I took my delivery on my Janus Halcyon 250. 4 months and 1 day. to get it.Riding the bike and putting my hands on it I must say the craftsmanship is unmatchable.
I'm still in the honeymoon phase with my Halcyon Black '23 RE 350 Classic but loving it so far. I also wanted something bigger with longer legs than my '22 Honda 125 Trail but still compact and easy to handle. I led a small group ride the other day on backroads. The other 2 guys were on 10 year old BMW 1200cc bikes an R and an RT. One of the guys commented ; I thought when you showed up on the 350 we would be in for a slow ride! On the roads that we always ride - oil/chip and secondary highways - just good lightly travelled backroads the 350 is fast enough. The bike will break the speed limit on everything except the Interstate Highway. I did notice on the way home fighting a headwind the bike was laboring a bit. I always rode too fast on backroads with my more powerful bikes. I've even had the bike on gravel and it did better than expected as I rode as fast as I wanted. I really wish that a Trials version of the 350 had been available as I likely would have bought that. They were slightly lighter in the older 500 edition. There is a pretty good video on UA-cam of Chris North with Bike World cutting up a new 350 Meteor to build a trials bike but the bike was barely street legal once he finishes with it. It's like a 3 part series. Baxter Cycles in IA has the new pannier racks that Hitchcocks is selling in England. I just bought a set and waiting on my Military style bags to come in. The suspension is firm which is great on smooth pavement but can be jarring on the broken oil/chip and backroads we ride. I am considering ordering the 20mm taller Halon shocks available for the bike. I have a really nice '83 BMW airhead but the RE 350 feels lighter and more compact - I noticed some cobwebs on the BMW the other day!
Good luck in the unicorn hunt. I’m 6’1” and 190 pounds with 33” inseam and test rode a Classic 350. Ran fine and hauled me up a good climb into my town. Fun little bike. Another off the wall idea is the Yamaha XT 225. Light, frugal, and easy to ride.
I have the Classic 350 Signals Sand color. I alternate my daily riding to work and back on it with the Himi. The sensor point is right on. My Himi keeps getting a battery light but the battery is good. I love the 350's smooth shifting and named it Butters for how smooth it is. The common issue is the speedo needle sticking, mine is waiting for a part, but the ride is awesome, gas mileage is good and I get lots of compliments.
Just bought a 2023 500x honda best bike I've ever owned. No electrics to go wrong also honda reliability. 195 kilos nice and light also 90 mpg (uk) Alan Northern Ireland 🗨👍
"No electrics to go wrong also honda reliability" Huh???? The CB500X is more computer than motorcycle. I have no idea what you are talking about. I have 5 bikes, and every single one of them is carbureted.
I have been considering the classic 350 myself, it's too heavy for me at 80 yrs . So I stumbled upon the Triumph Speed 400, it weighs 375 lbs. It can carry the luggage you want , has tubeless tires and fewer electronic gremlins to go bad. It's not as pretty as the RE, but should give you good service for many years with minimal maintenance requirements.
I’m looking at the cfmoto 450 ibex that’s releasing here soon. I definitely still have my 21 Honda monkey too. And a big heavy cruiser road bike. Cfmoto has been on fire lately. Look at their other models too on their website.
I have the signal 350 (marsh grey ) and love it , over 5000 miles and no problems other than the well know speedo sticking which was replaced. For the money you could get a re 350 and have a body shop paint parts any color you want and have a one of a kind. With a few mods they run really good and sound great. If you ever want to ride or look at mine let me know I could meet somewhere as I live southwest 2 hrs from Gearhead
I think you have given yourself quite a tall order re your next bike. No electronic gizmos, not water cooled and not too heavy to drag out the garage/shed. I'm scratching my head as all current new bikes seem to fall into this category to meet emission legislation and safety standards. I'm 63 and for last 2 years owned R.E Classic 350 and done 9000 miles with no issues so far. To reduce the bikes weight I removed the rear seat and if I'm doing short journeys during my weekly ride i only keep a gallon of petrol in the tank , 4.5 litres. ( sorry, gasoline. You have a Brit here 😂) The bike is so good on fuel , 4.5 litres gets me 90/100 miles. However a full tank , the bike is noticeably heavier to move around the garage. I'm liking the new Triumph 400s and it could be a good choice for you if you can live with the modern gizmos 🤔 My only other thought is a fully restored Triumph 500/650 twin. Obviously air cooled, light in weight and definitely no electronic gizmos 😂 Good luck with your searching. Carl, U.K.
