Hello. My name is Terry. This is the first time l have ever subscribed to a channel before. I´m 68, been riding motorbikes for just over 50 years. For the past 45 years l´ve been riding a Harley Davidson 1200 lowrider, which l bought new in 1979. 21 years ago l left the UK on my Harley and came to Spain to change my life, which changed in ways l didn´t imagine. Because of injuries / years of riding on the body, slowly, it´s been getting harder to move, ride and maintain my Harley. For the past 2 years, kind of a cross-over period, l´ve been riding a Yamaha 300 XMax, but l´m bored with it, and want a real bike again, there´s still life in the old dog!!!. After a good look around l´ve decided to buy the new RE Himalayan. I watched your video and it´s nice to see, and, hear a no nonsence / bullshit aproach, clear explanation and from someone who "listens" to the sounds of the engine!!! l´ve always repaired my bikes, and l´m with you that the exhaust tappet gap was to big. It looks like the tappet has been slaming onto the top of the valve stem. l wonder if something has been lost intranslation, or a wrong gap value has been given?? Also seeing the condition of the camshaft, l agree with your thoughts of inferior metal. Sorry for going on, could you send me the contact details for the new valves and camshaft. Look forward to your next video and listen to what you have say. Thanks. Terry

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Thanks. I will find the details and add them later

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Hi Terry, The new valves came from www.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com and the camshaft from www.tecbikeparts.com

@bensalisbury6839

5 ай бұрын

I thought it was worth mentioning that the 450cc Himalayan isn't as simple to work on as the 411cc ones, definitely looking to get the 411 just undecided on which model to take

@stevec-b6214

5 ай бұрын

@@bensalisbury6839 I have the himmy 411 euro4, and I think its easier to `tweak` as Ian mentions. (they also dont have that ugly bulge/cat on the header pipe. I wouldn`t put it off too long, these 411`s are starting to get snapped up (bit like when they discontinued the old `bullet`)

@danielben-avraham1539

5 ай бұрын

@@stevec-b6214 That is good news, perhaps I can get a good price for mine when I sell it. Mine is constantly falling apart and now the transmission is whining and shifting hard with metal in the oil. But of course at 16,000km what should you expect? I am thinking of just replacing it with a boring 650 V-Strom.

I am shocked! to finally find somebody who knows what they are talking about with the Himalayan. I bought one fully aware they are cheap and cheerful, and fully prepared to do some sorting. Your video has come at the perfect time, as I am about to fit my TEC camshaft. I will be fitting those valves, and cannot thank you enough for the information. We are a similar age, I would say, and our age group I believe, are happy sorting bikes out, rather than spitting out the dummy and giving up. I have subscribed, and will be watching all your future videos with great interest. ATB from Whitby!

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Years ago in the 60s-70s when British bikes was all you could buy this was the norm anyway. Spent so much time on my knees on the side of the road fixing my bike to get home lol. Pleased you enjoyed the video.

There is a very wide range of series quality, although the models up to 2019 seem to be of generally better quality. My 2018 E4 model was less powerful, my 2019 Himalayan is significantly more powerful. The camshaft of the 2019 Himalayan had a defect in the decompression element. This mechanism became very loud, a ticking sound. I installed a Himalayan Tools camshaft, a booster plug, a small exhaust modification, the little bike is unrecognizable. This means the engine runs rich and smooth. I'm keeping this Himalayan. A motorcycle that really brings joy.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Yeah it's a great bike.

Like a fool I got caught up in the Himalayan hype and bought one new in early 2022. From the very start it was not 'right' - setting aside the 'normal' issues with the Himalayan I had a stuffed head bearing caused by way too much torque on the bearings, a stuffed front wheel bearing which turned out to be down to a poorly sealed bearing and hardly any grease. The forks bottomed on anything bigger than a speed hump. It was an unreliable starter from day one too. I did all the usual things with the fuses and triple checked and greased all the connections. Sometimes it would try to start, then run for a few seconds then die and not restart. Two of my planned trips just didn't happen over the Summer which was very annoying. The dealer was about as much use a chocolate fireguard - "thats what they're like mate". I finally got rid of it and bought another Honda. I know Enfields are cheap, cheerful and nostalgic and best of luck to those enthusiasts who love them but I'll not be buying another Enfield.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

I'm trying hard not to laugh at your misery. It's always better when it happens to someone else. Thanks for watching and hope you enjoyed the video

@peterc2248

5 ай бұрын

@@iantoy7778 I can laugh about it now but not happy at the time. The silver lining is I bought an NC750X which has nothing but awesome and returning 80mpg. Dull it may well be but it starts, stops and runs like a sewing machine.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

@@peterc2248 Totally understand I have a red and silver NC750X myself. Like you say dull but mega reliable

@danielben-avraham1539

5 ай бұрын

@@peterc2248 Funny, I had the same problems with my 2022 Himmy and am considering several bikes, one of which is the NC750X. My time owning this bike has been a maintenance nightmare. I am beyond tired of the poor quality build and design of the Himalayan. I had a Honda GL1000 Goldwing and loved it with the exception of 36 mpg US. But the NC750x seems like a smaller and more efficient copy of the GL1000. But I dream of the day of not worrying about maintenance and hardware failures again. The only thing that worries me about the NC750x is the 5.7" ground clearance. I live in Colombia and really need something capable of doing light off road riding which the Himmy does well.

This and the oil pump rattle are two eye opening videos I've watched on your channel.I'd like to thank you for the content, detailed analysis and repairs you've carried out on your bike's engine. These two videos have completely turned me off RE for life,the standard of materials and factory assembly are quite simply appalling,these kind of problems are unheard of in almost all other manufacturers bikes at 80,000kms let alone 5,000 and as a result I feel I just couldn't trust such a manufacturer that allows such bad engineering to leave their factory. Thanks again and please don't take these comments as any reflection on you,quite the opposite in fact as you've put right what should never have left the factory.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Thanks for your comments. I totally agree it should not have left the factory as it did. I still love my bike though

@BikingChap

5 ай бұрын

I tend to agree. I like the whole 'simple bike' ethos but if the design, materials or QA is as poor as it seems, I'm not interested. Once again bikes that are cheaper aren't always the bargain some seem to think they are, they're ALWAYS cheap for a reason.

@SteveRobertsTheNurdler

5 ай бұрын

I've done a lot of very very hard miles on a Royal Enfield, they may be built to a price, and things do break, but given the conditions I ride in I am amazed at what they can handle@@BikingChap

@neilfields5914

2 ай бұрын

Could be worse could have been a BMW S1000 they like blowing engines at £15,000 to replace. Buy you 4 Himalayans that. Cheap to buy cheap to repair.

