I agree - I will do my own service. I can do fork oil change, engine oil and filter change and air filter change in under 1 hour. Valve clearance I avoid - but I think I can do if I follow a TH-cam video and have tools.
@@peter7624thanks Peter - will have a go when the time comes. I will always keep this bike as I think ( think) I can still ride it when I am 80 and will enjoy doing so among all the electric things we may have by then - will pass it onto to someone who appreciates bikes
Tubeless tyres are a minor issue for me - the 411 makes up in style, joyfulness and simplicity. Nothing wrong with 450 - just not as special as 411. I have tubeless on my 1190 Adv R and have a constant deflation on front due to slightly “smiley” rims from normal adventure sinking over rocks and potholes. ….. And yet I rode around the world on a 990 Adv R with tubes and changed my tyre twice ( once vandalised in Alexandria in Egypt for having an Israel flag sticker on my pannier) and I changed Fanny’s 990 Adv Tyres once - not bad in 2 years.
@@MaxUtley Scam 411, Rear puncture only 417 miles in 😟At going on 66 it was no longer a 15 minute job, took best part on an hour, first 1 in last 30 years. At the time I was cussing an looking at tubless conversions, looking back it was all part of the charm of a real motorcycle, something that has been mising in life for to long. Glad to be off the merry go round, newer, faster, lighter. We need to wake up and smell the coffee, enjoy the journey and use enjoyment as the measure, not the distance or time.
@@funkygrib1I agree … we have been riding a long time and my days of Hayabusa 300 kph blasts and knee down on 2001 R1s is over - this Himalayan is not just for old farts that want to slow down and smell the roses - it’s for biking enthusiasts too that just enjoy the ride . I think the Classic 350 and maybe the new classic 650, the Bear and the Guerilla will also give riders a joyful ride. All that said …. I have just bought an Aprilia 660 Tuareg Rally for a full US and Mexico expedition in autumn 2025 - a different kind of riding - a cross between the Himalayan and my 1190 Anyone fancy hoping Me on the USA BDRs - ward off rhe bears with Jack Daniels and Rammstein !!!!
New to your channel, like you I’ve ridden a lot larger bikes in the past, I have a longing to have a lighter lower capacity bike, but worry about missing out (only having one bike). Is your 411 your only bike in the UK?
I used to have a KTM 990 SMT in U.K. for 10 years and my friend owns it now - can see on my web www.bigbiketrip.net If I was to have only one bike I would have an Aprilia 660 Tuareg or Moto Guzzi V7 However I live mostly in Hong Kong, Shanghai and South Africa … yes a nomad… and own a 1967 Vespa and Moto Guzzi V85TT in Hong Kong. An 1190 Adv R and a 690 Rally in South Africa and now only the 411 in U.K. that I love - as I said complements the others. I feel riding at 56 mph along U.K. A roads to be the sweet spot … joyful and relaxing. Only on motorways that I try to avoid do I miss power/speed although 411 will do 70mph all day!!!! My days of R1s, Fireblades, ZXRs and Hayabusas is over. I am about to ride a CFMoto 450 MT across China
The 411’s lack of acceptable torque and power always deterred me, along with suspension that needed upgrading. The 450 is spot on, that’s why I own one!
The 411 is whats made the Himalayan the icon it is & i feel the 450 is too refined for its same market...indeed it looks more like a Japanese bike. In my local dealers it's also more a Japanese price at £5795 & when a new 411 can be had (discounted) for £1500 less at the moment, it's a huge difference. Personally i think R.E will regret not continuing the 411 & maybe it'll become very sort after bike to have for many years to come
I feel the same - of course I paid over the top as I was desperate to get one while in U.K. and it was in a dealers. I know the price has plummeted and try not to think about it - but as I will never sell it and keep it and pass on to next generation the trade price in is sort of redundant. That said - highly recommend the bike and if you can get for 1000 -2000 is an obvious “must get”
@@MaxUtley The 411's in the UK were discounted due to the importer/distribution changing hands & the old importer having big stocks of them to sell. A bit crazy really, when leaving them at the same price would have sold them anyway, maybe just not as quick. Maybe they just wanted the funds for other brands inc Voge etc (which they now soley import) I wouldn't worry about paying what you did, because 1) you're keeping it & 2) I can see the 411 will be extremely sought after in years to come. RE stopping making it, will make it even more desirable than if they continued to make it. An iconic bike that is for the purist of bikers, who appreciates what biking is all about.
