I drove the RE Scram 411, 18.000km till now. I drove vom Berlin to Porto. 2 times from Berlin to Italy over the Alps. For mir is the Scram a simple solid work Horse. It runs and runs and runs. No expensive stuff on it and easy to Fix on the Streetside. I have a Big Trust on the Scram, it toke me everywhere even on 2500m Mountains in the Alps.
Royal Enfield is sort of battle tested on the Indian Roads, I had 350cc and I drove it for almost 100,000 KM, felt very sad when I had to sell it as I moved to Europe. But its easier to fix, and can handle 50 degrees of heat which we usually experience in DELHI INDIA and also - 30 Degrees which we experience in Himalayan mountains... Truly Work Horse...
I've recently finished running in my Scram 411 Royal Enfield. It's quick enough for road use, where most of the time you're between 30mph and 50mph. On Motorways it's more than adequate I've found. The Honda is a sweet little bike and I like it. But the Scram can actually scram! It's based on an adventure bike, not a road bike! And it's not about power, it's about torque with the Scram 411. Unbelievably capable, flexible and versatile. Fun to ride, comfortable, reliable, affordable, capable with character! Best all round bike I've ever had!
As a new rider on a budget it's the Scram 411 for me it's significantly less expensive then the Honda CL500. Here in the states the Scram 411 starts at $5099 the CL500 starts at $6799 that's a huge differnce when buying on a budget. The Scram 411 is also cheaper to own and maintain as it's engine is less complicated to work on. I'll be using the Scram 411 as a commuter with very little Highway use so it's perfect for my needs.
I’m 71 yr. old and seriously considering the SCRAM as a last bike. Looks good, will cruise a 60 mph and has some off road capabilities. What more do I need ? I’d like it to be a 500cc single but is more of a want than a need. Cheers.
@dougsmith7580. Did you get it ? I am a lot younger than you (65 3/4) still a young lad ! but I decided to buy my last new bike as well. I agree with every word you wrote, I feel exactly the same. Were else can you get that British 500, air-cooled vibe, brand new with a warranty for £3995 OTR I am over the moon with it.
Haven’t picked up anything yet. I’m now 72 and it doesn’t look like a RE single is in my future anytime soon. My RE dealer here in Canada has yet to see even a Himmy 450 and the Gurilla (sp ?) is a dream away as well. So I’ve been looking new and used. I’ve had a Suzuki DRZ 400 and a Yamaha SR 500 and I’d like to not repeat myself too much (although I’ve blown my record there and have had three Suzuki SV 650s.) I envy folks living in the UK with so much access to bikes I can only read about. Cheers.
I was looking at both of these bikes very recently. The CL isn't available in the US as far as I know so I ended up on the scram. So far I absolutely love it, put some better tires on it to handle dirt easier and it's a beast. It's not gonna set your hair on fire with speed, but it's simple, reliable, and climbs hills like a goat. Plus the price was great.
Dude this comparison won't even be close.. That 500cc Honda Twin is a good engine. Far superior to the RE single. RE did a great job with their 650 Twin bikes, but that Himilayan missed the mark. You can barely even ride it safely on a highway in the US, much less a freeway
It wasn't even close for me. I bought the Scram 411 and absolutely love it on dirt roads and trails and around town. If I'm going on the highway I take my HD Road King.
Ride within our comfort and budget. What is affordable to some, might not be for others. Even adventure rider riding a small honda wave 125cc feels happy on top of the world let alone rider riding a bigger size bmw gs adventure 1250cc. As for myself i have tone down from riding honda goldwing, yamaha vmax, an old bmw gs 1150 and so on to more economical ride by compensating to lesser weight bikes range between 110cc daelim citi - kawasaki klr 650cc. Of course i missed those days when out riding bigger bikes but as time goes by due to bad knee, inflation, unpredictable recession (which i dunno when) etc etc. Im happy with whatever rides you throw at me as long i could afford it within my means. I wont mind the himalayan though, cos itchy boots has proven it can be done! 🤗😁😊
I think it's pretty obvious that the CL500 is a much better bike, but the Scram 411 will appeal to people who want a single, especially an air-cooled, two-valve single. I'd add that the Benelli Leoncino 500 is a lot better than the 411, as well. Good discussion. Good to see Tim in there as well as Bob.