Excellent information. I bought a 2022 Himmy nearly new, with 1,500 km on it. I now have close to 17,000 km on it and it is actually the first motorcycle that I have equally loved and hated. The only automobile that I had that I felt the same way about was an old MG Midget. I have had a constant stalling problem which improved when I put the fuel x unit on it. The engine rattling and vibration never responded to any of my adjustments of valves. The video answers the reason why. So if I want to fix those problems I will need to put good quality aftermarket parts into it. I'm also having a difficult time shifting with the transmission sticking in gears. My last oil change showed metal particles which is new. I'm also noticing a whining coming from the transmission which is something new. The video is great information it makes me wonder if I have to change out all the gears in the transmission as well the cam valves, piston, crank, etc. It looks like this motorcycle was made with substandard quality parts. That's too bad because the motorcycle design is nice. But for me to hold on to this motorcycle, I'm going to have to upgrade all the bearings and mechanical parts as I did with the head bearings at 2,500km. And due to the engine vibration I am continually having to replace the front directionals which just break into pieces and I am constantly disassembling the speedometer so as to glue it back together with silicon as the internal plastic fasteners crumble. It is certainly not a care free ride like a Suzuki V-Strom or Honda, that's probably why Itchy Boots replaced her Himalayan for a Honda. I love riding the bike, but I have better things to do with my time than to be doing daily maintenance on a substandard quality motorcycle.

I agree with you about the dry paper vs. oiled fuzz air filters. Air filters are definitely trade-offs, and if you can afford to change the paper filters often, they're the best for the engine.

Hi Ian, I've subscribed to your channel this week and have really enjoyed the content, so thank you. I'm also subscribe to Wiltshireman, Dickiemintcycles, and Nathanthepostman, all of whom are big fans of the Himalayan. Based on their ownership experience I'd pretty much made up my mind to buy a used 411 as a way of getting back into biking after selling my R1150GS a couple of years ago. But after watching your assessment of the engine build quality and rattle issues, I've decided to buy new whilst I can, before all the 411's are gone. That way I can run the engine in carefully, put the best oil in from day one and check the valve clearances before any harm is done. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and I've put a deposit on an E5 in pine green exactly the same as yours! Here in Australia I got one for $7665aud ride away so about £3800 which I reckon is good value. Anyway keep up the good work and hope you grow the channel and continue to put out great videos. Cheers from Stu in Brisbane

@iantoy7778

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching and subscribing Stu. Hope you get many enjoyable miles out on your Himalayan. I will certainly never part with mine.

What a fantastic deduction of a serious issue associated with the e5 Himalayan, please keep up all your work with your channel and this bike, I enjoyed it but most of all the style in which you presented it. Well done my friend.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Thanks, will do!

Sounds really good mate you’ve made a huge difference👍

@iantoy7778

3 ай бұрын

Thanks

I just had my first service done by my dealer on mine. They did not adjust the tappets. I plan to do my tappets probably around 2,000 km. Useful information, thanks

Brilliant Video, Keep us up to date with any other modifications you have planned or have already done to the bike. They are great bikes.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Yeah will do.

Hello there, After 15000 km, I have equiped my 411 with Fuel X and ADN free flow air filter. The bike is more pleasant now. Next step to come: Tec cam, but while top engine is on work bench why not consider changing valves. Thanks for the advice. Have a good day. Tony from France.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

You can check the exhaust valve when swapping to the Tec cam , if the valve is damaged really no point in leaving it. Hope the video helped you.

Thanks for showing the valve tip problem . You did not mention checking the valve guides , which I might have thought to fit with new along with your new valve stems . A thought for you ; the valve clearance figure the factory states allows for the expansion of the valves of course , so that the valves fully close at top engine temperature , but with the smallest possible extra clearance to keep valve noise down and to stop excessive 'hammering of the valve stem top ( and allow the cam to control the valves more responsively ) . So if you set the valves ( at a value guaranteed to allow the valves to fully close ) and then run the engine until it is hot before quickly rechecking the clearance you will then be able to deduct the clearance found when hot from the clearance set cold and then reset the cold clearance to where it really aught to be . In theory , once everything is hot and set properly , you aught to be able measure hardly any gap between the valves and whatever system of closing mechanism you have , when everything has expanded. A friend of mine's father worked in one of the Coventry car factories , many years ago , where they set the valves manually with the engines running on the production line , which would scare me I must admit ! I thought Enfield had built a new factory , with new machinery , etc , allowing for great improvements in quality , and I still believe that . They probably buy in things like valves , camshafts , pistons and bearings , so this issue to down to the accounts department choosing to go with a cheaper supply line . Any accountants reading this can hopefully learn something ! Lol .

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

When I removed the original valves I did a visual check on the valve guides for tightness and any damage. I fitted new valve guide seals. I also mic'd up the new valves and the new valves to double check the measurements and fit of the new valves. As you will have seen in the video I did state on more than one occasion that this was not a 'how to video / step by step' top end rebuild. Just a video of me doing the job on my engine which I thought might be of interest to others. Thanks for your concern and diligence. Hope you enjoyed the video.

Greetings from Greece. I own a 2022 re scram 411 and I have to say I have done more or less all of the possible upgrades on the bike. The valves is one I didn't do but you gave me a very detailed reason to do so. Thanks

@iantoy7778

3 ай бұрын

Since I have done mine it has been running great and still running nice and quiet. Pleased you liked the video

@brotherpaul1911

3 ай бұрын

@@iantoy7778 Loved the video it'a gonna be my next upgrade! Did you alter the angle on the specified degrees based on Hitchcock by modifying it or was it a direct swap?

@iantoy7778

3 ай бұрын

The Hitchcock valves are twin seat the outside seat is as a stock valve ,it you want to use both seats you need to get new seats cut in the head. I just lapped them in as I would using stock valve which uses the outer seat been fine. It's not as if it going to be a high performance engine using 10,000 RPM 😆

As a band aid fix for excessive valve train noise on this bike, put a dial indicator gauge on the adjustment screw and run it down until it bottoms out. Raise the valve adjustment screw 10,000th according to the indicator and check clearances with a feeler gauge. Now you can accurately judge the discrepancy and adjust accordingly

@aforce1jp

Ай бұрын

If dial indicator says 10,000th and feeler gauge says 7,000th, deduct 3,000th from recommended valve spec

Got yourself a subscriber with this video. I have an Euro5 BS6 with a lot of metallic noises coming from the top of the engine. Finally I see that someone got to the bottom of this.

