Royal Enfield Himalayan vs Scram - I still haven't decided!
VloĆŸit
- Äas pĆidĂĄn 27. 10. 2022
- The quest for a second bike continues, an Adventure style bike for light trails and tracks to go with the Meteor.
You suggested a Scram, so i gave one a quick go!
đđđ
#royalenfield #paramediclife #restdayrider #bikerchick #bikersofinstagram #ladybikers
#motorcyclecamping #motovlog #womanrider #womenthatride #moto #motorcycletravel #bikelife #enfield #thisgirlcan #motorcycle #bikergirl #womanmotovlogger #motorcycletravel #restdayrider #swindonbiker #swindonladybiker #himalayan #royalenfieldhimalayan #royalenfieldscram411 #royalenfieldscram
paramedics awesome people ! thanks to all of you .
Thank you đ
Charlie, decisions decisions, go with your heart â€. You already know that biking is not about speed. Itâs about enjoyment and feeling confident on the bike. As an advanced biker from what I have seen your riding is looking fine. Stay safe as always ! đ
Thanks for coming down Charlie! really glad you enjoyed both the himalayan and the scram! give me a heads up when your coming down next and i can get my hair ready!
hopefully we will see you again soon
The Hayball Team!
I didn't want to put you on the spot, next time all bets are off. đ Thanks again, you guys are awesome.
I went with a Himalayan over the CB500X due to the fact I do a lot of greenlaning and few motorway miles. Cheaper to buy and cheaper to drop (which I do often). If I was doing more long road trips it would be the Honda.
The scram is lower, lighter, looks better (in my opinion). The speedo and triper move with the handlebar, something I personally prefer. I donât expect you to go on ichy boots-ish trips, so Iâd go for the scram đ
I think you're wish list describes the Himalayan spot on. Light, cheap, easy to maintain, cost of ownership and the network of dealer support throughout Europe! Easy decision I think the Himy hands down.
Based on your stated desire for the bike Charlie, the Himalayan should win hands down. It's the adventure bike from start to finish. The scram has the smaller 19" front wheel making it a bit more nimble on road (same with the CB 500x) but slightly less capable off tarmac. I'm still holding my breath waiting for the much rumoured 650 Himalayan.
Going to be holding it a long time then, 650 wont happen.
I have a Himalayan Charlie. Itâs a great bike. I think for your trips with all of your camping equipment & photography gear, the Himalayan fitted with the rack & panniers would make sense over the Scram. Iâve ridden both & I didnât think there was much between them except for the mule ability of the former. The gel seat is a worthy upgrade!
Very good. I like your list of criteria...very wise. Can't wait to see your selection.
Great vid. Thanks for sharing your thoughts/journey.
Another great vid, Charlie! Really enjoyed it. Reminds me of my early biking days. So glad you are keeping your stunning Meteor. I'd never give advice on what bike to buy, it's your decision, go with your heart. Take care and ride safe.
Great video and your ponderings very much lean towards the Himi in my opinion, especially as you are going to keep the Meteor. The Scram is basically a brilliant marketing exercise by Royal Enfield. It is a massively stripped down Himalayan and yet only costs ÂŁ100 less, new! For this ÂŁ100 the Himalayan gives you a centre stand (an extra ÂŁ130 on it's own to buy for the Scram......unfitted), also you get a rear tail rack, two front racks (bespoke luggage is available for those and you can fit additional bespoke fuel cans there if you wish...), you get a very comprehensive dash, which adds a rev counter, analogue fuel gauge and compass. You also get a fly screen, an additional front mudguard beak and a 21" front wheel, to aid off roading and yet have very little negative effect on it's on road ability. Advantages of the Scram over The Himalayan? Well.......None really. It's a bit lighter but that's because of all the extra 'kit' you get on the Himi. They even rode a group of Himalayans all the way up to Everest Base Camp! It is an amazing bike đ
The Suzuki DR650 with low custom seat is a no fuss champion workhorse that you can learn to maintain entirely by yourself. It will take you all over the world at very low cost. You can modify it to your own tastes or needs. It will be the only ICE motorbike you will ever need until the UK Government finally outlaw ICE motorcycles. Freeway, back roads is just a matter of changing the front sprocket, does it all in its stride. Takes 5 minutes to change over. Plenty of short riders can manage this bike. Once you do an adventure bike course you won't think twice it will be so easy for you. Picked mine up with all aftermarket options for half the price of a Himalayan.