CL500 looks better imo, but costs a whole lot more. It's weird that the Hornet only costs £1k more than the 500CL though, perhaps it's slightly over priced in comparison. I actually think the 350 Hunter looks better than the Scram, but that's even less power. Great price though.
Hello, I ordered orange... 🤯 I thought a lot about whether it was too much, but you know what? When I saw her live, she seemed cheerful. And that belongs to this bike. I can't wait for it to arrive. Otherwise, thanks for the video.
What is the more serious speed? Is the max speed in the uk 70mph or do you live somewhere else? Both these bikes will travel in the legal speeds of the uk.
a shame that Enfield does not supply the European market with a scram 411 with a little more power... Hitchcock motorcycles and TEC parts has another camshaft for the 411cc single that with a better air-filter and a little more free flow exhaust bumped up power by 20%,, from 24.3 hp to 29 bhp on the crank.. Just enough to make the bike more enjoyable on regular roads..
CL500 all the way - yes, it cost more but overall ownership cost is about the same as you will spend more on bikes anyway. Yes, motorcycling is not a cheap sport. So if you spread cost over the years of ownership, it really do not make much difference. Assuming that both Honda and RE fits you physically, stick to the brand that you can trust - Honda. (there is a reason RE is called Royal Dumpster-Fire).
It's funny, you guys cannot compare the CL500 to the Himalayan that bike is a joke. You English guys are always afraid to say something bad about English bikes we noticed that.😂
I think your review, perhaps inadvertently, pretty much sums up these bikes. Apart as a fashion statement, and/or clever marketing trick, I can't honestly think of a reason why they exist. I'm minded of a quaint saying I picked up many years ago... "neither use nor ornament". They seem to me to be just another sub division of an already sub divided market and possibly the worst of the divisions. Neither road nor dirt bike but combining the worst of both worlds. Having said that. More choice can only be a good thing so perhaps I'm just talking a load of bo**ox. For me though. If you're a RE fan buy the Himalayan otherwise Spend another grand over the CL and buy the Honda Hornet. Bargain of the century.
so much of talk to try and make excuses for the Honda design here...the Scram is perhaps the most confusing and uncharacteristic and least charming of all the Enfields and yet the CL just cannot be bothered to want to make an impression! It is SOOOO very generic and plastic that people who like this Honda need to understand theyre really into toys!
The CL in the Honda designation should stand for City Limits. Welded subframe, stressed engine member, low clearance, short suspension, mag wheels, exposed exhaust… ugly.. it’s not a Scrambler in the historical sense. The 411 may be slower to the off-road, but it will go places the Honda won’t even broach. The Honda is a commuter. And honestly, the old CL reference photos should only actually work if it looked anything like the old bikes.. And honestly, your bagging of the Enfield just doesn’t sit with the number of units they sell…it’s just not the dog you make it out to be. I actually would be comparing the CL to the Hornet… I think it will be more likely to steal sales from that than the Enfield.
Oh… and the stylin’ number boards you can buy as an optional extra for the Honda… !? Because sure you’re going to take it racing… ffs, that has to be the most cynical hipster accessory ever offered.
Apples and oranges. Both are bin parts bikes, with the Enfield looking slightly more attractive than the ugly Honda. But the former is pretending to be a scrambler (and failing miserably) while the latter really is (under the cover) a rebel ...without a cause!!!
