Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs Meteor 350 - 2 classic bikers review
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- Опубліковано 23 вер 2022
- In this video John and Dave compare the Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs the Royal Enfield Meteor 350. John and Dave had each of these bikes for just over a week and did a range of rides to get a really good feel for them. The real question here is are either of these worth owning and which one is better?
// FOR ALL CHANNEL ENQUIRIES (INCLUDING SPONSORSHIP AND ADVERTISING) please contact Alex Rollings - alexander@talktocamera.co.uk
// ABOUT THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE CHANNEL
The Classic Motorcycle Channel is for people who love classic, vintage and antique motorcycles. We are passionate about classic motorcycles and produce high quality motorcycle profile videos, restoration videos, restorer profile videos and also anything that takes our interest.
// CHANNEL PARTNERS
- Alex Rollings - director and producer for the channel.
Instagram: @motofilmer
- Dave Mitchell - in house mechanic, presenter and producer. Dave also owns and runs a classic motorcycle workshop called Mitchell's Classics.
Website: www.mitchellsclassics.co.uk
- John Oakes - presenter and producer. John is a classic motorcycle enthusiast, rider and restorer and works closely with us on all our video content.
Instagram and Facebook: @classicbikeman
// A BIG THANK YOU TO
- Royal Enfield for loaning us the bikes.
Website: www.royalenfield.com
Instagram: @royalenfieldeurope
Facebook: @RoyalEnfieldUK
UA-cam: Royal Enfield
- Caroline Blake and Lucy Crabbe from Shellwood Blake for organising the bikes for us.
Website: www.shellwoodblake.com
Instagram: @shellwoodblake
- Dave Mitchell for taking the time to film with us.
Website: www.mitchellsclassics.co.uk
- John Oakes for taking the time to film with us.
Instagram and Facebook: @classicbikeman
- Bry for taking the time to film with us.
Instagram: @bryrides
- Dave Mitchell for his time filming on the day.
Website: www.mitchellsclassics.co.uk
- Bertie Francis for his additional photos and videos of Bry in and around London.
Instagram: @bertiefrancis
- Alex Rollings for filming and editing the video.
Instagram: @motofilmer
#royalenfield
#royalenfieldclassic350
#royalenfieldclassic350cc - Авто та транспорт
I own Meteor 350
Love every bit of it ❤️
I chose the Meteor over the Classic as I wanted alloy wheels/tubeless tyres and the larger tank capacity. I agree about the pedals although the brake pedal doesn't bother me as much as the gear change linkage. It works fine but is very crude.(TEC sell a rose jointed version which I am considering). I removed the screen because of the buffeting. I agree about the low power but the trade off is excellent fuel consumption of 90 mpg plus.
Classic also has alloys, tubeless variant
@@prasadsawant12 Is that available in the UK now? I couldn’t find one back in March when I bought the Meteor. I will be taking a look at the Hunter when it becomes available.
@@meandmyvelo6380 checkout 2 variant
Dark stealth black and dark gunmetal gray
I’ve gone for the meteor as well, I’m a rather ride it then clean it kind a guy, so no spokes for me, plus the classic is for old geezers an I’m only 76 😂😂😂
And then they sell Super Meteor 650, will they sell Classisc 650?
Ive probably watched too many bike reviews. but this is genuinely brilliant. Very in depth
What I feel after already owning a 2020 Bullet 350 is, they (RE) really wants riders to connect with the bike. Get a good feeling of what the bike is all about, understand the working of your bike. They also give a toolkit, sorta encouraging DIY culture on your own bike. Everything is as basic as it gets. I recently test drove the Interceptor 650 and I am going to buy it the next year. Really, lovely bikes these ones. I have an emotional connection with my Bullet that i can't describe in words. These bikes just connect with you.
Now they release Super Meteor 650
@@simonrobert9858Yes but totally different style from the classic and for many the extra two and half plus grand is pushing the boundaries for their budget.
