Royal Enfield 350 Classic/Bullet. A brief History of a CULT CLASSIC Motorcycle.
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- Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
- From Gentleman's steed To Warhorse, From transport for the masses to a cultural Icon. The Royal Enfield Bullet is an enigmatic success with a rich history dating from 1931 to present day.
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PATREON. / stuartfillingham
It’s not the destination, it’s the journey. I thank Indian workforce for the ride, you should be proud of what you given us.
I’m rarely so willing to expose my ignorance, but this one is laughable. I too quickly misread your comment about the Indian workforce and was gobsmacked to think Royal Enfield was purchased by Indian Motorcycles (Polaris Industries).
@@UncleWally3 as an indian , i always thought that why the f is a bike named indian not sold in india . Then i learnt a little bit of history.
RE is very popular in India. It has an unshakeable cult like following.
@@adityaverma6754 well its technically columbus fault he mistaken the native americans for indians i think
Brilliant video as always Stuart and people always tell me they didn’t know Royal Enfield was still making motorcycles, when they look at my Himalayan with a puzzled look 😃👍🏻
Fellow Himalayan owner here. I literally can't take it anywhere bike people might be - instantly waylaid into a 45 minute long conversation. There's not enough Enfields out in the wild here for people to be familiar with them, and people are always curious. I should just start carrying a stack of brochures and collecting sales commissions.
@@WestCoastWheelman absolutely agree 👍🏻
Talking to a rider of the new 650 Interceptor, he had another 4 bikes at home but he told me since taking ownership he’d only ridden his other bikes to get them mot’d 2 Honda’s 1 BMW and a Kawasaki. He said the RE fulfills his needs, it has every thing he needs and nothing he doesn’t, says it all really.
I cant wait to test ride the Classic 350 when the ice melts away here in Norway. They already have them in the dealership and it looks great. I always look at welds as a gauge on quality and i have to say both frame and tank welds look top quality on new Royal Enfields. Far better than many other more expensive makers. Kudos to India for not just carrying the legacy but to make it shine!
True, welds tell a lot about build quality. Exactly the reason I rejected 2020 Jawa (another resurrection in India ). I was more nostalgic to this old two stroke bike we once had long back. But the new iteration's welding was pathetic (happened to see one with its seats removed).RE was really tidy in that regard.
@@drshreenie I have a Harley Davidson Road King and some of the welds in the frame are like a chicken shat on it and they painted over it. So far they have held but it’s definitely not what one would expect from such an expensive bike
Stu your videos on the Interceptor were the ones that convinced my parents to get my first bike for me. I took delivery of a ventura blue a week ago, planning on using as a college commuter for the next 3 years.
Thanks for the history lesson Stu very interesting. Its thanks to the Indian government that Enfield , now Royal Enfield once again still exists. Otherwise it would have followed the same route as all the other British Marques. When I started my motorcycle journey in 1962 just about every motorcycle on the road was British, now alas, they are confined to history now.. I rode an Enfield 350 bullet about Goa in 1992....it was an interesting experience.
Adjunct to my comment about suffering a horn failure...I now have a nice new Fiamm Snail type that is a good deal louder than stock... Now, 'When I see a Scooter, I blast it with me hooter'....'Just for Kicks'.
Royal Enfield - very well encapsulated and I commend you for giving this video a David Attenborough- esq vibe to it. Well done Stu👏👏.
Great video Uncle Stu.
I got out on my brand new Classic 350 for the first time yesterday and I absolutely love it! Royal Enfield have created an up to date motorbike that captures both the looks and some of the riding feel and character of its predecessors.
Early days I know but so far, so very good!
Just curious.. Does it rattle and vibrate?? My Classic 500 rattled and vibrated something horrid till it ran in.. I'm curious to know if the new 350s do it too.. 🤔
@@sirgalah561 No, not at all. Really smooth for a single cylinder in fact.
@@Peter234100 i just got this bike too I'm picking it up from the dealer I'm worried about the run in process its my first new bike, whats you're process to run it in ?