I would choose the Himalayan over the CB500x, itâs all round better for what you say your looking for. đ, just enjoy the ride.
Fabulous Adventure Charlie, always fun researching bikes, love the Morning or night hair. Looking forward to your decision.Neal
Its always tough deciding which bike to go for so I won't tell you what to do, just go with your heart! Loved the video once again and good luck with your decision!
Rode the Scram and it put a smile on my face
Hi Charlie it's Charlie.
Honda twice the price it won't be twice the bike.
I think the himy with the box's on it ,you looked very comfortable on it.
And as you said you can keep ag's and maybe px her in the future for the 650.
As for fancy in my experience it usually go's fancy, live with, grow to love.
Hard decision ahead.
Good luck Charles.
Chas.
Hi, I have the new 500x and a 3 yr old Himalayan, the Himalayan now has close to 50,000 kms and the poor old Honda is definitely the better bike by miles BUT its hard to explain, I get more pleasure by riding the Himalayan. Its about the smiles per miles, good luck with your difficult decision, ride safe
I passed my test a year ago and bought a 2021 himalayan with panniers and love it. Im 5ft 6 ,7 and dont have any trouble with the height , and dont forget the weight of panniers with luggage will reduce the height aswell. Go for the himalayan it sounds like a bargain
Love the Himalayan. I have a Meteor, like yours & would definitely consider this one (as it has so many extras fitted) as a strong contender!
Love it Chrlie - real world riding and a great review. Looking forward to more to come! And I want to know what you finally go for....!! Ride safe
Thanks Peter, won't be long before I decide, and reveal. đ
Brilliant, it's how I felt about the classic and the meteor. But even closer for these two.
Another great video . I'm glad that you now put comments up to explain some of the more technical terminology although I'm still a bit hazy on " brappy" ! It's great that you're getting loads of help and advice from subscribers but it's gonna be your bike and therefore your decision. Maybe get some more test rides and post your thoughts on other bikes too.
I used to do nights when I was on shifts so I fee you pain. Stay safe as always and I'm looking forward to the next instalment .
Another great video, Iâm eagerly awaiting the Honda one now!
Sounds like buying a new(newer)bike is more complicated,although the Himalayan sounds what you need,best of luck Iâm sure youâll pick the right oneâ€ïž
Greetings from down under. Thanks for taking me along on your test rides. Always a much anticipated pleasure. Good luck.
you have described the Scram ...as your ideal bike ...it will do light off road it is lighter than the Himalayan it's fun on the road and you can fix it without a computer and you can customise it as all sorts of add ons are now available.......I will have to try the scram now ....as it seems to tick lots of boxes.......another great vlog đ
Your amazing only been riding 12month!!!!? such a brave lady well done to you keep the vids coming g
Thank you Chris.
Eyup! In your ponderings đ you described perfectly a Himmo!
Love mine toođ
The best!
@@restdayrider i call mine my Hiimmopotamus đ
Hi Charlie, Iâve only recently stumbled upon your channel, but I am enjoying your videos a lot. I am also kinda new to riding, like yourself. I would like to suggest another option. I am a shortie (1,6m tall, with a short inseam), so finding an adventure style bike I felt comfy on was a challenge, even a KTM 390 adventure was just too tall for me. I bought a 2019 BMW G310 GS. Even though I could tiptoe at standard height, I added a lowering link to the rear shock and dropped the forks slightly to match, and it made all the difference for me. I absolutely love my bike. It is light enough for me to pick up by myself if I drop it, (approx 168kg wet, I believe) and is very comfy and easy to live with. I also fitted some nice Metzeler Karoo tyres which are a bit better suited to a spot of offroad riding than the standard tyres, and the bike is definitely very capable of doing so. No harm in having a look at those too, hey? I am just enjoying this journey with you and very curious to see what you end up choosing! Happy trails!
Hi there. Hayball's is a good little motorcycle shop, and to see you driving around Salisbury, was cool. As I live, not far from there. keep up the good work, and ride safe
Thanks Andy, I've found Hayball to be brilliant so far, very helpful and knowledgeable.