Thanks for all the comments and I read all of them. And whether I agree or not - I have lived with women long enough to know I am always wrong. I own a few bikes and in the past have done 200 mph on a British spec Hayabusa, ridden around the world on a KTM 990 Adventure and when I was 16 did my first adventure on a Batavus MK4S 50 cc from my then home in Staffordshire to see my grandmother near Bognor - and what a wonderful trip. Suffice to say I love motorcycles and Royal Enfield in recent years have rekindled that love. I’d like them all. I had the most amazing adventure in Thailand on a 350 Classic and I borrowed an Interceptor 650 in U.K. and had a brilliant time. My point I suppose is the 411 is special and holds a place in my heart like my RD350LC, my XT500 I rode across Australia and of course my KTM 990 Adventure that was my companion and friend (yes I talked to all my bikes) as I traversed every road surface and climate planet Earth has to offer. There is nothing wrong with the 452 - I thoroughly enjoyed it. But it’s in a class with CF Moto MT450, Honda 300 and KTM 390 Adventure etc …. I think the 411 is unique and my “pottling” around England and Wales on it was enjoyable and “joyful” as any riding I have ever done. Well done Royal Enfield on both the 411 and the 452
@@glynandvanessapickering9525 hello - well spotted - it came with the bike and I believe the previous owner got a touring seat fitted. I wondered whether to change back to original but determined this aftermarket one is more comfortable and slightly raises height that suits me more as I have several other tall bikes that I am used to. I think it looks a bit strange but it’s very comfortable. I recently rode 950 Kms in a day off road and on across Namibia on my KTM 1190 Adv R and my natural riding style is moving about a lot forward and back and standing up - even on English country lanes to keep circulation going - sorry I don’t know much more about the seat. It is a Royal Enfield after market product available in U.K. .
@@Sumit-e2q8e the 450 is a good bike - no doubt. I get why people like the newer version. If I had just one bike then maybe the 450. My point is I have other more advanced and bigger adventure bikes here and there and I find the 411 fills a gap. It’s quirky and fun. Makes me happy and cheerful and I need that in my life amongst the gloom - especially when I go to the U.K. If I had space I would also love to have an Interceptor 650 or even a BSA Goldstar (despite all the negative press). In fact, if I spent more time in U.K. I would probably get an Indian Chief which took my fancy at ABR. choices choices huh! 🤔
Having said all this - just ordered two bikes - a CF Moto MT 450 for South Africa trails and put an order in for an Aprilia 660 Tuareg Rally for a multiple USA BDR in Autumn 2025. Anyone who likes an adventure, bikes, burnt sausages, Jack Daniels and Rammstein welcome to join - might need some support in Baja and the bad lands of Mexico - raaaah! One life and all that.
Just got my 411 from there last week; really pleased, fun to ride and winter proof for Wiltshire rides.
The 411 is simpler to service and cheaper to repair. There's less to go wrong with it. A big plus for many riders.
I agree - I will do my own service. I can do fork oil change, engine oil and filter change and air filter change in under 1 hour. Valve clearance I avoid - but I think I can do if I follow a TH-cam video and have tools.
@@MaxUtley Valve clearance is easy on this I think its finger followers, adjust with screwdriver and pliers.
