahren]

Love it! Thanks for this. I’m trying to decide between the OG Himalayan and the Scram. Btw, up the trolls, Stu. You’re doin’ great!👍

[@martinholt2844]

Your impression of the Trolls made me chuckle! Great video as usual! 👍

[@markymarknj]

Thanks for sharing. I hope that something similar becomes available for the Meteor/Classic 350, as a 20% boost in power would be great!

[@andrerobertdrouin3642]

Did that to my FT500, it gave me more hoomf going uphills where you need all your torque at mid range so that the bike does not bog down ,overall it was more usefull especially gave it a bit of punch to overtake slower cars , it did not change the top end much but overall a better bike from mid range on .

[@geoffadams8912]

Nahthen from Lincoln Stu! Don't own a RE but found your info on camshaft tech very interesting 👍 It must give you much joy when a troll says he's unsubscribing - I know it would me. Loved your example of a troll post too 😁 Look forwards to your vids next week 👍

[@robertadams4415]

Thanks for the info uncle Stu

[@timsatch9198]

There are 2 companies working on/selling upgraded cams for this engine. All have received very positive comments. Makes you wonder why RE did not do this in the 1st place. So insightful that you noticed by accident. This really tells the story. From your last video you talked about speed and it was so well put. Add to this your videos on the electric car con and one wonders why the haven't introduced a maximum speed limit like they did in the early 70s and made the taxation of a vehicle based on it's weight/area size and horse power. Starting with motorcycles and micro cars being almost free, with huge SUV being priced off the road. This would have an enormous environmental impact. Unfortunately for every kg of CO² not pumped into the atmosphere, a member of the Global Elite loses money. Can't let that happen can we.

[@daveinwla6360]

Undoubtedly, RE didn't make a similar cam for the Himalayan because, as a manufacturer, they must get their bikes past emission tests. After-market cams don't have the same constraints.

[@j9fo]

Global elites don't worry about losing money, they create it out of thin air whenever they want through the banking system.

[@Shankar_Nishant]

Great review mate... I own a Scram 411 and It feels quicker than the himalayan on 1st and 2nd gear.. however midrange is more on Himalayan

[@jimbo4375]

20% peak power increase sounds about right for stage 2 on a naturally aspirated. A cam can really change the character of an engine, the power band will be shifted into the higher RPMs so it will definitely improve motorway speeds at the top end and perhaps overtakes too. Where the original cam will be running out of legs at the top end this cam will just be hitting it's stride. There will of course unfortunately be a noticeable loss of torque at the lower RPMs and a drop in mpg, how much of a compromise that is depends on how you ride

[@jordanblair5410]

Good points. I have a VTX 1800 for road riding and intentionally avoid highways with the Himmy. The awesome low end torque of Himmy is great for hilly two tracks and trail blazing and I don't want to give that up. If the new cam provided more HP without moving the torque curve I'd be all for it, but it sounds like that's not the case.

[@sanclewphotographic]

All sounds really encouraging, will Hitchcocks be able to fit the new Camshaft for us customers when available, Regards, Colin.

[@MrJulianneave]

People seem to think the 865 modifications to the interceptor are crazy. I did it to mine and it's pretty great. Would you buy a new interceptor with the plan to go 865 straight away? No, it's cheaper and easier to get a bigger bike from the get go. But when I got my interceptor new I didn't know I'd want more power. So for me, I thought going 865 was a better option than suffering the depreciation and selling the bike I bought new and had taken good care of to buy a second hand bike of unknown background. Plus I think having a bit of a sleeper interceptor is cool and prefer RE to the Bonneville every 60 year old guy in the country has.

[@davidhanger5795]

Useful information. I'm thinking about getting the Scram 411 when it's available here in the U.S. later this Summer/Fall.

[@daintree2455]

Thanks Uncle Stu, very informative. Can't wait for Hitchocks big bore Inty review....yeah yeah sorry some of us, the grease stained variety who smell of petrol, have this addiction. We see a perfectly designed engine and have to modify said engine to wring as much power out of it as possible.

[@richardjones3112]

Great video.I think this is a useful modification.

[@willisbcteoh9840]

Another StuPendous video Stu. 👍

[@Beanerds]

Perfect , 70hp 650cc , My unrestricted CFMoto 650nk is 70hp , yes power , lots of enjoyable power ,, power . My 650cc Interceptor standard 47hp ? , with K&N and open exhausts 50hp , nice , so yes Stewart get what floats your boat . My beautiful Wife's 32hp VTR 250 Honda V twin is a sweet ride , 150kg , hell not much more than my Mountain bike . Mate I sold my ZX7r Kawasaki with 135hp ,,, because ?? . I was fast , very fast and my life is worth 65hp , where I love the CFMoto's twin's power safely . Thanks again Brother .

[@adrianlw2750]

Enjoyed this vid👍 A case in point that how an engine and its power feels is more important than bald numbers.

