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Question about Himalayan 450 low end torque

Midvet

Total noob
Location
Thailand
Does anyone have experience with the Himalayan 450 low end torque, specifically for its ability to climb steep roads from a dead stop with two people and luggage? I am considering purchasing the bike but have read that it lacks low end torque - a situation I anticipate would be when my girlfriend and I we travel to islands in Thailand where there are steep hills and often traffic backs up or we may get stuck behind a truck. Would we be in trouble trying to get enough forward momentum if we needed to stop on the incline?
Thank you,
Mike
 

Scott Free

Well travelled
Location
Ill-Annoy
It's hard to answer your question because you didn't give any basis for comparison. "The Himalayan 450 lacks low-end torque"... compared to what?

Some people have complained that the 452 makes less low-end torque than the 411. Having owned both (traded in my 411 in November, now have a 452) I can say that while there may be a slight difference, it's pretty minimal. If you can start on a hill on the 411, you will be able to do the same on a 452. On the other hand, neither of the Himalayans is a "pop the clutch at idle on a steep hill and it'll just putt on up" bike like some older RE's are remembered as being. You will need to rev it a bit and slip the clutch to get started now and then.
 

Acedoc

Well travelled
Location
india

Michiel

Well travelled
Location
The Netherlands
It's hard to answer your question because you didn't give any basis for comparison. "The Himalayan 450 lacks low-end torque"... compared to what?

Some people have complained that the 452 makes less low-end torque than the 411. Having owned both (traded in my 411 in November, now have a 452) I can say that while there may be a slight difference, it's pretty minimal. If you can start on a hill on the 411, you will be able to do the same on a 452. On the other hand, neither of the Himalayans is a "pop the clutch at idle on a steep hill and it'll just putt on up" bike like some older RE's are remembered as being. You will need to rev it a bit and slip the clutch to get started now and then.
This. I really don't get the low end torque critics. It feels roughly the same to my old 411 and everybody liked the low end torque in that bike?

In first and second gear you can go as low in the revs as you like. The bike will pull. Obviously things are not the same in 6th gear, where you'd be better off staying over 4k Rpm.

Now if I look at my 76 350cc bullet (or my '53 350cc Ariel NH): those bikes are buttery smooth from 800 rpm up. You can slow down to below walking pace and roll in the throttle and they just go. I missed that on my 411, don't miss it on the 459 because all the power you have available 4k Rpm and up just compensated for anything else.
 

Hemiehead450

Well travelled
Hello. I dont know about the 450 yet but remember the old days of 2 strokes. you had to keep them wound up to have any power. I think you just get used to the power band. I may be wrong. Not planning on doing any real what i would call Hill Climbing on this bike. With that said I do hope It has plenty of power to pull Its self and me up a hill at fairly low speed. Thanks
 

SSK Dave

Well travelled
Location
Thailand
Does anyone have experience with the Himalayan 450 low end torque, specifically for its ability to climb steep roads from a dead stop with two people and luggage? I am considering purchasing the bike but have read that it lacks low end torque - a situation I anticipate would be when my girlfriend and I we travel to islands in Thailand where there are steep hills and often traffic backs up or we may get stuck behind a truck. Would we be in trouble trying to get enough forward momentum if we needed to stop on the incline?
Thank you,
Mike
Hi Mike. Like you I live in Thailand and currently tour with an Interceptor but thinking about a 452 Himmy. Seen very little about 2-up touring, so interested in your replies.
 
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