Brave Salute to Royal Enfield & Mr . Stuart
From India 🇮🇳 Jai ho 💪🏽
That was a fair abridged version of the "The Bullet Story", and I'd have to agree that the new J-engined 350 Meteor and Classic models, based on the lessons Enfield's learned from their 650 twins, is a worthy successor to the Bullet. In view of their low cost, much improved quality, and that almost indefinable "character" they still have, for new or returning riders I wouldn't hesitate a nanosecond to recommend one of those new crop of 350s over the sort of traditional default "starter bike" fare like your relatively soulless Honda Rebel. Or, if one needed a bit more speed for regular highway commutes, then perhaps one of their 650s. These new breeds of Enfield don't require near the attention and fettling of the older Bullet breeds, but still offer oodles of character for a great price.
What a well articulated history lesson on this beloved gem of motorcycling royalty! Big love from India! ♥
Like my mum..
My bike was made in India.. 👍
@@sirgalah561 🤣
@@imranvp Bangalore I think it was.. She went to Bishop's Cotton school..
@@sirgalah561 no way my sister studied there. :D
Wonderful history lesson for those who don’t know the pedigree of thes extraordinary machines! Looking forward to your experiences with the 350!
You my friend are an PURE MOTORCYCLEST
Hello Stu, a great video. And I agree that it's hugely annoying when people dismiss these bikes as being somehow inferior to the Redditch ones, to the point where I've put made in India decals on it just to show how much I love it. I actually worked for a small dealership in the mid eighties that was amongst the first to sell the 350's for the then importers Bavanar. Thanks again for the videos and the inspiration, I published my first one about four days ago after watching yours for ages and have reached the heady heights of 270 views. All the best Chris White...
I love that idea "Made in India" where did you put the stickers???
@@sirgalah561 Hi mate. The traditional right hand side of the front downtube where you normally see 'made in England' and the rear rack...
I first found out about Royal Enfield in the early 2000s, and planned to immediately buy one. But things got in the way. one thing after another. By the time I finally got around to buying one in 2013, the original Bullet that I wanted nearly 13 years earlier was long gone, and in it's place was this computerized fuel injected monstrosity with a "silencer" the size of a torpedo, because it had a catalytic converter inside. However there was one positive change, the new unit construction engine. And something resembling the old Bullet was still available. The new B5 Bullet. I did some research, and found that a place called Hitchcocks in the UK not only had nice non catalytic converter exhausts, but they had a kit to replace the horrible computerized fuel system it came with. And Royal Enfield had just lowered the price $1000 on all models, making the B5 Bullet 500 only $4999. And back then I actually managed to find an honest dealer, who sold me the bike, with all the fees, and even delivered it to me 100 miles away, for only $5999 total. That was before RENA came along and disposed of all the honest dealers. I bought one, and immediately ordered the exhaust and carburetor kit from Hitchcocks. I had it for about 2 weeks before the stuff from Hitchcocks arrived. So of course I tried to ride it. The exhaust sounded flat, and it sputtered and hesitated when I twisted the throttle. I thought I had made a $6K mistake. I put it in the garage and waited for my Hitchcocks order to arrive. I installed the exhaust, without the rear baffle, and it sounded 10 times better, but still had a flat sound to it. And it still popped and sputtered. Then I installed the carburetor kit. It was quite involved, and I actually had to fabricate a couple of parts. But I got it all together, with everything fitting properly. i put gas in the tank, turned on the petcock, and filled the float bowl. I noticed it had a tickler on it, which reminded me of my long gone 1966 Bonneville. I held it down until I got gas on my finger. Brought back a lot of fond memories. I was about to try and use the kickstarter, but decided to just go ahead and hit the button. Boy was I in for a surprise. It immediately roared to life. I fine tuned the idle screw on the Amal carburetor, and listened to it idle. It now sounded like a proper British motorcycle should. Apparently it had been way too lean before. It now made the proper THUMP like a long stroke single should. It was fun watching the front suspension bounce up and down. After a proper warm up, I took it for a ride. It was a completely different bike. No more popping, sputtering, and wheezing. It sounded strong and purposeful. It pulled hard with no hesitation. I realized I had only put about a gallon of gas in it, so I stopped by a station and filled it up. And rode for the next 2 hours. That was 9 years and 22K miles ago. And I'm still in love with it.