I love my classic easy to work on...il prob add white wall tires...maybe a side bag...im moving to the blue ridge area as well...mine will do 70mph but took about 4000 miles to wear the engine in all stock...i know an old timer hells angel guy up north...all he rides are old school 350's from the 70's...hes got a hell of a collection of smaller antique bikes
I think you should reconsider the SR400. I think it ticks a lot of boxes (dimensions, weight, quality, long-term reliability...). As for luggage, Hepco+Becker in Germany supply pannier bags and racks (although they are quite costly). I currently own a Classic 350, a Honda Monkey 125, and a 2014 SR400. The Yamaha is definitely the keeper!
I think a slightly sramblerized SR400 would be a very cool bike. I think the luggage trouble I mentioned may be due to lack of production, as everything seems to always be out of stock.
They just have too many things I'm looking to avoid this time around- fuel injection and all the elec gizmos that go with it, multi cylinders, liquid cooling, etc, etc.
I would've thought triumph would have learnt from the speed triple 1200, the overly aggressive riding position has excluded a massive section of customers, myself included. I have a T120 and gen 2 speed twin 1200, the speed twin is plenty aggressive enough, somi feel this may prove to be a mistake. Also the clocks are non negotiable, they really add to the premium feel of the gen 2, oh and my T120 has cruise control with twin classic clocks. This all looks like triumph is driving its products towards a younger demographic, probably necessary as us middle-aged blokes drop!
Yeah us old guys don't quite seem to be the target demographic, lol. I think that part of Royal Enfield's success was that they accidentally filled a hole in the market that more mature riders were looking for, but even they are moving away from that now as they try to capture a younger audience. My RE purchase was a "better get one while you can" type of thing.
My serious advise to you is: buy a Kawasaki KLR650, and modify it as you see fit. My ‘06 first generation has been upgraded aesthetically, and performs as good as new. That’s with 80,000, plus miles on it. Of all my bikes: ‘78 Honda CB350, ‘04 Yamaha TW200, ‘06 KLR650, ‘21 Honda CRF300 Rally, and the ‘24 Triumph Scrambler1200xe, the Kawasaki KLR650 stands out as my all time favorite. Give it some consideration.
I have a Classic 350, the color you are looking for, and I love her... After 1 year and 5500 Km, no issues at all, simple and dependable, a byke I really trust. I use her in all kind of roads, from nice tarmacs to dirt gravel and even mud, she handles it fine. I think since she doesn't have the cafe racer handlebar as the GT, manouvering will be easier, at least that was my feeling when I tried the GT at the dealership... Best of luck in you hunt for the next one, will be keeping an eye on it. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
The low speed characteristics of the GT is something I try to stress to everyone who's interested in one, the GT is fun but for day to day used it can be sketchy in certain situations.
I considered getting a red and chrome Classic 350, with cast tubeless wheels, and having them powder coated silver. Then I found out that the seat is higher than the seat on the dual sport bike that I had to get rid of because I could no longer get on it. The seat on the Classic 350 is crazy high for a 350cc STREET BIKE.
I have a 411 and keep looking at the 350 but I also want tubeless tires this time. I'm 76 and the 411 is getting a bit top heavy for me. The grey would also be my choice but don't know if tubeless tires are an option.
They do have models with tubeless tire, just look for the ones with alloy wheels. You may even be able to get the dealer to order a set of those and put them on any of them.
