Ep03 Chug the Royal Enfield Himalayan and the Hardknott pass Wiltshire Man
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- čas přidán 9. 09. 2024
- Despite it's relatively low powered engine the Royal Enfield Himalayan coped very well with the Hardknott pass.
The Himalayan's engine is called the LS410. "LS" stands for Long Stroke meaning the piston travels further through one revolution of the crankshaft. This is also known as "Undersquare"
The benefit of a longer stroke is more low down torque and power and the engine will rev lower. Also the engine will make less ultimate BHP.
But for the application the Himalayan was designed for initially (bad roads and mountain passes) the bike excels.
Could just do with a bit more power for the UK roads though I feel.
All music used was from Bensounds
www.bensound.com
Brilliant, almost felt I was a passenger on the bike.
Those 2 cycles were going well. That's the beauty of a motorcycle, you can actually share the journey together in ways that you never could in a car.
"Well done, Chug, " indeed. But also "very well done, Sandy."
WIMP! Back in the day a mate and I went over Hardknott Pass on push bikes. Mind you, that is all we did, push the bloody things all the way to the top!
Rode up this on a 24 gear touring pushbike. Never been the same ever since.
LOL!
Chapeau fella!
" Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back." ...Himalayan ... And that made all the difference.
That was epic, well done. Brought back memories of trying to get over the pass in the rain with an old rear wheel drive van. Almost got to the top but couldn’t get any further as the rear wheels couldn’t get a grip so I had to reverse quite a way to get turned. Even had my mate in the back of the van jumping up and down trying to get some traction. Never sweated so much in my life.
Thank you so much. Scotland is an amazing country. There is nothing to compare with. I have long returned to my homeland, to my wonderful Ukraine, but I consider Great Britain my second home.
Way back in 1955, I had a new 350cc Ariel Red Hunter and spent a lot of time in the Lake District. I well remember riding all these passes, you have really caught the steepness of these roads, they were a 1st gear climb for me on a fully loaded bike. The RE Himalayan may be an inexpensive bike, it is not 'cheap' it's a very capable machine and able to go anywhere on road or off road. Somewhat short on power but lots of torque to pull you through difficult terrain - just watch Noraly 'Itchy Boots' who rode from India to the Netherlands on one and the length of South AMerica until she got caught by Covid in Peru and repatriated home, She had to leave her REH in Peru and at present is touring Europe on a Honda CB500X
Well done to both of you I reckon! I’m just up the road from you in Tetbury and I also have a Himalayan, called Pepe. Years back I rode the Hardknott Pass with a pillion and luggage. On a 1987 CBR600. I found it hard going up those left hand hairpins, the front wheel getting very light. But we all survived!
Reminds me, have been over it but at 50' above ground E to W, on Round Britain rally in 91, the only gap in the cloud was there and plummeting back down towards St Bees fairly got the juices flowing! Amazing what a Rotax 503 with 2 up is capable of!!
I think it's scarier coming down than going up....when ya feel the brakes fading in a fully loaded land rover towing a big trailer....fun though.. that was a cracking video..gave a real good impression of how bad it is..👍👍
Furthermore, your choice of music and it’s matching to the beautiful scenery is a joyous.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane Sandy it’s been a joy to accompany you on the high passes
Wow.. This episode gave me big smile from the start of the Video, feels like being there traveling awesome scenery in a tight hill /mountain road. Thank's for sharing the history of Roman too.. 👍
Happy memories for me. During the mid to late 1980s I marshalled on Motoring News road rallies and the R. L. Brown ran through south lakeland. The Wryenose and Hardknott passes were regulars. Taken at speed, at night, autumn conditions. Somewhere I have all the timings and plots as well as the results.
"Up you go, Chug". Yes! Well done, Chug! Well done both of you! I'm sure that the Mighty Strom would have done it with ease, but I"m equally sure that you'll have fond memories of Chug's efforts on these rides.
Great stuff Sandy. I think the Himalayan has proved itself worldwide.
I was cursing that Jag until he let you pass.
You both did well getting over that, don't forget that it is as much about the rider as it is the bike.
Why, he didn't do anything wrong. I've driven this exact route and it's extremely steep and narrow, should us car drivers pull over every time we see a motorbike in our mirrors?
@@johnraby4214 All road users should allow quicker traffic to pass, pulling over and coming to a halt if required.
@@diversionbob8482 so if you're going up a 30% Hill that's possibly wet and someone comes behind you faster that what you are going you should pull over and let them pass! Talking out of your arse I'm afraid pal
@@johnraby4214 Follow the rules and use your intelligence, if you've got any.