Lovely bikes. Need more Enfield dealers though as it is 160 miles to my nearest one. They should offer customers the option of cast wheels on the Classic though; I am far too old to be messing around with spoked chromed wheels !
We should also be offered the option of final drive chain enclosures for those of us who are not too bothered by style and like to prolong the chains life.
Best bike review I’ve ever seen.ManyThanks👍👍
Thanks Crew for the Insights > helps me lean towards the 650cc versions
Great review. Incidentally, in New South Wales Australia, the top of the line meteor is actually more expensive than the top of the line Classic 350. I adore the latter. There's just something about that 1950's styling that pulls my heart strings.
Loved the review guys, thank you for most parts for calling them bikes, only a few times did the "Motorcycle" word sneak in. In the UK we were brought up calling them Motorbikes or Bikes. Crickey, even James Dean and Marlon Brando called them bikes or motorbikes...sorry rant over.
Keep the real reviews coming, good to hear an honest review on a bike.
Cheers.
Gee.
Quality video and review chaps, thank you.
Excellent machinery for the money. Light weight more important as one ages and speed isn’t quite so important but it’s still nice to wind ‘n drive!
If it were my money I’d probably go down the 350/500 Guzzi V50 or Morini Strada route.
Enjoyed your review of these great bikes. I also am in the group having trouble with the toe shifter. Having demo rode a 2021 RE Meteor, wearing hiking boots which have a rounded toe shape, found it very difficult to get my foot under the toe shifter to up shift. So used the heel shifter, for most of the ride. Otherwise, very impressed with the smoothness of the ride.Cheers. 🙂 🏍 🇨🇦
VERY GOOD JOB!!!!! Great review.
I'm right between your ages. I brought the classic I've never had so much fun going slower. Fantastic bike to look at and all day comfort. Took it around Wales and it was brilliant 👌. I can embarrass other bikers round the bends on it.
Woohoo I'm obviously young at heart, being in my 60's and I went for the meteor over the classic... Enjoyed the review and different perspectives. I admit to not getting on with the toe/heel shifter at the start, but I love it now and keep wondering if I can convert my other bike. My main problem with the classic was the tubed wheels, I've had bad experiences with tubes in the past. I asked about the cast wheels for the classic as I prefer that look but the dealer said Enfield aren't importing them to the UK, shame.
Bry's photography is stunning, you should produce a high-quality Classic Bike calendar.
I was out and about on my Meteor yesterday and a guy said to me, "Wow... what year is was this made?" He was a bit taken back when I told him its brand new. I totally agree with you about the heal & toe gear shifter and I'll be looking for something better to replace with in the near future.
Dave, you hit the nail on the head! I would like to see a 550-600 cc version of the same bike. It would be big enough for highway speeds and still return reasonable gas mileage,plus it wouldn't compete with the 650 Interceptor although it would give the 650 BSA competition if reasonably priced and that should be easy to accomplish. As a long time lover of British motorcycles I'm really enjoying this channel! You're a master at your craft!
Royal Enfield has launched a 650cc version of Meteor called the super meteor and working to launch a 65pcc version of the classic. Maybe you'd love it. I suggest wait for classic to launch and then decide which to buy. The 650cc is a parallel twin like the interceptor and J series engine platform!
Super Meteor 650 is out.
A Classic 650 will be rolled out soon..
Great, down to earth review.
Having not had a bike for over 20 years, and not having any intention of getting one, seeing Henry Cole test the Meteor on the Motorbike Show, kind of changed my mind. I had a test ride a year last August, nice bike, but at 73, thought I was too bloody old, and decided against it. However, when the Classic 350 was launched in India the following month,, I totally changed my mind.
As soon as they appeared on the UK website in December, I put down a deposit, and had one of the first bikes to be imported.into the UK last March. Best purchase I've ever made, wonderful little bike, plenty of power for the likes of me, content to tootle round the B roads at 50-55 mph, really takes me back to my youth. and certainly a much better made bike than the Bullet 500 I had in the 90's., and just as powerful too!.