How about a Kawasaki W800? Plenty of power to haul alot of gear. Price is a bit much but still a cool bike that isn't terrible heavy compared to the classic 350
Loved the donkey to the horse race analogy and you nailed it! Given the Harley (read ancient tech) culture with bikers in the US, the old Himmy was exactly that, could go anywhere the Harleys couldnt and was just the sort of second bike Harley riders could buy on a whim and fall in love with! And RE have lost the plot when it comes to making bikes that fit that scene!
I think RE just accidentally filled a niche in the market, now they appear to be thinking that people just want RE bikes because the name is Royal Enfield... and not because they were making things other brands weren't.
Well , I'm slap outa ideas for your next bike , considering what your looking for and not wanting on the next bike . Hhmmm , a wheel barrow is air cooled , comes with one or two wheels , handles for rearing up steering etc., plenty of room for jaboo and your camping gear . I admit it will move extremely slow , but you will get to your destination . Of course you will have to fuel up with energy bars and drinks to keep you going , but voodoo I have complete confidence in you dude . 😅😂
Ive got 2 more contenders to talk about, and they are a bit off the wall. I'm not going to get everything I want so I'll have to decide what concessions I'm willing to make.
i would go for a bullet gold black,, no chrome to mess with and the seat is nice. its heavy but its low center of gravity,, no bike is that light tbh.. you could pay to have all the elctronic relays replaced
yeah i totally agree with the weight and size of the bike. you can look at old honda they dont have a lot of electronics minimum . why dont you try vespa or brought back your honda cub.
1st, "planning" your next 20 years of life is a fool's errand. 2nd, buying new with less electrogimickry leaves only Janus & there's plenty of issues there. 3rd, I can't think of anything old or new that's light, simple & small that isn't also an unwanted type, so I wish you gooood luck....
It's not that I'm planning out the next 20 years of my life.... it's more like I'm looking at quite possibly my last motorcycle purchase, and I want to buy the right bike as I'll only get one shot at it. So I need to keep in mind what this bike will be like in say... 20 years.
Considered the RE Classic 500? It’s slightly lighter believe it or not than the 350 but still all the Characteristics and looks and with it being a couple years older and having the kick start it has less electrics to play up! I have a RE Classic 500 Tribute Black…came with the side rails and period style bags already and have a black out engine etc. if you can source one it would be worth a look at as with the roads around you to ride a 350 might feel under powered!
The 500 is always a bike Ive wanted but just could never pull the trigger on, been close a couple of times but never bought one. My biggest concerns with it are a) finding a good one, b) the vibrations at higher speeds, and the plastics used in the EFI of later models (they get brittle with age and can be hard source replacements). An older carb'd model may be better for me but I don't have much knowledge or a source of knowledge on those models.
I'm in the midst of the exact same process. I have a T100. I am 73. The T100 is 500 Lbs and it is getting to be a bit much to move around. I'll keep it. But, I want a smaller lighter bike as a second bike. As much as a do like it, the Interceptor is too heavy - doesn't solve my problem. The Classic 350 is on the list. The Triumph Speed 400 is on the list. That bike is rising up the list because it is a lot lighter than the Classic 500. No where near the character, but it might be the ticket for the light bike category. True, it is water cooled. But, my bet is that they are pretty darn reliable. Agree on colors of the new Classic 500. Awful. But, there are some nice colors in the current crop. I have a question - do you think the Classic 350 is light enough to make a significant difference moving around the garage etc. when compared to a 500 Lb. T100?
Honda CL500 i would think meets your expectations, or is it too scrambler for you? You won't really get a new bike without any Electronics. The least you can get are bikes with less, and these are usually on the lower end of the price spectrum. Maybe a older used bike would be good if you don't want electronics?
