Royal Enfield Classic 350 - Lessons Learned Review
Вставка
- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
- Buy me a coffee at www.buymeacoff...
My Patreon page / themissendenflyer
Get 5% off your ABR Festival tickets with "TMF5" at checkout!
Use this link to get a 10% discount on the Beeline satnav bit.ly/43PjgE8
I buy my riding kit from Sportsbike shop www.sportsbike...
Exclusive TMF Merch on my website themissendenfl... and of course Teespring (click the red spring top right).
Links to my channel sponsors:-
Bikerheadz bikerheadz.co.uk/
Canary Motorcycle Tours www.canarymoto...
If you want to follow my socials then I'm most active on Instagram @missendenflyer
You can also follow me on Facebook too The Missenden Flyer@TheMissendenFlyer
I'm also - rarely - on that X (Twitter) thing! Join me @MissendenFlyer
Don't forget your other TMF Discounts!:-
Mention The Missenden Flyer when buying from panigaleheatsh... or ducatispacers.... for discounts on Panigale heat shields or Ducati/Triumph throttle spacer kits. Use the code MISSENDEN to get the $10 discount on the heat shield, or heat shield/spacer kit bundle and MISSENDENSK for 10% off the spacer kit.
I use the following equipment to record and edit my VLOGs:-
DJI Osmo Action 4 camera amzn.to/3GFeL65
DJI Mavic Air drone (fly more combo) amzn.to/2JX3l23
Lavalier microphone and sellotape for in helmet audio amzn.to/2kOZVOU
RODE Wireless Go dual channel radio mics amzn.to/3ofuIqp
Power Director 12 for the PC (for video editing) amzn.to/2kP3HaR
Radio mic for in garage audio amzn.to/2lpq61B
Rode VIDEOMICPRO On Camera Microphone for general use amzn.to/2qvcZwv
Rode Deadcat VMPR Windshield to kill wind noise amzn.to/2qroOWG
Neewer CN 160 LED Dimmable Ultra High Power Panel Video Light amzn.to/2qQPEs2
Goliton® Camera DSLR Triple Mount for LED Video Lights Microphones amzn.to/2rpUlGg
A pair of Lantoo LED Floodlight 50W for additional lighting amzn.to/2rpOKjs
My current motorcycles are:-
BMW R1200GS
Kawasaki Z900 RS SE
Triumph Speed Twin
Royal Enfield Custom 650 Interceptor
Honda GL1800 Goldwing Tour DCT (Airbag)
Suzuki GSXS125 (OK, that's the Mrs bike!)
Please be aware I am not a professional journalist or otherwise claim to be an expert in any way in motorcycles or anything else. I'm just an ordinary biker like you probably are. Please regard my videos as entertainment only and if information presented is important to you, please verify it via a knowledgable third party....the videos I post are just my opinions and are no more valid than anyone elses.
For any additional enquiries please send an e-mail (please no DM's or Facebook Messenger messages that tend to get lost) via TheMissendenFlyer@gmail.com, follow me via Instagram, Twitter or Facebook or preferably leave a comment below...
![[UA] NAVI проти G2 Esports | Blast Premier Fall Final](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QWlIm4FGESQ/mqdefault.jpg)
In a long stroke motor you give up horsepower for increased torque at lower revs, which gives nice rideability 😊
Yeah, we've forgotten about that. 20hp isn't much, but it's a lot more when most of that 20 hp. isn't that far from a closed throttle. I've got a W800, it's the same thing. Not much power, but twist the wrist and it goes.
Add to that, the Enfield is purely air cooled which always falls short of water cooled machines in terms of power exploitation, especially when emissions regs come into play.
I bought a Mash 400 last year. With 27 HP this feels like a racing bike against the RE350.
@@roelvanes1711 felt exactly like you say when riding this bike. More than that in times of often jerky EFI this little donkey offers smooth like and efortless delivery
I get a little tired, about hearing about horsepower in bikes. The bottom line, is that if the bike puts a smile on your face, then that's all that matters. Factor in a bit of old school coolness, then you've got a winner in my books.🤠
Fair enough!
Absolutely. Well said!
We'll put! I love the way the bike looks and like the way it rides, smiles per miles. I have a 2023 in the same Bronze-Chrome color scheme with the pillion seat on and ready to go.
I am pretty sick about hearing about horsepower too. The Classic 350 is a gem of a bike; a bunch of specs shouldn't define a motorcycle.
@@freeman10000 absolutely!
I guess the reasons behind the lower power of the 350 than the 400 are:
SOHC on the royals, DOHC on the triumph. 2 valves vs 4 valves. The Royals use a simpler and more robust design. I can have my bike apart and together again, valves adjusted, in less than 30 minutes on my hunter 350. From what I've heard and can assume, its more fiddly and time consuming to do the same job on the triumph, or more costly if paying someone to do it. So more complex and refined tech on Triumph is more power there.
