Great vid, i did one of Nathan’s A2 adventure days about a month ago, so rode the exact same bike you did. Our group was quite split on their favourite bike, I’m looking at getting a smaller capacity bike to do 90% back lanes and B roads and 10% light off road (easy green lanes and gravel roads), and at 6ft tall and weighing around 95kg, my run down in reverse order (i didn’t ride the CRF300 so can’t comment on that) is (6th) Voge 300 (seemed underpowered, but was ok on really tight lanes, just didn’t excite me, tall seat height but compresses quite a bit when you sit on it, so didn’t feel unnerving) (5th) KTM 390 Adventure (it is such a revvy engine and is not particularly happy at low revs for slow stuff, just wants a thrashing, which isn’t great for the tight lanes, felt very much like a road bike with off road capable tyres) (4th) Himalayan 450 (i really wanted to like this bike but just didn’t gel with it, felt a little agricultural compared to the bikes i preferred, and it only seemed to be happy in each gear for a short rev range, other people on the day loved it, comfy bike and nice ergonomics, but it wasn’t for me) (3rd) G310GS (i think i was the only person on the day that liked it, felt stable, and peppy enough, yes a bit rattly, but it gave me the confidence to give it some beans on the back roads, felt a bit rough and ready but capable) (2nd) CF Moto 450MT (this is a fantastic bike, automatically gelled with this one, great performance, handling, brakes, ergonomics etc, i do worry a little about parts availability and residual values etc but a great bike, not overly keen on the looks, but rides really well) (1st) Triumph 400X (I love this bike, before i started the day I’d have put it behind the Himalayan, but i had such a blast on this bike, the engine is fantastic, and is really flexible, you can get away with being in the wrong gear, which i felt you couldn’t on the Himi, 400X had great comfort and ergonomics for be, good brakes, the updated suspension was great, and I’d love the look of it when i open the garage door, not sure i could say that about any of the others). For my 90% back lanes and 10% light off road the Triumph Triumphed!! If i wanted a more capable off road bike it would have been a different decision. I agree with you, if you are in the market for an A2 adventure bike then Nathan’s A2 days are fantastic, the whole day was brilliant fun. There is no one best bike, just that some bikes will suit you more than others, some people on the day picked the CRF300 as favourite, it’s not for me, horses for courses!!!
I got quite a surprise when I saw your comment - I built a hot composter based on a video of yours last year and subscribed when I realised how many interests we share. Thanks for all your great videos!
I've been thinking of going over to Nathan's to do the same so this video was great. Re the bikes I think even if you accept that you're not damaging the engine, those that are screaming away don't feel right to me either. Those that make their torque/power in low to mid are far more relaxing/less tiring over longer distances. At 58 yrs and being a shart arse I'm done with (too) tall & heavy. I'm on an Aprilia Strada 660 at the moment which is great fun and something a bit different, in a few years I'll be looking at some of these A2s. All the best...
Because the throttle is very sensitive I found myself using a higher gear to avoid whiskey throttle, but on slippery surfaces the engine was more than powerful with the sudden delivery to make it spin every time I made a mistake with my wrist - hope this makes sense!
Interesting & thanks for sharing this video. Only today I looked at Dorothy's Speed Shop website & have made a note if Nathan's number. I will be contacting him at some point regards a Day Ride. Did any of those bikes do anything remarkably better than your 411? Or more fun, less fun etc? I've a 411 also. The MT450 seems desirable, but I don't care for it's looks. The 452 & Rally300 I'm keen to ride & who knows one of them may become a 2nd bike for me...but the 411 may always be my favourite as a go anywhere, do anything bike. I feel RE should have kept it in production, it's that good & suits so many.
The only really stand out "I want that" feature for me was the engine in the MT450. Otherwise nothing really made me want to immediately trade the 411. Would be interested to hear what you think if you do make it to Nathans!
@@justanothermotorcyclist Thanks for your reply. Sure, Nathan also rates the MT450 engine in his videos. I will hope to ride it on the day & who knows the ride 'maybe' will win over it's looks for me. I love the tractability of the 411 & will keep it, regardless.
Interesting comparison's, were the KTM390, Rieju and CCM even, not available? Or was it a "not enough time" for another 3 or so bikes? If it's not too forwrd to enquire of a assumed gentleman, how much is heavy weight wise ;-). ?
