Royal Enfield Classic 350 - Top 5 things I dislike about the bike
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- Опубліковано 31 тра 2024
- So I love the little Royal Enfield Classic 350, it is a great bike. However no bike is perfect and there are a few niggles about the bike that irk me - in this video I tell you what they are!
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I think an owner can always find minor faults with a bike. So long as the things you love outweigh the things you hate, you're all good.
Well that's exactly it isn't it Richard - there's nothing major to dislike about the bike really - especially considering the value for money price....
@@TheMissendenFlyerit's not for everyone, but if you get it, and it's your kind of bike, then it's just brilliant at what it does. Factor in the ultra low price, 3 years warranty and 3 years breakdown cover... What's not to like.
Had mine since last July , and love it , I've sorted the sidestand by welding a bigger foot on it and a 50mm piece of 5mm steel rod half way down it ,to get some purchase on it with my boot ,it was annoying originally.
Never had a problem with getting neutral?
Neither did you in the video 🤔😆?
No problem with the power it is what it is ?
I go touring England Wales, Yorkshire dales on mine and it'll run along at 60 all day , and I'll be doing Scotland on it this year just for the hell of it, sure it won't go as quick and easy as my Vstrom but getting on the classic is just so pleasant and relaxing, it's a different mind set .
To say its only OK for town work or nipping to the shops is just nonsense, it's far more capablethan that , youneed to look at a lot of vloggers out there that show what a hardy bike the classic is and what it's capable of .
I hope you do more on it in the time you have it .
All bikes have there issues that can be tweaked!
Cheers Mel
Used to tour on are 1200 exploer which I still own. But my wife passed her test and bought a classic 350, so we now tour Europe on my interceptor and her classic, and instead of crunching motorway miles we turn of toll roads and motorways on the satnavs and use all the backroads only, which is a much more relaxing holiday experience, although it takes a bit longer . You also see way more at slower speeds. The only motorway was from Wiltshire to the tunnel 150 miles which we stuck at 65 mph quite happily. It took about half an hour longer to reach the tunnel from are house. Lots of people were amazed at my wife touring on such a small slow bike , but it was a doddle and way more enjoyable than I expected.
Sounds good to me! Enjoy.....
I get it. I rode an RXS 100 to the South of France in 1988 and repeated the trip years later on a Deauville and I dunno why but it wasn't half as much fun.
Don’t Triumph Explorers work on D roads?
@@davidmatthews3093 yes but following my wife on her 350, the interceptor is much lighter and more pleasant to ride on the country roads, not to mention way better on fuel . We have done 31 thousand miles on the triumph touring in Europe doing big miles in a day, so it’s quite nice to slow it down and enjoy the journey rather then the destination.
@@user-vo4hy6yk1x Passed my test in 1981. Owned every kind of bike (apart from sportsbikes). I became rather jaded with it all a couple of year's ago. Speed limits and cameras everywhere. At 60 I'm getting more risk averse and with the awful standard of driving it felt like every ride was an exercise of self-preservation.
Nearly packed it in but the little Classic 350 has been a salvation. Ironically we've covered more miles in a year than any other bike we've owned in recent years. And that speaks volumes. Exactly the right bike for where I'm at in my bike journey. There are those who love the Classic 350 and those who don't understand it. It takes a little time (and running in is rather frustrating) but when you know, you know 👌
I remember back in 1973 when six of us buddies all went out bought Honda CL350 twins. They were pretty smooth and could hit 80mph easily but getting to 85 was near impossible. No, they were not perfect but filled the need for exploring the back roads and villages of our Nebraska farmlands. I was the only experienced rider of us six and fun watching my friends learning how to ride.
Thanks Mr Flyer 👍. The way you captured a beautiful motorcycle in a winter`s low sun... stunning ❤
As a Classic 350 owner, I also have the Bronze and Chrome version, which is in my opinion is absolutely gorgeous, I agree with the issues you raise. However, you’re also right to point out that, on balance, these are minor matters. Taken as a whole, this motorcycle is exceptional in terms of value for money, the satisfaction of ownership and the joys to be had from riding such a machine, as it was intended to be ridden, especially on sunny days, on charming back roads. I went from a Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special (after 25 years of H-D ownership and 42 years as a motorcyclist) to the RE Classic 350 and it was the best decision I ever made, in terms of where I am in my motorcycling journey. It’s not a motorcycle that can do everything (no such beast imho) but it’s the motorcycle that does everything I want it to do and that’s good enough for me. PS - I recommend the RE bar end mirrors, they look great and are a big improvement over the factory fitted ones. Thanks for another great video and I look forward to the in depth review.