My thoughts are that the Classic 350 is more your riding style position. ( on the bike ) The Janus looks like you would be sitting straighter up. Your personality would suit Janus, though, as an informed enthusiast. The Classic 650 has been spotted and videos are starting to surface but again I think your looking smaller. Maybe there is a RE 250 for sale somewhere around your parts. Royal Enfield is currently working on a new 250cc motorcycle that is expected to be released between 2026 and 2027. The bike will likely be the cheapest Royal Enfield model and may have a smaller version of the 350cc J series engine. ( I follow RE and always pick up tidbits of info)
The Janus and the Classic 350 are the top 2 contenders. The Classic for the price and fuel range and the Janus for simplicity and build. Ive got a line on a 2nd hand Janus that'll knock a few grand off the cost... not sure if it'll pan out though.
@UncleVoodoo I see the Kawasaki W230 is supposed to be on American soil. $5600.00 6 speed 20 HP. Interestingly enough RE is coming back with the 250cc in 2026, 2027. Some how Kawasaki got the word as well as Honda with the CB350. Were waiting patiently for your videos Uncle!💪💪💪💪
I was considering the Bullet 350, but now I'm leaning toward a Triumph or Husqvarna 400 class bike. But it sucks, because I'm with you on the electonics complications. The scariest thing to me is the way they're going to the TFT dashboards. What happens if that dies? Is the bike dead? Will it cost $2k to get a new one? Will I even be able to get one? Is it locked to the ECU? Oh craps there's another problem: the ECU. It's discouraging.
That's why I'm looking a bit backwards for this next purchase, I feel like mfrs are making bikes now that they don't intend for you not to keep for very long. All of this technology is flashy but not made for the long haul, I think we're seeing planned obsolescence in action. Harley Davidson for example won't even service bikes older than 10 years now, that's why I'm looking for something I can do all the work on it myself.
@@UncleVoodoo Yea, I know. But, at age 73 I am looking at a few more years and then the bikes all go down the road. So, long term issues are not really a concern for me. I just want reliable and light for a few more years. You will likely be surprised by the physical decline that happens for most people in your late 70s.
One other quirky thought. Grab an older BMW Airhead. Yes, their prices are at absurd levels, but there’s huge aftermarket support (Bob’s BMW in MD) and those Airheads last and last. Plus Airhead owners are usually good at keeping them properly maintained.
I have had my Signals Desert sand for two years, it has been flawless for commuting and touring locally, I even did a long trip on it with no problems. The size is one thing I like, small enough but full adult sized as the few smaller ( under 600cc) Hondas I have had were made for smaller people and uncomfortable after an hour or so on the road. The weight I don't feel and it is quite stable on the freeway at 70. Like you if I was to buy today I would get the standard Bullet 350 because of the colors. What about a left over Scram 411?
Seems that you keep going back to the classic 350 and I agree with you. It's probably not at all what you're looking for but the BMW 310 GS, I rode that and was pleasantly surprised.
I had a new classic 350 , very nice bike looked superb BUT I got fed up with the size and weight trying to get it in and out of my shed plus the performance was severely lacking, bought a Honda SH 300 scooter instead and that’s superb 😎
I took my delivery on my Janus Halcyon 250. 4 months and 1 day. to get it.Riding the bike and putting my hands on it I must say the craftsmanship is unmatchable.
I'm still in the honeymoon phase with my Halcyon Black '23 RE 350 Classic but loving it so far. I also wanted something bigger with longer legs than my '22 Honda 125 Trail but still compact and easy to handle. I led a small group ride the other day on backroads. The other 2 guys were on 10 year old BMW 1200cc bikes an R and an RT. One of the guys commented ; I thought when you showed up on the 350 we would be in for a slow ride! On the roads that we always ride - oil/chip and secondary highways - just good lightly travelled backroads the 350 is fast enough. The bike will break the speed limit on everything except the Interstate Highway. I did notice on the way home fighting a headwind the bike was laboring a bit. I always rode too fast on backroads with my more powerful bikes. I've even had the bike on gravel and it did better than expected as I rode as fast as I wanted. I really wish that a Trials version of the 350 had been available as I likely would have bought that. They were slightly lighter in the older 500 edition. There is a pretty good video on UA-cam of Chris North with Bike World cutting up a new 350 Meteor to build a trials bike but the bike was barely street legal once he finishes with it. It's like a 3 part series. Baxter Cycles in IA has the new pannier racks that Hitchcocks is selling in England. I just bought a set and waiting on my Military style bags to come in. The suspension is firm which is great on smooth pavement but can be jarring on the broken oil/chip and backroads we ride. I am considering ordering the 20mm taller Halon shocks available for the bike. I have a really nice '83 BMW airhead but the RE 350 feels lighter and more compact - I noticed some cobwebs on the BMW the other day!