@iantoy7778

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for subscribing. Any questions just ask. I will help if I can.

@hailander18

3 ай бұрын

@@iantoy7778 You were right about the not optimum quality of the parts that are on the Himalayan. I think that my exhaust valve has the same issue as yours had. I adjusted the tappet at 0.18mm and I replaced the spring in the chain tensioner, it resulted in a lot of noise reduction. I suspect the remaining noise is the decompressor in the cam. Unfortunately my LH side engine cover cracked a few mm right where the TDC inspection hole is. I didn't overtighten the bolt, it cracked over night. Also, on the same cover, in the crankcase cover area, I very easily stripped the thread of the hole on one of the hex screws that holds it. So I guess now I need a new LH engine cover. This is a recurring theme for this bike. For my bike at least, everything is or was overtightened: the hex socket screws that hold the forks to the steering stem, the tappet adjusting nuts were so tight that I had to improvise a lever after I broke the handle of the official RE tappet adjusting tool trying to untighten the damn nut, the handlebar is made of butter as it bends very easy in case of a minor crash, had to regrease all of the bearings in the rear drag links, drop links, swing arm and shock absorbers as they were squeaking like crazy at 5000 km (2022 bike bought new). I always use a torque wrench and read the service manual, I wish the folks in India that assembled this motorcycle did the same.

I love your approach to these issues, I have a Honda cb500x but I think the Himalayan is a great bike.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

My other bike is a Honda NC750X. You can't beat Honda's for reliability but I do love my Himalayan. Thanks for watching

In the TEC Bike Parts cam installation instruction video, George mentions that a former RE design engineer told him that the 411 engine was designed for the extreme heat and slow moving city traffic of India, resulting in the factorys' large spec tappet settings. He said that in temps below 30C (86F) he sets his tappets at .008" (0.2032mm) exh., and .003" (0.0762) intake.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Our summers in Bulgaria the temperature between 30c Up to 50c in direct sunlight, so a large valve clearance would apply,but till the engine gets up to that sort of temperature or is running on a cool day due to the large valve gap on exhaust valve 0.23 it is hammering away at the top of the valve stem due to the large gap as the roller on the rocker arm can't keep in contact with the camshaft. Japanese air cooled bikes don't need big gaps like this due to using better materials that either expand at same rate or don't expand so much so they have a lot smaller valve gap.

Excellent Video, thankyou ! you have inspired me to keep my 410 and do the mods as required, I live in a very hot part of Australia and having an air cooled bike that runs way to lean from the factory is a disaster waiting to happen, I have also modified the exhaust system to let those hot gasses flow better and fitted the switchable fuel X in lieu of any future mods, thanks again 👍

@iantoy7778

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching. Good to hear I have given you inspiration. I love my Himmie

The appalling noise put me off buying one. Good to know it can be fixed. Excellent video, thanks.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Glad to help. Thanks for watching

YOU sir are a LEGEND. THANK YOU. You KNOW your stuff! WOW !!! MANY thanks. Regards.

@iantoy7778

Ай бұрын

You're welcome!

Well done, nice work. Thank you, Max

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching

Nice work!

Yeah it's a no brainer doing all the upgrades while it's all apart,gives you peace of mind aswell for the reliability..👍

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

My thoughts too. Thanks for watching the video

Great informative video! I've got a Hunter 350, I'll have to keep an eye on that valve issue when I recheck the valve clearances, next. 40 odd years ago, I bought a tappet adjusting tool for the old car push rod engines of the day. The tool allowed for that indenting on top of the valve stems ....... you screwed the tappet in finger tight till all the clearance was gone then, using the tool, you unscrewed the tappet a certain number of 'clicks' depending on the clearance you wanted. As you rightly say, it's impossible to measure the valve clearance with a feeler gauge, once the valve stem develops an indent. Thanks again for the video and your bike sounds sweet as a nut now! All the best, Phil (UK)

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

That tool sounds good, it over comes the problem. Pleased you enjoyed the video. Out of all the bikes I have owned I still can't put my finger on why I like this bike so much.

@PAGallagher

5 ай бұрын

I fully understand the appeal of the Himalayan, I was on the verge of getting a Scram. I really like their rugged simplicity but then Royal Enfield added a new model to their 350 range, the Hunter, and it ticked all the boxes for me. It took me back to my teens and my first BSA. Hope the new valves perform well!

@paulketchupwitheverything767

5 ай бұрын

I've heard of similar techniques used for clearances but aren't differences in thread pitch used by different manufacturers going to mean that the amount of turn per thou of clearance needs to be considered?

@PAGallagher

5 ай бұрын

@@paulketchupwitheverything767 Exactly so! The tool came with a chart to provide the correct number of 'clicks' for different vehicles as, you rightly point out, the thread pitch for the tappet screws and valve clearances, on different makes and models of vehicle, could be different. I'll have to find out the thread pitch on my Hunter 350 in case I ever need the tool 😊

@stevec-b6214

5 ай бұрын

@@iantoy7778 to me, it is fun to ride slow!. some bikes I have owned ( i have had 45 since 1972) are just not happy bimbling along the back roads.

Wow that sounds like a different bike top job

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Thanks, nearly as quiet as my honda 😆

Excellent video thank you for sharing sir from Singapore.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching

Nice one, thank you for this very informative video. I have an e4 Himalayan with 11K miles on it. At 6K miles I've replaced the cam with the TEC one; that just changed the bike's soul. I previously had the booster plug but after the cam change I actually removed it because the engine was running way too rich with it. I will check my exhaust valve head and in case I will change mine as well (my himmy is rattling as anyone else but yours...).

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Hope you enjoyed the video.

@stevec-b6214

5 ай бұрын

interesting! I have an e4, not fitted the booster plug yet, and the cam is going in next week, so I will hold off on the booster for now - thanks.

I am not a RE expert but the raised portion of the exhaust valve looks designed to improve valve rotation

That was very interesting. I don't ever recall seeing the valve stem dished like that. And of course it will lead to the tappets having a larger gap than the feeler guage used. Also, I love the look of your bike. The colour really suits it.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Glad it helped

@paulketchupwitheverything767

5 ай бұрын

I had a similar problem on a Honda a long time ago. Had the valve tips ground flat and heated to attempt some form of surface hardening (non-specialist) and re-fitted them. It was OK for occasional use for a few years afterwards. Would be interested if RE had any response to the noisy/dished valve. Guessing it's out of warranty.

