2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 | First Impressions | Australia Press Launch
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- čas přidán 1. 06. 2024
- First impressions of the 2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan by Dave Darcy, shooter producer of Motorcycle Adventure Dirtbike TV (MADTV).
Dave attended the Australian Press Launch of the Himalayan 450 and rode it for two half days in a range of riding conditions.
Normally Dave prides himself in thorough reviews covering thousands of kilometres over a couple of weeks. Despite the short time with the bike, Dave gained a reasonably good understanding of what the Himalayan has to offer Australian adventure riders.
Dave was surprised by how good the standard bike handled dirt conditions and how it showed strong potential as an adventure mount. He identified it was surprisingly good value at $9990 backed up with a three year warranty and roadside assist.
Dave also rode with and interviewed Mark Wells, Chief of Design and Strategy for Royal Enfield.
#royalenfield #himalayan #motorcycleadventure
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
01:00 Hill Climb
02:00 First Impressions Trail
12:00 Rougher Trails
14:00 Mark Wells Royal Enfield
19:50 Road Experience
22:50 Conclusion
25:40 Braking with your Clutch - Auta a dopravní prostředky
From your review on this one I take it you can’t do much better bang for buck than this bike?
I honestly don't think you can, although I caution I haven't ridden the CF Moto. I could ride this around the world tomorrow, all set up ready to go for under $10K, WTF! Serious competition for the Honda CRF300 that we know needs a minimum of suspension work. What else is out there that comes near this price.....?
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV I feel like they are two sides of the same coin, RE being offroad oriented, and CFmoto being more touring/road oriented, exactly as you said. Tubeless wheels for me are a really good selling point tho, as I sometimes get punctures even 2x a day on solo riding through distant places (didn't invest in luck stats enough I guess).
Nice video and observation,
Cheers
Anyone want a300 rally?
@@blacky8498
We dont use Plastictoys!
Plastictoys are 4 Itchy B. And her followers, who believe anything she says. 😂😂
@@stavrozinioi see you were also lurking! hope you get to test the 452 as you did the 450mt
Great thing about RE is, it is being run by Motorcycle lovers... not some managers... CEO make sure all his Engineering team ride their bikes.
A good idea. I hope they're a blend of ages and not overpopulated with hipsters with man bags. :)
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV 😂🤞
KAAVER :': ALMIGHTY:.-: GOD .:-❤
1-button ABS off! At last, someone listened.
It's brilliant! So quick.
Fantic Caballero 500 rally actually has that too!
This will be my Christmas present this December. Upgrade my 2019 Himmy. Southland, New Zealand
Good idea but remember it’s very different
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV yes, as much as I love my Himmy, this new model has pretty much everything I wanted in my current bike. It will be more suited to my style of riding here in South Island, New Zealand
I love the on screen navigation, one button abs and simplicity. Awesome. Well done RE!
Totally agree!
Test rode one last week in the UK. Unbelievable bike, handling on road was great, flat footed at 5ft 10". Felt more than 40HP. RE have done a great job.
Nice ot hear your view is consistent to what we observed.
Kiwi here, I'm seriously considering getting one of these as my very first bike. I didn't even consider an ADV when I started my research, but in countries like Oz and NZ I feel like you're removing half the potential roads you can ride if you stick to bikes made for asphalt only. The CRF Rally was the first one that caught my attention, but the Himalayan wins by almost every metric on paper.
I currently have a BMW 1200RT - bloody awesome touring bike. Not being a dirt bike rider - doing an intro ADV course tomorrow, I am beginning to look for a lightweight/mid adventure bike to get out on those dirt roads and tracks I currently have to stop at……. Looked at the BMW 310 and the Honda CRF 300 Rally and now you show us the Royal Enfield 450 which plugs all the compromises of the 2 previous bikes and within an amazing budget. I love the Australian reviews and MAD TV especially. I have viewed the reviews from other countries and they ride like they are in their lounge room, Perfect tarmac and flat smooth dirt roads and 2 track is a driveway. In good OLD OZ you guys ride them like you stole them on and off road. Off road being real off road gnarly tracks, mountains, rivers blah blah - give it to em …. ect - just love it. This 450 Royal Enfield ticks pretty much all of the boxes on my wish list - Looks like Royal Enfield have nailed it with this model hitting that perfect market segment.