Nice one - thanks for that!
I'm exactly the same 👍. I decided I wasn't enjoying motorcycling any more. But having heard so much about the Classic 350 I took a test ride with my fiancée as pillion. Totally prepared to be underwhelmed the opposite ended up being the case and we bought one. It really is a different kind of motorcycling. Engaging and rewarding. You have to work at it. In many ways it reminds me of when I first got into bikes all those year's ago 👍
Morning Andy, the top speed on the Enfield 350’s is electronically governed. For those wanting more power there is always the new Triumph 400, at a higher price admittedly. I have the Meteor 350 Fireball and for me personally, I love it. The riding position, the sound from the standard exhaust, the way it looks, the way it rides. It’s a great bike that puts a smile on my face every time I ride it and value wise it was less than my Honda SH125i scooter and at the moment their even cheaper.
Yes you can’t argue with the value!
@@MotorcyclesandTravel the RE 350’s are electronically governed to 72mph. But will pull 65-70 all day.
The Classic 350 is electrically governed to comply with emission standards. But what that means in the real world is you can keep the throttle open travelling at the top speed of 120 km/h and you are not stressing the engine. I have no problem doing 100~110 km/h on Aussie roads.
@@freeman10000 I’ve done 30 mile stretches of motorway at 70mph with not probs
@@freeman10000 100% agree. I live on the south east coast of South Australia and do a 90km round trip to work and back sitting on 110km/h for at least 80 of those 90ks. Even peaking at 120km/h, the engine isn't screaming and at 110, it is doing it all in it's stride. Struggles a bit into head wind, which is my only minor complaint.
I bought mine for my local Dorset lanes, where it's perfect, but on my last tour of Wales I decided to leave the R9T and Street Triple at home and took the 350. I was surprised to find that I was covering the same distances in about the same time as usual. But I was having far more of those "Zen" moments where everything feels right in the world and you have to pause to savour the moment. At the end of each day I felt more relaxed and fresh. It's not about whether 20hp is enough (it is), it's about being open to a different mindset. That said, if they brought out a 500, I'd upgrade in a heartbeat for the extra thump.
Yes - or a 650 twin version would be 👌
I love my Hunter 350, next to my Goldwing 2020. I'm in the second stage of running in (500 - 2000km) and I find it to be a real joy riding it. I don't care that I currently ride it only at 50mph/80kph. Yesterday I rode for 155mi/250km and it would have been more if my wife had "allowed" me. 😂
L.E. No issues with the gearbox/neutral, actually quite easy. Bar end mirros solved the shaking.
Nice one!
They impress me every time I see one. I know I will end up with one in the garage, just because you want to look at it as much as ride it!
The measure of a good bike IMO!
Well put together video as always Andy. Love that bike 🏍️
Glad you enjoyed it
In the 1960's the mirrors on ALL bike vibrated like crazy. Except BMWs of course.
Thanks for the video. Please looking forward from you to try out the new RE Shotgun 😀
Back in1968, my 441 BSA Victor had all the power, albeit 28 hp, to do everything. Being a hundred lbs lighter helped.
Great report Andy! I had the rear seat removed before mine left the showroom. Would be great to have a few more horses, but she is a keeper and will be in my stable for many years to come. Grin factor, off the richter scale. From OZ.
Yes great little bikes aren't they Quenten....
Hi Andy, I’ve owned an identical one to your for 18 months which is now my runabout bike. Whilst on the whole I’d agree with all of your points bar the false neutral which I’ve never had or difficulty finding neutral or the kickstand which for me is excellent, the main issue for anyone for this bike will be 20.2 hp if they we’re expecting more oomph. For me the main issue is in stock setup it’s all a bit scooterish, nice transport but not that engaging. However, Hitchcocks to the rescue; De cat pipe, DNA filter and Fuel-X lite transforms this into an engaging fun bike with greater throttle response and a decent soundtrack for a few hundred quid extra. It doesn’t go any faster although it may accelerate a bit quicker but that would be to miss the point, it feels and sounds like it does which makes riding it more of a hoot. A great value bike that gets noticed everywhere you go, sips fuel and cheap ‘n’ easy to maintain.