Wiltshire Man is well worth a watch as he and his mate have both got Himalayans doing the same sort of thing youâre looking at doing⊠for what itâs worth, Iâd say the Himalayan is probably your best bet⊠it seems to offer screen/luggage/on-off road ability with a very tractable engine characteristic thatâd be a benefit when on lanes/tracks⊠the perceived âlack of powerâ I really donât see as an issue⊠most of the roads you ride are 60 limit and it can handle 70 when needed⊠and the seat height is fine as standard. Donât know what theyâre asking for it but youâre getting a lot of what your looking for, for your money with the Enfield⊠decisions, decisions!!! Loving your videos⊠good luck choosing ( although I think youâre already making your mind up!) đđ
Hey Charlie, fellow âAmboâ colleague đ ! Well thatâs done it. I was all set for another Himalayan but Iâd never looked at the âScamâ Ummm - looks very nice ! Off to RE in the morning to have a đ đ€ Iâll report back. Thanks !
Yay! Hope you find one you like! There may be a few seconds hand good priced ones on the market now. đ
And here's me...leaving adventure bikes and looking at road bikes,the interceptor is a cracking machine and very customizable. Rock on lady.. a fellow nhs worker.
Love your rendition of The Magic Roundabout. Made me laughđđ
Nice one Charlie, going to be a tough choice.....
Hi from Australia. My suggestion is, choose the Himalayan with panniers already fitted ready to go. The 800mm seat height on the Himalayan vs 830mm seat height on the Honda will be a factor when you are on the side of a hill in mud etc. I have been riding Dirt and Adventure type bikes for years and I was surprised how stable the Himalayan is in loose gravel, however you'll need more suitable tyres than the standard if you are doing muddy tracks. You already own a Meteor, so I say go for the, "all roads or no roads Himalayan" as your second bike.
Hi Charlie great video again what a fantastic dilemma to have choosing which bike. I don't recall you standing up on the Scram also you must take into consideration the extra weight the Himmi had with screen and panniers things the scram lacked, these could change the feel of the bike. The Honda costs 3 times as much as the Royal Enfield I bet it isn't 3x as good that to me would have the RE out in front by a long way however, well worth checking out just for peace of mind. Look forward to the next blog ride safely
Another great vid Charlie we've all been there one bike just ain't enough âșïž. The thingy on the dash that you call a compass is the tripper system that's linked to an special app on your phone and is a simplified satnav system. Apologies if you know this already đ€
If you are going to venture down the odd green lane.. you will drop the bike no question!
Without doubt though it is by far the best way to learn to ride a bike, green laning should be compulsory.
I have recently purchased a Scram for winter riding and greenlaning my other bike being a 1200 speed twin, it's a bundle of fun and very good off road, and on road. I'm sure whatever you choose will be great , I chose the Scram over the himalayan just because physically its a little smaller and I prefer no screen due to buffeting. Also as previously mentioned the clocks and front light turn with the handlebars. For the price it's a no brainer.
Don't forget your meteor always remember it's the one you fell in love with and made you a biker chic. I wish you lots of love and happy rides out. đ
This was another great video. I was really interested when you mentioned your height in the summary. I have looked at both the Himalaya and the Scram and was immediately struck by how high they looked. Having just downsized to a Honda Rebel 500 because I got tired of the effort involved in staying upright on my last bike, I was put off by the height of both the Scram and the Himmie. I am only 5.7 with short legs so it matters. I really like the idea of these bikes, the Scram in particular. Maybe I will go and try sitting on once after seeing this. Good Job!
