Your comments are spot on in terms of brand culture. I have had a long -held interest in Royal Enfields. I am glad obtaining a new one in the US has become a reality.
I ride a CBR1000RR and somehow just fell in love with the RE. A good friend had a C 500 a few years ago and got me interested. I was really hesitant as the C 350 is 160 hp less than the CBR and is a complete polar opposite but I gotta say I have never ridden a more enjoyable bike. It's such a pure motorcycle in an age when there is not much performance to be gained so the manufacturers are piling on the electric gizmos and whizbangs. Not here. Just a plain ol' scoot that harkens back to a simpler time.
I would never have guessed that I would enjoy this little bike so much. Not just riding it, but looking out my little office window and seeing it in the driveway makes me smile. I took my wife to one of the local Indian markets for food, and while outside, I saw a woman staring at me, but almost like I was making her angry...she circled a few times and finally came over. She said she loved the bike and it reminded her of home! She then asked if she could take some pics, and of course, I welcomed her to do so. Then, another Indian fellow came out and thumbs-upped me and said that he was a Triumph rider, but loved the Royal Enfield Classic 350. If you don't like talking to people, don't buy one. Everywhere you go, you'll get stopped and that's the fun! Most think it's from the 50's/60's, and when I say, no, it's a 2022 they are shocked. Then, I lay the price on them and they can't believe it. I'm lucky that I'm out here in loony California, since I can ride year-round. Looking forward to the Gerbing heated vests (7v with battery) as even here, it gets cold! Ride Safe 🙏🏼
Not sure if it's the age of the rider partly or just marketing hype that made me buy bigger bikes, I've been downsizing and finding much more fun. Decided to sell my 1200 Moto Guzzi it's a great bike, but just doesn't give me joy anymore, it's just like a car. Can't wait to find an RE 500 Classic I can afford, these bikes embody everything that is quintessential about riding a motorcycle and you've summed that up to perfection. Thanks for the video.
G'day Ronin from Australia, always enjoy seeing your countryside as it differs from ours, ours is uniquely different and great to travel through, every modern Royal Enfield hits a high economy mark and pleasant ride quality, even the 1970 500cc bullet I have surprises me, weather today, rain showers and a temperature of 22C/72F, make hay while the sun shines as weather stops for no man, cheers mate, Neil S.
Of the items you have listed, the one that resonates loudest for me is the "Miles of Smiles." My Himalayan provides that and I'm sure the Classic 350 will as well whenever I convince my wife that one belongs in the garage. While cost, gas mileage, and rideability are important to many, I find two things are musts for me -- the fun factor, and how it looks. The Classic 350 has both! Great video. I always enjoy your perspective.
I bought a Dark Stealth Black Classic 350 in mid September. At the dealership, I sat on a Fireball Red Meteor and thought “this sits like motorcycles I remember from my youth“. When I sat on the Classic, I thought “Different but better”. After that I circled round and round that Meteor and the Dark Stealth Black Classic and a Halcyon Grey Classic like I was Jaws. I kept coming back to the Dark Stealth Black…something about the look that I just couldn’t get over. Every time I ride it my face freezes into a grin that lasts for hours. Every time I fill the tank and the gas mileage works out to 85~ish mpg, I laugh out loud.
I agree with everything you said, particularly about how REs hold their value. Quaker City Motorsport down in Philly had two Classic 500s for sale earlier this year. One was a Stealth Black for sale in the spring; another one was in Lake Blue they had during the late summer. Guess what? Both were priced ABOVE NEW! They were stickered at $7K or thereabouts, and they sold quickly. IIRC, the Classic 500 sold for $5K or so when new. They have a 2020 Continental GT for sale at $6,299. Of course, that's assuming you can FIND a used RE! That alone can be a challenge, because guys, once they have a Royal Enfield, they don't sell them. They hang on to them to enjoy miles of smiles... :)
I’ve owned a 1986 FXWG Since 1988. Today I bought a 2003 R.E. 500 With 2900 miles. It was owned by an elderly man who kept a photo album documenting everything about the bike. Looking forward to riding the smallest displacement bike I’ve ever had.
On my beautiful 350 Classic, I find that being relatively slow and being fun to ride slow, removes police anxiety that I have had for the 50 years I've been riding . But I also have to admit, it does help to be old, and a bit over Speeding.