Secondly, the Triumph is liquid cooled vs air cool on the Royal. An advanced cooling system means it can stay more thermally stable, and take more air to burn and more RPM. This means more power. But again, a cooling system adds complexity, makes it harder to get at the engine, and is another point of failure. Liquid cooling systems can fail from hoses, pumps or holes in the radiator. That cant happen on the royal.
Third, 350 vs 400cc is 50cc difference (obviously). Doesn't sound much until you realise that is about a 15% capacity gain, so right out of the gate you would expect that much more power.
Fourth, the 350 is just a understressed and limited top speed engine. Which is why Royal offers a 3 yr unlimited warranty vs 2 year for the Triumph. Royal has more faith in their engine to go the distance, because it is simpler and not running on the edge of performance. So, 50% more warranty on something that for most people is a BIG expenditure, particularly younger riders that favour the 350s. That matters for owners, but obviously not so much for a reviewer. It's a different perspective.
I've had my hunter 350 for 12 months now (though 3 months I was off the bike due to surgery), and I do touring 500-700km days occasionally, doing 110kph for essentially the whole day. I haven't had issues overtaking someone going 105 in front of me, or even just blipping up to 115 for a quick maneuver. Perhaps in some countries where the limit is more like 120 then I suppose you may have an issue, the US perhaps or continental Europe? I don't know what the bike would be like on the autobahn. I suppose it's also just a case of everyone riding their own ride, I think if you are an , for lack of a better word, impatient person who needs to be in front, might not be the bike for you on the freeway.
It's a great bike for bumbling around! Fun to wrench on and solid. "Built like a gun"!
I'm glad you like the bike in general, this long-winded comment isn't meant as a criticism of your views but as information for your viewers to have regarding your talking point!
Cheers! Ride safe!
I very much appreciate your view - one which a few others have commented on - thanks for that....
THis is so well said .Buying bikes that are designed to be underused and last forever is what we all fell in love with , with the BMWs of the 1950 /and early 60's . I wish every bike company would make at least one bike that was designed for the broken roads we all live on and can run on crummy Gas for 200 +miles . The R60 Bmw with an eales fork comes to mind .If Moto Guzzi just got German electrics and better suspension we might be there :)
German electrics? You must be kidding!@@guywolff
I've heard the top speed is limated so even if you fit new cams and other performance parts that are avaliable, even though the power increases the top speed remains the same. The Indian market is really sensative to fuel consumption and the bike will get compared to 125cc machines. MCN has the triumphs at around 60mpg where's as these get around 100-110mpg. My thinking for why they are so down on power by comparison.
You are right I know nothering ..I just meant relyable elctrics .I have no idea where they come from :) @@richardkrammes2222
I have owned my Classic for 2 years and my take on the low power is this. The most relaxing and enjoyable bike I have owned in 53 years of riding, the charm of this bike is the lazy nature of this engine. Low down power is more than adequate and you enjoy the ride so much more than hurling around the country side, I will guarantee you the Triumph by comparison will be rev happy and not as relaxing to ride. I owned a Street Triple for over 3 years including a tour around Ireland over 5 days, a fantastic bike but in the end the high revs get to you, hence why the Classic for me now is the perfect bike. Bar end mirrors are also crystal clear unlike the standard mirrors. 😊
Nice one
Im lucky enough to have owned a Triumph 400 and a 350 Classic at the same time. Always found myself reaching for the keys of the Classic. As a result, sold the triumph after 4 weeks (that'll teach me to be impulsive) at quite a loss.
Nothing comes close to giving me such joy as my lovely 350 . The Green Goddess as i call her. She's a keeper. If you dont understand what Zen motorcycling is, ride a 350Classic.
Interesting that you say this about the Triumph 400. I took a look at it a week or so back with a view to possibly swapping my Hunter 350 for one and, even though it’s a superior bike by most objective standards and amazing value for the price, I just didn’t bond with it the way I have with all the Enfields I’ve owned so I passed.
The Triumph 400 just isn't a classic, well not in my eyes it isn't.
Curiously, the bike ridden by Robert Pirsig in "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" only had 305cc.
@@johnnybgood7812 yes. Triumph a very good bike but just didn't stir my loins! I'm in a happy place when riding the Green Goddess😊
Impossible to quantify this stuff
@@johnnybgood7812when you say always are you over in India ? ..we’ve only just got the triumph over here ..
I’ve got the classic 350 in 2022 and although it took a while for me to get used to the 20hp and lower top speed. I totally love the bike. Perfect for exploring little country lanes and enjoying the countryside. 👍
Agreed….
Yep 👍. I've fully explored all those local lanes that I've ridden by on bigger bikes over the years thinking "I wonder where that goes?" 😁
I bought one a year ago. Compared the 200cc 2-stroke Vespa I owned previously this thing is a grunty cruiser!
My only complaint about this bike is the power output,20bhp is enough for pootling about but these days traffic will swamp and bully you on the faster roads,I feel sure RE could increase power output to 30bhp and the bike would sell better and may tempt me,it would also widen it's horizons to the odd motorway jaunt at 70mph and have better acceleration on UK traffic laden roads.
