You chose perfect roads for having fun on the Scram. It's a thoroughly enjoyable bike for exploring backroads, with enough power to keep up with the traffic on main roads if needed. It's air cooled engine is charming - smoother than I expected and with a reasonable dose of torque. I don't think the CL500 will be a competitor - they are very different machines. I've got five bikes, but the Scram is usually the 'go to' choice for a bit of gentle exploring or popping out to get a few provisions. There are some amazing price deals around at the moment too. If anyone's looking for a small, simple but utterly charming second bike, the Scram is well worth a test ride.
Have to agree with your assesment. Test rode one back to back with the Himmy last summer and thought it was so much more engaging than the Himmy. I had a blast on it around the back lanes and it put a huge smile on my face. I've ridden lots of fast bikes FAST but this was a load of real fun. Only as a second bike though!!!
The more I ride mine the more I love it. I put a TEC cam in along w an exhaust and it gives it a nice amount of pep. Can hit the limiter at 85mph constantly and it holds speeds much better. It's nice and smooth at just about all speeds. Ive hit false neutrals more than on any other bike I've owned. The brakes do seem a tad spongy(and I feel the rear works better as well) but Im replacing pads this week and the fronts are still breaking in but seems a little more responsive. These arent rocket ships, but Ive been having a great time on mine. They handle the highway just fine. For the price it's a wonderful bike. Like mentioned in the video: dont just look at specs. Actually ride one and then you understand.
Hi Dan , the thing I find with a sub 600 cc engine is you have to ride it it requires more gear changes and rider Inputs and is in someways more rewarding, than having a big engine cover up your wrong gear choices. Which is why I think a lot of these 25 -40 BHP machines are more fun to ride. Great smooth presentation on the video seamless and relaxed and very informative thank you
I rode a demo himmy last weekend, and actually loved it, for 24bhp, it’s soo much fun, I have a multistrada v2s at the moment, but I am so tempted to trade it in for a himmy!
Great review! considering this bike as a first "street" bike for me and my wife coming from a dirtbike youth. Going to see it today and hope it is the right fit. I would have a hard time dropping more on another bike as my wife learns and dont want to be forced into something neither of us necessarily wants so it fits a 6'2" and 5'2" couple. So I am hoping i get the right vibes when i sit on and see it later. Thanks!
Bro, I'm glad I am gifted with regards to my inseam. I'm 5'7" but I can easily flat foot this bike, I have test rode it just last week alongside with a 5'9"-5'10" dude who's also on his tippy toes when he sat on the saddle.
I loved my R.E, but after only a couple of months I found rust appearing everywhere. The build quality wasn't there and short service intervals weren't great either. The lack of power was part of its charm I think, but after a while I wished it had 50% more. These bikes seem perfect for the Indian market and across Asia. I'm glad they're here though, brings fun and delivers a "pure" riding experience.
I have a TEC cam and exhaust on mine and it makes a pretty nice difference. Before it was hard to get up to and keep it at 80mph, but after I hit the limiter at 85 all the time.
185 kg is the wet weight but doubtless excluding petrol, which they all are, if manufacturers were honest. You say it weighs 200 kg. Fully fuelled, it's a little less than that, assuming the wet weight is actually 185 kg. 15 litres of petrol weigh 11.85 kg. Have you ridden a KTM 390 Duke? Has the Scram as much low-down torque? The simplicity of the 411 appeals: air cooled, two-valve head. I have a very simple big bike: Yamaha SCR950. The 411 would make a good companion for it.
Well, I actually said it would weigh 'around about 200 kilos'. With fuel, oil and brake fluid it's probably 198, 199. I have ridden a 390 a few years back, I did a video on it on my channel. I've not ridden any of the newer one's though but I think it's about time I did. Cheers.
Had a test ride on one last summer and agree with pretty much everything really! I found it put a smile on my face and was fun to ride. Felt really small and easy to handle compared to my Tiger 900 GT I'd just jumped off. The only thing I didn't like was the front brake which was woeful. It had about 5 miles on the clock so hard to tell if it needed bedding in but doesn't sound like it gets much better with miles. The mirrors too felt magnified and so hard to judge distance of vehicles behind. Would replace the mirrors and look for some sort of upgrade for the front brake. Would I buy one? Yes as a fun cheap second bike to mess with and use in winter and easy greenlanes I think it would be great. Look forward to further vids on the little Scram.
