In depth review of Royal Enfield's new Himalayan based Scram 411. PayPal Donations threelittlefishes@live.co.uk PATREON. / stuartfillingham #royalenfield #scram411
Having gotten out of big ADVs almost ten years ago, I find the Himalayan to be a fantastic and usable bike in the city and country. Given that you like the 411 engine and chassis, it won’t surprise me if you like the Himalayan, even if just a little bit. Point is, it’s a good platform, in my opinion, and it’s nice to see it being used in another variant.
Holding my hands up here. I have a GS1200 2017 and it’s phenomenal in what it can do. However I 100% admit it is almost soulless. There is just something special about a back to basics bike that has enduring charm with its simplicity and its ability to do anything you need. I totally agree a rider needs to be wise enough to ride within a bikes limitations. Having recently owned a Honda Monkey with a top speed of 55mpg on the flat, I never felt out of place on the road and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This Scram looks great and I found it more than adequate on the roads when I rode it. Hats off to RE. They are a truly exciting and growing brand and continuing to win over many fans. Myself included. Great video and informative content. Thank you 😊
Whether riding motorcycles, or driving tractor trailers, I never liked running in groups. Everyone starts thinking they have to prove themselves, and this often creates dangerous situations. BTW, thank you for this. I really like the looks of the scram, and would love to turn one into a tracker.
My Suzuki GT125 use to cover great distances when I was young, much to everyones surprise when I turned up on distance family door steps for the night.
Great comments Stuart. I laughed when you described how to draught behind lorries, that was standard procedure on my 175 Fanny Barnett back in the 60's !
In a few weeks, I'll be picking up either a Classic 350 or Himalayan...or maybe the Scram! Your video's offer invaluable insight...I remain glued to the screen!
Took me a while to catch up with this video, but: This is the first semi-serious take on the Scram I've seen online. To start with, RE absolutely *nailed* the look of the thing…I like he look of most modern-classic scramblers of the past few years, and the Scram is up there with the best, which, given the ask, is quite the feat. Interesting that power output is pretty much line-ball with my Vespa GTS SuperTech, and I'll reiterate to anybody that it's more than enough power to get you virtually anywhere, and I'll also stand by the axiom that it's more fun to go fast on something "slow" then the other way 'round, especially when the bike is smaller, lighter, and more nimble as a result. Glad to hear RE is pitching a Scram your way to run around with for a bit, and obviously looking forward to your deeper take on it. Safe travels!
I so agree with your comment reference small bikes. Many years ago I toured 2 up up in France and Spain on a 250 two stroke single. Had a great time. I lament the demise of the small bikes that many of us grew up on (125, 250, 350cc etc) After riding bigger bikes I am of an age where the cc is getting smaller and recapturing the feeling of having to work to get the best from the bike and not just turn the throttle. Been looking at the RE range of smaller bikes and in the future will probably have one in my garage. Thanks for the informative review.
That’s the first Enfield that has a bit of WOW factor for me. Always though the Himalayan was a bit ‘industrial’ looking.mLooked like it was just lacking the mounts for a rocket launcher. The Scram could do with another 5-10bhp for the weight ideally but it’s not so bad. So, a nice looking practical bike for British A & B roads at a very decent price! Very good review as always Stuart and I hope Enfield are successful with this one.
Well done! I love your recurring theme in your videos about not pigeonholing smaller bikes as being just for "beginners" etc. I'm yet another veteran rider (50+ years) who has been more than happy to jettison my big-dog bikes (including, most recently, a Victory Kingpin) to return to the simple joys of smaller, well-built bikes like the Meteor 350.
These reviews are great. Small capacity bikes are the best bikes. Here in Finland many roads get worse every year so there really is no reason to get a bike with more power than 35 kW or less. Even my 500 cc bike with 35 kW often feels more than enough.
Morning Stuart, I had an interceptor for two years which I loved, much better than my two bonnevilles. Rode one of these last week and bought one, more than the sum of its parts as they say. Great review as usual. Regards Brenden.
I can confirm that the power of the engine up to 30hp is really enough to enjoy real motorcycling. I too have had 150bhp+ motorcycles. You are just controlling the bike and not enjoying where you are actually riding. Since 2 years I have the RE Bullet 500 classic and since then I really enjoy motorcycling. This 411 scram fully complies with that for long off-road trips. And then also for a very pleasant price thanks to RE... Thanks for the honest and clear review S.F...
I've always wanted a Triumph Daytona but it's quickly dawned on me that outside of a trackday its potential is wasted. My interceptor is more than quick enough at 48bhp
You do a great job with your videos. Very informative and easy to watch. You have a certain “air” that is refreshing and different. You hit the nail on the head with: things are changing. I love this bike and thinking seriously of getting one here in Virginia. We only have 2 dealers in our state and the are selling REs as quickly as they get them. Thank you
Great review Stuart, I enjoyed that👍 Had my scram a week and after riding 400 miles, I have loved every mile. I can't fault her. I didn't want to stop today, this evening country lanes for 50 miles and it made me happy 😊
Thanks for the close up look, I've avoided Scram reviews for a while now so this is my first and probably only one I'll watch. I think RE is one of the smartest motorcycle manufacturers out there. They absolutely own their niche and understand their market(s) and trends (as you point out in the video Stu), they make brilliant design decisions (that are often overlooked by many) where they choose what to focus on, and where costs can be saved to meet a target retail price. People choose to criticise the areas which have been built to a budget without understanding it was probably a deliberate and well thought through business and design decision. It reminds me of my days in the army, you didn't always need to iron the whole shirt, you just needed to focus on the collar and the right creases and it would pass haha 😁
Brilliant review on a brilliant bike! Yes I can remember, many years ago touring on a small capacity bike which broke down every trip. It all added to the experience. Thanks John
Thanks for the Scram video Stuart. I am also a “ gentleman of a certain age” and until recently the Himalayan has not been on my wish list, but the Scram has changed that opinion . After watching numerous reviews and videos of this new edition, including yours, I am now seriously considering purchasing one. It seems to provide everything that I need in a well rounded bike and also a significant fun factor. Currently I’m downsizing from a vintage GS750 Suzuki and I like the Scram option, not mention the savings on insurance . Cheers, Dan. ✌️🏍🇨🇦
Thanks Stu. Glad you’re getting on the RE guest list now, as you should. If anyone has any question about the Scram’s off road capability, I would recommend checking out Nathan Millward’s channel - Dorothy’s Speed Shop. He has added a Scram to his RE fleet, which you can go down to Devon and test ride, but he posted an initial impressions video yesterday doing some “scrambling”, and the bike can certainly do that too.