Since then I have replaced the check engine/low fuel light with a proper ammeter, put a 1950s British license plate on the front fender, and gotten a set of dark green canvas panniers. I have acquired some iron barrel parts and am in the process of installing a drum brake front end on it.
I have had a few minor problems, but it has never left me stranded. I have had to fix a couple of flat tires on the road, and am very happy to have the setup that allows you to remove the rear wheel without having to remove the chain, sprocket and brakes.
While I love this bike, someday I will have a real iron barrel Royal Enfield. Unfortunately the new Classic 350 is so far removed from the original Bullet that it is no longer relevant to me. No feel, no sound, and loaded down with computers and safety and emissions garbage that I want nothing to do with. It is now a "retro" bike, still has the classic looks, but modern in every way. It has lost it's character, it's charm, it's mechanical simplicity. All the things that I love about vintage motorcycles is now gone. It now has all the charisma of a microwave oven.
A magnum opus video from Mr.Stuart a good explanation
Thank you! Finally, some way to explain the history behind my 350 Classic. 👍 I love the classic looks of the bike, the ties to the past, but having a modern engine and chassis, it's perfect. When I was younger I wanted a BSA Gold Star, would I buy the new one? No, it's nothing more than something made up to sell and make money. No past other than a purchased name, no unbroken line reaching back for decades. I'm riding something iconic, genuine, not made up, love it!
Really is directly in my sights. I find the chrome and bronze to be the most appealing to me and the misses is quite happy with the passenger accommodations as compared to some of my other rides. I’m not much of a highway rider anymore as most drives here in Ct have gone completely insane and seem to think weaving in and out of traffic approaching 100 mph is normal. There are ample back roads and byways to keep me happy and away from a major portion of the maniacs careening about. It really strikes me as a bike made for those of us who are done riding with our hair on fire and want to enjoy the journey as much as the destination on something classic but with a few newer amenities. I for one am very pleased with all they have accomplished in getting to this point in development.
You are a gentleman,
Thank you for continuing your videos throughout Covid and all that has gone on in the UK and the world. Your variety of content, commentary on current events, your personal life. I'm enjoying it all.
Thank you Stuart,
Fred in New Hampshire
Your channel has helped to make me an Enfield fan. I don’t know how many followers and subscribers you have here in the States, but I look forward to every new video. Be well, Mr. Fillingham.
I own a 2020 Classic 350, One of the last ones with UCE engine. I enjoy riding it.
Thanks for promoting how Enfield is not a bad brand because its Indian heritage, but a better one due to it. In Ecuador, the interest in these bikes has grown to thousands of owners and clubs that are welcoming to women, nonrace types, and beginners. If you allow me I can give you a Spanish dub of this video to upload on your channel as a token of my appreciation.
Thanks for the history lesson Stuart. Thinking about taking my 500 Bullet out for a spin this afternoon since its in the upper 60s here in West Virginia.
Stu, I knew this history and watched this video with just joy. This Brand is SO cool!!! 😎
These bikes are much like "Zippo" lighters. It's not that there is no better more efficient lighters........
It's rather about the heritage... Interestingly Zippo factory was setup in 1932 about the same time Royal Enfield was making bikes after which the Modern Classics 350/ 500 have been modelled.
Good analogy
Great. I think you should ride the pre unit construction engines. The 60s and there after. They belong to a different world altogether. Would love to hear your views on that machine.I own a 80s bullet, a UCE 350 bullet ( that has the flywheel of the 500cc engine, a very unique combination similar to cast iron engines and its sold only on the domestic market . RE never mentions this. To an extent that even dealership staff are not aware why this model is different).