Great video! Finally, I've made an appearance in a quality production! Interesting bike ranking. Definitely makes sense. We can all agree the Honda is a bit rubbish.. 👀😅
Really enjoyed that. Some interesting insights. cheers
Great vid, i did one of Nathan’s A2 adventure days about a month ago, so rode the exact same bike you did. Our group was quite split on their favourite bike, I’m looking at getting a smaller capacity bike to do 90% back lanes and B roads and 10% light off road (easy green lanes and gravel roads), and at 6ft tall and weighing around 95kg, my run down in reverse order (i didn’t ride the CRF300 so can’t comment on that) is (6th) Voge 300 (seemed underpowered, but was ok on really tight lanes, just didn’t excite me, tall seat height but compresses quite a bit when you sit on it, so didn’t feel unnerving) (5th) KTM 390 Adventure (it is such a revvy engine and is not particularly happy at low revs for slow stuff, just wants a thrashing, which isn’t great for the tight lanes, felt very much like a road bike with off road capable tyres) (4th) Himalayan 450 (i really wanted to like this bike but just didn’t gel with it, felt a little agricultural compared to the bikes i preferred, and it only seemed to be happy in each gear for a short rev range, other people on the day loved it, comfy bike and nice ergonomics, but it wasn’t for me) (3rd) G310GS (i think i was the only person on the day that liked it, felt stable, and peppy enough, yes a bit rattly, but it gave me the confidence to give it some beans on the back roads, felt a bit rough and ready but capable) (2nd) CF Moto 450MT (this is a fantastic bike, automatically gelled with this one, great performance, handling, brakes, ergonomics etc, i do worry a little about parts availability and residual values etc but a great bike, not overly keen on the looks, but rides really well) (1st) Triumph 400X (I love this bike, before i started the day I’d have put it behind the Himalayan, but i had such a blast on this bike, the engine is fantastic, and is really flexible, you can get away with being in the wrong gear, which i felt you couldn’t on the Himi, 400X had great comfort and ergonomics for be, good brakes, the updated suspension was great, and I’d love the look of it when i open the garage door, not sure i could say that about any of the others). For my 90% back lanes and 10% light off road the Triumph Triumphed!! If i wanted a more capable off road bike it would have been a different decision. I agree with you, if you are in the market for an A2 adventure bike then Nathan’s A2 days are fantastic, the whole day was brilliant fun. There is no one best bike, just that some bikes will suit you more than others, some people on the day picked the CRF300 as favourite, it’s not for me, horses for courses!!!
Great stuff. Nathan is a top chap just like you say :)
I got quite a surprise when I saw your comment - I built a hot composter based on a video of yours last year and subscribed when I realised how many interests we share. Thanks for all your great videos!
I've been thinking of going over to Nathan's to do the same so this video was great. Re the bikes I think even if you accept that you're not damaging the engine, those that are screaming away don't feel right to me either. Those that make their torque/power in low to mid are far more relaxing/less tiring over longer distances. At 58 yrs and being a shart arse I'm done with (too) tall & heavy. I'm on an Aprilia Strada 660 at the moment which is great fun and something a bit different, in a few years I'll be looking at some of these A2s. All the best...
You do the himalayan can be put into eco mode which should soften the power delivery
I didn't find the power modes on the Himalayan 452 made much of a difference - but its a good point!
I have the rally raid the full kit, think your take on it was bollcks
Opinions are like asses fella, everyone has one and they all stink
16:54 The back wheel gets more eager to spin in a higher gear? Please elaborate on your comment.
Because the throttle is very sensitive I found myself using a higher gear to avoid whiskey throttle, but on slippery surfaces the engine was more than powerful with the sudden delivery to make it spin every time I made a mistake with my wrist - hope this makes sense!
Quite interesting and well delivered no ktm 390?..
There were a few bikes we had to leave behind due to time, in hindsight the KTM would have been fun!
Interesting & thanks for sharing this video.
Only today I looked at Dorothy's Speed Shop website & have made a note if Nathan's number.
I will be contacting him at some point regards a Day Ride.
Did any of those bikes do anything remarkably better than your 411? Or more fun, less fun etc?
I've a 411 also.
The MT450 seems desirable, but I don't care for it's looks.
The 452 & Rally300 I'm keen to ride & who knows one of them may become a 2nd bike for me...but the 411 may always be my favourite as a go anywhere, do anything bike. I feel RE should have kept it in production, it's that good & suits so many.
The only really stand out "I want that" feature for me was the engine in the MT450. Otherwise nothing really made me want to immediately trade the 411. Would be interested to hear what you think if you do make it to Nathans!
@@justanothermotorcyclist
Thanks for your reply.
Sure, Nathan also rates the MT450 engine in his videos. I will hope to ride it on the day & who knows the ride 'maybe' will win over it's looks for me. I love the tractability of the 411 & will keep it, regardless.
Interesting comparison's, were the KTM390, Rieju and CCM even, not available? Or was it a "not enough time" for another 3 or so bikes? If it's not too forwrd to enquire of a assumed gentleman, how much is heavy weight wise ;-). ?
Just not enough time in the day for them all sadly - 110kg on a good day 😶
Great video! Finally, I've made an appearance in a quality production! Interesting bike ranking. Definitely makes sense. We can all agree the Honda is a bit rubbish.. 👀😅
I wouldn't go as far as quality 🤣 I feel the ranking may have changed significantly if I was 20kg lighter 😶🤣
As in All bikes mods spring's tires bars great bike reliability is key as well.
@@justanothermotorcyclist
What would 20Kg lighter be & would that suit the Honda?