Bought one last year sold the tiger 800 and have never looked back lol enjoy the low power and relaxing ride, luggage going on for my tour of the alps this summer :)
Enjoy it
Great video , super informative 😄👍
Glad you think so!
I can think of way more than 5 things I dislike about Mrs Boulder...but I wouldn't get rid of her....
Well it's all about whether the pros outweight the cons isn't it.....
Absolutely..though in fairness to Mrs B I'm not sure she wouldn't get rid of me...@@TheMissendenFlyer
No motorcycle is perfect, it's all part of the fun and riding experience. In 55 years and owning over 100 machines in this period I've not hated a single one. Obviously some were far better than others and I have my favourites. Keep up your good vids Mr Fly 👍
I ran mine in meticulously being a single allowing for heating up and cooling breaks,running gently up and down the box and can honestly say I have never had a false neutral. Being a press bike reckon been hammered. I really don’t find vibes a problem. I quite like the reassuring thud of the side stand going down with muscle memory use your heel right at the back and is fine. Part of the charm is that it is a slow plodder not many bikes I ride that always leave me with a big grin from a time long past ☺️
I really do like the look of these 350s .
I ride a Suzuki v strom 250 as a daily ride that has 24 hp.
That will sit happily at 70 all day with a bit in reserve for a well planned overtake. Surprised the Enfield doesn't have a little bit more power.
Great video as always Andy.
Thank you - and according to some of the comments the top speed is electronically limited for the Indian market - no idea why they'd do that!!
I had a vstrom 250 from brand new for 4 years and allthough it proved reliable, the meteor 350 i purchased after was way better, allthough 10 mph slower its got more pull from the outset. The gearing was to short short on the v strom and the fuelling i thought could have been better. I pulled away recently in 3rd by mistake on the royal enfield, my bad i pulled across a main road, had given it a fist full of revs luckilly, i realised i was in 3rd not 1st worked the clutch slow and got away with my life. Theres something to be said about that j series engine, the torque, being a single, its something, something good.
Definitely agree on the side stand issue
The side stand is the same on the Meteor 350 so I welded on a lug to make it easier. I changed the mirrors for bar end mirrors. 70MPH is achievable but if I'm in a hurry I take the Tiger or BM
Thanks for that. It is clear that the bike is intended for back lanes on a sunny day. Would be good to see a 650 version though not much news on that subject yet.
Great video as usual, Andy. I've owned my '22 Classic 350 from new and now coming up to 7,000 trouble-free miles on it. Like you I actually love the bike but a lot of what you say rings true. The side stand could really do with a lug welded onto it for easier location as, for me, the stiffness wouldn't be an issue if it was easier to find with my boot. Of course it gets easier with experience. I haven't had the mirrors vibrate on mine, except a little at tickover but not at speed once underway. Reading the various forums, this issue seems to affect some but not others, so perhaps a tightness issue in either the mirror assembly or mount. I've never had a problem finding neutral but I have had a couple of false neutrals. However, after the last time it happened, I started to be really positive with the shifts (more so than on other bikes) and now that has become habit, the false neutrals have never recurred. Finally, the power issue only sometimes disappoints but that's because currently the 350 is my only bike (while my old '79 Suzuki GS750 is awaiting an engine rebuild) so it has to be a go-everywhere, do-everything bike. When that means hours on the dual carriageway, its limitations become painfully obvious. But as you and many (including me) have said, for the bike's intended purpose of pottering around the back lanes it is glorious and simply can't be beaten. Cheers and ride safe!
Great stuff Joe - thanks for stopping by and glad we concur!
Hi Andy…. Enfields just get under the skin don’t they? Some of my best biking memories come from a right old clunker of a 500 with gears on the left…. Happy vibes days indeed ❤️ Also I’ve discovered Freddy Dobbs via TMF…. What a top bloke… so thanks for that connection…. I would love to see you, Mrs F, Freddy and Monica on a gourmet road trip somewhere… I think the dialogue and dynamic would be very watchable…. Top chaps 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks Guy - my door is always open to Freddie and Monika!
