I have owned about 30 bikes since starting to ride at 16 now retired and thanks to nearly 5 years of treatment for cancer have downsized to my classic 350 (just can't cope with the big bikes anymore ) But I can honestly say I prefer the little Enfield over any bike I have ever owned, easy to move about and ride handles nicely and the motor is an absolute peach .also everyone wants to look at it , so plenty of people to talk to when I stop for tea and cake!
@@gunsdonovan9183 Thanks gun's, I wish you well with your cancer battle, I am now on maintenance treatment so pretty much chemo for however much life I have left but as long as I can ride life is not so bad!
I'm 33 and unfortunately ended up losing my knee and Tibia bone to Osteosarcoma(a rare bone cancer). Just wondering if you think people with knee replacement can still handle the bike or move it around as I have heard these bikes are heavy. That's the only thing that's stopping me. We don't have a dealer nearby to go and sit to find it out for myself. Also, can it overtake cars on motorway going at 100km/hr.
Spot on Stuart! I’m fed up with reviews stating that these wonderful little bikes are underpowered. As you say, a 350 with more than a couple of thousand miles on it feels much sharper than a new one. They are what used to be called ‘Real World’ motorcycles and all the better for that. In 55 years of riding I’ve not had more fun than I am now having on my Classic 350.
Exactly. First rode a Himmy 452 with 300 miles on it. Felt a but buzzy and not what I was expecting. But. The dealer was kind enough to let me ride it again 2 months later wirh nearly 3000 miles on it. I took management along as pillion, too. He was even kind enough to put a touring screen on at my request. Result? Transformation. Smooth, strong, almost a different bike. I ordered one there and then. Ride safe 👍
I suppose that relevance is dependent on whether the public wishes to buy a certain motorcycle? If the public demand it, then it is relevant. I have just sold my 140 MPH superbike and am awaiting the delivery of a new Hunter, because at 70 years old, my big bike was no longer relevant to the type of riding that I am doing now.
I agree 100%! Around 2,300 miles, my Classic 350 engine changed significantly, becoming noticeably smoother and sounding deeper and richer. By 3,300 miles (and likely as a result of swapping-in Hitchcock's decat pipe), the overall performance became much more aggressive and immediate. Now, with around 7,200 miles on it, I'm regularly taking it on the freeways in the city where I live, overtaking cars, easily pulling up to 70 MPH. Yes, I know, 70 MPH is definitely NOT "fast" by normal standards (and freeway speeds are generally closer to 80+ MPH) but this is my little so-called "underpowered" 350CC single-cylinder motorbike. I'm glad I've stuck with it because its overall performance has only gotten better and better. Also, around town it's fantastic! I love that I can extract everything that this little engine has to offer.
I'm sure I've commented before about how; as a young man in both my teens and twenties, at five foot, nine inches and 155 pounds, I found a bike of 350cc just PERFECT for all my daily needs. I drove to work, to.school. Even on short trips out of Town. Took them on 50 to 100 mile trips fairly regularly. And never had an issue. I only felt the need to go up to the 500 or 650cc class when: (a.) I weight a bit more. And (b.) Was hauling my Girlfriend around on the back! So, YES ! I must agree. These 350cc size bikes can be very usefull for a young "Gent". And you can get a lot done, cover plenty of ground. Etc. I've even been on extensive "Road Trips" with one. With all my camping gear stowed in either the pockets of my Field coat, or in my "Day Pack" of modest weight. Happy Cycling 🚲 and (as always!) Be SAFE on the road 😊. (A word on "Speed". I almost never run by cycle at much over 50/55 mph. I'm usually at 35 to 45 mph. And only "Cruising" at 50-55 when I'm out on the open road. Usually only on those occasional "Trips" out of Town. This is mainly because I find high speed riding to be way too uncomfortable and fatiguing! I want to ENJOY the ride ! Not race with my neighbors or be fighting the "Wind" just to keep from being blown off the back of my wheels)
100% bang on point. I would even say that many vloggers who do motorbike review shouldn't be doing so, they're just not experienced enough in the craft of motorbiking or knowledgeable enough about motorbikes.
I sold my Honda VFR750 to get my Meteor 350 and do not regret it. I'm 70 years old now and found that on most of my days out riding the country roads I was riding 50mph for most of the day. The enjoyment of being out on the bike is most definitely just as rewarding on the smaller capacity bike. Especially as the Enfield is not slow in getting up to its best speed. And the consumption of fuel is meagre to say the least. I still have my Yamaha Virago 535 and that is supposed to have a lot more power,but in real terms is no faster than the Meteor, it is a lot more torquey now that it is sporting a single carb and open pipes. But these smaller bikes are to me a lot more in keeping with the ethos of motorcycling on Britains roads.Really Enjoying the Vids so keep up the good work Stuart Great stuff.
I agree the Classic 350 is a lot of fun - rode one all over Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia and it was “joyful” that’s the best word. Abused a bit with some jungle off roading too - but mostly pootling along enjoying the moment and allowing me stress free touristing around these tropical places. I was very interested in the review of the BSA Goldstar I am also an ex cop (RHKP and Met) and for a while in mid 90s rode a Honda CBR 750 for work and have the police advanced licence that probably helped me ride better as a civvie. Last 20 years done all right for myself and lucky to have a quite few bikes at my respective homes around the world. In fact I rode around the world and also crossed Africa three times - I currently have a KTM 690 Rally, a KTM 1190 R and a Yamaha 250 in Africa and in Hong Kong my Guzzi V85TT that I get about on as my main form of transport - often with missus as pillion. Don’t own a car - never liked them - hate the way the move and I feel ill in them and drive badly because I feel disconnected from my environment and easily distracted by food or I fall asleep. Not good. I also own a RE Himalayan 411 I keep in U.K. which I rode all over Europe and Morocco and I will never ever sell - it’s something special that the new 450 isn’t. Love that bike and it’s hum and vibration - think it’s 24 bhp that is 130 odd less than my big KTM that I plough across African deserts and trails and carry all stuff - although the Himalayan is perfect for England and Wales with all the speed cameras, traffic jams and pot holes. Years ago I rode a bullet across India and it was an old style local Indian made one and it was characterful if not a little rattley and nut loosening!!! The new era 350 and 650 Enfield are awesome - ridden most variants and think I like (apart from my Himalayan which is something special) the Classic - although I really enjoyed a day in the U.K. summer on the Meteor which getting a service. Just a cathartic ramble about bikes - my favourite subject and I enjoy all the RUclips channels even if I don’t agree with assessments - just like seeing the bikes and some RUclipsrs do a great job with filming and editing - even if reviews are controversial. Keep up good work - fascinated to see how BSA compares with Enfields over long periods. I am enjoying the Wurks channel on the rebuild of the 500 Bullet - I think that is what it is
I am still running in my Scram 411, and are looking forward to the transformation at around two thousand miles. I am still enjoying riding on forty miles per hour dual carriageways and country roads. These bikes are so charming and ideal for real world use! For me, it more than makes up for any perceived lack of power. I test rode a Hunter 350 and I couldn't stop smiling, and my heart couldn't stop singing! Great review, thanks Uncle Stu!
Congratulations on the 411. As a Himalayan owner I’d say you’ll still be seeing improvements at 3k possibly more. I hope you enjoy your scram as much as I do my Himi. 👍🏻
Many thanks Stuart. I now have 9,500 miles on my Classic 350 and report that the engine does get sweeter and "calmer" with age. My bike has never achieved 70mph. I do rely on my dealer for service. Now, I've grown concerned that perhaps scheduled tappet adjustments were never completed (or completed properly) during the factory service. Just finished a mini-tour 2-up with my grown son; 350 miles in two days with side panniers and top box. Included the rolling hills here in SW Wisconsin. Other than a bit of gearboxing, the bike was an eager labrador retriever. Hardly noticed my passenger or weight burden. He reported excellent comfort and confidence. Beautiful thing, bikes. You illuded to the potential of a Twin Classic. Honestly, I can't help but wonder if the new 450 single Sherpa, might be a preferrable power plant for a Big Classic. The single thump is my addiction. Cheers.
These little bikes just plod on and on . I put a DNA filter on mine , noticed a difference in the slight power increase and induction noise . Love it ,first class . Rear shocks will be updated at some point ,but it puts a big smile on my face every time I get on it ,and thats well worth every penny I paid for it . I wish R/E would make a 650 Halcyon style ,in green .I love the look of that bike and in 650 cc ,it can only tick all the boxes for me .
@@brianscott6171 I wouldn’t be as hasty - the additional power and weight would make a Classic 650 a very different proposition, an alien riding experience from the 350. To put it another way, you wouldn’t be taking the 650 out for a ‘bimble’ - it might be quicker, but I don’t think it would be as much fun 🤩
I’ve broken two Classic 350’s. Stuart’s words are absolutely true. Of my 3 bikes (HD Sportster 1200, RE Interceptor, and Classic 350), ol’ Merle, my Classic 350 is the one I choose to ride 90% of the time.
They look like quality and culture passed on through the decades. A piece of history and humble glory. I wish I had a banner that said Royal Enfield. I would have it on a pole. Goodbye for now my friend.
You're bang on the money Stuart, my classic has now done just over 2000 miles, rather than think it's under powered, you find yourself asking "has it really only got 20hp"? And another thing, when you fit a rev counter, you find it's not revving anything like as hard as you thought. An astonishingly good little engine. I ride it far more than my 1000cc sports tourer, which I still love, but it's the RE that fills me with shear joy.
Agreed. My Hunter took about 2000km to run in. Now at nearly 8000km its even better. Will do 100km/h easily. Great daily ride. (With some new Bridgestone BT46 tires and some new shocks and fork springs also helps).
