Iceland Day 4 - The Bikes of Iceland - LIGHT IS RIGHT?

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  • Опубліковано 12 вер 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 71

  • @yellownev
    @yellownev 2 місяці тому +19

    The point about spending less on the bike and more on the adventures is spot on. Not denigrating those that want the pride in ownership of big BMW or the like but there is something very difficult to pinpoint about buying smaller cc and cheaper and using it to 75% of its capability than something very expensive and only getting 25% of its capability when most of us are constrained by age, health ability etc. Great commentary on the bikes.

    • @yellownev
      @yellownev 2 місяці тому

      I should add that the bikes also get used more of the year. My Himmy is in the garage covered in the muck of a 600 mile Devon camping weekend whereas my Honda NC 750x is all clean and doesn’t get taken out in the rain unless I’m touring on it.

  • @devonbikefilms
    @devonbikefilms 2 місяці тому +9

    Honda Super Cub and Enfield 350 Classic owner. Both bikes have been used for tours of over 2000 miles, both were fine. This “big bike to keep up with traffic” thing is a bit of a nonsense in my experience, as both these can manage A road traffic. I appreciate using motorways if you’re time limited, but motorways are a waste of a good days riding for me, even when I ran 1000cc bikes, I’d rather see the country I’m riding through😁
    Good to see smaller capacity bikes used for what they’re really capable of.

  • @chiefenumclaw7960
    @chiefenumclaw7960 2 місяці тому +5

    The Triumph is still the best looking bike in the lot.

  • @georgegolitzin6196
    @georgegolitzin6196 2 місяці тому +4

    Well light is surely right for what you’re up to. Loving these posts as always!

  • @MrTench8
    @MrTench8 2 місяці тому +7

    At 61 years old and 50 years since getting my first bike my opinion of the smaller bike being better in may ways is very similar to yours. I rode XR250's all through the 80's and 90's. Welsh mountains yorkshire moors and derbyshire dales, it didnt matter what the company was riding the little XR did the job often better than anything else. I was very tempted when the 300 Rally was launched but not quite enough to buy one but the new MT450 is ticking many more boxes and might be added to my stable should they turn out to be major problem free.
    These guys are clearly in safe hands with your practical head screwed on approach! Enjoyment is often diminished when having to struggle with weight! Safe travels to you all.

  • @Free_Ranger_CT110
    @Free_Ranger_CT110 2 місяці тому +7

    The Voge is definately the unsung hero of the bunch.

    • @jonathanmellish4439
      @jonathanmellish4439 2 місяці тому

      I thought so too until I test rode one.

    • @Free_Ranger_CT110
      @Free_Ranger_CT110 2 місяці тому

      @@jonathanmellish4439 is it bad?

    • @jonathanmellish4439
      @jonathanmellish4439 Місяць тому +1

      @@Free_Ranger_CT110 I was only allowed to ride it on the road and I found the engine vibration through the seat was very uncomfortable. I have owned single cylinder bikes in the distant past and coped fine so this was a disappointment as I genuinely wanted to like the Voge. The off road capabilities of this bike are reportedly very good.

    • @Free_Ranger_CT110
      @Free_Ranger_CT110 Місяць тому

      @@jonathanmellish4439 thanks

  • @grahamcrighton8113
    @grahamcrighton8113 2 місяці тому +1

    Great review of the bikes and points well made.

  • @digdilem
    @digdilem 2 місяці тому +1

    Another fan of the smaller bike here. I went for the GS as my first proper bike, like every other middle aged guy does who's just passed his DAS. A few years on and I've replaced it with a Himalayan and loving the slower pace. It's about the journey, after all, isn't it?

  • @steveball2307
    @steveball2307 2 місяці тому +1

    Really enjoying these updates, wish I was with you all !

  • @bootsmcfoolish8499
    @bootsmcfoolish8499 2 місяці тому +3

    Great synopsis of the bikes, Nathan, thank you. After many years upside down in the mud, they're all heavy I reckon, but that 450cc sweet spot is going to make its mark. Nice to see a few out on the evergreen MCC trials too..