Looking forward to your Himalayan review. I too spent years on a lardy adventure bike- the most impractical bike I have owned. Completely useless off road and just too big and heavy to enjoy a short trip to the shops. And that's an opinion from a 6'3'' rugger build chap! As for service and repair costs for the podgy German- I could have got a Bullet and pocketed the change. For me all the current Royal Enfield models are desirable and justifiable from a cost view point. Just difficult to choose which one to fill that space to keep the Triumph company
Haha ditto here. In the end I couldn't decide so ended up with a Meteor and a Scram 411. As Venessa Ruck told my wife, motorbikes have a habit of breeding :-)
Great review, thanks. Having just bought the Interceptor I am seriously considering adding the 411 to my garage. Even been and sat on one! Very impressed
Excellent vlog as per usual Stuart. Regarding Street Scramblers, they were very popular in the USA in the late 60s & early 70s. I think all the Japanese manufacturers produced them. However, not many were imported into the UK, which was a crying shame. I for one have always loved the street scrambler style.
Love mine and that's after a lifetime of riding high powered machines. I changed the exhaust and its perfect now. Fitted an Airblade saddle as I have a bad back and I can now ride much further.
Thanks Stuart, certainly one of the most insightful reviews on the Scram that I’ve watched, appreciated the backstory too. Just test rode this and it is spot on. Well-sorted is certainly how it feels, especially coming from riding the original and fuel-injected Himalayans. For the roads here in the Philippines I used to recommend the Himalayan as the best all-rounder, with the asterisk that it’s not that fun on pavement. The Scram now takes that title, despite its lack of top speed.
A great review on the Scram 411, Stuart. Nathanthepostman put his through its paces offroad in N.Devon yesterday. Between the pair of you, you have the Scram pretty well covered, as have RE.
Thank you Stuart for another great review. I'm glad you enjoyed the day. I think RE are reading the future very well and is a brand that is going places where others will need to catch up. I would be very interested in owning the scram as a second bike 👍
Totally agree with your view on small motorcycles. Like you I have ridden large high performance bikes but actually prefer the smaller ones. I ride mainly 250's now I'm in my mid 70's. This Scram 411 seems a pretty good choice and love your review.
I'm a gentleman of a certain age and the more I look at this bike, the more it appeals. The big BMW goes in August. One of these as a training bike will dramatically reduce my costs as well as being a hoot to ride.
Great review Stuart and RE have created a very nice iteration on the Himalayan. I think Itchy Boots has proved conclusively just how capable this platform is. I didn't want to like it ... but it really does grow on you.
I remember the old Kawasaki Z200 that came in a colour inspired by the sinking sun over the Humber on a February evening looking towards the Killingholme oil refinery. Can't beat Humber brown..... Great review, I'm sold on them, and the Scram will definitely extend my riding season.
Great review Stu and I agree totally that the Scram is a different concept, for a different market. I have a Himalayan and like many others thought initially that the Scram was a cut down version. Not so. Like the two 650 twin models, they share the same frame and engines, plus a number of other interchangeable parts but then, like the 650's they take a different fork in the road with regard to market, feel and development. Looking forward to your week long review and perhaps a future Himalayan review. Thanks again for your thoughts 😊
I don’t think I can count the number of times I’ve said to someone, who told me I needed a bigger motorcycle, “if I wanted total comfort, I’d just quit messing with motorcycles and take my Camry”.
If I had not bought the Himalaya Euro/BS4 in 21.. Then the Scram would have been the only contender.. The Himalaya ticked all the boxes, having followed, watched and listened very much to all being said, that yes it suited my late in life return to biking.. by design it's in a league of it's own and the Scram has entered that same market. Only thing next what has RE to offer in that long hoped for larger capacity Himalaya..!
Excellent stuff, great video. Enfield's really quite exciting these days, onto another winner. Heading in to purchase myself my first Royal Enfield in September, it'll be a Himalayan for me, as it tick's my boxes for what I'm going to use it for. Vids like this have really helped, as well as entertained. So really look forwards to hearing what you have to say on the himi... Many thanks 👍
I've been riding large capacity bikes for a few years now, they've never given me the smile factor of my 125 era, I'm seriously considering a classic 350 or scram 411 as my weekend plod/fun bike.
Thanks for another great video Stu. You always bring real world info and a truthful account of whatever your testing. I'm really thinking of getting an Enfield now as my fjr is just not giving me what I want from a ride.
Excellent as always. I think if you honestly assess your personal riding envelope, anything capable of 10% more is enough. Add to that the extra weight as you age, big enough is enough. I am quite convinced no girl ever looked at one of my 50+ motorbikes and thought "I bet he has a big one". More like "suprised the old bugger can still ride". I love the proliferation of smaller bikes and Royal Enfield are doing their bit. Thanks
This bike is definitely growing on me. When they were new I bought a Motor Jikov 50. Nimble as a bicycle and it ate corners - all at a maximum speed of 30 mph. I kept it longer than I thought I would!
I prefer smaller bikes these days. I like everything RE is doing. There new bikes all look good with very good reviews. Thanks for another great video.
