Why Does Himalayan 450 Lean So Much On Side Stand? Royal Enfield Lead Concept Designer Explains

Why is the side stand of the ‪@royalenfield‬ Himalayan 450 so short? Why does the chassis use the engine as a stressed member and is not a full cradle like the Himalayan 411? Why did Royal Enfield use a 17 inch rear wheel instead of an 18? Did they consider a 19 inch front wheel while designing the Himalayan 450? All this and a lot more answered by Steve Everitt, the man who led the concept design of the Himalayan 450, in this no holds barred chat at the ABR Festival in the UK.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:56 - Concept Brief
03:05 - Factors Behind Concept Brief
04:15 - How To Keep Bike Relevant For 15 Years
07:02 - Starting From Ground Up
10:25 - What Changes Would You Make?
11:47 - Why 17 Inch Instead Of 18 Inch Rear Wheel?
15:00 - Rationale Behind Dimensions Of Bike
16:16 - Why No 19 Inch Front Wheel
17:19 - Why Rear Brake Rotor Is So Big
19:40 - Why No Traction Control?
20:50 - Why Mass Centralised, Small Exhaust
21:48 - Why Is Side Stand So Short?
24:20 - Why Cradle Frame From Himalayan 411 Was Dropped
26:50 - Message for Indian Bikers
29:05 - India-UK Work Challenges
Let me know in the comments what you think about this video.
Cheers
#royalenfield #himalayan #himalayan450 #himalayan450rally

[@prodyunborah93]

It’s been 5 month owning it and everytime I ride my himalayan 450 it automatically brings a smile on my face truly loving this motorcycle

[@barryhughes1612]

I took delivery of my 450 on the 1st June, it replaced my 411 and Interceptor 650 and I am very pleased with it.

[@OxSnowdog]

I computer from the computer / software world. Usually when you point out a flaw, the sales pitch is always, it is not a bug it is a feature. He could have spun it and said “it keeps it from being blown over”, but he owned it, basically said we messed up, and will fix it. Very refreshing.

[@Prashanthhi5]

I’ve done 10k already on my Himalayan and love every moment that I ride , it’s the best bike, hands down .. love the chit chat that u had with the designer himself , ur questions were sensible to the point , no nonsense what so ever, keep up the great work buddy.

[@devan_dew]

Facts & Figures! Thanks Abhinav for catching up with Steve and sharing with us

[@thefastelephant94]

Abhinav, these are quite insightful conversations. Thanks alot for these. Alot of "EXPERTS" will perhaps swallow their pride and admit everything on there is sensibly planned or left as is.

[@ChawkiChahed]

The guy speaks in such a sincere way! Kudos! Definitely my next bike!

[@dhruvmehrotra270]

Genuinely unparalleled content🙌🙌. The creative idea of having these deep design discussion could only have come from a true petrol-head.

[@johningle8850]

Great to hear the background on a bike I have enjoyed for the past 2 months. Black with gold wheels is pleasing to look at enhancing your design. Handling, engine, riding position, rear brake, build quality are superb. Dash indicator lights could be brighter. Side stand you covered. RE have a great product here well done guys 👏👏👏

[@Trev350]

Outstanding interview. Refreshingly candid response to everything. This is one reason I love the brand. Marvelous team in India and the UK. More content like this please.

[@Fractal379]

Great questions + Sincere Answers, Well Done!

[@kevynjoshua14]

Thanks Abhinav, what a great interview!

[@gilbyseventy5]

Came for the wonky side stand explanation and leaving having subbed. Loving the content.

[@atinshed]

An excellent interview, thank you.

[@ranjithk9150]

The bike has turned out to be good. Yes there are minor niggles and quality issues, but those are things that can be lived with. The thing probably I like improved would be the harshness and vibey nature of the engine. Still love it.

[@vic110291]

Killing it with the content, boss!!! Top, top videos. Super-insightful and informative. This and the other one with Antoine as well. Well done!!!!!🎉

[@deepak3267]

Thanks again for this informative video, Abhinav. Your channel is The go to place for H450 owners like myself. And thanks to Steve for creating this incredible machine 🤘

[@anjalivartak4797]

Hey Abhinav, Gr8 interviews that have indeed provided a lot more insight into all that goes into the rolling out of the final product. People tend to be quick in commenting as we live in a world of "Instant". Everything we need/want is at our fingertips. People have forgotten that good products with good design requires patience!! Especially if you're creating a new product. Ride safe & tc. Cheers!!

[@LloydGrace1]

What a great interview! So much honest and interesting information. Well done👍

[@wltrlg]

Picked up the new Himalayan this week, including tubeless rims. Kinda sad the marketing focus is on off road riding, this bike is a great on-road touring machine as well: comfortable, sufficient power, sips fuel!