    • @BluTrollPro
      @BluTrollPro 2 місяці тому

      I kind of agree, but imo A2 has ruined the 450cc class.
      No manufacturer is going to make a 40-50hp engine that isn’t A2 complaint, hell in the case of Honda, detuning into boredom a 470cc twin which by all rights should be a 60hp motor.
      A 450 single that’s chucking out 40-50hp has a minimum weight of 170-175kg to be A2 compliant.
      Which is why we’re never going to see a modern bike like the tdr250, with simultaneously the 50hp or so sweet spot for solo motorway work, whilst being

  • @adaptableadventurerider
    @adaptableadventurerider 2 місяці тому +1

    Another fascinating video Nathan and echo’s my own thoughts I think as we get older we realise just how lil power we truly need in a motorcycle to maximise fun and a few things spring to mind on my own journey in motorcycles.
    Also how important manageability is in fun to.
    Now waiting on the nx500 to be delivered which should be way more manageable for dad than the T7 we had bought as it was to much for him with the way he is now while undergoing his treatment for stage 3b/4 prostate cancer also more suited to our riding. Also goes to show sometimes how important resale value is as it really helped do the switch.
    He really wanted a twin cylinder and it’s mainly for road riding so made sense with the tubeless etc.
    The 1150gsa for me lowered is still one of my favourite bikes though much prefer it over the later 1200gsa I had. Less is more and the simplicity is brilliant.
    Unfortunately not got the space for that with the houses we are looking at in Devon so she’s gotta go.
    Then it’s back to either a 300 Rally (my fav outta the smaller motorcycles I had) or I’ll copy dad an get an Nx500 looking forward to experiencing it as the vstrom650xt rated as one of my fav bikes all though a lil top heavy it’s amazing what a difference just a couple of kg can make n Honda sure know how to mass centralise

  • @stevec-b6214
    @stevec-b6214 2 місяці тому

    You have just reinforced my long held admiration of your concise, real world summaries of a bikes character and strengths. I honestly believe your amazingly entertaining and informative opinion on the original Himalayan helped spark this resurgence in mid range adv`s. (I certainly was in no doubt about buying a Himmy after that video)

  • @john-wq8kf
    @john-wq8kf 2 місяці тому +2

    Well after having two bmw gsa’s no way now would I buy one again. I must admit I was caught by the hype which unfortunately didn’t live up to reality, but you live and learn. But as an old old biker friend told me “it’s better to travel than to arrive” how right he was all those years ago.

  • @phillipchandler8862
    @phillipchandler8862 2 місяці тому +2

    That was so well summed up and will help anyone making a future bike purchase. Makes a lot of sense. One addition would be the cost of damage repair or value depreciation on something like a KTM 790 - 890 or similar if you drop it a couple of times on the trail. That's always going to happen in the technical stuff even if highly experienced.

    • @weddincoyote2440
      @weddincoyote2440 2 місяці тому

      The cost of repair has been a huge factor in why I dont get "bigger" bikes. The bigger they are, the more they cost to own and the more they cost when they get damaged. Also I work in a call center, I aint got big bike money. A GS is my annual salary and im ok paid for call center staff.

  • @AlexOnABoat
    @AlexOnABoat 2 місяці тому +6

    Looking down the range of bikes on your trip I was reminded of the chap I met the other weekend riding a Fantic Caballero 500 Explorer.
    Looking at the spec, I can't help but feel that in many ways it's the bike that Rally Raid are tuning the Triumph Scrambler 400 to be, from the 200mm of suspension travel front and rear, to the spoked, although admittedly not tubeless, wheels, to the luggage racks.
    When the Caballero first came out I can remember trying to start a conversation about it. All the usual questions about Chinese engines and Italian build quality came out but it's still here, with extra models added to the range, and a quick Google reveals a whole host of aftermarket upgrades from suspension to extra protection.
    As for a comparison, the Fantic and the Triumph are very similar in spec, the Fantic is a little thirstier, although the Triumph plays its trump card with 10,000 mile service intervals as opposed to the Caballero's 3000mile stopovers.
    But what do I know? I ride a Triumph Scrambler 900, and the most challenging terrain I face is London's potholed streets.

    • @nathanthepostman
      @nathanthepostman  2 місяці тому +1

      Yeah totally get that comparison to the fantic. I rode one a while back. I liked it. I always found them too expensive new though, and the side panels too wide, and resale value average. And I probably just didn't take it as seriously as maybe I should. One of the guys here had one to bring and at the last minute bought a crf250 instead.