Good luck in the unicorn hunt. I’m 6’1” and 190 pounds with 33” inseam and test rode a Classic 350. Ran fine and hauled me up a good climb into my town. Fun little bike.
Another off the wall idea is the Yamaha XT 225. Light, frugal, and easy to ride.
I have the Classic 350 Signals Sand color. I alternate my daily riding to work and back on it with the Himi. The sensor point is right on. My Himi keeps getting a battery light but the battery is good. I love the 350's smooth shifting and named it Butters for how smooth it is. The common issue is the speedo needle sticking, mine is waiting for a part, but the ride is awesome, gas mileage is good and I get lots of compliments.
Just bought a 2023 500x honda best bike I've ever owned. No electrics to go wrong also honda reliability. 195 kilos nice and light also 90 mpg (uk) Alan Northern Ireland 🗨👍
Distinctly character free though…
"No electrics to go wrong also honda reliability" Huh???? The CB500X is more computer than motorcycle. I have no idea what you are talking about. I have 5 bikes, and every single one of them is carbureted.
Got the Signals marsh grey. It's so much fun and the electronics are quite basic and uncomplicated.
32 km/l or 75 us mpg. Pretty happy with that.
Seriously like as the CSC sg250. Even better priced and pretty well made. I've had mine 2 years.
Find you a Suzuki TU 250 x. Great bike with 6 speed. Lightweight fuel injected.
I couldn't find 1 new at dealers for 3 years around NC & gave up looking....
I have been considering the classic 350 myself, it's too heavy for me at 80 yrs . So I stumbled upon the Triumph Speed 400, it weighs 375 lbs. It can carry the luggage you want , has tubeless tires and fewer electronic gremlins to go bad. It's not as pretty as the RE, but should give you good service for many years with minimal maintenance requirements.
I’m looking at the cfmoto 450 ibex that’s releasing here soon. I definitely still have my 21 Honda monkey too. And a big heavy cruiser road bike. Cfmoto has been on fire lately. Look at their other models too on their website.
I have the signal 350 (marsh grey ) and love it , over 5000 miles and no problems other than the well know speedo sticking which was replaced. For the money you could get a re 350 and have a body shop paint parts any color you want and have a one of a kind. With a few mods they run really good and sound great. If you ever want to ride or look at mine let me know I could meet somewhere as I live southwest 2 hrs from Gearhead
I think you have given yourself quite a tall order re your next bike. No electronic gizmos, not water cooled and not too heavy to drag out the garage/shed. I'm scratching my head as all current new bikes seem to fall into this category to meet emission legislation and safety standards. I'm 63 and for last 2 years owned R.E Classic 350 and done 9000 miles with no issues so far. To reduce the bikes weight I removed the rear seat and if I'm doing short journeys during my weekly ride i only keep a gallon of petrol in the tank , 4.5 litres. ( sorry, gasoline. You have a Brit here 😂) The bike is so good on fuel , 4.5 litres gets me 90/100 miles. However a full tank , the bike is noticeably heavier to move around the garage. I'm liking the new Triumph 400s and it could be a good choice for you if you can live with the modern gizmos 🤔 My only other thought is a fully restored Triumph 500/650 twin. Obviously air cooled, light in weight and definitely no electronic gizmos 😂 Good luck with your searching. Carl, U.K.