Both great bikes, each one loved by their individual owners, Wonderful to have that choice.
Excuse the split infinitive 😄!
Hey Pete, thanks for your nice comments and thoughts on the bikes. It’s really great to hear experiences like this, Alex
Welcome back we missed you 👍😉
Very good video, informative and interesting with plenty of enthusiasm.
I had an RE Crusader Sports 250 50 years ago and loved it, so the Bullet and the Classic definitely appeal to me.
The Bullet in Maroon and the Classic in Green look stunning, waiting for a demo to be available.
Have ridden the Interceptor and the Super Meteor and loved that engine, so flexible and torquey.
Have put down a deposit for the Himmy 450 in Kaza Brown, so looking forward to a demo on that.
RE have so many great bikes its difficult to decide so these videos are a must for decision making.
Thanks guys for the Meteor/ Classic review. Both great looking and sounding bikes. I am looking seriously at buying one of these and leaning more toward the Classic. As a senior, I would like to downsize a bit and the Classic ticks all the boxes for me. I’m no longer interested in 100mph highway rides. Enjoying you channel vey much. Cheers, Dan 👍🏍🇨🇦
Hey Dan, thanks for your nice comments and thanks for watching :)
Daniel same here, in our mid 70s looking for something lighter and this is less than half the weight of our Harley Ultra Classic.
I was originally looking at the Meteor but it does not have enough room for the two of us, the seating on the Classic being higher and more forward gives about 4 inches more room.
Same here I've turned 73 but my B M W K75c is awkward getting it in and out of my back gate , so think it makes more sense to get a smaller bike .
Sorry,, but the heel shifter issue is an issue with just that particular bike you tested and I think it is easy to fix. After watching Bry's video I instantly went to my RE dealer yesterday where I had ordered a Meteor last week. We tested all 10 Meteor's which they had on display in the shop and none of them had any issues with the heel/toe shifter and also not with the foot brake lever. Nothing flimsy at all.
You went into detailed in this video and I appreciate it. :) Very informative and very interesting for any motorcycle lover. It got my like. Keep it up. :)
Great video, great review. I have a battle green 2014 Classic 500. I would love to have a Battle green or other color military style 350. I know if I find one here in Phoenix I would definitely buy it. The meteor 350 is nice but not my style. Thank you for the quality content.
I bought the meteor April thisyear, I love the bike nice light and very manouvrable, I never liked the heel toe gear shift, so I slackened off the nuts at the gear change and tilted it as far as it could go backwards so the heel part was now out of reach and I work it with the toe part only, works great and I wear size ten boots, no other adjustment needed, I did see someone advertising replacement gear shift for 69 quid but theres really no need to replace
I think it's all down to what appeals. I chose the Meteor and prefer the more modern appearance over the Classic.
Perhaps I should mention I began riding in 1964!
Didn't like the casquette on my earlier Enfields and certainly not that peak over the headlamp they've put on.
What appeals is build quality at the price point plus 3 year warranty. The gear linkage is a poor thing but a simple matter to change with rose joints.
I removed the heel bit and no false neutrals now.
But for all that this is an excellent video and welcome addition to all the Meteor /Classic reviews out there.
Happy that the "heel" thing can be removed. Not sold on forward pegs but will try a demo bike to see if suits me
@@littlefishy6316. Agreed about the rather forward mounted pegs but they're not tooo forward to be daft.
Heel part easily hacksawed off - did it after two weeks 😂.
Just prefer the looks of the Meteor.
Do try the Hunter though... I now have that too and find it to be a really great bike. But it doesn't replace the Meteor which is great in a different way.
Thanks for the video, I had the Bullet 500 and loved that bike. Looking at the Classic, but do wish it was a 500 cc but just love the looks of it, but do wish it had the heal toe shifter I really like them and miss them, Have a Honda CB 500 X it is a very good bike but, do not get near the feeling of riding it as I did on the Bullet. One other thing I wish they would of put a kick start on it, that would give it a real feel of the old bikes of the past. All ways a great feeling, kick starting the bike, would bring back the feeling of the old days.