Absolutely agree. Just got rid of my Harley it was small but dam heavy. Looking at the Meteor 350 this Friday love the looks and wow the reviews. Nobody has any thing bad to say about it. Scram isn't my cup of tea but I bet it is a fantastic bike
@@Paul-pb3vq as a Meteor owner, buy it; you WON'T regret it! Also, take a gander at Ol' Man Ronin's YT channel; he's a Harley owner who also has a Meteor and a Himalayan in his stable. He LOVES RE bikes!
Yip already following his channel. I can't honestly think of any new model bike from any manufacturer that has had such positive reviews and comments. Can't wait got the money in my pocket ready. 😉
Brilliant review thanks Stuart. Spot on regarding the smaller capacity motorcycles they do the job very efficiently indeed. I’ve downsized in recent years and don’t regret it one bit. And as you’ve said buy what you like and no need to keep up with the expectations of peers and others!
Great Review - Thank you Stu. Cant wait to fix up a test ride at my local RE Dealer. Had a Himalayan previously and looks like they've sorted out the uncomfortable saddle. Looks like it will be a practical and economical tourer once luggage becomes available and the Himalayan RE hard boxes would look great on the bike and really would compliment the styling imho.Oh - and yes to the press day video - that would be really interesting.
Thanks for the review Stuart. I do like this bike. I can relate to the idea of getting back to smaller capacity machines for the same reasons as yourself. I'm also of the age where I've had most types of bikes and engine sizes/power outputs over the years and I feel like getting back to basics to hopefully enjoy riding a bike again. As much as I love my current bike, a Speed Triple, I find that these days it might as well be a 500cc bike given how we are forced to ride on todays roads. I think a test ride on the Scram is in order.
Wow! What a beautiful bike! It looks amazing in the red and white colour. It is up there with a Ducati multistrada 950 looks wise for me. Top job RE. Thank you for the review Stuart.
If the 650 can make HP and torque gains with a full pipe sans cat, airbox mods and a remapping of the EFI I'm certain this bike will get some pep in it's step too. I can see this becoming an inexpensive modders dream with big bore kits and adjustable suspensions. This would be particularly true in places with limited tiered licencing.
I am very tempted by one of these. I had a go on a Himalayan a year after they were introduced and I thought at the time, "If I got one of these, slimmed it down a bit and got rid of the trials front wheel, it would do me very well" So it is no wonder that the Scram appeals.
Great review Stuart. You have me convinced that this would actually be my choice for a Royal Enfield single. I would welcome the extra 60cc over the new Meteor and Bullet classic. Nice bike.
OK, now it is on you. After watching a couple of years of your videos and your flogging everything Royal Enfield, I have decided to get myself a Himalayan for my 80th birthday in September. The old Bandit is like me kinda long in tooth and a little too heavy. So I am gonna see if 25-30 horseponies can satisfy an old speed merchant. I probably would get the Scram 410 but our new place is on a damn near no road in the Sonoran Desert and I think the 21" front will help me through the sand washes better. By the way, I have watched damn near every RE review since the Interceptor came out and you sir are the one I have the most faith in. Even though, I think you are pretty biased toward them. Well you and that little Dutch girl that put a gazillion miles on two of them with no major catastra-stroke Keep up the good work
The 21" front tire of the Himalayan is narrower than the 19" front tire of the Scram 411, and it may not "float" over sand as well as the 19" tire. If I had a Himmy, I'd experiment with lowered tire pressures for sand.
Hi best review of this bike I have seen you covered all the aspects of this bike in a smooth & professional way. May tick all the boxes for a lot of people & thousands of fans all over the world as a all rounder. With miles of smiles
Agreed! this is what a bike review should be! An assessment of what its like to ride not just some guy standing next to a bike reeling off the specs and making pointless comments. Stus bike reviews may be few and far between but the photographic content is second to none as is the narrative, and in my view his reviews are the benchmark by which all others should be judged.
I had a chuckle at Stuart's memory of slip streaming' long ago. My first proper tour was on a Yamaha RD 250, which was a good little motorbike but a bit thirsty. Being 17 years old and perpetually skint I too used to tuck in behind lorries. Instant boost to fuel economy. Bad news if it was raining though in which case I would pass the lorry and get into a lane where I was alone and not coping with the spray from lorry tyres. Happy memories and I am still touring in my sixties. The best bike I have for this is my BMW 1200RT but, guess what, since I bought an Interceptor last April I have gone camping exclusively on that Royal Enfield. I know that does not make sense but I love riding the Interceptor and appreciate the interest in the bike from bikers and public.
Great review Stuart! Question: do you think they will “last”? The amount of plastic worries me as does the quality of metal used in the motor and other moving parts? Not much point saving at one end to incur early costs. I’m thinking to invest more and buy a Triumph Scrambler might be a more prudent over the long term.
Concern's me a bit I bought a Yamaha 125 years ago and it rusted in a year. Was nowhere near the build quality of old. I'm not too worried about plastic as that doesn't rust. But worried some parts might be made from monkey metal as people can it. I think the engine will last though without big problems.
Another excellent review,thoroughly enjoyed it. I do wonder why so many manufacturers are continuing to develop new models on combustion engines as I believe the uk government want to phase these out in favour of electric !! I personally do not agree with that stance,the choice should still be ours ! I wonder what your opinion is Stuart lol.
As a fellow "Gentleman of a certain age", I appreciate motorcycles that rely on the whole being greater than the sum of the parts approach to coming market. My Interceptor 650 is far & away the most economical, useful & enjoyable motorcycle I've owned. I'm thinking about turning it into a bit of a scrambler but, if that doesn't make financial sense, I can see myself getting one of these. Great review, Uncle Stu! Cheers, Tim.
Great honest review there Stuart, especially as I’m quite interested in this particular bike, and I’m an older rider. Looking forward to your long term review of it, albeit for only a week, or so. Like you say, it’s all about the ride, not how quickly you get there (unless you’re on a race track).
Great review, the Scram 411 has added to my dilemma of choosing my next Royal Enfield, between it and the Classic 350 , different bikes but both appealing to my desire for a practical bike with great long distance fuel economy, and as you say a pleasure to ride at realistic speeds.