Hi Stu, been watching your videos for quite a goodly few months and have become quite enthralled by your vision. So much so I went and had a visit to our local RE dealer in Stockton. My rides since 2003 have been Harleys and I thoroughly enjoy these big lumps. A good mate of mine also a HD rider has a Classic 350 and is alway saying its like being born again as a biker. So, as I said I visited our RE dealer to see what's what. Came out with a 650 Super Meteor. Took on board your message about being patient. Just completed the 300 mile run in and being totally honest it's been 300 miles of sheer fun gadding about the North Yorks Moors. What a cracking, enthusiastic and willing machine. Even limiting to the 50mph speeds, this bike has been a total pleasure to ride. Thanks for the inspiration to my mate and yourself. We infected another HD rider and he got the 350 Meteor. 😅
Well said, Stu! many prospective buyers are impatient and expect a new motorcycle to perform at its best when brand new, and are tempted to shorten the break in period or skip it altogether. Lack of a proper break in will likely shorten an engines life. Patience is required!
Thank you so much for this perspective on the bikes. I’m a relatively inexperienced rider with a Hunter with around 1,500 km on the odo. It struggles a bit above 80 kmph and above 90 kmph it is a right pain in all the wrong places. From all the reviews on RUclips it felt like the engine is just underpowered and will always be rubbish above 80 kmph, and I started toying with the idea of getting a FuelX and/or a performance air filter to make it a bit better above that speed. But thanks to you, I realise that it would be worth waiting for at least another 2,000 kms, before I consider these upgrades. Thank you again, and have a wonderful day ahead!
Morning Stu. Another good video. My passion for motorcycles started at the age of about 5 when my cousin sat me on his 350cc Triumph. It was parked in front of of my house, unlocked of course and he asked me to look after it while he visited my Mum. I wanted one from that day. Over the years I’ve owned bikes from 200cc to 1100cc but the bikes I’ve enjoyed the most have been in the 200 to 650 range. demonstrator bikes
Thanks for that Stuart, I think I made exactly the mistake your describing. Test rode a classic 350, hated it! It struggled to reach 60. In retrospect I now appreciate it would have been my impatience and not the fault of the bike. Guess I should reset and reconsider. Thanks for your insight.
being dragged up in the 50's on a newly built council estate almost every working family had a 350 of various makes ,usually ex military , and as i grew older my passion also was to own and ride a motorcycle .Unfortunately my mother had other idea's and it took 14 years before ,as a group , we purchased a ex Birmingham noddy bike for £5 between us and hid it in an old shed my passion has never waived since ,but after riding 1000 cc and above bikes for longer than I care to think my passion now lies in bikes where I can see the countryside instead of whizzing past it without knowing and my enfields allow me to do so ,Cheers Stuart
Pretty good story. My girlfriend had a brother with motorcycles. Small to mid size Hondas in 1966. I got a ride after some quick instructions and loved it. Always liked motor vehicles and racing. Step mother said no. 2 years later I was married (to the same girlfriend), moved to California and bought a 450 CB Honda! Ended up working for the Honda dealership as well as various auto dealerships as a mechanic. After tons of big bikes including BMW and Harley. I have a 350 Signals RE. It’s the riding experience, not proving you’re fearless you know. 😊
Very much agree with you regarding the 350 engines. Bought a Hunter at only 119 miles and now having covered over 2200, the difference really is noticeable. Very frugal and torquey engine that is relaxing to ride. I absolutely love mine and never fails to put a smile on my face, and the glorious single cylinder thump from these engines is brilliant. Going an tonne everywhere has never really interested me and lets face it, with the state of the UK roads, you cant. These 350's will hold 70MPH comfortably once run in with a small amount to spare and you can really use everything that these engines have to give without getting into any real trouble. As they say, it's much more fun riding a slower bike fast than a fast bike slow! Great video Stuart, ride safe.
I enjoy my classic, not fully broken in, but it gives me all the speed I need. Used for shopping and tripps round where I live. Thanks for a good video, regards from 🇳🇴
Young RUclips 'influencers' certainly don't influence me. Most of them don't know what they're talking about. Just been out for a 90-minute ride on my 390 in the Chiang Rai area. It is almost too powerful. Of the 350s you mentioned, I like the HNTR best.
I value your opinion on these bikes as I know you own, ride and maintain them. I will get one and know what to expect thanks to your honest reviews. Thanks Stu.
I recently bought a new '22 Classic 350 and I have been having so much fun with her! Thanks for the great videos- i felt confident enough after watching to buy without a test ride and it's been great!
Absolutely true, when my 350 classic was new it felt really restricted and like the engine was being continuously tortured even with moderate use. Now after around 1600 miles the engine feels completely different it 's very willing and free revving making it a joy to ride. Huge difference!
Very well said Stu. I was discussing the same thing with my wife recently and saying that these reviewers aren't getting a true representation of a bike when it only has a handful of miles on it. My Bullet 350 was just as you said and struggled to hit 60mph in the first few hundred miles. Now I'm approaching 1500 miles it feels like a totally different bike. Also, like I said in my 1000 mile review of mine, it's important to temper your expectations when buying bikes like the J series Enfields. If you go into it thinking that it is going to perform like a Duke 390 then you are going to be sorely disappointed.
About a year ago I watched a YT review of the RE Meteor 350 by a motorcycle magazine in which they derided the bike for its performance in the quarter-mile. The effin quarter-mile! How idiotic is that?! Yes, the motorcycle press just has no clue at this point, as you say, Stuart. On the other hand, as a 71yo who's ridden everything from a 1962 Honda 150 to a Victory Kingpin, and is now the very happy owner of an RE Meteor (and a Triumph Bonnie in reserve), maybe I'm just being grumpy. 😅
Couldn’t agree more - think we’re going to see a huge change in motorcycling over the next few years. After decades of superbikes I’ve finally realised less is more and am looking forward to my new adventures on a 450cc bike - as you get older Stu sanity prevails as well as self preservation!
Your advice on break in is spot on. Makes me think of when we 1st got my wife her Adv150. She would complain it could hardly do the speed limit 55mph down the country road we live on about 2 miles out of town. At the end of the school year she only had 500 miles on it. So I rode the piss out of it this summer. Its at almost 4 k now and tops out at almost 70mph. Good thing because my wife took a position at another school 2 towns (18 miles ) away down a winding country road. So far she said it feels like a completely different bike. Oh and now she loves country road riding. She wants a dressed ctx700 dct or a maxi scooter. Got her hooked 😆
I think your dads bike was the Royal Enfield WD/CO model, I had a 1946 RE 350 model G in the 80s , very similar to the Bullet but no rear suspension and a iron cylinder head . Good video again
It was a Royal Enfield Clipper 350 that first got me interested in classic bikes back in 1977. A bunch of us school mates had sports mopeds but one lad was a few months older so he was 17 when we were still 16. He passed his bike test and got the Enfield. It sounded great and he took me on the pillion a few times. I've had all sorts of bikes both modern and classic over the years but did eventually get an Enfield, an Indian made Lightning 535. The engine on that looked much like the one on that old Clipper 350 but nothing like either of the engines in this video.
Hi Stuart, you are 100% on point with your comments in this video. I have a 2024 bullet 350 that just past 1800 miles. I noticed the bike loosening up at about 1100 miles. And I would say the last 200 miles the bike has had a noticeable improvement in power and smoothness. This past weekend I went out for a day ride with my wife . On the way home, I jumped on the parkway to make up some time and the bike easily did 60-65 mph, for a 10 mile stretch 2 up without missing a beat. Its a completely different bike today then when I first picked it up new. It’s not a highway bike for crushing miles, but it is more than adequate for 99% of the driving most people will do. And with the character of that wonderful motor ann the sound of that exhaust, so much more enjoyable. Have a peaceful day.
Fantastic video! I am still just a Classic 500 owner in the RE line but the twins are very enticing to say the least. I love the 500 - it's so much smoother after its break-in period. Such a joy to ride. I am looking for a simple top box to hold groceries or my helmet.
I´ve just bought a classic 350 kind of 30 days ago and it´s true ... the first two days the engine sounded not eager to rev or run properly and by a week (and 100 kms later), it´s totally diferente ... It now has 500 kms and it´s up to the first service in a couple of days , the engine is a peach !! I can only imagine how it will smoothly run w/ a new oil running into its veins plus overall services on that ... looking forward but already in love with my sweet classic and small engine daily commuter. Cheers !
I've really got into this Royal Enfield thing, I'm currently awaiting delivery of my Barcelona Blue Interceptor. One thing I will say though, I've currently completely run out of space in my garage. If Royal Enfield continue to churn out never ending, well priced and superb looking motorycles I can see me having to rent a warehouse to put them all in!
Just started my own channel to showcase my Classic 500 Tribute Black and there is no way I'd consider reviewing other bikes. It's a crowded market and I just couldn't be bothered. Your video is spot on.... Too many wannabe bike journalists just interested in a free loan bike and easy content and not self aware enough of the impact to less worldly wise viewers of their inexperience and taking themselves too seriously. Good work Stuart. Keep the videos coming Sir.
I love my RE 350 classic. 2800 ish miles on the clock and it’s an amazing feeling when the engine goes from tight to loose. It’s really noticeable, like night and day difference.
@@BobMan1952 illegal to decat here in Aus. You'd get away with it for first 3 years on a new bike but after that your roadworthy cert would not be issued.
@@colinhailey830 it’s only about 20 minutes time to put it back for any testing then three more years of running like it should It would be worth it to me
Thank you Stu. This has given me some reassurance. After a 10 gap in riding, I bought my 350 Classic reborn last summer and due to circumstances have only managed to get 300 miles on the clock and its first service. Have a bit to go and at this rate it will take a while, but am looking forward to the time when its running smoothly and more happily! It's to work towards. Thanks for the wise words.