@@diversionbob8482 you might like to look at rule 169 of the highway code which states that slow moving vehicles such as goods vehicles, towing vehicles, tractors etc should pull over if safe to do so if a queue of vehicles is building up behind. That doesn't mean you should pull over for one motorbike. And it states,"if safe to do so". Stopping in that case on a very narrow extremely steep road may not be deemed safe to do so! I used to be a driving instructor!
Just amazing. I doubted Chug on this trip and I stand corrected. Well done to rider and machine. 👍👏
Those views are unbelievable, and good ol Chug made it up there. That road on the way down looked atrocious. Another great video. Bring on the next one.
That was a stern test of both man and machine and you both passed with flying colours 👍
Great intro.. like the start of an espionage thriller.. Hey, It's chug and the Wiltshire man!
What great scenery. REH approved.
Ive ridden in many places and i still think Hardknott is one of the trickiest roads ive ridden, and as you said, the little Himalayan took it all in its stride. So glad you decided to do this trip on Chug. Yet again, really enjoying this tour. Nice work Sandy.
Good old Chug The Royal Enfield Himalayan Nice bike It seems to be enjoying the journey as yourself And the rest of us are ! The Himalayan getting a work out was what is was designed for in my opinion Great for everyday use and especially ridgeways,
Nice one - see it virtually every day but never 'done' it yet, live on the IOM so hopefully one day hey! Your aerial exploits back down South put a smile on my face, I lived down that way once and flew everything apart from your 'umbrella' and long may I keep it that way! Keep up the excellent vlogs, thanks.
Chug is a friend for life, just goes to show, you don't need a 1/3rd of a ton of BMW GS to tour on, well done!
MAN N MACHINE IN PERFECT HARMONY😊😊😊😊😊 Thanks for a great video! hope you and Chug make lots of HAPPY RIDING MEMORIES TOGETHER!!! Karin 😊xxx
I felt as many ooh and aahs on that journey as a fireworks display, really challenging stretch of road
Challenging but also great fun
Chug was the right choice for this trip Sandy. Lot less weight to maneuver than Strom. Good choice. Love the vids.
Nice. Good for you and good old Chug! I've grown quite fond of Chug already and look forward to more of his adventures through the British countryside. Cheers
Beautiful scenery and Chug once again earns gold stars for performance. Great video. Thanks,. Cheers, 👍🇨🇦
I did these same passes on Monday (14th Sept). It was great to relive every turn with you Sandy.
On Monday it was sunny, windless, very warm, and quite remarkably almost car free while I went over :-).
My 3 day adventure, from home (Cheshire), through the Yorkshire national parks, Lakes, then return via as many national parks as was sensible to divert through was absolutely stunning, and was inspired by watching your videos (I'm a relatively new motorcyclist). Thank you!
It's a Hardknott life.. nice views!
Good work Sandy. I did HardKnott on Kawasaki ZX6R Ninja. Scariest ride of my life.
Well ridden Sandy.It is steeper than it appeared on the video,especially the hairpins! Good stuff mate.
6:56 This is the killer turn when you’re coming up the other way, it eats car clutches, the smell of them cooking wafts over the hills.
My tips: Look ahead for descending traffic and confirm it will not be in your way when you get to the turn. Keep the revs up and in the power band and plan your route around the turn. DONT touch the clutch, DONT STOP because you will fall onto the falling side of the camber and you likely will go down.
Never mind that. What about the cyclists coming UP the other way. I believe that bend is classed as a 1 in 3!
Yeah I know only too well ,,I rode up on my fully loaded BM R1200RT,stalled on that turn,,omg I must have worn half the clutch away trying to get moving again...
Not been over the pass for far too long. It was great to 'ride along with you'.
Fantastic video. More great scenery. Looking forward to the camping vids with the Jinx
Well done. You and Chug are giving us quite a ride. Keep on rattling 👍🇨🇭
Sandy, that was breathtaking..literally!! Those views must be the best in the country... After doing that, every road now will seem so easy, although there are a few in Cornwall that are like a roller coaster ha ha.
That travel charm you gave me works brilliant Bry. Not a hint of bother in 3500 miles since I've been carrying it:)
@@WiltshireMan Wonderful....safe travels mate!
New subscriber here ,
Excellent series enjoying watching , looks like your Himalayan was in it's natural habitat there
Nice riding
Best regards Shaun
If it wasn't for people like you, the world would never get to see such places.
