OpenTube

I Rode Both the Himalayan 411 and 450 | Here's What I Found

Flying Low

102,301 views

Is the Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 the right beginner motorcycle for you? After five months on the road, here is how it handles daily riding. This video breaks down my experience with the Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 to help you decide if it fits your riding style. Whether you are navigating busy European roads or heading out for an offroad weekend, I'll explain how this machine performs in different environments. I cover the specific pros and cons of the Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 from a beginner perspective. You will see how the bike behaves on motorways versus dirt paths, giving you a realistic look at its versatility. Then I will test drive the Himalayan 450 to see how it compares.

Thanks for Judd Racing for letting me borrow their bike! - https://www.juddracing.com/

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro
0:33 - Himalayan 411
8:46 - Himalayan 450

Affiliate Links:

My Motorcycle Gear
Scorpion ADF-9000 Air - https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/moto...
Oxford Rockland Textile Jacket - https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/moto...
Oxford Montreal 5.0 Textile Trousers - https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/moto...
Forma Adventure Boots - https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/moto...
RST Tractech Evo 4 Short CE Leather Gloves - https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/moto...
Oxford Rainseal Over Suit - https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/moto...

Camera Gear
DJI NEO 2 (The combo I got) - https://amzn.to/4bdZAR2
DJI NEO 2 (By itself) - https://amzn.to/3R92cca
DJI Osmo Action 4: https://amzn.to/4e20f8N
DJI Osmo 360: https://amzn.to/4a4mgTc
DJI Mic 3: https://amzn.to/4o2BBtm
DJI Pocket 3: https://amzn.to/4fDo35x
Carbon Fiber Selfie Stick: https://amzn.to/4uM6aWM
Pocket 3 K&F ND Filter: https://amzn.to/4dNu9xi
Action 4 SMALLRIG ND Filter Kit: https://amzn.to/4udIWrf
Delkin Suction cup: https://amzn.to/3RZGIyp
K&F Tripod: https://amzn.to/43486xH

20 Comments

@FlyingLow1998 Creator 3 months ago (edited) Pinned

13:00 The weight isn’t actually lower down and it wouldn’t cause the bike to feel more agile but the sentiment is still the same, the 450 felt lighter at speed 👍 Sorry, still learning 🤣

@jeffvantslot5162 3 months ago

I'm never getting rid of my Himi 411. It is not a "beginner bike" for me. I've been riding for over 40 yrs, and this is my choice for versatility. Plus, it has a handsomeness that you won't find in the new 450.

@regorohan 2 months ago

450 is a great motorcycle but it will be forgotten soon, while the 411 has become a cult motorcycle and will be remembered for a long time .

@vince7607 5 days ago

i love my 411, i chose it because it is so simple, i service it myself, do my own repairs and that's what i got it for, to learn this stuff on 👍

@Darren-g7k 2 months ago (edited)

At 37 years old after riding litre bikes for years, I sold my FZS1000 and bought a 2023 411. Most fun I’ve had riding in years, absolute work horse and just a joy to pot around with

@bogotanooldschool2612 3 months ago

I've had my 411 five years (my third bike in over 30 years) and agree with everything you've said about it. It's slow, not much passing power and the quality on some parts is not as good as some Japanese bikes. But it's amazing on B roads and greenlanes (which is most of the roads in my part of the world); it will happily carry all the bags and camping gear my wife and I need for weeks (as well as tools and spares); it sips petrol (as long as you're gentle on the throttle); and most anyone can do basic maintenance and fixes, and most any mechanic in small, remote towns can work on it. I love my Himi and have no desire for anything else.

@tomas_petrus 3 months ago (edited)

Royal Enfield should sponsor this guy 🙏

@JohnBarry-j9u 1 month ago

😂 been riding for year's, bought 452cc 2 year's ago, Brilliant machine, traded In my 900cc. I'm 72 find Himalayan just great fun!! Done nearly 6000miles, with plenty more to come.

@mateoclemente6751 12 days ago

I found the 411 to be perfectly capable in Colorado on the dirt but making connections on 75mph highways was definitely way beyond what my loaded 411 could handle.

@haxan6663 3 months ago (edited)

Have owned a Scram 411 for the past 4 years. It is one of 4 bikes but that and my Classic 350 are the ones that have the most use. Have been riding for nearly 4 decades and don't drive a car so bikes have to do everything.

@longtalljay 3 weeks ago

Among the best and most useful reviews I have seen on a bike comparison.

@coltonshanley1921 1 month ago

411 definitely looks cooler

@jak_hungerford 3 months ago

I ride the Himalayan 450 as my daily commuter. Here in East Java we have dusty, poor quality roads built on Volcanos and Mountains. The Himalayan 450 is the best bike for mountainous terrain (hardly a shock there!)

@zweispurmopped 2 months ago

I would rather think the 411 Himy was made for third world dirt tracks, a cheap means of transportation for people and authorities. When it inspired interest in the rest of the world, it soon showed that its engine just lacked the punch to not be scared on the Autobahn, so they designed a revier and more powerful single (10% more stroke volume, almost twice the power…) that would be enjoyable just everywhere.
And the 450 looks great!

@mjordan812 2 months ago

Side stands. From an interview I watched with an RE engineer on the 450, the 450's lean is a direct response to the criticisms of the 411's upright position. He did admit that perhaps they went a bit too far in response. The newer 450s have a different and somewhat more upright stand. My 450 has a bit of hockey puck screwed to s foot extender that gives about 30mm more length and it no longer feels like I'm about to crash when putting the bike on it. Very happy with the 450 overall.

@maosborne98mo 3 months ago

I’ve got the 450, it’s my first “small” bike and it’s the best bike I’ve ever had. It’s fast enough, but being smaller and lighter than previous bikes makes it so easy to live with. I’m about to do 3000mile euro trip on it and I’m buzzing for it.

@Ride-with-T 2 months ago

What a fantastic channel. Only 10 videos and 4.5k subs. That is amazing. Well done. Potential is great. Keep it up. Great editing 👌🙏

@bwpfcz2962 2 months ago

Awesome review! I’m thinking of buying the 450 now!
Thanks a lot and I wish you many safe miles!❤

@coastalbeer 4 weeks ago

I have a 411 and after I wning many bikes, I can say it is a lot of fun. Being able to go on gravel roads, rough roads, logging roads, is very desirable.