Having owned the modern triumphs and Harley ( current gen), I have realised that these bullets are all that i need to make my day. Cheers.
To me, I grew up with a garage full of classic italian motorcycles from the 60s onwards, this looks and feels like a motorcycle should. No nonsense lcd screen, automatic clutch and such.
Even my Interceptor was mistaken for an old bike by one of my (biker) neighbours 😆 RE are great retro classics produced in a state of the art factory.
Great video as always !!!
Another fine video Uncle Stu! Great analysis of the general public’s view and understanding (or not 😁) of this great motorcycle. India’s new and up to date assembly practices put this motorcycle, IMHO, at par or maybe better than some current manufacturers. I have a black chrome ‘20 Classic 500 and I get the same questions and remarks. I gladly inform them of the illustrious and impressive history of the Royal Enfield.
Keep and ride safe my friend.
I ride a Desert Storm, I get the "great restoration" or "Is that a retro bike?" I tell them no to the second question, then baffle them with the first by pointing out the disc brakes, ABS rings and fuel injection.. But, in a way I was like them too, before owning my Bullet, I had no idea Royal Enfield existed after only owning Japanese and German bikes, having a bike made in India never registered in my brain.. People still dismiss Chinese built bikes... But like anything, you look after it and maintain it, it'll last as long as anything else on the road..
Thanks for sharing the RE story, it's fascinating to know so many details. I can relate to folks looking at your 500 Classic and asking if you restored it yourself. I get the same comments about my 2018 T-120 Black with a Cozy Rocket sidecar. Most people are amazed and fortunately no negative comments about the bike being mfg. in Thailand and the side car in India. It's all good!
Wonderful commentary describing this timeless classic, Stuart! Was a joy to listen
I’m coming back to motorcycling and this video makes me want one! 🍻
Really enjoyed this history lesson. And now I’m torn between the meteor, the 411, and this!
Uncle Stu’s love for RE bullet gives me hope that the legacy of this legendary machine will be around for many more decades. The video made me start my bullet and experience the classic dug dug dug 😇
Excellent video Stu, Royal Enfield 101. I have often got the " but aren't they made in India" comment, as they look all quizzical at my Classic 500 trials, more often than not by some dick on his Ducati built in Thailand.
I am looking forward to your test ride on the new Classic 350.
Having the same engine as the Meteor I think it will be a winner.
..and some Harley models not made in the US.. I wonder how many HD purists are unaware..
At first i thought this was a video about my hometown sir,
There is a shikara and dal lake in the background on the thumbnail photograph,
Couldnt resist commenting today
I bought my First motorcycle in 1968 it was a French Made 50cc Mobylette. I had it for about a year, when I heard about a local person having a ROYAL ENFIELD 350 Bullet , the motorcycle was a fixer upper that ran but would need work to make it street worthy and reliable. The bike I was told was made in England in the mid 1950's. I did manage to get it road worthy for short trips in my area and had lots of fun with it back in the day. I really liked the bike a lot and would have like to owned a new model. Great Memories.!!
I rather enjoyed that history lesson, sir! Thank you for another excellent little video; I'm tempted to go and have a test ride on one or two now.
Excellent historical recap Stuart! The new classic is a beautiful machine, so much so that my missus wants one herself when she's passed her A2 this year , Hmmm, I might even get it now so I can run it in for her🤔😆
So what will be it for your next bike? 😊 This looks like a build-up to your test ride impression of the Classic 350.....hope that drops soon
Thank you for that professional and even emotional video! Please ceep on going with it. I'm getting more and more a fan of the trademark and especially of the new classic 350. I'm owning one of these since a few days and I enjoy the deceleration and the elegance of this bike.
I own a 2017 Classic 350 looking at the new machine something has happened to the frame proportions around the rear wheel guard, something just doesn't sit nicely the way the rear wheel fits the guard. Just my viewpoint, but my Rodney is far nicer looking. Although if the new engine makes more power that would be nice my carburetted engine was fairly 'relaxed' in factory dress.