Do it!!! I definitely didnt feel I was struggling at any point with their height. đ
Looking forward to how the Honda suits. You are so right on looking at seat height and weight of the bike, I'm 67 and have been riding bikes since I was 16. I've never been a fan of sports bikes or plastic rockets as I call them, they all look much of a muchness and with their radical riding positions have never appealed to me especially as my wife used to go everywhere as pillion until she passed away seven years back, she loved horses but always said of sports bikes, "I am not a bloody jockey!!"), her favourite was a Honda Pan European ST1100 that we had. I've had allsorts of bikes and until January a Triumph Rocket lll when I suffered a stroke and the Rocket sadly I realised was too heavy, I recovered well but decided it had to go, luckily a friend bought her, so I still see her. I did test a Meteor and thought it a fantastic little bike but needed just a bit more umph especially after the Rocket, in the end I bought a Benelli 502C, a little 47bhp cruiser and one of those bikes I really gelled with, light and nippy enough with decent handling and brakes and comfortable. I then decided I needed another bike as my son often goes pillion these days and the Benelli is simply too small for the pair of us.. I was guided by my heart and not my head and bought an ex-blood bike, a BMW K1300GT, a great bike but as it turned out too tall and too heavy so it had to go, I simply didn't feel safe trying to ride her. I've had many cruisers so I bought a Yamaha XV1600, a heavy bike but with plenty of room for me and the lad, (we ain't small at 35 stone between us), even though she's heavy she's very low and the weight is low down so nice and manageable and even though she is 1600cc she only has 60bhp, but she'll cruise no problem at 70mph two up. What I'm saying is regardless of what folk say about power and size, you pick what suits you and what you feel comfortable with. Could I suggest one possible adventure bike that may fit your needs, it would certainly fit in with your budget is a variation on my 502C cruiser is the Benelli TRK502 adventure bike same engine but in the configuration you are after, the only problem is it may possibly be too tall. Sorry about the ramble but thought you might appreciate another view. Keep the videos coming Charlie, they are a great watch.
Thank you. đ Lots of tips there!
My second time to comment on this video, I took my scram out for the first time last weekend and put the first 70 miles on it , I smiled every mile. And I was freezing
Glad you're enjoying it! đ
Get the Himalayan! It's a two-wheeled Land Rover; goes anywhere. I was commuting 20 miles on rough (tarmac-ish) lanes to and from work and the bike loved it. I also wouldn't be without my panniers.....
Hi Charlie, just came across your channel, I ordered my Himalayan 2 weeks ago and really looking forward to it, I'm 65 ridden all my adult life but now downsizing, I live in northern France and love camping and that's why I've chosen the Himalayan, to be fair I have no intentions to off road but it carries my gear great, ....... Colin
Hi Colin, welcome to the Channel. đ
Looking forward to seeing the Honda review and then the decision. Keep it shiny side up đđ
Iâve got to go with the majority and say you have to try the Honda. I think it will be heavier than the Royal Enfieldâs but the power will make you giggle. Looking forward to you trying it out. Good luck đ
Hi Charlie, I love your videos. I've had motorcycle's all my life, I am now 56 . I've had two Honda 500X from brand new, and the last on I had all the mods done to go green laning, including custom made spoked wheels , that are the best for off roading. Not the mag wheels that are fitted as standard. The Honda was clumsy off road. I've also had a brand new Himalayan, buy a Himalayan, much better bike and needs no mods apart from raising the front mudguard with spacer's. Your videos have made me want to get another himmy to do a bit of touring on. Keep doing what you're doing âșïž X . Rod.
Himalayan=practical , Scram=love. Impressive dead-lift Charlie!
Hi Charlie; what a nice problem to have!! You seemed happier on the Himalayan. That particular example seemed a good deal, with relatively low mileage, and racks with paniers thrown in. They'll definitely be useful for your long camping trip. ( I personally prefer the styling of the Scram 411, but obviously you don't notice that too much from the riding position!!). I'm sure the Himalayan will do the job ok. đ
Great blog! you are defiantly doing all the right things to come to a decision on the bike best suits you for what you want to do with the bike. I think listening to you while riding the Honda apart from the height will be too powerful and sporty, only my opinion, I think what you are after the Scram looked good on you however you don't get the luggage. watching with interest as to what you finally end up with, take care Roger
Ha Ha, you've put yourself in the same quandary as me. I tested both the Himmy & the Scram at the ABR of road mostly and some on. For me the Himmy won, certainly off road and laneing. That Himalayan was lovely in the Black though.
And the I went and rode the Meteor which made matters worse. Still cant decide, waiting to see if they up the engines.
Great video as always.
Ride safe.
Hi Charlie the scram is more for on road, but very good off road as well, I went yesterday to look at a scram myself looks great must test ride it before I buy one.
Go with your heart and what you want not other people.
Keep the shiny side up and ride safe.
