Welcome to my channel.
My name is Ian. I am 65 now and have been riding bikes since I was a teenager. As a qualified mechanic and engineer I had my own bike business for many years always maintaining my own bikes and built many custom bikes over the years. I raced enduro bikes in the British Championship in my younger days.
I live in Bulgaria now and love to ride in the mountains both on and off-road. I will be taking you along on my travels throughout Bulgaria and also neighboring countries Romania, Greece etc. Many of these trips will involve camping.
I will also post videos on servicing and repairs, sharing my knowledge with you.
These days I prefer the Retro style bikes hence my Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 and Royal Enfield Bullet 500 B5 model.
If you are interested in my journey please like and subscribe to my channel.
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HI GREAT VID AGAIN, I LIVE IN SCOTLAND, BELEIVE IT OR NOT IT 8.5 DEGREES THIS MORNING GOING TO WORK, IT WAS EVEN SNOWING IN GLENCOE TODAY, IT'S BEEN A TERRIBLE SUMMMER HERE, WIND AND RAIN MOST DAYS, WHAT I WOULD DO FOR A BIT OF WARMTH, MIND YOU 40 DEGREES IS A BIT TO TOASTY. A DISCREET TRACKER IS A GOOD IDEA, ALWAYS SOME SCROAT WANTING TO NICK YER BIKE. SOME OF 5HE ROADS THERE LOOK AWFULL. THOUGHT THE POTHOLES WERE BAD HERE, NOT AS BAD AS SOME OF YOU'RE ROADS OVER THERE. LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT ONE😎👍
I use a samsung smart tag, easy to hide, battery lasts about a year so not hard wired and just bought one from amazon for £18. They ping of other phones to give location on an app on your phone. Works great for me.
If it gives you peace of mind fit one. For over ten years i have fitted a flashing l.e.d. into the rear light of my biked thereby utilising the lamps light reflective capability. A 3mm led with two lives to it. A battery fed live and a ignition fed live. Ign off and that live becomes an earth and light flashes. Ive had dozens of people on ferrys,car parks etc shout " your alarms flashing mate" £1.99 bargain of the century. Pair that with your tracker and its belt and braces 👍
I think it's great that Sue cares about you to the point that given your heart history it gives her some peace of mind knowing where you are so she can take action if she thinks you are in difficulty. Consider it like having a free bodyguard mate. I have no tracker on my bikes but they live indoors and are rarely out of sight. I also live on the Isle of Wight, which is very safe. If I lived in a major city on the mainland I'd definitely have one but have no idea which one.
I've had a system put on the Classic 350 I'm collecting next Thursday called Alpha Dot. The bike has lots of small dots painted on that have my ownership details. However looking on their website it doesn't really explain how it worx in detail. It isn't actually a tracker either.
Interesting pillion viewpoint. I’ve done most of my riding solo, but now that my wife and I are retired, we’re doing more two-up rides. She’s about the same height as your wife, and shares some of her issues. Primarily, she struggles somewhat getting on and off my VStrom 1000. It’s a great bike for a passenger once onboard, but climbing on is a challenge. We find having a top box does make it easier, though that seems counterintuitive. I also have a 650 Interceptor and we ride it together. I added a backrest to make it more comfortable. Honestly, we both prefer the Interceptor in many ways. It’s not as intimidating and it is more relaxing on slower back roads. We live in the Appalachian mountains here in the US, so we have similar terrain to you. I’m finding the mid-40 horsepower of the Interceptor is fine for traveling up to about 70 or 75 mph once I replaced the OE Ceat tires. They made 60 feel like the maximum cruising speed. I don’t know if it was poor balancing, or just a questionable tread pattern, but I really like the bike with the Bridgestone tires I have now. Many complain about the suspension on the Interceptor, but on decent roads it’s fine. If you decide to replace one of your bikes, I’d recommend trying the Interceptor before you make a purchase.
This is Sue. I agree totally about the top box. Ian had one on a Breva 1100 and I found it a great help especially with getting off the bike. I hope you and your wife have many happy rides together.
I love the fact Sue checks on you, I can understand it 😅 I also have problem with heart and lungs, I'm known to pass out, rarely but it happens, never on the bike thankfully! I haven't got any tracker as I don't leave it anywhere out of view for a long period of time, but I should being in the UK as you said. Cheers 👍🏼
I know she's got my best interests at heart. She looks after me well
That marsh grey was the most beautiful color for the Bullitt, loved the forest/hunter green also.
