Thanks Curtis. I just bought one. Loving it so far. Smiles for miles exploring the Adelaide Hills. Your initial reviews helped make up my mind. Hope RE read this. Cheers.
You are making me want to get a new DR650 while I still can! My old DR won't last forever, but may outlast me. It is a 2000MY. I would get a Himalayan if I did not already have two dual sports and an ADV bike. Great review, Curtis.
After riding beside the Himi 450 on a 4600 km round trip which included the Gun Barrel, GCR, the bike performed faultlessly. The Suspension showed its weakness on constant corrugation, but in fairness most OME would. The side stand is to short. But for the money and a few tweaks this bike will be a great all rounder with money to spare for those epic rides. Next year we will be really testing the ability of this bike.
Corrugations certainly test out a bike. I'm undecided with the side stand. At first I thought it was short, but it stops it from tipping over a lot of the time
A great final review Crazy man Curtis! You definitely took this everywhere & apart from the foot levers, it held up pretty well. Hopefully, when your CFmoto 450MT turns up, you'll do exactly the same routes to do a comparison back to back, stock vs stock. Really looking forward to that! No bike is perfect, but with not much outlay, the market is looking great for competent cheap bikes. Well done!
I would buy the Himalayan 450 over the CF Moto 450 ( copy and paste Chinese bike ) I will give Royal Enfield TOP marks for producing original style bikes .
The 270 degree engine was first used by Yamaha in the TRX 850 in 1996 and latter in the Yamaha TDM 900 - one bike I used to own . I did say style ( engines have been around for over 100 years ) so nothing new really BUT Royal has a unique design and tough build quality. You can keep your Chinese “ copy and paste “ BUT will give credit we’re credit is due the Kovo 450 is a unique design .
@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449 yeah they are not 450cc 270 degree twins though so not a copy. The CFMoto is unique in its category at the moment. The 800MT is a copy of a KTM with more steeet biased wheels. The Kove runs a very similar engine, but is unique in its light weight. Oh and I do know how long engines have been around BTW. In that train if thought nearly every engine is a copy and paste! "Oh it uses pistons and internal combustion, its copy and paste".
What did CFMoto copy with their ground up brand-new MT/Ibex 450? What single part is shared with any other motorcycle? What other 450 has similar specs as the CFMoto? Since CFMoto designs and builds some of KTM's, I would say differently about copies.
@@jonwoodworker OK each to their own and opinion. At 56 been around to long to waste time on options that really won’t go anywhere and be forgotten about by tomorrow. They say options are like assholes and everyone has got one ☝️. Hope you enjoy your Chinese bike .
Excellent, thorough look at the Himalayan 450 Curtis. I think this bike is great for the motorcycling industry. I'm constantly hearing that young people aren't getting into bikes because they are so expensive. The 450 shatters that complaint and it could be a one bike solution for a lot of riders. Cheap to insure and own in the States. All the negatives are inexpensive and easy enough to sort out.
This is a very unique bike and I'd take it over the cfmoto for sure. These 450s are still too heavy though. I have my T7 down to about the same weight as these bikes and it's got almost twice the power. I've recently been considering going back to a dr650 as it's lightweight and has decent power and a huge aftermarket.
I got a '21 DR650 with a pipe and carby kit really gets along ride all day every day in every condition bomb proof reliable huge aftermarket and you don't have to take out a second mortgage to afford one or repair it. Go back to a DR650.
I would love a T7 but I’m a midget so the seat height on this one means I can ride a proper adventure bike and still touch the ground. Everything else like the DRZ400 and DR650 are too tall.
bike had done 12k all standard except for an eBay pipe sounded ok. I genuinely was disappointed in the lack of oomph though! I almost bought a world raid 2 months ago very much glad I did not. And not to mention super tall I like single track as well as being able to ride from my house to the mountains couldn’t imagine hitting any single track on a T7 and finding that enjoyable.
@@onthebackwheelI ordered the slate poppy blue, ETA is within the next thirty days. It would be more exciting if it wasn't winter here. I may have to take a trip south so I can put some break in miles on her. I sold my 2018 to my new son in law so I might have a riding buddy for a few BDR's.
The RE Touring screen produced a fair bit of Helmet Buffeting & wind noise, waisted $180. Should have waited for a better aftermarket. I have an add-on piece to see if I can clean up the air flow, haven't tested it yet. Yep, foot controls need attention. That's about it for me, the rest is tyres & setting up luggage. Got 33ks/lt last trip, but I was taking it easy while still running it in. Fully loaded camping gear, cooking, chair, laptop, 2man tent, double Wanderer air mattress. Too much clothing. So it was top heavy. Still 120kph was easy, though I did mostly back roads around 85-95 max. Still want to test ride a 450mt just to dispel a nagging "?" When are you expecting the Ibex ?