I know that you have already made your choice but the next time you are changing, consider this. You said that you want something that is not too powerful and will give you miles of smiles and is easy to handle and you can go touring on. I've have had all types of bikes over the years from Moto-X, Sports Bikes, Adventure Bikes to a Harley Davidson and now I am on the best bike that i've ever owned. Now don't laugh at me, It's a Vespa 300 GTS. It's very capable as last year I rode it from the top of Ireland (Malin Head) to the bottom of Ireland (Mizen Head) totallying 457 miles in one day. This year I rode it out to Interlaken in Switzerland (from N Ireland) over a two week period and it never missed a beat. Riding through towns is a breeze as you can cut through traffic without annoying anyone which you can't do on an ordinary bike and it can sit at 75 mph all day if you wanted too. Take a test ride one one and I guarantee that you will get off it and say to yourself 'I wasn't expecting that'.
A vespa .. I won't laugh, 2 wheels is 2 wheels, but Im not sure it would cope with what I have planned . đ
The Scram might be lighter but by the time you add your panniers and screen etc it will be close to the same weight as the Himalayan. You can always remove these things from the Himalayan if you wanted to but it'll cost you money to add them.
The Himalayan has a 21" front wheel which is much better off road ( dirt roads ) whereas the Scram has a 19" front which is more suited to tar.
My guess is the Scram has lower final gearing being a "town" bike which might explain why it felt snappier. Both bikes have the same power and torque.
I would still favour the Himalayan as a better all rounder.
I'm 5'6" and as I said previously said the cx500x was my first big bike. Please don't dismiss it, I think you'll be surprised. It's totally confidence inspiring, easy to handle and bullet proof in terms of engine, maintenance etc. Try an older model as they were slightly lower than the current one. Looking forward to you test riding it.
Hi Charlie, really enjoying the vids. An interesting dilemma. I also am not tall (5-7) and am put off by many adventure style bikes. Try sitting on a Honda CRF 250 or 300L. They look tall but compress significantly when you sit on them. Not sure that the seat would be comfortable on a long journey. Even if youâre attempting green lanes youâll still spend most of your riding getting to them so comfort is important. Although the Himalayan has a 21 inch front wheel and the Scram 19 inch (I think?) I have ridden the Scram at the ABR Festival off-road course fo about 12K and it was very accomplished off-road. Not sure whether there are any luggage options for it. Good luck, and whatever you choose Iâm sure will be fun and I look forward to the vids. đ
I had a Honda 2015 CB500X I owned for five years ,I did NC500,wild Atlantic way , Two up with luggage ,Iam a 29inch inside leg and I could flat foot both feet, there are loads of aftermarket parts for these bikes, the build quality on the Honda is excellent, I had no problems with rust,etc ,yes the price for Honda is bit more Himalayan, I didnât go off road with mine , but a lot of people do, plenty of off road tyres for these bikes,so u do have the choice if u so choose to do off road with it ,itâs definitely a bike I wish I could have kept âčïžbut couldnât afford to warrant two bikes
I love your honesty in these videos; they take me back many years to my earliest biking days. One point: as a new rider I understand your trepidation about the physical size of a motorcycle but, in my opinion, as you gain experience you will quickly outgrow 24.5 BHP & I'm not talking about ripping up the lanes on a superbike or a GS, etc. Give the Honda a test run before you put your money down that way, if you do decide on the Himalayan, you have covered all bases.
Sounds like you should look at the Fantic Caballero... Very comfortable, cool, decent power engine size, full of smiles... Very personable...
As another rest day rider (different nee nahs), looking forward to your decision as the Himalayan is on my list for next bike, haven't tried the scram but it does look a very capable machine. They both sound fantastic, look forward to the next vlog.
Hi Graham Nee Naaaw, decision is close, soon to be revealed I hope! đ
Having never been on a RE I have no input there but I do prefer the look of the Him over the Scram and the little bonuses that come with it do sweeten the deal. No one ever wants to miss a great deal or do they want to jump the gun. But you can always keep shopping. Ultimately the decision is yours and which ever bike you choose it will open up a whole new riding experience for you.