I honestly think they have.
first bike I've come across that would make me even consider swapping for my 2006 vstrom.......looks marvelous.
You would enjoy the more dirt orientation
Man I'm from India.n I salute the chief of RE design I recently bought it kamet white, great bike
Nice 👍
Great review Dave.
I've owned 3 enfeilds and have ridden the old himmy .
One thing I can say about the enfeild brand is that the gearbox is solid. You never find false neutrals.
I'm hoping the test of time proves these engines to be solid and reliable.
I'm on a Suzuki Dr page almost every week somone is dealing with a blown gearbox.
I see itchy boots changed out a counter shaft at 40,000 k. On her Honda 300
I wouldn't be surprised if we see these enfeilds becoming the workhorse motorcycle of the wourld.
The new himmy has a face only a mother could love IMO.
It’s a great bike
I was at an adventure bike rally in the US much of last week and through the weekend. I was excited to see that RE was going to be on site with demo bikes, but I was REALLY disappointed that they only had the 411 because of how excited I am to try this bike. Now, after this video, I'm looking forward to it even more! Thanks for the great content!
It's a great bike.
Congrats to Himalayam engeneering team! They acoumplish one of the most sucessfull transition in the motorcycle industry history! Himalayam 401 is a great success and the new 452 honored its qualities and traditions and brought a brand new world to adventure bikers! Cheers!
Yes, I would congratulate them. It's such a quantum leap. One of the biggest jumps I've witnessed in the motorcycle industry in many many years.
Mark - Head of Design but passing off as Head of Marketing 🙂 - Done a great job by the sound of it.
He's passionate. Oil in his veins.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV This is the result when a company puts faith in people that live the product instead of bean counters. Looks like he and his team deserve the success!
Was good to hear about the designers perspective. Makes sense.
I bought brand new 411 last September and only kept it for 3 months before I sold it on. This new 450 looks like it has everything I wanted from the old one, more power, some tech, decent suspension. I still ride ride my old DR350 which I absolutely love, however I can actually see the 450 being my only do it all bike. Cannot wait to test ride one later on this month. Great video btw 👍🏻
It's a good bike
Hello from France ! I tried it 2 days ago and decided to pre-order mine. Kamet White color with tubeless tires but I have to wait until June/July to get it... This give me time to sell my current bike by then. 😄
Good choice!
Great review, now I want one - and a superb place to test ride, I’m highly envious in dismal rainy England!
A great bike for that riding.
You’ve sold me… This will be my next bike!!
It has everything going for it as a rider who is getting the taste for adventure riding. Can’t wait to test ride one!
And it’s bloody beautiful!!!!!
I think it is outstanding value for what it is.
Awesome vid! Thanks.
Glad you liked it!
Great video and bike preview.
Thanks
Great Review Mad TV . Well done. Hope Australians will enjoy this bike like we do in Goa , India. It's a one bike go anywhere... ❤
A good first impression.
in Goa. no it's in the name. that's where it must be
Good review, again. My take-away was that this model is better value-for-money than it has ever been. It sounds like a set of barkbusters and some better tyres will defo get a lot of newbies and/or more "relaxed" riders out on adventures. Can't be a bad thing!👍
Exactly!
We changed the sprocket and both the wheels removed some useless stuffs saved more then 10 kg now it's a different beast
What did you change?
Awesome work guys. Best bike channel for me. Love it.
Wow, thanks!
This is going to be good coming from MAD so liked the vlog even before i watched,
Thanks.
Probably the best review of the bike I’ve seen: everything you need to know presented by a team that know what you need to know. Well done.
Appreciate your comments.