I know people will say I'm missing the point of the bike but I for one think it's underpowered for todays roads.
On the plus side it has killer retro looks and sound especially in the bronze colour tested,nice!
@@johnwood4448 Hitchcocks put one on their dyno, 15hp at the back wheel, a DNA filter pushed it up to around 20hp, I can confirm there's quite an improvement, but not much higher top speed, it's limited by revs. The free flow silencer and de-cat pipe would give you a bit more, then there's a higher performance cam, that would be another 5hp. The 1 tooth bigger front spocket that's available would then get you a comfortable 70mph. If that's not enough, try the 650 Interceptor, another lovely bike, just faster.
I bought a Classic 350 in December and absolutely love it. I get all the pleasure of owning an actual classic vehicle without the headaches that come along with them. Primary / commuter bikes will come and go, but I plan to have the Classic 350 for many years! There is just something special about the bike that goes well beyond the spec sheet.
I've had the red version of the one you have nearly 18 months, absolutely love it. Very different to my FZ1 Fazer, which was a major factor in buying it. It's a cheap bike to buy but not a cheap build, there are a few bits that are cheap, like the mirrors. If I pushed it on rough and twisty roads I could get it "out of shape", so I changed the shocks! There's loads more parts if you want to customise it, that's a big part of it's appeal and if it's your only bike and you want more performance, there's a DNA air filter, FuelX lite, de cat pipe, free flow silencer and performance cam available for it. There's mirrors, shocks, racks, screens, crash bars, bash plates, pannier frames custom seats, pegs, toe/heal gear change, levers and even a rack to replace the rear seat. You don't get many bikes these days with that list of options and that's a big part of the appeal. It's "old school" and I'm old!
It may be less powerful but imho I prefer the looks/sound of the classic 350 to the new triumph,looks like a motorcycle should look,great video.👍🏻
Cheers!
I recently test rode the Triumph 400x Scrambler, the RE 350 Meteor, the RE 650 Interceptor, and the new RE350 Bullet (which is basically the same as the 350 Classic Reborn), as I was looking for a replacement for my five year old Suzuki DRZ400SM. I use the DRZ to commute into the office which is a 22km ride, on 60kph roads that are punctuated by many sets of traffic lights. So outright speed wasn't a requirement, and I was looking for a new experience. I've been riding bikes for over 40 years and have owned everything from a Postie Bike (Honda CT110), all the way to a HD Sport Glide, and for this bike I wanted something that would make going slow fun (if that was possible). Many bikes I've owned have been great at high speed (such as the Hypermotard) or cruising on the Freeway (the HD), but are a pain going slow in traffic. Anyway long story short I took a gamble on the RE 350 Bullet and after two months I'm absolutely beguile by it. There is something about the sum of its parts that just make it enchanting. I love the fact that RE have stuck with the long stroke, fully air cooled, heavy flywheel motor as the experience of riding it, albeit slow, is wonderful. The Triumph 400 is a very modern bike, and you could do anything on it. The engine is a lightweight, short stroke, liquid cooled unit, much like the DRZ's, and it has bags of power (for a 400), but the experience of riding it is just like riding any number of modern bikes, and if that's what you want you won't go wrong. But there are so many bikes like that now, and that makes the RE 350 Classic/Bullet a refreshing change IMHO. Now I find that when I want to go out for a ride that isn't my commute more and more I'm reaching for the 350 Bullet's keys and it feels like a bit of guilty pleasure!
Nice! Thnanks for taking the time to leave a long comment too....
Good choice, long live the Bullet 350 🙌
Yeah, the Classic 350 likewise is a big old chunk of metal - different vibe to most modern bikes. Substantial and planted and looks it too with those humongous guards, wide single seat, and big nacelle up front.
The RE 350 Classic is the two wheeled equivalent of Simon and Garfunkel's 59th Street Bridge Song - its makes you feel Groovy :)
The irony being that Paul Simon grew to hate that song . . . I love the song
This bike is what a retro classic should look like. We have a lot to thank the Indians for keeping the brand alive and growing.
I think those Delhi back streets techs n spanner monkeys appreciate them too. Can be fixed with lamp post electric hook up power tools and a set of knives and forks.😅
I think that's pretty fair but I think you're just missing one thing.If I can just mention that most old codgers (like me) buy this bike because of the relatively low power and gentle, sedate, manageable output. Lots of us have been on bikes all our life, we've all had Sports bikes, the big tourers and the rocketships and quite frankly as you get older and start to creak you start to find that big powerful bikes are both unnecessary in normal use and can get you into trouble. I don't mean legally., although that's obvious. I mean imagine pushing on, on a bike that is becoming beyond your capabilities both physically and mentally. You could end up in hospital, or worse.
Many older bikers don't want to give up biking, they want to maintain their relationship with two wheels and the freedom and independence that it brings.
It's not all about, horsepower, rider modes, technology etc
We've done all that, leave it to you youngsters, sometimes less is more.
We buy it because it's 20 bhp, not in spite of it.