Ive got the Classic 350 in the same chrome bronze colour scheme. I agree on most of the points mentioned here. It’s a shame that they opted for a overhead camshaft and dropped the pushrod configuration. There is a Hitchcocks camshaft, decat pipe and DNA filter on route to up the power slightly. Nothing beats the experience of a long stroke single in my opinion.
I love both of these, but only with tubeless tires. The Meteor is nice because it appears to involve less maintenance, if you get the FIREBALL version (no chrome to polish), but the Classis is, well, CLASSIC! I don't think most can use these bikes as a "do everything bike" in the U.S. Not enough grunt on highways. Great around town commuter, though! I'd lean toward the Meteor Fireball in the end, I think. Now, if they would only offer a standard shifter as a swap-out accessory, to replace the heel/toe version...
The real difference for me is subjective and practical. I prefer to be in the bike instead of on top. I like low maintenance, least amount of chrome, the better. The controls on the Meteor 350 for me would be better about 4 to 5 inches forward and make it real forward controls. They may feel a little a little flimsy to the touch but what counts is when you're riding and your foot controls it. I've had the Meteor 350 fireball red since 2021 and most likely will be trading it for the Super Meteor 650 when it comes to California. Thanks for sharing your experience. By the way as far as classic, that's me 75yrs.
Like the look and sound of the classic, but I will stick with my Moto Morini sport, 44 years old and still going and still loads of fun.
Hej, super film, który porównuje obydwa motocykle. Teraz jeżdżę Suzuki vstrom 650, ale myślę o Royal classic. Dla mnie po prostu ładniejszy. Prawdę mówił ten Pan, że samemu można robić serwis motocykla, żadnych osłon ect. Moja przygoda z motocyklami zaczęła się na Avo Simson 250 z 1955r, Więc Royal Enfild Classic bardzo mi odpowiada.
pozdrawiam z Polski !
very good, in depth comparison
This is a proper review!
Despite being firmly in the old fart age group, I prefer the looks of the Meteor. Why ? I think it is because it is a modern interpretation (take) on the classic style rather than being a straight out replica. Also, never liked the 'nacelle' look back in the day. So, why should I like it now ?
@@frankmarkovcijr5459 Thanks for the interesting historical insight. But I suspect that if not for Edward Turner the 500 cc Triumph Daytona, arguably the best looking motorbike ever created, would have never eventually come to exist. So, I will give him a free pass for the nacelle transgression. 😊
I think the Meteor looks more like a bike from the lates 70s to early 80s, which is my favourite style of bike. I already have a 500 Classic, so I wouldn’t want another one in exactly the same style.
Considering ability to pick up a dropped GS as age progresses, this 350 is close to the XL 350 CB350 305 Superhawk I was privileged to ride 50 yrs ago not to mention the 160, Super 90 ,cub 50 starting out.
Be looking for a used one soon.
Yesterday ordered a green classic 350.
Thinks it's funny to see between my z1000 & Z-H2.
Don't like the Meteor.
For a short time I was fortunate enough to own a meteor and a classic and did about 1000 MLS on both unfortunately one had to be sold
I kept my Meteor it just suited me better
Two pretty motorcycles. Proper motorcycles. Ace. 👍. (But the 500cc single is even better).
After listening to your brilliant review of these bikes , the classic seems to be the one to go for , but then the price might sway people towards the Meteor , both great bikes for the money . Thanks 👌
merci pour ce comparatif, j'irais comme vous sur la classique car rouler moderne sans les inconvénients d'être en panne n'a pas de prix et quelle belle machine, même si effectivement elle manque quand même de puissance, je viens de vendre ma kawa 900 rs et je voulais la 650 super méréor , mais maintenant avec cette vidéo je réfléchit différemment 🙋♂
Great video thank you ☺️
You’re welcome 😊
Both bikes are good as long as you’re not doing any major freeway riding Maxpeed level ground is about 70 miles an hour. If you’re going up a grade with a headwind max speed 50. The meteor is a cruiser very comfortable as long as you understand the limits wonderful back to own
If the Classic was 500cc with 40bhp I'd buy one tomorrow,350/20bhp isn't enough for me.