    • @johannesmarg6903
      @johannesmarg6903 2 місяці тому +2

      Good hint with the caballero!
      I was indeed for a while undecided between the caballero (rally or scrambler )and the 400x. There where some technical issues with the caballero, I.e. cylinder head gasket, but also relatvly quick solutions by Fantic. For me, the riding position was not 100%, as well. So, in the end I opted for the 400x, which finally is ready for pick up next week. I absolutely want to have the rally raid package with spooked wheels and - even more important - the suspension upgrade, waiting for the final price tag.
      Love the travel vids from Iceland, again something to think about ….
      Best Regards from Hamburg, Germany
      Johannes

    • @AlexOnABoat
      @AlexOnABoat 2 місяці тому +1

      @@nathanthepostman the base model is clearly the more expensive of the two and has very similar specs to the standard Triumph but if the Expedition version brings it up to the level of the Rally Raid version the prices might balance out.
      And of course there's the issue of warranty and resale on the Trumpet, adding third party bits and bobs doesn't always add to the resale price.
      Pity he didn't bring it, it would have been the perfect opportunity for a side by side test.

    • @nathanthepostman
      @nathanthepostman  2 місяці тому +1

      ​@@AlexOnABoat
      I've just spoken to the guy with the cab and his reasons for not bringing are as follows..
      Standing position awkward
      Luggage options limited
      So not too many reasons.
      But I think it's one of them, you've just got to try them both and see which you prefer

    • @AlexOnABoat
      @AlexOnABoat 2 місяці тому +2

      @@nathanthepostman you're such a star, someone should give you a UA-cam channel 😉
      Iceland looks really tempting, especially the off the beaten track bits and the semi-derelict industrial buildings you're riding through, it just needs an ominous soundtrack and it'd be very Nordic Noir. I may have to invest in something lighter than a 900 Scrambler and come with you next year.

  • @adegill9468
    @adegill9468 2 місяці тому +1

    Really interesting choice of bike's....carnt help thinking out of all of them...the Himalayan will take you anywhere as you say....what a great journey....hope the weather holds?

  • @biker_dale
    @biker_dale 2 місяці тому

    I'm loving the vogue more and more, have a great adventure

  • @oust556
    @oust556 Місяць тому

    The 790 is easier to pick up than its lighter cousins lol
    Does eat up tires and fuel quicker, but also carries more fuel.
    Unfortunately, I've never had a KTM that hasn't had multiple mechanical issues, so I'd never take one far from home.

  • @user-sw2lv3zp6o
    @user-sw2lv3zp6o 2 місяці тому

    Enjoyable video. I like the Scram. Nick

  • @leslieaustin151
    @leslieaustin151 2 місяці тому

    Loving these sorts of reports. Hope everyone is happy with their choice and their trip. Weather? Well, I rode my Innova special into Wales for a 175 mile trip yesterday, and it was cold, wet and slippy almost everywhere beyond Bala. It’s cheaper to get soaked in Wales (for me)! Oh, and the little Honda 125 - at 85kg - certainly got pushed around and held back by the strong winds. Ride safe Nathan! Les

    • @nathanthepostman
      @nathanthepostman  2 місяці тому +1

      Everyone seems happy I think les. Sounds like you had a fine ride out on that innova! Wales: twinned with Iceland!

  • @richardadkins6998
    @richardadkins6998 2 місяці тому

    Really interesting video to see the bikes on the tour and the mods. Good to see a 411 Himalayan.
    Would have be interesting to see how a 452 Himalayan and a CF Moto 450 would have coped.
    Wish I was on the tour…

    • @nathanthepostman
      @nathanthepostman  Місяць тому

      I think they would both have excelled to be fair, and probably the best compromise between on road refinement and off road ability. They'd have held their own against the head winds a bit better than the 300s, and been more manageable off road than the 790. Perfect size of bike for this kind of travelling for me.

  • @andymcm6902
    @andymcm6902 2 місяці тому

    Fantastic content. Really interesting. Cheers

  • @rwriddell
    @rwriddell 2 місяці тому

    Interesting video Nathan, as always.
    The weather in North Wales is just as crap, competing in the International Dragon nationals (sailing), cold, windy, and wet!