Mr Filllingham, loved this review, let me tell you why and I'll try my best to be concise. I am a person who had been riding for almost 50 years, Ninjas, GSXRs, Newer Indian Scout, Kawasaki Triples, RD's and RZ's, you get it, recently I bought a Royal Enfield, I pick it up on the 25th of this month and that is how I found your Channel. Until I seen this review, I wondered what the deal was with the 411, a bobby Himalayan ???, Girls Himalayan, what, I didn't read much about it so I didn't know, that been said, I didn't really know what a scrambler was and am only really learning about Adventure bikes, dah Close minded, Street bikes only, lol. You said it was a scrambler, hence the name Scram411 , the light goes on and I think of course that's what it is Dah, Karl. Anyway I'm suffering from Verbal diarrhea Thanks again for your review, great as always you never disappoint. cheers.
Good call Stu, I tried the Himalayan and didn’t like it but this sounds right up my street. Only problem with that is that I love my Interceptor more. I want for an old and cheap (ish) GS as my workday bike by the way, and yes, I agree with all of your comments on that style of bike. Thank you for your selfless efforts yet again, this looked like a tough gig.
It doesn't matter how old I get... I'm still a youngster... okay well at heart at least and whichever bike I'm on always brings a smile on my face and I feel like a little kid... Not that I ride like one... well you get the picture. I agree with you Uncle Stu, I love my small-displacement bikes plus if you're going too fast you miss all the scenery.
Had mine a week. Same as this one in red and white which looks looks amazing. Wouldn't change a thing.Got mine from Watsonian in Blockley. Excellent service.
A good review …. The point you make about a sea change in motorcycle engine capacity speeds etc is spot on. Only a matter of time before we have black boxes on our vehicles. It’s not a bike for me as I have the Himalayan and exactly one year ago yesterday I set off for my own mini adventure - Lands End to John O‘Grotes so those “little” engine bikes are just as capable and it took me on the back roads, so at a safe pace so I saw a lot more. Never a more appropriate saying for RE than “Less is More”
When you live in a nanny state that is smaller than some states here in the US you don't need speed as you can cross the 'country' in 5 minutes at 40 mph. Try crossing Texas on that severely underpowered, overweight pig. The RE won't even do the speed limit.
Well, I test rode the Scram here in India a month back. Got to compare it with the Himalayan they had at the dealership. The smaller front wheel and the steeper rake help make the bike much easier to turn. Changing directions in city riding conditions is a breeze! The stiffer front suspension contributes to the more connected feel of the front end. The improved fuel map makes the low end all the more accessible. Definitely an improvement over the BS6 Himalayan I rode that day. The lower handlebar is more suited for the tarmac. Off road use might require risers. I hope this helps.
@@daveinwla6360 Right? I like how RE is focusing on the basics, making sure that the core experience of riding a motorcycle is well sorted. And this is from someone who rides two KTMs!
Nahthen from Lincoln Stu! Great review, thoroughly enjoyed this one. The Scram looks to be priced perfectly as a second bike for a lot of us, I could really see myself having one of those in that way. I too have done my best touring on a 125cc and used to use the lorries too 🙂 It costs £3,400 for a Yamaha Nmax 125 Scooter new these days (which is my runabout alternative to my Triumph Bobber), so why not a RE Scram at £4,000 as a second ride. Brilliant review, well done!
I think any A2 licence holder would be pleased with this bike. 24.5 Bhp isn't a lot but for 90% of my riding it's fine. I have been riding a Himalayan now for the last 2.5 years and 12K miles on the clock. For me the Himalayan suits my life style better and also has the rear rack and front carrier option, yes the Himalayan is more of a "Tool". Smaller capacity bikes do have an attraction all their own, not to mention the fuel savings I also have a Suzuki V Strom 1000. The low powered Himalayan comes out of the garage a lot more than the big Suzuki, if I were to put a ratio to it I'd say its 4:1...4 rides on Himalayan V 1 ride on the V strom....! I still prefer the big Suzuki though if I have a lot of fast motorway riding to do.
"If you don't like the wind don't buy a motorcycle, get a car" well said.
You can of course have a windshield on a motorcycle as I have on my Interceptor.
Love red and white Scram.....its looks like a better twin of Himalayan imo
I own and love a Himalayan, to me the Scram looks like another RE winner! great review, thank you.
Having gotten out of big ADVs almost ten years ago, I find the Himalayan to be a fantastic and usable bike in the city and country. Given that you like the 411 engine and chassis, it won’t surprise me if you like the Himalayan, even if just a little bit. Point is, it’s a good platform, in my opinion, and it’s nice to see it being used in another variant.
Holding my hands up here. I have a GS1200 2017 and it’s phenomenal in what it can do. However I 100% admit it is almost soulless. There is just something special about a back to basics bike that has enduring charm with its simplicity and its ability to do anything you need.
I totally agree a rider needs to be wise enough to ride within a bikes limitations. Having recently owned a Honda Monkey with a top speed of 55mpg on the flat, I never felt out of place on the road and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This Scram looks great and I found it more than adequate on the roads when I rode it.
Hats off to RE. They are a truly exciting and growing brand and continuing to win over many fans. Myself included.
Great video and informative content.
Thank you 😊
Whether riding motorcycles, or driving tractor trailers, I never liked running in groups. Everyone starts thinking they have to prove themselves, and this often creates dangerous situations.
BTW, thank you for this. I really like the looks of the scram, and would love to turn one into a tracker.
My Suzuki GT125 use to cover great distances when I was young, much to everyones surprise when I turned up on distance family door steps for the night.
Great comments Stuart. I laughed when you described how to draught behind lorries, that was standard procedure on my 175 Fanny Barnett back in the 60's !
In a few weeks, I'll be picking up either a Classic 350 or Himalayan...or maybe the Scram! Your video's offer invaluable insight...I remain glued to the screen!