Ride safe mate👍
I completely get that Shotto - I'm already an old codger myself.....
Easy, frugal, good looking, bargain, character, charm. Sounds lovely.
Agreed!
I gave up ridding about 10 years ago, but in my time about 45 years of riding, I’ve owned a large number of bikes, ranging from The pocket rockets, the full spec track bikes, to the sit up and beg and the classics. Classics will always be my favourite and to be fair, you don’t buy a classic for the speed. You buy it to enjoy the ride the sound and take everything in. It doesn’t need to be really quick but yes, a little bit of power to get yourself out of trouble is always a plus that’s why my last few bikes were triumph. That said it looks like you ride around the same roads that I used to use so being on that little ride along with you brought back a lot of memories. So thanks for that that really good.
Glad you enjoyed the video Andy!
I test rode a lighty-used bronze/chrome Classic 350 last summer... beautiful looking bike. I rode down to the dealership on my Hayabusa so if anyone was going to notice a deficit of power, it would have been me. And I did, a little, but it didn't dampen my enthusiasm for the bike. When you're used to riding very serious motorcycles, a small machine is a breath of fresh air! It brings you back to your first days of riding when you were just thrilled to be out in the wind, without a care in the world. I decided to sleep on the RE, which was a mistake as it sold later in the day to the next person who rode it. Been watching the classifieds for another one to pop up ever since....
Wow so much positive and the negs were only minor.. She's a little beauty and a bargain.. Nice bike...
I don’t get the whole fixation of power with the Classic 350. It’s a bike that unashamedly harks back to the 1950’s - where a 350 would produce about 20hp (if you were lucky!). Plus the torque is linear and high for the capacity, so outright power is not needed. It’s also not designed for dual carriageways and motorways (though can clearly be ridden on these roads within the so called limitations of power), so to call out its shortcomings on such roads is a little unfair. Like you said, Andy, it’s a A, B, country road type of machine.
It is ridiculously good value for money - especially second hand. I picked up a 6 month old red/chrome model last year, with 300 miles on it, for £1200 less than list price, from an RE dealer.
As for comparing it to the Triumph speed 400, again, that’s like comparing apples with pears. The Triumph is a retro pastiche, but is far too modern looking to compare to the RE classic (mono shock, water cooled etc). Also, I bet the engine will have very little torque and will access the 38hp at high RPM (circa 6,000?) so will be a buzzy little thing - again, completely opposite the market the RE 350 is aimed at.
In short, two completely different bikes aimed at different segments of the small capacity market.
Fair enough!
I've owned a meteor 350 for just under 2 years, nearly at 20,000 miles and use it as main transport. The bike is absolutely fantastic and is great to ride. I very rarely clean it and it held up very well over winter, its never seen a dealership with only home servicing. The engine is very durable and even with the lower capacity will sit on the motorway. I think in a bike world focused on horsepower, offering an affordable well presented motorcycle that can achieve over 100mpg is impressive
Couldn't agree more!
Low power because its not water cooled. Add water cooling rise a price and you will have more HP
Just got home driving into a storm on the way from home after working all night... love it, huge smile, every time!
Just traded in my classic for a Goldstar. I had the classic for 12 months , and I absolutely loved it. Ultimately it did lack power, especially if you want to go two up. The Goldstar rides very similar to the classic, but it's got the grunt that makes it more usable.
Cool!
This bike has the proper engine for its purposes. Air cooled: simplicity and reliability. Short bore/stroke ratio: full of torque at low revs, not need of revving the engine, reliability. Low power/cil.capacity ratio: reliability, torque. For a bke that is selling as hot cakes and runs in all types of roads, this engine is an intelligent choice. If you add an awesome design, overall quality, metal everywhere and the charm of this brand, you have a winner.
Ridiculous service interval for such a basic bike.
Greetings from the United States. Watching your video because I'm a bit curious of what this British motorcycle has to offer. You do a really good job of describing what the bike is like. Thank you so much. Food for thought, man; You mention about how this bike has seemingly low power, but sharing what little i know about motors, I would like to pose to you why i think the power output of your motorcycle is a GOOD thing. To my knowledge, a huge determining factor of how long a motor's life span maybe is how much power it's designed to deliver. There is a principle in piston motor engineering that rings mostly true with minimal outliers; "A fire that burns twice as hot burns for half as long". If one were to try to squeeze say 45 BHP out of a similar motor, then it would likely get tired and die sooner because of the increased stresses inside the motor. I reckon because this bike has such modest power, it would be a low stress motor and probably last you a good long while, assuming there are no design flaws inside it. Love the video. Thanks for the informative review.
Thank you for the kind words and yes, very little stress on this engine….
Hi Andy. I`m probably in the minority of one, but I don`t get this type of bike. Traffic conditions, road infrastructure and speeds have moved on greatly and I would not feel safe riding this. I would not relish being a mobile chicane or sitting duck in the crazy Vauxhall corsa big bore exhaust southeast. Look nice under the stairs or next to the telly, but riding? No thank you.
Well riding around country lanes is what I use it for - it's great for that....
