Just bought a 350 and installed Continental TKC 70 tires and Hagon plus 20mm rear shocks. The bike does great on the gravel roads in SE Missouri in the USA but is still a blast on the twisty Hilly backroads in this area. Love it love it love it!
Nathan i agree I am 63 had all sorts of bikes over 50 years including sports bikes etc. However since moved to Cornwall have a Himalayan and Classic 350 plus a bike that is in bits. I do think sometimes I want a bit more power. However over 90% of my riding is small lanes often mucky and narrow. Its just the few long trips I think perhaps bit quicker bike I am on a limited budget so why spend more money and increased costs just for an odd trip. I just think ok we will go slower and take our time and enjoy the trip. I come back with a smile every time I ride my Classic 350.
I'm now 75 and physically unable to ride any longer. If I was able, I'd love to have a 350 Classic for thudding round the back lanes of my home county, bringing back memories. Thanks for the video.
I'm 73 and also feel I'm beyond my motorcycling traveling. With that said, I do have a 2023 Classic 350 Signals, in Marsh Grey. I basically just ride her around the immediate neighborhood. Just a few blocks. At least I'm still able to get a little into the wind without pressing my luck out on the main roads. Love the 350 Signals!
Great review and you covered every possible angle and wrinkle so a big thanks , I also couldn’t believe the speed at which you were going down those tight country (cow mud 💩) covered roads in January! - hats off sir. 🎩
That’s absolutely the finest review anyone has ever produced on the Classic 350. When someone knows their subject inside out, this is the result. Top work.
What a great review. Bruce from Coastrider Scotland recommended looking at your review. Yep, Bruce was right, brilliant review. Such a great bike for us older, aching and stiff jointed riders. Thanks
I have had this exact bike even the same colour, had now for 2 years this next April. In 53 years of riding this has to be the best bike I have owned and the first bike ever that I am not wondering what bike I was going to buy next. As stated unless you need to travel at high speed this is a perfect bike, as for the gear lever issue when I went to pick my bike up I asked the mechanic if he could adjust it before I took delivery, he stated I have already done it as they are always too low ! In over 3000 miles have never missed a gear change, superb gear box, just a brilliantly put together bike that has never used a drip of oil. Puts a smile on your face every time you ride he,, even speed restrictions don’t bother you, as it’s ride you enjoy not the speed you can get somewhere. 😊
The classic is used all over India, 2 up, even more sometimes! It can handle the bad roads out there just fine. It’s probably more of an adventure bike than most so called ‘adventure’ bikes!
Totally agree with all of that. I have a Meteor and a Hunter. Amazing how different 2 bikes, built on the same platform can be. Love them both. When I got the Meteor, I asked myself "what's my typical speed" = 100kph. Add 20%,and the Enfield Js do that. Even take them on the German Autobahns. 50 years in the saddle and lost count after 50+ bikes. I'm too feeble to push big stuff around anymore. BTW, the gear leaver adjustment takes 15 minutes. The rail doesn't have to come off, just loosen off to have enough play to pull the footrest back 4mm. Why aren't the dealers doing this as part of the pre-delivery. Why hasn't RE put it right. It's 1 tooth on the spline. Love the channel btw.
Thanks for the info on the gear lever position. Sounds like an easy job. As you say, why they don't do it on the pdi or at the factory is anyone's guess!
Loving the rant Nathan haha. You’re right, the industry is focused more on power and figures. Instead of the enjoyment of riding. Some of the best times I’ve had on a bike is on a 125cc. Keep the videos coming!
Had my Classic 350 18 months now - and absolutely love it! I also am fortunate to own a 2019 Triumph Speedtwin 1200 and a 2005 Honda VFR800, both which I also love. But I’ve put the most miles on the 350 over these 18 months. It’s so easy and relaxing to ride. It’s now on 3000 miles and fully loose - I can get an indicated 75 if I want (ie the limit if the engine), but rarely want or need to. Road it over 250 miles each way in Aug, fully laden with luggage and camping gear, to the Heritage sprint event at Deal, Kent - all on non motorway roads. Bike was faultless, comfortable and I loved it! I’ve done the tweak on the gear lever position as well - the only thing that baffled me about the set up! 😂 Great review, Nathan
Back in May i rode my Classic 350 from SE Scotland up and around the NC500 riding 900 miles in 3 days camping 2 nights and rode 420 miles on first day and never rode a bike as comfortable, this on a 4K bike that does a minimum 100 mpg touring at 55-60 mph 😁 rode 11,000 miles now and had zero problems 😁👍 Would love a pre65 model of this bike for riding the green lanes that supposedly dont exist here in Scotland 🤣😉Cheers Bruce
What a brilliant video. It should be shown to all learners to hopefully break the mad race for speed, that grips far too many bikers. I have had just about every c.c. and horsepower bike there is, over my riding life and yet I now have a Honda CB500X (47bhp) and a Classic 350. It is the first time in my life, that I am not looking for the `next bike` and I am having so much fun on both bikes.
Great video. Gorgeous country you have. Thanks. I'm 73. Back to riding after 50 years. I have a Classic 350 and it is perfect for what I do here on the back roads of rural Vermont. I also have a T100. I love them both. The 350 is so much easier to push around the garage. I agree about the shifter position. I need to raise it. Its not hard to do. I added some lovely bags made by Longride and I will soon add a rev counter. That's it. None of the various performance modificaitons people do. On the rare occasion that I want a longer faster ride I just take out the Triumph which is about 65 horse power. An Interceptor would serve the same purpose.