@@peter7624thanks Peter - will have a go when the time comes. I will always keep this bike as I think ( think) I can still ride it when I am 80 and will enjoy doing so among all the electric things we may have by then - will pass it onto to someone who appreciates bikes
To a degree, but then again we’d still be stuck in the 70’s with that attitude, evolution produces better performance.
I would have to have a 450 with tubeless rim tire set up. Changed too many tubed tires!
Tubeless tyres are a minor issue for me - the 411 makes up in style, joyfulness and simplicity. Nothing wrong with 450 - just not as special as 411. I have tubeless on my 1190 Adv R and have a constant deflation on front due to slightly “smiley” rims from normal adventure sinking over rocks and potholes. ….. And yet I rode around the world on a 990 Adv R with tubes and changed my tyre twice ( once vandalised in Alexandria in Egypt for having an Israel flag sticker on my pannier) and I changed Fanny’s 990 Adv Tyres once - not bad in 2 years.
@@MaxUtley Scam 411, Rear puncture only 417 miles in 😟At going on 66 it was no longer a 15 minute job, took best part on an hour, first 1 in last 30 years. At the time I was cussing an looking at tubless conversions, looking back it was all part of the charm of a real motorcycle, something that has been mising in life for to long. Glad to be off the merry go round, newer, faster, lighter. We need to wake up and smell the coffee, enjoy the journey and use enjoyment as the measure, not the distance or time.
@@funkygrib1I agree … we have been riding a long time and my days of Hayabusa 300 kph blasts and knee down on 2001 R1s is over - this Himalayan is not just for old farts that want to slow down and smell the roses - it’s for biking enthusiasts too that just enjoy the ride . I think the Classic 350 and maybe the new classic 650, the Bear and the Guerilla will also give riders a joyful ride.
All that said …. I have just bought an Aprilia 660
Tuareg Rally for a full US and Mexico expedition in autumn 2025 - a different kind of riding - a cross between the Himalayan and my 1190
Anyone fancy hoping
Me on the USA BDRs - ward off rhe bears with Jack Daniels and Rammstein !!!!
A 411 is such a hilarious bike to own simply describing how slow it is to people just brings silly grins to their faces.
New to your channel, like you I’ve ridden a lot larger bikes in the past, I have a longing to have a lighter lower capacity bike, but worry about missing out (only having one bike). Is your 411 your only bike in the UK?
I used to have a KTM 990 SMT in U.K. for 10 years and my friend owns it now - can see on my web www.bigbiketrip.net
If I was to have only one bike I would have an Aprilia 660 Tuareg or Moto Guzzi V7
However I live mostly in Hong Kong, Shanghai and South Africa … yes a nomad… and own a 1967 Vespa and Moto Guzzi V85TT in Hong Kong. An 1190 Adv R and a 690 Rally in South Africa and now only the 411 in U.K. that I love - as I said complements the others. I feel riding at 56 mph along U.K. A roads to be the sweet spot … joyful and relaxing. Only on motorways that I try to avoid do I miss power/speed although 411 will do 70mph all day!!!! My days of R1s, Fireblades, ZXRs and Hayabusas is over.
I am about to ride a CFMoto 450 MT across China
@@MaxUtley I look forward to following you on your trip, safe travels! And thanks for the response.
The 411’s lack of acceptable torque and power always deterred me, along with suspension that needed upgrading. The 450 is spot on, that’s why I own one!
The 411 is whats made the Himalayan the icon it is & i feel the 450 is too refined for its same market...indeed it looks more like a Japanese bike.
In my local dealers it's also more a Japanese price at £5795 & when a new 411 can be had (discounted) for £1500 less at the moment, it's a huge difference.