Very true. I've owned my meteor 350 for just over two years now. I bought it as my transport and it's now just over 22,000 miles. It's never let me down and very rarely gets cleaned but it still trundles on. I've only ever done my own servicing and haven't even had the valves done in that time. I went from an R1 to the meteor and don't regret it at all, it excels at smooth, calm riding and it sips petrol, often achieving over 100mpg and with fuel only going up, it's a godsend. They are fantastic machines and as long as you accept them for what they are, you won't be disappointed
Yes I totally agree. I have a 2022 Meteor 350 and noticed that it really didn’t come into its own until 3000 km. I too have found I use it for going to the shops instead of the car because it is easy and a lot cheaper to run.
Good video. What you say makes a lot of sense. I am struggling to resist the massive pull to own a Classic 350 that I have been feeling. I own a Bonneville T100 that I have poured a lot of time into. It has just 800 miles on it. It does seem tight and I assume it will loosen up when I get a few thousand miles on it. I look forward to that. I don't want to sell it. So, I need to do two things: 1. sort out space for the 350 in my garage, 2. get a yes from my spouse. I'm 72 and the day is not far off when I will likely need a 350 if I am going to continue riding.
I totally agree with you, after the run-in period on the Meteor 350 it was like having a different peppier bike. It is a lot more fun especially now that I changed to toe-heel shifter to toe only from Tec. 😎
Hi Stuart, I just bought a Classic 350. A large part of my decision to go for the Classic 350 was based upon your RUclipss. The Classic seating just felt a little more comfortable than the Bullet. Anyway I have only had it 3 days and ridden about 100km so far. Absolutely brilliant. Your reviews are spot on. Thankyou so much.
Yes you are right upon comparing the difference of performances and power of the brand-new engine and the totally break-in engine. I experienced it when I test drive the 2years old Classic 350 Royal Enfield. It was so smooth and powerful engine. But when I got my brand-new Classic 350 Chrome Red there is a big difference upon the smoothness of performance and the power. So I patiently follow the guidelines for break-in period until I reached 500kms. Now I am ongoing to my second break-in period until I reach 3,500 kms.the final break-in for maximizing the power of an engine. So until now, I can see the improvement of smoothness and the power of an engine. It is fun to ride. Easy to maneuver the bike in any kind of roads, either off road and asphalt or cemented roads. Most of it the fuel savings engine. I can ride long miles and enjoy the comfort in riding. This bike is very good in commuting and touring. City drive or long rides.❤ Cheers from Cebu City Philippines!
Great overview and really good to learn about 2K running in period to fully open up the engine. One thing I would love is some more details on the guys who toured Europe on the HNTR. Is the tour on line or documented somewhere? What I will be looking for is a small machine that is great for heavier touring. I have really short legs, so even a classic is a bit tall for me. The HNTR works well, and also due to this review I will take a sit on the bullet!
Great video Stuart. I’ve had the very same thoughts when reviewers have stated the bikes are underpowered with 50 miles on the clock. Not a 350 owner but I have had a Himalayan from new. Well actually I’ve had two. The bike I have now is completely different from the day it rolled out of the showroom. I’ve been very surprised at how long it took to loosen up, I’d say 3k maybe. Fortunately I’ve a good dealer ( Cooperb) who gets that and they had a well run in demonstrator and explained that the bike takes a good few miles to start performing at its best. I’ve have seen many owners sell their bikes after a few weeks and 2-300 miles and thought to myself you’ve not given the thing a chance.
I cannot imagine how anyone can sell a motorcycle knowing it is going to the scrap yard. Motorcycles are not built to be obsolete motorcycles are built to be rebuildable forever at least the vintage ones were because of the cost of making them and the cost of maintaining them and owning them. Motorcycles built for obsolescence getting started until the Japanese invasion When in many cases it was cheaper to buy another bike that to fix your old one. I have had my Triumph TR6 was a hardtail and magneto for 40 years I have had my Sportster for over 25 years. I will hold on to them forever they will never go to the scrap yard while I'm still alive.
How true this piece is, thanks Stuart. Returning to biking after a twenty year layoff, I bought a new Bullet 350 (my first brand new bike) After a month and 400 miles I was frustrated with the power (previous bikes in 1990s Z650 and early 2000s 600 Bandit). But having just completed 1800 miles the engine has freed up and the 350 is swift and enjoyable around the lanes and roads here in East Riding. I'm not looking for a bigger bike anymore .....well, not until the Bullet 650 is out !!!! Alex.
Hi Stuart. Great video. Roll on the seventeenth of this month we are heading to Bath in the UK on a Meteor 350 with friends on there Ducati st4 and a Honda Nt 1100 all of us 2 up i am so excited i am counting the hours !!!! Ride and be safe Ron from Ireland.
Totally agree and thank you for your refreshing insights. It is a very beautifull motorcycle I think. The only problem I saw a fes times lies in the durability of the chrome parts when you use them in bad weather. I am curious to your opinion.
This is really a great point, how reviewers only really experience engines that are not yet broken in. Especially this engine. And not factoring in light mods like a de-cat more open air intake cover (which made a huge difference pulling hills for me). Excellent info here 😎👍🏻
Thanks. I will look forward to see the big classic yet this year and your review of it👍🏍 You have inspired me to ponder about purchase one, though in my youth I drove moped 50cc during winter and summer🇫🇮. Once in -22-24 degrees Celsius ❄I thought I will never buy a two wheeled option again, but a car (Plymouth Valiant for nearly 20 years). The tricks to increase speed just got me stranded in country side to "cool off" a bit before reaching town centre to meet others during friday evening. Now +50 and a summertime touring with a RE or BSA sounds absolutely fashinating..
Thank's for the info. My. son and my brother are going to ride at the Royal Enfield shop in Cleveland this Sunday. They are having a test ride of the different models.
Hi Stuart, great video, and back watching your channel after a few months away from RUclips. I see you have stepped in front of the camera, good for you mate! I agree with you, reviewers have such a short time with bikes and build a cult following on basic misinformation. Good review.
I agree with everything you said about this engine. I have a 2021 Meteor 350 with just under 12,000 miles on it. It just seems to hum along and the sweet spot seems to be between 55-65 mph. My son rides an Indian Scout. He and I are planning a trip from here in Texas to my boyhood home state of Iowa in October. About 800 miles one way. I have no doubt that my Meteor will get there just fine.
My Honda C70 got me out! A box on the back full of camping gear got me to the Lakes.... even did Hard Knott etc.... Later, in my youth, I looked at bigger bikes, all Hondas, CD175, CB250, CX500 etc ... Wow....what performance! Later, came a KLR650, to ride the trails in NW British Columbia... then a Honda Varadero (toured U.S.)...then a brother, AFRICA TWIN..... Retired and and Triumph T120 AND now a GUZZI V7 Special Edition..... big changes personally but loving these "smaller naked bikes"....Ahem! I know.... History, like many others I was influenced by Dad's bikes and his mates. I recently asked my Mum if Dad took her to hospital in the sidecar when I was born..... she said, no, he called a taxi! In 2002 he had a RE 500 Bullet (carbed) and his close neighbour had an original RE 350.... as well as a Ducati etc. At 80 plus years, they putted around the Yorkshire Moors... This is their, mine and many others "bike life cycle" ❤❤
At the end you said it Stu. The classic twin (650). I am saving money for when it comes. For now really loving my 350 specially after running in and performance upgrades after that. Performance upgrades could be a nice topic, should you do it or not. Thanks again for your opinion and story. Love from Holland
Bikes like this are the solution for our western world traffic jams in the bigger cities. One person in a big car multiplied hundreds of thousands times every morning and evening jamming up the streets and making commuting to work a nightmare. If only twenty per cent of these would ride to work instead it would be a totally different matter, and if half would do it there never would be any traffic jams. Commuting on a bike is the fastest way to get to and from work, cuts the time in half or more but still very few people realize this. Thanks for educating us to the benefits of these bikes and please keep up the good work. More of us need to get this.
My brand new Hunter 350 felt noticeably better at about 1200 miles and then better still at about 2000 miles. I admit I was dubious as to whether the bike had enough power when I placed my order but it is fine, it is brilliant, it is all I need - and it is so engaging to ride. Keep up the good work!
That's a valid point you're making: it makes no sense to compare a 350 bike to a 650 or larger. However, on the other side, if you look at it as a commuter, daily rider bike, the relevant comparison would be with a similar displacement scooter. So, for me the question is what would be the advantages from this perspective of a 350 Enfield vs. a let's say a TMax 350 (exhaust sound and styling aside)?
Good post Stuart, more choice for the buyers who will inevitably grasp just how practical the J series bikes are on our modern day roads. I also agree your take on bike reviews, I recently watched a post on the BMW 310 road bike and it was slated for the very bad vibrations through the bars, which would have put a lot of buyers off, however I noticed and pointed out in the comments the bike had no bar end weights and the reply was they had to be removed as "it would not fit down his back yard ginnel" so he had removed them...... By the way got my new meteor 350 today and enjoyed every minute of my first ever ride out on a RE, after 45 years riding mainly Japanese rocket ships
It really is frustrating at times running them in. But definitely worth the effort. Mine has covered nearly 3500 miles over the last eighteen months. It's loosened up a lot. It certainly sounds very loose now too, especially when it's hot but goes really well. In fact the Super Meteor 650 I had didn't feel anything like twice the horsepower or torque. I've the T120 now for "big roads" and long distances, but such is the accessibility of the Classic 350 that it still gets the most use of the two 😊
I do agree, I have a Hunter 350 since new and now it gets to 120 km/h whenever I want, instead before 4.000km on the clock it was not the case. I do agree also on the functionality of a small motorcycle. I use it very often, more often than other people do with their expensive/bigger motorcycle and I am less concerned of mileage/weather/insurance/maintenance etc...