I much prefer your old method of filming how a job is done. People who are clicking off after 10 minutes are not actually going to do the job. Someone who is going to do it wants as much step by step detail as possible.
This video was a one off to test the water. The following videos are back to the normal format.
It would be a terrible shame to get ride of the Bullet! Have you considered putting a 535 or a 612 kit in it? One of my 500s has the Hitchcocks 535 kit and it makes a huge difference. I use that one for pulling my sidecar.
I like the Bullet too much to let it go. Might have to get something else for 2 up riding
Very interesting review and I agree totally regarding the limitations of the 500. It’s still a great bike providing you stick to anything below 60mph. Above 60 mph, and as Sue pointed out - vibrations make it uncomfortable, particularly on long journeys. However, beautiful bike, weather, scenery and wife - what more could a man ask for?
I have a lucky husband lol. Pleased you enjoyed the video. Ride safe Sue
Yes it was interesting and thanks for sharing I was on the fence between the 500 and the new 350 and after many videos and vlogs I opted for the 650 interceptor- a 2022 with 2300 miles loaded with extras for 4000 US dollars minty condition And my main reason for this was having the ability to get out of potential trouble I have been on two wheels in the past 60 years that I lost count of all the bikes I owned but looking to downsize decided on the interceptor as my last bike was a 650 v strom which I really liked a lot but is a little top heavy and a hard bike to get a leg over Wishing you all the best And not sure if I would keep 2 low horse bikes Regards from Florida
Totally agree on having the ability to get out of potential trouble. No matter how good a rider you are there is always somebody being the idiot and trying to cause you problems. I think a larger power bike will be coming up especially for taking Sue out.
Yes it was interesting and thanks for sharing I was on the fence between the 500 and the new 350 and after many videos and vlogs I opted for the 650 interceptor- a 2022 with 2300 miles loaded with extras for 4000 US dollars minty condition And my main reason for this was having the ability to get out of potential trouble I have been on two wheels in the past 60 years that I lost count of all the bikes I owned but looking to downsize decided on the interceptor as my last bike was a 650 v strom which I really liked a lot but is a little top heavy and a hard bike to get a leg over Wishing you all the best And not sure if I would keep 2 low horse bikes Regards from Florida
Nice to see you out enjoying the bike, well done Sue on a good report (vibration etc) from the pillion seat. The 500 classic is a very good looking bike (to people of a certain age?) I also agree you can get a feel for a bike with loaning one but its not the same as owning it. thanks for the nice ride out in the sunshine, and its great to hear from genuine motorcycle people. still just get audio playing when I hit the join button (no idea what that is about at all sorry). take care, till next time, Don.
Thanks Don. Unfortunately we are off that certain age you mention lol
I have a newer 350 classic and it's much the same as your bullet... I always heard how people said after I sold my classic 500 that the new J series isn't as powerful as the old 500s but it doesn't have the vibration and pulls 2 up just fine. I also have a himi, which I take to Spain to ride the mountain roads... And it's superb 2 up, my wife is 5ft 2 also and small, I am 19stone ex prop😂 and it holds power superbly, faster roads it sits at 65 and rarely drops to 60 on good hills and it has enough power to spin up to 75 to overtake. My 350 is more leisurely but still far better than my classic 500 I had 😊
We'll give you our thoughts on the Himalayan soon. Sue came out with me on it a while ago and found it comfortable. She just has a problem getting off it due to her knee.
@iantoy7778 it is high but wifey grabs hold of me and gets on ok.... I do find a sympathetic kerb now and again mind 🤣
Hi guys, my only frustration with my 350 classic is its lack of top speed, but then in the real world out on Sunday riding the coast road to Granville from Mont st Michel via pontabault Averanches a mix of all types of roads going into Granville followed 2 guys riding a 1100 monster and a MT Yamaha and to be honest on the straight bits they would pull away a bit but next set of bends / junction / traffic / etc and we’re all doing the same did I miss that 15 kmph that I feel it needs ! Nope not at all, did 150km Sunday, again completely satisfied with my ride, relaxed, clear headed, and luckily not frustrated with traffic 🥴 nice to see you both, Sarah loves it on the back of the classic Sue, but luckily she doesn’t have to cope with dodgy road surfaces and traffic, good vid guys …. Pete🇫🇷
Must admit previously when we have been out 2 up on the Bullet the roads have been much better. I thought the bike was great. The mountain road this time though was definitely not Bullet terrain especially 2 up. Cheers Sue
Too many people rush around,it's nice to bimble around taking in the beautiful scenery, great video Ian and Sue 🙂🏍🇬🇧🌞
Glad you enjoyed it. We like to look at the beautiful scenery. Up in the mountains it is so pretty
My 500 has more power than my Himalayan. However, I don't believe either was meant to do long rides with a pillion. This is why I bought a Super Meteor 650 Touring for the wife and I to tour around on. Plenty of power and comfortable. Bumps are a little jarring, but the bike handles them well. A great bike for 2 up riding. I do have a pillion seat on my bullet but ride solo. It's my "me time" ride. My Himalayan and my KLR 650 are my mules for commuting and camping. If I wanted a fast bike I'd have bought another sport bike or a big adventure bike. Speed and power were fun in my younger years but as I've gotten older (now 52), I've realized enjoyment comes from slowing down, taking in the scenery, and enjoying the ride. I'm not worried about the impatient drivers and speed demon riders. Let'em pass.