Enjoyed the views!!🙌 Chug did amazing! Very impressive indeed!!👍 Way to go Chug!! 😊Your skill set on the bike is spot on!! Stay safe, you’re doing a fine job Sandy!! Fine job!! 👊
The Hardknott pass is The Chugginators playground . Great riding and video . Cheers !
LOL Chugginators:)
Very impressive performance and quite scary looking in places.
Great video! Nice to see the scenery going through the pass. Some very harrowing terrain to negotiate. Good job!
Another goody, Sandy. I'm looking forward to your meet up with the "rain man". 🙂👍😉
Well done Sandy.. The Enfield was ideal for that.. I did it last year the other way round on my fully loaded Kawasaki GTR1400... I near soiled myself lolol
Now I know how a couple walking in front of us got back to wasdalehead , they were in front of us all the way down from styhead tarn to seatoller then they realised their mistake , they had come the wrong way down , their car was at wasdale head , cue mega argument and a thirty mile taxi journey back to their car , thanks for taking us all along with you sandy, stunning scenery and some very hairy decents , as a none driver I don’t get to see these routs although I’ve done kirkstone on a bus lol
Brilliant ! Awesome bit of riding. Beautiful place awesome views and Bl----y good vlog. Thank you for sharing. take care.
That brings back memories.
My wife and I drove over this pass in a little Ford Escort in 1974.
"Chug" is a great bike for this type of riding.
Regards from S Africa
Clive
Thanks Clive, yes your right
Stunning scenery.
Perfect "Chug" country. You get to see the world, and the bike isn't urging you ever onwards. Time to stand and stare. Loved these videos.
I used to use Hardknott Pass as a quick way to and from work when I was Freelancing from home near Penrith. My T4 coped pretty well but the biggest hassle was always tourists. Winter can be interesting and often very dangerous!
Des M. Not always. I use it.
Hardknott isn't for the faint hearted. You and Chug coped brilliantly. Thanks for another super vlog Sandy.
Fantastic effort Chug. Great landscape and views Sandy. Amazing.
Nice video, Chugs exhaust is the reason we ride, not the music. Ride safe.
I have to tell you why I enjoy Chug so much. On the Suzuki I know you’re going to make it. On Chug it’s truly an adventure.
A lot steeper than it looked on the GoPro. It's worse in the other direction!
Well done Sandy (& Chug)
Great videos Mr Wiltshire man I really enjoy your videos and the fact that you have so many differing interests many of them I also share. The passes you've ridden are unforgiving with not a lot of room for error. Well done!!
Wow! Very impressive! Well done to Chug, and also to you!!
Epic sceneary and journey sandy. Wouldnt mind takin the harley for a spin up that!! Finally getting around to binge watching these vids with my coffee on a sunday morning. Great way to start the day!!, going up the mountains myself this morning to take a few pics of my new bushcraft knife design. Similar sceneary to yours almost.
Well done Chugg and rider! Awesome roads and views too. Cheers!
Brilliant! Well done Chug - and well done Sandy.
Now you can ride anywhere.
Noel
Cheers Noel, you were right about the Sheep sh5t
Excellent just the bike for the job you are doing well Sandy great footage takecare as always 😊👍
It would be a bit weird if the "himalayan" motorcycle can't deal with some "English hills" :) Luckily all good there :)
Thank you for sharing your adventure!
I am thrilled... Those bends man. You did quite well and Himalayan too, build for things like these.
Thanks Ricky. The Himalayan did good
Don't put yourself down you did really well.
Ancient, Unspoiled landscape, beautiful thank you for taking me along Sandy
"Unspoiled"? That landscape was undoubtedly well forested until Man showed up.
Good on 'yer Chug... Full honours to the game little bugger, and a share to you Mr J' . Some of those bends and downhill hairpin slaloms looked like full on ffffffFFFFF'MEEEEE moments in the making ... Sod that with a bit of frost , or too much sheep-shhhh' .
Great to get some reminders of the absolutely world class scenic views and almost desloate and even exquisitely bleak beauty this country has to offer.
Great Ride Sandy . Travel Safe ...
Cheers Will. I wouldn't want to do this road in winter
Hats off to you Sandy, I am impressed with chug, great video 👍🏍
Brilliant hardknott is a test for chug and made it look easy well done bought back so nice memories 👍👍
Good old Chug! Good camera work too. Used to ride, with my Mum, up the old A6 over the Shap, going back to Glasgow. Beautiful country, narrow roads and the fog sometimes. Thanks!