Thanks for posting,yet another interesting look into your search for the next bike. I'm sure this is the sort of conundrum that we all face from time to time. Just what do you buy? That's the million dollar question! đ€The "R.E. SCRAM bler" is billed by R.E. themselves as being able to do light off roading so you should be ok there. There's a well known motorcycle tour business, "South West of you" who has used them in the past for green lane training days. They would be able to tell you whether they are any good for that purpose. The hard luggage on the Himalayan is a "Bonus, but also a double edged sword. If you go mainly on road, then they are the things to have. They will be waterproof and have better security against theft. Off roaders generally go for soft luggage as it is safer for the rider in a drop. The Scram is likely to be a "Better" developed and constructed version of a Himalayan, without a screen etc. If you do some sections of the "TET" then a Scram with more chunky tyres would be ok, just remember that the Himalayan will be better on really rough tracks because it has a bigger front wheel and handle bumps and pot holes better as a result. I'll throw in a bit of personal experience here by saying that 27 HP will become tiring very quickly, if you do any riding in France for example. France is five time the land area of England and the distance between destinations will soon become an issue if you are flat out all the way, all day long. I moved from an A2 compliant bike with 47 HP to an 80 HP machine in exactly the same style bike to make the longer distances less tiring. You don't need to ride any faster, but a more powerful engine comes with VERY much more flexibility at lower road speeds. Finally, there are many thousands of bikes out there, so a bit of research is no bad thing. Prices are about to become even more keenly set and there will be plenty of good deals out there if you look. Good luck and ride safe! đđ
A lot of good tips from you, as always. Thank you. đ
I bought a 2016 StreetTwin when I passed my test.I find that manageable and itâs good for short riders.
Big decisions ahead Charlie, exciting times, the one thing i would take into consideration if you are intending to do some off road is whether you want metal panniers? good quality soft luggage is far more forgiving should you have a spill and end up with your leg under one, metal boxes can also take some beating back into shape ( i learnt the hard way!) Loving your channel Charlie and looking forward to watching more, good luck with whatever you decide and stay safe
Thank you David đ
Great videos really enjoy them.
I would wait till after you have done your off road course. As that will tell you how much of a dirt bike you would like. I was going Himi but went CRF300L as 60kg lighter when lifting up. Also much more capable for the TET. Complements well with a road bike. Or go Himi if mainly road and the odd bit of easy TET, and sell road bike as so similar.
Regards Chris
I'm a US rider , 76 and still riding. Not typical here I've always ridden as transportation and searched for the perfect bike. Owned so many couldn't even guess number. Now realize it's an addiction wanting them all lol. I suggest keeping your present ride and placing adv tires on it and should be fine for dirt roads, not perfect but fine. Or other choice which I went is buying a smaller dual sport for dirt adventures and you're present for commutes and travels. I owned a 2015 CB500x and a bike I've always missed. I'm 5'7'' and was a little tall but doable. I presently have 2019 Honda cb300r for street and 2022 Honda Trail 125 for back road adventures. Good luck in your decision and be aware of a possible addiction đ. Have a safe and fun motorcycle journey
Hello again, glad you enjoyed the Scram I reckon it's the one for you :)
Cruiser bike for cruising...adventure bike for offroading. Scrambler falls in between, can do a bit of both. But it doesn't have the touring set up (panniers) as yet, so... đ€ Loved the video! đ
Love the vid, have messaged you with a recommendation. Oh, and Straight Roads make Square tyres (not good)
đđ
I wanted a good all around bike, commuting, adventuring and such. I was between a fully kitted out versys 300x and a skyline Blue scram. Even though the versys was the practical choice, I went with the scram because she just makes me so happy. It's hard to put a price on that
I agree, if it makes you happy, it's a winner!
Luv it
Your final summary on the Blog points you directly to the himalayen with the panniers which you could sell on if you don't want them and you could maybe them have the sporty exhaust can like the Scran fitted .
You couldn't gone wrong with that Himalayan but you will have a lot of fun !! I have same model, panniers width measure 820mm, same as handle bars. Toured France in July, superb on all roads and a great travelling companion. The bike has SOUL.
Kind of the way I'm swaying. đ
Interesting.... Can't wait to see what you think of the Honda.
Night shifts are not fun but at least it's extremely rewarding.
âïž
If 90 % of your trips are on sealed roads, the Scram makes sense. You can add rack less luggage systems ( e.g. mosk moto) and some more aggressive tyres for when you want to go onto dirt roads. Power wise, the Yamaha SR400 retro styled road bike has the same power as the Himalayan. That bike has quite a cult following too. Lowering of a bike ; two methods I know of are lowering links in the rear suspension and internal shock adjustments to limit the travel. Of the two, internal adjustment is better, but not possible on some low end suspension units. The links ( dog bones) alter the geometry of the bike more. Off road having a comfortable foot to ground is more important than more power from the engine in my view. Even though I am a lot taller than you are, I lowered my DRZ400 seat by 40 mm with rear shock internal alteration. I could reach before tip toes with my MX boots on, but the number of times I topped over when stationary was annoying. It can be exhausting and expensive if you repeatedly dump the Honda on its side.
