Every time you get a different bike, you get more insight into the style of bike and riding you really want.

You are bang on. These TFT dashes and Sat Navz leave me cold. I just want to be riding, listening to the engine, looking at the road and views. At least you have found your perfect bike👍

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

Much appreciated, I think it's also a age thing no distractions is the way to go for me👍👍👍

Loved your video,really well done.I am in my 80th year now have had my GSXR 1000 FOR 10 years still love it ,horses for course's really ,I guess.

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

Brilliant John, I'm only 21 years behind and hope I get get to your magical time on my bikes, ride safe BUT DON't PUT STABALISERS ON THE GSXR it will become a car 🤣👍👍👍

Best most honest video I’ve ever seen, you sir have won the internet today 😊👍🏍️🏍️. Just subscribed 👍

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

Cheers Stevie just have to follow common sense👍👍👍

@steviejinx1225

2 ай бұрын

@@birchwoodbiker Absolutely mate 👍 You’ve literally just said all I’ve been thinking for months now. I still have my old Africa twin and much prefer it to the modern version. I have a GSXR 1000cc from 2003 and a blackbird from 1997 which is my all time favourite to ride and own. My son is getting my Africa twin for his birthday next month and no doubt as I’m almost 57 now the GSXR will be moved on too at some stage, leaving me just the blackbird…. No gadgets, just pure biking enjoyment 😊👍🏍️

What an honest review Paul. I agree with you that there's too much tech on bikes nowadays and I have to be honest, The mighty NC ticks all the right boxes for me! I wouldn't want the Africa twin. Great video thanks.

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

Cheers Gaz hope to get out with you for a ride loved your tiny flat abroad 👍👍👍

@Crohniebiker

2 ай бұрын

Me and Michelle went to matlock on Sunday but we got wet ! We'll have a ride out when this bloody rain 🌧 stops ☔️

Paul I bought a low mileage Himme in December. I have enjoyed the bike and done just over 1000 miles including a 4 day trip to Devon last weekend of around 620 miles in total. I like the bike for the same reasons as you do, however I found the motorway performance to be just about adequate if you plan your riding. My bike has now done about 3500 miles and is still improving in performance. I have made one performance mod in increasing the front sprocket from 15 to 16 tooth. The bike will cruise at an indicated 70/72 at 5300 RPM but does get knocked back on long gradients(68ish on my GPS), I am 16 stone which does not help. If you keep the bike you may find you could live with the motorway performance as the engine runs in. I need the lack of power as I cannot restrain my use of the throttle so otherwise spend my time at licences losing speeds on 750/1000cc sports tourers which I am now selling to keep the Himme. I am enjoying your channel, keep up the good work.

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

cheers Bob that's what I do like with our views I think the Himmy is Brilliant back lanes but just not motorway bike for me, one of the most comfortable bikes I've ridden, and your right with performance like my FZ6 which will be sold there to enticing to ride beyond our mph limits 🤣🤣👍ride safe thanks for comment

How refreshing to read your honest comments. So many vloggers complain that the Himmy should have more power amongst other complaints. My answer is to choose a different bike and don't knock the Himmy. The Himmy does well and is good value but as you say, if it doesn't tick all the boxes just don't keep it. My Burgman 650 Exec took me on my annual tours of Spain and UK in comfort but it was withdrawn by Suzuki when it was too high mileage to keep. I bought a Goldwing DCT for long distance touring ... perfect! I bought the Himmy for knocking around locally. My clutch lever doesn't present much of a problem. I love them both equally and I have a permanent smile so I think that combination is my lifetime choice. At 73 they should see me out. Safe riding!