Excellent review guys, very informative and Interesting. Thanks from the UK. 👍😄
Our pleasure!
awesome review
"I honestly don't think you can, although I caution I haven't ridden the CF Moto" A Great Comment Dave. Great review again. You had me sold. I need a 2nd bike to tag along with my T7. Went have a look and sat on both. WOW. The Enfield felt heavier than my T7. But looked solid. The CF Moto For $500 more. Out right winners with all named fruit on it, Pulse the extra cylinder. Lighter. A copy of my T7 only 450. Hope u get to do a Review of it. In Australia
Great review. I wish we had the awesome roads you ride there in OZ here in Canada.... keep up the good work boyz!
They are great roads
Great information Dave.
Glad it was helpful!
A ‘21 Himalayan was my first motorbike & I’m now on a ‘15 BMW 650GS Sertao. Always thought I’d naturally move to a bigger bike & go toward a T7 or ktm890 etc once I got off the restricted license but I’m giving some serious thought now to going back to the 450
Himalayan after the assessment you & Clubby have made…guess I’ll have to test ride one. Cheers Dave
Definitely test ride one!
Ripper.
Thank you, kindly.
Waiting to test ride in the UK.
👍
Have fun!
Now. I have watched all your vids on this bike. You and Cluby put out the best content. Im genuinely excited for this bike. The footage from the Vic high country, and your pic at Craigs Hut lol. Absolute gold.
My only gripe... you didn't get Cam Donald on film. Im a big Irish road racing nut.
I did have an interview with him but the sound didn’t come out well
I'm on my 3rd RE. Had the original Himalayan but ultimately traded it for a 250 Rally as it was just that little bit too slow and the ground clearance was no good for rutted british green lanes. Got a 650 Shotgun which I'm currently in love with... this looks like a possible stable mate!
Definitely
Great review and excellent to have another player in the small bike segment hopefully other manufacturers will see the light
I hope so too! The more the merrier.
Sounds like a cracking bike for its given purpose.Thanks.
I think it is.
Dave, good to see you guys again, it's been quite awhile.😇😊😊🚴♀🚴♀
Thanks mate.
Great Review Dave, I was looking at a used GS800 Adventure for my first bike back riding. Now I will have test ride on RE 450 Himalayan. Thanks for the great review .
Yes do test ride it.
Test rode one of these last weekend, very impressed, bloody great bike. Went back to the dealer and placed an order, I couldn’t fault it for the money and the packaging.👍🏻
Couldn't agree more!
Hello Dave; Thanks for a great review , first impressions; David....Adelaide....Triumph 1200X Scrambler.....
Thanks for watching!
Great review, nice.
thank you.
Great to hear the chief designer talking about the bike he helped design… I love this bike and will definitely test ride one … and possibly buy one as my do it all steed .. great vid mate ! 👊 uk 🇬🇧
Thank you.
Wow! You proven and tested the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450CC is an awesome all in one motorcycle. Very comfortable using in off-roads terrains and as well Touring and City Driving.
Me I owned Royal Enfield Classic 350CC Chrome Red. It is as well an awesome motorcycle that can use in off-roads and City driving for commuting. But I cannot use it for adventure like you did to the Himalayan 450 CC.
I am looking forward to buy Himalayan 450 for my Adventure rides someday!
Excellent review and Video shots! Thanks a lot!
Thanks for watching.
Fantastic vid. Stoked that they seem to have knocked it out of the park with this bike. Im waiting on one with tubeless tyres though!
It's just arrived in Australia.
It's so good to see Australian terrains....❤❤❤ Beautiful
Thank you.
That’s a good bike for me I just like plodding along l don’t ride like you do on your husky ,bang for buck it’s very good I would consider buying one I like the utilitarian design I hate all that crap plastic ,and it could sit on the freeway at 120 ks all day long and got power to go more ,they have done a brilliant job on the bike it’s got power now love it
It's a great bike.
Still humble enough to help another rider....that's why we love what you do Dave.
Thanks mate.
Thanks for you review! How did you find the weight/center of gravity of this bike? Does it feel heavier, lighter or the same as the old 411?
A little lighter but it's not :)
Great review, Dave. Just goes to show you don't need to break the bank to have great adventures.