Personally i think R.E will regret not continuing the 411 & maybe it'll become very sort after bike to have for many years to come
I feel the same - of course I paid over the top as I was desperate to get one while in U.K. and it was in a dealers. I know the price has plummeted and try not to think about it - but as I will never sell it and keep it and pass on to next generation the trade price in is sort of redundant. That said - highly recommend the bike and if you can get for 1000 -2000 is an obvious “must get”
@@MaxUtley
The 411's in the UK were discounted due to the importer/distribution changing hands & the old importer having big stocks of them to sell. A bit crazy really, when leaving them at the same price would have sold them anyway, maybe just not as quick. Maybe they just wanted the funds for other brands inc Voge etc (which they now soley import)
I wouldn't worry about paying what you did, because 1) you're keeping it & 2) I can see the 411 will be extremely sought after in years to come.
RE stopping making it, will make it even more desirable than if they continued to make it.
An iconic bike that is for the purist of bikers, who appreciates what biking is all about.
@@keepitreal1547 yes -- I agree ☝️ thanks for the sensible well thought out comment
Thanks for all the comments and I read all of them. And whether I agree or not - I have lived with women long enough to know I am always wrong.
I own a few bikes and in the past have done 200 mph on a British spec Hayabusa, ridden around the world on a KTM 990 Adventure and when I was 16 did my first adventure on a Batavus MK4S 50 cc from my then home in Staffordshire to see my grandmother near Bognor - and what a wonderful trip.
Suffice to say I love motorcycles and Royal Enfield in recent years have rekindled that love. I’d like them all. I had the most amazing adventure in Thailand on a 350 Classic and I borrowed an Interceptor 650 in U.K. and had a brilliant time.
My point I suppose is the 411 is special and holds a place in my heart like my RD350LC, my XT500 I rode across Australia and of course my KTM 990 Adventure that was my companion and friend (yes I talked to all my bikes) as I traversed every road surface and climate planet Earth has to offer.
There is nothing wrong with the 452 - I thoroughly enjoyed it. But it’s in a class with CF Moto MT450, Honda 300 and KTM 390 Adventure etc …. I think the 411 is unique and my “pottling” around England and Wales on it was enjoyable and “joyful” as any riding I have ever done.
Well done Royal Enfield on both the 411 and the 452
What seat have you got on that 411 please.
@@glynandvanessapickering9525 hello - well spotted - it came with the bike and I believe the previous owner got a touring seat fitted. I wondered whether to change back to original but determined this aftermarket one is more comfortable and slightly raises height that suits me more as I have several other tall bikes that I am used to. I think it looks a bit strange but it’s very comfortable. I recently rode 950 Kms in a day off road and on across Namibia on my KTM 1190 Adv R and my natural riding style is moving about a lot forward and back and standing up - even on English country lanes to keep circulation going - sorry I don’t know much more about the seat. It is a Royal Enfield after market product available in U.K. .
450 for sure brother 😊❤
@@Sumit-e2q8e the 450 is a good bike - no doubt. I get why people like the newer version. If I had just one bike then maybe the 450.
My point is I have other more advanced and bigger adventure bikes here and there and I find the 411 fills a gap. It’s quirky and fun. Makes me happy and cheerful and I need that in my life amongst the gloom - especially when I go to the U.K.
If I had space I would also love to have an Interceptor 650 or even a BSA Goldstar (despite all the negative press). In fact, if I spent more time in U.K. I would probably get an Indian Chief which took my fancy at ABR. choices choices huh! 🤔
Having said all this - just ordered two bikes - a CF Moto MT 450 for South Africa trails and put an order in for an Aprilia 660 Tuareg Rally for a multiple USA BDR in Autumn 2025. Anyone who likes an adventure, bikes, burnt sausages, Jack Daniels and Rammstein welcome to join - might need some support in Baja and the bad lands of Mexico - raaaah!
One life and all that.
Ich liebe den Langhuber
@@felixklages1893 langhuber sounds a great word - haha
I often say this when I go for a rub and a tug in Thailand
411 for me..
nwe 452 is another bike, new project.
2015
This is a story many Europeans may be interested in th-cam.com/video/SNi9zouHC2s/w-d-xo.htmlsi=wGCyC4H3wYr_LAZ8