  • @daverhodes8872
    @daverhodes8872 2 місяці тому

    Very intetsting video. Makes me want to dust if the textiles and ride in Iceland. I would pick the Himalayan, just always liked the look of them.

  • @weddincoyote2440
    @weddincoyote2440 2 місяці тому

    I ended up with a KTM 390 ADV and Have the big Panniers from touratech. I like the panniers as they act as a shopping trolly when Im out and about. But...... they are huge and now that I have them, I kind of wish I went down the the soft luggage route. The issue I have with soft luggage is that being a larger person, my stuff doesnt fit. So now im going down the route of trying to find a smaller packing tent. Then go down the soft route. Also on the 390 the panniers makes a huge difference to MPGs and power due to how much they affect airodynamics. Its like having two massive sails on the back of the bike.

  • @pitchwife7573
    @pitchwife7573 2 місяці тому

    dear nathan, firstly, lovely videos. your rational and grounded voice is much appreciated in a world of background music and wheelies HAHA
    i'm around 82kg 5'11 on a good day, and value reliability highly. it seems the honda CRF300L is known for its go anywhere (albeit 'slowly') reliability, but i'm concerned about the 'comically under-sprung suspension' and would like to hear your thoughts!
    thanks

    • @peakrider4886
      @peakrider4886 2 місяці тому

      Have a look back through the channel archive, Nathan did a comparison between the Voge and the CRF - spoilers, the Voge is better in every element apart from the Honda badge!. There are quite a few options now for aftermarket suspension for the CRF if that’s the way you want to go. All depends on what you’re really going to use the bike for. Lots of off-road adventures, upgrade the shock for sure, but if just adventuring on road and some tracks, you could probably get away with keeping it stock. Or buy used with already upgraded suspension? It’s a Honda after all, and I imagine there will be some secondhand ones appearing as people want to sell them to trade up to the new Himalayan or CFMoto.

  • @skaraborgcraft
    @skaraborgcraft 2 місяці тому +1

    Can we see a quarter/half mile drag race between your tec-cam Himmy and the Scram? Winner gets a Fray Bentos!

    • @geddstock
      @geddstock 2 місяці тому

      No one would decline a race when the prize is a Fray bentos surely???

  • @garethtravis1786
    @garethtravis1786 2 місяці тому

    Would be great if Voge could offer their larger 16l DS tank for the Rally as an optional upgrade if it fits 🤔👍

  • @davejenvey3598
    @davejenvey3598 2 місяці тому +2

    I got my fantic caballero now guy's, love it!

  • @stuarthammond1009
    @stuarthammond1009 2 місяці тому

    Old 80s xl250s had 23" front wheel and a proper padded comfortable seat/saddle.
    Seat/saddle on crf is a fashion statement, absolute torture.

    • @skaraborgcraft
      @skaraborgcraft 2 місяці тому +1

      Still riding an 81 250SB, no hydraulics, crap 6v system, but will run without a battery and still have lights. Never been stranded. May have to replace it due to kick start only when my hip/knee gives out. Keeping an eye out for an RS250 electric start motor, but most of them have damaged cylinder heads.

  • @CosmikDebriis
    @CosmikDebriis 2 місяці тому +1

    Sat here on the sofa in England, it's hard to tell but... Looking and the tracks you're on. I'd have to say The CF Moto would likely be a slightly better option. Simply because, as you say, there's not too much (if any) technical stuff. Should the conditions have been a bit more gnarly then ,I'd compromise on the Voge as it's lighter so possibly less stressful??? The Voge will happily sit at the speeds you are allowed to do but I'm sure, if you had the CF, there would be places the CF would be a "blast", if you get what I mean.

    • @nathanthepostman
      @nathanthepostman  2 місяці тому +1

      Yeah cf moto I think would be great for this trip for sure

    • @CosmikDebriis
      @CosmikDebriis 2 місяці тому

      @@nathanthepostman Picked up mine yesterday but my still dodgy wrist is putting me off doing much in the way of dirt tracks for now. Certainly feels nice on the road but I'd probably still be on my Voge for local lanes.