I strongly agree. This bike can make you smile.
great video: you really have to get your hands on a Rieju aventura legend 500 - amazing how little attention it gets, spruced up for this year, great engine (honda 500 twin), good KYB sussers, 1000km fuel range and much more - get in touch with them, i think it would make a lot of folk smile
They don’t sell them in Australia unfortunately
If the engine were a 270 crank, I would highly consider it... that said, I would prefer Honda build this machine.
I'll check it out!
Good man 👍👍
Thank you.
Good review Dave. Always interesting to hang with the chief designer and learn where they are coming from with the bike. Now I wonder if the electrics will support heated grips. The horn will need to be raised up out of the mud and water zone behind the front tire. What about an enclosed drive chain? Most all the bikes I see on the road in India have this. I have a dealer about 150 km away. I'm going down as soon as they have one for demo. Thanks mates. Safe riding on the Pensioner's Club.
A good pensioner bike. You'll beat a lot of the young ones on the bigger steads.
Looking forward to the full 1-hour 13-days riding review. But based on this video I am curious for my test ride already.
The previous one was fun to ride and good to look at. But this one I might actually buy.
No comparison to the previous one.
A 1200 I have ridden and continually do is my 1200 XE scrambler now I might be the exceptions to the rule but the XE is always overlooked by all, now this is about the Himalayan 450 and not my XE so I really do not want to detract from it because the new Himalayan looks to be massive success and rightfully so in my opinion , great work guy’s. My money would have to go to Royal Enfield and NOT to MT450 in fact I went along and looked at the MT yesterday and a few areas scared me considerably enough to stop looking at it and I know without looking at the Royal this would not be the case.
Hi
Can you give some idea what all areas scared you ?
Just curious to know.
Thanks
Good vid.
I've heard it has an issue pulling to the right slightly. Did you experience that at all?
No
Tyres, yes, I'll find out in a week or three. Just got notified by RE Au that My prepurchase "group" will start deliveries on the 10th. 🙂 Though I might stick with those tyres for the run-in period & a run down the coast to my Brother's Bush block in "Knorrit Forest", in the hills out the back of Taree and 8hr+ ride of as much dirt roads and fire trails as I can squeeze in without back tracking. A good opportunity to sort out my soft luggage and all that stuff. I'm so glad it's rideable out of the box. Bash plate, touring seat, rear luggage plate & visor can come later unless they're in stock now. 👍
PS: I happy you mentioned the low pegs as I have a 34/35" inseam while standing 178cm, so I won't feel cramped as I feel a bit on my KLX400e with a slightly lower soft seat.
Get riding
Waiting for their arrival in Canada! Great review Dave.
Thanks
Yeah man!
Well done Royal Enfield 👍 I reckon these are gonna sell like hot cakes…. Would be great to them back in South Africa
They deserve to sell. They have done their homework.
Great review. Watching in Dubai 😊
Thank you so much 🙂
Isn't the exhaust a bit low? What are your thoughts on that Dave? Looks like a very good bike nonetheless, awesome video!
As I said, if it was my bike, I'd get the heavy duty bashplate.
great vid...😃 How would the new Himalayan compare to the KLR650?
New 2024 KLR is a hunk of junk, likely a class action against it coming. Factory assembly issues with the bearings that require dealer work to fix and are a major safety concern.
Good question!
@@domenik8339or a single line item on the PDI , which is already on the Honda/yamaha … if they aren’t sued over the doo, it certainly won’t happen over a check and torque…
what was all the faffing about towards the end of the video about? did the bike struggle to get up a steep incline? or with a hill start? thanks! love the videos guys :)
14:09 Dave do you use the cyoti giant loop saddle bag and are they any good ,I use kriega but want something more one piece ,advise please.👋🤠👍
I haven’t used the Kriega. I use the full range of GL horse shoe style bags. They’re solid in a range of conditions!and work well on a range of bikes.
It's good to see RE and CF Moto listening to what people want and building these bikes. Japan better wake up and remember what they did to the British motor cycle industry in the 60's.