I haven't read all the comments but I would highly recommend, due to the divot in that valve stem, you change the adjuster screw to match the new valves.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

I removed both adjuster screws and inspected them. They are a lot harder than the valve stems. In fact glass hard as there was no damage on either the exhaust or the inlet. I did try polishing up the exhaust adjuster but it is that hard it didn't touch it. What I did was put the inlet on the exhaust and the exhaust on the inlet. Thanks for your concern.

@azlong4596

5 ай бұрын

Nice to find a utuber who actually knows what they are doing.@@iantoy7778

Excellent job there well worth a watch 😊😊

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching

Very interesting indeed....and a bit of a reality check, from all the bike testers saying RE are the best thing since sliced bread, and "I dont know how they build them at that price".....Well, now we do.....

Damn good video. Amazing job sir. I wish you were the one building RE bikes. My meteor 350 rattles and shatters like hell. I love the ride on my bike but I wished it didn't rattle so much. RE really needs to up their quality. Calling from India. Exceptional video.... Applause👏👏👏👏 Subscribed.

@iantoy7778

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for subscribing and your great comments.

Great video Ian really enjoyed it. Even if some of it went over my head

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

It's now the bike that Royal Enfield should have turned out. It's a great bike. Now in two minds whether to keep it due to the trips I am planning for this year Romania, Serbia, Greece, Turkey. For the distances I will be travelling I could do with something that's got a bit bigger engine but with the comforts, suspension and traits of the Himalayan. Pleased you are enjoying the videos. I am getting slightly better I think lol

@stevec-b6214

5 ай бұрын

no pun intended?

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

@@stevec-b6214 no worries

The best video about valve noise, thanks for the exact and detail information! I drive a scram and i have valve noise when i give quick power. At first i will reduce valve clearance. greetings from germany

@iantoy7778

2 ай бұрын

Thanks. If you have any questions just let me know.

@felixklages1893

2 ай бұрын

@@iantoy7778 I readjusted the valve clearance today: exhaust 0.20 inlet 0.08 is a bit risky. Afterwards I drove 200 km and the engine runs much quieter and the tik tik when accelerating has completely disappeared. I think that 0.23 or 0.25 what RE suggests is clearly too much. This also explains why the valve stem ends are often smashed.

My bike had a strange rattle at 900 miles. I did everything from adjusting valves many times to even changing the cam chain and installing the tech cam. It eventually broke down at 3000 miles with no compression. The exhaust valve guide had worn badly allowing the valve to not seat and damaged the valve seat. I've installed a new complete head and it sounds very smooth now.

@BikingChap

5 ай бұрын

Wasn't it still under warranty at 900 miles?

@OrangeManStan

5 ай бұрын

@@BikingChap no unfortunately not. Again like lots I purchased it second hand from an oldish guy who had it from new. I even checked with the servicing dealer to make sure everything was legit and it all read true. I think it had an issue from new. One of those things.

@OrangeManStan

5 ай бұрын

It was over 2 years old, 2019 bike.

@BikingChap

5 ай бұрын

@@OrangeManStan ahh, frustrating!

Very interesting! Thanks

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching.

Very revealing, subscribed. Makes you wonder how the second hand values are so high. Better not inspect the big end journals 😂

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching

I have to say you are spot on but I am making Hitchcocks rich replacing things that are mainly quality control or manufacturing defects on my 2022 model... Lucky we have them . I also always think OK so the bike was cheap when I bought it but how much am I willing to invest in it to get it running correct ? When you get into the total actual costs it is perhaps better to buy another brand (Japanese ) .....? I love the bike for what I use it for and being an old school ( Old ) biker I enjoy working on my own bike and do not trust my dealer. The Himalayan reminds me of the bikes I used to ride in the 1970's that I was always working on... Triumphs , Harleys ect.. you HAD to be your own mechanic something the younger crowd never had to do and with all the new tech without all the electronic diagnosis tools you are out of luck... so I will keep mine for now and work on it as even with its faults it is low tech and simple and I enjoy the interaction... Lol. Character = working on it a lot....

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Oh my wife has just read your comment. She said it sounds just as if I had written it lol. I also get asked how much more am I going to spend on my bike

@DJPTEXAS

5 ай бұрын

Lol...@@iantoy7778

I saw a post just recently that noted Himalayan valve clearances can be set without feeler gauges, taking account of the thread pitch on the adjusters it turned out that if you wind them down tight and then back off 1/8 turn on the inlet and 1/4 turn on the exhaust, the clearances will be correct. I'm wondering if that is a helpful option for adjusting the exhaust valve if it has that depression as an interim fix if you don't immediately want to do the replacement work. Good video here, I've been umming and ahhing about the Tech cam for a while now, but I think now I'll do it and the valves at the same time.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

I used that system on the exhaust valve myself as there was no other way to measure it. The Tec cam and a new set of valves will sort it out Thanks for watching my video

Thank you for the video.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching

Thanks for the video a great explanation of the issues you found. Mine had the tec cam in about 8 k and it made a discernible difference. I’ve a euro 4 and a dna filter and end cam and it rides very well. One question would you not want to hear a bit of tappet noise while the bike was cold and then the ‘tappet’ noise going as the gap closes as the bike warms up ? I’ll certainly see if I can detect any valve cap wear when I next check my tappets. Certainly got a subscription from me as you explanations are top notch…. Midlands accent Leicestershire/ Nottinghamshire ….? I’m Derby born but more importantly an Enfield rider and a NC 750 dct rider. Rode safe

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Originally from Lincolnshire but spent 20 years in Ilkeston before moving to Bulgaria. My Honda NC750 X cancels out all the repairs I have to do on the Himalayan. Thanks for watching

@yellownev

5 ай бұрын

My lad just moved from Ilkeston - he was down by the canal. Agreed about the NC's - I've had three ! @@iantoy7778

Cracking vids ...subscribed

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Thanks 👍

Excellent video. I have subscribed. I was wondering whether you reground the valve seats to match the slightly reprofiled Hitchcock high performance valve?

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

The Hitchcock valves are Dual seat valves. You can't grind/lap in dual valve seats. You will need to get the valve seats recut to match the valves. The valves are made so the largest part of the valve seat matches the original royal Enfield valve so you can just grind them in as normal. The valve seat area is close to original with a smaller seat on the valve at a different angle near to the stem of the valve. When you grind in anew valve what you are looking for is a thin line in the centre of the valve seat not all the way a cross or at the outer or inner edge. When I ground mine in they was perfect. I have now done over 200 km just to check it . It runs lovely. Will now recheck tappet setting.