The brakes are fine once bedded in. Takes about a hundred miles or so. I've not felt any need to do anything about them until such time as I need to replace the pads and fluid during normal service requirements.
Excellent real world review, thanks Dan. I love the looks and it appeals to me immensely, so I'll try and get out on a test ride. But I can't get over rusting components on a new bike!?!
If you ride virtually any bike in the UK in winter then rust is inevitable with salt on the roads, it’s not something unique to Royal Enfield. I don’t ride my bike at all (not Royal Enfield) over winter so it stays pristine
It's been through one winter at least, and guessing it's not been well looked after. Would be interested to see other bikes out in the wild as these press bikes do get a fair amount of abuse!
I have a Himalayan, that I unfortunately have to keep under a cover outside where i live. So far the only item that has rust on it is the chain, I have ridden it on the snowy roads with all that crappy salt on it. I use Muc-off products to keep it the best lookin I can. It does not matter how well it was looked after, if where u live they use salt on the roads or u live near the coast, bike/car will always look rusty.
I love your reviews, every bike you try I honestly want to buy it just purely because of your passion! Bloody amazing. What mic set up do you use? It’s insane
Hey Lexi, thanks for the comment! I absolutely love riding bikes, so I'm glad that comes across in my video! I use a Sena 10S boom mic, plugged into my Gopro media mod. There's a couple of wire adapters needed so it's slightly faffy, but worth it I think. Thanks!
I'm going to be a new rider and for me it's the Scram 411 or the Truimph Scramber 400x. It's a tough decision, I like the look of both bikes and both are simular in price. Obvously the 400x has more power but it's also a new platform that's never been tested long term and that concerns me. I've been hearing some 400x owners in India have been running into problems as of late that's to be expected with a new platform but as a new rider thats just something I don't think I want to have to deal with. With that being said the 411 is built on a tested tried and true platform that's been refined and tweaked over the years and that gives me comfort. More power is nice and all but I don't plan to do much highway travel as a new rider even though the Scram 411 can do it I'd rather stick to backroads. I also think the 411 will be cheaper to service and maintain overtime as the 400x is bound to be more expensive in that area. .. Hmm Scram 411 it is it seems.
@@Englishbikerdan Yeah I was looking at that bike but I think it's going to be a bit more expensive then the 400x and especisally the Scram 411. I have a max budget in the $5000 to $5600 USD range. I think it will be closer to mid $6000 range that's a bit too much as I'd have to pay dealer fees which would make it about $8000 USD out the door. It's also too offload focused for what I would need it for.
Been looking for something to get back into biking with that's not bloated and ugly.... My last bike was a Yamaha RD350YPVS some decades ago- and the power to weight of this 411 much as I think it looks alright puts me right off...in fact the RD125LC I bought new in 1985 to learn on was probably 105kg and when derestricted and Stan Stephens Stage 2 tuned was putting out around 19bhp!! Bikes today just seems so ugly to me, they're all really tall and short length....gotta be crap for centre of gravity and handling surely??
"Certainly know you're alive"? Love it, a good bike for an old man, like me. But what's up with your weather? It's not that bad but do you ever get sunny days?
I was wondering if I could flat foot this bike. You can't at 5ft 8 with a 30 inch inseam but yet Mark Pulling can at 5ft 7 with a 30 inch inseam. I'm the same size as you so maybe I need some boots with a good heel 😄
Such a shame about the build quality, with a bit more QC most of the issues would hardly cost Enfield anything to rectify - in the case of better plating on the fasteners (or heaven help us the odd bit of stainless!) merely pence.
@@Englishbikerdan The fasteners on my 27 year old Cagiva W12 350 winter hack are admittedly dull but still uncorroded and 90s Italian bikes are hardly a paragon of perfection lol 😆
Really like the scrambler aesthetic. Think this RE looks good, but prefer the Triumph 900. Though I think the RE would be the better greenlane machine than the Triumph. On another note, are you looking at getting an aftermarket can for your SV650 like you did with your Honda? Asking for purely selfish reasons as I'm thinking of getting an SV as my first big bike.
You won’t be disappointed with an SV650 as a first bike. They are fantastic. Not top of peoples lists but every single person that has owned or ridden one will tell how good they are.