SF's Dangerous Reviews: After watching the channel I wisely chose the Brown Supernova Meteor. A fine motorcycle a lovely ride! Then after further watching the channel I had to purchase a Red/Chrome Classic 350. Gee...who does this sound like? The Classic is pure eye candy. I haven't ridden a bike with this feel since my `62 Tiger 500. Only these new models won't leave me sitting with a bad coil roadside. Kudos my friend on superb reviews and commentary, however monetarily deadly. LOL
In my opinion, if time shows these RE classic line singles are extremely durable, there’s not been a previous time that they have been more relevant. Frankly, even smaller sized bikes are, like super cubs. This sort of transportation offers immediate solutions to so many problems we have. Moreover, we can have a bit of fun, and optimism, at the same time. I’ll leave it at that; no interest in arguing over the problems they help solve.
Hi Stuart, I agree with you totally. Tested a used Hunter and bought a new one. There was a difference in power. Over the last 2500 km it runs much better. So I added a Bullet some week, and started to run in again. The Bullet needs now her first oul change. Both make a lot of fun. Due to the different geometry they make both a lot if fun.
I'm 65 miles into my Scram 411. It had 1 mile on it when I bought it. Keeping it 40mph and under, just like the manual says. I'm lucky enough to have plenty of low-traffic backroads that I can ride at a leisurely pace. I can already tell it has picked up a little pep since I started. Can't wait to get to the 300 mark so I can start commuting on it.
I have to agree with you Stuart. The fact that they have to fit traction control, launch control, anti-wheelie and a host of other "rider modes" proves that most of the bikes from the major manufacturers are too powerful for daily use. Adding these electronic systems means they can charge more for these unsuitable machines but avoids the most sensible answer - make the engines smaller and less powerful! An answer not lost on Royal Enfield.
Enjoyed your story about the old Enfield of your childhood in Bolton. I was born in Bolton too, but much later than you (80s!). Have you ever done a video on your own experience of bikes over the years - as in bikes you've owned? Would love to see something like that. Great video, as ever.
Having watched your videos and of others last December, I test rode and bought my Classic 350 and 3 weeks later bought my "22 leftover GT that no one wanted. My guess they wanted more of a modern sport bike. I saw what you are saying- a bike that that will perform when fully broken in. Maybe not with riding modes and adjustable suspension, but with more character than all the new bikes. At 71, I now enjoy riding slower and while still travel on my R1250RS, also enjoy speed. 👍👍
Great video, your summing up of these bikes is so true. Having bought my '24 Red and Chrome Classic 350 back in May and now have over 5,000 kms on it I can confirm what you say that the engine is a lot better now than when first run in, even the very small amount of handlebar vibration has almost gone now. However I don't take much notice of that sort of thing being used to old thumpers back in the 1960's, even my 1960 BSA twin has more vibes than this one. The bike has done many miles on the motorways here in Spain and under normal conditions I do not feel intimidated by other traffic. However IMHO it's happier cruising at about 55 to 60 mph which coincides with the normal speed limit (90 kmph) on ordinary roads, and it's so frugal on petrol. Yes of course it can go faster but I'm happy to do this type of speed. My days of going at exceedingly fast speeds have long gone - too old and too many cameras about now.
Have to agree with the break in information regarding the motor, one thing not to overlook is that the entire machine, brakes, clutch movement, wheels, chain, transmission, are all somewhat less free in the beginning of there lives than they will be after time. Had a glaring example with a new BMW , new in 1976 , that took more than 4000 miles to loosen up and was even better by 12,000 miles. . Great thoughts .. thanks.
Really useful review again. I'm seriously considering getting either one of these. But want to see the 650 classic before I decide to swap out my current bike for one
It's funny how often your videos reflect my own experience. The roads here in Essex are dire. Terrible road surfaces and massively congested, which is why I've gradually moved from a Thruxton R and 1200 Daytona to smaller and lighter bikes, including a Himalayan. I still have a 900 TBird, which is a great cruiser but I'm now thinking that it is just too unwieldy when it hits the inevitable pothole, plus it isn't ULEZ compliant, which rules it out from trips to see mates in the suburbs. I see the roads where you live and am envious. I fitted a Hitchcocks cam and air filter to my Himalayan, and it's made a huge difference to its ridability. It allows me to wring the engine's neck when needed, and the engine seems to thrive on that type of treatment. It's worth a gear or extra tooth on the engine sprocket.
Good point on the love of motorcycles for you beginning as a child with that bike that was untouchable for you. In my case around 15-years-old my father took a huge Suzuki in trade on a business deal. It had music speakers and a full fairing. I was of course too young to ride it, but I was once allowed to take it to the end of the street and back. I often sat on it and played music. There was a small cassette or eight track cassette that came with the bike. This is where I first heard Elton John's Levon and Pinball Wizard! This whet my appetite for bikes. I hadn't remembered this until you mentioned your story.
I am looking at a 350 or Int650. Thanks to you the 350 made the list. I have a Honda 919, and for my riding style way more than I need and too sporty. Just got a good deal at the time. Thanks for the great video.
Can't help wondering why dealerships and @royalenfield would not take heed, and ensure all there demonstration bikes are ready and perform at their best for a enjoyable riding experience!! And yes, there is quite a varied variety of those who share their views, those of us who have ridden for decades (all be it not for a while now), can tell the difference 😉Thanks
This bike definitely improves with time. I currently use it commute to work 3 days a week at 60 mph in hilly country. My only wish is that they could figure out a speedometer that won't cook the face decal if left outside during a hot work day with the factory windscreen (acts like a magnifying glass). I've cooked two so far and I'm currently running with a home made white paper gauge face which looks awful. Even with that annoyance, I really love it.
From a Yamaha FZ6 to a R.E Meteor Super Nova 350 , does the change work ? yes it does , as you say todays roads ,speed limits and cameras the variable speeds on motorways and fuel costs of a 600 are all worries greatly reduced on the 350 , and the biggest plus is the riding style , so much more relaxed , the enjoyment of just going for a ride for the fun of it comes rushing back . performance and useability are perfect , two days after picking up my 350 i rode from Northamptonshire to London with my Grandson as pillion a trip involving town the A509 ,M1 a stop at Woburn Triumph A5 ,M! again and finally A41 and then country lanes to North London all covered and coped with easily and comfortably , Also as you say as the miles go up the engine just feels better , So if anyone isnt sure of getting one i would recommend getting one of the 350s and enjoy fun biking on todays roads
I've acquired a meteor from my cousin who felt he was now too old to ride, he owned for two years but only covered 950 miles. I've now owned the bike for six months and put another 1800 miles on it, I've also added a lightbar with spot lights, a rack, a larger screen and a towbar, I've just been camping in and around Matlock towing a 115 kilo trailer and gear, the reason for my comments are I don't want anymore power/speed than she's already got. She's perfect as she is
It is a great shame that RE over-hyped the Bullet before its launch. Outside of India the Bullet name does not have the same history and reputation. This "over-hyping" has resulted in the UK press almost condemning it. For me at 6'4'' the Bullet holds out the hope that I will fit it better than the Classic due to the (supposedly) slightly higher 'bars and (hopefully) being able to sit further back on the dual seat. I have been led to believe that the Bullet "touring" seat is noticeably higher than the stock one. Hopefully this would make it the same as the Classic. If only my nearest dealer was not 260 miles away...
Differences are small, but enough for me to definitely prefer the Bullet. As far as I can tell (I have tried both and scrutinised lots of pics and vids) the differences of the Bullet are: - Seat a little lower. Seat more easily allows different rider positions. Peg positions an inch or so further forward? Bars an inch or so higher. Rear mudguard angled/kinked. USB port underside the bars. Casing/cover rectangular. Looks like the 2025 Classic will have LED lights. Have heard nothing about any new Bullet release/updates though. I know there is rumoured a Classic 650. Have heard nothing about a Bullet 650, but during my enquiries I've had a couple of dealers mention a Classic 450?! If it hadn't been from two different dealers, unprompted, I would have discounted it...
Reviews are ok and can be entertaining. With the Enfield 350 the its underpowered and badly made brigade could have swayed me. Glad I didnt listen its been a great little bike for the last two years
When I finally got to test ride a Himalayan, we returned to the dealership with a bit over 260 miles on the clock. At 250, I believe , the rings seared. Ran much better. The same thing happened when I purchased mine. Right at 250 miles. Only 1800 plus, but it runs better each time I take her out. Love this bike. She's a 411,by the way.
I have owned about 30 bikes since starting to ride at 16 now retired and thanks to nearly 5 years of treatment for cancer have downsized to my classic 350 (just can't cope with the big bikes anymore )
But I can honestly say I prefer the little Enfield over any bike I have ever owned, easy to move about and ride handles nicely and the motor is an absolute peach .also everyone wants to look at it , so plenty of people to talk to when I stop for tea and cake!
As a cancer survivor too, (so far), your comment makes me so so happy that you are alive and enjoying MC's.
@@gunsdonovan9183
Thanks gun's, I wish you well with your cancer battle, I am now on maintenance treatment so pretty much chemo for however much life I have left but as long as I can ride life is not so bad!
@@Gc-dl5vy John 3:16 Ride safe
@@DH-tp9ns Thanks DH will do.
I'm 33 and unfortunately ended up losing my knee and Tibia bone to Osteosarcoma(a rare bone cancer). Just wondering if you think people with knee replacement can still handle the bike or move it around as I have heard these bikes are heavy. That's the only thing that's stopping me. We don't have a dealer nearby to go and sit to find it out for myself. Also, can it overtake cars on motorway going at 100km/hr.
Your videos and channel inspired me to buy a 24 classic 350 last month after not having a bike for 30 years . Thank you. Cheers from New Zealand
Youre very welcome sir!
The people you meet on youtube! I'm a subscriber to your channel. Small world!