I wonder if I can pick your brains. Is the dishing on top of the exhaust valve more prominent on the E5 model,and is there any link between the valve damage and the higher lift camshaft. I can remember a video where the Tech cam designer said the valve clearances were calculated for the climate in India,in more temperate areas you could reduce the clearances quite significantly. I've got an E4 bike on a standard cam,quite happy with the power delivery so won't be trying to improve it. Great videos.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

On my bike my tappets were noisy like they all seem to be. I decided to do some improvements on it. It was when I took the standard cam out to fit the TEC cam that I noticed the damaged valve. I agree that the exhaust valve gap/clearance is too big. I think that is what has caused the damage actually hammering the valve not following it. I would think setting it at 0.20 is still a big gap and would be out of spec on every other bike I can think of. I will be setting mine at 0.19 and obviously keeping an eye on it. I live in Bulgaria where often in the summer it can get to 40-45 degrees centigrade. Thanks for watching my video.

What is the ideal valve clearance in your opinion? I spoke to a local mechanic adjusting a 411 and he said the same thing, that the adjustment was far to wide and he was adjusting them tighter.

Is the cylinder head removal straight forward (Is it the same as in the service manual-Which I admit I have not read yet) on a 2021 BS6 Euro 5 (UK) model with fuel injection? I'm planning on removing the cylinder head myself and taking it to a local mechanic to get a new pair of Hitchcock valves lapped into the head. Then I will fit a TEC cam when I replace the head.1/ Does the oil need to be drained (I'm guessing NOT)? 2/ Do the bolts holding the head to the cylinder block need to be removed in a certain sequence? What about torque values when replacing these bolts (how many are there?). 3/ Apart from holding the cam chain are there any other things I need to watch out for? 4/ Did you have to remove the throttle body/carb entirely or can it just be moved out of the way? Thanks.

Really detailed video thanks for this! Out of interest do you know the history of your bike?Was it a demo ? I’ve got a late euro 4 bike and the tec cam but it’s just sat in a box currently as my bike seems to be running so sweet I don’t want to upset the old girl 😅

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

I suspect it was a demo bike but all I know for sure is that it was imported from Italy

Hello, nice video thanks. I just have a question , where do you find the Nm torque specifications for tiding the bolts? thx

@iantoy7778

4 ай бұрын

There is a workshop manual online. If you do a google search you should find it.

You're extremely brave to buy anything made in India, you should wash your hands after working on this bike to avoid fecal contamination

I guess the problem is, where do you stop when it comes to replacing parts with just about acceptable quality. You may find the same with main and big end bearings along with any ball races in the gearbox, what about the piston? I don’t disagree with you at all and as you said, if you plan to keep a bike you enjoy, it’s worth it. I’ll subscribe to your channel out of interest in your bike and adventures, a Brit in Bulgaria has to be worth watching! Cheers Paul

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Yeah Paul it's always on my mind on how much money and work IAM willing to put into it. I have a honda NC750X very good bike but it has been stood in the workshop most of last year. Just don't have the character of the Himalayan. Think you must have been talking to my wife,she says the same as you 😆😆

@classicrider5274

5 ай бұрын

@@iantoy7778 I know exactly what you mean about character, I feel the same about my bikes, some of my old ones have far more than newer bikes. It’s a fair bit of work to remove the Himalayan head, although you know how to get in there after the cam change. If I wanted to change the cam, I would do exactly as you ended up doing by replacing the valves. The valves Hitchcock supply are very high quality products and I understand plasma nitride coated for wear resistance, I have them in some of my machines. You should get many happy miles from them. Take care.

@stevec-b6214

5 ай бұрын

i see your logic, but I see lots of himmys with over 30,000 miles already, so they can`t be that bad.

A good set of Lash caps might have better hardening than the stock valve stems.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Yeah if the stems had been made a bit longer to accommodate a set ,it would have been the way to go. Save replacing the the valves.

Heads up, Problems I've faced. 1.engine mount screws will come lose(the one near the rear brake pedal) 2.bike pull left or right due to the balancing issue 3.instrument console rattling due to the low quality rubber washer.(near the rpm counter) 4.kick stand coming loose. 5.kick stand sensor problems due to kick stand coming loose. 6.shaking windshield FYI, I use it as a daily in India. Running at 15k Also the rear shock linkage bush will start to rattle.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Thanks for that

I did tec cam, exhaust, fuelx lite but like you resisted the air filter as concerned about water intake when green laning. I then tried the filter and snorkel delete and it amplified the benefit of all the other mods significantly. Until i went through a deep puddle and flooded the engine (water up to tank and bike stuck). After 5x oil flushes i refitted snorkel but left dna filter and the drop in performance was significant to the point of frustrating. So im going to remove snorkel and only refit when i go green laning.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

He who dares wins lol 😂 hope you enjoyed my video

@stevec-b6214

5 ай бұрын

good plan! i will follow your advice.

Exhaust valve on my bs4 looks the same. Also have tec cam full exhaust and ditched the shitty efi and put an hmc carb on it. Its one beastly himalayan. But its still pretty slow. Guess i gotta get the hmc valves next.

@iantoy7778

4 ай бұрын

My valves made a world of difference

Very interesting video. It seems you are right and RE don't use good quality materials. But what occurs to me is if the valves and the cam are like that (the cam after only 2K) what is the rest of the bike like? The crank, oil pump, the gearbox? The headstock bearings, wheel bearings etc.? If it's all that bad you could end up replacing most of the bike, and maybe it'd be easier and cheaper just to buy a Triumph or other more up-market bike instead of an RE?

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Yes I wonder too. I live in Bulgaria selling something you have bought is not very easy. Sold my triumph scrambler 2019 model which is not a cheap bike, the engine was excellent but most everything around it was rubbish.

@gzk6nk

5 ай бұрын

@@iantoy7778 That's interesting. I have a Bonneville Speedmaster 1200 bought new last year so it hasn't done many miles yet (I don't ride in winter) but does look to be well made. Time will tell I guess!

Hi there, Interesting video as I own a Himalayan Scram 411, I see that the 350 Royal Enfield`s (reborn) have a rotating cup on the bottom of the tappet adjusting screw to reduce this valve ware do you think this type of adjusting screw could be fitted to the 411 thus solving the problem. Something tells me they will not fit which seems to me to be a very basic design flaw? You`ve got me thinking whether to change to a 350 classic? regards Mick.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

I believe the cup won't fit as the 350 is a different engine. The cure is to fit the Hitchcock valves as not too expensive for peace of mind.