Perhaps sometime in the future they will plonk in the 450cc 40hp LC mill in these models as well
@@kyakaruvlogs2784 if you mean the new Himalayan 450 engine,not that I've antpything against it but it would kill the Classic's looks and style IMO.
@@johnwood4448 That is always there but I guess RE had to take the 500 off the shelf because it was getting impossible to make one abiding to the stringent norms that exists currently
@@kyakaruvlogs2784 thinking about it the new 450 Himmie engine could be made to look more "retro" similar to the way BSA have done with the psuedo Goldie,so perhaps there's hope yet😉
@@johnwood4448 Exactly my thoughts
Good afternoon from Greece. Very nice video, clear. Do you have any opinion / facts about quality and durability of the modern -India made- Royal Enfields ?
The headlight visor on my Classic 350 is the source of rattle and buzzing at rpm. I’m still trying to decide how to address it.
They're really great bikes and are amazing value. One thing that you didn't mention that would have been useful was the tank capacity and mpg. Hopefully the tank is a reasonable size. An ideal bike for the older rider who isn't particularly interested in maximum power. A 500 would be much heavier and consequently put them off, I got rid of my bandit when I was 77 because I was findingit too heavy to manoeuvre it in andout of the garage.
The Classic has a 13L tank the Meteor 15L.
@@meandmyvelo6380 thanks.
I prefer the look of the Meteor.
However. The screen would have to come off, gearchange converted to toe only, and the footpegs re-located further back.
BTW, I'm 63.
I'm looking at the hunter for exactly those reasons .
Liked the Meteor but hated it once I found out about the plastic parts. Went for the classic 350 Halcyon Grey instead. Its my first RE bike. Im liking the Super Meteor 650 but ill probably wait for the Bullet 650 or the Classic 650.
Aesthetically, and with its riding-position, I prefer the Classic but the Meteor would be more affordable for me
600cc version would be perfect. I have the classic 500 which I love but a slightly faster smoother 600 would be very appealing.
Great review guys! I was wondering is it possible to fit a classic 350 exhaust to the meteor? As they both share the same engine & chassis? (I think)!
Thanks John, not sure on this one but there's a heap of owner who check the comments on these video and I'm sure they'll have the inside track on that. It wasn't something we actually checked. Alex
I think the power output is what gives the classic 350 that vintage bike experience the pootling back road nature, the simple pleasures would for me, be altered, you would ride faster, thus, miss the point of this bike. I own a triumph trident 660, which is my every day bike. My classic 350 signals is a yesteryear experience, I,m loving it!
Can anyone please help me by telling the best small cruiser other than avenger … thank you
My vote is for the Classic. But the real question is: is it reliable enough? My older Classic 500 had loads of things break and the replacement parts cost a fortune - nearly £400 for a fuel pump!
Didn't mention the satnav on the Meteor which isn't present on the classic...
Back in the day you would think which one would I pull a bird on lol.
now we are trying to get away from them.... nagging springs to mind... 🤣
That grandpa👴 is awesome..
You mixed up the wrench and extension in the tool pouch 🙃
A 500cc stroker kit would be a nice option.
Not suitable for many riders who want performance.
These bikes will cruise at 55- 60mph which is lorry speed.
So inside lane motorway is easily do able .
Which I've done on my classic.
Although personally even with my Kawasaki Vulcan VN900 I avoided as much as possible because they are boring as F.
However these little bikes make B road riding a total joy.
Relaxed, character and soul if you want those traights.
Best gear box on the market bar none.
Can see why some want more perfomance but there is a huge retro nostalgia market .
Specially at such a bargain price.
Yet to park somewhere where people dont pass comment on these time machines.
Build quality on the classic is as good if not better than bikes cost twice the price.
