Is the 450 the "Goldilocks" bike?

[Posh Pete]

The thought occurred yesterday. I'd just ridden from Moray and was heading for Perth via Glenshee. The bike was well laden with front and rear soft panniers and the Green Cone in the Lomo on the back. I'd ridden to Huntly and then to Donside and the bike handled the twisties ( it's a fabulous bike road) with ease.

Over Glenshee, the drumlins at the southern end of the glen usually cause problems, pitching the rider forward and out of his seat. Not so with the Showa rear shock on the Himmy. A gentle nudge forward as the shock smoothly rebounded , that's all.

Then, on the esses after the Meikleour hedge, I overtook a campervan and the torque from the 450 propelled me past convincingly. A slack throttle as I passed the driver and we slipped in again just before the single white line resumed.

The ride down the M90 was ok at 70mph. (I've a powerbronze screen which keeps the airflow smoothish) if I had the choice though, I'd be avoiding motorways but sometimes choice is a luxury you can't afford.

So , for me then, this is a bike that does everything "just right" and with the bonus of fuel consumption in the high 70s. (According to the rider display.)

 

[Wapping]

I am certainly very pleased with mine. For the very little motorway riding I do (basically the M25 / M20 to the Chunnel) it is fine. Likewise, on French N and D roads, it is excellent.

 

[NeverRodeBefore]

I've liked the Himalayan since the first one came out as it has a nice form that appeals to me as well as being basic, it's wasn't trying to be something it wasn't and the newer 450 seems to be a good bike which just gets on with being a good all rounder.

 

[RedRick Esq.]

Ah but did any bits drop off

 

[Posh Pete]

Ah but did any bits drop off

Not so far. There's a tingle through the (over firm for me) seat at 70 plus but it's not over intrusive. Some might find it quite pleasant in fact.

It did occur on the M90 that a change of rear sprocket might make things a bit less frantic but, as said, it's really not an mway bike anyway. For main roads and back roads, it's pretty damned good and especially in the roadholding/ handling department.

 

[Khulu]

You didn't visit me again!!!!

 

[Posh Pete]

You didn't visit me again!!!!

Sorry Iain. I had two cauld nights in the tent and then a night in the Stotfield in Lossie. Then home, scunnered. If I'd left it a couple of days the weather would have been a lot better and a detour would have been feasible. Another time!

 

[AdrianS]

I really like my 411 ( 2024 model). It is now my go-to bike if I'm not in a rush.
The riding position is comfortable for me, and its gentle pace allows time to take in the environment. The good fuel economy is a bonus. I changed the front brake pads for some sintered ones which stop the bike a tad quicker than standard ones, and fitted an iridium plug when I changed the oil/filter and did the valve checks. Oh, and I also stuck a spare relay in with the tool kit which has remained un opened.

 

[Frankh]

I really like my 411 ( 2024 model). It is now my go-to bike if I'm not in a rush.
The riding position is comfortable for me, and its gentle pace allows time to take in the environment. The good fuel economy is a bonus. I changed the front brake pads for some sintered ones which stop the bike a tad quicker than standard ones, and fitted an iridium plug when I changed the oil/filter and did the valve checks. Oh, and I also stuck a spare relay in with the tool kit which has remained un opened.

Agree on the 450, last week did 240 miles cross country no motorway from Sussex to Carmarthen, overnight in travel lodge and 240 back the next day (with about 50 motorway miles included). Handled everything brilliantly even the motorway. And 80 plus to the gallon. Good bike