I bought the WRS screen it's a little bit taller than the RE touring screen. It seems to do the job. And I've done 3500kms with it and no real buffering issues.
Great review of the new himmy! In terms of ABS, can’t vouch for the new one but centre stand, 2nd gear, revving with front brake pressed throws a code/defeats both front and rear on my euro4 411 … 👍
I still love my 411 scram, now with a 21inch front wheel. Im a shit off road rider, but love how versatile it is. And have started to learn the basic mechanics. Overall a solid little bike, however the handle bars and gear lever bent like they were made of tinfoil.
@@ananddarnal6702 it's interesting that the scram 411 got a little facelift to a 440.... it would be nice.. but i reckon it will still have soft metal etc... I've got an upgraded cam, filter and powertronic so the 440 wouldn't be much different.
Great review and as someone looking to buy a 'cheap old bike' (KLR650/SP370/XT350/XT500) I found once I priced a full service on an unknown old bike, new tyres/chain/battery etc it was an easy decision to go for the Himalayan, black with gold wheels seems the best version. Ordering parts from India to the UK while I waited saved me 50% on guards, pannier brackets, rear rack and for £6600 I have a new bike with full europe 3 year warranty, a bargain after 20 years of bmw R1200 boxer engine bikes. The german kit is obviously better equipped but it does cost treble as amuch although their warranty has been superb for me and my R1200RS SE may be a keeper. Only have 800miles, (500 up to 4k revs) and now have 6000 rpm until 1200 miles, at least this gives 70mph rather then the 50mph. Over the 800 miles I show over 95mpg (95 mpg = 40.39 km/l) and did have 99.9 for the first 500miles. I ordered the Hanle Black 'tubeless' last november and had to wait until august 24 for delivery and it was worth the wait.
02:00 I would have to disagree about nothing that does not need to be there. The bike is good, but the front fender rides too close to the tire and is prone to clog in deep mud completely stopping the front tire from spinning freely. Other than that, I don't see any other issues.
Yeah I'd look at changing that if a chunkier tyre had issues. I didn't in slop, but it is a road tyre pretty much. They also do the split guard to stop mud and what not because of the front mount radiator
Having ridden one for a few months now, I'd say the only faults are that the side-stand is too short, the centre-stand too tall, green blinker indicator too small, accessory plug access requires tank removal (and air filter) and the seat is a little hard. Weight is always criticised but don't forget it comes with centre-stand, front and rear racks and double mud guards. If you take these off, you get nearer to DR650 weight but with a bigger fuel tank. Soft brake and gear levers are to protect internals and can be bent back many times but in this case maybe a little too soft. Generally if things don't bend, they break.
You know at first I thought the side stand was too short, but then I found it works well in so many circumstances where other bikes would fall over. It's bloody weird to start with though
I like the addition of the music, but it needs to fade in and out sooner so it's not playing over your speaking, and the volume needs to go down a little bit. That's my 2¢ worth. Otherwise, I love watching your videos ... for years now ay?
I’ve ridden both. I passed on the 450MT, thought it was an overhyped bike. The engine just revs too high at highway speeds and the stock ergos are off.
I am approaching 5000klms on mine now.......agree with all the cons you mentioned. The mirrors also suck IMO. I am replacing those with folding ones. Keen to get a larger screen next and replacing my gear and rear brake levers. Pretty sure the fuel economy of the 450 himi will be better than the cfMoto450 which I nearly purchased. Liked that as well but preferred how I sat on the himi to the CfMoto. BTW my bike is a Kaza brown and every time I see you ride this loaner I feel like you are violating my bike :) Great review Curtis. Keen to see you "test" the CFMoto. LOL You going to be nicer to that one since you have purchased it? Something tells me "no" :)
The valve check interval is very short on the Himalayan. If you can't or do not want to do it yourself, maintenance costs will be very high. Seems no one is talking about that. Big issue for me.
Just a friendly suggestion - you're in Australia but you have a world wide audience so I think it would be useful, when providing $ amounts, to add UK £, USD, and € equivalents
@@onthebackwheel I get what you guys are saying but, while it might seem a stupid comment from the reference point of an Australian living in Australia, not all Americans realize that the AUS dollar is much weaker than the USD. As a Canadian, everytime I go to the US and explain to some nieve Americans why things are so expensive, they have no clue that the Canadian dollar is only worth 70 cents USD. Chances are, such people will have no clue about the AUS dollar being worth $0.65 USD either - they'll hear $9000 and wonder why you think that's a cheap price for an entry level ADV (for instance, a Transalp XL750 is $9999 USD). People make assumptions based on their frame of reference, it's not about someone being too stupid to lookup a currency conversion.