Took me a while to catch up with this video, but: This is the first semi-serious take on the Scram I've seen online. To start with, RE absolutely *nailed* the look of the thing…I like he look of most modern-classic scramblers of the past few years, and the Scram is up there with the best, which, given the ask, is quite the feat. Interesting that power output is pretty much line-ball with my Vespa GTS SuperTech, and I'll reiterate to anybody that it's more than enough power to get you virtually anywhere, and I'll also stand by the axiom that it's more fun to go fast on something "slow" then the other way 'round, especially when the bike is smaller, lighter, and more nimble as a result. Glad to hear RE is pitching a Scram your way to run around with for a bit, and obviously looking forward to your deeper take on it. Safe travels!
I so agree with your comment reference small bikes. Many years ago I toured 2 up up in France and Spain on a 250 two stroke single. Had a great time. I lament the demise of the small bikes that many of us grew up on (125, 250, 350cc etc) After riding bigger bikes I am of an age where the cc is getting smaller and recapturing the feeling of having to work to get the best from the bike and not just turn the throttle. Been looking at the RE range of smaller bikes and in the future will probably have one in my garage. Thanks for the informative review.
Love it ! Will be looking into the Scram further after watching this. 👍
That’s the first Enfield that has a bit of WOW factor for me. Always though the Himalayan was a bit ‘industrial’ looking.mLooked like it was just lacking the mounts for a rocket launcher. The Scram could do with another 5-10bhp for the weight ideally but it’s not so bad. So, a nice looking practical bike for British A & B roads at a very decent price! Very good review as always Stuart and I hope Enfield are successful with this one.
Well done! I love your recurring theme in your videos about not pigeonholing smaller bikes as being just for "beginners" etc. I'm yet another veteran rider (50+ years) who has been more than happy to jettison my big-dog bikes (including, most recently, a Victory Kingpin) to return to the simple joys of smaller, well-built bikes like the Meteor 350.
These reviews are great. Small capacity bikes are the best bikes. Here in Finland many roads get worse every year so there really is no reason to get a bike with more power than 35 kW or less. Even my 500 cc bike with 35 kW often feels more than enough.
Morning Stuart, I had an interceptor for two years which I loved, much better than my two bonnevilles.
Rode one of these last week and bought one, more than the sum of its parts as they say.
Great review as usual.
Regards Brenden.
Oh dear, does that mean I have to take my Interceptor to the dealer, try out the scram and do a deal? 😄
I can confirm that the power of the engine up to 30hp is really enough to enjoy real motorcycling. I too have had 150bhp+ motorcycles. You are just controlling the bike and not enjoying where you are actually riding. Since 2 years I have the RE Bullet 500 classic and since then I really enjoy motorcycling. This 411 scram fully complies with that for long off-road trips. And then also for a very pleasant price thanks to RE... Thanks for the honest and clear review S.F...
I've always wanted a Triumph Daytona but it's quickly dawned on me that outside of a trackday its potential is wasted. My interceptor is more than quick enough at 48bhp
You do a great job with your videos. Very informative and easy to watch. You have a certain “air” that is refreshing and different. You hit the nail on the head with: things are changing. I love this bike and thinking seriously of getting one here in Virginia. We only have 2 dealers in our state and the are selling REs as quickly as they get them. Thank you
Great review Stuart, I enjoyed that👍
Had my scram a week and after riding 400 miles, I have loved every mile. I can't fault her. I didn't want to stop today, this evening country lanes for 50 miles and it made me happy 😊
Thanks for the close up look, I've avoided Scram reviews for a while now so this is my first and probably only one I'll watch. I think RE is one of the smartest motorcycle manufacturers out there. They absolutely own their niche and understand their market(s) and trends (as you point out in the video Stu), they make brilliant design decisions (that are often overlooked by many) where they choose what to focus on, and where costs can be saved to meet a target retail price. People choose to criticise the areas which have been built to a budget without understanding it was probably a deliberate and well thought through business and design decision. It reminds me of my days in the army, you didn't always need to iron the whole shirt, you just needed to focus on the collar and the right creases and it would pass haha 😁
Great review, as a returning biker after being away for a few years this seems like a good choice to get back into the saddle. Cheers
Did you pull the trigger on this one?
Brilliant review on a brilliant bike! Yes I can remember, many years ago touring on a small capacity bike which broke down every trip. It all added to the experience. Thanks John
Great video i especially enjoyed you remembering your time on a 125, most of us bikers from back in the day had such great times 😀
Thanks for the Scram video Stuart. I am also a “ gentleman of a certain age” and until recently the Himalayan has not been on my wish list, but the Scram has changed that opinion . After watching numerous reviews and videos of this new edition, including yours, I am now seriously considering purchasing one. It seems to provide everything that I need in a well rounded bike and also a significant fun factor. Currently I’m downsizing from a vintage GS750 Suzuki and I like the Scram option, not mention the savings on insurance . Cheers, Dan. ✌️🏍🇨🇦
Thanks Stu. Glad you’re getting on the RE guest list now, as you should. If anyone has any question about the Scram’s off road capability, I would recommend checking out Nathan Millward’s channel - Dorothy’s Speed Shop. He has added a Scram to his RE fleet, which you can go down to Devon and test ride, but he posted an initial impressions video yesterday doing some “scrambling”, and the bike can certainly do that too.
Great review Uncle Stu, and nice to see you riding over the South Downs, down in my part of the world
Looking forward to your Himalayan review. I too spent years on a lardy adventure bike- the most impractical bike I have owned. Completely useless off road and just too big and heavy to enjoy a short trip to the shops. And that's an opinion from a 6'3'' rugger build chap! As for service and repair costs for the podgy German- I could have got a Bullet and pocketed the change. For me all the current Royal Enfield models are desirable and justifiable from a cost view point. Just difficult to choose which one to fill that space to keep the Triumph company
Haha ditto here. In the end I couldn't decide so ended up with a Meteor and a Scram 411. As Venessa Ruck told my wife, motorbikes have a habit of breeding :-)
Great review, thanks. Having just bought the Interceptor I am seriously considering adding the 411 to my garage. Even been and sat on one! Very impressed
Excellent vlog as per usual Stuart. Regarding Street Scramblers, they were very popular in the USA in the late 60s & early 70s. I think all the Japanese manufacturers produced them. However, not many were imported into the UK, which was a crying shame. I for one have always loved the street scrambler style.