I think that both of you need to go back to GB where there is a lot of twisty roads with actually no traffic. I do think that you would enjoy it. Yeah I do know why you leaved GB and it is entirely your own decision, which I respect. I live in Sweden and that is of course a completely different story. Have a great day on the Enfield!
I do miss the English roads but not the lifestyle there
Good video , very objective and honest . 500 cc is not a big bike these days , most small cars will be faster . For me , motorcycles are about performance , the ability to accelerate away from trouble is very important . But it is very rarely mentioned. So I'm glad you brought it up . You can always ride slowly on a fast bike too , hard sometimes , I know . Re bike choice , it's " horses for courses " . I too , have specced out a bike and thought it would be ideal , only to find when I rode it , that it was not what I expected . But part of the fun is the search for a new machine . Good luck .
Thanks. Totally agree with your comments
By total coincidence I have fitted the same USB charger to my Classic 500 while I had the tank off to change the fuel pump ring seal and fit a Fuel X Lite kit to the bike. I fitted mine to the handlebars and used one of the bikes earthing points to the frame in front of the seat but you've done a really neat job there. Very nice. I'm going to pick up a USB powered air pump because this charger switches automatically between 5V, 9V and 12V when required. Great video and thank you for your channel content because my other bike is a Himalayan 🙂
Thanks. Surprising how many of my subscribers have at least two Royal Enfields in their garage.
Here on the Isle of Wight it is pretty much all twisty roads and people tend to stick to the speed limit or less. I've ridden in Britain and through France and have found that so long as you can cruise faster than the lorries, which are speed limited, I have no problem but then I don't carry a pillion. In Bulgaria with their drivers maybe an Interceptor is the answer but then I could never give up a 500. They are a very special machine. So much character and way better than the new 350's, which are basically modern half plastic bikes, just made to look like a 500. The 500 also has 30+% more power and 30+% more torque than the new 350.
Sue doesn't want me to sell the Bullet so I think that one is safe. Maybe a faster bike as it's stablemate is the answer.
Ive toured two up with luggage on a himalayan (Im a big lad built for comfort not speed but had a light pillion) and vibration and speed wasnt really an issue although 70/75 was on the edge of its comfort zone. Biggest problem was pillion space/room on the seating which was cosy to say the least. It will be interesting to see how you two get on. I have my 11500 mile yam xjr for distance,comfort and grunt. Keep them coming. 👍
Will let you know how we get on with the Himalayan
Great review. Don't usually get a pillion rider review. Do i get a hint that you might be talking yourself into getting another bike? If so, i have been there on many occasions 😅
Watch this space as they say 😂
One problem Ian is that the Bullet is a old design trying to coup with traffic 40 -50 years from its design period! when I started riding in the 70's a 500 was a semi large bike! now days it's considered small. But one positive thing was it coped with you and Sue on it impatience of any driver whatever the country is a sad thing 🤬
Yes impatience is the answer coupled with stupidity. Life is precious
You spoke about the artic drivers. Have you ridden or driven in Serbia or any of the other former Yugoslavian countries. The lorry drivers over take in gangs on mountain bends there. I think it must be like a sport for the drivers. Lots of little memorial stones on the roadside with a picture of the fallen drivers.
We have driven through many of the former eastern bloc countries. They all drive like maniacs just like the Bulgarians. There are many roadside memorials over here. You drive past some of them and think Why? Straight roads with perfect visibility so can only be impatience or stupidity.