@@alozborne i get it mate. Our ride away prices are generally quite good to which makes a difference. I think our CF Moto 450 is quite cheap compared to some places too
Je suis l'heureux propriétaire d'une Himalayan 450, avant de me décider, j'ai fait plusieurs essais de la CF moto 450MT et de l'Himalayan 450, et j'ai craqué pour cette dernière, j'ai aimé la CF moto 450MT de manière générale mais je l'ai trouvée trop bruyante la réponse au gaz était trop on/off et la position de conduite moins agréable. Après plus de 2700kms avec l'Himalayan je ne regrette pas mon choix je lui ai ajouté plusieurs accessoires pour pouvoir la sortir de la route, il ne lui manque plus que des pneus plus adaptés. Merci pour le partage. Grand ✌de la Haute Savoie en France!!!
Hey Curtis, I've watched quite a few of your reviews and like your approach, I like that you test bikes past their intended limits, it shows more about their potential, especially if you know how to mod suspension and such. Now you might think this is a bit mad but, I'm looking to get a simple bike to do a fairly big trip around parts of Australia. I want something simple, around 200kg without luggage, and big enough to carry a pillion if necessary, Mainly one out though. I want to do a lot of it on dirt roads, not as extreme as the single track stuff you do, I'm 61 and mainly have road bike experience, been on the road since 1979, and mostly on bikes 750cc or bigger. Here's the fun part, I'm considering the new Royal Enfield 650 bear Scrambler, I know it's not here yet, but it's simplicity ticks a lot of boxes for me. Would there be any possibility of a review of one if you get the chance ? Subscribed....
Gday mate, good to have you onboard. That Bear is beautiful, I'll try get my hands on one. I certainly would be hesitant to take it on proper adventure trips, seems more of a road bike that you'd do the odd dirt road on to me. Plus, it's so pretty! Keeping it simple though, no doubt it would smash it
@@onthebackwheel I want to do a lot of Dirt roads with it, not really any of the stuff you regularly do, wanting the option of putting the missus on the back at times, i need something bigger than the mid weight bikes, especially if covering big k's. I definitely think the Simpson would be out of the question !! 😃
@@MickH60 Simpson on a Bear, that would be a good video! I think it might be worth checking out some different bikes if you want to do a lot of dirt, but hey, you might try and it love it
@@onthebackwheel I'm actually looking at everything, haven't found the unicorn yet, that's why I'd love to see you take a Bear on some dirt roads and see what you think.
Hello! Have you tried the Triumph Scrambler 400x? If not then you should definitely take a look! It can handle dirt road and proper roads both alike and its a fairly simple bike with ample amount of power ( 40ps and 37Nm torque). It can handle luggage as well as pillon. You should definitely take a test ride. Its also lightweight (185kgs) as compared to big advs so you wont have problems handling it. Also fit and finish of Triumph is better than RE. You should definitely take a look!
Regarding ABS, have you tried putting it on the center stand and running it for a while (obviously rear wheel off ground) to see if that turns abs off? Works on other bikes, abs warning comes on.
I spent all day on this. It gives you the joy of off-road riding. And it's terribly miserable on the road; the engine is not flexible so you have to change gears every second. The biggest disadvantages are: an uncomfortable standing position (that strange, ugly bublle tank ), too small engine (500-550 cm3 required), a dash where you can't see anything, and feel and look like made with a hammer.
Joy of off-road riding with uncomfortable standing position... got it :) Absolutely fine on the road very lively up to around 130kph even with passenger and I wouldn't expect more from a 40HP single. Styling is personal. I like its unique look and the 17 liter bubble tank gives plenty of range with great fuel economy. The dash is very clear and you can switch between analogue and digital modes whichever you prefer and change the visible info pretty much as you like. I only find the navigation mode kind of gimmicky borderline useless but no intention of using it so it's not a turn off.
@@podunkman2709 I think you're the one BS ing mate, there's 100's of reviews of this bike, not that I'm a fan, I'm looking for an adv bike, and NONE of them say what you're saying... watched 100's of reviews by some extremely competent riders, if you don't like it great, don't sh1t on others experience, including Curtis, his reviews are credible, you're just some random on the net...