Love mine and that's after a lifetime of riding high powered machines. I changed the exhaust and its perfect now. Fitted an Airblade saddle as I have a bad back and I can now ride much further.
Thanks Stuart, certainly one of the most insightful reviews on the Scram that I’ve watched, appreciated the backstory too. Just test rode this and it is spot on. Well-sorted is certainly how it feels, especially coming from riding the original and fuel-injected Himalayans. For the roads here in the Philippines I used to recommend the Himalayan as the best all-rounder, with the asterisk that it’s not that fun on pavement. The Scram now takes that title, despite its lack of top speed.
ayy up, right - I just got one of these, put 30 miles on it today, love it.
A great review on the Scram 411, Stuart. Nathanthepostman put his through its paces offroad in N.Devon yesterday. Between the pair of you, you have the Scram pretty well covered, as have RE.
I love the comment about dropping back in the slipstream of HGVs. 3 years of riding up and down the A! on a CD175 Honda memories came flooding back.
RE has made a habit of hiring only motorbike enthhusiast, most definetly inspired by their CEO
Yeah, Sid Lal is a TOTAL bike nut! The fact that he and his company officers ride their bikes shows... :)
@@markymarknj Yep. Would love to work at RE in any capacity just to experience the work culture.
Thank you Stuart for another great review. I'm glad you enjoyed the day. I think RE are reading the future very well and is a brand that is going places where others will need to catch up. I would be very interested in owning the scram as a second bike 👍
Totally agree with your view on small motorcycles. Like you I have ridden large high performance bikes but actually prefer the smaller ones. I ride mainly 250's now I'm in my mid 70's. This Scram 411 seems a pretty good choice and love your review.
I'm a gentleman of a certain age and the more I look at this bike, the more it appeals. The big BMW goes in August. One of these as a training bike will dramatically reduce my costs as well as being a hoot to ride.
Great review Stuart and RE have created a very nice iteration on the Himalayan. I think Itchy Boots has proved conclusively just how capable this platform is. I didn't want to like it ... but it really does grow on you.
I remember the old Kawasaki Z200 that came in a colour inspired by the sinking sun over the Humber on a February evening looking towards the Killingholme oil refinery. Can't beat Humber brown.....
Great review, I'm sold on them, and the Scram will definitely extend my riding season.
Great review Stu and I agree totally that the Scram is a different concept, for a different market. I have a Himalayan and like many others thought initially that the Scram was a cut down version. Not so. Like the two 650 twin models, they share the same frame and engines, plus a number of other interchangeable parts but then, like the 650's they take a different fork in the road with regard to market, feel and development. Looking forward to your week long review and perhaps a future Himalayan review. Thanks again for your thoughts 😊
Would love too hear your thoughts on the "press event", cheers Stuart.
I don’t think I can count the number of times I’ve said to someone, who told me I needed a bigger motorcycle, “if I wanted total comfort, I’d just quit messing with motorcycles and take my Camry”.
Brilliant video Stu. It looks a fun bike. Picked up my Interceptor last weekend. Love it. Thanks for all your tips and advice about them.
If I had not bought the Himalaya Euro/BS4 in 21.. Then the Scram would have been the only contender.. The Himalaya ticked all the boxes, having followed, watched and listened very much to all being said, that yes it suited my late in life return to biking.. by design it's in a league of it's own and the Scram has entered that same market.
Only thing next what has RE to offer in that long hoped for larger capacity Himalaya..!
A great in depth review on what appears to be a very competent machine, Stu. Many thanks.
Excellent stuff, great video. Enfield's really quite exciting these days, onto another winner. Heading in to purchase myself my first Royal Enfield in September, it'll be a Himalayan for me, as it tick's my boxes for what I'm going to use it for. Vids like this have really helped, as well as entertained. So really look forwards to hearing what you have to say on the himi...
Many thanks 👍
Great review, same memory as me tucking in behind a hgv on my 125 and reading the road to keep your momentum up
I've been riding large capacity bikes for a few years now, they've never given me the smile factor of my 125 era, I'm seriously considering a classic 350 or scram 411 as my weekend plod/fun bike.
Thanks for another great video Stu. You always bring real world info and a truthful account of whatever your testing. I'm really thinking of getting an Enfield now as my fjr is just not giving me what I want from a ride.
Excellent as always.
I think if you honestly assess your personal riding envelope, anything capable of 10% more is enough.
Add to that the extra weight as you age, big enough is enough.
I am quite convinced no girl ever looked at one of my 50+ motorbikes and thought "I bet he has a big one". More like "suprised the old bugger can still ride".
I love the proliferation of smaller bikes and Royal Enfield are doing their bit.
Thanks
This bike is definitely growing on me. When they were new I bought a Motor Jikov 50. Nimble as a bicycle and it ate corners - all at a maximum speed of 30 mph. I kept it longer than I thought I would!
I prefer smaller bikes these days. I like everything RE is doing. There new bikes all look good with very good reviews. Thanks for another great video.
Absolutely agree.
Just got rid of my Harley it was small but dam heavy.
Looking at the Meteor 350 this Friday love the looks and wow the reviews. Nobody has any thing bad to say about it.
Scram isn't my cup of tea but I bet it is a fantastic bike
Everything!!!
I too prefer smaller bikes that are easy to work on.
@@Paul-pb3vq as a Meteor owner, buy it; you WON'T regret it! Also, take a gander at Ol' Man Ronin's YT channel; he's a Harley owner who also has a Meteor and a Himalayan in his stable. He LOVES RE bikes!