My 2021 Desert Storm C500 "Emily (M.L.E)" has a crooked rear mudguard that I must get around to straightening.. Crooked from the factory 😠 .. It makes my back wheel look all wonky...
Great video. Having just acquired a Classic 350 it was fascinating to see a comprehensive insight into the DNA of these bikes. I believe in the new Classic they have delivered a brilliant, modern reiteration of this bike - the view over the bars is virtually identical to mine and I’m looking forward to parking it up somewhere.
I live in a dessertic city and just bought my 350 stormrider sand. Completely in love with it. I don't care where I'm going, it's a unique experience to ride it❤
I'm really tempted by these bikes, I think I'll have to get one before it's too late.
Just dropping a line to say we're still with you. The Colonists from Connecticut.
At last a informative history of a historic British brand moving on thanks Stuart please keep it up
I believe I did see some of that old tooling that was imported from Redditch during my factory visit back in 2009. It was a far cry from what it is today. The solution to fix most problems being resorted to using a hammer than any actual engineering prowess. This was a little after the Classic UCE 500 was introduced. I don't recall if they sold them in India first or abroad, initially. I still have a photograph from that trip with my childhood pal and best mayte. We both own a Bullet and now have Interceptors in our garage for company.
Brilliant narration. Thanks
Wow what a great story thank you so much for your research stuart your very entertaining thanks again cheers from Australia
Very interesting, being a geezer I remember the Interceptor from the 60's. I also knew the general history of the brand, having owned British bikes and being curious as to what happened to cause the demise of these wonderful motorcycles. Thanks for adding to my knowledge, this is a very good channel.
Most Journalists back in the 90's used to end their articles on the Royal Enfields with.. "you not only buy a bullet but also marry into the family."
We have very very much to thank the Indian manufacturers and public for.
If they didn't reliably, decade after decade, desire common sense, down-to-earth, value-for-money motorcycles, Royal Enfield would not exist and, probably nor would the other British marques, as they have kept that kind of need an ongoing 'thing' over the years.
I've got a 2022 Speedmaster and I still want a RE 350 Classic. The whole RE 'phenomenon' is a wonderful thing and so is the new classic. Maybe I can get it as a romantic gift for the missus... hmm...
Nahthen from Lincoln Stu. Superb potted history of RE and the Bullet. Really enjoyed that 👍
You have explained the RE journey very well 👌 Waiting for your test ride of the new Classic 😊
Very informative, and goes well with a beer at the end of a NZ work day.
Thank you very much Stuart. I enjoyed that.
Nicely done Stuart.
A very enjoyable watch Stuart !
Thank you Stuart for another well informed presentation, still awaiting the arrival of my machine, In the early 90's I had an Enfield India Bullet 500, as you say, they've come a long way since then, first job I had to do was machine the front brake drum, which was like a cheese grater inside, getting through a set of linings in a couple of hundred miles! First long ride was from Sheffield to Anglesey, my backside was still vibrating half an hour after getting there. Mind you it sounded wonderful! Stay safe
Super history lesson Uncle Stu, which which just makes me want to get one even more!...after my big bike test a week tomorrow 🤞😁
I'm still on the hunt for photos of my granddad's Royal Enfield which was a pre WW2 model apparently.
Do share the pics when you find it.
@@zedwarrior1866 Sure, if I find any 😊 I wish I'd talk about it with him while he was still around.
Most riders of bullets know they are not the best, relatively; but, it is a unique machine, despite it's idiosyncrasies, most love this over another machine.
Thanks Stu for the history lesson, as an American I knew very little about Royal Enfield.
Merci pour cette leçon d'histoire je saurais tout sur ma classic et la marque avant même qu'elle me soit livrée....👍✌️🇨🇵
Fascinating history, good work Stuart.
Story telling at it's best !!! Subbed !!