I own both the Classic and the Meteor. Both my bikes have had Hitchcocks free flow stainless steel exhaust, DNA filter and intake kit, and the FuelX lite module. These mods make these motorcycles truly excellent in road manner, sound and the engines run cooler. I love these machines, and they are both quite distinctive from each other. The Classic likes the back roads, and the Meteor cruises Norfolk “A” roads quite happily at 70mph, all day long. Next year I will be fitting the Kent cam from Hitchcocks to boost the torque just a little bit more! (I love tinkering.) *note, theses modifications are not essential, but just nice to have…
I have the same mods on my Classic and you will definately want to get yourself one of Hitchcocks 350 cams. Now ya got yourself one damn fine machine. I have spent 40 years and two and a half hundred thousand miles riding sportbikes here in Southern California with my other bike being a CBR1000RR. Looking to sell the CBR as I don't even ride it any longer but I was a bit soured by the anemic 350. I mean seriously the RE is 160 hp less than the Honda. I now have a great little machine with much more grunt to pull through the twistys and I am not in fear of my life getting on the LA freeways. The difference that cam makes is absolutely amazing. Cannot recommend it enough.
Ive learnt more about motorcycles owning a RE 411 scram, than i have owning 11 previous bikes. So simple to maintain and wrench on. Part of me yearns for the 350 classic for cruising. But as i ride a lot offroad/4wd forrest roads, ill keep the scram 411. It can do everything. Muz from oz
Better to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. Plus you save weight and money. I love the soundtrack of the 350s and the slight smugness of owning one and knowing what we know.
Hi, agree 100% about not needing lots of power, most of the time I ride Either a Honda CG125 or a Honda CD250u, If I want to ride a bit more enthusiastically I also have a Kawasaki Z900RS, I also think it's a good idea to limit new riders to 47Bhp for a couple of years, I think from a pricing point of view, RE have got it spot on, a lot of bikes now are getting very expensive, not just premium bikes (Ducati/BMW/Yamaha Etc) , but also Learner bikes, not every body wants or can afford to spend £15-20k on a motorbike.
good realistic review, it is only recent years this obsession with power for touring etc started, when I was first on the road a touring bike was the same bike you went to work on be it a 50 cc moped or a Z1100 and most rode middleweight bikes around 550-750 size, now a bike around a litre is considered a middleweight, world has gone mad, far more fun to use all the performance of a lower powered bike than restrict what you do on a big bike the world has gone mad and bikes have lost what they traditionally were, cheap transport that would be everything to all people, go to work, race around on it at the weekend and tour on it in the summer and then give it a lotof love come winter to make sure it was spot on for next year
What a brilliant video. So down to Earth, concise, inspiring even. I'd been looking into getting back into biking with a classic 350 or Hunter. But now I have seen so many positive videos about the classic, that I think I have made up my mind.
Spot on. Yes it does make the Himalayan feel fast (I have both). It is a great ‘little’ bike for relaxed back road travel. Who wants to ride on motorways anyway?
I did that route you mentioned, from St Ives to Lands End, on my Himalayan back at the beginning of September. You’re absolutely right… it really is a cracking ride. Btw, love your content.
I bumped into a 350 classic owner at super sausage nortants a few weeks back he told me he had two bikes the outher a 650 .but he said the one that always brings a smile to his face was the 350 . cheers Nathan .👍
If someone comes up with a modification to de restrict them and reach the 80/85 mph top end, I’d have one in a heartbeat . I heard that the Brazilian market ones don’t have it and also heard the Hunter also. Cheers for the video. having said that, I’ve just bought a the new Honda Dax 125 😂
Given it’s the only bike RE are limiting, I suspect there’s an issue other than a speed limit in India. Perhaps it overheats or blows up at sustained speeds, who knows.
Last bike a ZZR1400 , one before a Triumph 1200 Thruxton R! I woke up one day thinking why I had such a thirsty, heavy 200bhp bike when the roads aren't built for that power of bike. Most of the time I go to work or a ride in the country and stop for a pint. I have a green 350 classic now and love it. By far the best bike I've ever had and everywhere I go it gets loads of attention. What more could you want 👍 great review!
Brilliant review and a great reflection on motorcycling. Makes me want one. Not ridden a road bike for a few years but do a few classic trials pre 65 and twin shock.
I fell for the halcyon grey ( Robin egg blue ) after watching Warrior tear up his neck of the woods. Felt like I was sitting to forward and downward. Hunter also, after they arrived. Himalayan suited my bad back. When the Super Meteor arrived a few weeks ago, I found it too heavy. Looking forward to your Triumph 400X review.
I was disappointed by the Super Meteor. I anticipated buying one, but I really didn't like the US style feet-forward position and the extra fat it's gained over the Interceptor.
I just bought my wife this exact bike. Same colour . In australia they are nearly $9000 and I got it for $5000 with 12 months registration and a lot of after market stuff and it only has 1000 k’s on it. What a great bike.
As an older rider, it amuses me when riders say that you can't do whatever with just 20 bhp. In the early 90s I used a friend's MZ ETZ251 ( about 20 bhp) to commute 70 miles per day for 6 months while my bike was off the road, following an accident. Took it in it's stride.
Great video. I've got a Ducati Monster 937 and RE Classic in Halcyon Green. Both have something special that isn't on any of the spec' sheets. Since I got the Classic, I've found myself just riding and riding through back lanes of the Peak District. I can't wait to get off the main routes and onto the single tracks and back lanes. It is so different, has such character and is so cheap it's crazy not to own one.