Thanks for the reveiw Andy. As I've previously said retros, new bikes that look like old bikes are not for me, with a few exceptions like your Z900. I guess it's more the old British bike style I'm not a fan of.....But I do appreciate why some people do. Keep doing what you're doing!
Fair enough!
Here in india, usually people refer to any RE bike as bullet
And if you own bullet that means you are rich. And have influence among people.
Is it true that owning a RE is another form of an arranged marriage?
The power is due to air cooled and tolerances and making it reliable. Look at the 650 you own compared to a 750 Honda Hornet. 100 cc and a massive jump in power. I believe the new Himalayan may have more to give. Perhaps the engine or incarnations of it will be used.
It's literally double the horsepower for that 100cc extra
It's an aircooled longstroke single in a relaxed but torquey state of tune similar to an old Harley sportster ...ease with the breeze.
You can have more relaxed power with more cubes or frenetic buzz box power with a more revvy higher state of tune engine.
Yes It's not much more power than a 125cc revving It's nuts off but far more relaxing & cool.
If revs & power was everything people would have 400cc small cars that spin to 11000revs rather than 1200cc cars spinning to only 6000revs.
It's a relaxed ride ...like walking everywhere rather than running past everyone
Enjoy the pace...the old Constellation 700cc was the faster alternative before the Interceptor
Might have already been said, the obvious difference between the triumph 400 and the classic 350 is the triumphs are liquid cooled. You can also find Royal Enfield they changed to a liquid cooled engine on the Himalayan to allow the almost doubling of the power. Of course this adds additional complexity and cost
Indeed - and yes, it has been commented on a few times!!
This bike is absolutly great on back country roads... probably the best I’ve ever had, keeping in mind it is totally inappropriate above 100 km/h
A proper bike. No unnecessary electronic nonsense and a proper mud guard .
Turn the key, slow thump. Engage gears and ride, slightly quicker thump. Perfect.
I've got a meteor (same engine) and i'm not sure if anyone else has mentioned it but the more miles you put on the engine the better it gets. what started off as kind of sluggish (bought it with 1700km on it) with not alot of top end now sits nicely with 6500km on the clock at 110kmph no problem. more than enough for the roads we all like to ride (who likes motorway hours?).
Hi, I know the Triumph 400's are new and why you may note them in your discussions - But - what about Husqvarna's Svartpilen , 373cc Single and 44hp, (more than the Triumphs 39hp). I have a 23 Model, such an incredible bike and never gets a mention ! New '24 model out for them now too, might you see one on your channel? Or even one of the older models...
I’m not a fan of the looks of them hence why I haven’t ridden one recently
@@TheMissendenFlyer Fair enough, each to their own I guess - missing out on a pretty incredible bike !
This is a stylish machine that isn't really into speeding. Those looking for a classy ride would for sure seriously consider it. A well done video Andy.
There are somedays where you need headspace, the Enfield seems to deliver. A relaxing ride which you enjoy….why not.
It has its own charm.
Power output ? Well its a 350cc twin valve air cooled single with a compression ratio of 9.5:1 , the engine probably hasnt changed since all the plant was shifted to India back in the mid 1950s so to compare it with a 4 valve water cooled 400cc engine (12:1 compression ratio) designed a 70 years later is unrealistic bordering on the bizarre.
I think it's a completely new engine.
It is indeed a completely new engine - only came out a few years ago...
Give the sidestand a good dose of WD40...that helps a lot
I had a loaner Royal Enfield interceptor while i was having work done on my RS 900 Kawasaki . I only had it for a couple of hours but what fun it was. So easy and nice to ride. The price has got people coming back into motorcycling. Well done on this review showing its qualities. I love my Kawasaki and it looks great. If your in the market for a bike and kids, mortgage etc are issues have a go on one you wont be disappointed at that price point
I agree - great value
The classic 350 has been around a few years now & I think it’s safe to say that most people who buy this bike are fully aware of its so-called short comings!the most popular being its lack of power? I don’t own one (tho am seriously considering it as a 2nd bike!) but I really can’t get my head around this obsession with speed & power? Around town the classic 350 can hold its own against any bike! Of course on a motorway or open fast A road it’s not going to keep up with a Ninja million cc? Anyone that buys this is not into flying around like an annoying wasp! This bike sits in a pigeon hole of its own! As like many other bikes! It’s perfect for the real world at least you’re highly unlikely to loose your license unless you do something really stupid! Good video 👍🏻
I agree - it's a beautiful machine - I'm picking up one like yours one day...
You mentioned low power and compared its engine class to the Speed 400...
I believe that despite similar capacity, a round headlight and the fact that they have two wheels - they have nothing more important in common. The Triumph's 40 HP and its compression ratio of 12:1 compared to the Enfield's 8.5:1 prove that the English machine is highly compressed (there are already the first information from around the world about its leaks). The piston stroke of 64 mm compared to 85.5 of the Enfield suggests maintaining charisma in the higher parts of the revolutions, while the Royal will be smooth from the very bottom... And the liquid cooling of the speed better controls its thermals, hence the power may be greater...
