I took a scram out for a test just to tick it off the list of new bikes, ended up loving the bike, so iam selling a 100 bhp bike to ride a 24 bhp bike, it really isn't all about power, apart from the killer looks it is a real comfy all day bike to ride and it made smile from ear to ear
Got back, about a week ago from riding my Himalayan to Croatia and back. Went through the Alps and the Dolomites. It ran perfectly. Kept to the small roads, obviously. Did get a sore backside, so agree with Nathan regarding the seat, even though i had an after-market seat cover. The big plus with riding this sort of bike long- distance is that you can stand on the footpads when your bum is numb. Trip was just under 3,000 miles in total. Went trough France to southern Spain on it last year ( just over 3,000 miles ) Bought it S/H , with 800 miles on it in 2019, and apart from a sticky rear brake calliper ( which turned out to be a recall problem - all ok now ) it's been faultless. What more do you want for the £3,500 that I paid for it with the panniers.
Just did the Garbage Run on my Himmi, and the bike was epic, as were the roads. Thanks again Mr Millward. Sheepskin seat cover, screen removed, problems solved. Nathan was greased lightning across the dales and peaks, these bikes can be spanked. Who knew?
Having test ridden/reviewed the Scram, and own a Himalayan........ I choose the Himalayan, purely because it suits my purposes better. To me, it's more stable in corners, turns easier, the luggage capacity, centre stand and I personally prefer the clocks on the Himalayan. Grumps.
To make a Himalayan work it needs the head light lowering to match the Scram plus the nose cowl, this would change its looks dramatically. Interestingly I had a screen on my Harley Davidson Slim and anything over 50 the buffeting was unbearable, took the screen off and it's fine all the way to 80.
I think they're just different rather than one being 'better', it depends what you want it for. I'd go for the Scram and add a centre stand and some pannier racks, that would give me a smart / light road based travel bike. Why not the Himalayan? It's just a little too utilitarian, just a few too many pannier rails. and the headlight always looks like it's sticking out 6" too far and that bugs me. An Indian KLR if you will, better if you're off around the world but for a couple of weeks in Europe and bopping around the UK? I'll take the pretty face of the Scram.
They are all you need. We all toured abroad very comfortably on cx500's, 400/4's and rd250's years ago. A lot of year's ago. Big bikes for me would limit where I'm happy taking them. Not so with either of those. I'd be happy with either because both would take my roll bag, easily. But we're all different and to each their own. Happy travels 👍
@@teneretraveller8980 And a kick. Rung its neck for 2 years before selling it, never touched the engine. Managed to blow several pistons on friends RDs though.... never really a stroker fan. Pretty good on squirt for a 2 stroke too.
I have bought a Scram after owning a Shadow 1100 for about 6 years. I have ridden for over 30 years and do not consider myself to be a fast rider so 24bhp is kind of irrelevant. I echo what you said about riding the bike to get the best out of it, rather than relying on the power. I have often found that I ride smaller bikes faster than the bigger ones. And it does amuse me when people talk about bikes less than 600cc being too small to travel on or use on motorways. In the early 90s my GS 550 chop was rear ended as I was turning into a rally site and badly damaged (I was okay thanks to good leather). I had just taken a job that was a 70 mile round trip daily. A friend lent me his MZ 251, which I used for the commute for 6 months while my bike was being repaired, including motorways. Never gave it a thought and that little bike managed it all.
Himalayan: My first 21" wheel and I love not clenching my teeth as it glides over cracks and potholes, rather than crashing into them. 75mph top speed is plenty, given likelihood of losing licence, and the squirt getting there is fine. I miss the confidence 1200cc Kawa gives me in marginal overtaking situations, but I have adjusted my thinking and am more patient and relaxed as a result. Personally, I hate the fuel injection for its inconsistency and random variability and am in the process of ditching the whole system; but I am a Luddite when it comes to vehicles. It fits me almost perfectly and I love riding it, and love its capabilities and practicality.
here is a fellow who really understands motorcycling. Ive had such great adventures on my Himalayan, and a long stroke engine ridden well is fantastic in the brush , and all you need to reach the brush. Great machines,!! and who started calling a 400cc bike "little", anyway. I know it caught on, But it is all wrong.