Bang for buck; buy the second hand Himalayan with all the fruit already added!
I got the feeling that this one was a little more lively, a little better simply. A little extra warranty is never wrong and the panniers are a big plus! Sounds like you got a little more than just feelings?! đđ
đ
I just bought a scram myself and I love it. I have t really seen anybody taking them offroad on CZcams but I have done it. It seems to be a very capable machine. I've had mine greenlaning quite a few times and on my channel there is a video of the very first time I did it you want to see what it can do it was the day after I bought the bike brand new so I wasn't using it to it's full potential but you can see it bouncing over rocks and mud just fine. I ride it with a lot more "enthusiasm" off road now and jump it around the place a little too. The bike does exactly what I want and sounds like what you want it to do too. If you have any questions to ask an owner of one I would be happy to answer and help as much as I can. To be honest though I just can't reccomend the scram enough. I've fallen in love with mine and the way it rides just encourages stupid fun things =)
czcams.com/video/TVvYRfWmBrw/video.html This is the first time I ever hit a green lane so I was being slow and careful but since then I've had the thing along way worse roads than this. Its a great lil machine.
Thanks I'll have a watch. đ
Charlie, Iâm not daft enough to try to tell a woman what she should do! The 3 bikes you are considering all have their good points in respect of your criteria, decisions are easy but being right is the difficulty! Having listened to your list of requirements I do feel sure that when you do make your choice it will be the right one for you. If you want a confidence boost, It may seem a bit of a strange request to a dealer to lay a bike over on itâs side for you to try a lift but if you want to be sure before you buy Iâm sure they would! Good luck and keep the vids coming, Iâm really enjoying them.
Out of the two that you have just had a go on, if you think with your head instead of your heart, then the Himalayan has to be the best bet, mainly because of the extras. As for the power thing, I went over Wrynose and Hardknot pass earlier this year and, chatted to a guy and his mrs on a Himalayan, he did both passes easily. Anyway, enjoy your test rides.
50/50 for me is my Suzuki dr650se . Iâm 6 ft though . Good luck , great video thanks , Iâve subâd from Butte MT â€
Thank you John. đ
great video, i am probably wrong but i thought as they are almost the same, that the accessories for the Himalayan would fit the Scram.
the front wheel on the scram is an inch smaller so that would make turning a little sharper. I was thinking of one of these as a second bike mainly for winter use, takes too long to clean my Harley everytime i take it out. loved your other video with Rotor Adventures as well. Stay Safe and have fun riding
Sadly the Himmy is different to the Scram , same engine but different frame, so the after markets won't fit the Scram. đ
Nice one, I suspect that the scram with the smaller wheels and probably slightly tighter suspension will feel more road bike oriented and more familiar which kind of play's with your brain lol, less agricultural like.
I can't help but think that the himmy hits more spot's out of the box if you are getting for trails mainly, only thing playing into that is you mentioned European tours which might play into wanting slightly more power for cruising, maybe the Tec cam on the Himalayan would sort that, then again you might try the Honda and really enjoy it, vibe or no vibe (call the banker lol), I'm very much looking forward to seeing the 650 cruiser release, on paper and spy shots it hits many of my sweet spot's.
Sorry to tell you, but you are always looking for your next bike. It never ends - fortunately!
Yep, couldn't agree more, costs me a bloody fortune!!đđ
Interesting video. I am the same height as you with a 29 inside leg. At the moment I'm riding a Tracer 9 with the seat in the low position 810mm. I'm on my very tip toes but normally just put one foot down. The CB500x has a 830mm seat height. I think it would be a struggle for you but as you say can be lowered. I am looking forward to seeing which way you go but I can see you camping on that Himalayan! Ride safe
The Honda CB500 X Has a very smooth
Engine more Road bike than off but should tackle Trails easy Enough load of used ones on the market ..
So much Choice in this Class
I look the Like of the Scram more
Even if its not as practical as the
Himmy..or theres the Vouge
a less expensive Chinese Copy
Of the Honda CB 500X , but Ive seen one & the Build Quality looks very
Good...choices Choices !!