Love your comments on the Royal Enfield. I have a 2009 Bullet 500 and a 2022 Himalayan. My Bullet is the last of the old style, separate engine and transmission, front drum brake, carburetor. Out of all the 8 motorcycles I have, it gets to most attention. It’s slow, vibrates a bit, but puts a big smile on my face when I ride it. Thanks for being a great ambassador for the brand, they truly are fun motorcycles to own and ride!
Thank you so much for all of your honest reviews. My dad just purchased a meteor 350 and I am considering a classic 350 and Himalayan. Your honesty is really appreciated.
Hi from the sunny UK ! Just love your enthusiasm for the bike's and for ridding in general.the thing Harley's and Enfield have in common is sole! You just got to love me .keep doing what your doing.
Really enjoyed that Jeff, brilliant. Royal Enfield’s J series engine will completely out perform my 57 BSA 35O B31. The suspension is far better, the brakes are in a different league altogether and so on. But that’s not what Riding a modern Royal Enfield or an original pre unit single is about. It’s about enjoying and riding the motorcycle for what it is. Exactly as you say, how it makes you feel, coz it makes me feel great too. I’m in total agreement with u man, thank heaven for Royal Enfield for the boost they are giving too modern motorcycling. A old big single feel, no oil leaks, reliability, good lighting (Lucas lights aren’t called the Prince of Darkness for nothing.) My BSA has all those things, 6v electrics too and I luv riding that bike soo much; had it 30odd yrs. lLuv riding my Inty and Himmy just as much; rode the Meteor and 350 Classic and I’m gonna have me a Classic in my little stable soon as I can afford one, coz they are just awesome man. Ride safe Neil.
With a pair of RE's in the stable of 20 (12 licensed and insured, I rotate them yearly) The 500 Bullet with attached Cozy sidecar is three wheel fun. Short trips.... long trips (1200 miles plus)... hauls all my camping gear. Humm's along at a steady 55mph. I have never ridden a solo Bullet but have a few one lungers (350-450 Ducati's and others) . I enjoy the Bullet for its old school feel with modern reliabilities. My 650 Interceptor.... in Ravishing Red... I would not hang a sidecar on it... I've seen others who did. To me..that's like harnessing a small horse carriage to a thoroughbred. 😎
Hi Jeff. I love your enthusiasm for these bikes and, now that I have recently bought a Classic 350, in red / chrome, as a second bike to my Honda CB500X, I totally get it. My older brother had a Royal Enfield in 1966 and loved it. He went on to a BSA and then a Triumph. He was tragically killed in 1967 on that bike. Despite that, I have been a life-long motorcyclist and I enjoy my motorcycling more now, than at any other time in my life. I am sure my little 350 will be with me for many years to come. Ride safe.
I seem to get guys come up to me when I'm stopped at the store and most think it's an old BMW at first. I think I've had one guy correctly identify the bike. I do my part for advertising the brand though.
I like all the 350s. Problem is I cannot seem to be able to pick one and pull the trigger. I have had all the bikes, Harleys, Hondas, etc. you name them but these bikes seem to be special for sure!
Would like to see the return of the 535 continental GT...but I've heard that they can't bring the 500 platform up to Euro emissions standards. I have an Indian market iron barrel, given to me by an Indian Utuber. Hardly ride my Harley anymore. Never go over 60mph.
Guys let me tell you that more speed, horsepower doesn't mean more fun,enjoyable. If you just let go of the ego and just ride and experience the royal enfield it's just phenomenal
Has Royal Enfield started the power run CC run again like the brands already did years ago. Because now the super meteor is here. Next will it go up to 900cc etc.
Ronin, seriously considering an RE, as a first bike, but living on the wrong side of the River in the Charleston/Beckley WV area, any recommendations for a decent dealership reference?
howdy there Ronin, I recently subscribed... enjoy listening to your blabberin', but don't enjoy long video of ride... don't get me wrong, I do like your videos.. A bit of walk around of bike you're gonna ride will be wonderful.. looking at handle and gas tank for long period of time do get boring.... Keep up great work...
My 1999 Sportster that I have written for over 20 years that has almost 400,000 miles on it only saw the inside of the Harley shop once to get the key switch replaced and they fucked that up. When you have an expensive motorcycle $100 an hour is too much to pay for service when you can do it yourself. It might take you twice as long as a mechanic but then you're not making $100 an hour either. You can buy a real British BSA 250 single that makes more horsepower and just physically larger motorcycle as well as having the forks and wheels and brakes from the larger bikes. You certainly can get them for much less than a brand new Royal Enfield. I just got to see 15 a year and a half ago from an estate sale $6,000 original miles with an alloy tank on it. 500 bucks American delivered to my house with all paperwork.