@@54macdog hey mate , how are you .
@@5150show Good mate, thanks.
Looking forward to your next bike video! Cheers.
@@54macdog waiting for some Decent weather mate m it’s been raining for the past 5 weeks .
Spot on Stuart! I’m fed up with reviews stating that these wonderful little bikes are underpowered. As you say, a 350 with more than a couple of thousand miles on it feels much sharper than a new one. They are what used to be called ‘Real World’ motorcycles and all the better for that. In 55 years of riding I’ve not had more fun than I am now having on my Classic 350.
Bought a classic 350 because of your videos and Darcy and the old man I am 60 definitely not my first bike by any means great bike for me
Exactly.
First rode a Himmy 452 with 300 miles on it. Felt a but buzzy and not what I was expecting.
But.
The dealer was kind enough to let me ride it again 2 months later wirh nearly 3000 miles on it. I took management along as pillion, too.
He was even kind enough to put a touring screen on at my request.
Result? Transformation. Smooth, strong, almost a different bike.
I ordered one there and then.
Ride safe 👍
Congratulations on your new bike.
I suppose that relevance is dependent on whether the public wishes to buy a certain motorcycle? If the public demand it, then it is relevant. I have just sold my 140 MPH superbike and am awaiting the delivery of a new Hunter, because at 70 years old, my big bike was no longer relevant to the type of riding that I am doing now.
I agree 100%! Around 2,300 miles, my Classic 350 engine changed significantly, becoming noticeably smoother and sounding deeper and richer. By 3,300 miles (and likely as a result of swapping-in Hitchcock's decat pipe), the overall performance became much more aggressive and immediate. Now, with around 7,200 miles on it, I'm regularly taking it on the freeways in the city where I live, overtaking cars, easily pulling up to 70 MPH. Yes, I know, 70 MPH is definitely NOT "fast" by normal standards (and freeway speeds are generally closer to 80+ MPH) but this is my little so-called "underpowered" 350CC single-cylinder motorbike. I'm glad I've stuck with it because its overall performance has only gotten better and better. Also, around town it's fantastic! I love that I can extract everything that this little engine has to offer.
Nail on head; the media/ reviewers are still sports bike/ huge Adventure bike obsessed.
I'm sure I've commented before about how; as a young man in both my teens and twenties, at five foot, nine inches and 155 pounds, I found a bike of 350cc just PERFECT for all my daily needs. I drove to work, to.school. Even on short trips out of Town. Took them on 50 to 100 mile trips fairly regularly. And never had an issue.
I only felt the need to go up to the 500 or 650cc class when: (a.) I weight a bit more. And (b.) Was hauling my Girlfriend around on the back!
So, YES ! I must agree. These 350cc size bikes can be very usefull for a young "Gent". And you can get a lot done, cover plenty of ground. Etc. I've even been on extensive "Road Trips" with one. With all my camping gear stowed in either the pockets of my Field coat, or in my "Day Pack" of modest weight.
Happy Cycling 🚲 and (as always!) Be SAFE on the road 😊.
(A word on "Speed". I almost never run by cycle at much over 50/55 mph. I'm usually at 35 to 45 mph. And only "Cruising" at 50-55 when I'm out on the open road. Usually only on those occasional "Trips" out of Town. This is mainly because I find high speed riding to be way too uncomfortable and fatiguing! I want to ENJOY the ride ! Not race with my neighbors or be fighting the "Wind" just to keep from being blown off the back of my wheels)
Couldn't agree more. I intentionally stay off the highway.
100% bang on point.
I would even say that many vloggers who do motorbike review shouldn't be doing so, they're just not experienced enough in the craft of motorbiking or knowledgeable enough about motorbikes.
I sold my Honda VFR750 to get my Meteor 350 and do not regret it. I'm 70 years old now and found that on most of my days out riding the country roads I was riding 50mph for most of the day. The enjoyment of being out on the bike is most definitely just as rewarding on the smaller capacity bike. Especially as the Enfield is not slow in getting up to its best speed. And the consumption of fuel is meagre to say the least. I still have my Yamaha Virago 535 and that is supposed to have a lot more power,but in real terms is no faster than the Meteor, it is a lot more torquey now that it is sporting a single carb and open pipes. But these smaller bikes are to me a lot more in keeping with the ethos of motorcycling on Britains roads.Really Enjoying the Vids so keep up the good work Stuart Great stuff.
Almost all of my ride time is spent at 35-45mph on rural roads. Just enjoying the scenery.
I agree the Classic 350 is a lot of fun - rode one all over Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia and it was “joyful” that’s the best word. Abused a bit with some jungle off roading too - but mostly pootling along enjoying the moment and allowing me stress free touristing around these tropical places.
I was very interested in the review of the BSA Goldstar
I am also an ex cop (RHKP and Met) and for a while in mid 90s rode a Honda CBR 750 for work and have the police advanced licence that probably helped me ride better as a civvie.
Last 20 years done all right for myself and lucky to have a quite few bikes at my respective homes around the world. In fact I rode around the world and also crossed Africa three times - I currently have a KTM 690 Rally, a KTM 1190 R and a Yamaha 250 in Africa and in Hong Kong my Guzzi V85TT that I get about on as my main form of transport - often with missus as pillion. Don’t own a car - never liked them - hate the way the move and I feel ill in them and drive badly because I feel disconnected from my environment and easily distracted by food or I fall asleep. Not good.
I also own a RE Himalayan 411 I keep in U.K. which I rode all over Europe and Morocco and I will never ever sell - it’s something special that the new 450 isn’t. Love that bike and it’s hum and vibration - think it’s 24 bhp that is 130 odd less than my big KTM that I plough across African deserts and trails and carry all stuff - although the Himalayan is perfect for England and Wales with all the speed cameras, traffic jams and pot holes.
Years ago I rode a bullet across India and it was an old style local Indian made one and it was characterful if not a little rattley and nut loosening!!!
The new era 350 and 650 Enfield are awesome - ridden most variants and think I like (apart from my Himalayan which is something special) the Classic - although I really enjoyed a day in the U.K. summer on the Meteor which getting a service.
Just a cathartic ramble about bikes - my favourite subject and I enjoy all the RUclips channels even if I don’t agree with assessments - just like seeing the bikes and some RUclipsrs do a great job with filming and editing - even if reviews are controversial.
Keep up good work - fascinated to see how BSA compares with Enfields over long periods.
I am enjoying the Wurks channel on the rebuild of the 500 Bullet - I think that is what it is
Wow nice comment mate
I am still running in my Scram 411, and are looking forward to the transformation at around two thousand miles. I am still enjoying riding on forty miles per hour dual carriageways and country roads. These bikes are so charming and ideal for real world use! For me, it more than makes up for any perceived lack of power. I test rode a Hunter 350 and I couldn't stop smiling, and my heart couldn't stop singing! Great review, thanks Uncle Stu!
Congratulations on the 411.
As a Himalayan owner I’d say you’ll still be seeing improvements at 3k possibly more.
I hope you enjoy your scram as much as I do my Himi. 👍🏻
Many thanks Stuart. I now have 9,500 miles on my Classic 350 and report that the engine does get sweeter and "calmer" with age. My bike has never achieved 70mph. I do rely on my dealer for service. Now, I've grown concerned that perhaps scheduled tappet adjustments were never completed (or completed properly) during the factory service. Just finished a mini-tour 2-up with my grown son; 350 miles in two days with side panniers and top box. Included the rolling hills here in SW Wisconsin. Other than a bit of gearboxing, the bike was an eager labrador retriever. Hardly noticed my passenger or weight burden. He reported excellent comfort and confidence. Beautiful thing, bikes. You illuded to the potential of a Twin Classic. Honestly, I can't help but wonder if the new 450 single Sherpa, might be a preferrable power plant for a Big Classic. The single thump is my addiction. Cheers.
These little bikes just plod on and on . I put a DNA filter on mine , noticed a difference in the slight power increase and induction noise . Love it ,first class . Rear shocks will be updated at some point ,but it puts a big smile on my face every time I get on it ,and thats well worth every penny I paid for it . I wish R/E would make a 650 Halcyon style ,in green .I love the look of that bike and in 650 cc ,it can only tick all the boxes for me .
Oooh that’s a great suggestion
@@brianscott6171 I wouldn’t be as hasty - the additional power and weight would make a Classic 650 a very different proposition, an alien riding experience from the 350. To put it another way, you wouldn’t be taking the 650 out for a ‘bimble’ - it might be quicker, but I don’t think it would be as much fun 🤩
Good point. Looking forward to having my 350 classic fully broken in. It is a delightful bike to ride and suits my riding style.
I’ve broken two Classic 350’s. Stuart’s words are absolutely true. Of my 3 bikes (HD Sportster 1200, RE Interceptor, and Classic 350), ol’ Merle, my Classic 350 is the one I choose to ride 90% of the time.
7 years ago, one of your videos inspired me to buy a Bullet 500. Now I’m getting the crave to buy a Classic/Bullet 350 again. Thank you
They look like quality and culture passed on through the decades. A piece of history and humble glory. I wish I had a banner that said Royal Enfield. I would have it on a pole. Goodbye for now my friend.
Make one. 😁
You're bang on the money Stuart, my classic has now done just over 2000 miles, rather than think it's under powered, you find yourself asking "has it really only got 20hp"? And another thing, when you fit a rev counter, you find it's not revving anything like as hard as you thought. An astonishingly good little engine. I ride it far more than my 1000cc sports tourer, which I still love, but it's the RE that fills me with shear joy.
Agreed. My Hunter took about 2000km to run in. Now at nearly 8000km its even better. Will do 100km/h easily. Great daily ride. (With some new Bridgestone BT46 tires and some new shocks and fork springs also helps).