Another one here wondering if the scram seat would fit and even if it doesn't fit out of the box I am sure it could be made to fit with a bit of fettling. I have just returned to the Himalayan after a couple of years without one but the seat is just how I remember it 😯
I did a fantastic route yesterday, around Northallerton, Richmond, Leyburn, Bedale and Masham. I was following my mate, who was riding his Triumph Tiger. The Himalayan was more than capable on the 90+ mile route. No issues with speed or lack of it. Great bike, superb handling and a smile from ear to ear 😊. Keep up the excellent work Nathan 👍
Hello Postman.... Here's a goofy question for you. I have a scram. But i love off road riding... So how would you think we'd go fitting a Himalayan 21 inch front wheel to a Scram 411.... I know it would need spacers and likely the mud guard lifted or removed... but then... we'd have a Scram made for off roading and a wide range of narrow front tyres... Let me know if you have heard of anyone trying this or if you like my thinking... cheers from Muz downunder
Rode, beginning of July, from St. Malo to Loire valley, France, 700 miles on smaller roads on my Himalayan. Brilliant. Can cruise 65 - 70 mph when needed, great comfort and fun to 'hussle'.
I think that a cheap, rugged city bike has a broader potential market than an adventure bike. On the other hand, I regularly see jeeps commuting in Chicago that are equipped to run through 4 feet of water and up mountains. I guess that RE has both the wilderness dreamers and city pragmatists covered.
I just looked at all the RE yesterday at my local dealer. I can honestly see me getting a scram or interceptor next year, amazing value and all you need for real world riding.
After visiting you last year, Garry has bought a Himalayan and I’ve bought a Voge 650 dsx, would love to do the garbage run but not the camping, is there a chance we could do it b&b or hotels?.
Interesting comments on the Scram and Himmy. You are quite right with regards to coming from a small bike, back in the 70s starting on a FS1E yammy and small bikes you had to use all the power you had. Having ride all sizes of bikes, currently using a Vstrom and my Euro 5 Himmy. The himmy puts a grin on my face and you can hustle it, mine is great upto 75mph and definitely goes if you rev it out. Just uploaded a video on acceleration around my single lane roads here in Spain to my channel. Been a long time subscriber of your channel. Keep up the great info videos. On another note how did the Cam swap go in your Himmy?
Cheers Paul. Will check out your video. And still haven't got around to fitting the cam. Having ridden one with it fitted I know that the change is there with a bit more top end thrust but I can't say I'm overly motivated to bother with it on mine. It's sat in a drawer at the minute
@@nathanthepostman I’m of the same thinking regarding pulling any more power out of the 411, it is what it is and it works well. It will be interesting to see if they end production of the 411 when the 450 comes out. I hope not as it still has a segment in my opinion. Safe riding mate.
I think I have commented on this video before, and before I decided to buy the scram great little bike, my only quibble is the steering at higher speeds it’s very light and not so planted especially on uneven bends, feels like it needs a damper, or maybe I’m asking to much from a cheap bike. Notice I’ve not complained about the speed. It’s fun and cheap and that’s what counts.
I know this was a comparison between these two bikes but if I were to have two bikes and stay with RE I think the combo for me would be the Himalayan and either the Continental or Interceptor INT the choice of bikes these days is great they are building them just arent getting to the dealers in vast quantities so if you if you want a particular bike there is no him hauing around about it. you have to jump on it.
Did some off roading in Wales recently on the 125 recently. Loved it! Might look into one of your days/trips if can afford it after DAS selling bike and new bike...(after sampling the faster roads not sure 24bhp will be enough but I was laden down on a 125 and am a hefty bloke, oh and Euro 5 ran a lot better after I added a fresh tank). I was on Welsh slate and crapped it re tyres. (lucky the Zontes G1 has scrambler tyres). P.s Am looking at the Scram or Himi so could ride my own bike down. But need to test ride. But then maybe the 650 Himi is what am after or the 650 Meteor.