If I were in Australia, I think I would just buy a DR650 that has been fully modified for the same price as the Himalayan 450. There are probably more DR650's in Australia than any other vehicle. And isn't it law that you have to own one to keep your citizenship? lol
@Alkumist You can usually pick up a new DR650 for $6k, but then you have to spend extra for suspension. That's why I said find a used one with the proper mods already on it for less than the Himalayan 450. The Himalayan is far more comfortable and has better stock suspension. But Cogent suspension and a Seat Concepts seat and you can go more places.
All these 450's coming out are going create a third wave of popularity for the Ole Turd KLR. A cheaper, more reliable bike is still more comfortable on road, and plusher offroad and has a ready to go ADV model. At least the Ibex 450 hit a niche for faster, more aggressive riding than the KLR. This Himi isnt any different than a CB500x or Versys 300.
Strongly disagree with your last part. It's better than a klr off-road and has much better suspension with more travel than the bikes you mentioned. The klr will certainly keep kicking though!
I have a mate that ownes a fully moded crf300 rally and wants to buy one of these (wtf) I believe its good value for money but not for him as he is an advanced rider quite fast offroad and on. His riding mates ride ajp pr7, Husky 701 and adventurised crf450l etc. I rode one and I think the mt450 is better but also not up to his standard of riding. Good adjustable suspension is king and so are quality billet alloy components. I think the upcoming ktm390 adv R would be better for more advanced riders.
Thanks Curtis. I just bought one. Loving it so far. Smiles for miles exploring the Adelaide Hills. Your initial reviews helped make up my mind. Hope RE read this. Cheers.
That's good to hear mate. I really enjoyed my time with it
You are making me want to get a new DR650 while I still can! My old DR won't last forever, but may outlast me. It is a 2000MY. I would get a Himalayan if I did not already have two dual sports and an ADV bike. Great review, Curtis.
Cheers mate. More bikes the better I say
At least the DR hold its value. This thing in 24 years will be worth about 10 bucks. Stick with the DR!!
Curtis, great to see you pumping out some great content. Hope you and your family are well. Looking forward to seeing more of your channel.
Thanks mate, good to hear from you. Busy, but going well
Solid no BS review... I like your style Curtis.
Thanks mate
After riding beside the Himi 450 on a 4600 km round trip which included the Gun Barrel, GCR, the bike performed faultlessly. The Suspension showed its weakness on constant corrugation, but in fairness most OME would. The side stand is to short. But for the money and a few tweaks this bike will be a great all rounder with money to spare for those epic rides. Next year we will be really testing the ability of this bike.
Corrugations certainly test out a bike. I'm undecided with the side stand. At first I thought it was short, but it stops it from tipping over a lot of the time
A great final review Crazy man Curtis!
You definitely took this everywhere & apart from the foot levers, it held up pretty well.
Hopefully, when your CFmoto 450MT turns up, you'll do exactly the same routes to do a comparison back to back, stock vs stock.
Really looking forward to that!
No bike is perfect, but with not much outlay, the market is looking great for competent cheap bikes.
Well done!
Thanks mate. Definitely going to do a comparison, now for it to get delivered....
I would buy the Himalayan 450 over the CF Moto 450 ( copy and paste Chinese bike ) I will give Royal Enfield TOP marks for producing original style bikes .
Copy of a twin 450cc 270 crank?
The 270 degree engine was first used by Yamaha in the TRX 850 in 1996 and latter in the Yamaha TDM 900 - one bike I used to own . I did say style ( engines have been around for over 100 years ) so nothing new really BUT Royal has a unique design and tough build quality. You can keep your Chinese “ copy and paste “ BUT will give credit we’re credit is due the Kovo 450 is a unique design .
@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449 yeah they are not 450cc 270 degree twins though so not a copy.
The CFMoto is unique in its category at the moment. The 800MT is a copy of a KTM with more steeet biased wheels.
The Kove runs a very similar engine, but is unique in its light weight.
Oh and I do know how long engines have been around BTW.
In that train if thought nearly every engine is a copy and paste! "Oh it uses pistons and internal combustion, its copy and paste".
What did CFMoto copy with their ground up brand-new MT/Ibex 450? What single part is shared with any other motorcycle? What other 450 has similar specs as the CFMoto? Since CFMoto designs and builds some of KTM's, I would say differently about copies.
@@jonwoodworker OK each to their own and opinion. At 56 been around to long to waste time on options that really won’t go anywhere and be forgotten about by tomorrow. They say options are like assholes and everyone has got one ☝️. Hope you enjoy your Chinese bike .
Still waiting for this bike to get to where I am in the U.S. ,will for sure ,check it out after seeing your review.
Are they still not there?