There we go, there’s the insight I come to your channel for 👍
Thank you!
i think what people miss out on their notes on this bike is that even with the new modern-ish engine...this is practically how a bike would be built maybe 30-50 years ago! Lol...and that's the best part I love...its not trying to be a retro...it is the real deal! Glad you're having fun!
Yeah the basics but build with improved and better tools which makes every dimensions perfect. Otherwise we would have seen a puddle of oil everywhere we go
Great vid as always my fingers are crossed for a 500 version of this bike..my wallet is itching for that!
I have the Signals (Army) version, never had the neutral issue, sometimes changing from 1st to 2nd gear doesn’t engage but apparently once the engine loosens up this issue disappears, agreed on the rear seat I’ll take mine off eventually, perfect bike for my local Lake District and Cumbrian country roads, sounds great too 👍🏻 oh no problem with the side stand either.
I've owned a number of singles such as the XBR500 and the Ducati 450 and love a big thumper with classic designs. Unfortunately the Enfield single, as you state just lacks power. I tried one and really liked it but then i tried a GoldStar that extra humph did it for me and i bought it and have had no regrets.
Hi, great video "as usual" 😊, THX! Just a small tip (in general): shift to neutral just before the bike stops (while still movin under breaking from 2nd), its so much easier to get to neutral compared to while the bike is stationary..
Good tip!
Thanks TMF!
It tickles me the way you drop the vernacular into your commentaries....e.g. "get on my wick". 😊
I aim to please!
I was shocked when I saw the size of the Classic on the showroom, and the weight for that matter. But my 'Classic' is def turning heads from other riders I've noticed.
Bought one last summer to cut my biking teeth on, intended mainly for bimbling around the lanes but am happy to say she has exceeded every expectation.
The 1st long trip from Manchester to Edinburgh on A/B/minor roads was a blast but riding home a few days later was a revelation - thinking id try a few junctions from Beattock on the A74(M), via a very minor diversion over Winter Hill, we rode all the way home on the motorway averaging 60mph with the truckers and felt totally comfortable.
This easter with my friend from Edinburgh (her on an ST1300) we are touring for a week around the East & SE coast and back. Cannot wait.
And pillion? Yes she handles that too no problem...these bikes do have 125like too speed as you have mentioned but the torque means you dont have to wring their neck to get there and don't notice the extra weight of a pillion &/or luggage too much.
Sounds good to me! Great bike and perfect to learn your biking craft on….
I just got one of these for the collection. I love it. I can live with the lack of power because of the relaxed engine and the fuel economy is great. My only complaints about the bike is it had two rattles I had to fix, the empty oval black thing on the left hand side and the headlight peak. Also a few of the electrical connectors weren’t plugged in that well at the factory and caused some gremlins but an easy fix.
The Classic 350 is my second bike and I love it, great around town and going around the back country roads, so un-intimidating. My first bike BMW R 1250RS which I use for touring and long haul rides.
Another great vid Andy yes I agree for a 350 you’d expect 80moh min top speed. Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 is a hoot, most fun bike I’ve ever owned. Test ride the meteor and just not quite enough power for 16st bloater like me 😅
Yes I agree, small things. I removed that pillion seat and put RE bar end mirrors on mine. Like you I would like a bit more power, freeways are a no go for me. Nice video.👍
Thank you!
I had one of these for nearly a year. I bought it aware of its low power but remained charmed by it and impressed with its quality. However, its quite heavy, and 20hp often left me feeling I was in the way of other traffic. Regarding the pillion seat, if you remove it, the subframe goes with it. It's worth it as the assembly is heavy, and who wants a pillion with only 20hp. Hitchcocks make a decent rack to go in its place. The gear lever operation was improved for me by moving the lever up one spline on the shaft, which makes it easier to get a size 10 boot under. It does mean you have to lift your foot to dab it down through the box, but it needs a positive press anyway.
If you mount a box in place of the pillion seat it's a pain getting onto the bike and it doesn't look right.
Nice little vid TMF. It's a handsome bike & great value too. Maybe a little too retro for my currents tastes but I completely get the appeal.
Thanks for watching once again - always good to hear from you!
@@TheMissendenFlyer Much appreciated, I enjoy your content whatever it is tbh so no hardship.