Very very good point
It's Indian company now British killed RoyalEnfield later Indian company Eicer Motors bought it and turned it around by using good quality and designs. thanks to the one and only Siddhart lal CEO of RE. He is a great inspiration here in India who saved RE.
Is this a good bike to learn above average dirt bike skills on? I grew up in the dirt but after 30 odd years of only road bikes, I'm a bit timid. I was keen on a near new KLX250S (around $6k) to learn dirt again, but now I'm wondering if I just stretch to the full $9k now and get the second bike first. What do you think?
Just do it. It’s a generous bike for the rider
Damn RE knocked it out of the park. WANT.
I think they did.
No background music . Just the sound of the bike 👍 the way a real review should be.
It depends on what cameras you use, but this time it worked.
This bike is a steal. Can't beat it in price and package. It has everything you need.
Slap some Scorpions on it and travel around the world.
I reckon you're right.
Dave I want this bike. But I definitely want the tubeliss setup. Do you know if they will offer the other colours with tubeliss soon? What price is it with the tubeliss? And for how long will they have the introductory pricing? Last question...What will the price go up to? I'll ask these questions to the dealer tomorrow too, but just thought I'd ask here (maybe they don't know??). I was sold on the CFMoto 450 MT but I go by the emotion and excitement in reviewers voices, not just what they say, and I'm now convinced the Himalayan is the better bike.
So many questions I can’t answer.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV😂
Awesome review thanks.
Is the weight a problem? Not the lightest bike around.
U can reduce the weight by unnecessary accessories like center stand.
I don't think so.
It has alot of parts you can remove to make it lighter without removing any important thing . I have seen people reducing 20 kg weight just by removing useless accessories on the bike .
@@hdslytro387tell us what are the useless parts you removed that weigh 20 kg ?
Very interesting. Before these were released i never thought they'd actually be able to handle rough conditions. I think im still leaning more towards the crf300 but the more competition the better 🙂
Mate, you need to ride it, before making a decision.
Your reply is great to hear. I'm optimistic and want it to be good but prospective buyers won't get to test ride it in their use case scenario unfortunately, we've only got reviews to go by for off road conditions.
I'll take you seriously though and book a test ride in when I get the chance
Will you be doing a long term review on this bike and modding it like you did for the crf300? That would be a good series to watch
You've probably heard that the roads here in England are full of potholes and ruts. This bike will be ideal here.
The designer sold the bike. Great job!
I think the designer is passionate about his work.
What would be your pick if you owned no other bike and had to pick up either the CRF300 Rally or the Himalayan 450 (tubeless)?
I'm thinking the same. I have a klx300 but I'll have to test ride this to see if I like it more.
You need to test ride it too close to call for many different reasons
What’s your thoughts comparing it to the CFMOTO 450MT
When we can get hold of one, we will.
I've ridden the Himalayan and was a bit heavy yet was nimble yet not as nible as my Beta 500 yet affording plenty fun as long as you kept it reved up
Plenty good fun
Seriously good fun!
How would you compare the smoothness of the engine with the 300l ,going at around 60 to 65mph (100 to 110 kph) ?
A tiny bit more vibes but not much
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV thanks, that's good news, considering that is a 450
Great to see it finally hitting Australian soil.
I would love some more commuting footage, including how well it does lane splitting in stand still traffic.
Thanks guys.
It will do lane splitting well, from my experience in Easter Traffic.
When will we see them in store in Canada .
I don't know.
Change the antiflickering settings to 50hz or 25fps. It will stop screen flickering issue
Mate it's done.
Waiting
don't hold your breath. :)
Any chance of getting a thorough review of this bike down the road?
Not sure. Certainly not this year, we have too much on.
Hey Dave... I'm so ready to get off the street and buy my first adventure bike, and nearly bought a KTM390 the other day... but a voice in my head says I will quickly out grow it due to it's riding stance, suspension and lack and ground clearance. For off-road duties only, If I gave the KTM390 a 5/10... what would you give the new Himalayan out of 10 in comparison? Thanks mate!