I"ve definitely set the bar pretty high. The number of new bikes that meet my criteria is extremely low making the used market something I'm scouring.
I love my classic easy to work on...il prob add white wall tires...maybe a side bag...im moving to the blue ridge area as well...mine will do 70mph but took about 4000 miles to wear the engine in all stock...i know an old timer hells angel guy up north...all he rides are old school 350's from the 70's...hes got a hell of a collection of smaller antique bikes
I think you should reconsider the SR400. I think it ticks a lot of boxes (dimensions, weight, quality, long-term reliability...). As for luggage, Hepco+Becker in Germany supply pannier bags and racks (although they are quite costly). I currently own a Classic 350, a Honda Monkey 125, and a 2014 SR400. The Yamaha is definitely the keeper!
I think a slightly sramblerized SR400 would be a very cool bike. I think the luggage trouble I mentioned may be due to lack of production, as everything seems to always be out of stock.
Have a look at the Honda 500 scrambler. Actually just thinking about west, what about the Kawasaki z650 RS .
They just have too many things I'm looking to avoid this time around- fuel injection and all the elec gizmos that go with it, multi cylinders, liquid cooling, etc, etc.
I would've thought triumph would have learnt from the speed triple 1200, the overly aggressive riding position has excluded a massive section of customers, myself included. I have a T120 and gen 2 speed twin 1200, the speed twin is plenty aggressive enough, somi feel this may prove to be a mistake. Also the clocks are non negotiable, they really add to the premium feel of the gen 2, oh and my T120 has cruise control with twin classic clocks. This all looks like triumph is driving its products towards a younger demographic, probably necessary as us middle-aged blokes drop!
Yeah us old guys don't quite seem to be the target demographic, lol.
I think that part of Royal Enfield's success was that they accidentally filled a hole in the market that more mature riders were looking for, but even they are moving away from that now as they try to capture a younger audience. My RE purchase was a "better get one while you can" type of thing.
My serious advise to you is: buy a Kawasaki KLR650, and modify it as you see fit.
My ‘06 first generation has been upgraded aesthetically, and performs as good as new.
That’s with 80,000, plus miles on it.
Of all my bikes: ‘78 Honda CB350, ‘04 Yamaha TW200, ‘06 KLR650, ‘21 Honda CRF300 Rally, and the ‘24 Triumph Scrambler1200xe,
the Kawasaki KLR650 stands out as my all time favorite.
Give it some consideration.
I had a '91 KLR 650, I liked it well enough but it's just too big for what I'm looking for.
I have a Classic 350, the color you are looking for, and I love her... After 1 year and 5500 Km, no issues at all, simple and dependable, a byke I really trust. I use her in all kind of roads, from nice tarmacs to dirt gravel and even mud, she handles it fine.
I think since she doesn't have the cafe racer handlebar as the GT, manouvering will be easier, at least that was my feeling when I tried the GT at the dealership... Best of luck in you hunt for the next one, will be keeping an eye on it. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
The low speed characteristics of the GT is something I try to stress to everyone who's interested in one, the GT is fun but for day to day used it can be sketchy in certain situations.
I considered getting a red and chrome Classic 350, with cast tubeless wheels, and having them powder coated silver. Then I found out that the seat is higher than the seat on the dual sport bike that I had to get rid of because I could no longer get on it. The seat on the Classic 350 is crazy high for a 350cc STREET BIKE.
I agree. I like it, but it's a physically bigger and heavier bike than most people think.
I have a 411 and keep looking at the 350 but I also want tubeless tires this time. I'm 76 and the 411 is getting a bit top heavy for me. The grey would also be my choice but don't know if tubeless tires are an option.
They do have models with tubeless tire, just look for the ones with alloy wheels. You may even be able to get the dealer to order a set of those and put them on any of them.
How about a Kawasaki W800? Plenty of power to haul alot of gear. Price is a bit much but still a cool bike that isn't terrible heavy compared to the classic 350
The W800 is a nice bike, but it's outside the size/weight range I'm looking for. It's more comparable to the Interceptor.