I've owned a Himalayan for a few years now, after a good number of larger bikes. Recently bought an early R1200GS for a spot of two up touring, since the value of the RE has dropped like a stone due to big sales and new 450 model I shunted it to the back of the garage on a SORN. Less than 2 months later it's coming out again. The Beemer is undoubtedly a 'better' motorcycle and will be great for its intended purpose, but I really miss tooling around little lanes on the Enfield. In time I fancy replacing it with a Classic as I do like a shiny bike on a Summer's day
Gem of a bike and stunning in the bronze. Would suit a bench seat.
Another great video Andy
I totally agree it’s a lovely machine just lacking in power but very good all the same and I love that colour
Definitely better with a single seat
Great Job
Atb Phil
Cheers Phil - I took the seat off today - HUGE improvement, not to mention weight saving!
I can see you’re battling to find faults, I like that. Of the two I own the one finds N very easy but I get false N, the other, it’s bit harder to find N but I’ve never had a false N. Same goes for the kick stand, one easy, the other similar to yours. Mirrors, well one came with bar ends that were useless so replaced with cheap aftermarket ones, no issue. The other came with RE mirrors that rattled apart. (RE did have supply issues so found other sources) now have RE replacements, no issue. Rear seat, first thing to go…. It’s a 10 min job. Admittedly mine are 500’s so power is more than enough for my riding. Besides more power makes it harder to stop. Nice video.
Cheers for that - I have now removed the rear seat, looks so much better!! ….and yes I was clutching at straws…
Love the looks Andy, maybe heavier barend weights might dial some of the vibes out the mirrors 🤷. Personally id go for the 650 because of the bhp issue. You could probably pick a well kept second hand for a similar price to one of the new 350s
There’s something very special about this bike,never ridden one (sat on one ,very comfortable) but absolutely love the look and sound of them,such a proper “motorbike looking”motorcycle.
Exactly Barry...
Hi Andy from Holmer Green Julian. All fair points, but I've never had the false neutral issues you have, and the side stand hasn't annoyed me either. Like you I wasn't a fan of the rear seat but luckily it's a pretty simple job to remove.
I reckon this bike is all about smiles-per-gallon rather than performance, and it delivers in spades. Take care and ride safe.
Yes I agree - these are only minor gripes, I love the bike!
it's a great bike, to be sure. However, one thing that gets my goat is the sun reflection off the chrome bits on the instrument and light cluster around the 11am-1pm time of day. Quite intense at times. A full-face helmet would probably solve that, but I wear an open-face helmet consistent with the theme of the bike.
I ride a Meteor 350 and own a Tracer 7. Some of the things you describe sound familiar, but I’d choose the Meteor over the Tracer for everything but long motorway haul. The lower power is something I’ve found surprisingly relaxing, feel under less pressure and just enjoy the ride more. Great video, as always, cheers. Ps, just noticed the Gangsta rap outtro !
Agreed, the power comes where I want it, nice and low. Admittedly, if I lived in the south-east and had to do battle with rat run commuters, I might want a bit more squirt on the A-roads. Pootling round our lanes it's a delightful little thumper.
Well that’s great , I expected a lot worse , the speed is fully acceptable at this price and style , and meets our national speed limits . The other 4 faults are so minor , in fact I could probably fault many other bikes for worse things . I like that colour too , nice 👌🏼 good reviews as usual , glad you like it .
Yes it’s a fabulous bike…
As expected, a great bike for local lanes etc. Any 'big trips' you'd probably need to trailer it to the Lakes, the Dales or Wales unless you do a 5+ day trip, from up here in Scotland. Tho I could do all the roads around here again lol. At least if I had this bike, the rear seat would only come off once haha.
Such a pretty bike, but the lack of power would mean a no from me. even if you are just poodling around on it, you never know when you might need to speed things up a bit. Great vlog as usual. Thanks.
Thank you for watching!
I love it for just local roads but completely agree on the power, we have some pretty steep hills and it really struggles. Also, the speedo stopped working after I’d had it for a year, when it’s hot in the summer it reads that I’m doing 20mph more than I actually am. Love the bike, though. I have the halcyon grey and it’s very pretty.
Nice one Alasdair - weird about the speedo!