How your subs are so low is amazing to me. Good honest clear review. I gave up on the glossies years ago. They are not real gritty bikers. They get the bikes for free. Worrying about how many valves. 2 bhp more. 1 mph faster. A load of old bunkam. I have had over forty bikes. The best bije is the one you are riding. I did more miles on an RD250 Than any other bike. Just enjoy the freedom on any bike. Keep up the good work Natham. A trip to Dorothy's next year is on the cards
I've always thought that you don't need more than 50bhp on the road, and 70 if you're 2-up. But recently, I exchanged my 200bhp ZZR1400 (worst bike I've ever owned) for a 54bhp Honda NC750X, and I've revised my opinion.....you don't need more than 54bhp 2-up!
"It's not about doing it it's about how it feels doing it" *nods* Yep. Should you want that sportsbike feel, forget the big liter bikes where one halfhearted tug on the throttle in first gear will put you into losing your licence territory, get a Honda CB-1. 400cc 4 pot, 60 hp. You can rev the absolute nuts off that going allll the way through all the gears feeling like a proper MotoGP racer, while only mildly fracturing the speed limit. But you've got clip-ons, you've got the clocks right under your nose and nothing else but road in front of it, it definitely FEELS fast when you kick it down 2 gears to quickly overtake a car at 12000 rpm. The amount of flat out fun to be had from one of those is so much more. Small bikes are great. For any given situation you want a bike that's just big enough so you can use most of it. Ofcourse practically the problem is that most people only have the one bike so it needs to do all the things. For that reason I would end up with something at least 50ish hp as that'll also do the motorway blat without becoming too painful if there's a headwind... But I agree on the worst enemy bit, and the stats dominance. Sure, "numbers go up" is tempting, and "mine's faster than yours (on paper)" seems to be a thing. But you don't NEED to go everywhere flat out, you don't need to scrape metal in every corner, you don't need something that'll do 180 mph. Where are you going to do all that? Certainly not on a nice twisty lane... Slow down. Enjoy the view. Enjoy the bit of inevitable gravel in the corner without that becoming a life threatening event.
Really love the looks of the classic 350,looks like a “proper motorcycle “,honestly if I had the space for a 2nd bike I’d definitely have one,great video.
I sold my GS1150, great on a long run, but so bloody heavy and hard work on the back roads. I went to a bullet 500, then a bullet trail bike, now a Himalayan. The Royal Enfields are all enjoyable to ride at a slower pace, I am no longer constantly catching up with and trying to get past vehicles like on the GS.
You live in a episode of Country File, with motorbikes 😊 A lovely looking bike, really fancy one. My Son and I bimbled around Nepal on one, 10 years ago.
I tried one of these prior to the Hunter launch and found it sweet enough if smaller and heavier than I was expecting. I found performance very modest to the extent I felt I was getting in the way on a busy single carriageway national speed limit country road. Much is made of the bike being limited but I felt it strained beyond 50 even if it still felt really smooth. To me it felt more like 125 4 stroke with a bit more grunt but not a lot more speed. The classic is very smart looking but I prefer the Hunter which is cheaper to boot. The weight is also lower and with a slightly smaller silencer gives a little more performance with a fruitier soundtrack to boot. The downsides? The frame is still obviously the cruiser design of the Meteor which has necessitated a slightly awkward looking tall seat and messy area around the side panel and rear suspension mounts on the frame but for the money, it’s hard to be too critical. If only they did a 500 variant of the J series, that would be a peach for duffing around on but no chance of that now they have the watercooled 450 Sherpa engine in the line up.
I think the Classic 350 is the most beautiful bike, but where the Meteor wins is in its tubeless tyres and lower maintenance needs (less polishing). As regards performance, there are various inexpensive tuning goodies available from Hitchcock's that will give it a bit more pep. Talking to Hitchcock's, they report that the prototype Meteors would do about 90mph when being run around the Midlands by RE testers. Pity we can't get the unrestricted version! Give the engine at least 3,000 miles before it loosens up and revs freely. (I have over 20,000kms on my Meteor so far).
Classic review. Recently read a short tale of a guy who rode from Stockholm to Morrocco and Algiers on a 150cc 2 stroke back in the 50s, maybe 9hp on a good day, that Classic would be sliced bread with herring in comparison. More is not always better.
What an absolutely terrific video Nathan yet again absolutely on point to all the discussions we should be having, an I think you really got the pros n cons across good of the classic 350. Interesting as someone that had a Himalayan an cast an eye over the new Bullet 350. I cut my teeth on an rs125 then in my early 20s on a Yamaha RD250LC from 1982 2k Miles in a week taught me so much about riding and cornering vision etc. I think that's the great thing there's motorcycles for everyone an it's all about getting what suits you an not what the media want you to buy. I think another aspect of this ties into what you said about value to Nathan alot our age an younger the 1300gs at 28k expensive 50k nortons etc they are so irrelevant as there's a generational gap money wise so I think more bikes around the 4-5k mark are so important no younger riders no motorcycle industry. It's crazy to think I did a quote on a transalp the other day an it came back at 1300 quid! Max no claims, clean licence but living in a city. That's more than I paid for my new fireblade in 2011 which although I rode it an still have it I preferred the smaller bikes. Speaking of the transalp, the t7 an Africa Twin second hand are a third of the cost at £450 so something weird an wonderful going on there must be the new bike thing. I much proffered the 650ss Norton to my superbikes similar power to what you said around 47hp an still capable of a genuine 120mph with our speed camera an pot hole ridden roads how much power do we really need which I used as a daily an the Yamaha RD250LC which I shouldn't have sold (still got the 350 though) much more engaging to ride on the roads I always seem to settle on the bikes that are sub 74 hp around 47 or even less like you say with the classic 350 which is similar to some of my older Norton singles. I really hope we see more motorcycles in this category the vstrom 650xt was one of my fav bikes ive ever owned just so darn usable. Awesome an very thought provoking video as always Nathan keep up the awesome work. We keep looking at the nx500 at the mo mainly for the fuel economy an reliability factor, + bit lighter for dad with his bad back, asked me 5 years ago whether fuel economy would be up there on my top features an the answer would be no now though after experiencing that 300 Rally sipping it an being back on a 2004 1150 I miss that aspect of affordability with how much I ride. Be interesting to get a look at it when it's out keeping one eye on the mt450 as well.