If RE dumped the horrible dash on the himalayan and replaced it with the dash of the scram the himalayan would be perfect. Its the only thing I don't like on the himalayan. Its a shame the scram has lost the practical features of the himalayan. Both machines are excellent otherwise. Well done RE. 👍
Great you tube vids never miss a one. I have been dithering for a while about chopping my Versys 650 in for a Himalayan. The two stumbling blocks are the obvious low horse power and one that really concerns me is every bike I have seen that is a few years old starts to look tatty at a alarming rate. what's your opinion on build quality from an aesthetics point of view. cheers in advance 👍
Another great review, Nathan, interesting how you note the perceived increased focus in the performance of the Scram, compared to the Himmy. Also, after trying them on your military tour the other day, I surprised myself by saying I loved the riding experience of the Classic 350 but would buy the Scram. Maybe its because its the bike I 'think' I needed rather than the one that suits me best*. *Having said that, the roads we used suited the Classic 350 perfectly, a different road selection would have led to a different choice probably.
Good comparison between these two , mind you the real consideration is the imminent arrival of the new model with 40 odd bhp etc . If the price rise is modest it should make both these models redundant so buying either brand new is not a particularly wise move IMO .
Yeah the upcoming bike promises to be great. Personally I don't think we'll see it this year or even next and I reckon will be close to £6k. But could be a great bike to ride.
Unfortunately the seats aren't interchangeable as the mounting pin points are in different places, although I'm sure it could be made to fit with some DIY mods. I don't think you could make a Euro 4 Himalayan ride like a new Scram either, I think it's more than just the ECU. I rode a Euro 4 bike the other day with the performance cam, fuel plug and some other changes the other day and it still didn't run as smoothly as the Scram. They've certainly done something to it to make it more refined.
Are you getting 90mpg from the Himmy? I did hear people lowering the gearing to reduce motorway revs and increase mpg a little. I also heard at 70mph a Himmy would be drinking more than an NC750......dont know how true that is.....
They do use a bit more at high speed running. I was getting 200 miles from the tank before the fuel light came on when riding the back roads so about 85mlg
@@nathanthepostman I used to get 200 miles at the same speed on my XJ900, but that tank was 22 litres. Sub 10 litre tank on my XL leads to too frequent stops, every 200km.
Nope wrong. They will ban the sale of new ones. But any that are already owned will still be driven.... We will be old or dead before we have to give up on beautiful petrol driven machines!
Cock on with your comment regarding growing up on a small bike versus straight to mid size then hefty lump. It's not every rider of course (and you're not saying that) but the number of riders I see with big bikes who can't ride back roads at a half decent place is surprisingly high given the training theyve had and the gadgets their bikes are often fitted with. Perhaps the IAM should introduce racing two strokes around back roads as part of their training 😉
@@g33keh76 ooh that's harsh (but true 😁), I'm an IAM mber myself and enjoyed the training and an occasional ride out but most is focused on 'new' riders which of course makes sense.
I took a scram out for a test just to tick it off the list of new bikes, ended up loving the bike, so iam selling a 100 bhp bike to ride a 24 bhp bike, it really isn't all about power, apart from the killer looks it is a real comfy all day bike to ride and it made smile from ear to ear
Got back, about a week ago from riding my Himalayan to Croatia and back. Went through the Alps and the Dolomites. It ran perfectly. Kept to the small roads, obviously. Did get a sore backside, so agree with Nathan regarding the seat, even though i had an after-market seat cover.
The big plus with riding this sort of bike long- distance is that you can stand on the footpads when your bum is numb.
Trip was just under 3,000 miles in total. Went trough France to southern Spain on it last year ( just over 3,000 miles )
Bought it S/H , with 800 miles on it in 2019, and apart from a sticky rear brake calliper ( which turned out to be a recall problem - all ok now ) it's been faultless. What more do you want for the £3,500 that I paid for it with the panniers.
I sold my Himalayan for a 700 Transalp and now a Honda NC750X , I find I’m still watching videos of Himalayan’s 😆
Just did the Garbage Run on my Himmi, and the bike was epic, as were the roads. Thanks again Mr Millward. Sheepskin seat cover, screen removed, problems solved. Nathan was greased lightning across the dales and peaks, these bikes can be spanked. Who knew?
Having test ridden/reviewed the Scram, and own a Himalayan........
I choose the Himalayan, purely because it suits my purposes better.
To me, it's more stable in corners, turns easier,
the luggage capacity, centre stand and I personally prefer the clocks on the Himalayan.