Hi Ian fantastic vid. Listen can I ask what are the early warning signs of this valve issue to look or listen out for sir?? Mine is 2020. 3400 miles on clock an I’m second new owner cheers.

@iantoy7778

3 ай бұрын

If the engine is rattling reset the valves. OEM setting is 0.08 inlet and 0.23 exhaust. If after doing this it still rattles you need to take the cam cover off, remove the cam and the exhaust rocker arm. You will be able to see the top of the exhaust valve. If it is dished it needs replacing. The OEM valves are soft which is why I decided to fit the Hitchcocks valves. I then set inlet at 0.08 and exhaust at 0.20. I have done between 7-8000 kilometres now and it is still quiet.

@user-cy6yc6tb3t

3 ай бұрын

Many thanks Ian. Fantastic. You know your stuff.

Gee I am worried about my 22 350 classic now, it’s always had excessive valve noise , even after its first service where they were supposedly adjusted.. this doesn’t look good for RE. I thought their quality control had increased but it doesn’t seem to based on your experience. 😬😟

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Maybe get someone to just set your valves for you that knows what they are doing. See how it is then. I think the 350 classic is a lovely bike and nobody makes anything like it. If you think it's the bike for you to keep, fitting the Hitchcock valves should be a solution to the problem.

Hi there, this is the first time I've visited your channel and being a 2022 Himmie owner I found it very interesting. My bike has done 10,100 kms and I'm just about to do a valve check and oil & filter change. My engine has always had some odd mechanical rattles but every RE dealer I've spoken to says it's normal - I don't think it is and I wonder if mine is suffering from the same valve problem as yours.The noise comes on between 3000 and 5000 with the bike under load. Since you did the valve change have you done many kms/longer distances and how did the bike perform ? Has the engine kept quiet ? Your experience would be most valuable to me. Cheers Dave

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

I have only just finished the job. I managed to get out yesterday and do a 200 km shakedown with it. It ran perfect, nice and quiet but as I say I have only done 200 km. I was going to check the valves today but the bike is crapped up from riding yesterday. The roads were filthy as we are in the depths of winter. I got up this morning and it is snowing like mad, so housebound lol. I can't see that there will be a problem as the Hitchcock valves I fitted are glass hard. I ran a file across the old original Royal Enfield valves and I could file them down if I wished. They are just not hardened correctly whereas the Hitchcock valves, a file wouldn't took them. Thanks for watching. Cheers Ian

You stated that the bike was a used example ,do you know if it was run in properly by previous owner . I had been known for some to rag engines ,especially some reviewers & motorcycle press riders . I always run bikes in as specified by the manufacturer & never give them full clogg until they have at least a 1,000 proper miles on them & only when fully warmed up for the odd mile or two . I also never alter air boxes & always use standard factory air filters & oil filters . If indeed the factory RE cam bearing surfaces are at fault due to lack of proper hardening ,there is an equal chance ,that the cam bearing surfaces ,in the cylinder head & rocker cover ,the valve seats & valve guides have also not been hardened to a good standard . It will be interesting to see the results of the new cam & valves after another 5,000 miles . Also I would only use a good quality semi synthetic oil of the correct grade . I once owned a 1980 CB Honda 250 RSA 4 valve head single ,with a similar overhead single cam running in harden surfaces ,with lots of wear & pitting & the bike sounded like a Swiss cobblers shop on piece rate when hot ,but ran reliably for years with no noticeable loss of power .👍

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

All I know is that my bike was imported from Italy and at a guess it may have been a demonstrator at the RE dealership as it had their service stamps in the book. Who knows? If it was a demonstrator 9 times out of 10 it wouldn't have been run in properly. Yes, you are correct, bearings on the crank could go etc. If they do you will see it here on my KZread channel. The bearing surfaces on the cylinder head for the cam and the cam cover look perfect at the moment. As in the video the stock cam didn't look so clever. Lucky for me I always see the glass half full not half empty and I get as much enjoyment out of repairing my bikes as I do riding them. The parts for RE bikes costs pennies anyway relatively speaking. I used to build custom bikes, mainly Harley Davidson and usually worked on pre Evo and Shovel models from the 70's which wasn't much different to working on the Royal Enfield. It might not be everyone's outlook on motorcycling but it's part of the enjoyment for me. Hope you enjoyed the video 👍

@maskedavenger2578

5 ай бұрын

@@iantoy7778 I suppose with them being simple budget singles , they wouldn’t cost that much or present any difficulty to rebuild for persons like yourself & me who have experience & get enjoyment from the mechanical aspect of owning motorcycles . I bought an ex demo bike & was lucky as the dealer only allowed chaperoned test rides limited to running in speeds . The bike a Suzuki V strom with less than 900 miles on it ,hardly showed any signs or wear from being ridden & looked & rode as if it had come straight from the factory . I look forward to seeing more of your content 👍

Can I use any valve tool for compressing the valve spring or is there a special one for the 411 Getting ahead of problems before they arrive is by far the best way to go When you buy the valves from hitchcocks, do you use the old lugs to hold the spring in place or buy new

@iantoy7778

7 күн бұрын

@@guyonacub4335 the one I used was the old style g clamp shape valve spring compressor. Use the the original collets

I purchased the valves but I am still trying to get the Tec cam. The company is slow responding and I am thinking I will probably have to return to Hitchcocks for their cam because they seem to have better customer service. But when I went to the RE shop for the head gasket, they insisted that I needed to replace the base gasket for the cylinder as well if I pulled the head. I dislike the idea of pulling the sleeve off the piston. Did you change that gasket and did you have any problems with leakage?

@iantoy7778

Ай бұрын

No I did not replace the base gasket. If you look at the barrel when you have removed the cylinder head there are still two bolts that are on the base of the barrel that keep the barrel in place so you have not disturbed the base gasket. Mine has never leaked.

@danielben-avraham1539

Ай бұрын

@@iantoy7778 Thank you so much for your response. I guess I bought the gasket for nothing but it is good to know that I do not need to use it. Did you have problems with Tec's customer service? Everything is email and since I am buying from South America, I had shipping questions which they never answered and then are slow in responding to my order request which they said had to be done manually since I am drop shipping to the US. No phone contact means no clear answers and grueling time consuming e-mail tag. I am seriously thinking after a month of trying, I might just have to go back to Hitchcocks and spend $60 more for their Kent cam. They seem to be a lot easier to deal with.