Thanks for lovely and detail video Curtis!!
Thanks for watching 😊
Bloody love mine. Only had 2 short rides (hour or so) due to England having crap weather, but doing on a 4 hour ride this Saturday and can't wait.
Nice mate, keen to hear how it goes
Excellent review. You have me convinced.
Thanks mate
Excellent, thorough look at the Himalayan 450 Curtis.
I think this bike is great for the motorcycling industry. I'm constantly hearing that young people aren't getting into bikes because they are so expensive. The 450 shatters that complaint and it could be a one bike solution for a lot of riders. Cheap to insure and own in the States. All the negatives are inexpensive and easy enough to sort out.
Good to hear it's cheap to insure. This and the CF Moto seem to be changing the industry
@ I agree Curtis and they’re changing it for the better. 👍
This is a very unique bike and I'd take it over the cfmoto for sure. These 450s are still too heavy though. I have my T7 down to about the same weight as these bikes and it's got almost twice the power. I've recently been considering going back to a dr650 as it's lightweight and has decent power and a huge aftermarket.
I got a '21 DR650 with a pipe and carby kit really gets along ride all day every day in every condition bomb proof reliable huge aftermarket and you don't have to take out a second mortgage to afford one or repair it. Go back to a DR650.
I would love a T7 but I’m a midget so the seat height on this one means I can ride a proper adventure bike and still touch the ground. Everything else like the DRZ400 and DR650 are too tall.
@@flyingkiwi215 rode a standard T7 today and couldn’t believe how underwhelming it was. Certainly not a power house.
@@MadDog-65 Oh really 😀 good to know I’m not missing out then
bike had done 12k all standard except for an eBay pipe sounded ok. I genuinely was disappointed in the lack of oomph though! I almost bought a world raid 2 months ago very much glad I did not. And not to mention super tall I like single track as well as being able to ride from my house to the mountains couldn’t imagine hitting any single track on a T7 and finding that enjoyable.
Thanks Curtis, great review. Ordered mine last week, looking forward to getting it soon.
Exciting times mate. Which color and any ETA?
@@onthebackwheelI ordered the slate poppy blue, ETA is within the next thirty days. It would be more exciting if it wasn't winter here. I may have to take a trip south so I can put some break in miles on her. I sold my 2018 to my new son in law so I might have a riding buddy for a few BDR's.
@notgamingwithmax ah yep the blue is very nice. A trip south definitely seems like it's on order
The RE Touring screen produced a fair bit of Helmet Buffeting & wind noise, waisted $180. Should have waited for a better aftermarket. I have an add-on piece to see if I can clean up the air flow, haven't tested it yet. Yep, foot controls need attention. That's about it for me, the rest is tyres & setting up luggage. Got 33ks/lt last trip, but I was taking it easy while still running it in. Fully loaded camping gear, cooking, chair, laptop, 2man tent, double Wanderer air mattress. Too much clothing. So it was top heavy. Still 120kph was easy, though I did mostly back roads around 85-95 max.
Still want to test ride a 450mt just to dispel a nagging "?"
When are you expecting the Ibex ?
I bought the WRS screen it's a little bit taller than the RE touring screen.
It seems to do the job. And I've done 3500kms with it and no real buffering issues.
@@brookegan2945 +1 for the WRS. I was debating between their two versions and bought the shorter one (Touring) but it does a good job for my 180cm.
@@brookegan2945 I jumped the gun with RE Touring screen, for a shorter person with the standard seat in low position it would most likely be OK.🙃
Great info Shane. Expecting the MT start of December and its already the start of December...
@@onthebackwheel Had the same problem, "Are we there yet" 🙃
Great videos! I’m getting a himi as a commute and motocamping bike
Will be perfect for that
Great review Curtis!
Cheers mate!
Great review of the new himmy! In terms of ABS, can’t vouch for the new one but centre stand, 2nd gear, revving with front brake pressed throws a code/defeats both front and rear on my euro4 411 … 👍
Now that's some good information. Would be curious to know if it works on the new one
Nice review. It's great that you know the difference between wind BLAST and wind BUFFETTING ! Finally someone gets it ! :)
Cheers, big difference between the 2
I still love my 411 scram, now with a 21inch front wheel.
Im a shit off road rider, but love how versatile it is. And have started to learn the basic mechanics.
Overall a solid little bike, however the handle bars and gear lever bent like they were made of tinfoil.
Guess they got to save money somewhere
The new Scram440 looks interesting as it comes with 6th gear
@@ananddarnal6702 it's interesting that the scram 411 got a little facelift to a 440.... it would be nice.. but i reckon it will still have soft metal etc...