Hi Stu, been watching your videos for quite a goodly few months and have become quite enthralled by your vision. So much so I went and had a visit to our local RE dealer in Stockton. My rides since 2003 have been Harleys and I thoroughly enjoy these big lumps. A good mate of mine also a HD rider has a Classic 350 and is alway saying its like being born again as a biker. So, as I said I visited our RE dealer to see what's what. Came out with a 650 Super Meteor. Took on board your message about being patient. Just completed the 300 mile run in and being totally honest it's been 300 miles of sheer fun gadding about the North Yorks Moors. What a cracking, enthusiastic and willing machine. Even limiting to the 50mph speeds, this bike has been a total pleasure to ride. Thanks for the inspiration to my mate and yourself. We infected another HD rider and he got the 350 Meteor. 😅
Well said, Stu! many prospective buyers are impatient and expect a new motorcycle to perform at its best when brand new, and are tempted to shorten the break in period or skip it altogether.
Lack of a proper break in will likely shorten an engines life. Patience is required!
Thank you so much for this perspective on the bikes. I’m a relatively inexperienced rider with a Hunter with around 1,500 km on the odo. It struggles a bit above 80 kmph and above 90 kmph it is a right pain in all the wrong places. From all the reviews on RUclips it felt like the engine is just underpowered and will always be rubbish above 80 kmph, and I started toying with the idea of getting a FuelX and/or a performance air filter to make it a bit better above that speed. But thanks to you, I realise that it would be worth waiting for at least another 2,000 kms, before I consider these upgrades. Thank you again, and have a wonderful day ahead!
Couldn't agree more.
Absolutely love the power delivery on my Hunter. Sublime.
Morning Stu. Another good video. My passion for motorcycles started at the age of about 5 when my cousin sat me on his 350cc Triumph. It was parked in front of of my house, unlocked of course and he asked me to look after it while he visited my Mum. I wanted one from that day. Over the years I’ve owned bikes from 200cc to 1100cc but the bikes I’ve enjoyed the most have been in the 200 to 650 range. demonstrator bikes
Thanks for that Stuart, I think I made exactly the mistake your describing. Test rode a classic 350, hated it! It struggled to reach 60. In retrospect I now appreciate it would have been my impatience and not the fault of the bike. Guess I should reset and reconsider. Thanks for your insight.
Very useful video for this new rider thinking of downsizing to one of the RE 350s. Will bear this in mind while test riding.
being dragged up in the 50's on a newly built council estate almost every working family had a 350 of various makes ,usually ex military , and as i grew older my passion also was to own and ride a motorcycle .Unfortunately my mother had other idea's and it took 14 years before ,as a group , we purchased a ex Birmingham noddy bike for £5 between us and hid it in an old shed my passion has never waived since ,but after riding 1000 cc and above bikes for longer than I care to think my passion now lies in bikes where I can see the countryside instead of whizzing past it without knowing and my enfields allow me to do so ,Cheers Stuart
Pretty good story. My girlfriend had a brother with motorcycles. Small to mid size Hondas in 1966. I got a ride after some quick instructions and loved it. Always liked motor vehicles and racing. Step mother said no. 2 years later I was married (to the same girlfriend), moved to California and bought a 450 CB Honda! Ended up working for the Honda dealership as well as various auto dealerships as a mechanic. After tons of big bikes including BMW and Harley. I have a 350 Signals RE. It’s the riding experience, not proving you’re fearless you know. 😊
Very much agree with you regarding the 350 engines. Bought a Hunter at only 119 miles and now having covered over 2200, the difference really is noticeable. Very frugal and torquey engine that is relaxing to ride. I absolutely love mine and never fails to put a smile on my face, and the glorious single cylinder thump from these engines is brilliant.
Going an tonne everywhere has never really interested me and lets face it, with the state of the UK roads, you cant. These 350's will hold 70MPH comfortably once run in with a small amount to spare and you can really use everything that these engines have to give without getting into any real trouble. As they say, it's much more fun riding a slower bike fast than a fast bike slow! Great video Stuart, ride safe.
I enjoy my classic, not fully broken in, but it gives me all the speed I need. Used for shopping and tripps round where I live.
Thanks for a good video, regards from 🇳🇴
@@janq-h8139 I've had my one for 4 weeks , only done 60ks the weather here in New Zealand has been dreadful , looking forward to summer
Young RUclips 'influencers' certainly don't influence me. Most of them don't know what they're talking about. Just been out for a 90-minute ride on my 390 in the Chiang Rai area. It is almost too powerful. Of the 350s you mentioned, I like the HNTR best.
I value your opinion on these bikes as I know you own, ride and maintain them. I will get one and know what to expect thanks to your honest reviews. Thanks Stu.
I recently bought a new '22 Classic 350 and I have been having so much fun with her! Thanks for the great videos- i felt confident enough after watching to buy without a test ride and it's been great!
Absolutely true, when my 350 classic was new it felt really restricted and like the engine was being continuously tortured even with moderate use. Now after around 1600 miles the engine feels completely different it 's very willing and free revving making it a joy to ride. Huge difference!
Very well said Stu. I was discussing the same thing with my wife recently and saying that these reviewers aren't getting a true representation of a bike when it only has a handful of miles on it.
My Bullet 350 was just as you said and struggled to hit 60mph in the first few hundred miles. Now I'm approaching 1500 miles it feels like a totally different bike. Also, like I said in my 1000 mile review of mine, it's important to temper your expectations when buying bikes like the J series Enfields. If you go into it thinking that it is going to perform like a Duke 390 then you are going to be sorely disappointed.
About a year ago I watched a YT review of the RE Meteor 350 by a motorcycle magazine in which they derided the bike for its performance in the quarter-mile. The effin quarter-mile! How idiotic is that?! Yes, the motorcycle press just has no clue at this point, as you say, Stuart. On the other hand, as a 71yo who's ridden everything from a 1962 Honda 150 to a Victory Kingpin, and is now the very happy owner of an RE Meteor (and a Triumph Bonnie in reserve), maybe I'm just being grumpy. 😅
Couldn’t agree more - think we’re going to see a huge change in motorcycling over the next few years. After decades of superbikes I’ve finally realised less is more and am looking forward to my new adventures on a 450cc bike - as you get older Stu sanity prevails as well as self preservation!
Your advice on break in is spot on. Makes me think of when we 1st got my wife her Adv150. She would complain it could hardly do the speed limit 55mph down the country road we live on about 2 miles out of town. At the end of the school year she only had 500 miles on it. So I rode the piss out of it this summer. Its at almost 4 k now and tops out at almost 70mph. Good thing because my wife took a position at another school 2 towns (18 miles ) away down a winding country road. So far she said it feels like a completely different bike. Oh and now she loves country road riding. She wants a dressed ctx700 dct or a maxi scooter. Got her hooked 😆
I think your dads bike was the Royal Enfield WD/CO model, I had a 1946 RE 350 model G in the 80s , very similar to the Bullet but no rear suspension and a iron cylinder head .
Good video again
It was a Royal Enfield Clipper 350 that first got me interested in classic bikes back in 1977. A bunch of us school mates had sports mopeds but one lad was a few months older so he was 17 when we were still 16. He passed his bike test and got the Enfield. It sounded great and he took me on the pillion a few times. I've had all sorts of bikes both modern and classic over the years but did eventually get an Enfield, an Indian made Lightning 535. The engine on that looked much like the one on that old Clipper 350 but nothing like either of the engines in this video.
Hi Stuart, you are 100% on point with your comments in this video. I have a 2024 bullet 350 that just past 1800 miles. I noticed the bike loosening up at about 1100 miles. And I would say the last 200 miles the bike has had a noticeable improvement in power and smoothness. This past weekend I went out for a day ride with my wife . On the way home, I jumped on the parkway to make up some time and the bike easily did 60-65 mph, for a 10 mile stretch 2 up without missing a beat. Its a completely different bike today then when I first picked it up new. It’s not a highway bike for crushing miles, but it is more than adequate for 99% of the driving most people will do. And with the character of that wonderful motor ann the sound of that exhaust, so much more enjoyable. Have a peaceful day.
Fantastic video! I am still just a Classic 500 owner in the RE line but the twins are very enticing to say the least. I love the 500 - it's so much smoother after its break-in period. Such a joy to ride. I am looking for a simple top box to hold groceries or my helmet.
Look up craven they still sell lovely old school and bullet proof top boxes and paniers
I´ve just bought a classic 350 kind of 30 days ago and it´s true ... the first two days the engine sounded not eager to rev or run properly and by a week (and 100 kms later), it´s totally diferente ... It now has 500 kms and it´s up to the first service in a couple of days , the engine is a peach !! I can only imagine how it will smoothly run w/ a new oil running into its veins plus overall services on that ... looking forward but already in love with my sweet classic and small engine daily commuter. Cheers !
I've really got into this Royal Enfield thing, I'm currently awaiting delivery of my Barcelona Blue Interceptor. One thing I will say though, I've currently completely run out of space in my garage. If Royal Enfield continue to churn out never ending, well priced and superb looking motorycles I can see me having to rent a warehouse to put them all in!
Just started my own channel to showcase my Classic 500 Tribute Black and there is no way I'd consider reviewing other bikes. It's a crowded market and I just couldn't be bothered. Your video is spot on.... Too many wannabe bike journalists just interested in a free loan bike and easy content and not self aware enough of the impact to less worldly wise viewers of their inexperience and taking themselves too seriously. Good work Stuart. Keep the videos coming Sir.
I love my RE 350 classic. 2800 ish miles on the clock and it’s an amazing feeling when the engine goes from tight to loose. It’s really noticeable, like night and day difference.
I agree, once that 350J engine loosens up it is a diferent machine.
After I de-catted mine with hitchcocks kit it really ran much better
A worthwhile improvement that only takes about 20 minutes
@@BobMan1952 illegal to decat here in Aus. You'd get away with it for first 3 years on a new bike but after that your roadworthy cert would not be issued.