[@Dheeeeraj]

Wonderful interview!

[@caldaemon]

Another great vid! Thank you!

[@kaikruger1176]

He has some good answers and make no senseless excuses (side stand).. i like that from a company.

[@kepa504]

Good questions and honest answers , and the best thing is when he replies Yes i know all its problems then explains why they exist.

[@me1ne]

Insightful, interesting talk. Greetings from Germany

[@jeremymurfitt1512]

Very good and informative video.

[@AbhroneelGhosh]

Awesome interview, didn't skip a sec.

[@shadow_realm47]

This is some valuable insight big bro💪. Normally we dont get this kind of content from the industry journos!👀 Understanding the people behind the design and the context of the choices they made humanizes them instead of the monolith that a big company such as this is normally viewed as. You did ask about all the problems that YOU faced so you shouldn't have to respond to the super negative comments.

[@abhinavbhatt]

Thanks bro. I really don't give a shit about negative comments as I am not here to please anybody. Cheers.

[@shadow_realm47]

@@abhinavbhatt I understand the no "Fucks given attitude" 😅but I want you to have positive feedback as well cus you do different stuff than the norm and in my mind it should be appreciated cus its super cool! :P

[@abhinavbhatt]

@@shadow_realm47 definitely. And that is why I selectively engage in comments :)

[@d3lchan]

beatiful explanations and cross questioning! Please interview more people!

[@abhinavbhatt]

Few more videos from ABR will come soon.

[@quentendawson81]

Great review. Great bike from RE!

[@pawandhiman21]

The most beautiful thing on this Bike is its Meter.

[@Rayraysplums]

Wtf is that

[@bharathchand2608]

@@Rayraysplums dude the taxi meter that you get to buy additionally. It’s the best thing ever. It’s so accurate that your Uber rides will be more comfortable. Specially for your clients.

[@pietervanderzee9998]

Fantastic bike. And the 411 bs 4 also

[@Yash-ye1zq]

Nice one mate

[@thefastelephant94]

Steve is insanely talented

[@slimturnpike]

My 2019 Interceptor 650 leans just as much when on the side stand. I've just got used to it. I also added a side stand extender which makes it a bit more stable

[@tushardoultani1]

Quality content 👍

[@abhinavbhatt]

Thanks bro

[@philboyes2669]

Very interesting video and comments about the too short sidestand, which ruined the bike for me. Hints that RE knew it was a problem at launch and are bringing a longer one out.

[@sk8lucas]

I don't get why people freaked out about the side-stand so much. load the bike with luggage and the extra lean angle is actually a great thing, as the suspension compresses more. In my opinion it's a way more versatile configuration.

[@johnquinn5362]

The lean angel is far too much. A very bad design issue

[@sk8lucas]

@@johnquinn5362 I still think that some luggage weight on the back will make the bike sag the right amount.

[@johnquinn5362]

@@sk8lucas That's all well and good But most of the time I don't have any luggage on the bike

[@sk8lucas]

@@johnquinn5362 well, you can always lower the preload on the rear shock.

[@johnquinn5362]

@@sk8lucas You shouldn't have to. It's not been designed properly. It will stop people buying the bike. I tried one today. And it was an effort to get the bike off the side stand. Stopped me buying one. And not just me . Other people commented also. This was at a dealer open day too

[@slakk5093]

Good to hear that cruise control is on the Wishlist.

[@abhinavbhatt]

Wish they give heated grips too.

[@santanuroy1993]

Loved it

[@richarddsouza9010]

Insightful interview! Would the changes spoken translate to the existing 450 customers? As in, the side stand fix, traction control etc would be available to the existing 460s.

[@jimmydickson8854]

I’m listening from Australia

[@madhursurve]

Abhinav has done an amazing.....

[@selfmy60]

Super ❤

[@jimmydickson8854]

Can the lead designer tell us when they will bring out a lowering kit for this bike so us short riders can reach the ground they are missing out on a lot of sales of this 450 especially in Asia ,I had to buy a another brand of bike

[@pabloitare]

🙌🏼

[@timlubbers2884]

Very good interview!!! The one thing I think is interesting is that this bike was built with the India people in mind first, as it should be . The side stand isn’t an issue for me but the first aftermarket company that comes up with an adjustable side stand could/would make some $$ . 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@abhinavbhatt]

People have already made side stand extenders/shoes for it.

[@timlubbers2884]

@@abhinavbhatt that’s cool! Where I live (the us) we haven’t even got the 450 in country yet so looking for/at accessories doesn’t make any sense. Gotta ride one before proper changes can be considered. Keep being great!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@CarlosGeraldi]

Suspensions adjusters please! At least rebound both shocks and forks as preload on forks as well

[@Whatreally123]

with the rally accesories available, I would hope they also offer adjustable shock and suspension down the line.