  • @pawelwolski1316
    @pawelwolski1316 2 місяці тому +1

    Crf300 Rally owner (suspension, airbox and snorkel enlarged, exh, ecu tune, racks......). After $3000 spent, love the bike here in Indonesia, 90 kmh is going fast. I got 1400 km on my MT450 in Poland. Bought it for the faster, longer sections needed in Europe. My biggest disappointment of the MT450 is the super short gearing. I might be super sensitive but at 125 kmh engine sits at 7000 (only 8500 red line). I wonder what your take on that one will be.
    So the extra 40 kg of the MT450 is not paying off as much as I would like it to.

    • @nathanthepostman
      @nathanthepostman  2 місяці тому +1

      Thanks pawel. Yeah it sounds like the cf moto just needs a change of gearing. So hopefully just a quick fix. For me the benefit over the crf for a trip like this would just be the added cruising pace and stability, and that other than the gearing there's not much else to change. I would have liked to have tried it in Iceland as I think for me it would have been perfect for the trip

  • @user-dr4ls1hp4w
    @user-dr4ls1hp4w 2 місяці тому

    Great report video. What make are the folding mirrors on the first crf300?

  • @billybollockchops9499
    @billybollockchops9499 2 місяці тому +1

    What size are the Rhinowalk bags on both bikes please ? Thanks

  • @sanatandharma4435
    @sanatandharma4435 2 місяці тому +1

    Interesting that there is no new Himalayan in the group!

    • @nathanthepostman
      @nathanthepostman  2 місяці тому +2

      There was supposed to be one but he cancelled his order as if it was 0:01 delayed. I could have brought mine but was more interested to see how the triumph would do. I think the new himi would have been a good bike for the trip.

  • @davidmoore1765
    @davidmoore1765 Місяць тому

    Hi, great video. Which rear rack do you have on the 400x? Thank you

    • @nathanthepostman
      @nathanthepostman  Місяць тому

      It's the Rally Raid set up. Clicks into the pillion seat mount so can come off and on with key

  • @russellfisher3629
    @russellfisher3629 2 місяці тому

    In light of future legislation would this expedition be possible on electricity powered two wheeler's 🤔

  • @Pom2kiwi
    @Pom2kiwi 2 місяці тому

    Any ideas what tyres are on the RE scram?

  • @taylorphilip5499
    @taylorphilip5499 2 місяці тому

    Where would you put cf450mt in that lot gs310 end or crf200 end cheers looks great fun

    • @nathanthepostman
      @nathanthepostman  2 місяці тому +2

      Right in the middle of the two really, which is why I think it'd be the right bike for it

  • @fredericooliveira-cc2mb
    @fredericooliveira-cc2mb 2 місяці тому

    Where is the 450mt!!!!

  • @dashuntas.m4045
    @dashuntas.m4045 2 місяці тому +1

    I take responsibility for this video’s existence

  • @devonbikefilms
    @devonbikefilms 2 місяці тому

    Double post. Oops

  • @CosmicSeeker69
    @CosmicSeeker69 2 місяці тому +1

    Rhinowalk - Ali Express £92 - just sayin'

    • @nathanthepostman
      @nathanthepostman  2 місяці тому +1

      Great price!

    • @CosmicSeeker69
      @CosmicSeeker69 2 місяці тому

      ​@@nathanthepostman straight from the factory Nathan.

    • @CosmicSeeker69
      @CosmicSeeker69 2 місяці тому

      I found this out when buying my Voge 300R - everything on Amazon comes from Chynah - so cut out the middle man and his 25% surcharge

  • @frankpinion4937
    @frankpinion4937 2 місяці тому

    The CRF 300 is complete rubbish. It's a trail bike-not an adventure bike. The motor is rubbish-it's designed to rev with very little pull down low. It's too high unless you're 6'. The motor is completly useless for long mileage on/off road-it's lite weight in every area so it's simply not designed for sustained rough riding. G310 is too small an engine-anything under 350-400cc is a complete waste of time as an adventure bike. 21" front wheel isn't always the best option as you become disconnected from the ground & unless you are standing up you can't really see what's in front of you. So I don't agree with the comment that you must have a 21" front wheel. I would do all the same riding you were doing & on the motorway with my Meteor 350 & it would run rings around the crf. The best bike for the job would be the Triumph Scrambler 400X. Simply because the weight is right-the size of the bike is right & the power is their throughout the rev range. Plus it's not revving it's head off like the the Honda so will do much bigger miles with ease.

    • @volt8684
      @volt8684 Місяць тому +2

      Feel better😂