[@KRAM-zb2vc]

Brilliant video as always Stuart lots of good info 😃👍🏻

[@Tubespoet]

I think the conversion could make the difference if you buy a used Himilayan and like to use motorways as well as the A, B, unclassified roads and trails. I'd be interested to know how exactly it affects its really low speed ability to tractor through loose and muddy stuff

[@stuartbailey5665]

Interesting video. I wonder if Triumph use a similar technique with the 1200 twins - the Thruxton and Speed Twin have more power than the T120 - although I have noticed a different in compression ratio also. Food for thought - thank you.

[@gcprost]

My Himalayan was very tight when it was new. It took quite a while to loosen up. I have about 25,000 kms on it now and it is definitely faster and more responsive now.

[@MauriceTarantulas]

I think I saw a review or something re that camshaft and had completely forgotten about it! I think with a different exhaust+air filter+camshaft you could def get a real boost! Forgotten motorcycles chan in USA has done mods and his exhaust is brill (he's had a few probs also but he's done a huge amount of miles). I'll tell him to watch this. I havent ruled the Himi/Scram out yet. Cant wait to test! Gonna be interesting coming from test bike then hopefully passing and trying the classic 350 etc.

[@jeffreyhurst9552]

Excellent video. The cam sounds like it would suit my riding perfectly. I do wish that the Himalayan were several pounds lighter as well.

[@wardroland270]

Thanks sf. Great job. Good info. God bless. Happy trails.

[@johnbellamy6449]

good article ,well put over Stuart.

[@morrisminor56]

Hitchcocks, great place to buy stuff from. I see they will be selling a stainless steel exhaust system for the new classic 350 soon, free breathing and no cat. Also what ever happened to the new BSA?

[@Simulera]

Since a cam upgrade would surely end the warranty, I assume probably the most usual idea would be to put it in once you’re out of the warranty period? Also, just wondering, should you expect to use higher octane with such a cam? It doesn’t change compression but combustion dynamics could change.

[@ItzLegitEnough]

Your content is so quality

[@riderramblings]

An excellent piece of information as I'm thinking of getting a Himalayan or Scram . Many Thanks

[@davidbgraham461]

Yes; ignore the trolls ! I wonder how long it will be before the 350 owners will be crying out for stage 2 camshafts? Thanks again for your output.

[@mikelacross]

I saw their videos during the design of the crankshaft & was very impressed, also saw the airbox ones. Good to hear that you noticed a difference, I remember you mentioning it in the previous vid 😁 Not sure if this is trolly... But could you put a windproof mic near the back of the bike to pick up the exhaust sound. Thanks for making the vid, I REALLY likr the Scram, although doubtful ill ever get one 😕

[@markgriffiths6638]

Another good review Stuart keep them coming learned a lot from you plus ended up getting rid of my Kawasaki for an interceptor based on your videos and it’s the best thing I’ve done. You we always have trolls sad bast**** with nothing better to do.

[@robertmassey807]

Fascinating video. One thing Stu. When you were doing an impersonation of a troll, you sounded like Windy Miller! The inhabitants of Trumpton are hurt and upset! How could you? 😁

[@pearsehall1049]

Keep up the good work 👍

[@robertpearce2244]

I used to just enjoy the times when Trolls lived under bridges in fairytales…. You keep doing what you’re doing bro, love every video you post, and I haven’t got the time in my life to waste on ‘picking up your errors’ 😂 I’m fairly sure you’re a human, just like me, and we make mistakes! 😉 Apparently the Troll is perfect and thus, gets upset VERY easily…🤣

[@amuxpatch2798]

And include gremlins as well. lol

[@Dave-in-France]

Just been out for a road ride on my new Himi and filled her up to the brim. MPG equates to 98 miles per UK gallon !!!!!!!!!!

[@Adam-mo2qw]

Any improvements to the classic 350? Another 5 mph cruising speed would do me on the motorway

[@drury2d8]

Will with the 450 cc liquid cooled mill around the corner, this is probably the last mod we'll see.

[@luckyjordan8139]

Mods Iike the cam are just a way to make a good bike better. I ordered an 865 kit and cam for my interceptor, and I see it as a way to get the “new Bike” smiles without buying another new bike.

[@robertirom6]

Is the valve clearance same as stock after cam.change

[@monkeyoutside6802]

Complaining is “part of the game” Stu. Don’t waste your time on tailoring videos to limit something that you simply can’t limit. Do what make you happy and satisfied

[@owenanstey436]

Good video Stewart.

[@thomfrost2594]

Have you ever listened to Jethro Tull's "A Passion Play?". Listen to " The hare who lost his spectacles"...sounds exactly like YOU!!!

[@stanleyknife1967]

Yes, top end is where the Himalayan is lacking (if you want sustained motorway riding). As you say though, if you want increased capacity and power - buy a bigger bike! A bit like if you want absolute comfort from your transport (motorcycle) - buy a car.

[@wardmontgomery9259]

Fuel in Northern California averaging $6.50 per gallon for 87 octane ... diesel at $7.50 today (6/10/2022)

[@Haawser]

Could be worse...in the UK it's the equivalent of ~$8.18 for a US gallon of unleaded right now.

[@wardmontgomery9259]

@@Haawser unfortunately it will get worse for all of us ....