How long does a chain last, how much does a set of change and sprockets cost and how easy is it to change them? If my belt drives Sportster was chain driven in 400,000 miles I would have paid more for Change and sprockets that I would have paid for the motorcycle. I have gone through three belts on the bike. They could have made the top Edge hydraulically valve adjusted so you didn't have to mess with it. On a real British motorcycle you don't have to take the gas tank off to adjust the valves. Today's Royal Enfield make less horsepower per cubic inch than any of the British motorcycles in the 1950s. Now you could put a cam in the 350 to get more horsepower as well as clipping the ECU limiter but then the bike is it so cheap anymore.
The only thing common with the Royal Enfield from 1948 and that bike is your name nothing more nothing less. Now the pre-unit bike with the separate gearbox was more related to the Royal Enfield in England then the Jay motor that they created because it was cheaper to build. And easier to build with modern machinery. The old bikes were built to be rebuildable forever the new bikes are a collection of government regulations on two wheels with a limited shelf life.
Your comments are spot on in terms of brand culture. I have had a long -held interest in Royal Enfields. I am glad obtaining a new one in the US has become a reality.
RIP. Thanks for all you did.
? I was seeing his videos and came to check his last one, but I was one year old so I feared the worst, you know him? It's true?
@@Sr.D Sadly yes
@@Vanrides. 😢
Missing the ol man
Miss this guy , cancer is a proper bar steward 😢
I ride a CBR1000RR and somehow just fell in love with the RE. A good friend had a C 500 a few years ago and got me interested. I was really hesitant as the C 350 is 160 hp less than the CBR and is a complete polar opposite but I gotta say I have never ridden a more enjoyable bike. It's such a pure motorcycle in an age when there is not much performance to be gained so the manufacturers are piling on the electric gizmos and whizbangs. Not here. Just a plain ol' scoot that harkens back to a simpler time.
I would never have guessed that I would enjoy this little bike so much. Not just riding it, but looking out my little office window and seeing it in the driveway makes me smile.
I took my wife to one of the local Indian markets for food, and while outside, I saw a woman staring at me, but almost like I was making her angry...she circled a few times and finally came over. She said she loved the bike and it reminded her of home! She then asked if she could take some pics, and of course, I welcomed her to do so. Then, another Indian fellow came out and thumbs-upped me and said that he was a Triumph rider, but loved the Royal Enfield Classic 350.
If you don't like talking to people, don't buy one. Everywhere you go, you'll get stopped and that's the fun!
Most think it's from the 50's/60's, and when I say, no, it's a 2022 they are shocked. Then, I lay the price on them and they can't believe it.
I'm lucky that I'm out here in loony California, since I can ride year-round. Looking forward to the Gerbing heated vests (7v with battery) as even here, it gets cold!
Ride Safe 🙏🏼
Not sure if it's the age of the rider partly or just marketing hype that made me buy bigger bikes, I've been downsizing and finding much more fun. Decided to sell my 1200 Moto Guzzi it's a great bike, but just doesn't give me joy anymore, it's just like a car. Can't wait to find an RE 500 Classic I can afford, these bikes embody everything that is quintessential about riding a motorcycle and you've summed that up to perfection. Thanks for the video.
G'day Ronin from Australia, always enjoy seeing your countryside as it differs from ours, ours is uniquely different and great to travel through, every modern Royal Enfield hits a high economy mark and pleasant ride quality, even the 1970 500cc bullet I have surprises me, weather today, rain showers and a temperature of 22C/72F, make hay while the sun shines as weather stops for no man, cheers mate, Neil S.
Rest in peace
Of the items you have listed, the one that resonates loudest for me is the "Miles of Smiles." My Himalayan provides that and I'm sure the Classic 350 will as well whenever I convince my wife that one belongs in the garage.
While cost, gas mileage, and rideability are important to many, I find two things are musts for me -- the fun factor, and how it looks. The Classic 350 has both!
Great video. I always enjoy your perspective.
Thanks Scooter MUCH appreciated
I bought a Dark Stealth Black Classic 350 in mid September. At the dealership, I sat on a Fireball Red Meteor and thought “this sits like motorcycles I remember from my youth“. When I sat on the Classic, I thought “Different but better”. After that I circled round and round that Meteor and the Dark Stealth Black Classic and a Halcyon Grey Classic like I was Jaws. I kept coming back to the Dark Stealth Black…something about the look that I just couldn’t get over. Every time I ride it my face freezes into a grin that lasts for hours. Every time I fill the tank and the gas mileage works out to 85~ish mpg, I laugh out loud.