It's got a great standing position. Look at the video to see that. Riders are standing all the time when we're pushing it.
8/10 unmodded
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Thanks Dave. Love your channel. More please! 😀
We have miles and miles of similar roads on the mountains around my home. So some good test areas. I want to come over and splash some water.
good idea.
How do you compare the power to Husky 701?
Chalk and cheese
I'd love to see how this would go in the deep, soft sand we get in the southwest WA. That 180kg dry weight looks a bit concerning to me, but that could just be the kind of riding I want to do. This does look like a great all-rounder though, and that price will be pretty hard to beat
Good question!
No South African importer since KWSA stopped a couple of years ago 😢 Really think this bike would be a winner here.
Agree
Did the bikes you rode here have tubeless tires?
No
It will get tubeless by the end of the year.
For what you get with the bike, the price is amazing 🎉
I think it is amazing value
I think it's a great bike for people who don't want to " haul ass ". And i really like the look of the bike.
Agree
I like the grunty sound it makes. Sounds manly! ❤
Yep
If going to ride side-by-side, then why not put a couple planks across to effectively make a 4-wheeler for added stability, etc.?
Good idea.
looks great. I do think the kickstand need a 50mm extention. Looks like the bike is close to falling over.
Nope it's just right. It might have been the angle of the ground we had it on as it was sloping.
I have mine on order. In 3 weeks I'll be one of the first in Bali with one. Yerhar(:-)
You'll love it over there.
Were you able to order with tubeless tires in Bali? I live here as well and considering a Himi
@@tangomikesierra Not available at all at this point
@@MrTewaka2 I may wait until that’s an option. I was looking at the new himi 411 in brown camo they have at the dealer but think best to wait. Shoot me a message here when you’re going to pick it up… I’d love to come see it!
@@tangomikesierra I think for about 20 million more you get twice the bike. RE seem to have put in alot of r and d as this is their first whole world bike they've produced. What you ridind currently?
How does this compare with klr 650?
More dirt oriented. But the Kwaka has the long legs.
How does it hold it weight, it is under 200kg so that is a pluss.
It holds its weight well.
Do we get tubeless wheels?
Later I think
In work should be available with tubeless tyres by the end of this year and if you buy the himmy now you can buy tubelessrims as accessory as the tyres used are tubeless .
What have you guys experienced in terms of the bike pulling to the right? Nearly 50% of Himalayan owners on the Australian Himalayan 450 forum report that their new bike pulls to the right severely, noticeable when hands are off the bars. Other RE models don’t do this. I’m keen to order one, but the odds of a faulty alignment don’t look too promising. Others overseas have had the issue resolved with some cone adjustments and wheel trueing, but yet to hear of the issue being resolved here.
Looks like someone has taking some notes from Damo’s vids, making a point about the bike and putting text up on key points 😜
Actually, it's the other way around. I've been doing this since Damo was an infant. :)
Could you do a comparison between the Himalayan 450 & the CF MOTO 450
Not sure. We are pretty booked up now, until September.
@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV are you dropping into Europe this summer?
That’s the big one, yeah? On paper the CF has the edge, but I’d like to see a proper back to back review.
@@richardjreidiiLooks like you get a lot more for your money regarding the CF Moto, but I've not seen a CF Moto report that is as enthusiastic about it as this RE450 review. The reports from the CF Moto launch have complained about the front brakes, the rear brakes lacking feel, two things Dave considers good on this bike. They've complained about the forks, another thing Dave has said he really likes on this bike, and we've not had any feedback on road riding (buffeting etc..) on the 450MT. Also heard complaints about the throttle on the 450MT. Going to be really interesting to see these two go head to head.
On paper there's a clear winner between those two, that's for sure. Reliability is the #1 concern for these bikes I think. The old himy had a slew of issues any rider could be plagued with just depending on who was working in the factory that day and they never were ironed out. The one time CFmoto had an issue with its 800 ibex it was fixed for free within 3 months. I think that says everything you need to know.