The lower frame bolts only need to be loosen to remove and adjust the gearshift lever. You just need to loosen, put some slight pressure on the foot peg, and pull the lever off. In India I believe the Classic comes with a heel toe shifter and the design of that style of shifter does not require the lower frame bolts to be loosened. Cheers. Nice review.
I too had the meteor 350 did 1200 miles on it..but it is under powered I passed my full license at 67 but a great bike non the less. Looking at the Vulcan 650 now .🤔
27:25 hi just watching your video. 350 classic reborn. I agree with everything you say except what you say about gear shifter, I have 2022 classic reborn and have taken gear lever off to put a toe and heal lever on ,I didn't like it ,but simple job without taking anything off. Cheers, enjoyed your video.
i have a meteor, My son has the classic , wierdly my back preferred the meteor and i like the cast wheels vs spoked. I did read that the engine mapping was different on the two bikes, the classic to give more of a lumpier, heavier flywheel effect, the meteor,tad revvier. I did have to put a air comfort cushion on the meteor as i found the seat padding uncomfortable. The harsher rear shocks on the meteor did ease with miles i note.
Well done for extolling the virtues of motorcycles with sensible power to weight ratios. Unfortunately the motorcycle press (MCN etc) are constantly setting a culture of needing ridiculous amounts of power for a satisfying ride and the resulting peer pressure among bikers is enormous. Frankly some riders are not too bright and write off any machine under 100 hp. This is of course quite ridiculous, as is the ludicrous prejudice against scooters. Most bikes under 47 hp can easily out accelerate almost all cars on the road already even two up. Motorcycling is not about using public roads as a race track but travelling in style and at a low cost.
i rode both the hunter and the classic the other day and for me the classic is more me, so i ordered one, the halcyon green, just awaiting the phone call to collect it, i was not impressed with the hunter, it seemed a hard ride and noisey with the short upswept exhaust and the pillion position footrests, it also seemed a bit less easy to ride in slow traffic, torque wise, the classic seemed better, i also have the meteor and love it and at my age they both suite me perfectly, both of them allow me to ride at a speed where i can enjoy what motorcycling is all about and not racing about anymore like when i was young in the 60's trying to do the ton wherever you could, duh, a good video and i agree with most of what you are saying, apart from the green lane bit, not my scene man, !
Cudnt agree more nathan with your views.....and ive done quite a few off road forestry riding....would like to see 350 engine in a himalayan chassis...the reason i prefer himalayan frame is for my longish legs ...very best wishes and good health for 2024🎅
Even if we had to wait 12 months for this (!!) it’s more good, plain Nathan common sense. Back in the 60s I think the Manx Norton on track produced 47-50 bhp and racing was thrilling back then. I cannot for the life of me see why people want big-power bikes, except as a willy-waiving exercise, though I suppose 120bhp+ is useful to get to Starbucks. If the manufacturers woke themselves up we could have a great range of ‘useful’ motorcycles and a lot more people wanting to ride instead of use their cars. But then, car advertising has the same silly focus, appealing to those who should never be allowed to drive! Les
I wouldn't know about royal enfield vs Chinese brands as I've had a very bad experience with RE both with warranty and their road side assistance..my bash plate broke still waiting 6 plus months still for replacement.also broke down on my Himalayan while doing Lejog ..bike was fixed 10 plus days later .I had to pay to get bike back to me as they wouldn't deliver it back once fixed.they only take you to local dealership.I was considering buying new Himalayan but won't happen.