Grumps.
To make a Himalayan work it needs the head light lowering to match the Scram plus the nose cowl, this would change its looks dramatically. Interestingly I had a screen on my Harley Davidson Slim and anything over 50 the buffeting was unbearable, took the screen off and it's fine all the way to 80.
I think they're just different rather than one being 'better', it depends what you want it for. I'd go for the Scram and add a centre stand and some pannier racks, that would give me a smart / light road based travel bike. Why not the Himalayan? It's just a little too utilitarian, just a few too many pannier rails. and the headlight always looks like it's sticking out 6" too far and that bugs me. An Indian KLR if you will, better if you're off around the world but for a couple of weeks in Europe and bopping around the UK? I'll take the pretty face of the Scram.
They are all you need.
We all toured abroad very comfortably on cx500's, 400/4's and rd250's years ago. A lot of year's ago.
Big bikes for me would limit where I'm happy taking them. Not so with either of those. I'd be happy with either because both would take my roll bag, easily.
But we're all different and to each their own.
Happy travels 👍
I did Northern France on an X5 200 two up. You can tour on anything. (1986)
@@skaraborgcraft great bike. X5 electric start if I remember right, X7 wasn't.
@@teneretraveller8980 And a kick. Rung its neck for 2 years before selling it, never touched the engine. Managed to blow several pistons on friends RDs though.... never really a stroker fan. Pretty good on squirt for a 2 stroke too.
I have bought a Scram after owning a Shadow 1100 for about 6 years. I have ridden for over 30 years and do not consider myself to be a fast rider so 24bhp is kind of irrelevant. I echo what you said about riding the bike to get the best out of it, rather than relying on the power. I have often found that I ride smaller bikes faster than the bigger ones. And it does amuse me when people talk about bikes less than 600cc being too small to travel on or use on motorways. In the early 90s my GS 550 chop was rear ended as I was turning into a rally site and badly damaged (I was okay thanks to good leather). I had just taken a job that was a 70 mile round trip daily. A friend lent me his MZ 251, which I used for the commute for 6 months while my bike was being repaired, including motorways. Never gave it a thought and that little bike managed it all.
I have ridden my xmax 250 scooter from the midlands to southern Spain several times. Cruising 60-70. No problem v comfy.
Himalayan: My first 21" wheel and I love not clenching my teeth as it glides over cracks and potholes, rather than crashing into them. 75mph top speed is plenty, given likelihood of losing licence, and the squirt getting there is fine. I miss the confidence 1200cc Kawa gives me in marginal overtaking situations, but I have adjusted my thinking and am more patient and relaxed as a result. Personally, I hate the fuel injection for its inconsistency and random variability and am in the process of ditching the whole system; but I am a Luddite when it comes to vehicles. It fits me almost perfectly and I love riding it, and love its capabilities and practicality.
I'd be really interested in an update on the carb conversation Chris
here is a fellow who really understands motorcycling. Ive had such great adventures on my Himalayan, and a long stroke engine ridden well is fantastic in the brush , and all you need to reach the brush. Great machines,!! and who started calling a 400cc bike "little", anyway. I know it caught on, But it is all wrong.
Hi. Could you see if the standard Scram seat would fit on the Himalayan?
I was going to ask the exact same question. So Nathan think this is something many people will be interested in
Another one here wondering if the scram seat would fit and even if it doesn't fit out of the box I am sure it could be made to fit with a bit of fettling. I have just returned to the Himalayan after a couple of years without one but the seat is just how I remember it 😯
I did a fantastic route yesterday, around Northallerton, Richmond, Leyburn, Bedale and Masham. I was following my mate, who was riding his Triumph Tiger. The Himalayan was more than capable on the 90+ mile route. No issues with speed or lack of it. Great bike, superb handling and a smile from ear to ear 😊. Keep up the excellent work Nathan 👍
Hello Postman.... Here's a goofy question for you. I have a scram. But i love off road riding... So how would you think we'd go fitting a Himalayan 21 inch front wheel to a Scram 411.... I know it would need spacers and likely the mud guard lifted or removed... but then... we'd have a Scram made for off roading and a wide range of narrow front tyres... Let me know if you have heard of anyone trying this or if you like my thinking... cheers from Muz downunder
Rode, beginning of July, from St. Malo to Loire valley, France, 700 miles on smaller roads on my Himalayan. Brilliant. Can cruise 65 - 70 mph when needed, great comfort and fun to 'hussle'.