Nice vid Andy. On the basis that you get what you pay for, it’s not so bad. Trouble with the Enfield is that it’s a bit of a lump, it’s not got a lot of power and it’s a pretty lazy engine. You ain’t going to be overtaking many white vans on that! Have a great weekend bud!
Very true
Thanks for your short review Andy.....cant say I'm a fan of the bike...but it has two wheels so it's not all bad 😂
Lol, you’re not cold. It was 19F (-7C) here this AM, and we’re having a mild El Niño year winter. Dislikes aside, that’s a pretty nice bike. Not many Royal Enfields in Wisconsin yet.
Well if R.E. end up doing something like a classic 370/400 cc with like 26hp and 6 gears, my God, that would be perfection 🤤
My wife loves your wife 😂 A very balanced view of the pillion and she has highlighted some of our concerns, although at 6’3 I’m waiting on the new GSA and hopefully they get that right for the pillion. Looking forward to hear the review after a longer tour. Top tip for Carol on the 1300 in regards to wind blast …. You need a taller husband 😂😂 Great video as usual 👍
Hmmmm….!
Just a bit more power! I agree! Such a beautiful bike though! Not selling many of these over here in the States.
Was shocked how initially big it was when I sat on it in the flesh to what for months I imagined in my head
Glad you mention the power Andy. A question I’d love you to address is whether one should consider the Classic 500 instead, giving you just a little more power?
The trouble is the older classic 500, which looks great, is terrible to ride in comparison - full of character yes, but compared to this new 350 it's a dog.....the 350 is where it's at.
Agree with all those - I find it more enjoyable at 70 than the Interceptor - no real wind blast - keep up the great vids😊
Thanks, will do!
Even allowing for current emissions legislation, it must have taken a lot of development to limit the power to that of a 350 from 70 years ago. 😊
It is a bit strange isn't it....I'm not after superbike levels of performance but you would expect a bit more from a 350....
Limiting the power means more reliability. It just wants to chug along for its entire life. In 50 years it will still be going like it will in 5 years.
It’s always interesting seeing if opinions match and a couple of your points do. I removed the pillion seat and replaced the mirrors for the reasons you give. In terms of speed/power, I think the design of the bike tells you what you’re going to get - a gentle plodder. That’s fine though, as it’s so comfortable and un-intimidating that you don’t feel the need for speed.
Yes agreed - but in the case of the Classic just a few more would have been nice....I don't want it to feel like a superduke but I do want more than a 125!
Touring mirrors are a must.
@1:47 "clutching at straws...."........ hehe very clever....:-)
A proper looking bike but I have to agree about the pillion seat. Also for me the mirrors seem a bit physically overbearing regardless of the vibrating issue. As for the side stand, get down the Gym Andy!! 😀 I think the power is OK for this type of bike as it reflects the era of retro it is aimed at. I'm sure a few tuning tricks could get another few horsepower out of it to give you a top speed nearer 80 which is fine for the UK. Looking forward to your impressions of its good side!!
Unfortunately, there aren't any Royal Enfield dealers where I live. I'm waiting for a dealership to open up so I can at least give it a test ride.. I really like the classic styling and the price. It will be my first bike. Well worth the wait.
It is what it is. A slightly updated bike from 90 years ago. Cool in its own way.
Totally agree with you I had meteor 350. Same issues with gearbox..false gears etc and the gear number in the dial sometimes
Was not correctly showing the gear you was actually in…did 1200 miles on her from new and she’s gone cant live with
The lack of power…great bike tho 🤔
Every bike I've ever owned, I've wished it had more power. This applies to my scooter, klr650, and my Suzuki gsx-8s. I think it's the part of our subliminal quest for the great motorcycle unicorn, light and nimble, but powerful, perfect suspension, good in the dirt, good for touring, and track days.
I quite like that rear seat: it looks, er…, classic!
See what you did there....nice!
I agree. I'd prefer a dual seat, but this is better than the single seat option which always looks odd to my eyes.
The older Bullet models featured a neutral finder as per the original 50s model.
Love my Classic 350. Bought mine last year to do a 2,000 mile trip through France and into Spain and then sell afterwards because I’d lost confidence in my Moto Guzzi V7 with a repeating drive shaft leak. Yes, not much power but a really easy bike to live with and with great looks. Added bar end mirrors and a heel and toe shifter and it’s fantastic. Now for the first time I have 2 bikes but the Mrs prefers the Classic, so I have a decision as to either keep both or maybe get rid of the Guzzi (which I also love). Decisions, decisions.