[@abhinavbhatt]

Maybe in the Raid version 2/3 years from now.

[@Whatreally123]

@@abhinavbhatt btw are the tubeless rims available as spares in the UK and other western markets? The price difference between the variants having the tubeless rims and the ones with normal rims seems to be around 25-30k INR (converted from pounds). If these are available as spares, I'll definitely have a friend bring a set to India. 😀

[@abhinavbhatt]

@@Whatreally123 I do not know if available as spares, but they are getting delivered with tubeless wheels there.

[@dazsyvo8499]

Feels like the bike is going over before you get it on the side stand if you don't get it down properly it's definitely going on the floor and the fuel cap is the wrong way round ,the front luggage rack bracket s a poor and will rust from the inside but overall its a good bike

[@zweispurmopped]

16:47 Tongue in cheek Triumph-photobomb? 🤣

[@MrTewaka2]

I had a CRF250 on order here in Bali for 9 months. Still not entered the country. When the Himalayan was released I canned the order and put a deposit on this. With the tax on bigger cc bikes going up exponentially. The Himalayan costs 18700 Australian dollars. A huge investment against the honda as that is 9k Australia. But after seeing everything I can on KZbin I'm finally getting it in 2 weeks time. Really can't wait but it'll be a better fit as with my experience of a lifetime of super bikes I doubt I'll get bored and with the suspension travel over these rough roads here I'll love it way more than the ADV160 Ihave now

[@MrSrijit]

Where in Australia does it cost 18700 AUD? All the news that I have seen is AUD9990 ride away price.

[@MrTewaka2]

@@MrSrijit it cost this in Indonesia i left Australia and never to return

[@davidmallia628]

It leans so much on the side stand, it was so heavy to get upright, it put me off. My 1200 GS low suspension feels lighter, to get off the stand!

[@abhinavbhatt]

GS is amazing in the way it carries its weight down low. Nothing comes close to it.

[@vindiesel5466]

This bike is only $8990 in Australia. Alot of bike for that price, could be lighter, Side stand complaints, just get it lengthened wouldnt cost much

[@alidohorizonte]

Just wanted one so bad. Purchased a 400x instead (due to: not launched in my country yet =P).

[@endianAphones]

I think my biggest complain about the bike is that the big windscreen is not standard. Other than that the finishing isn't the best (ok for the price but mt450 looks better finished), and I had a part breaking due to poor QC.

[@sag2975]

Better finished ❌ Better looking ✅

[@Ichogil]

Great! However, I wish you had also asked him why they gave it a short stroke engine which goes against the grain of RE. Hither to before all REs, including H411, had a great low end, why the change?

[@abhinavbhatt]

I'd like to believe they've covered it earlier. More power at high revs etc.

[@amitkrupal1234]

@@abhinavbhatt Also reduced deck height is result of it

[@rajvijayrai217]

Hi Abhinav, Across the world motorcycle enthusiasts work on their bikes themselves. If RE wants to improve upon its phenomenal brand loyalty, it must encourage its clients to carry out minor repairs and maintenance themselves. As a first step towards that end would you please convey to RE that they must release the repair manuals of their bikes , even at a cost if necessary.

[@abhinavbhatt]

Sure.

[@StephenHucker]

​@@abhinavbhatt I have a husqvarna norden 901 and you can buy the PDF of the repair manual for US $30 ... which I love. Speaking of manuals, the normal bike manual for the Himalayan 450 you can download, but lots of the "pictures" are just blank spaces or fuzzy pictures. They need to fix this. Also the manual for the Australian version is non existent (different regions have different service intervals) .... but most important ... Let us pay a reasonable price to be able to download the repair manuals & put up official videos for basic repair processes e.g. changing oil, air filter. Putting up videos would be a huge PR boost.

[@StephenHucker]

Almost forgot, GREAT VIDEO .. thanks

[@abhinavbhatt]

@@StephenHucker thanks

[@ghumakad164]

I love your informative videos. I am facing a few problems with my Himalayan 450. I feel that you are the best person around to talk to. How can we connect?

[@abhinavbhatt]

Just ask here, please.

[@ghumakad164]

@@abhinavbhatt I'll share the problems in points. 1. There's a missing problem. Bike jerks back while accelerating. The company says it's due to reserve fuel as the fuel pump isn't getting enough fuel. The missing problem is more on ECO mode. 2. After the first service, the rear tyre has started making noise as if something is rubbing against a plastic part. 3. After the first service I drove it for 379 kms straight after which engine noise has changed alot. 4. Whenever I turn off my bike, there's a single knock sound as if someone got a stone on the engine. 5. If I am traveling with just a pillion, no luggage, the rear tyre rubs against the body even on small bumps. 6. Sometimes there's a loss of power. As if the bike is struggling for its life. I know it's a big query but kindly help me with this as the company is not helping me out with anything.