@@colinhailey830 it’s only about 20 minutes time to put it back for any testing then three more years of running like it should
It would be worth it to me
Thank you Stu. This has given me some reassurance. After a 10 gap in riding, I bought my 350 Classic reborn last summer and due to circumstances have only managed to get 300 miles on the clock and its first service. Have a bit to go and at this rate it will take a while, but am looking forward to the time when its running smoothly and more happily! It's to work towards. Thanks for the wise words.
Very true. I've owned my meteor 350 for just over two years now. I bought it as my transport and it's now just over 22,000 miles. It's never let me down and very rarely gets cleaned but it still trundles on. I've only ever done my own servicing and haven't even had the valves done in that time.
I went from an R1 to the meteor and don't regret it at all, it excels at smooth, calm riding and it sips petrol, often achieving over 100mpg and with fuel only going up, it's a godsend. They are fantastic machines and as long as you accept them for what they are, you won't be disappointed
Yes I totally agree. I have a 2022 Meteor 350 and noticed that it really didn’t come into its own until 3000 km. I too have found I use it for going to the shops instead of the car because it is easy and a lot cheaper to run.
Good video. What you say makes a lot of sense. I am struggling to resist the massive pull to own a Classic 350 that I have been feeling. I own a Bonneville T100 that I have poured a lot of time into. It has just 800 miles on it. It does seem tight and I assume it will loosen up when I get a few thousand miles on it. I look forward to that. I don't want to sell it. So, I need to do two things: 1. sort out space for the 350 in my garage, 2. get a yes from my spouse. I'm 72 and the day is not far off when I will likely need a 350 if I am going to continue riding.
I totally agree with you, after the run-in period on the Meteor 350 it was like having a different peppier bike. It is a lot more fun especially now that I changed to toe-heel shifter to toe only from Tec. 😎
Hi Stuart, I just bought a Classic 350. A large part of my decision to go for the Classic 350 was based upon your RUclipss. The Classic seating just felt a little more comfortable than the Bullet. Anyway I have only had it 3 days and ridden about 100km so far. Absolutely brilliant. Your reviews are spot on. Thankyou so much.
Yes you are right upon comparing the difference of performances and power of the brand-new engine and the totally break-in engine.
I experienced it when I test drive the 2years old Classic 350 Royal Enfield. It was so smooth and powerful engine. But when I got my brand-new Classic 350 Chrome Red there is a big difference upon the smoothness of performance and the power. So I patiently follow the guidelines for break-in period until I reached 500kms. Now I am ongoing to my second break-in period until I reach 3,500 kms.the final break-in for maximizing the power of an engine. So until now, I can see the improvement of smoothness and the power of an engine. It is fun to ride. Easy to maneuver the bike in any kind of roads, either off road and asphalt or cemented roads. Most of it the fuel savings engine. I can ride long miles and enjoy the comfort in riding.
This bike is very good in commuting and touring. City drive or long rides.❤
Cheers from Cebu City Philippines!
After watching your channel, I bought a 350 Classic for my 70th birthday. Best prezzie I ever bought myself. Thank you Uncle Stu!
Great overview and really good to learn about 2K running in period to fully open up the engine. One thing I would love is some more details on the guys who toured Europe on the HNTR. Is the tour on line or documented somewhere? What I will be looking for is a small machine that is great for heavier touring. I have really short legs, so even a classic is a bit tall for me. The HNTR works well, and also due to this review I will take a sit on the bullet!
Great channel! 30-odd bikes on, the day you get on and realize the engine’s run in is a good day. The RE seems to really do a lot of things correctly.
Great video Stuart. I’ve had the very same thoughts when reviewers have stated the bikes are underpowered with 50 miles on the clock. Not a 350 owner but I have had a Himalayan from new. Well actually I’ve had two. The bike I have now is completely different from the day it rolled out of the showroom. I’ve been very surprised at how long it took to loosen up, I’d say 3k maybe.
Fortunately I’ve a good dealer ( Cooperb) who gets that and they had a well run in demonstrator and explained that the bike takes a good few miles to start performing at its best.
I’ve have seen many owners sell their bikes after a few weeks and 2-300 miles and thought to myself you’ve not given the thing a chance.
all very true! did mean to tackle the selling your bike before its run in syndrome, thanks for bringing it up!
I cannot imagine how anyone can sell a motorcycle knowing it is going to the scrap yard. Motorcycles are not built to be obsolete motorcycles are built to be rebuildable forever at least the vintage ones were because of the cost of making them and the cost of maintaining them and owning them. Motorcycles built for obsolescence getting started until the Japanese invasion
When in many cases it was cheaper to buy another bike that to fix your old one. I have had my Triumph TR6 was a hardtail and magneto for 40 years I have had my Sportster for over 25 years. I will hold on to them forever they will never go to the scrap yard while I'm still alive.
How true this piece is, thanks Stuart. Returning to biking after a twenty year layoff, I bought a new Bullet 350 (my first brand new bike) After a month and 400 miles I was frustrated with the power (previous bikes in 1990s Z650 and early 2000s 600 Bandit). But having just completed 1800 miles the engine has freed up and the 350 is swift and enjoyable around the lanes and roads here in East Riding. I'm not looking for a bigger bike anymore .....well, not until the Bullet 650 is out !!!! Alex.
Hi Stuart. Great video. Roll on the seventeenth of this month we are heading to Bath in the UK on a Meteor 350 with friends on there Ducati st4 and a Honda Nt 1100 all of us 2 up i am so excited i am counting
the hours !!!! Ride and be safe Ron from Ireland.
Totally agree and thank you for your refreshing insights. It is a very beautifull motorcycle I think. The only problem I saw a fes times lies in the durability of the chrome parts when you use them in bad weather. I am
curious to your opinion.
Thanks for all your informative videos. I bought a Classic 350 Bullet in Signals Marsh Grey today.
This is really a great point, how reviewers only really experience engines that are not yet broken in. Especially this engine. And not factoring in light mods like a de-cat more open air intake cover (which made a huge difference pulling hills for me). Excellent info here 😎👍🏻
Thanks. I will look forward to see the big classic yet this year and your review of it👍🏍
You have inspired me to ponder about purchase one, though in my youth I drove moped 50cc during winter and summer🇫🇮. Once in -22-24 degrees Celsius ❄I thought I will never buy a two wheeled option again, but a car (Plymouth Valiant for nearly 20 years). The tricks to increase speed just got me stranded in country side to "cool off" a bit before reaching town centre to meet others during friday evening.
Now +50 and a summertime touring with a RE or BSA sounds absolutely fashinating..
Thank's for the info. My. son and my brother are going to ride at the Royal Enfield shop in Cleveland this Sunday. They are having a test ride of the different models.
Hi Stuart, great video, and back watching your channel after a few months away from RUclips. I see you have stepped in front of the camera, good for you mate! I agree with you, reviewers have such a short time with bikes and build a cult following on basic misinformation. Good review.
I agree with everything you said about this engine. I have a 2021 Meteor 350 with just under 12,000 miles on it. It just seems to hum along and the sweet spot seems to be between 55-65 mph. My son rides an Indian Scout. He and I are planning a trip from here in Texas to my boyhood home state of Iowa in October. About 800 miles one way. I have no doubt that my Meteor will get there just fine.
My Honda C70 got me out!
A box on the back full of camping gear got me to the Lakes.... even did Hard Knott etc....
Later, in my youth, I looked at bigger bikes, all Hondas, CD175, CB250, CX500 etc ... Wow....what performance!
Later, came a KLR650, to ride the trails in NW British Columbia... then a Honda Varadero (toured U.S.)...then a brother, AFRICA TWIN..... Retired and and Triumph T120 AND now a GUZZI V7 Special Edition..... big changes personally but loving these "smaller naked bikes"....Ahem! I know....
History, like many others I was influenced by Dad's bikes and his mates.
I recently asked my Mum if Dad took her to hospital in the sidecar when I was born..... she said, no, he called a taxi!
In 2002 he had a RE 500 Bullet (carbed) and his close neighbour had an original RE 350.... as well as a Ducati etc.
At 80 plus years, they putted around the Yorkshire Moors...
This is their, mine and many others "bike life cycle"
❤❤
At the end you said it Stu. The classic twin (650). I am saving money for when it comes. For now really loving my 350 specially after running in and performance upgrades after that. Performance upgrades could be a nice topic, should you do it or not. Thanks again for your opinion and story. Love from Holland
Bikes like this are the solution for our western world traffic jams in the bigger cities. One person in a big car multiplied hundreds of thousands times every morning and evening jamming up the streets and making commuting to work a nightmare. If only twenty per cent of these would ride to work instead it would be a totally different matter, and if half would do it there never would be any traffic jams. Commuting on a bike is the fastest way to get to and from work, cuts the time in half or more but still very few people realize this. Thanks for educating us to the benefits of these bikes and please keep up the good work. More of us need to get this.
My brand new Hunter 350 felt noticeably better at about 1200 miles and then better still at about 2000 miles. I admit I was dubious as to whether the bike had enough power when I placed my order but it is fine, it is brilliant, it is all I need - and it is so engaging to ride. Keep up the good work!
That's a valid point you're making: it makes no sense to compare a 350 bike to a 650 or larger. However, on the other side, if you look at it as a commuter, daily rider bike, the relevant comparison would be with a similar displacement scooter. So, for me the question is what would be the advantages from this perspective of a 350 Enfield vs. a let's say a TMax 350 (exhaust sound and styling aside)?