I know your pain Duncan!
It’s a lovely bike one of the nicest I’ve owned. Biggest problem in my humble opinion is it’s pretty much a 125cc and I always wanted more.
I haven’t found it 😂I’m still buying and selling bikes like there’s no tomorrow. I’m yet to find the unicorn.
Anyone else found it?
The historic Royal Enfield 350 Bullet had about 18HP, so for the massive Indian market this bike (in all its versions) is slightly more powerful, a bit heavier and much more refined.
Fair point!
It’s a good looking, gateway bike for someone who prefers the retro style. Can’t argue but only applaud RE’s logic on this one.
🍻🍻🍻
Hello Andy. After that 10 extra HP comes quickly the need for another 10 more HP and so on. 20 HP is out of date, especially outside the city.
A little tip for finding neutral: let the clutch out a little, just enough to feel the bite, then pull the clutch back in. Now try neutral again. Won’t always work and it depends on how your gearbox works but it can help on a lot of bikes.
Thanks for the tip!
Just on that subject…im certain the older generation of RE Bullets etc have a special foot lever next to the gear lever that when prodded put the gearbox into neutral!..shame the feature wasn’t added on the new stuff….👍
You can pin the throttle at 70mph. The limiter will gently cut in and out. No harm done on a run-in bike as it's nowhere near the rev limit. It feels a bit weird but you get used to it. The worse part is overtaking hgv's on a dual carriageway. Those Beemers and Audis come up awfully quick behind you 😬
Just a question re its possible use as a commuter, I changed my job recently and my daily 48 mile commute suited my Street Triple RS just fine but my new journey is 95% in town and obviously not ideal for the RS, so Andy would you reccomend the 350 classic as a daily commuter?
I'd say it depends on how heavy the traffic is. The Classic will easily keep up with traffic except on motorways, but if you're constantly stopping and starting, the slow acceleration could be a bit wearing. It's most at home when you're able to carry speed. The Hunter is supposed to be better geared for urban use but I've not tried one.
I think if you're mainly in town then it would be a fine commuter - as Paul says above it's on motorways where it may struggle - I personally don't find lack of acceleration an issue.....
Yes, the power output is lowly for a modern 350, in 1979 I bought a Honda CB250N Superdream, it produced 27hp at 10,000rpm. I used the Honda to pass my test on in 1980, the most powerful machine that I've owned was a 1980 Laverda 1200T, now that was a beast to ride.
I had a CB200 for a number of years - 80mph flat out on the motorway to London - up'd to a 250SD - not enough change in power - went to the CX500 - great European cruiser and nifty around London.
Enjoyable video as usual, even though you struggled to find five items! Was the 73mph top speed from the speedo or from a gps reading as speedos do generally over read, mine certainly does on my Bullet 500 efi?
That was from the speedo so likely optimistic!
@@TheMissendenFlyer Most probably. Difference between biking and flying is that your IAS has to be pretty accurate!
@@nploates Very true...
I just saw these and they're available at an Enfield dealer near Dallas, TX. The flat military looking ones I like the looks of most but the wimpy 20hp vs the weight negates riding it on any fast paced roads or highways.
Morning Andy. I have removed the seat hump itself, leaving the subframe in situ, then just fixed a tail bag to it, much better 😎. The false neutral’s aren’t really a false neutral, just a switch which is too sensitive. I have had the light flick on occasionally, but it has never missed a gear. Another consideration, has your demo bike had the gear lever lifted by one spline ? That’s the first thing most owners do, I think it is set up for flip flop wearers not those of us with proper bike boots. As for power or lack of, I agree, RE could have moved the restriction up a bit, apparently it is something to do with Indian regulations. It is a shame they didn’t make a European model. That said, there are some easy enough mods to do to give it a bit more oomph, depending on how much you want to spend, but it will never go above 63mph, unless someone finds a way to modify the ecu. I have had mine for nearly two years, and living on the Cumbria border, I am so impressed with the torque for thumping up steep inclines. Cheers
Yes they are great fun aren’t they - thanks for all the tips!