We all can see that with 47 hp and being able to sustain HiWay speeds ANY 500cc twin bike would probably be a better choice over a 20 hp single if more street riding and HiWay commutes are your thing, but the Honda CL tank is BUTT UGLY. Honda totally missed it with that shitty tank styling and the shitty-looking mudguard. The Royal Enfield is a much better-looking bike in my opinion and it's a better off-road bike and the Himalaya dam sure is. If Honda actually made a single-cylinder 300 or 350 cc single-cylinder CL to compare to it would be one thing but I think Royal Enfield with its styling cues, capability, and the bang for the buck would still be a great choice. Right now it's like comparing the ugly CL500 to a beautiful Triumph Scrambler 900, I mean what's the point? I feel like Honda absolutely did NOT want to go head-to-head with Royal Enfield so Honda built a 500cc twin bike so people would just buy the ugly thing because it has a lot more power when comparing it to a little 350cc single-cylinder bike, not the smartest move on Honda's part, you want proof? Honda has been saying they are going to release a CB300 or CB350 for 5 years but never have, Royal Enfield built their own with the Hunter 350 and it going to be a HUGE success at $3900 U.S. Honda missed another great opportunity here too as well, party on Royal Enfield!!
I drove the RE Scram 411, 18.000km till now. I drove vom Berlin to Porto. 2 times from Berlin to Italy over the Alps. For mir is the Scram a simple solid work Horse. It runs and runs and runs. No expensive stuff on it and easy to Fix on the Streetside. I have a Big Trust on the Scram, it toke me everywhere even on 2500m Mountains in the Alps.
Royal Enfield is sort of battle tested on the Indian Roads, I had 350cc and I drove it for almost 100,000 KM, felt very sad when I had to sell it as I moved to Europe.
But its easier to fix, and can handle 50 degrees of heat which we usually experience in DELHI INDIA and also - 30 Degrees which we experience in Himalayan mountains...
Truly Work Horse...
I've recently finished running in my Scram 411 Royal Enfield. It's quick enough for road use, where most of the time you're between 30mph and 50mph.
On Motorways it's more than adequate I've found. The Honda is a sweet little bike and I like it. But the Scram can actually scram! It's based on an adventure bike, not a road bike! And it's not about power, it's about torque with the Scram 411. Unbelievably capable, flexible and versatile. Fun to ride, comfortable, reliable, affordable, capable with character! Best all round bike I've ever had!
Thank you gents, I think the Scram is much nicer looking than the Honda, but I guess we all know the Honda will be the more ‘sensible’ choice
As a new rider on a budget it's the Scram 411 for me it's significantly less expensive then the Honda CL500. Here in the states the Scram 411 starts at $5099 the CL500 starts at $6799 that's a huge differnce when buying on a budget. The Scram 411 is also cheaper to own and maintain as it's engine is less complicated to work on. I'll be using the Scram 411 as a commuter with very little Highway use so it's perfect for my needs.
I'm excited to see which other brands throw themselves into the fight in this category. For now, I'd go for the CL500
I’m 71 yr. old and seriously considering the SCRAM as a last bike. Looks good, will cruise a 60 mph and has some off road capabilities. What more do I need ? I’d like it to be a 500cc single but is more of a want than a need. Cheers.
Save your money for the upcoming Scram 450.
@@tombombadilofficial the himmy 450 has lost its retro charm. I'd just get a ninja at that point.
@dougsmith7580. Did you get it ? I am a lot younger than you (65 3/4) still a young lad ! but I decided to buy my last new bike as well. I agree with every word you wrote, I feel exactly the same. Were else can you get that British 500, air-cooled vibe, brand new with a warranty for £3995 OTR I am over the moon with it.
Haven’t picked up anything yet. I’m now 72 and it doesn’t look like a RE single is in my future anytime soon. My RE dealer here in Canada has yet to see even a Himmy 450 and the Gurilla (sp ?) is a dream away as well. So I’ve been looking new and used. I’ve had a Suzuki DRZ 400 and a Yamaha SR 500 and I’d like to not repeat myself too much (although I’ve blown my record there and have had three Suzuki SV 650s.) I envy folks living in the UK with so much access to bikes I can only read about. Cheers.
@@dougsmith7580 XT or SR500 is what I wanted, but price and age ruled them out. The Hunter 350 is BEAUTIFUL
I was looking at both of these bikes very recently. The CL isn't available in the US as far as I know so I ended up on the scram. So far I absolutely love it, put some better tires on it to handle dirt easier and it's a beast. It's not gonna set your hair on fire with speed, but it's simple, reliable, and climbs hills like a goat. Plus the price was great.