Revs, or lack of. They are old school engines with a long stroke. That means strong low-mid torque, but not much peak power. Makes them much more rideable than the HP figure would suggest. Lazy engine, but in a good way if you are willing to try out a riding style of a bygone era.
@@Englishbikerdan I wonder if the original Himalayan is better? I liked both of them, but like the new Honda DAX 125, if they can't stick to basic standards and have stuff that doesn't rust, then I won't be buying them.
@@christga100 That not it either. A fun bike to ride around country lanes and can do some green laning or dirt tracks etc that wont cost a fortune. Am yet to test ride so cant give you my exact review but thats my opinion.
Another ornament from Enfield with less power than a Morris minor, uses a homing pigeon for sat nav (optional) . Not really a motorcycle but a two wheel assisted vehicle, Slightly more expensive Electric mountain bike faster ,off road capable mud in your teeth fun. BMW G310 105 mph tops, bags of safety.
As much as I like the BMW it has its own build quality issues and it's a bit more money. Totally different style of bike and people do buy on looks and feel as well as how fast it goes. I'd take the cb300r over this myself but power isn't important if you don't plan on using it. This will do the speed limit and get there quick enough. Both bikes I've mentioned are probably a bit soulless compared to this I'll admit. If only they made a meteor that went a tiny bit quicker that was cheaper than the 650.
Royal Enfields have been perfect for me as I have no interest in going as you put it “stupid speeds”
You chose perfect roads for having fun on the Scram. It's a thoroughly enjoyable bike for exploring backroads, with enough power to keep up with the traffic on main roads if needed. It's air cooled engine is charming - smoother than I expected and with a reasonable dose of torque. I don't think the CL500 will be a competitor - they are very different machines. I've got five bikes, but the Scram is usually the 'go to' choice for a bit of gentle exploring or popping out to get a few provisions. There are some amazing price deals around at the moment too. If anyone's looking for a small, simple but utterly charming second bike, the Scram is well worth a test ride.
Amazing deals in what country? If US, how much did you pay?
Have to agree with your assesment. Test rode one back to back with the Himmy last summer and thought it was so much more engaging than the Himmy. I had a blast on it around the back lanes and it put a huge smile on my face. I've ridden lots of fast bikes FAST but this was a load of real fun. Only as a second bike though!!!
The more I ride mine the more I love it. I put a TEC cam in along w an exhaust and it gives it a nice amount of pep. Can hit the limiter at 85mph constantly and it holds speeds much better.
It's nice and smooth at just about all speeds. Ive hit false neutrals more than on any other bike I've owned. The brakes do seem a tad spongy(and I feel the rear works better as well) but Im replacing pads this week and the fronts are still breaking in but seems a little more responsive.
These arent rocket ships, but Ive been having a great time on mine. They handle the highway just fine. For the price it's a wonderful bike. Like mentioned in the video: dont just look at specs. Actually ride one and then you understand.
Amazing video. So glad you're still going. 🙏
Hi Dan , the thing I find with a sub 600 cc engine is you have to ride it it requires more gear changes and rider Inputs and is in someways more rewarding, than having a big engine cover up your wrong gear choices. Which is why I think a lot of these 25 -40 BHP machines are more fun to ride. Great smooth presentation on the video seamless and relaxed and very informative thank you
Thanks mate, yeah they are more engaging aren't they! Cheers!
I agree I went from a street triple to a cb300r 1/3 of the power but a lot more engaging
More fun riding a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow!!
@@derekm6236 yep what’s the point having a motorcycle you cannot get out of 3rd gear ?
makes you lazy because to quick for the road and so much power the right gear doesn’t matter as much
I rode a demo himmy last weekend, and actually loved it, for 24bhp, it’s soo much fun, I have a multistrada v2s at the moment, but I am so tempted to trade it in for a himmy!
Great review! considering this bike as a first "street" bike for me and my wife coming from a dirtbike youth. Going to see it today and hope it is the right fit. I would have a hard time dropping more on another bike as my wife learns and dont want to be forced into something neither of us necessarily wants so it fits a 6'2" and 5'2" couple. So I am hoping i get the right vibes when i sit on and see it later. Thanks!
Who wouldn't take an extra inch ! Great Vid, love your relaxed style.