@@iantoy7778 Overtaking on mountain road hairpins must be part of the driving test. Not boy racer only. We saw Mr driving Mrs plus kids full pelt on treacherous roads with sheer drops and no alcove. They loved it🙂🙃
Great to have you both together for the conclusion! Apart my Himalayan that I bought this year for riding in the speed limits without too much pain, I kept my Suzuki GSX 1400 to ride with my wife in the swiss mountains where we live. Heat and lorries remember me my travels in the 70's on my 125 DTMX... Same problem, but the 70's lorries produced so much soot that our faces became... black 😅
You have the right idea. We are talking about a bigger / more powerful bike for riding together. I remember the old lorries well. You certainly didn't want to get stuck behind one of them
You will be fine with the bullet on Transfăgărășan . It is steep but there are many many curves, so, a moderate speed won't be an issue.
I rode it last year on my Honda NC750X. Will be at a slower pace this year
@@iantoy7778 yes. 54 is the double of 27. Slower pace does not equate to les fun. Maybe we will meet there: you 2up on the bullet and me and my wife on the classic 350.
It's nice to find that Value for Money deal when it comes to suspension upgrade, YSS seems to offer that, I on the other hand I'm not happy what what supposed to be a decent Italian suspension Brand BITUBO, very disappointed with it, worst €400 euros I spend on my motorcycle😢
Never used that brand myself but I have read good reviews. Italian parts are usually good
@@iantoy7778 usually yes, but In my case it was a full disappointment😞 as we used to say sometimes, " cheap can be expensive "
Great review, I know the feeling, I make sure i always stick to country/small roads, im 34 and still need to stop after an hour for a leg stretch, pot holes in the uk are getting worse but hey all fun isnt it! Only thing i really struggle with.. when stopped in idle in traffic, i find my vision wobbles due to the vibration.. 🫨
Battery death issues on the 411 Himmys are down to the gear indicator unit in the left side of the engine being permanently live so supplied with a constant 12V supply, if you disconnect that unswitched supply & reconnect it to a switched live (I've seen several wired to the rear light feed) then this cures the short battery life issues with this model. I can't say you'll never need to replace the battery again but you should then expect to get a normal life out of one, I've been told Hitchcocks can supply a get around kit to resolve the issue as well if you dont fancy cutting & splicing wires ?
I've never had a problem with my battery. As you say it is not difficult to resolve the issue if it does arise.
Hi Ian, I know its hot but please wear some gloves when riding. You only get one skin! I see many Americans and other you tubers either wearing silly gloves or none at all. Having spent 3 weeks in hospital I know how important its is.
@@paulbillingham4594 I always wear gloves usually but when IAM filming and you are switching the camera on and of every few minutes or even every 20 seconds I can't work the switches on the camera wearing gloves.Also as it's so hot here it's difficult to get you gloves on and off because sweating hands.That's why you always see me on video with no gloves. I do understand where you are coming from though. Thanks
I made my best experience with the "MEFO MFE 99 Explorer" similar to the Heidenau, made by Heidenau for MEFO, a company that makes parts for motocross. Well known here in Germany in the ADV rider and traveller groups. The rear one comes with 12mm of tread (!), actually i made 16.000km and there is tread left for 2-3tkm more. The front one comes with 8 or 9mm and has 3 different compounds. I had to change it after 10tkm after a french alps trip, because the corners killed the tread on the sides. It is so soft that you can lean easily until the pegs touch the ground. Made some thousand km im mexico with the same tires and it went perfect too. 190% recomendation.
I can still sense a bit off hurt in your voice Friends- well, what can I say Binned most of our friends as we always made the effort to drive down 300 miles to see them, but they could never find the time to come and see us This went on for some time until I lost the plot and told them what I thought of them I've have never felt so much better without them Your wife is and always will be your best friend I hope to pay you a visit one day on my himmy and remind you that you have made the best decision in life by moving away and making you and your wife the priority Chin up, ride safe, and keep doing what you're doing as you do it well Tee shirts/ key rings/ stickers is your next career move
It's in times of need you find out who your real friends are. As you say my wife is and always will be my best friend through thick and thin. Ride safe
Not "climate change" it's called weather, no need to help the global elites push there lie.
Lovely to see your veggies growing but sorry about the water situation. There seem to be problems worldwide. I wish countries would stop cloud seeding. "Climate The Movie" is an eye opener.