Yip already following his channel.
I can't honestly think of any new model bike from any manufacturer that has had such positive reviews and comments.
Can't wait got the money in my pocket ready. 😉
What Eicher did to royal Enfield is the same thing Polaris did for Indian motorcycles
Brilliant review thanks Stuart. Spot on regarding the smaller capacity motorcycles they do the job very efficiently indeed. I’ve downsized in recent years and don’t regret it one bit. And as you’ve said buy what you like and no need to keep up with the expectations of peers and others!
Great review Stu, nice to see my home town and you are right the roads in and around Brighton are appalling
Great Review - Thank you Stu. Cant wait to fix up a test ride at my local RE Dealer. Had a Himalayan previously and looks like they've sorted out the uncomfortable saddle. Looks like it will be a practical and economical tourer once luggage becomes available and the Himalayan RE hard boxes would look great on the bike and really would compliment the styling imho.Oh - and yes to the press day video - that would be really interesting.
Excellent video, looking forward to your extended experience impressions!
Fantastic review one of the best I've ever seen, I want one 👍
Thanks for the review Stuart. I do like this bike. I can relate to the idea of getting back to smaller capacity machines for the same reasons as yourself. I'm also of the age where I've had most types of bikes and engine sizes/power outputs over the years and I feel like getting back to basics to hopefully enjoy riding a bike again. As much as I love my current bike, a Speed Triple, I find that these days it might as well be a 500cc bike given how we are forced to ride on todays roads. I think a test ride on the Scram is in order.
Wow! What a beautiful bike! It looks amazing in the red and white colour. It is up there with a Ducati multistrada 950 looks wise for me. Top job RE.
Thank you for the review Stuart.
If the 650 can make HP and torque gains with a full pipe sans cat, airbox mods and a remapping of the EFI I'm certain this bike will get some pep in it's step too. I can see this becoming an inexpensive modders dream with big bore kits and adjustable suspensions. This would be particularly true in places with limited tiered licencing.
I am very tempted by one of these. I had a go on a Himalayan a year after they were introduced and I thought at the time, "If I got one of these, slimmed it down a bit and got rid of the trials front wheel, it would do me very well" So it is no wonder that the Scram appeals.
Great review Stuart. You have me convinced that this would actually be my choice for a Royal Enfield single. I would welcome the extra 60cc over the new Meteor and Bullet classic. Nice bike.
OK, now it is on you. After watching a couple of years of your videos and your flogging everything Royal Enfield, I have decided to get myself a Himalayan for my 80th birthday in September. The old Bandit is like me kinda long in tooth and a little too heavy. So I am gonna see if 25-30 horseponies can satisfy an old speed merchant. I probably would get the Scram 410 but our new place is on a damn near no road in the Sonoran Desert and I think the 21" front will help me through the sand washes better.
By the way, I have watched damn near every RE review since the Interceptor came out and you sir are the one I have the most faith in. Even though, I think you are pretty biased toward them. Well you and that little Dutch girl that put a gazillion miles on two of them with no major catastra-stroke
Keep up the good work
The 21" front tire of the Himalayan is narrower than the 19" front tire of the Scram 411, and it may not "float" over sand as well as the 19" tire.
If I had a Himmy, I'd experiment with lowered tire pressures for sand.
Hi best review of this bike I have seen you covered all the aspects of this bike in a smooth & professional way. May tick all the boxes for a lot of people & thousands of fans all over the world as a all rounder. With miles of smiles
Agreed! this is what a bike review should be! An assessment of what its like to ride not just some guy standing next to a bike reeling off the specs and making pointless comments. Stus bike reviews may be few and far between but the photographic content is second to none as is the narrative, and in my view his reviews are the benchmark by which all others should be judged.
As always another great video Stu!
Thanks again Stu.
Thank you Stuart. My local RE dealer is going to call me when these become available here in Australia in a month or two.
I had a chuckle at Stuart's memory of slip streaming' long ago. My first proper tour was on a Yamaha RD 250, which was a good little motorbike but a bit thirsty. Being 17 years old and perpetually skint I too used to tuck in behind lorries. Instant boost to fuel economy.
Bad news if it was raining though in which case I would pass the lorry and get into a lane where I was alone and not coping with the spray from lorry tyres. Happy memories and I am still touring in my sixties. The best bike I have for this is my BMW 1200RT but, guess what, since I bought an Interceptor last April I have gone camping exclusively on that Royal Enfield. I know that does not make sense but I love riding the Interceptor and appreciate the interest in the bike from bikers and public.
Great review Stuart! Question: do you think they will “last”? The amount of plastic worries me as does the quality of metal used in the motor and other moving parts? Not much point saving at one end to incur early costs. I’m thinking to invest more and buy a Triumph Scrambler might be a more prudent over the long term.
Concern's me a bit
I bought a Yamaha 125 years ago and it rusted in a year. Was nowhere near the build quality of old.
I'm not too worried about plastic as that doesn't rust. But worried some parts might be made from monkey metal as people can it.
I think the engine will last though without big problems.
Another excellent review,thoroughly enjoyed it. I do wonder why so many manufacturers are continuing to develop new models on combustion engines as I believe the uk government want to phase these out in favour of electric !!
I personally do not agree with that stance,the choice should still be ours ! I wonder what your opinion is Stuart lol.
This bike will take you around the world enough said , great review Stu 👍
Brilliant video as always Stuart and can’t wait for your Himalayan review/comparison with the Scram 411 😃👍🏻
we use our Himalayans for green laneing and they do well
As a fellow "Gentleman of a certain age", I appreciate motorcycles that rely on the whole being greater than the sum of the parts approach to coming market. My Interceptor 650 is far & away the most economical, useful & enjoyable motorcycle I've owned. I'm thinking about turning it into a bit of a scrambler but, if that doesn't make financial sense, I can see myself getting one of these. Great review, Uncle Stu! Cheers, Tim.