Keep an eye on the steering head bearings. The original RE ones wear out relatively quickly
I.m 6ft 4 and can manage anybike. Had many big bikes. But. . .smaller lightweight bikes are more fun. For longer trips my only performance criteria is needs to do 60 comfortably. More important is comfort. Now top of the list. Think himmy or scram is good choice. đ
Entirely your decision obviously, but I still say the Honda CBX 300 or 500.
If you buy cheap you buy twice in my opinion, however your doing this research dead right and for all the reasons you have highlighted.
Looking forward to seeing what you do,it's all rather exciting đ I really must get a life
If you are talking touring Europe, then the Himi, with the luggage rack and panniers makes economic sense, as you would need them anyway for that type of trip, (I toured France, Italy, Switzerland a few years back on a GPZ500 - trip of a life time, you will love it!)
The exhaust is standard, the same as on my Scram. Throw over luggage is ok on the Scram and it's what I use. I have to agree with you on the agility, it's so easy. I have done 3500 klm on mine now and made my own screen as I wanted a bit of protection . I've down sized from a BMW Sport to the Scra m and am loving it and you will be able to do some light off roading with it.
Sounds like.the Himalayan would be the right bike of the three you mentioned in the video. Not sure if anyone mentioned this yet but you might have a look at the Kawasaki versus x 300.we just bought one for my wife and she really loves it for on and off road.
Im with Pete ,simply go with your Heart .........its not all about money or even revues .Simply decide what bike floats your boat !! After 2 FJ1200,S FRINSTANCE ,i had a hankering way back in 2000 to buy a Honda Africa twin 750CCC ...now Im only 5,8: tall .Bit off road capability Paris Dakar ....great ride on the roads .....loved that bike and sorry I sold it .Simply do what makes you happy and learn from the experience .Ride Safe ,really enjoying your vids and I duff my cap Maam for your full time work .
Hi Charlie, well done having a test ride on both those bikes, the scram does look a fun bike and sounds like it put a smile on your face , the Himalayan looked a lot better than your previous test ride and with all the add ons, difficult choice to make but Iâm sure you will get there, the Honda is worth a go on even just to tick the box and if you get chance have a sit on the triumph street scrambler or street twin , I wish you all the best , thanks again for an interesting vid , cheers, Mitch đ
Hi Charlie, weekend to ponder đ€ on the bikes , you came up with a winner ? , all the best in your choice , Mitch
I have one in the lead at the moment ... đ€«
I bought a new Himalayan last year and loved it. Then for some reason decided I missed the Africa Twin I had traded in.. traded for another Africa Twin and regretted it ever since. The Himmi was fab. You wont regret if you buy one
It's a good dilemma to have , the problem with the Scram is the availability of stuff at a decent price I would guess , enjoyed your chat, good luck , I think you'll be surprised at the honda , ie just a bit quicker.
Hi Charlie having owned both a CB500x and on my second Himalayan I think the Himalayan is a much sweeter bike to ride and own. Been riding since 1976 so have had my fair share of Bikes. Have been Trials riding since 17and still ride twinshock MX with my son, and ride every weekend in between trail riding here in Devon. I think the Himalayan might be the bike for you after listening to what you intend to do in the future. Hope my waffle is of some use.
Regards Rich T
A suggestion that may appeal Charlie: Don't buy anything just yet. The biking magazines all report that Royal Enfield are releasing a brand new 450cc single in the new year. It will be fit for light off-roading, has a new water-cooled engine and should retail around ÂŁ5k. And it looks good too.
Standard Himmy is 5k, 450 will be about 6k.
@@mikehurley5052 ÂŁ6k would put the new 450 squarely in the price bracket of the 650 twin. I can't see that happening; maybe it will be in the middle somewhere?
Wait for some time . RE is going to launch the 450 version. These 411 versiona are good but whats better than a new bike with more power and a little more in price . Although the price difference will be very less .
And also theres some inside news from RE , they are releasing 2 or 3 new bikes on this coming 18 november. I guess all those will be 650s.
@@mikeadams6031 it seems to have close to 650's power figures...
It will be more expensive the Himalayan 411 that's for sure -its liquid cooled and 40HP and no doubt much more off -road capable than the present Himalayan -they are talking a Rally version as well, and possible Dakar entry based around this bike. All the Indian journo's are saying it will be in the later quarter of 2023 before release, a softer Scram version will be due in 2024 as well.