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

And that is what is great about choice we are all unique and it's only when we try these ourself that we know, the Himmy is still a great value bike and I think they will not sell as many 452 they are full of character but I will move on to my next money pit 🤣👍👍👍

Fair review Paul, I personally really like my Himmy for its simplicity and I’m happy to plod along, even on the motorway, the real downside is that you can’t pick up time if you need to get anywhere quickly, but it’s not going to be for most folks Look forward to more NX Vids, a bike that I have never owned, but is on my future list

Evening Paul, wise choice IMO. YT has a strong RE following and I don't know if you saw my discussion in chat about the whole "influencer" culture on YT. RE are the apple of motorcycles, they've created a cult like following, the difference being they are cheap rather than a rip off. Less than 40hp on a full size bike is, again in my OWN opinion, no good and these bikes carry weight, and yes I owned a classic 500 for a short while. I appreciate the allure to the older generations, the boomers that grew up watching dad on his BSA and then owning one in their teens but thats about it. These bikes are made for the domestic Indian market and somehow have gone "viral" in the west. The old saying, each to his own, is true but I would never, ever buy another RE unless there was a significant change. The QC on them is poor, the cutting out issues on the interceptor/GT are unforgivable and have bugger all to do with grease and relays, I'm convinced it's shoddy ECU's. Himmys have a penchant for cutting out or being a bitch to start, the clocks tend to condense and the compass has almost never worked, which is why the new ones now use the compass as a gear indicator. The 350's still have speedo issues and the turnaround time on getting it sorted is infinite until the warranty saga is resolved. Another truism - you get what you pay for. RE are milking the various platforms, the meteor/classic/bullet are all identical save for the tank and seats, only the hunter has any difference and thats a shorter section to the rear of the frame - I have video overlays of them lined up at key points. The Shotgun and the super meteor, again a very slight change to the angle of the rear shock the rest is cosmetic. Again, if people like them thats great, we all like different things and I very almost bought a Himmy affter the classic 500, but luckily it sold a few minutes before I phoned. Hitchcrooks make a killing off the DNA filter kit - I don't get it, everyone who rides one or "reviews" one says it's not about the speed, it's about plodding along B roads and then they spend a fortune on a filter, filter housing, decat pipe, "performance" cam and a power commander ECU temp cheat device to add 10? 15% power to 20bhp at the crank..Beyond me. Anyway, longer response than intended and I hope I haven't upset anyone, just my opinion and I'm sure there are just as many points to be made about 'adventure' bikes etc. Hope you get a quick sell and enjoy what you enjoy most mate.

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

Cheers Nic that was longer than WAR and Piece 🤣 but so true missed it in the comments, I have a prospective buyer this week and hope they get a few more miles on it, hope your feeling better.

Hi again. A week now since picking up my NC750x (blokes version:-) ) and added 200miles. We are starting to gel nicely and after work yesterday I deliberately took the long way, country lane, home. She is ticking the boxes I wanted over the CB500F. My single bike for all occasions. I wish you well and safe journeys.

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

Hi dave I won't hold it against you not getting the DCT, there a great bike, intresting what's you view on the front brakes, ride safe with luck we may meet up👍👍👍

@davecarrera

2 ай бұрын

@@birchwoodbiker I mainly use the engine and back braking for stopping, unless I need to stop quicker, so I have not used the front much this last week. When I have it certainly does the job well. Any excuse for a ride out and a coffee 🙂

@leeinwis

2 ай бұрын

That's the most boring bike I ever test rode, tied with the Versys 650 .

@davecarrera

2 ай бұрын

@@leeinwis the beauty of motors (cars and bikes) is that we all have one out there that suits us & our needs. I wish you well and safe journeys with the vehicle of your choice.

In the 70s, i had motorcycle rta .as a result , i had a below knee amputation. It didn't put me off motorcycles though, and over the years ive had a few motorcycles, custom , supersports , superbikes , naked roadsters , all geared and no adaptations ( other than raising the gearshift) . Evey one I've owned have been great bikes because they did what i needed them to do . Now at 67, I've bought a NC750X dct, and it's a great bike because, like every other bike , it does everything 😃 . I made the choice after watching many reviews and experiences ( including yours ).