Bro, is now available I'm the U.S.A!!!
Dont forget the Fantic Caballero. 500cc the Rally is actually capable offroad
They're so overpriced tho
I love the look and feel of the scram...
Dude this comparison won't even be close.. That 500cc Honda Twin is a good engine. Far superior to the RE single. RE did a great job with their 650 Twin bikes, but that Himilayan missed the mark. You can barely even ride it safely on a highway in the US, much less a freeway
It wasn't made for highway use, it's kind of in the name 🤡
It wasn't even close for me. I bought the Scram 411 and absolutely love it on dirt roads and trails and around town. If I'm going on the highway I take my HD Road King.
Ride within our comfort and budget. What is affordable to some, might not be for others. Even adventure rider riding a small honda wave 125cc feels happy on top of the world let alone rider riding a bigger size bmw gs adventure 1250cc. As for myself i have tone down from riding honda goldwing, yamaha vmax, an old bmw gs 1150 and so on to more economical ride by compensating to lesser weight bikes range between 110cc daelim citi - kawasaki klr 650cc. Of course i missed those days when out riding bigger bikes but as time goes by due to bad knee, inflation, unpredictable recession (which i dunno when) etc etc. Im happy with whatever rides you throw at me as long i could afford it within my means. I wont mind the himalayan though, cos itchy boots has proven it can be done! 🤗😁😊
I think it's pretty obvious that the CL500 is a much better bike, but the Scram 411 will appeal to people who want a single, especially an air-cooled, two-valve single. I'd add that the Benelli Leoncino 500 is a lot better than the 411, as well.
Good discussion. Good to see Tim in there as well as Bob.
CL500 looks better imo, but costs a whole lot more.
It's weird that the Hornet only costs £1k more than the 500CL though, perhaps it's slightly over priced in comparison.
I actually think the 350 Hunter looks better than the Scram, but that's even less power. Great price though.
Benelli Leoncino Trail 500, Fantic Caballero 500, and Triumph Scrambler 400X are worth looking at too.
Hello,
I ordered orange... 🤯 I thought a lot about whether it was too much, but you know what? When I saw her live, she seemed cheerful. And that belongs to this bike. I can't wait for it to arrive. Otherwise, thanks for the video.
CL looks amazing without the silly extra mudguard
Does the CL vibrate like the CB? Seems the only complaint with the 500X
My 500x doesn't vibe at all so I'm guessing it's just a few people having issues because I've not heard of this before either
What is the more serious speed? Is the max speed in the uk 70mph or do you live somewhere else? Both these bikes will travel in the legal speeds of the uk.
Isn’t the 500 engine known to be a bit vibey at certain revs?
I prefer cl500 but unfortunately not coming to Malaysia. I wish it goes into our country. Mmmm
I guess will be coming soon a CL750, same engine as the transalp and hornet.
And probably a CBR750R as well 🏆
a shame that Enfield does not supply the European market with a scram 411 with a little more power... Hitchcock motorcycles and TEC parts has another camshaft for the 411cc single that with a better air-filter and a little more free flow exhaust bumped up power by 20%,, from 24.3 hp to 29 bhp on the crank.. Just enough to make the bike more enjoyable on regular roads..
Royal Enfield 450 series is waving
I feel like the 650 scrambler is going to be a better comparison to the Honda.
Think I'm deciding between a Husqvarna 401 Svartpilen and the Honda CL500.
the CL has more same travel in the front and more in the rear suspension
The Honda would be great in my area. 😊
I’d say the CL500
CL500 all the way - yes, it cost more but overall ownership cost is about the same as you will spend more on bikes anyway. Yes, motorcycling is not a cheap sport. So if you spread cost over the years of ownership, it really do not make much difference. Assuming that both Honda and RE fits you physically, stick to the brand that you can trust - Honda. (there is a reason RE is called Royal Dumpster-Fire).