Great review, beautiful shots - thank you, greetings from Poland!
Jack
Greetings back Jack! Thanks for stopping by!
As usual a very thorough evaluation. I'm considering a bike like this one as it just looks plain gorgeous and the engine is wonderful to go around town and countryside. It would never get old as it was born "matured". Perfect for an old fart like me with no pretense of being a street MotoGP rider. The power comparison vs other equivalent cc bikes is valid but misses an important technical point: Water Cooling. H2O is required to maintain head temperature in a narrow range to keep Greta and her green minions happy. Most air cooled engines have gone out of production with few noticeable exceptions such as Moto Guzzis and RE, all low RPM/low power engines. And even the new RE engines are air/oil cooled to help keeping temp in check.
Also, comparing the Classic 350 with the Triumph 400 is equivalent to comparing the 650 RE with a 650 VStrom, different strokes for different characters.
Speaking of characters, let's continue our all important chat on bike "Karakter". 😁
You mentioned: "It's got Character and Charm in buckets loads without covering for ride quality " (3':10'), "It's very, very smooth, but not so smooth that they have eradicated all the character out of the bike". Given that the Karakter thing has encompassed attributes such as: "vibrations", "an indefinable thing", "things that makes you fall in love with the motorcycle", "visceral feel", etc. My original take on "Character" was just an European response for poor quality masqueraded as a sublime and undefinable characteristic only accessible to the true "connoisseurs". Bollocks I'd said.
Yet, thanks to this video I'm warming up to the idea, with a slight twist. The fact that this bike has "bucket loads of charms and character", yet the engine does not vibrate in the traditional old fashioned "out of balance" way, point to a different definition Karakter.
Perhaps, and it's only a theory, this is not about engine vibrations per se, but rather the frequency of the bike and how it helps create a state of mind. Low frequency bikes such as the Classic put you in a serene state of mind where one can enjoy the countryside at a leisure pace. On the other side of the spectrum one can think of a small, high rev two stroke motocross bike that will immediately set your mind racing to the finish line. This interactions bike/rider is a combination of the immediate emotions associated with the frequency level coupled with previous experiences one has accumulated over time. Just food for thought.
Keep up the good work.
After watching a few vids way to go for 350 seems to be Hitchcocks Kent cam,new extra flow air filter and cover, straight through exhaust system plus Fuelxpro,350
Air cooled engines have less power. Put a DNA filter kit in the 350 and it will get 10% more power, and sounds better.
I never would have thought a brown bike would look good, but that one looks great.
Yes I love that colour scheme!
I agree, I bought the same color. Have a RE Himalayan, Triumph T120 and Yamaha XT250 but the Classic is my go to bike.
......Challenger (!?!?), don't know where that came from. I meant Interceptor.....your bike!
They already have one of those in the British Motorcycle Museum in Solihull, sitting beside older classic Enfields. If you didn't know what it was you would never pick it is a new bike, the authenticity in the design and finishes are very true to the originals.
It's a long-stroke single, it will never compete with a high revving over-square engine of similar capacity. Having said that, there's probably another 5 HP lurking in there somewhere. Euro emissions have strangled it, no doubt.
You can get another 5hp out of it by doing a de-cat pipe and a dna air filter and stage 2 cover.
Might need to add the Hitchcock's cam to that list if +5 HP is the target...@@shanemorrison7867
Thoroughly enjoying my Signals Marsh Grey. Just a fun bike, pure and simple.
Oh yes, and an absolute stunner!
I am also going toh buy this.......love from Himalayas......it cost around 3,200$......
I have ridden the Classic 350 and agree with you its a bike every body should get the chance to ride, if it was a 500 single with slightly more power I'd buy one in a heart beat.
You missed the point of this engine. The comparison is about a BMW R18 with 1800cc and 91hp or a Harley Davidson Softail STD with 1700cc and about 70hp. It is about a low revving engine, not a very fast revving engine which especially in a small engine is stressful because you always have to keep the engine full at high revs to have torque. Keep a speed 400 or a BMW 310 at 5mph in 3rd gear, for example without accelerating, just letting the inertia of the engine move it.
This bike is twice as expensive as in UK.
India 🇮🇳: ~₹228000 to ~₹280000 on road price (varies every RTO in different parts of country)
Uk 🇬🇧: ~£4500 equivalent to 4lakh rupees.
How about UK service in Royal Enfield
My other bike is a Kawasaki ZX1400. My Royal Enfield 350 is like riding a Honda Monkey compared to it. But I've got big saddle bags and front bag and tank bag. It's great to go shopping with.
The 350 has a 72mm bore and 85mm stroke -- undersquare -- made for torque, not high revving. Compare that to the rev-happy KTM 390 (373cc) which is an oversquare 89mm x 60mm. Very different characters for similar displacements. And horsepower is not the number to use to describe the motor, it's the torque. Honda's NC700X is similarly made more like a car's motor, and is made to be utilitarian, not sporty.