Looking forward to you getting your hands on a new 350. I'm now at the cusp of buying either a new 350 or a "Stealth Black" 500.
Amazing video as always Stu
Avery interesting history, Stu.
beautiful narration !
Great review Stuart. Sorely tempted now to go out and buy a Classic 350 and to contribute to the ongoing history.
I'm glad they have given the bullet a new lease of life. It's such an innocent looking bike, its rounded mudguards and shrouded forks make it look so classic. Its like a bike from an era of David Niven films when respect was the normal way to behave. Makes me want to wear tweed and grow a handlebar mustache. Lets hope Boris's reset doesn't happen and we can enjoy motorcycling for many more years.
Wow, Stuart, i had waves of nostalgia there, not for me but all those bikers I saw as a youngster back in the 60,s and 70,s, with there old boneshakers, if only they could see today
A nice potted history of this great bike. I love my 500 trials bullet and particularly like the the brand's individuality and unrivaled history. Enjoyed the video, cheers.
Always look forward to seeing your videos. Very well made and presented. Cadence and inflection drives home the story you tell each time.
Thank you Stu for a wonderful put together informative video it’s that good in my opinion it should be on a documentary on tv! This wonderful bike truly is just BRILLIANT! Royal Enfield has done not just its self proud but the whole Motorcycle World Proud! As the ads say
If Carlsberg did Bikes! 👍🏻😎
Those last few lines summed it all up mate, cheers 😀
Enjoyed that. What colour Classic are you ordering Stu? 😉
Lovely video uncle Stuart. I Love this nerdy, history type videos.
Very informative Stuart and goes well with a brew before I get ready for work thank you
Really enjoyed your review of Royal Enfield Bullet history. Here in the US even seeing these is akin to rare bird sightings. Thanks again!
Hey uncle Stu!
I too have a UCE 500cc bike (RE Thundebird as sold in India) and as I am sure you would have heard about already, these engines tend to produce a lot of black smoke regularly as they age.
I would absolutely love to hear your take on this situation as I intend to keep mine running FOREVER!
A fantastic video full of knowledge and one I am sure to watch several times over. Your pride in the brand is obvious and long may you enjoy the ownership and riding of the RE models.
Fantastic video 👏 very interesting and informative 👍👌
Wow, a twin leading-shoe front brake on the classic RE Bullet bike shown at 4:32 on the video. I can't recall ever having seen that particular feature before.
Well done, sir.
Nice video Stuart,thanks for posting.
As always, Uncle Stu's videos about Royal Enfield are really one of the best you can find on UA-cam. I would be very interested to test ride the new 350 to compare it with my Classic 500 and see the different evolutions they added (or the elements they kept from the previous Classic models)
Ride safe
I will probably get one of these. I was worried the old style bullet would stop. The new ones look close to perfect. I just we wish they had a six speed gearbox. I do know tech bike parts are working on a mild cam for the new 350. It might help
Great piece of history and information Stuart. Thanks 👌😎 fred
Thanks for the history lesson uncle Stu
Nice video Stuart. That's what you call proper heritage!
That looked like a New Road Surface on that A road Stu ! No potholes! CLEAR road markings! 😉 Hardly any traffic.... Biker Heavan, ride safe.
Fantastic video. Thank you.
Bye Stuart 🤗🏴
Another great video!!! Saving up my Pennie’s for one and can’t wait until they are available in the US! 👍🏼
Great video, excellent content per usual. I need to add a classic to my collection, they truly are iconic
Hi
Great video. So as the others from you.
Maybe the classic 500 will be my next bike.
Love the older technique.
Greatings from Germany
What a great video Stuart, loved every minute of that, 👍👍👍👍👍😂😂😂
Well done, such a great insight. Makes me appreciate my Himalayan even more. Enjoy your videos, from Down Under.
Very interesting history description - thank you for that - greetings from Austria
Nice history lesson today Stuart, now I have more information to pass on to those people who come up to me asking questions about the bike 😁😁 Cheers mate