Loved the donkey to the horse race analogy and you nailed it! Given the Harley (read ancient tech) culture with bikers in the US, the old Himmy was exactly that, could go anywhere the Harleys couldnt and was just the sort of second bike Harley riders could buy on a whim and fall in love with! And RE have lost the plot when it comes to making bikes that fit that scene!
I think RE just accidentally filled a niche in the market, now they appear to be thinking that people just want RE bikes because the name is Royal Enfield... and not because they were making things other brands weren't.
Well , I'm slap outa ideas for your next bike , considering what your looking for and not wanting on the next bike . Hhmmm , a wheel barrow is air cooled , comes with one or two wheels , handles for rearing up steering etc., plenty of room for jaboo and your camping gear . I admit it will move extremely slow , but you will get to your destination . Of course you will have to fuel up with energy bars and drinks to keep you going , but voodoo I have complete confidence in you dude . 😅😂
Ive got 2 more contenders to talk about, and they are a bit off the wall. I'm not going to get everything I want so I'll have to decide what concessions I'm willing to make.
i would go for a bullet gold black,, no chrome to mess with and the seat is nice. its heavy but its low center of gravity,, no bike is that light tbh.. you could pay to have all the elctronic relays replaced
I do like the blacked out engine on that one, but at the same time I hate the matte black paint elsewhere on the bike.
yeah i totally agree with the weight and size of the bike. you can look at old honda they dont have a lot of electronics minimum . why dont you try vespa or brought back your honda cub.
A Vespa is actually on my list, I'll be doing one of these videos on it in the future.
My 350 classic is my favorite bike, i also have a gt, int and a himalayan all great bikes but the 350 is the one i ride the most.
Small bikes are way under rated imho.
1st, "planning" your next 20 years of life is a fool's errand. 2nd, buying new with less electrogimickry leaves only Janus & there's plenty of issues there. 3rd, I can't think of anything old or new that's light, simple & small that isn't also an unwanted type, so I wish you gooood luck....
It's not that I'm planning out the next 20 years of my life.... it's more like I'm looking at quite possibly my last motorcycle purchase, and I want to buy the right bike as I'll only get one shot at it. So I need to keep in mind what this bike will be like in say... 20 years.
Considered the RE Classic 500? It’s slightly lighter believe it or not than the 350 but still all the Characteristics and looks and with it being a couple years older and having the kick start it has less electrics to play up! I have a RE Classic 500 Tribute Black…came with the side rails and period style bags already and have a black out engine etc. if you can source one it would be worth a look at as with the roads around you to ride a 350 might feel under powered!
The 500 is always a bike Ive wanted but just could never pull the trigger on, been close a couple of times but never bought one. My biggest concerns with it are a) finding a good one, b) the vibrations at higher speeds, and the plastics used in the EFI of later models (they get brittle with age and can be hard source replacements). An older carb'd model may be better for me but I don't have much knowledge or a source of knowledge on those models.
I'm in the midst of the exact same process. I have a T100. I am 73. The T100 is 500 Lbs and it is getting to be a bit much to move around. I'll keep it. But, I want a smaller lighter bike as a second bike. As much as a do like it, the Interceptor is too heavy - doesn't solve my problem. The Classic 350 is on the list. The Triumph Speed 400 is on the list. That bike is rising up the list because it is a lot lighter than the Classic 500. No where near the character, but it might be the ticket for the light bike category. True, it is water cooled. But, my bet is that they are pretty darn reliable. Agree on colors of the new Classic 500. Awful. But, there are some nice colors in the current crop. I have a question - do you think the Classic 350 is light enough to make a significant difference moving around the garage etc. when compared to a 500 Lb. T100?
take a test ride you'll know automatically
@@SJ_newTrue. Its a long drive to a dealer for me. But, probably that is the thing to do.