I agree with everything you said, particularly about how REs hold their value. Quaker City Motorsport down in Philly had two Classic 500s for sale earlier this year. One was a Stealth Black for sale in the spring; another one was in Lake Blue they had during the late summer. Guess what? Both were priced ABOVE NEW! They were stickered at $7K or thereabouts, and they sold quickly. IIRC, the Classic 500 sold for $5K or so when new. They have a 2020 Continental GT for sale at $6,299. Of course, that's assuming you can FIND a used RE! That alone can be a challenge, because guys, once they have a Royal Enfield, they don't sell them. They hang on to them to enjoy miles of smiles... :)
Anyone else hope they make a classic 650?
I’ve owned a 1986 FXWG Since 1988. Today I bought a 2003 R.E. 500 With 2900 miles. It was owned by an elderly man who kept a photo album documenting everything about the bike. Looking forward to riding the smallest displacement bike I’ve ever had.
bwahahahahaa great point about the tattoos! Ive still to see a BMW or a Honda/Suzuki tattoo!
You were Mr Enfield and we here in England will miss you.
On my beautiful 350 Classic, I find that being relatively slow and being fun to ride slow, removes police anxiety that I have had for the 50 years I've been riding . But I also have to admit, it does help to be old, and a bit over Speeding.
Love your comments on the Royal Enfield. I have a 2009 Bullet 500 and a 2022 Himalayan. My Bullet is the last of the old style, separate engine and transmission, front drum brake, carburetor. Out of all the 8 motorcycles I have, it gets to most attention. It’s slow, vibrates a bit, but puts a big smile on my face when I ride it. Thanks for being a great ambassador for the brand, they truly are fun motorcycles to own and ride!
Thank you so much for all of your honest reviews. My dad just purchased a meteor 350 and I am considering a classic 350 and Himalayan. Your honesty is really appreciated.
Hi from the sunny UK ! Just love your enthusiasm for the bike's and for ridding in general.the thing Harley's and Enfield have in common is sole! You just got to love me .keep doing what your doing.
Really enjoyed that Jeff, brilliant.
Royal Enfield’s J series engine will completely out perform my 57 BSA 35O B31. The suspension is far better, the brakes are in a different league altogether and so on. But that’s not what Riding a modern Royal Enfield or an original pre unit single is about. It’s about enjoying and riding the motorcycle for what it is. Exactly as you say, how it makes you feel, coz it makes me feel great too.
I’m in total agreement with u man, thank heaven for Royal Enfield for the boost they are giving too modern motorcycling. A old big single feel, no oil leaks, reliability, good lighting (Lucas lights aren’t called the Prince of Darkness for nothing.) My BSA has all those things, 6v electrics too and I luv riding that bike soo much; had it 30odd yrs. lLuv riding my Inty and Himmy just as much; rode the Meteor and 350 Classic and I’m gonna have me a Classic in my little stable soon as I can afford one, coz they are just awesome man.
Ride safe
Neil.
With a pair of RE's in the stable of 20 (12 licensed and insured, I rotate them yearly) The 500 Bullet with attached Cozy sidecar is three wheel fun. Short trips.... long trips (1200 miles plus)... hauls all my camping gear. Humm's along at a steady 55mph. I have never ridden a solo Bullet but have a few one lungers (350-450 Ducati's and others) . I enjoy the Bullet for its old school feel with modern reliabilities. My 650 Interceptor.... in Ravishing Red... I would not hang a sidecar on it... I've seen others who did. To me..that's like harnessing a small horse carriage to a thoroughbred. 😎
Hi Jeff. I love your enthusiasm for these bikes and, now that I have recently bought a Classic 350, in red / chrome, as a second bike to my Honda CB500X, I totally get it. My older brother had a Royal Enfield in 1966 and loved it. He went on to a BSA and then a Triumph. He was tragically killed in 1967 on that bike. Despite that, I have been a life-long motorcyclist and I enjoy my motorcycling more now, than at any other time in my life. I am sure my little 350 will be with me for many years to come. Ride safe.
Can’t argue with anything you’ve said. I need to ride one.
Thanks!
Beautiful landscape and amazing motorcycle!