I've got an upgraded cam, filter and powertronic so the 440 wouldn't be much different.
Great review.....looks like the DR will be gone when they hit Canada. Garth
A fair bit better on the black top and bigger stints that's for sure
DR650 ftw!
Hard to beat the old dog rooter
Great review. I thought I was settled on the CB500X but now not so sure.
Cheers. Depends on the riding you're going to do I suppose. More road I'd lean towards the 500 with that twin
Great review and as someone looking to buy a 'cheap old bike' (KLR650/SP370/XT350/XT500) I found once I priced a full service on an unknown old bike, new tyres/chain/battery etc it was an easy decision to go for the Himalayan, black with gold wheels seems the best version. Ordering parts from India to the UK while I waited saved me 50% on guards, pannier brackets, rear rack and for £6600 I have a new bike with full europe 3 year warranty, a bargain after 20 years of bmw R1200 boxer engine bikes. The german kit is obviously better equipped but it does cost treble as amuch although their warranty has been superb for me and my R1200RS SE may be a keeper.
Only have 800miles, (500 up to 4k revs) and now have 6000 rpm until 1200 miles, at least this gives 70mph rather then the 50mph. Over the 800 miles I show over 95mpg (95 mpg = 40.39 km/l) and did have 99.9 for the first 500miles.
I ordered the Hanle Black 'tubeless' last november and had to wait until august 24 for delivery and it was worth the wait.
Very nicely presented review. Answered all my questions. Cheers
Glad it helped
@@onthebackwheel I think i'm going to stick to the crf450l though, i've become attached
@@godfreytomlinson2282 fair enough mate. Always wanted to try one, look like a good thing
Nice vid mate! Looks great :) Interesting to see how it compares with the CF Moto! Cheers
Cheers mate. Cf moto next week 😆
02:00 I would have to disagree about nothing that does not need to be there. The bike is good, but the front fender rides too close to the tire and is prone to clog in deep mud completely stopping the front tire from spinning freely. Other than that, I don't see any other issues.
Yeah I'd look at changing that if a chunkier tyre had issues. I didn't in slop, but it is a road tyre pretty much. They also do the split guard to stop mud and what not because of the front mount radiator
thank you.
waiting fot the Cfmoto 450 mt :D
No worries. Picking my MT up next week
Having ridden one for a few months now, I'd say the only faults are that the side-stand is too short, the centre-stand too tall, green blinker indicator too small, accessory plug access requires tank removal (and air filter) and the seat is a little hard. Weight is always criticised but don't forget it comes with centre-stand, front and rear racks and double mud guards. If you take these off, you get nearer to DR650 weight but with a bigger fuel tank. Soft brake and gear levers are to protect internals and can be bent back many times but in this case maybe a little too soft. Generally if things don't bend, they break.
You know at first I thought the side stand was too short, but then I found it works well in so many circumstances where other bikes would fall over. It's bloody weird to start with though
I like the addition of the music, but it needs to fade in and out sooner so it's not playing over your speaking, and the volume needs to go down a little bit. That's my 2¢ worth. Otherwise, I love watching your videos ... for years now ay?
Cheers mate good to know. I'll have it quieter. Been a few years now hasn't it
Great video Curtis, looking forward to your 450mt
I’ve ridden both. I passed on the 450MT, thought it was an overhyped bike. The engine just revs too high at highway speeds and the stock ergos are off.
Thanks mate, I'll find out next week
I am approaching 5000klms on mine now.......agree with all the cons you mentioned. The mirrors also suck IMO. I am replacing those with folding ones. Keen to get a larger screen next and replacing my gear and rear brake levers. Pretty sure the fuel economy of the 450 himi will be better than the cfMoto450 which I nearly purchased. Liked that as well but preferred how I sat on the himi to the CfMoto. BTW my bike is a Kaza brown and every time I see you ride this loaner I feel like you are violating my bike :) Great review Curtis. Keen to see you "test" the CFMoto. LOL You going to be nicer to that one since you have purchased it? Something tells me "no" :)
It's not violating when she loves it. And yes, the mirrors are a pain!
@@onthebackwheel hoping you love the CfMoto 450 more than the Himi 450. If so I I would have made a great choice either way. Thanks again.
@@davidtaylor1188 thanks mate. I've got plenty of the love for the Himmy so I'll be very happy if I do
If they had designed the tank a bit more angular without the bulged sides we wouldn't be comparing it with the MT 450, it just a bit ugly?
Still not sure if its ugly or 'unique' haha
@onthebackwheel Agree just not the one you notice in the room.