Hi Nathan, as an avid Himalayan owner and rider, I really love the look of classic and new Bullet, we are seriously considering buying a new Bullet , HOWEVER!! My only issue is a puncture in the rear wheel, looking at videos it seems an absolute clart to pull that rear wheel off which basically needs two people to lean the bike over , I think fine if your in India, but everywhere else could be a right clusterf*** lol We are moving to India next June so no issues for us as there is puncture repair shops everywhere but not so much In the UK, Nobody seems to mention the clart in fixing a rear puncture with an otherwise amazing machine
You make a very good point and to be honest I've never had the back wheel out on one. You could it with some Bike Seal in or Slime and hope for the best. But yeah it could be a nag
Very happy with my meteor (bought used for £2k). Took off the custom gear lever & went back to the heel & toe which I prefer. Loving your passion Nathan, feckin’ bikers eh!😂
I quite agree , more fun on smaller bikes , I’ve got a Deauville 650, nobody waves or talks , love it , havnt a clue what horsepower, less than 50 I should think , but wander round the back lanes of Kent , got the low down traction so brilliant , and can give a sports rider a scare if need be , as long as there’s corners involved and I’m old 😁
@@nathanthepostman 🙈 I sold mine and bought it back 4 years later lol , just suits me really comfy , handle well , Massey Ferguson gearbox , just do what they do well
I had a couple of 190 bhp KTM RC8's, alongside my Cagive Mito 125 (unrestricted 33bhp engine). Guess which one I enjoyed riding through the lanes of Essex. Sometimes less is actually more
I can imagine this would be nice to chug around on. I like the Hunter and the slightly bigger Scram, but the two-valve air-cooled single I'd really like is the kick-start only Yamaha SR400. They are still readily available in Thailand, Japan making them for the Southeast Asian market despite discontinuing them in their domestic market due to emissions. The problem in Thailand is that they are ridicuously expensive. I remember telling you before that I had an XT500 in the '80s. Unsurprisingly, you took the 350 off-road. Good lad. Nick
We did get that bike in the UK for a few years, around 2014 I think. It was £5k and I tested it whilst I was at ABR magazine. I've got to be honest I didn't much care for it! The modern Enfields to me are a better ride, but we're all different beasts!
@@1990-t1jI think for the price it just felt very old hat. Like they'd dragged it out the warehouse, done nothing to it other than slap a modern price tag on it. The kickstart was a step backward for me. It was a pain to start. There was a lack of power, spongy suspension and a lack of charisma for a retro bike. I think something like the classic 350 is better in every way, and cheaper. But we're all different. Worth you trying one.
@@nathanthepostmanThe torque is the same as the 350 but peak is at 3,000 instead of the 350's 4,000 rpm, so you'd imagine you'd feel the extra shove. The SR is certainly too expensive, ludicrously so here, and I won't be getting one. Triumph Chiang Rai have stopped selling REs. so I can't test-ride one. I'd like to. Nick
I've been looking around, and saw a used SR for sale, they wanted 5k! In my search I thought my preferencewould be the Meteor, but the classic keeps getting good reviews, whereas the Meteor does not. There'sa private seller locally with a blacked out classic for a really good price. I may jump on it monday!@user-sw2lv3zp6o
Mind scratcher: why didn’t Kawasaki release its beautiful Estrella in the UK. A gorgeous 250cc ‘50s throwback with reliability and charm and sold from 1991 to 2015ish in Japan.
First I wanted the Interceptor then this but then a bit of accidental adv riding on a 125 and now own a Himmy! As a second bike I'd love a 40bhp version of this! Please R Enfield😂
What's the mpg for the 350, the 411 Scram, and perhaps the new Himi? And range for each? (Im in America so let me know if you are using Imperial or real gallons 😂. And have a Merry Christmas.
The need for power is an interesting phenomenon. I met up with an old friend twice this year while he was passing through Europe on holiday. The first time in April we met in the Spanish Pyrenees for a few days when he was riding his 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Pro and the second time in central France in September when he was riding his brand new Ducati V4 Multistrada. We had a few really great days riding together. Did it make any real difference that his bikes produced three times the power of my own A2 classed bike on real roads with traffic, speed limits and all that? Well, err… No actually. He once disappeared from my sight but that was because I believed that risking cruising at 20km over the national limit as pushing it far enough whereas he didn’t. My bike could have gone faster but I chose not to do so. In the mountains I expected to struggle and on the first day we even arranged places where he would wait for me but that never happened. When the roads were tight and really fun his huge power advantage meant absolutely nothing. I live in the real world and after owning powerful bikes for many years I get a lot more fun from riding my current flock of three. Added together they produce about 90BHP but even the one which produces just 12BHP provides a whole lot of smiles per mile. Power is for posers or for those who prefer Starbucks to the open road but is really only a real advantage for those who spend their time in racetracks and those who want to cover big mileages on heavily loaded bikes with a pillion. For the rest of us it’s overrated and usually expensive in so many ways.
I got all my tools our to adjust my gear lever and it came straight off without doing anything to the frame,not sure if they addressed the issue or I have a dodgy bike 😊
![ARGENTINA vs. PERÚ [1-0] | RESUMEN | ELIMINATORIAS SUDAMERICANAS | FECHA 12](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/xtI25ENDDSY/mqdefault.jpg)
Just bought a 350 and installed Continental TKC 70 tires and Hagon plus 20mm rear shocks. The bike does great on the gravel roads in SE Missouri in the USA but is still a blast on the twisty Hilly backroads in this area. Love it love it love it!
Nathan i agree I am 63 had all sorts of bikes over 50 years including sports bikes etc. However since moved to Cornwall have a Himalayan and Classic 350 plus a bike that is in bits. I do think sometimes I want a bit more power. However over 90% of my riding is small lanes often mucky and narrow. Its just the few long trips I think perhaps bit quicker bike I am on a limited budget so why spend more money and increased costs just for an odd trip. I just think ok we will go slower and take our time and enjoy the trip. I come back with a smile every time I ride my Classic 350.
I own a Himmy also but hopefully R Enf will add a faster 350esque bike..fingers x.
Himmy for muck the Classic for summer😉
I'm now 75 and physically unable to ride any longer. If I was able, I'd love to have a 350 Classic for thudding round the back lanes of my home county, bringing back memories. Thanks for the video.