The 650 is also superbly built but not as nimble around town as the 350 which is where 90% of bikes spend most time.
Will I tour on it? of course .
Toured on a 175 two stroke with no problems
@1:43, funny and strange, how Sammy Miller blows the exhaust clouds right into the 🚪of the building and into the face/s of the person/s passing by...
Convert the engine to the scram 411 head and barrel, and get more power.
What is your length?
Very good bike 👍
I own the meteor and i am very happy with it, but i love the way the classic looks. What to do? I put the meteor on sale, hoping not to get too much financial punishment. The trade in deal from the RE dealership was too bad. If i can’t get a devent price i guess I’ll stick to the meteor for a while and wait for a new classic 500
You spent the whole review talking about the Classic and very little about the Meteor. How is that a comparison ?
I picked up a '21 Meteor after selling my VStar 1100. I wanted something smaller and easier to handle as I'm gaining in age. I loved the comfort of the seating position and the ease of handling. That said, I only rode it for 8 months before trading it in for a Kawasaki z650rs. Why? I just couldn't get over how anemic the powerplant is. I live in the USA where highway travel is basically mandatory to get anywhere. Traffic on our highways typically moves around 75+mph, the Meteor tops out around 72mph and does not have the torque to overtake at those speeds. Maybe these 350s are fine for backroads or countries where speeds rarely top 60mph, but here in the states they're just too darn slow/weak to safely travel on anything more than country/city roads.
Super meteor 650 is coming
Try the super meteor mate
Top speed has also been a concern of mine. I’m 70 and have ridden motorcycles since 1967 and love the classic look of the Meteor. The 650Z is a great bike but why not the W800 instead?
@@jeffreyhurst9552 three words: "Candy Emerald Green".
The z650rs is also more nimble and seems to have a leg up in power output over the W800.
Do you have to have a collection to qualify for one of these? What about if you can only afford one bike and need to use it every day? Are these still practical options? (I’m experienced but ride a 125 daily, but would like something with slightly better “uphill” power etc..)
Coming from a 125, you would notice a decent power bump. I ride the Classic as a daily driver and 60-65Mph can be done all day with some stints on the motorway at 70. 5th gear is an overdrive so don't be shy about dropping to forth up hill. Run the revs up, most don't, and at 70 there is not much left, the ECU has a programmed limit of 73MPH or so.
the classic looks better single seat, without the pillion seat.
Nice comparison. Lovely bikes, but I agree 20hp just isn’t enough. Ten more and I might be tempted.
Same here. In today's roads, riding a 70mph/±112kph feels very insecure. I just moved from a Tricity 300 to a Maxsym tl 508 (yeah I know, scooters) just for that reason.
Waiting for the Super Meteor to come out, which should be 650cc.
Perhaps they will plonk in the 450cc 40hp LC mill this these one day
I think RE are listening , apparently a bigger classic on drawing board. 😊
I have been testdriving the meteor 350 and I would be more happier they have gone for a 500 cc engine like the one the had on the 500 classic.
Patience young Padawan!! the Super Meteor 650 should be announced soon. Then I'll definitely test ride it.
@@raphaeldukhan but for me personally, the weight is a important factor for me and I am guessing that the 650 classic will be heavier then the current model. I believe a increase to 500 cc would not have a major impact on the weight.
@@thebikegeekandmore2448
great point, for me too the weight is an important factor.
We'll see how much heavier the 650 will be.
@@splodge5714 Perhaps they may plonk in the 450cc 40hp LC mill in these sometime in the future.
buy an old beaten up AJS/Matchless for about £2000 and spend money on bringing it back to life which would only cost the same total amount as 1 of these bikes, only diffrance being that you will be riding in style instead.
The Meteor 350 wouldve been perfect with the 411cc Scram engine for the extra 5 horse power and 5 lbs of torque. That wouldve made it ok as a highway cruiser. It can cruise on highway as a 350 but not quite comfortably so that little extra wouldve been perfect in my opinion. Perhaps the upgraded version could've had the 411cc instead of just a windshield.