Morning Nathan. Hope you’re good mate.
Sorry, I know you’ve probably been asked this a thousand times…. Have you fitted that TEC cam yet? 😂
I don’t think he ever will 🤣 I give up waiting and bought and fitted one now. Well worth it by the way. 👍
I think that a cheap, rugged city bike has a broader potential market than an adventure bike. On the other hand, I regularly see jeeps commuting in Chicago that are equipped to run through 4 feet of water and up mountains. I guess that RE has both the wilderness dreamers and city pragmatists covered.
I just looked at all the RE yesterday at my local dealer. I can honestly see me getting a scram or interceptor next year, amazing value and all you need for real world riding.
Have you any plans to do LEJOG on the Moto Morini ? Not seen it for a bit ! ......I love mine it's superb !
Yeah I bet you'd leave a lot of people on sports bikes for dust in the twisties, on a Scram. 😅
So much of the fun of the Himalayan is from sustaining that momentum. I feel like a 17 year old again.
After visiting you last year, Garry has bought a Himalayan and I’ve bought a Voge 650 dsx, would love to do the garbage run but not the camping, is there a chance we could do it b&b or hotels?.
Yeah for sure. Posh Garbage Run is go!
I’d be up for that did it solo last year in b and b’s and would love to do it with a group on my Himalayan
Interesting comments on the Scram and Himmy. You are quite right with regards to coming from a small bike, back in the 70s starting on a FS1E yammy and small bikes you had to use all the power you had. Having ride all sizes of bikes, currently using a Vstrom and my Euro 5 Himmy. The himmy puts a grin on my face and you can hustle it, mine is great upto 75mph and definitely goes if you rev it out. Just uploaded a video on acceleration around my single lane roads here in Spain to my channel. Been a long time subscriber of your channel. Keep up the great info videos. On another note how did the Cam swap go in your Himmy?
Cheers Paul. Will check out your video. And still haven't got around to fitting the cam. Having ridden one with it fitted I know that the change is there with a bit more top end thrust but I can't say I'm overly motivated to bother with it on mine. It's sat in a drawer at the minute
@@nathanthepostman I’m of the same thinking regarding pulling any more power out of the 411, it is what it is and it works well. It will be interesting to see if they end production of the 411 when the 450 comes out. I hope not as it still has a segment in my opinion. Safe riding mate.
That's one cool looking t shirt mate :) :) :)
I think I have commented on this video before, and before I decided to buy the scram great little bike, my only quibble is the steering at higher speeds it’s very light and not so planted especially on uneven bends, feels like it needs a damper, or maybe I’m asking to much from a cheap bike. Notice I’ve not complained about the speed. It’s fun and cheap and that’s what counts.
I know this was a comparison between these two bikes but if I were to have two bikes and stay with RE I think the combo for me would be the Himalayan and either the Continental or Interceptor INT the choice of bikes these days is great they are building them just arent getting to the dealers in vast quantities so if you if you want a particular bike there is no him hauing around about it. you have to jump on it.
Did some off roading in Wales recently on the 125 recently. Loved it! Might look into one of your days/trips if can afford it after DAS selling bike and new bike...(after sampling the faster roads not sure 24bhp will be enough but I was laden down on a 125 and am a hefty bloke, oh and Euro 5 ran a lot better after I added a fresh tank). I was on Welsh slate and crapped it re tyres. (lucky the Zontes G1 has scrambler tyres).
P.s Am looking at the Scram or Himi so could ride my own bike down. But need to test ride.
But then maybe the 650 Himi is what am after or the 650 Meteor.
If RE dumped the horrible dash on the himalayan and replaced it with the dash of the scram the himalayan would be perfect. Its the only thing I don't like on the himalayan. Its a shame the scram has lost the practical features of the himalayan.