Great honest review there Stuart, especially as I’m quite interested in this particular bike, and I’m an older rider. Looking forward to your long term review of it, albeit for only a week, or so. Like you say, it’s all about the ride, not how quickly you get there (unless you’re on a race track).
Great review. Look forward to seeing one of these in person when they make it to the US.
Great review, the Scram 411 has added to my dilemma of choosing my next Royal Enfield, between it and the Classic 350 , different bikes but both appealing to my desire for a practical bike with great long distance fuel economy, and as you say a pleasure to ride at realistic speeds.
Mr Filllingham, loved this review, let me tell you why and I'll try my best to be concise. I am a person who had been riding for almost 50 years, Ninjas, GSXRs, Newer Indian Scout, Kawasaki Triples, RD's and RZ's, you get it, recently I bought a Royal Enfield, I pick it up on the 25th of this month and that is how I found your Channel. Until I seen this review, I wondered what the deal was with the 411, a bobby Himalayan ???, Girls Himalayan, what, I didn't read much about it so I didn't know, that been said, I didn't really know what a scrambler was and am only really learning about Adventure bikes, dah Close minded, Street bikes only, lol. You said it was a scrambler, hence the name Scram411 , the light goes on and I think of course that's what it is Dah, Karl. Anyway I'm suffering from Verbal diarrhea Thanks again for your review, great as always you never disappoint. cheers.
Excellent news, I'd say part of RE's sales success in the UKs was down to your channel. Good old Yorkshire no nonsense reviews.
Very good review, and comments.
Excellent review, thank you.
Good call Stu, I tried the Himalayan and didn’t like it but this sounds right up my street. Only problem with that is that I love my Interceptor more.
I want for an old and cheap (ish) GS as my workday bike by the way, and yes, I agree with all of your comments on that style of bike.
Thank you for your selfless efforts yet again, this looked like a tough gig.
Hi Im watching this...those roads look rather familiar ,no cant be..yes they are I live here..great review
It doesn't matter how old I get... I'm still a youngster... okay well at heart at least and whichever bike I'm on always brings a smile on my face and I feel like a little kid... Not that I ride like one... well you get the picture. I agree with you Uncle Stu, I love my small-displacement bikes plus if you're going too fast you miss all the scenery.
Had mine a week. Same as this one in red and white which looks looks amazing. Wouldn't change a thing.Got mine from Watsonian in Blockley. Excellent service.
i am turning 33 this year am i considered a younger rider? haha. i really love the styling of this bike, will compliment well with my T120
A good review …. The point you make about a sea change in motorcycle engine capacity speeds etc is spot on. Only a matter of time before we have black boxes on our vehicles. It’s not a bike for me as I have the Himalayan and exactly one year ago yesterday I set off for my own mini adventure - Lands End to John O‘Grotes so those “little” engine bikes are just as capable and it took me on the back roads, so at a safe pace so I saw a lot more. Never a more appropriate saying for RE than “Less is More”
When you live in a nanny state that is smaller than some states here in the US you don't need speed as you can cross the 'country' in 5 minutes at 40 mph. Try crossing Texas on that severely underpowered, overweight pig. The RE won't even do the speed limit.
@@hazcat640 you might want to look up Nathan Millward who rode across your country on a Himalayan ……
I'm very interested in hearing your impressions of the difference in handling
between the Scram 411 and the Himalayan, especially in the steering.
Well, I test rode the Scram here in India a month back. Got to compare it with the Himalayan they had at the dealership. The smaller front wheel and the steeper rake help make the bike much easier to turn. Changing directions in city riding conditions is a breeze! The stiffer front suspension contributes to the more connected feel of the front end. The improved fuel map makes the low end all the more accessible. Definitely an improvement over the BS6 Himalayan I rode that day. The lower handlebar is more suited for the tarmac. Off road use might require risers. I hope this helps.
@@twowheeledparadox - Thanks for the details. It's amazing how the little changes all add up to such a different riding experience.
@@daveinwla6360 Right? I like how RE is focusing on the basics, making sure that the core experience of riding a motorcycle is well sorted. And this is from someone who rides two KTMs!
@@twowheeledparadox Right! When you see an RE and its rider, you know which is the owner. :-)
Nahthen from Lincoln Stu! Great review, thoroughly enjoyed this one. The Scram looks to be priced perfectly as a second bike for a lot of us, I could really see myself having one of those in that way. I too have done my best touring on a 125cc and used to use the lorries too 🙂 It costs £3,400 for a Yamaha Nmax 125 Scooter new these days (which is my runabout alternative to my Triumph Bobber), so why not a RE Scram at £4,000 as a second ride. Brilliant review, well done!
I think any A2 licence holder would be pleased with this bike. 24.5 Bhp isn't a lot but for 90% of my riding it's fine. I have been riding a Himalayan now for the last 2.5 years and 12K miles on the clock. For me the Himalayan suits my life style better and also has the rear rack and front carrier option, yes the Himalayan is more of a "Tool".
Smaller capacity bikes do have an attraction all their own, not to mention the fuel savings I also have a Suzuki V Strom 1000. The low powered Himalayan comes out of the garage a lot more than the big Suzuki, if I were to put a ratio to it I'd say its 4:1...4 rides on Himalayan V 1 ride on the V strom....! I still prefer the big Suzuki though if I have a lot of fast motorway riding to do.
You were literally right next to my house Stuart! Stop in for a cuppa (Yorkshire tea) if you pass by again!
I don't mind the wind. Gives me a sense of speed.
I wish it had the 350s switchgear, but that’s a minor thing, and I’m going to have one of these when they come to the states.
I agree you don't need 80 90mph all the time, I've toured on an fs1e Yamaha with tent food and gas stove it did it easy
Wow… what a great review. Clear from the heart just down to the point to enjoy riding.
I've done slip streaming behind trucks since I was 15 on an ac 50 suzuki! Still do it now
It has a nice looking petrol tank , more so it has a scrambler look that i like .