I'm 73 and also feel I'm beyond my motorcycling traveling. With that said, I do have a 2023 Classic 350 Signals, in Marsh Grey. I basically just ride her around the immediate neighborhood. Just a few blocks. At least I'm still able to get a little into the wind without pressing my luck out on the main roads. Love the 350 Signals!
All I'll say is Pure Retro with Soul and Character.
That sums up the 350 classic for me.
Great review and you covered every possible angle and wrinkle so a big thanks , I also couldn’t believe the speed at which you were going down those tight country (cow mud 💩) covered roads in January! - hats off sir. 🎩
That’s absolutely the finest review anyone has ever produced on the Classic 350. When someone knows their subject inside out, this is the result. Top work.
Thankyou Trev. Most kind. Appreciated
What a great review. Bruce from Coastrider Scotland recommended looking at your review. Yep, Bruce was right, brilliant review.
Such a great bike for us older, aching and stiff jointed riders.
Thanks
I have had this exact bike even the same colour, had now for 2 years this next April. In 53 years of riding this has to be the best bike I have owned and the first bike ever that I am not wondering what bike I was going to buy next. As stated unless you need to travel at high speed this is a perfect bike, as for the gear lever issue when I went to pick my bike up I asked the mechanic if he could adjust it before I took delivery, he stated I have already done it as they are always too low ! In over 3000 miles have never missed a gear change, superb gear box, just a brilliantly put together bike that has never used a drip of oil. Puts a smile on your face every time you ride he,, even speed restrictions don’t bother you, as it’s ride you enjoy not the speed you can get somewhere. 😊
The classic is used all over India, 2 up, even more sometimes! It can handle the bad roads out there just fine. It’s probably more of an adventure bike than most so called ‘adventure’ bikes!
Totally agree with all of that. I have a Meteor and a Hunter. Amazing how different 2 bikes, built on the same platform can be. Love them both.
When I got the Meteor, I asked myself "what's my typical speed" = 100kph. Add 20%,and the Enfield Js do that. Even take them on the German Autobahns.
50 years in the saddle and lost count after 50+ bikes. I'm too feeble to push big stuff around anymore.
BTW, the gear leaver adjustment takes 15 minutes. The rail doesn't have to come off, just loosen off to have enough play to pull the footrest back 4mm. Why aren't the dealers doing this as part of the pre-delivery. Why hasn't RE put it right. It's 1 tooth on the spline.
Love the channel btw.
Thanks for the info on the gear lever position. Sounds like an easy job. As you say, why they don't do it on the pdi or at the factory is anyone's guess!
So Nathan the Postman forgot to post! 😄 Best colour
Loving the rant Nathan haha. You’re right, the industry is focused more on power and figures. Instead of the enjoyment of riding. Some of the best times I’ve had on a bike is on a 125cc.
Keep the videos coming!
Had my Classic 350 18 months now - and absolutely love it! I also am fortunate to own a 2019 Triumph Speedtwin 1200 and a 2005 Honda VFR800, both which I also love. But I’ve put the most miles on the 350 over these 18 months. It’s so easy and relaxing to ride. It’s now on 3000 miles and fully loose - I can get an indicated 75 if I want (ie the limit if the engine), but rarely want or need to. Road it over 250 miles each way in Aug, fully laden with luggage and camping gear, to the Heritage sprint event at Deal, Kent - all on non motorway roads. Bike was faultless, comfortable and I loved it!
I’ve done the tweak on the gear lever position as well - the only thing that baffled me about the set up! 😂
Great review, Nathan
Back in May i rode my Classic 350 from SE Scotland up and around the NC500 riding 900 miles in 3 days camping 2 nights and rode 420 miles on first day and never rode a bike as comfortable, this on a 4K bike that does a minimum 100 mpg touring at 55-60 mph 😁 rode 11,000 miles now and had zero problems 😁👍
Would love a pre65 model of this bike for riding the green lanes that supposedly dont exist here in Scotland 🤣😉Cheers Bruce
Hi Bruce, I hope he doesn’t see your vid on how to get a clutch cover back on 🤭 but I won’t tell him 😉 SS
What a brilliant video. It should be shown to all learners to hopefully break the mad race for speed, that grips far too many bikers. I have had just about every c.c. and horsepower bike there is, over my riding life and yet I now have a Honda CB500X (47bhp) and a Classic 350. It is the first time in my life, that I am not looking for the `next bike` and I am having so much fun on both bikes.
Great video. Gorgeous country you have. Thanks. I'm 73. Back to riding after 50 years. I have a Classic 350 and it is perfect for what I do here on the back roads of rural Vermont. I also have a T100. I love them both. The 350 is so much easier to push around the garage. I agree about the shifter position. I need to raise it. Its not hard to do. I added some lovely bags made by Longride and I will soon add a rev counter. That's it. None of the various performance modificaitons people do. On the rare occasion that I want a longer faster ride I just take out the Triumph which is about 65 horse power. An Interceptor would serve the same purpose.
I own both the Classic and the Meteor. Both my bikes have had Hitchcocks free flow stainless steel exhaust, DNA filter and intake kit, and the FuelX lite module. These mods make these motorcycles truly excellent in road manner, sound and the engines run cooler. I love these machines, and they are both quite distinctive from each other. The Classic likes the back roads, and the Meteor cruises Norfolk “A” roads quite happily at 70mph, all day long. Next year I will be fitting the Kent cam from Hitchcocks to boost the torque just a little bit more! (I love tinkering.) *note, theses modifications are not essential, but just nice to have…
I have the same mods on my Classic and you will definately want to get yourself one of Hitchcocks 350 cams. Now ya got yourself one damn fine machine. I have spent 40 years and two and a half hundred thousand miles riding sportbikes here in Southern California with my other bike being a CBR1000RR. Looking to sell the CBR as I don't even ride it any longer but I was a bit soured by the anemic 350. I mean seriously the RE is 160 hp less than the Honda. I now have a great little machine with much more grunt to pull through the twistys and I am not in fear of my life getting on the LA freeways. The difference that cam makes is absolutely amazing. Cannot recommend it enough.