Both machines are excellent otherwise. Well done RE. 👍
Very helpful- looking at options for a first big bike(with long term ambitions of an ‘adventure’ trip)
Great you tube vids never miss a one. I have been dithering for a while about chopping my Versys 650 in for a Himalayan. The two stumbling blocks are the obvious low horse power and one that really concerns me is every bike I have seen that is a few years old starts to look tatty at a alarming rate. what's your opinion on build quality from an aesthetics point of view. cheers in advance 👍
Just swapped my Versys for a Moto Morini X-cape ....give one a try !
Just keep a good coat of mud and dirt on the Himma and you will cover up that tatty look!
Another great review, Nathan, interesting how you note the perceived increased focus in the performance of the Scram, compared to the Himmy.
Also, after trying them on your military tour the other day, I surprised myself by saying I loved the riding experience of the Classic 350 but would buy the Scram. Maybe its because its the bike I 'think' I needed rather than the one that suits me best*.
*Having said that, the roads we used suited the Classic 350 perfectly, a different road selection would have led to a different choice probably.
100% agree on your view on riding quick....learn slow to go fast. ..
Rode both of them at ABR'22 on the off road trail.
For the price and enjoyment value, both are well worth it.
Good comparison between these two , mind you the real consideration is the imminent arrival of the
new model with 40 odd bhp etc . If the price rise is modest it should make both these models redundant
so buying either brand new is not a particularly wise move IMO .
Yeah the upcoming bike promises to be great. Personally I don't think we'll see it this year or even next and I reckon will be close to £6k. But could be a great bike to ride.
I prefer the Scram, but I prefer other bikes of a similar size: 390 Duke, Caballero Scrambler. Interesting video.
Now I'm not so sure. The Scram has grown on me.
Are the seats interchangeable between the two?
No unfortunately not. The attachment points are in different places but could probably be reworked with a bit of drilling and fitting
@@nathanthepostman really appreciate the quick response. Have a nice day.
Can you order scram seat and install it on the Himalayan? Can it be done with the ecu unlit? With those two changes it would be so much better.
Unfortunately the seats aren't interchangeable as the mounting pin points are in different places, although I'm sure it could be made to fit with some DIY mods. I don't think you could make a Euro 4 Himalayan ride like a new Scram either, I think it's more than just the ECU. I rode a Euro 4 bike the other day with the performance cam, fuel plug and some other changes the other day and it still didn't run as smoothly as the Scram. They've certainly done something to it to make it more refined.
I really like the idea of getting up to Scotland by taking the slow back roads. Do you have a GPX?
If you do some googling of garbage Run you will find my route on line but I don't have a gpx route to send out unfortunately.
@@nathanthepostman Ta, will try to work it out :)
Great review
Thanks!
Are you getting 90mpg from the Himmy? I did hear people lowering the gearing to reduce motorway revs and increase mpg a little. I also heard at 70mph a Himmy would be drinking more than an NC750......dont know how true that is.....
They do use a bit more at high speed running. I was getting 200 miles from the tank before the fuel light came on when riding the back roads so about 85mlg
@@nathanthepostman I used to get 200 miles at the same speed on my XJ900, but that tank was 22 litres. Sub 10 litre tank on my XL leads to too frequent stops, every 200km.
I did 260 miles, nearly all motorway, on Saturday. Cruise control (:)) set at 65, occasionally let her rip and hit 70; I got 85 mpg. Standard gearing.
What one is best over potholes?
Himalayan
You've got 8 years to enjoy your ICE motorcycles right ?
Nope wrong. They will ban the sale of new ones. But any that are already owned will still be driven.... We will be old or dead before we have to give up on beautiful petrol driven machines!
@@HARRYS_SLOTCARS_N_RC_CRAWLERS I hope so....
Cock on with your comment regarding growing up on a small bike versus straight to mid size then hefty lump. It's not every rider of course (and you're not saying that) but the number of riders I see with big bikes who can't ride back roads at a half decent place is surprisingly high given the training theyve had and the gadgets their bikes are often fitted with. Perhaps the IAM should introduce racing two strokes around back roads as part of their training 😉
IAM consists mainly of GS riders wearing 'POLITE' vests, the reason they're members of IAM is so they can tell everyone how great they are! ;)
@@g33keh76 ooh that's harsh (but true 😁), I'm an IAM mber myself and enjoyed the training and an occasional ride out but most is focused on 'new' riders which of course makes sense.