I use "Smiles per Mile"
I seem to get guys come up to me when I'm stopped at the store and most think it's an old BMW at first. I think I've had one guy correctly identify the bike.
I do my part for advertising the brand though.
slap on a touring seat,a set of the canvas panniers and a set of pirelli MT60s it will be sure to look like a bike straight out of WW2
Agreed
Hope can test ride all the Enfields soon! Gonna have to be nice to the guys at the dealership hehe.
I get my 350 next week and can't wait for it....
I like all the 350s. Problem is I cannot seem to be able to pick one and pull the trigger. I have had all the bikes, Harleys, Hondas, etc. you name them but these bikes seem to be special for sure!
they are such a pleasure to ride JB.
Would like to see the return of the 535 continental GT...but I've heard that they can't bring the 500 platform up to Euro emissions standards. I have an Indian market iron barrel, given to me by an Indian Utuber. Hardly ride my Harley anymore. Never go over 60mph.
In India they're using RE classic in military parade carrying 5 to 10 people on a bike. You can watch this parade on UA-cam Republic day hell March.
Guys let me tell you that more speed, horsepower doesn't mean more fun,enjoyable. If you just let go of the ego and just ride and experience the royal enfield it's just phenomenal
Has Royal Enfield started the power run CC run again like the brands already did years ago. Because now the super meteor is here. Next will it go up to 900cc etc.
The Super Meteor is still 650cc, they will continue operating in the 250-750cc segment, that's where the market is.
Thank you for your evaluation of the Royal Enfields! Why do you prefer the Meteor for longer rides?
rider stance more than anything
Any plans to give the moto guzzi v7 850 a test at throttle company?
Seconded
Ronin, seriously considering an RE, as a first bike, but living on the wrong side of the River in the Charleston/Beckley WV area, any recommendations for a decent dealership reference?
howdy there Ronin,
I recently subscribed... enjoy listening to your blabberin', but don't enjoy long video of ride... don't get me wrong, I do like your videos.. A bit of walk around of bike you're gonna ride will be wonderful.. looking at handle and gas tank for long period of time do get boring....
Keep up great work...
Ol' Man Ronin passed away few months ago. May he rest in peace!
If you could have bought a Classic 350 for the same price as your 500, would you have chosen the 350 over the 500?
My 1999 Sportster that I have written for over 20 years that has almost 400,000 miles on it only saw the inside of the Harley shop once to get the key switch replaced and they fucked that up. When you have an expensive motorcycle $100 an hour is too much to pay for service when you can do it yourself. It might take you twice as long as a mechanic but then you're not making $100 an hour either. You can buy a real British BSA 250 single that makes more horsepower and just physically larger motorcycle as well as having the forks and wheels and brakes from the larger bikes. You certainly can get them for much less than a brand new Royal Enfield. I just got to see 15 a year and a half ago from an estate sale $6,000 original miles with an alloy tank on it. 500 bucks American delivered to my house with all paperwork.
The 500 is bigger physically and it has a Kickstarter.
the old 350 which they used to sell in india till 2021 also did have a kickstarter
What the Indian Army does with their Royal Enfields: ua-cam.com/video/xzU8eA77F9k/v-deo.html
RE now offer a limited edition 1/3 scale model of some of their rides. ua-cam.com/video/nMye5NhIkIg/v-deo.html
How long does a chain last, how much does a set of change and sprockets cost and how easy is it to change them? If my belt drives Sportster was chain driven in 400,000 miles I would have paid more for Change and sprockets that I would have paid for the motorcycle. I have gone through three belts on the bike. They could have made the top Edge hydraulically valve adjusted so you didn't have to mess with it. On a real British motorcycle you don't have to take the gas tank off to adjust the valves. Today's Royal Enfield make less horsepower per cubic inch than any of the British motorcycles in the 1950s. Now you could put a cam in the 350 to get more horsepower as well as clipping the ECU limiter but then the bike is it so cheap anymore.
Just a friendly reminder, moto guzzi has the superior air/oil cooled pushrod vtwin design.
The only thing common with the Royal Enfield from 1948 and that bike is your name nothing more nothing less. Now the pre-unit bike with the separate gearbox was more related to the Royal Enfield in England then the Jay motor that they created because it was cheaper to build. And easier to build with modern machinery. The old bikes were built to be rebuildable forever the new bikes are a collection of government regulations on two wheels with a limited shelf life.
I love the looks of the classic 350, but the meteor seen it is more practical to ride with the trip meter and more details on the speedometer.