It's funny, you guys cannot compare the CL500 to the Himalayan that bike is a joke. You English guys are always afraid to say something bad about English bikes we noticed that.😂
9:57 The Benelli LemonChina 😂😂😂
I think your review, perhaps inadvertently, pretty much sums up these bikes. Apart as a fashion statement, and/or clever marketing trick, I can't honestly think of a reason why they exist.
I'm minded of a quaint saying I picked up many years ago... "neither use nor ornament". They seem to me to be just another sub division of an already sub divided market and possibly the worst of the divisions. Neither road nor dirt bike but combining the worst of both worlds.
Having said that. More choice can only be a good thing so perhaps I'm just talking a load of bo**ox.
For me though. If you're a RE fan buy the Himalayan otherwise Spend another grand over the CL and buy the Honda Hornet. Bargain of the century.
I agree with your assessment.
so much of talk to try and make excuses for the Honda design here...the Scram is perhaps the most confusing and uncharacteristic and least charming of all the Enfields and yet the CL just cannot be bothered to want to make an impression! It is SOOOO very generic and plastic that people who like this Honda need to understand theyre really into toys!
Voge doing some nice budget bikes.
Chinese tho 💀
The CL in the Honda designation should stand for City Limits. Welded subframe, stressed engine member, low clearance, short suspension, mag wheels, exposed exhaust… ugly.. it’s not a Scrambler in the historical sense. The 411 may be slower to the off-road, but it will go places the Honda won’t even broach.
The Honda is a commuter. And honestly, the old CL reference photos should only actually work if it looked anything like the old bikes..
And honestly, your bagging of the Enfield just doesn’t sit with the number of units they sell…it’s just not the dog you make it out to be.
I actually would be comparing the CL to the Hornet… I think it will be more likely to steal sales from that than the Enfield.
Oh… and the stylin’ number boards you can buy as an optional extra for the Honda… !? Because sure you’re going to take it racing… ffs, that has to be the most cynical hipster accessory ever offered.
Well looks are subjective and your opinion, imo the CL is beautiful af, and a very very good bike with no issues love mine
Would have the honda. No comparison in terms of power.
CL500 : too low ground clearance. Small fuel capacity.
Scram411 : Slow.
None of these will be in my garage.
CL has great mpg small fuel tank is no issue and the re isn't slow I've tried one
Apples and oranges. Both are bin parts bikes, with the Enfield looking slightly more attractive than the ugly Honda. But the former is pretending to be a scrambler (and failing miserably) while the latter really is (under the cover) a rebel ...without a cause!!!
Forget both and get the new Suzuki GSX-8S. 800 twin .
I think a good comparison for the cl500 would be the Benelli leoncino 500 trail, looks better, scram is gutless, and heavy.
It's a no brainer, buy a Honda.
Honda proven
We all can see that with 47 hp and being able to sustain HiWay speeds ANY 500cc twin bike would probably be a better choice over a 20 hp single if more street riding and HiWay commutes are your thing, but the Honda CL tank is BUTT UGLY. Honda totally missed it with that shitty tank styling and the shitty-looking mudguard.
The Royal Enfield is a much better-looking bike in my opinion and it's a better off-road bike and the Himalaya dam sure is.
If Honda actually made a single-cylinder 300 or 350 cc single-cylinder CL to compare to it would be one thing but I think Royal Enfield with its styling cues, capability, and the bang for the buck would still be a great choice. Right now it's like comparing the ugly CL500 to a beautiful Triumph Scrambler 900, I mean what's the point?
I feel like Honda absolutely did NOT want to go head-to-head with Royal Enfield so Honda built a 500cc twin bike so people would just buy the ugly thing because it has a lot more power when comparing it to a little 350cc single-cylinder bike, not the smartest move on Honda's part, you want proof? Honda has been saying they are going to release a CB300 or CB350 for 5 years but never have, Royal Enfield built their own with the Hunter 350 and it going to be a HUGE success at $3900 U.S.
Honda missed another great opportunity here too as well, party on Royal Enfield!!