😂 that was sooo good! 🤣
Extra inch Yep ask any women! 😂
Yeah!! We all need a bit of smut in our bike reviews. Never laughed so much since I last watched Benny Hill. 🤣🤪😂
Haha, thanks mate!
I love this bike and get my in summer this year... can't wait for it
The pricing on this is appropriate. It is meant as a daily ride machine. In white it looks cool in my opinion. Great video. Will try to test one.
Bro, I'm glad I am gifted with regards to my inseam. I'm 5'7" but I can easily flat foot this bike, I have test rode it just last week alongside with a 5'9"-5'10" dude who's also on his tippy toes when he sat on the saddle.
I loved my R.E, but after only a couple of months I found rust appearing everywhere. The build quality wasn't there and short service intervals weren't great either. The lack of power was part of its charm I think, but after a while I wished it had 50% more. These bikes seem perfect for the Indian market and across Asia. I'm glad they're here though, brings fun and delivers a "pure" riding experience.
Top video as usual, Dan. I think most Enfield owners change their front pads to EBC or Brembo & this cures the lack of stopping power & feel.
A nice looking, simple bike. And if you really like it, the aftermarket could make some worthwhile improvements.
Spot on. Thanks!
I have a TEC cam and exhaust on mine and it makes a pretty nice difference. Before it was hard to get up to and keep it at 80mph, but after I hit the limiter at 85 all the time.
Great value for money, nice job on the styling. Good review mate too
Thanks mate!
185 kg is the wet weight but doubtless excluding petrol, which they all are, if manufacturers were honest. You say it weighs 200 kg. Fully fuelled, it's a little less than that, assuming the wet weight is actually 185 kg. 15 litres of petrol weigh 11.85 kg.
Have you ridden a KTM 390 Duke? Has the Scram as much low-down torque? The simplicity of the 411 appeals: air cooled, two-valve head. I have a very simple big bike: Yamaha SCR950. The 411 would make a good companion for it.
Well, I actually said it would weigh 'around about 200 kilos'. With fuel, oil and brake fluid it's probably 198, 199. I have ridden a 390 a few years back, I did a video on it on my channel. I've not ridden any of the newer one's though but I think it's about time I did. Cheers.
@@Englishbikerdan Fair enough.
Had a test ride on one last summer and agree with pretty much everything really! I found it put a smile on my face and was fun to ride. Felt really small and easy to handle compared to my Tiger 900 GT I'd just jumped off. The only thing I didn't like was the front brake which was woeful. It had about 5 miles on the clock so hard to tell if it needed bedding in but doesn't sound like it gets much better with miles. The mirrors too felt magnified and so hard to judge distance of vehicles behind. Would replace the mirrors and look for some sort of upgrade for the front brake. Would I buy one? Yes as a fun cheap second bike to mess with and use in winter and easy greenlanes I think it would be great. Look forward to further vids on the little Scram.
Thanks, yeah very similar thoughts about this one. Thanks!
Fit FA181TT pads to the front and change the brake fluid in both brakes and you'll have a big improvement in braking. Pads are about £16.
The brakes are fine once bedded in. Takes about a hundred miles or so. I've not felt any need to do anything about them until such time as I need to replace the pads and fluid during normal service requirements.
Crackin video and review, really informative. Thank you 👍🏻
Thanks for watching!
Excellent real world review, thanks Dan. I love the looks and it appeals to me immensely, so I'll try and get out on a test ride. But I can't get over rusting components on a new bike!?!
If you ride virtually any bike in the UK in winter then rust is inevitable with salt on the roads, it’s not something unique to Royal Enfield. I don’t ride my bike at all (not Royal Enfield) over winter so it stays pristine
I mean looks like a demo bike that has been thrashed off road my scram 411 is still ok
Thanks Malcolm. Yeah was disappointing, the other RE I rode was spotless so perhaps this one has just sat outside over winter.
I noticed various spots of corrosion in the walk around. What would the bike be after an English summer never mind English winter?
It's been through one winter at least, and guessing it's not been well looked after. Would be interested to see other bikes out in the wild as these press bikes do get a fair amount of abuse!