Your absolutely correct there’s new kids on the block as you say Triumph 400 will be smashing it if no t already doing so I took my full license at 67 my first bike was the meteor 350 but you soon get fed up of lack of power..Royal Enfield banged home 2 years ago definitely but now I think they are slipping back to news kids …🤔🥂
I am someone who will be buying a classic, I love the bike for all those good and not so good points that you have made for us . Thank you for your amazing channel and insight .
I ride a BmW R18B and now I’ve got the Balance and weight sorted in my brain I literally don’t want to get off of it and I feel the Classic is exactly that too . However you can really get to make it your own my the ease of maintenance which is what so many Two wheelers really want and it’s that which gives these machines there market place …. Total ownership….
Thanks for everything. Heathy
I would never consider one but would consider the Triumph as IMO it looks so much nicer
I’ve got a 2019 GT 650, and it’s basically perfect for me. But if RE build a 650 chrome classic, I reckon I’d do a trade. The style of the 350 is even more perfect! …as a well as a bit more upright, so more comfortable if you’re doing less than 130 kph. Which is the case with me, eh?
Built quality doesn't justify the price, they're really barebone basic but the price is not,look how triumph and Honda are playing , j series is basic and unreliable both ⁉️⁉️⁉️
You have to understand the numbers; RE sold mre than 67,000 bikes in India in Feb 2024, more than 60,000 were the 350 varients.
Mainly due to the economic not performance of the bikes
RE builds the 350 to a price taking into consideration the primary market is India. It's definitely going to have some shortcomings to it. This motorcycle is not suitable for the United States since everybody drives like they're being chased by the devil. I live in the Philippines as an expat. This motorcycle would be ideal for most situations in this country. I think I would opt for the scram 450 if they ever build one. However this motorcycle is amazing to admire. Truly it is a classic
It's a lovely looking bike with all that chrome, and proper mudguards too, great mpg.. I think I could put up with the low top speed. Some of my most memorable trips ( in a good way) have been on lower powered bikes. Riding performance bikes especially sports bikes, you just want to get it done to end the pain of aching wrists, knees and backs.
Totally agree!
The 73(ish) top speed is governed. There's actually a fair bit more to go before the rev limiter but it's inaccessible. Yes, I know that 70mph is the maximum speed in Blighty but a little headroom wouldn't go amiss especially if you're overtaking a line of HGV's on a dual carriageway and a Beemer or Audi comes up fast behind
"What's that all about..."
Considering that one of the hurdles RE had to overcome when expanding into the mainstream global market was their spotty reputation for reliability, it makes sense that they would go with an overbuilt detuned engine that will likely last decades with basic maintenance. I suspect people will be seeing these current J-Series Classic 350 Reborn motorbikes on the road well into the 2070's (not me, I'll be dead by then). If the lack of infrastructure maintenance by governments in the so-called "industrialized world" continues, it's unlikely anyone will be able to go very fast by the mid-21st century anyway.
It will do 100 km easy and that is the speed limit here fab bike and gets better with more riding 35, 000 km on the clock the gf is totally happy. Brown leather jacket and them big gray full traffic director gloves, goggles and open retro helmet she gets more thumbs 👍🏻 then me on the old Iron 883 the other benefits is she can afford the BMW 310 GS as well.
Too much bling for me. I prefer black. The looks are ok apart for the shininess but I don’t like the back side. I would prefer a passenger seat and/or a luggage rack.
20 bhp is much too low for me. I want 60 bhp at least, just for safety. I want to get able to overtake quickly.
Not much different than my CB125r top speed. I’d be disappointed.
Going to look at one today.
Glad you mentioned your leg measurements. Overall height is not much use. I'm 6'3" with a 32" leg, like yours. Thus I have a freaky torso so again, in regards to overall height it's not even useful for screen effect testing.
Just because it was available I took out a Hyabusa which apparently has a long tank, not long enough for me to get out of the wind. I think you need a 27" leg with a 10" torso and ape arms.
Engineered for torque not power. Make use of the 27nm down low.
The 350 is a single camshaft 2 valve motor and it’s air cooled.
Those bikes you compared it with have multivalve water cooled motors that can rev higher.
If you want a more powerful single cylinder Enfield then look at the new Himalayan 450.
Or better yet the soon to be released roadster version.
You can't compare power outputs of an air cooled engine to a liquid cooled engine. Air cooled has to run much lower compression to keep temps down. Also timing is different, and often a less agressive cam. The key is to find how much horsepower you actually need for purpose. Long stroke gives good torque, even down low. Short stroke can give higher HP numbers, but only at higher RPM and loses the low and mid torque. In my opinion torque wins every time unless you are racing and need that super high RPM. I'll take a tractor engine over a race engine every time. I'm doing normal day to day use. Not sustained 100 mph.
A pity it doesn't make 25+bhp. 60 year old 350 singles made around 18bhp so not much progress in these past 60 years 🤔
Engine is limited in order to achieve Euro5 while still being aircooled. It's a fair compromise i guess. I have a Meteor 350 and its ticking all the boxes. I've done a fair bit of two-up touring!