[@stevemiller7433]

Thanks, Stu.

[@thomasgaliana6288]

I thank you for another good video.

[@l-linokamikagura]

I know this video is old but what would you say the difference is? Worth it?

[@bobman7881]

Waiting for them to design one for the 350

[@hughphillips1427]

Another information video, thank you,

[@B0M0A0K]

An interesting video. I am going to assume that such a modification would invalidate the RE warranty?

[@ericellquist7007]

Thanks, good info; well done.

[@tomg6284]

Will they ship this cam to the usa? I tried to order online and it wont except usa address?

[@1SnarfyDude]

I'm. Still waiting on Royal Enfield to get the Scram to the US but I am looking forward to it. I do have a question for you though since you have ridden one. My commute is about 25 miles each way with about half of that being a divided highway. Our traffic flows at about 70-75mph on that section. I am planning on keeping my V Star 1300 tourer for the daily commute, but this video has me thinking that it might be worth looking at a cam swap so that I coil use the Scram as a commuter when the urge hits me. So, if you had enough seat time do you think that the Scram is suited to short freeway hops? Does the chassis seem planted or is it more akin to a dirt bike feel?

[@stuartfillingham]

I made an entire video on that a couple of weeks ago.

[@mastani15]

Is this fits in bs3 himalayan also

[@MultiThunder1234]

I'm getting seriously confused with the models here in my country, we have every RE model available but not the Scram 411 but we however do have 2 different models of the Himalayan, one at 411 cc a couple another at 500 hp so my question is, is the 411 cc Himalayan the Scram 411 or is it a totally different model? Would really love a similar camshaft for the 350 Classic.

[@richardyardley5127]

Not knowing this mod had been done must have knocked you off balance for a bit. I would have thought just as you did about the Himi being much more loosened up and well run in. I'd probably also would have doubted my own memory of the Scram and started thinking along the lines of blue/rose tinted glasses etc.... Great review here though. Certainly something to consider for long touring rides. Ignore the trolls Stu or better still, laugh at them 😁

[@robinj.9329]

Here in the USA, our Police don't even waste their time with 5 m.p.h. over the limit drivers! Way out in the boon docks, my Step-father was once pulled over for doing 140 m.p.h. He DID NOT GET A TICKET! Just a warning to "Please keep it under 100 !" Now, in the towns, say near a School Zone, you had better keep it to 20 or less. They will write you up for that. And rightly so !

[@1worldgaming18]

who knows maby the old classic 500 will get a cam kit too :) i'de like to see that

[@robertkemp9023]

Interesting and informative as usual. :-) I've always thought that increasing the power of a production bike is a potential risk depending on the reserve capacity of other parts of the bike (gearbox, clutch, drive chain), and how would one know?

[@scabbydogmess]

I will never unsubscribe. Period.

[@digitalsublime]

I was thinking to buy the DNA filter for the meteor, but there is conflicting opinions everywhere. Would it make a difference?

[@xpllmmff]

Actually, as is shown by KTM's finished work of 690 Enduro, a single cylinder with 70+ hp is achievable, the only question why RE didn't follow KTM's strategy of designing and building a similar high-performance thumper, leaving this to aftermarket big bore kit, I guess it is more due to marketing / sales concern rather than technical feasibility.

[@wainedodd8055]

Thank you Stuart 👍 Here is a taco for the algorithm 🌮

[@russellleggatt4269]

Good review Sir

[@SteveInskip]

Would the stage 2 cam have an effect on your insurance? I know in the old days when we used to change engine bits and carburettors on a regular basis, fitting a stage 2 cam would definite involve a call to the insurance company and a few quid on your policy.

[@ragimundvonwallat8961]

if you call your insurance to tell that i hope they'd triple your price...you deserve it

[@themoog3889]

Have you ridden the souped up Interceptor yet ? Not that I would consider putting it on mine , I don't think I'd use the extra power , I don't use all it has now tbh !

[@stuartfillingham]

Yes I have!

[@themoog3889]

@@stuartfillingham any thoughts or is that a future film ?

[@chrisvredenbregt5952]

Hi Stuart I never here you about the boosterplug on non of your bikes do you have something against it ? I have one on my royal enfield classic 500 and I am very happy with it

[@stuartfillingham]

Reviewed it for the T120 several years ago.

[@scotty2307]

Hello Stuart; I love seeing these sorts of mechanical modifications made available. As to the Himalayan, vs the Scram, I have had the opportunity to sit on a Himalayan and have found that my knees fall forward of the tank pockets. Has the Scram been lengthened at all to accommodate a rider with longer thighs?

[@gcprost]

I live in Canada. I prefer to ride backroads and gravel to highways but sometimes I am forced to run on highways to get to my ghost town destinations. I find that the Himalayan struggles a bit on the highways. I have invested a lot in my bike and I don’t want to give it up, but I would like better highway performance. Maybe you could do a review of various upgrades for the Himalayan?

[@thesaltycabbage]

my Himalayan has a new cam and its sits happily at 5250rpm at 70mph