@@TheMissendenFlyerI forgot to mention, my only real gripe about the Classic 350, is that no matter how you try and protect them, the wheel spokes and nipples tarnish far too easily, especially if you are a year round rider like me. Oh, and the original battery is rubbish, swapped mine for a Yuasa.
@@ianhughesroyalenfield I shall keep an eye on that - cheers Ian!
I get false neutrals and missed gears, fairly regularly. I wonder if it's a weak return spring on the lever?
Andy it's as others already stated the blasted electronic speed limiter. Problem is that if you overtaking a truck and the limiter kicks in speed doesn't stay at 120 Km/h but even falls below. So imagine being in the second lane of a motorway, with oncoming traffic behind you who thinks you overtake and all of a sudden you get slower😱 After two near miss situations I sold my Meteor 350 as this behaviour is dangerous and RE refused to provide a tweaked software (which btw exists but isn't homologated for Europe as I found out). Stay safe
I follow another UA-camr that put a performance cam in his Classic 350. It surprised him of how much positive difference it made!
Sounds like a worthwhile upgrade!
Yes Tigerness 's channel. Worth watching his fitting of a performance cam
RE, do away with the speed limiter, and you have a sale. Please bring back the Bullitt 500.
Blue sky and sunshine, Yes!
I’ve always liked the looks of the 350 classic from when it came out and I was so close to buying one as a daily commuter bike (bought a Honda grom in the end) and my main reasons for going that route was the Enfield’s lack of power it was no better power to weight than the grom but yet the grom with do 140mpg and I recon the Honda with fair better used in all weathers
But I do still like the look of the 350 classic
And on a side note
I actually really like the rear seat on the classic much more than the newer Enfield 350 bullet it gives it that traditional vintage bike look where a rear seat was always an optional item. It was normally added on at some point later
Yes I agree - I hate that seat on the bullet!
Try this. Go all the way down to the bottom of the gears, then slide the front off the gear changer, and see if the gear changer pops up into neutral. Someone told me to do that once with a bike I had, and it worked every time, but not after I banged on the gears and rolled the bike back and forth for two years...
Interesting suggestion - thanks....
Performance cam shaft could solve the power problem a little bit (not completly of course) but maybe helps to get more satisfied.
Thank you for the informative video, Andy! Just a heads up, though, I'm an adult, so no need for "hey kids"!
Check out the smnall print at the start of the video.... ;0)
Wow, if that's the bottom 5, you really like the bike. I think like you've done, it's important to keep perspective on what the bike is and its intention. Here in California it would be ideal to trundle down the beach on the Coast Hwy, where 50 mph is plenty.
Yes it would be perfect for that - just a smile inducing ride….
If you want power and speed, don't get the 350... I sold my GS and bought the Classic and it has opened my eyes to a whole new world of motorcycling, a much more enjoyable one.
I took it to France last year and I'm booked up for a northern Spain tour this year. Brilliant on the Classic let me tell you.. 😀
Sounds fantastic - nice one! You don't miss the power at all?
@@TheMissendenFlyer no, it's strange. Everyone said I would.! I guess it's just what you like. I love the laid back, lazy riding.. 😉 and listening to the Hitchcocks through pipe exhaust.. 🤣🤣
Good stuff - I went out for a ride this afternoon on mine and I have to say I never missed the power (it was just a back lane Sunday bimble - which is what this bike is great at).
@@TheMissendenFlyer I agree, well listen, I hope you get to enjoy the bike more and I look forward to seeing the videos... 😀👍
Only good thing about my old 500 was how it looked sans pillion. Take it off! You’ll feel better for it believe me. 😎
Yes that’s the next job!
Hi Andy,what do you personally prefer,this or the bsa goldstar 650?
I don't know the GoldStar well enough to say - I've only ridden it once briefly and that was a while ago...
@@TheMissendenFlyer ok thanks Andy 👍
On my Classic 350 only the left mirror vibrates. The right mirror is sweet! It is a bit of a pain in the arse to be sure but I love the bike 💙🇭🇲
How weird!
Rear seat comes off with 2 bolts. You dont have to completely remove the bolts on the shocks, just remove them enough to take the seat off. Very easy job, two spanners. Done in 5 mins...
Yes I've since done it - thanks....