I have a Himalayan, that I unfortunately have to keep under a cover outside where i live. So far the only item that has rust on it is the chain, I have ridden it on the snowy roads with all that crappy salt on it. I use Muc-off products to keep it the best lookin I can. It does not matter how well it was looked after, if where u live they use salt on the roads or u live near the coast, bike/car will always look rusty.
@@LtPessimist In fairness the one I saw on YT was a demo bike for press and vloggers so probably nobody did any of what you do.
I love your reviews, every bike you try I honestly want to buy it just purely because of your passion! Bloody amazing. What mic set up do you use? It’s insane
Hey Lexi, thanks for the comment! I absolutely love riding bikes, so I'm glad that comes across in my video! I use a Sena 10S boom mic, plugged into my Gopro media mod. There's a couple of wire adapters needed so it's slightly faffy, but worth it I think. Thanks!
I'm going to be a new rider and for me it's the Scram 411 or the Truimph Scramber 400x. It's a tough decision, I like the look of both bikes and both are simular in price. Obvously the 400x has more power but it's also a new platform that's never been tested long term and that concerns me. I've been hearing some 400x owners in India have been running into problems as of late that's to be expected with a new platform but as a new rider thats just something I don't think I want to have to deal with. With that being said the 411 is built on a tested tried and true platform that's been refined and tweaked over the years and that gives me comfort. More power is nice and all but I don't plan to do much highway travel as a new rider even though the Scram 411 can do it I'd rather stick to backroads. I also think the 411 will be cheaper to service and maintain overtime as the 400x is bound to be more expensive in that area. .. Hmm Scram 411 it is it seems.
Don't forget the new Himalayan 450 coming soon!
@@Englishbikerdan Yeah I was looking at that bike but I think it's going to be a bit more expensive then the 400x and especisally the Scram 411. I have a max budget in the $5000 to $5600 USD range. I think it will be closer to mid $6000 range that's a bit too much as I'd have to pay dealer fees which would make it about $8000 USD out the door. It's also too offload focused for what I would need it for.
Nice unbiased review! Its so similar to the Himalayan tho, looks lime theres not enough of a variation to warrant it being another bike?
I'd guess that the different size front wheel makes this much better on road than the Himalayan.
Nicely done!
I'm 6ft 1, is this bike okay for tall riders ?
How tall are you . Could 5’11” flatfoot the bike ?
Been looking for something to get back into biking with that's not bloated and ugly.... My last bike was a Yamaha RD350YPVS some decades ago- and the power to weight of this 411 much as I think it looks alright puts me right off...in fact the RD125LC I bought new in 1985 to learn on was probably 105kg and when derestricted and Stan Stephens Stage 2 tuned was putting out around 19bhp!! Bikes today just seems so ugly to me, they're all really tall and short length....gotta be crap for centre of gravity and handling surely??
Either going for this or the Motomorini xcape 650. Nice review!
I'm testing the XCape towards the end of March. Keep 'em peeled for the vid. Thanks!
@MauriceTarantulas I just looke up the xcape, jesus! it's bloody hideous, even worse looking than my Aprilia Trail.
"Certainly know you're alive"? Love it, a good bike for an old man, like me. But what's up with your weather? It's not that bad but do you ever get sunny days?
Yeah we get a few. It's still Winter here though so a while to go!
@@Englishbikerdan oh, kind of like we in Uganda too, it's kind of the wet season though it looks like you can't get a fair riding day right now.
Somebody must have been riding this bike in the salt
I think I’d wait for the new Triumph 400X Scrambler.
They certainly are a strong contender. Can't wait to ride them!
Biggest problem with royal enfield with is power my ktm 250 passes 400 to 600cc royal enfields
So maybe people dont care about passing?
There's always a bigger fish. I just enjoy the swim sometimes. :)
I was wondering if I could flat foot this bike.
You can't at 5ft 8 with a 30 inch inseam but yet Mark Pulling can at 5ft 7 with a 30 inch inseam.
I'm the same size as you so maybe I need some boots with a good heel 😄
sick helmet man
Thanks mate!
Similar figures to the Inazuma 250 aside from torque. That was dull as dishwater
Oh hello handsome chap ;-) Nice location you are in there...
9:10 Rear wheel is 17", not 18"
Such a shame about the build quality, with a bit more QC most of the issues would hardly cost Enfield anything to rectify - in the case of better plating on the fasteners (or heaven help us the odd bit of stainless!) merely pence.