The Classic 350 is gorgeous....I prefer the looks and feel of the Classic 350 and standard seating position.
It’s a nice bike but my perfect meteor would have a 450 engine and spoked wheels ,a bit more power on the hills and freeway may be one day it will happen I think it would sell like hot cakes, jimmy Australia
My view is that 20hp isn’t enough in a first world market. For not much more money you can get the twins which are infinitely more useful as a motorcycle
While the Meteor 650 is out I'm so glad they did the 350cc and it's my perfect engine size. I own a Suzuki Van Van 200 with 14hp which I still adore after 5 years of riding and after spending 3 months with a Transalp 600 as my second bike, I realized that 600cc & 47hp are useless for my rides as I found myself cruising at the same speeds as my Van Van (avg 80km/h) but with almost twice the weight and half of the mileage. Just sold my TA and ordered a Supernova Blue. Having tried a bigger bike made me discover that I'm not interested in anything that has more than 30hp or weights more than 190kg XD. Safe & happy rides to all
I own the classic one in 🇮🇳 . Infact its the highest selling model of Royal Enfield here. More than 4x sales figure of meteor .
@@Plough78 Hunter is doing really good here in India ,though classic tops in sales figure from RE brand. But Hunter is very practical, nimble motorcycle, specialy for its light weight body and sitting ergonomics. Actually its offers more value than what you pay for it. You may blindly go for it, its just awesome. 👍😎
@@saphalyakumarmallick470 would it be good for someone over 6 feet? Wouldn't it feel small? Also, how's the suspension. I'm confused between classic, hunter, and meteor in that order.
@@Ankitwriter812 i am 6 feet tall and i never felt any major issues with the bike. Yes, you may need to change the stock handle bar to uprise handle bar ( i have installed RD 350 handlebar) for that extra touring level comfort, as with he stock handle i was having little back pain issues.. now every thing is sorted . If you want you may choose the touring seat for that extra cushion comfort. Otherwise there is no major issues.
Love the oil drip trays underneath 😂
They don’t leak.
Anti Slip mats for the side stands I think. Or floor protection?
Yeah, floor is newly painted in John's workshop
Not too keen on the 'shit brown' colour.
Also, I don't know why all these reviews are obsessed with metal mudguards and other fixtures.
Give me plastic any day of the week.
It would knock about 10kg's of weight off this bike, which is what it needs to liven it up a bit.
It's just too darn heavy for a 350cc bike.
My 2nd motorcycle was a 1969 BMW R50/US. It had all of 27hp.
I didn't ask it to do more than it could and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Took a 2 up camping honeymoon on it.
The memories are worth the deficiencies of the model .
Ride safe!
Shouldn't really need a big bore kit. A modern 350cc engine should be capable of knocking out 30hp reliably with a top speed of 85/90 mph. This would make this very pretty bike (the classic) much more useable and practical. As it stands they're woefully underpowered, it's basically a 350 with the performance of a 125 which is a great shame.🙄
4k bucks, which other bike do you get for this much offering this class,mate??
It's a pity those large yellow plates are ugly.But that's what has to be used by law.
Usual story with bikes - horses for courses ! . Had a 500 Bullet a few years ago ,not had a Enfield since the 1970s - a Super Meteor from 1961 .
I found the Bullet hard to start ,more so during the winter ,especially with age [Me] and broken legs from long ago . Usually a carb change to a better type helps ,but I was bored with the bike so sold it for a 500 Suzuki for a runabout . Finish on the paint & chrome was good , but I have mainly ridden big stuff so like many more older riders I couldn"t live with the Enfield especially two up and motorway speeds . Getting near the end of my biking life ,so I am thinking of buying a new Interceptor 650 ,I can still remember my reliable Enfields of old like my Super Meteor & my 60s Interceptor fitted with sidecar as a breakdown mechanic for a while - happy days .