I have now fitted the cam to my Classic, you were right, it’s a cracking bike now. I’m soon to fit the cam to my Meteor too….
The Halcyon Green is the one I bought.
I think the new Maroon Bullet 350 is even more beautiful.
Ive learnt more about motorcycles owning a RE 411 scram, than i have owning 11 previous bikes. So simple to maintain and wrench on.
Part of me yearns for the 350 classic for cruising. But as i ride a lot offroad/4wd forrest roads, ill keep the scram 411. It can do everything.
Muz from oz
RE are smashing the market. I have a Conti and Himmy. Superb VFM and genuinely serious offerings in their categories.
Better to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. Plus you save weight and money. I love the soundtrack of the 350s and the slight smugness of owning one and knowing what we know.
Hi, agree 100% about not needing lots of power, most of the time I ride Either a Honda CG125 or a Honda CD250u, If I want to ride a bit more enthusiastically I also have a Kawasaki Z900RS, I also think it's a good idea to limit new riders to 47Bhp for a couple of years, I think from a pricing point of view, RE have got it spot on, a lot of bikes now are getting very expensive, not just premium bikes (Ducati/BMW/Yamaha Etc) , but also Learner bikes, not every body wants or can afford to spend £15-20k on a motorbike.
You totally nailed that one Nathan, I agree with every comment 100%.
Absolutely best review of the best bike I’ve ever owned.
Had one as a courtesy bike up at Cooperb, and everywhere you ride people smile at the bike.
good realistic review, it is only recent years this obsession with power for touring etc started, when I was first on the road a touring bike was the same bike you went to work on be it a 50 cc moped or a Z1100 and most rode middleweight bikes around 550-750 size, now a bike around a litre is considered a middleweight, world has gone mad, far more fun to use all the performance of a lower powered bike than restrict what you do on a big bike the world has gone mad and bikes have lost what they traditionally were, cheap transport that would be everything to all people, go to work, race around on it at the weekend and tour on it in the summer and then give it a lotof love come winter to make sure it was spot on for next year
What a brilliant video. So down to Earth, concise, inspiring even. I'd been looking into getting back into biking with a classic 350 or Hunter. But now I have seen so many positive videos about the classic, that I think I have made up my mind.
Once run in properly, the classic top end is 73. It's limited. I love mine. With the pillion seat removed, gorgeous!
A lovely video and the usual sensible comments. Thanks Nathan. A gorgeous day to see the North Devon scenery.
Love its colour. Nice to hear your experience. Even nicer to hear the engine and see the bike ride.
Spot on. Yes it does make the Himalayan feel fast (I have both). It is a great ‘little’ bike for relaxed back road travel. Who wants to ride on motorways anyway?
Fantastic
I'm going to get one Tuesday I'm bored with superbikes I'm done with a to b as fast as possible
👍
Great reminder thank you Nathan
I did that route you mentioned, from St Ives to Lands End, on my Himalayan back at the beginning of September.
You’re absolutely right… it really is a cracking ride.
Btw, love your content.
I bumped into a 350 classic owner at super sausage nortants a few weeks back he told me he had two bikes the outher a 650 .but he said the one that always brings a smile to his face was the 350 . cheers Nathan .👍
Spot on Nathan ❤ as well as the warranty & breakdown cover 2nd to none 👍
If someone comes up with a modification to de restrict them and reach the 80/85 mph top end, I’d have one in a heartbeat . I heard that the Brazilian market ones don’t have it and also heard the Hunter also. Cheers for the video. having said that, I’ve just bought a the new Honda Dax 125 😂
Given it’s the only bike RE are limiting, I suspect there’s an issue other than a speed limit in India. Perhaps it overheats or blows up at sustained speeds, who knows.
Last bike a ZZR1400 , one before a Triumph 1200 Thruxton R! I woke up one day thinking why I had such a thirsty, heavy 200bhp bike when the roads aren't built for that power of bike. Most of the time I go to work or a ride in the country and stop for a pint. I have a green 350 classic now and love it. By far the best bike I've ever had and everywhere I go it gets loads of attention. What more could you want 👍 great review!
Brilliant review and a great reflection on motorcycling. Makes me want one. Not ridden a road bike for a few years but do a few classic trials pre 65 and twin shock.
I fell for the halcyon grey ( Robin egg blue ) after watching Warrior tear up his neck of the woods. Felt like I was sitting to forward and downward. Hunter also, after they arrived. Himalayan suited my bad back.
When the Super Meteor arrived a few weeks ago, I found it too heavy.
Looking forward to your Triumph 400X review.
I was disappointed by the Super Meteor. I anticipated buying one, but I really didn't like the US style feet-forward position and the extra fat it's gained over the Interceptor.
My only disagreement with this Video is the "jet washing" you mentioned at the end, apart from that you have Nailed it!
I just bought my wife this exact bike. Same colour . In australia they are nearly $9000 and I got it for $5000 with 12 months registration and a lot of after market stuff and it only has 1000 k’s on it. What a great bike.