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

Thanks Tony you haven't made the wrong choice I love them, I was luckier than you I was knocked off my gpz500 at 30, it snapped my right leg and even to today it split my knee cap, which they used a form of super glue, biking either in your blood or not, we both need to ride safe🤣👍👍👍🍻

Im getting on well with my 411 500 miles in 3 weeks, reminds of a mz250 i had years ago but much better, I do only use the 411 for fun and keep off motorway and use vstrom for motorway miles and big trips , if the himmy is not right for you definitely worth moving it on as life is too short

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

Cheers Stephen, they are a great bike but when you have a bike 3 - 6 months I think you get that Yes I want to keep it, or I'll try something else, you still have great times with it👍👍👍 sorry late reply missed the comment

@stephengrazier1019

2 ай бұрын

@@birchwoodbiker totally understand, I used to keep my bikes for years however as I'm alot older now, change more often while I can still ride , for the time being the 411 is my no rush , chilling bike for the back roads cheers Steve

Hi Birchy, A video from your heart but even at our age we do think way above our age on occasion. I’m 57 years (old) had lots of motorcycles in my years but after an accident & cancer, I had a lay off from motorcycles for 9 years, but it’s in my blood so the itch needed scratching & I purchased an Honda NC750X DCT because of my clutch hand, I’m loving it all over again & picked this one over the Africa Twin because of my advancing years, but also I keep my motorcycles for a long time until it breaks or I can’t ride it anymore! I modify all my bikes to suit me & that’s why I keep em, coz I do it right in the first place in my later years. Best Regards, Ride Safe Ride NC DCT Dave & Butty Bach 🙂

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

Cheers Dave, I know with the NC it's a keeper my 3rd one in a row, sad to say we do sometimes choose with our heartthan our mind, and the SLUG was going to be just green laner, but truth is there no green lanes in Warrington, I would have to travel 1 hour + and I just don't enjoy riding it as much as the NC, I think the new bike reviews will disapear, I will go back to the bikes I grew up with, Ride safe BB👍👍👍

At 64 years old/young I hit a similar problem re hand pain (mine was around the 50 - 75 mile mark) operating the clutch which was looking like I may have to stop motorcycling. At 66 I now have a nc750x DCT and for me it’s been a total game changer, I can ride it all day without pain and I am enjoying riding again. I have just fitted some Michelin Road 6 tyres which has improved the smiles for miles with the improved handling and grip.

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

I love the NC not got gadgets coming out your bs and the DCT I just never get boarded with it and bonus I can ride all day 👍👍👍

Can you reload as unable to hear what you are saying.

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

Sorry Bib having real issues with sound🤔

I totally agree with a lot of your musings - I just swapped my xv1300 for a Kawasaki w800 - about half the horsepower. I agree with the gadgets we never had in the eighties, heated this that and the other, it seems to be defeating the object of biking. 2 star was thirty pence a gallon, fill up your tank and away. Ride safe!

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

omg forgot all about leaded petrol 2 star 4 star there is a benefit of being slightly older, I do think biking was better in the past, you could be naughty and not loose your licence in one day and bikes were a sensible price👍👍👍🤔

There is something wrong with your clutch. Mine is very light. My other bike is also a NC750X DCT so no clutch there at all. Don't make the mistake of buying an old nail with poor brakes and tyres! I just bought a ZZR1100D7 £900 for 172mph. Not keeping it though

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

Cheers Richie, it is strange many people are ok but it may just be age, but I wwas out on it all day, doing couple of hours is fine, I bought one tried one now time to move on, I had the zzr600 loved it 👍👍👍

I have the 2020 Honda cb500x 4 years on still love the bike I know couldn’t live with any less power than the Honda. It’s a bench mark for me has to be comfortable,good on fuel,not too many buttons,low seat height,reliable,centre stand,tubeless tyres.oh I know asking a lot I can only afford one bike at a time I had a 25 year break from motorcycles but enjoying touring holidays with my wife who also rides the same bike.if the wife stops riding I will trade both bikes and buy a bike suitable for a pillion and we can share the bike.ride safe out there thanks for the honest review.