Yes 30hp would be spot on
Does it look like it would it be possible to fit the foot-peg assembly off the Classic to the Meteor?
Same engine, different subframes, it should be possible if you bought all of the classic's parts including the sub frame.
@@jamesharvey44 I didn't actually consider the need for a new subframe, sounds expensive.
It is a old bike,
In every feel,
Not , costemic old,
Sound is so different from any bike,
Give it a test ride.
The Classic has one fatal flaw. It's tube type tires. I have a 2013 Royal Enfield B5 Bullet 500, converted to an Amal Concentric MK1 carburetor using a kit from Hitchcocks. It is also fitted with a smaller, lighter, louder, catcon free exhaust, also from Hitchcocks. It's a wonderful bike to ride, it has a perfect sound and feel. But I quickly learned that it needs to be kept close to home. I wound up paying almost $500 to have it hauled home on a tow truck after a simple flat tire that would have been a non event on a bike with tubeless tires. I got a road service plan, and I stay within 50 miles of home with it, because of those tires. After 10 years, I have put almost 22K miles on it, and it has come home on a tow truck 4 more times, all because of flat tires. It is completely worthless if you actually want to go anywhere beyond the towing range of your road service plan. There is simply no reason for a bike to have tube type tires in 2022.
The Classic is certainly much nicer looking that the Meteor, which has WAY too much black on it. But it also has tubeless tires that actually let you go wherever you want without having to worry about a flat tire. Looks will not get you home.
The Interceptor is simply too smooth and quiet to be fun to ride. Reminds me of a modern Japanese bike. I do have 3 older Harleys, all with tubeless tires. Back in the mid '80s I had a '66 Triumph Bonneville. If only the Interceptor sounded and felt like that Triumph. Of course you are still stuck with those tube type tires and their extremely limited range.
Hey Gerald, thanks for taking the time to share your experiences, very interesting experiences :)
Cast wheels available!
The classic looks ok.
The painted motor on the meteor makes it look cheap, and the gear change when you showed it close up looks bad.
I think these bikes might not work too well after a few years.
I dunno, 20,000 miles in 18 months on my Meteor and not had any problems.
Meteor 350 has the good look but with weak power.. and it will be much more better if it has the 411 Scram engine with 6 speeds on it....
But i brought classic 350 over meteror
The classic is so enticing, but it just lacks that little bit of power on the freeway, maybe they'll lower American speed limits back to 55 mph one day :D.
Verses a rollerskate.
India🇮🇳 save royal Enfield 😌💪
You only get a tingle from a single
Enfield axed the 500 😭😭
But you can get a used one
It has a kick lever
Buy a Jawa Perak instead, still Indian, slightly better finished, way, way, better looking, same price...but...critically 30hp and more torque from the same capacity air cooled engine.
Meaning motorways and sustained faster A roads are a thing.
I can’t understand why with such a slow, un-stressed bike, there service intervals are so quick and expensive-
The classic for me is better looking -
6000 miles is quick? My old Ducati was 3500 miles.
@@jamesharvey44 minor service every 3000 miles …..
@@kola100From RE:
"Generally, the service schedule for the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is:
A minor service every 5000 km / 3000 mi or 6 months where you inspect a lot of items (oil, filters, leads, hoses, terminals, fluids, lubrication of moving parts) and adjust or lubricate as necessary.
A major service every 10000 km / 6000 mi or 12 months where you also (in addition to the above) change the oil, check the valve clearances (only two valves on one cylinder), check/adjust/replace the spark plug, change the air filter, and clean the throttle body.
There are a few other items to be done more infrequently, like replacing electrical terminals, the fuel filter, and rear wheel cush rubbers - see the schedule below."
The minor maintenance you are so worried about are things that you should be looking at on any bike on a pre-ride or weekly inspection of the machine. This is owner performed and costs only a small amount of time. These inspection items apply to every bike, stop trying to scare people.
I would love one of these but I wouldn't get me and Mrs' big arses on there together. I think the 650cc Meteor would be a better choice....