Good post Stuart, more choice for the buyers who will inevitably grasp just how practical the J series bikes are on our modern day roads. I also agree your take on bike reviews, I recently watched a post on the BMW 310 road bike and it was slated for the very bad vibrations through the bars, which would have put a lot of buyers off, however I noticed and pointed out in the comments the bike had no bar end weights and the reply was they had to be removed as "it would not fit down his back yard ginnel" so he had removed them...... By the way got my new meteor 350 today and enjoyed every minute of my first ever ride out on a RE, after 45 years riding mainly Japanese rocket ships
It really is frustrating at times running them in. But definitely worth the effort. Mine has covered nearly 3500 miles over the last eighteen months. It's loosened up a lot. It certainly sounds very loose now too, especially when it's hot but goes really well. In fact the Super Meteor 650 I had didn't feel anything like twice the horsepower or torque. I've the T120 now for "big roads" and long distances, but such is the accessibility of the Classic 350 that it still gets the most use of the two 😊
I do agree, I have a Hunter 350 since new and now it gets to 120 km/h whenever I want, instead before 4.000km on the clock it was not the case. I do agree also on the functionality of a small motorcycle. I use it very often, more often than other people do with their expensive/bigger motorcycle and I am less concerned of mileage/weather/insurance/maintenance etc...
SF's Dangerous Reviews: After watching the channel I wisely chose the Brown Supernova Meteor. A fine motorcycle a lovely ride! Then after further watching the channel I had to purchase a Red/Chrome Classic 350. Gee...who does this sound like? The Classic is pure eye candy. I haven't ridden a bike with this feel since my `62 Tiger 500. Only these new models won't leave me sitting with a bad coil roadside. Kudos my friend on superb reviews and commentary, however monetarily deadly. LOL
In my opinion, if time shows these RE classic line singles are extremely durable, there’s not been a previous time that they have been more relevant. Frankly, even smaller sized bikes are, like super cubs. This sort of transportation offers immediate solutions to so many problems we have. Moreover, we can have a bit of fun, and optimism, at the same time. I’ll leave it at that; no interest in arguing over the problems they help solve.
Hi Stuart, I agree with you totally. Tested a used Hunter and bought a new one. There was a difference in power. Over the last 2500 km it runs much better. So I added a Bullet some week, and started to run in again. The Bullet needs now her first oul change. Both make a lot of fun. Due to the different geometry they make both a lot if fun.
I'm 65 miles into my Scram 411. It had 1 mile on it when I bought it. Keeping it 40mph and under, just like the manual says. I'm lucky enough to have plenty of low-traffic backroads that I can ride at a leisurely pace. I can already tell it has picked up a little pep since I started. Can't wait to get to the 300 mark so I can start commuting on it.
One of the best bikes ever made ❤ the Bullet is my dream bike in matt black
I have to agree with you Stuart. The fact that they have to fit traction control, launch control, anti-wheelie and a host of other "rider modes" proves that most of the bikes from the major manufacturers are too powerful for daily use. Adding these electronic systems means they can charge more for these unsuitable machines but avoids the most sensible answer - make the engines smaller and less powerful! An answer not lost on Royal Enfield.
Enjoyed your story about the old Enfield of your childhood in Bolton. I was born in Bolton too, but much later than you (80s!). Have you ever done a video on your own experience of bikes over the years - as in bikes you've owned? Would love to see something like that. Great video, as ever.
Having watched your videos and of others last December, I test rode and bought my Classic 350 and 3 weeks later bought my "22 leftover GT that no one wanted. My guess they wanted more of a modern sport bike. I saw what you are saying- a bike that that will perform when fully broken in. Maybe not with riding modes and adjustable suspension, but with more character than all the new bikes. At 71, I now enjoy riding slower and while still travel on my R1250RS, also enjoy speed. 👍👍
Great video, your summing up of these bikes is so true.
Having bought my '24 Red and Chrome Classic 350 back in May and now have over 5,000 kms on it I can confirm what you say that the engine is a lot better now than when first run in, even the very small amount of handlebar vibration has almost gone now. However I don't take much notice of that sort of thing being used to old thumpers back in the 1960's, even my 1960 BSA twin has more vibes than this one.
The bike has done many miles on the motorways here in Spain and under normal conditions I do not feel intimidated by other traffic. However IMHO it's happier cruising at about 55 to 60 mph which coincides with the normal speed limit (90 kmph) on ordinary roads, and it's so frugal on petrol.
Yes of course it can go faster but I'm happy to do this type of speed.
My days of going at exceedingly fast speeds have long gone - too old and too many cameras about now.
Well done! As usual. Your videos always impress me and this one in particular. You sir, are a great communicator. Cheers mate.
Have to agree with the break in information regarding the motor, one thing not to overlook is that the entire machine, brakes, clutch movement, wheels, chain, transmission, are all somewhat less free in the beginning of there lives than they will be after time. Had a glaring example with a new BMW , new in 1976 , that took more than 4000 miles to loosen up and was even better by 12,000 miles. . Great thoughts .. thanks.
Really useful review again.
I'm seriously considering getting either one of these. But want to see the 650 classic before I decide to swap out my current bike for one
It's funny how often your videos reflect my own experience.
The roads here in Essex are dire. Terrible road surfaces and massively congested, which is why I've gradually moved from a Thruxton R and 1200 Daytona to smaller and lighter bikes, including a Himalayan. I still have a 900 TBird, which is a great cruiser but I'm now thinking that it is just too unwieldy when it hits the inevitable pothole, plus it isn't ULEZ compliant, which rules it out from trips to see mates in the suburbs.
I see the roads where you live and am envious.
I fitted a Hitchcocks cam and air filter to my Himalayan, and it's made a huge difference to its ridability. It allows me to wring the engine's neck when needed, and the engine seems to thrive on that type of treatment. It's worth a gear or extra tooth on the engine sprocket.
Good point on the love of motorcycles for you beginning as a child with that bike that was untouchable for you. In my case around 15-years-old my father took a huge Suzuki in trade on a business deal. It had music speakers and a full fairing. I was of course too young to ride it, but I was once allowed to take it to the end of the street and back.
I often sat on it and played music. There was a small cassette or eight track cassette that came with the bike. This is where I first heard Elton John's Levon and Pinball Wizard!
This whet my appetite for bikes. I hadn't remembered this until you mentioned your story.
I am looking at a 350 or Int650. Thanks to you the 350 made the list. I have a Honda 919, and for my riding style way more than I need and too sporty. Just got a good deal at the time. Thanks for the great video.
Can't help wondering why dealerships and @royalenfield would not take heed, and ensure all there demonstration bikes are ready and perform at their best for a enjoyable riding experience!! And yes, there is quite a varied variety of those who share their views, those of us who have ridden for decades (all be it not for a while now), can tell the difference 😉Thanks
This bike definitely improves with time. I currently use it commute to work 3 days a week at 60 mph in hilly country. My only wish is that they could figure out a speedometer that won't cook the face decal if left outside during a hot work day with the factory windscreen (acts like a magnifying glass). I've cooked two so far and I'm currently running with a home made white paper gauge face which looks awful. Even with that annoyance, I really love it.
From a Yamaha FZ6 to a R.E Meteor Super Nova 350 , does the change work ? yes it does , as you say todays roads ,speed limits and cameras the variable speeds on motorways and fuel costs of a 600 are all worries greatly reduced on the 350 , and the biggest plus is the riding style , so much more relaxed , the enjoyment of just going for a ride for the fun of it comes rushing back . performance and useability are perfect , two days after picking up my 350 i rode from Northamptonshire to London with my Grandson as pillion a trip involving town the A509 ,M1 a stop at Woburn Triumph A5 ,M! again and finally A41 and then country lanes to North London all covered and coped with easily and comfortably , Also as you say as the miles go up the engine just feels better ,
So if anyone isnt sure of getting one i would recommend getting one of the 350s and enjoy fun biking on todays roads
I've acquired a meteor from my cousin who felt he was now too old to ride, he owned for two years but only covered 950 miles. I've now owned the bike for six months and put another 1800 miles on it, I've also added a lightbar with spot lights, a rack, a larger screen and a towbar, I've just been camping in and around Matlock towing a 115 kilo trailer and gear, the reason for my comments are I don't want anymore power/speed than she's already got.
She's perfect as she is
It is a great shame that RE over-hyped the Bullet before its launch. Outside of India the Bullet name does not have the same history and reputation. This "over-hyping" has resulted in the UK press almost condemning it.
For me at 6'4'' the Bullet holds out the hope that I will fit it better than the Classic due to the (supposedly) slightly higher 'bars and (hopefully) being able to sit further back on the dual seat.
I have been led to believe that the Bullet "touring" seat is noticeably higher than the stock one. Hopefully this would make it the same as the Classic. If only my nearest dealer was not 260 miles away...
Differences are small, but enough for me to definitely prefer the Bullet.
As far as I can tell (I have tried both and scrutinised lots of pics and vids) the differences of the Bullet are: -
Seat a little lower.
Seat more easily allows different rider positions.
Peg positions an inch or so further forward?
Bars an inch or so higher.
Rear mudguard angled/kinked.
USB port underside the bars.
Casing/cover rectangular.
Looks like the 2025 Classic will have LED lights. Have heard nothing about any new Bullet release/updates though.
I know there is rumoured a Classic 650. Have heard nothing about a Bullet 650, but during my enquiries I've had a couple of dealers mention a Classic 450?! If it hadn't been from two different dealers, unprompted, I would have discounted it...
Reviews are ok and can be entertaining.
With the Enfield 350 the its underpowered and badly made brigade could have swayed me.
Glad I didnt listen its been a great little bike for the last two years
When I finally got to test ride a Himalayan, we returned to the dealership with a bit over 260 miles on the clock. At 250, I believe , the rings seared. Ran much better.
The same thing happened when I purchased mine. Right at 250 miles.
Only 1800 plus, but it runs better each time I take her out.
Love this bike.
She's a 411,by the way.