@@robgerety think of it as a positive thing, if you liked the bike, long driving the bike home would be a memorable ride 👍😊
Honda CL500 i would think meets your expectations, or is it too scrambler for you? You won't really get a new bike without any Electronics. The least you can get are bikes with less, and these are usually on the lower end of the price spectrum. Maybe a older used bike would be good if you don't want electronics?
My thoughts are that the Classic 350 is more your riding style position. ( on the bike ) The Janus looks like you would be sitting straighter up.
Your personality would suit Janus, though, as an informed enthusiast. The Classic 650 has been spotted and videos are starting to surface but again I think your looking smaller. Maybe there is a RE 250 for sale somewhere around your parts. Royal Enfield is currently working on a new 250cc motorcycle that is expected to be released between 2026 and 2027. The bike will likely be the cheapest Royal Enfield model and may have a smaller version of the 350cc J series engine.
( I follow RE and always pick up tidbits of info)
The Janus and the Classic 350 are the top 2 contenders. The Classic for the price and fuel range and the Janus for simplicity and build. Ive got a line on a 2nd hand Janus that'll knock a few grand off the cost... not sure if it'll pan out though.
@UncleVoodoo I see the Kawasaki W230 is supposed to be on American soil. $5600.00 6 speed 20 HP.
Interestingly enough RE is coming back with the 250cc in 2026, 2027. Some how Kawasaki got the word as well as Honda with the CB350.
Were waiting patiently for your videos Uncle!💪💪💪💪
If you’d like the classic 350, just replace the relays and clean up the grease and you’ll have eliminated 80% of the electrical problems.
I was considering the Bullet 350, but now I'm leaning toward a Triumph or Husqvarna 400 class bike. But it sucks, because I'm with you on the electonics complications. The scariest thing to me is the way they're going to the TFT dashboards. What happens if that dies? Is the bike dead? Will it cost $2k to get a new one? Will I even be able to get one? Is it locked to the ECU? Oh craps there's another problem: the ECU. It's discouraging.
That's why I'm looking a bit backwards for this next purchase, I feel like mfrs are making bikes now that they don't intend for you not to keep for very long. All of this technology is flashy but not made for the long haul, I think we're seeing planned obsolescence in action.
Harley Davidson for example won't even service bikes older than 10 years now, that's why I'm looking for something I can do all the work on it myself.
@@UncleVoodoo Yea, I know. But, at age 73 I am looking at a few more years and then the bikes all go down the road. So, long term issues are not really a concern for me. I just want reliable and light for a few more years. You will likely be surprised by the physical decline that happens for most people in your late 70s.
One other quirky thought. Grab an older BMW Airhead. Yes, their prices are at absurd levels, but there’s huge aftermarket support (Bob’s BMW in MD) and those Airheads last and last. Plus Airhead owners are usually good at keeping them properly maintained.
@@peterrussell798 that’s the next “Let’s talk about…” video 😁
I have had my Signals Desert sand for two years, it has been flawless for commuting and touring locally, I even did a long trip on it with no problems. The size is one thing I like, small enough but full adult sized as the few smaller ( under 600cc) Hondas I have had were made for smaller people and uncomfortable after an hour or so on the road. The weight I don't feel and it is quite stable on the freeway at 70. Like you if I was to buy today I would get the standard Bullet 350 because of the colors. What about a left over Scram 411?
Seems that you keep going back to the classic 350 and I agree with you. It's probably not at all what you're looking for but the BMW 310 GS, I rode that and was pleasantly surprised.
Suzuki vanvan 200 if you get them in America.They stopped bringing them to Britain and are now as hard to find as rocking horse sh**😅
u should test ride re hunter 350 then
I much prefer the look of the bullet to the classic too.
I had a new classic 350 , very nice bike looked superb BUT I got fed up with the size and weight trying to get it in and out of my shed plus the performance was severely lacking, bought a Honda SH 300 scooter instead and that’s superb 😎
You're completely off topic but hey, enjoy your new ride anyway