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

cheers Malcolm, I had 3 cbf500 2 with the twin springs one with the mono shock to be honest there agility and rd holding was brilliant, but having a bike that you just ride and are not looking for good and bad points is the right bike, we become to involved in what other people,views are we ride them👍👍👍👍

Think it's the right decision.. the NC can do everything the RE can do but better and the Fazer is a different animal altogether, and I agree I prefer the roads more these days than off road,I don't think you'll regret it..👍

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

Yes I'm 100% it's up already been fun but NC leaves it in every aspect👍👍👍

Good choice. I absolutely love the look of the Himmy, but would i buy one? no, my GS 650 is double the power so keeping that one.

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

yes it is underpowered but to heavy for green lanes for me

@richierex

2 ай бұрын

Buy my ZZR1100. It's double the power again

Morning Paul, If your not gelling with the Himmy then it's time for it to go. All of us see different things in different bikes. To me that's good, else we would all be riding the same bike. For the last 20 yrs I've had a garage full of bikes. usually classics. As you know all I have now is the NC. Honestly have realised the classics always sat while I was out on the nice smooth, comfortable modern bike??? Also as I've said time and time again, Anyone thinking of an NC. You definitely have to give them time and miles, they are a bike that grows on you. Ref Icediddy, Some very good thoughts! Good luck with the sale Paul.

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

Cheers Tom much prefer being on the NC I'm like you I'm going back to one bike I may get the od classic that's running but that's it👍👍👍

Nc should sponsor you I really fancy one after your channel Oh my 1 only bike that I have rode and tested Probably be vfr 750 but looking forward to seeing nc in the fresh and testing Great channel keep them coming And yes 2 many bikes are a headache I owned 5 once and naw only own early fireblade (great bikes) Bargain at the moment I see them regularly around 3 grand in very good condition Gearbox shite though very clunky at low speeds

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

Cheers David, now the VFR when i've cleared all my bikes is one I havent rode, but thinking on gearboxes I've never had a smooth sports bike with one, once they rev they stop the clunking, you love the NC ??? which one DCT or old school Gears 🤣👍👍👍

@davidwrigley5457

2 ай бұрын

@@birchwoodbiker I fancy dct paul But fancy a fazer seeing you on yours naw :) You could sell an mz you (make it look fun) :)

Have had crf250 Rally and now 300, I am ten years older than you. The clutch is very light, happy at 65-70 on motorway, 80-90 mpg. Think you brought the wrong bike. My road bike is a 2021 Tiger 1050, I do have arthritis in my left hand but again no problem because clutch is super light.

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

Hi George fantastic I think the longer you have a bike, that's when you iether gel with it or not, and intensions were to do green lanes the Himmy is to Heavy, and your right the CRF is designed to do it properley, I'm the same with authritus, it took 10 hours for that clutch to get on my nerves, still prefer the DCT👍👍👍

So what is going to fill that hole in the garage? Fair review. Get the Kawasaki built.

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

I will only be left with the KLE and NC, the NC will be with me another 12 months and with luck I'll have the leak built in a couple, can't wait to ride it I owned gpz they are the same engine a fantastic parallel twin👍👍👍🛠️🛠️🛠️

I am sad to see it go, but sounds like you do not see it usable. I am between Himalayan or the KLR

@davidwrigley5457

2 ай бұрын

Crf 300 great bikes

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

Hi Blakes, the Himmy is a good bike, we have to try them, but I know that KLE with the GPZs engine will leave it for dead in every turn, Watched your Guinness trip, Try it with Blackcurrant juice, or as I am Irish decent, with Milk the way the Irish used to drink it, it is distilled with the water of the Liffey👍👍👍 sorry so late missed your comment

@BlakesPipes

2 ай бұрын

You are all good buddy. Enjoy the weekend

How much are you looking for your bike? Ok got it 35 hundred 👍

Can you deliver it to India?

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

I would love to do that🤣🤣🤣

@Raktimdutt

2 ай бұрын

What's your Instagram I'd ?

Sorry mate I cant hear a word your saying I just hear a mumble in the back ground. is it just me ??

@birchwoodbiker

2 ай бұрын

Sorry Paul you can hear it with volume full it's the crap micaphone🤔👍