An excellent motorcycle just a few hp short. If you can only own one bike for fun commuting etc. then that lack of power is a deciding factor.
I ride my daughter's Herald 125 and it performs much the same 😢
I do find it odd that many RE 350 owners are so defensive about their choice, seeking to justify the low power and relatively heavy weight and weaponising ‘character’. If that’s the type of bike you want, great . But it’s not for everyone, particularly if it’s going to be your only bike and it’s only fair for it to be raised.
5:25 yea but you are talking about air cooled thumper, visually - no radiator in front of the engine is also a point in classic category. By comparison Kawasaki W800 has twice as much power as Classic from 800cc but again it is all air cooled.
Lower power for 350 may be more to do with marketing than engineering. If it was nearer to 40hp it would eat into 650 sales. RE have provided a very clear point of difference.
I don't see your dislikes as negatives more along the line of niggles. The power output is not great but can easily be solved by a cam change and a tuner. While you'll not get much in the way of extra horses you do get a better torque curve which certainly makes the bike more sprightly and gives a bit of space on throttle at 120KPH, thought not much.
I used an MZ 251 to commute 70 miles per day for about 8 months in the early 90s. Bhp was 21 and topped out at 80. So the classic should at least equal that?
Looks great, this would more of a second bike I think. The bike is unduly underpowered, given that this is a 350 it must be restricted, so is it easy to Un-restrict it?
I really love this bike. The power is what keeps me from getting it. I wish they have a 650 version. I have the continental 650 for 3 years now, i feel like thats my sweet spot enginewise. But i will trade my continental gt in a heartbeat if this was a 650.
I absolutely love the look of these bikes, however considering that I live in a rural town in Australia where every road is 100kms average and hilly I just can see myself owning one. I do suspect though that a new cam and ecu would do it just fine.
Its a shame that the engine is so weak. With 30 horsepower this bike would sell like crazy in Europe and the US.
The royal Enfield 350 in my opinion looks better than the triumphs but they are very different motorcycles
Getting a flat (or otherwise break down) is my biggest worry. I’ve only had one flat, fortunately a slow release and I was able to limp to a tire-wallah(They live on the side of the road) before it went completely flat.
I completely agree, the only thing you can reasonably criticise them for is that they're woefully underpowered 🙄
The only downside (imo) is the power. 20 is simply too low. If it was 30, it would be perfect (in my eyes).
It’s a bike for the Indian market, where you’re likely to encounter a bullock cart going the wrong way down the fast lane on a motorway, so you don’t do high speeds!
The styling and the mudguards are better than the new triumphs. I like the old air cooled Bonnies a bit better
Ok, let's hope RE lighten the flywheel , shorten the stroke for more power and make it as boring as your average bike.
I have no experience riding motorbikes at most is bicycles but when i was visiting my friend who works in a bike dealership i absolutely fell in love with the royal enfield classic 350 that was on display there, definitely saving up for my license and the bike itself
I would love the duck-egg blue version. I would put it in my conservatory, and not ride it. Just have it there to look at.
I got the opportunity to test ride one of those here in Utah on Monday. I thought it was a really characterful ride, super easy, and very good looking. I also currently own a 2023 Interceptor 650, and a 1983 Yamaha XJ900. The price also seems very reasonable for the machine you get with the 'little 350' bonus too it was also this chrome bronze color that you have. I may purchase one this year or next to add to my fleet.
I didn’t intend to buy a new bike but I’m very tempted by the new green 2024 bike .
I'd have to have a twin seat on it, i hate single seats! Lovely bikes though ridden a few 500 bullets (indian ones) and they were ok but you could tell they were a 60 year old design
I would like to try one of these
Hi rattles and clanks have you heard the new Norton it sounds like a load of spanners in a tin box and that costs £17000 😮😮😮
I can't make my mind between the Classic 350 and Signals 350
Ive had 2 classic 350s and will undoubtedly buy another...If you get yr head around its limitations powerwise you start to fall in love with all the plus points you mentioned..amazing bike 😍
I kept meaning to ask on your channel, how was it around the Bromley area when you needed a bit of umph in heavy traffic? I'm in Tonbridge and the limited power has put me off getting one as the traffic is so heavy.
@@simonchilli2088 Hi Simon, tbh I found it fine in traffic, used it to commute into London and never felt intimidated by the limited power...however because I loved the way it made me feel I almost dismissed its 20bhp!
@@2wheeledwillie395 Cheers for that Willie.
Had mine for just a year. I had an epiphany of sorts a couple of years ago. I realised I wasn't enjoying riding on the edge any more. A reset was required. The Classic 350 was exactly what I needed at exactly this point in my riding journey. The Mrs loves it too as it's such a good two up bike. Yes, I could get something a bit faster, more powerful again but I just know I'd be climbing that performance ladder once again searching for something that would inevitably lead me right back again to the Classic 350 👍
@PhilipBallGarry I know that feeling Garry! 👍