It sure is an eye opener. The governments need to wake up. Thanks for watching
Hi Sue & Ian, hopefully you soon have a reprieve from the heatwave with some welcoming rain & cooler weather.. do you have water restrictions where you are? Looks like your doing all you can to protect your gardens. Take care.. cheer’s Phil 🇦🇺
Hi Phil, We actually had a massive storm yesterday which brought some temporary relief. The heatwave is forecast to come back though from tomorrow. At the moment the local water company has requested everyone cuts back but it is only a matter of time before hosepipe bans are brought in. Some parts of the country already have them. I just keep plodding on lol. Cheers Sue
Fantastic !!!
Thank you! Cheers!
Didn't realise you lived in Bulgaria, East mids accent.
We've been in Bulgaria since 2011 but both of us originate from the East Mids area.
Thank you sue for showing us around, glad to see you more on camera, wish i had a big enough garden like yours to grow all sorts Cheers 👍🏼
It's hard work but worth it.
Sue is clearly as passionate about the garden as you are about your enfields 🌞🙂👍🇬🇧🏍
Yes well said
That’s ashamed as I know how much work Sue and you put into the garden
You're lucky in your part of BG. You've had a fair amount of rain
As the Danube is high can they not pump water from it for irrigation? Very interesting video thanx. I was wondering about the garden so it was good to see an update.
Unfortunately it is not allowed to drive water from the Danube. Thanks for watching. I know you have been asking Ian about my garden a few times.
@@iantoy7778 I suppose it affects other countries on the river's course really. Heat wise here in southern England we had a day upto around 30c. We're now back down to 18c. BRRRH
If you would like to help support the channel please consider clicking the link below. Any donations will be used to help fund more content for the channel. buymeacoffee.com/iantoy364w
It's not climate change.
Excellent comparison and chat. I've got a 2016 classic 500 and it sure is a smashing bike. One of the lightest clutches and slickest gearboxes on any bike i've had and I've had a LOT lol. I'm seriously considering selling my kawasaki 650 verseys to get a Scram 411 warts an all. They are very cheap now - £3300 for a new one must surely be a bargain!!!!!! I've test rode both the scram and the Himmy but the Scram felt more comfy and a bit more sprightly and fun than the Himmy. The fact that it will probably need a bit of fettling actually appeals to me as I've always spannered on my bikes over the years starting with a BSA C15 as my first bike way back in 1979 and I have a soft spot for Velocette singles
@@timparry5028 the scram is a nice bike, it looks a bit lighter than the Himalayan,steers faster with the 19" front wheel.
@@iantoy7778 Yes I definately noticed the quicker steering compared to the Himmy. I'm no off roader so the scram just fits my needs better. Thanks for your input
YOU are a VERY TALENTED man. I do ENJOY watching your video's. Thank You.
Glad you like them!
I was VERY VERY SURPRISED you did not start it up!!!! I/we were WAITING. May I ask why please? May I ask please WHY did you replace the header pipe? Why not just purchase the muffler/silencer? Would the new header pipe make any difference??? THANK YOU sir. GREAT video's. (Subbed) Hav a gd 1 Ian. Greetings from 'OZ'. (Australia)
@@tpv59 did not start it up because I still had jobs Todo that needed the tank off. There are plenty of videos since that you can hear it running. I replaced the front pipe because it was really scabby and ruff looking. As the rest of the bike looks mint now it would have spoilt it. I did not replace the rear silencer. As I don't like the noise of the aftermarket silencer ,they sound cheap. They might sound ok when running full bore down the road but in town they sound crap. Also in Bulgaria we have a problem with street dogs they sit around the streets in the village's in packs and when they hear you coming run out into the road to get you. They just don't like noisy bikes. Also the police are clamping down on bike exhaust systems ,they check the stamp marks for the EU number of compliance. The new front pipe does not have a Cat in it so it removes one of the restrictions but it still has two more in the stock rear silencer.
@@iantoy7778 THANK YOU sir. All I can say is Thank You for the reply and I do APPRECIATE your time in doing so. Regards.
At last my wife is wrong 😂😂😂 I did the valve adjustment on my previous himalayan and could never get it right, I sat on the floor with head in hands telling her the engine must go in the direction of travel She told me enfield must know what they are doing 😂😂 Keep doing what your doing as you do it well Wife can now do the walk of shame 😅
No comment 😂
Glad you enjoyed it !! atb
Thanks can't fault it
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
@@guyonacub4335 the one I used was the old style g clamp shape valve spring compressor. Use the the original collets