Can't argue with that Steve. Thanks!
@@Englishbikerdan The fasteners on my 27 year old Cagiva W12 350 winter hack are admittedly dull but still uncorroded and 90s Italian bikes are hardly a paragon of perfection lol 😆
Love min
In India the Google screen is sold on optional basis
The only thing I see is surface rust everywhere...that's just unacceptable for a "scrambler" type motorcycle.
Yeah it wasn't great. And I want to provide my viewers with a honest review of the bikes I get.
I noticed the same, Henry. And if I can add on - a new Scrambler type motorcycle. My ‘75 Kawasaki enduro has 10% as much rust.
Exhaust always looks a bit dodgy in RE bikes or it may be just me.
Good bike built down to a price. Poor brakes, suspension and finish. The exhaust looks like it's off a bike that's done 50,000 miles.
The whole exhaust is stainless.
Then, the 1500$ diesel distressed jeans look like someone used it for 80 years and then reselling. Got the point?
Really like the scrambler aesthetic. Think this RE looks good, but prefer the Triumph 900. Though I think the RE would be the better greenlane machine than the Triumph.
On another note, are you looking at getting an aftermarket can for your SV650 like you did with your Honda?
Asking for purely selfish reasons as I'm thinking of getting an SV as my first big bike.
You won’t be disappointed with an SV650 as a first bike. They are fantastic. Not top of peoples lists but every single person that has owned or ridden one will tell how good they are.
Check out my SV650 exhaust vid. :)
@EnglishBikerDan LoL can't believe I missed it!.
That can sounds very nice without the baffle. Bet ear plugs are a must though...
But look at all those colours.... (Fort Nine)
Haha, that was a great vid!
Always been confused how Royal Enfield get so much less hp from more cc than other manufacturers
Don't look at Harley's then! :D
Revs, or lack of. They are old school engines with a long stroke. That means strong low-mid torque, but not much peak power.
Makes them much more rideable than the HP figure would suggest. Lazy engine, but in a good way if you are willing to try out a riding style of a bygone era.
Air cooled always seem to produce less power than liquid cooled engines hench the new 450 Himmy having Liquid cooled for 40hp
Anyone from US have experience with this bike?
j series long stroke single
Who doesn't love a long stroke!?
Please review a Classic 350
There's no excuse for rusting bolts and rusting spokes. That alone could put me off buying one.
It wasn't great. Other bikes from RE had been a lot better.
@@Englishbikerdan I wonder if the original Himalayan is better? I liked both of them, but like the new Honda DAX 125, if they can't stick to basic standards and have stuff that doesn't rust, then I won't be buying them.
Lack of power for this price and build quality is a pity, just add an extra k and buy a cb500f
Which cant off road really and is pretty dull.
If you wanted a direct alternative the cb500x would be the one.
@@christga100 Sorry that makes zero sense.
@@christga100 Depends if you just want a taste of it as a try out...
Nor is the motomorini xcape 650 but you could take all three to the ABR festival.
@@christga100 That not it either. A fun bike to ride around country lanes and can do some green laning or dirt tracks etc that wont cost a fortune.
Am yet to test ride so cant give you my exact review but thats my opinion.
Looks like a rustbucket to me.
Looks like a RE hater to me
Another ornament from Enfield with less power than a Morris minor, uses a homing pigeon for sat nav (optional) . Not really a motorcycle but a two wheel assisted vehicle, Slightly more expensive Electric mountain bike faster ,off road capable mud in your teeth fun.
BMW G310 105 mph tops, bags of safety.
Not everyone cares about speed. BMW has as much character as your post. Zero.
And yet is was still very fun to ride. :)
If you can ride at 105 mph down these kind of roads, you're probably a very talented fool.
@@mrsilbo6499 Exactly!
As much as I like the BMW it has its own build quality issues and it's a bit more money. Totally different style of bike and people do buy on looks and feel as well as how fast it goes.
I'd take the cb300r over this myself but power isn't important if you don't plan on using it.
This will do the speed limit and get there quick enough.
Both bikes I've mentioned are probably a bit soulless compared to this I'll admit.
If only they made a meteor that went a tiny bit quicker that was cheaper than the 650.
what a crap.you can take much more from a used xt600,for example