I’ve been thinking of buying a used Himalayan but wonder if the euro 4 is a safer bet than the later 5 ?

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Mechanically they are both the same. It's only the ECU electronics that are different. All the mechanical parts are the same on both the euro 4 and euro 5 models.

@Taedy

5 ай бұрын

@@iantoy7778 I was thinking maybe production quality had dipped?

Nice assement, I have a new 411, am aware of some issues, I have some ie moisture in speedo, reluctance to not start / temperature sensor, but with yours there is 2k of known " servicing". If original owner did not " mollycoddle" 3000rpm max 1st 300 miles and 3500 1st 1000 miles and did not change the oil is the resultant damage possibly due to this. Note when I bought mine I only realsed the above running in requirements by reading the manual at home as delivery day was torrential rain. , ( dealer gave no advice )if I had not had the bike delivered ( because it was cheaper than a train ride/ ticket, likely I would have done the 60 miles home at 50/ 60 mph). Also just supposing valve clearances were not checked prior to you buying, would the exhaust valve not possibly close up, again causing the dent in valve. If I am completely wrong, please explain, as a 67 year old returnee to bikes, I ( think) have forgotten so much. Thanks for your vids Rog - central southern uk

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching, you maybe right. I wondered if mine had been a demonstration bike and never run in at all. All the people riding it would not have cared about the running in period. I will never know.

@rogerwilkes9704

5 ай бұрын

No need reply, but on 300 mile service, I asked if I could see the " debris" if any from the oil/ oil filter, as I have seen a few comments of " no obvious swarf etc" after initial oil change - which has to be good. Did you assess the oil/ filter for contaminate at all ( indeed if it is possible/ practical to do so). As a side issue my now 480 mile 6 week old 2023 bike, has shown an occasional delay in starting up after a brief stop. I believe the std battery is initially dropping well below 12V briefly, on my tyre pressure monitors v9ltage readout., So likely going sub 11V and the " computer" is not so happy. In UK this was £30 for the Exide battery( most were £50+ £8 for Hella fuel pump relay a d £7 for 4 Chinese " spare relays" as methinks " shovelling" out the white grease, insering each relay 3/4 times to seat and a light electrical grease might be OK. Well unlikely all 4 will fail and carrying a couple on board takes so little room. Again appreciate any 411 knowledge- such a wonde4f7lly personal bike- can go on, but starting from the frame - in 50 years of bikes nearest to this bik3s frame wo7ld be an MZ es250 single 2 stroke ( agree light weight can help, but a good frame gives confidence)

looks to me like the hardening is too thin. Try facing the stem when it's stripped down and see how hard it is. Are the valve stem sides peened out? . . it wont come out through the guide without grinding. The clearance would have to be pretty large to pound the stems like that. Car valves last a hundred thousand miles before they look like this. re the cam wear . .normally the aluminium journal in the head gets chewed first. You might want to check oil flow to the top end.

@marksmallman4572

5 ай бұрын

I have never seen valve stem dishing like that and have had dozens of engines apart, built to a price in India..

Great video very informative.....thanks .....don't give your address out there would be dozens on your driveway next morning 😅

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Thanks. Hope you enjoyed the video

Have a question is it a 2021 or 2022 model ? If you turn ignition key what number you can read there 10301 ?

@iantoy7778

Ай бұрын

It's a 2021 Euro 5 model

Had this problem on a CG125, but it had done.... 73,000 miles 😂

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

That's Honda reliability 😂

Those panniers look like ammo boxes. How did you make the mounts for them?

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

I have soft pannier rails on my bike which already had some pre-drilled mounting holes in them. I drilled two holes in the ammo box in the correct place to mount them to the rails with rubber bushing between the rails and ammo box.

@BillMitchell-lm8dg

5 ай бұрын

@@iantoy7778 - Good mod! They look rugged and functional and appropriate for the bike.

hitchcocks mention re-cutting the valve seat to match the angles on the new valve?

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Yeah the Hitchcock valve is a duel seat valve. They have designed it so the larger part of the valve is used as the OEM valve, so just grind it in as you would the OEM valve. They have cut another smaller seat on the valve nearer the valve stem as a performance valve but to get the benefit of this performance valve you need to have the cylinder head machined and the valve seats recut to the valve spec . In my opinion just not worth the money or effort on the Himalayan as it has no performance to start with , won't flow anymore air through the cylinder head. Hitchcock's advice to only do it if your seats are damaged in which case you would be machining the head anyway.

@stevec-b6214

5 ай бұрын

@@iantoy7778 thanks! every day is a school day ;)

@fullthrottle2008

5 ай бұрын

Thanks for this, I was about to ask the same question!

Hi, with so few miles why was not covered by the RE guarantee?

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

I would sooner fix it my self. If the valve was no good after 6000km what is the point of replacing it with the same poor quality parts. They would not fit Hitchcock's valves under warranty.

Do you think all royal Enfields have this problem with cheap metal or is it just the Himalayan exhaust valve? In which case you could be right about the big gap setting.

@iantoy7778

2 ай бұрын

They are all built to the same quantity . The large valve gap will not help. Everyone seems to except that they all rattle so it must be ok. It's not.

@neilfields5914

2 ай бұрын

@@iantoy7778 I wonder what that exhaust gap measures when the engine is hot, it would be worth trying a tighter setting if there’s still a lot of play. But then again it’s not a 5 minute job to put right if damage is done.

Just a further thought. Why not use fully synthetic oil? I have been fully synthetic for the last 20 years, even on my classic cars and bikes. (Even my 1936 Austin 7). I don't see the point in using substandard oils, just because that was what they had back in the day.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

The stock oil is semi synthetic, I am not keen on fully synthetic oil on a roller bearing crank.

So was the main source of the rattle the valves? Worn exhaust valve ?

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

The rattle at the top of the engine was definitely the valves (exhaust valve) and that is now quiet. The rest of the noise was the oil pump drive chain and gear ,I have now sorted that out . I have a video on what I did. The engine is now as good as it can be and to me it is as it should be. But really on the milage it is not acceptable,but it's a royal Enfield and something we live with.

Surely there is an oil supply problem to the exhaust valve? You need a decent seat width to get the heat away from the valve. That new ones seat looks too narrow.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

The oil supply is pumped up to the cylinder head into a trough / tray that the cam lobes dip into and throw the oil around the cylinder head. Basically it's splash fed. There is not a lot you can do with the oil supply.