[@abhinavbhatt]

@ghumakad164 I am not an engineer nor an expert on any of these matters. You'll have to figure this out with the service centre. Sorry.

[@ghumakad164]

@@abhinavbhatt ok

[@pratikkagale6971]

Hi Abhinav can we get an insight on when are going to get tubeless rims from RE in INDIA.

[@abhinavbhatt]

No timeline yet.

[@pratikkagale6971]

​@@abhinavbhatt thank you

[@hypocrisy_101]

Abhinav is there any plan by RE for new twin cylinder for ADV division? Hondas are expensive bro

[@abhinavbhatt]

Don't think that's happening for a couple of years. There have been reports online that a bigger Himalayan will eventually come.

[@pyciar]

It's a pity there are no 2 versions: "18/21 standard" and "17/19 low"

[@abhinavbhatt]

Who knows they might do a Scrambler some day with a 19 front.

[@Ride_till_etarnity]

Nice insightgul content.

[@xxxxavixxxx]

Anyone noticed a rally Himalayan 16:24

[@Mustaqahmedmu]

Am i the only one to see better finish in the bike shown compared to my bike, specially on just back of engine head, i dont see wire exposed in the bike shown,

[@critterIMHO]

I’m not big on off-roading, but I’m really looking forward to the Guerrilla version of this bike.

[@ramsharma1436]

I guess, u like himalyan too much , thats not an issue , but i m here to ask what happen to ur R15 PROJECT, There is not a single update frm a long time , hope u remember about it

[@kiranm25x]

Integrated brake light with indicator mounted to plastic part mud flap is pure pathetic design choice. I run Tail tidy on all my bikes, dedicated fixed single brake light on chassis would've been much better.

[@stevencunningham4680]

Hey Steve , how about redesigning that big ugly bulbous fuel tank. That is by far the ugliest tank I've ever seen. There was nothing wrong with the old tank , it was plenty big.

[@niborski2997]

Botham, couldn't quite get his leg over.

[@bikermc]

825-845MM seat height is not good because average Indian are 5.5', for me good seat height is 800mm for timeless height

[@abhinavbhatt]

There is an optional 805 mm seat available. Get that?

[@theevilnoob96]

Still not available! Absolutely ridiculous!

[@jims6235]

@@theevilnoob96calm down 😂

[@theevilnoob96]

@@jims6235 who asked you here?

[@Sr.D]

Is he aware of the awful, completely wrong, position of the air filter?

[@abhinavbhatt]

This bike is meant to be a travel bike that requires an air filter clean after a few thousand km. This is not a dirt bike. You aren't going to clean the filter every two days. If you are, then you are looking at the wrong bike. Also, go tell this to Ducati, Triumph etc too, please.

[@Sr.D]

@@abhinavbhatt the old Himalayan was the same but with an easily replacement filter

[@abhinavbhatt]

@Sr.D this is clearly not the old bike, is it now. Also look at the advances the machine has made in this generation jump.

[@Sr.D]

@@abhinavbhatt I believe that conceptually it is a motorcycle with the same purpose as the previous one, and these advancements should not have resulted in setbacks in the ease of maintenance of the motorcycle. Many brands, despite having liquid cooling, have both the air filter and the spark plugs easily accessible.

[@abhinavbhatt]

@Sr.D look man, I had similar concerns when it was launched. Trust me, 10,000 km later, it is not a big deal. Spend time with the bike and you'd realise half the concerns we think exist, are non-issues.

[@Navyguy]

*Be honest, Bhatt how much were you paid to roll out constant RE content one after another strategically just after the Himalayan Chassis debacle ?* 👎🏼

[@abhinavbhatt]

Scroll back to November on my KZbin page. All content since then is Himalayan barring 4-5 videos on the Desert X and a couple maybe on my KTM. When did the chassis break again? Do some research before commenting next time.

[@MrSrijit]

@@abhinavbhatt Ha ha 🤣🤣

[@RebelliousTRive]

@@abhinavbhattthere has been 2 to 3 cases and in other one case of wiring got burnt etc bruh , by the when can we expect the tubeless tyres in India , any news on that ? Coz I am holding my booking since 4 months just to get the bike with tubeless tyres .

[@abhinavbhatt]

@@RebelliousTRive no update on it.

[@Lone_wolf_31]

I’ve named the Himalayan as frame snapper 😂 because its frame snaps 🫰 quality is absolute garbage

[@Lone_wolf_31]

Not only the frame issue, there’s many more, handlebar not aligned properly