The valve check interval is very short on the Himalayan. If you can't or do not want to do it yourself, maintenance costs will be very high. Seems no one is talking about that. Big issue for me.
I'll keep my DR650, thanks anyway.
Nothing wrong with the DR
Excellent review
Thanks mate
Just a friendly suggestion - you're in Australia but you have a world wide audience so I think it would be useful, when providing $ amounts, to add UK £, USD, and € equivalents
Also a friendly suggestion.. it would be nice to use those 2 brain cells once in a while 😂
Savage mate 😂. I generally put lbs and try with the costs, but sometimes (ie all the time) I am rushing and forget 😬
@@onthebackwheel I get what you guys are saying but, while it might seem a stupid comment from the reference point of an Australian living in Australia, not all Americans realize that the AUS dollar is much weaker than the USD. As a Canadian, everytime I go to the US and explain to some nieve Americans why things are so expensive, they have no clue that the Canadian dollar is only worth 70 cents USD.
Chances are, such people will have no clue about the AUS dollar being worth $0.65 USD either - they'll hear $9000 and wonder why you think that's a cheap price for an entry level ADV (for instance, a Transalp XL750 is $9999 USD). People make assumptions based on their frame of reference, it's not about someone being too stupid to lookup a currency conversion.
@@alozborne i get it mate. Our ride away prices are generally quite good to which makes a difference. I think our CF Moto 450 is quite cheap compared to some places too
And if the price changes somewhere else in the world people like you will cry about it. Be an adult and look it up yourself.
Je suis l'heureux propriétaire d'une Himalayan 450, avant de me décider, j'ai fait plusieurs essais de la CF moto 450MT et de l'Himalayan 450, et j'ai craqué pour cette dernière, j'ai aimé la CF moto 450MT de manière générale mais je l'ai trouvée trop bruyante la réponse au gaz était trop on/off et la position de conduite moins agréable. Après plus de 2700kms avec l'Himalayan je ne regrette pas mon choix je lui ai ajouté plusieurs accessoires pour pouvoir la sortir de la route, il ne lui manque plus que des pneus plus adaptés. Merci pour le partage. Grand ✌de la Haute Savoie en France!!!
That's great to hear. I have heard a lot of people don't like the throttle on the Cfmoto 😬
its 4200$ in India btw, nice review, got a sub from me.
That's a great price
You do NOT have to cycle ignition to change modes. You DO need to be neutral and not moving. Mine has 4000 miles of 50/50 riding in Colorado.
I'm well aware of this. This bike had a fault and would throw an error
Sorry. You didn't mention that.
@@markjacobs3956 yeah for some reason it has a consistent problem, might need a software update
Hey Curtis, I've watched quite a few of your reviews and like your approach, I like that you test bikes past their intended limits, it shows more about their potential, especially if you know how to mod suspension and such. Now you might think this is a bit mad but, I'm looking to get a simple bike to do a fairly big trip around parts of Australia. I want something simple, around 200kg without luggage, and big enough to carry a pillion if necessary, Mainly one out though. I want to do a lot of it on dirt roads, not as extreme as the single track stuff you do, I'm 61 and mainly have road bike experience, been on the road since 1979, and mostly on bikes 750cc or bigger. Here's the fun part, I'm considering the new Royal Enfield 650 bear Scrambler, I know it's not here yet, but it's simplicity ticks a lot of boxes for me. Would there be any possibility of a review of one if you get the chance ? Subscribed....
Gday mate, good to have you onboard. That Bear is beautiful, I'll try get my hands on one. I certainly would be hesitant to take it on proper adventure trips, seems more of a road bike that you'd do the odd dirt road on to me. Plus, it's so pretty! Keeping it simple though, no doubt it would smash it
@@onthebackwheel I want to do a lot of Dirt roads with it, not really any of the stuff you regularly do, wanting the option of putting the missus on the back at times, i need something bigger than the mid weight bikes, especially if covering big k's. I definitely think the Simpson would be out of the question !! 😃
@@MickH60 Simpson on a Bear, that would be a good video! I think it might be worth checking out some different bikes if you want to do a lot of dirt, but hey, you might try and it love it
@@onthebackwheel I'm actually looking at everything, haven't found the unicorn yet, that's why I'd love to see you take a Bear on some dirt roads and see what you think.
Hello! Have you tried the Triumph Scrambler 400x? If not then you should definitely take a look! It can handle dirt road and proper roads both alike and its a fairly simple bike with ample amount of power ( 40ps and 37Nm torque). It can handle luggage as well as pillon. You should definitely take a test ride. Its also lightweight (185kgs) as compared to big advs so you wont have problems handling it. Also fit and finish of Triumph is better than RE. You should definitely take a look!