Spectacular views!
I was in the UK with the GS some years ago, but didn't visit the lake district.
You just inspired me to cross the channel again and visit this area... with the Himy this time.
When you come over let me know. Could meet up and ride some way with you or even join for some of the adventure:)
The Mighty "Chug" conquers all, you look like you enjoy your time mate, thanks for taking us along.
Love this view from your bike !
Now that was a fun ride for me 😁 - beautiful land you have there my friend!
Thanks Dan, The lake district is quite a distance away from where I live though
Excellent few videos of this trip bro, one thing I noticed was you had oncoming cars going up but only 2 pushbike riders going down till you stopped at the Roman fort plaque. You are right about the stunning views too. All the best
Hi Sandy, Been following all the bike adventures of late. Excellent content and footage. Keep it up bud, Top marks and good bike sens & skills. It's good to see.
The last time I went over there a couple on a Tiger 800 had gone over the edge, unfortunately an air ambulance job. That blocked the road for over an hour. Definitely not a road for the inexperienced rider. The Roman fort is well worth the short walk up to it. Nice work Chug. 👍
What choice ??? Chug was always going to be good on those bends and she did not let you down. Well done and here is to next trip.
After doing those two passes, have a go at Porlock hill starting near Minehead in Somerset and ending in Lynmouth in Devon. You’ll really enjoy that ride.
Good video Sandy Hardknott has a lot more potholes than I remember
Roman fort well worth seeing.
went up in my austin metro many years ago.
took the gradient no prob,but mighty scary on them hairpins !
Beautiful scenery look forward to watching your videos , thank you for sharing your trips good old chug ride safe
Thank you Sandy and Chug, That trip would have been stressful on the mighty Strom ." Horses for courses". You picked the right tool for the job.The good point of having a Jag in front is he can't whack you in the arse!.
Wow some nice riding there WW , like to see you do that in the winter lol. atb John.
Having watched a few videos of different bikes attempting the pass I think chug is just about the ideal bike .
The good thing with the Himalayan is that it's not overly heavy and does have a very tractable engine with low rpm and speed. Pretty much perfect for this type of ride
well done Sandy you handled it well. 10 yrs or so back I was camping with my mate nr penrith we decided to do all the passes on the way back home, mistake ! it was sunday lakes full of tourists and we rode up hardknott from the direction you went down, right where you said "crikey this is a steep one" I got stuck behind a car on my GS fully loaded with my mates tent on as well. the car was sat in the hairpin clutch screaming, smoke billowing from underneath, every time he pushed the clutch in he dropped back 2 foot, i couldnt go back there was a bumper to bumper tailback behind me, when he got 2 foot off my front wheel i was set to just bail off the bike, near wore my horn out. it was a cheek clenching 4 mins i tell ya. at that point one of the drivers behind me, got into his car and took it up over the 3 hairpins. I nearly kissed him ;-)
Hi Loz,
I can just imagine that. Yes a very nasty hairpin that one. Glad it ended well:)
@@WiltshireMan Ive been out today over the Trough of Bowland nice and quiet glorious day too, might run some of the footage on my next Vid sandy, If your up this way again call in for a stopover or brew ill ride the Lakes with you if you want company. It is nice to share the rides and experiences. Cheers.
@@LozHarrop If I remember Loz I'll let you know. Makes a nice change to blow the workshop dust away:)
Once again a great ride for you both on the more interesting and certainly more challenging pass of the two. I remember that sharp turn into a downhill slope as the place where I almost lost the Minivan I was exploring Cumbria in some years ago. Small wheels, front wheel drive, muck on the road and all that!
I am so pleased that you decided to take Chug on this adventure, I thought you would to be honest. It is doing what it was designed for on those mountain passes. I rode a classic RE in the mountains of Northern India and there was no where those bikes couldn't climb chugging along.
Went up there last year on my vstrom ,the top box lock rattled itself free and I lost it somewhere up there . Great road to ride , not fast but challenging.
Chug maned it up there. All your doubts should be blown away. Champion Chug. Scotland here he comes.
In the mid 90s I rode over here on my 650 Triumph chopper with 30" over springers , two up, no problems but I'm sure there were less potholes then. Brakes were a bit warm by the bottom !!
Really enjoy your videos, Great commentary.
You were right in your choice of steed, chug was the horse for the course! Great video again Sandy.
That is a seriously weird road, but you and chug handled it brilliantly. Amazing scenery!
What a cracking trip. Road looked rough in places mate. 😝