@andrewhayes4246

5 ай бұрын

@@iantoy7778 when you looked at the valve stem from the side, was the metal around the rim of the 'dent' raised up? It does sound like the metal is too soft as you say. That's a bit disappointing. I'm about to buy a classic - I hope they aren't the same.

I would have liked to see how you lapped the valves.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

I lapped the valves in the only way that I know and is how I have done them for about 50 years by hand. I used a valve tool with suckers to stick to the valve head using firstly course valve grinding paste and then finishing off with fine grinding paste.

@BillMitchell-lm8dg

5 ай бұрын

@@iantoy7778 - It soounds like an exercise in knowing when to stop. How do you judge when to change the paste? Was the only alignment tool the feeling you got through your fingers? What a good video that would have made!

Poor heat treatment when the valve was manufactured resulting in material being too soft.

If the valve is soft (relatively speaking) what about the rockers?

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

The end that runs on the cam is a roller with a bearing in. Just check them for any play in the bearings or marks on the roller. Mine had none. The adjuster which as you know sits on the valve, the exhaust adjuster had some slight marks on it. Obviously the adjuster is a lot harder than the valve stem. I took both the adjusters out of the exhaust and inlet rockers. I polished up the exhaust adjuster with some fine wet and dry, it didn't really need anything doing but just did it as a matter of course. I then put the exhaust adjuster in the inlet side and the inlet adjuster in the exhaust side. You couldn't tell the difference between either anyway. I have just returned from doing a 200km shakedown and it runs lovely. I will be checking the tappet clearance tomorrow but it ran fine.

question after how manny miles do you have that problem ?

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

I bought it at 1200 miles and the tappets were noisy then. I just thought that maybe when the bike was first serviced at the main dealer the tappets hadn't been adjusted. It didn't matter how many times I set them it didn't quieten them down. It was only when I fitted the TEC cam that I saw the valve was worn. This was at about 3400 miles.

With the Hitchcock cam, can you hold 70mph (112kph) on highways for long periods?

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

With the TEC cam (the valves are Hitchcocks), you can sit at 70 mph if you wish after changing the front sprocket to 16 tooth which reduces the revs but I don't usually run my engine on this at more than 5000 rpm which is 65-70 mph.

@BillMitchell-lm8dg

5 ай бұрын

@@iantoy7778 - Here in California, that is a tolerable highway speed, although it will always be in the slow lane. Getting to trail heads is part of the adventure of an off-road bike.

It’s a shame it’s “not now to do it” perhaps you should reconsider!

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

IAM afraid there are too many KZread mechanics that sit on the sofa that don't know anything, don't own a bike but are experts with the laptop at telling you what you have done wrong. This is why I don't go into step by step how to do things can't put up with all the grief from the trolls. The people who appreciate the videos are missing out because of the sofa experts who are like a dog with a bone. 😉

@stephenhalsall6580

5 ай бұрын

@@iantoy7778 I’m really sorry to read this, but I see it from your point of view, some folk are pathetic. I’ve learnt so much and been informed by people like yourself, so being put off by morons makes KZread less valuable. Your videos have made me more. Aware, as to what to look for when buying secondhand and to make allowances for the fixes. Stay strong. Respect.

Royal Enfield are cheap for a reason, I almost got one until I spoke to a few people that own one of the new ones, I changed my mind quickly lol

Yikes , RE quality is pretty poor ! I assumed that they had improved in recent years . If the valves are bad [ welded valves ! ], the cam hardening is defective and the chain for the oil pump flaps about like my mum's washing on the line , what is the rest of the bike like ? I restored a '58 RE Constellation a couple of years ago , I replaced the gearbox layshaft with a new RE one [ same part as a Bullet ] , it lasted all of 35 miles before it snapped smashing the gearbox casing and two gears . Hitchcocks were first class and sent me replacements for all the broken bits , but I insisted on having s/h British parts rather than new Indian parts . I have looked at the new RE bikes that people rave about , and then I look at the price and think about the quality aspect and then I think , no thanks, not for me . Anyways thanks for the video , I like your no BS style and I hope your Himmy runs good for you as you obviously love that bike despite it's faults .

@iantoy7778

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching. I know it has it's faults but I do love the Himmy.

With your degree of care and involvement, why don't you go with a fullly synthetic engine/tranny oil like Motul's 300V 4T Factory Line 10W-50? It's recommended, I believe, for Royal Enfield's 650cc engines.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

As the Himalayan is old schooled air cooled engine it is also roller ball bearing crank which is very 70's/ 80's technology instead of the crank running direct on a hardened bearing surface in the crankcase like most modern engines. I won' t use fully synthetic in it or any engine that has ball bearing crank bearings as fully synthetic can cause the bearings to skid instead of roll. The oil that has been used in it since I owned it has been Castrol 15W-50 semi-synthetic. I am going to change the oil that I am using now to Belray 20W-50 motorcycle mineral oil for air cooled engines. It is also suitable for wet clutches.

Can't harden mud !

olready after 6000 km problems whit te valves how is dat possibel ?

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

My thoughts are poor quality materials

Could have shown the earlier valve noise vs after. My friend’s bike also makes a noise, but it’s a relatively new bike, only 6-7000 km.

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Check on the oil pump drive chain video,you can clearly hear the noise the tappets/ valves are making.

Reminds me of the RE’s of the 50s 60s a load of junk!!!

I suppose you get what you pay for. How can you put up with a gutless old tech bike the needs attention in such short mileage. Be different if it delivered double the horsepower. Warranty??

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

I just like the bike. I have a honda NC750X and never ride it. I would sooner fix the bike my self then I know it's done correctly.

@martykath4427

5 ай бұрын

I'm an adventure rider too though I went the KTM 530 route. They're plenty fast enough for a 70 y o though they scare off short people. I do about 3000 miles a year and have had it for 10 years and recently reconditioned the top end- piston and camchain. Will go anywhere.

history, new model bike but same old problems. what is going on!?!?

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Think royal Enfield has always built there bikes like this and it has just been accepted for what they are. Thing is now they have stepped in to the arena of the the Japanese and the ever improving Chinese bikes and need to up there game. They are turning out bikes people want to buy but have to realise we want Japanese quality irrelevant log cost.

More than likely bad hear treatment quality control.

Well all I learned from that is, don’t by a Royal Enfield. Thank you for the advice.

3000ml new cylinder head under warranty valve guide fell out,! Rubbish quality

@iantoy7778

5 ай бұрын

Sorry to hear that