Missed competitor by KTM 390 Duke Adventure or Triump Scrambler X?
In what way?
Regarding ABS, have you tried putting it on the center stand and running it for a while (obviously rear wheel off ground) to see if that turns abs off? Works on other bikes, abs warning comes on.
No I didnt, I've heard of this trick though and a 411 owner said it works on theirs
I guess you can't go wrong with this bike, except you are a speed junkie.😊
Hehe yep, I'm a sucker for grunt
How would you compare to the Ktm 390 adventure?
The 390 is a glorified street bike IMO. Much prefer this
I spent all day on this. It gives you the joy of off-road riding. And it's terribly miserable on the road; the engine is not flexible so you have to change gears every second.
The biggest disadvantages are: an uncomfortable standing position (that strange, ugly bublle tank ), too small engine (500-550 cm3 required), a dash where you can't see anything, and feel and look like made with a hammer.
Joy of off-road riding with uncomfortable standing position... got it :) Absolutely fine on the road very lively up to around 130kph even with passenger and I wouldn't expect more from a 40HP single.
Styling is personal. I like its unique look and the 17 liter bubble tank gives plenty of range with great fuel economy. The dash is very clear and you can switch between analogue and digital modes whichever you prefer and change the visible info pretty much as you like. I only find the navigation mode kind of gimmicky borderline useless but no intention of using it so it's not a turn off.
@@tamasvarga67BS. When I had 110km I was in another dimmension.
@@podunkman2709?
@@podunkman2709 I think you're the one BS ing mate, there's 100's of reviews of this bike, not that I'm a fan, I'm looking for an adv bike, and NONE of them say what you're saying... watched 100's of reviews by some extremely competent riders, if you don't like it great, don't sh1t on others experience, including Curtis, his reviews are credible, you're just some random on the net...
If I were in Australia, I think I would just buy a DR650 that has been fully modified for the same price as the Himalayan 450. There are probably more DR650's in Australia than any other vehicle. And isn't it law that you have to own one to keep your citizenship? lol
I dunno if the dr650 is the same price in Australia as the us, but in the us it’s more expensive than the Himalayan 450 buy quite a bit.
@Alkumist You can usually pick up a new DR650 for $6k, but then you have to spend extra for suspension. That's why I said find a used one with the proper mods already on it for less than the Himalayan 450. The Himalayan is far more comfortable and has better stock suspension. But Cogent suspension and a Seat Concepts seat and you can go more places.
@ I’m looking at the website rn and it’s 7200 msrp whereas the Himalayan is 5800 msrp
@Alkumist Well, a quality motorcycle costs more. But look at a dealers website, the DR is often much less than msrp.
All these 450's coming out are going create a third wave of popularity for the Ole Turd KLR. A cheaper, more reliable bike is still more comfortable on road, and plusher offroad and has a ready to go ADV model. At least the Ibex 450 hit a niche for faster, more aggressive riding than the KLR. This Himi isnt any different than a CB500x or Versys 300.
Strongly disagree with your last part. It's better than a klr off-road and has much better suspension with more travel than the bikes you mentioned. The klr will certainly keep kicking though!
KLR650 is tried and tested and more robust and better for long adventures with a load.
Agree, they are a known quantity. That will be the true test for the Himalayan
i like this bike but i like the cfmoto mt450 more. cant wait for some vids of your mt450.
Get it next tomorrow, keen!
I have a mate that ownes a fully moded crf300 rally and wants to buy one of these (wtf) I believe its good value for money but not for him as he is an advanced rider quite fast offroad and on. His riding mates ride ajp pr7, Husky 701 and adventurised crf450l etc. I rode one and I think the mt450 is better but also not up to his standard of riding. Good adjustable suspension is king and so are quality billet alloy components. I think the upcoming ktm390 adv R would be better for more advanced riders.
You can fair hustle the Himmy, those bikes are in a different league though
How tall you are?
183cm
Dreamer
Dreamer is good right?!
Onya cobba
Cheers mate 🍻
Ride modes; they are a turn off for me - even if they do work .
Yeah simple is good on something like this
It's fugly.
It looks like a smaller version of the XLV750, which was fuglier....
@MickH60 The XLV is a beauty. You're probably confusing it with the XL750V, which is indeed ugly.
But is it functional?
Himalayan.. not himlayan
Good spot, thank you!
loool anyone changing the reliability of a kawasaki for cheap indian poorly made and bolted RE deserves to be behind bars.
Will be interesting to see how the himmy holds up