As an older rider, it amuses me when riders say that you can't do whatever with just 20 bhp. In the early 90s I used a friend's MZ ETZ251 ( about 20 bhp) to commute 70 miles per day for 6 months while my bike was off the road, following an accident. Took it in it's stride.
Great video. I've got a Ducati Monster 937 and RE Classic in Halcyon Green. Both have something special that isn't on any of the spec' sheets. Since I got the Classic, I've found myself just riding and riding through back lanes of the Peak District. I can't wait to get off the main routes and onto the single tracks and back lanes. It is so different, has such character and is so cheap it's crazy not to own one.
Re., gear lever adjustment: can't you just bend the foot peg down & out the way?
Fantastic vlog, btw. Chill af
How your subs are so low is amazing to me. Good honest clear review. I gave up on the glossies years ago. They are not real gritty bikers. They get the bikes for free. Worrying about how many valves. 2 bhp more. 1 mph faster. A load of old bunkam. I have had over forty bikes. The best bije is the one you are riding. I did more miles on an RD250 Than any other bike. Just enjoy the freedom on any bike. Keep up the good work Natham. A trip to Dorothy's next year is on the cards
I've always thought that you don't need more than 50bhp on the road, and 70 if you're 2-up. But recently, I exchanged my 200bhp ZZR1400 (worst bike I've ever owned) for a 54bhp Honda NC750X, and I've revised my opinion.....you don't need more than 54bhp 2-up!
Dct or manual?
DCT
What a bike indeed. Love mine!
Brilliant review. Many thanks, Christian.
"It's not about doing it it's about how it feels doing it"
*nods* Yep. Should you want that sportsbike feel, forget the big liter bikes where one halfhearted tug on the throttle in first gear will put you into losing your licence territory, get a Honda CB-1. 400cc 4 pot, 60 hp. You can rev the absolute nuts off that going allll the way through all the gears feeling like a proper MotoGP racer, while only mildly fracturing the speed limit. But you've got clip-ons, you've got the clocks right under your nose and nothing else but road in front of it, it definitely FEELS fast when you kick it down 2 gears to quickly overtake a car at 12000 rpm. The amount of flat out fun to be had from one of those is so much more.
Small bikes are great. For any given situation you want a bike that's just big enough so you can use most of it. Ofcourse practically the problem is that most people only have the one bike so it needs to do all the things. For that reason I would end up with something at least 50ish hp as that'll also do the motorway blat without becoming too painful if there's a headwind...
But I agree on the worst enemy bit, and the stats dominance. Sure, "numbers go up" is tempting, and "mine's faster than yours (on paper)" seems to be a thing. But you don't NEED to go everywhere flat out, you don't need to scrape metal in every corner, you don't need something that'll do 180 mph. Where are you going to do all that? Certainly not on a nice twisty lane... Slow down. Enjoy the view. Enjoy the bit of inevitable gravel in the corner without that becoming a life threatening event.
People snub the W800 or w650 cos it doesn’t have enough power, yet they accept the RE Classic. The W can do highway and all this too.
My only complaint is the price of the W800 .
You may just be my new favorite bike channel. Found you just a couple weeks ago. Subscribed immediately.
Really love the looks of the classic 350,looks like a “proper motorcycle “,honestly if I had the space for a 2nd bike I’d definitely have one,great video.
Yep. Lovely bike. Great review. Thank you.
Very nice job Natan. We are waiting for you opinion about the RE SM 650cc. See you mate
I sold my GS1150, great on a long run, but so bloody heavy and hard work on the back roads. I went to a bullet 500, then a bullet trail bike, now a Himalayan. The Royal Enfields are all enjoyable to ride at a slower pace, I am no longer constantly catching up with and trying to get past vehicles like on the GS.
You live in a episode of Country File, with motorbikes 😊
A lovely looking bike, really fancy one. My Son and I bimbled around Nepal on one, 10 years ago.
I tried one of these prior to the Hunter launch and found it sweet enough if smaller and heavier than I was expecting. I found performance very modest to the extent I felt I was getting in the way on a busy single carriageway national speed limit country road. Much is made of the bike being limited but I felt it strained beyond 50 even if it still felt really smooth. To me it felt more like 125 4 stroke with a bit more grunt but not a lot more speed.
The classic is very smart looking but I prefer the Hunter which is cheaper to boot. The weight is also lower and with a slightly smaller silencer gives a little more performance with a fruitier soundtrack to boot. The downsides? The frame is still obviously the cruiser design of the Meteor which has necessitated a slightly awkward looking tall seat and messy area around the side panel and rear suspension mounts on the frame but for the money, it’s hard to be too critical.
If only they did a 500 variant of the J series, that would be a peach for duffing around on but no chance of that now they have the watercooled 450 Sherpa engine in the line up.
I think the Classic 350 is the most beautiful bike, but where the Meteor wins is in its tubeless tyres and lower maintenance needs (less polishing).
As regards performance, there are various inexpensive tuning goodies available from Hitchcock's that will give it a bit more pep. Talking to Hitchcock's, they report that the prototype Meteors would do about 90mph when being run around the Midlands by RE testers. Pity we can't get the unrestricted version! Give the engine at least 3,000 miles before it loosens up and revs freely. (I have over 20,000kms on my Meteor so far).
Classic review. Recently read a short tale of a guy who rode from Stockholm to Morrocco and Algiers on a 150cc 2 stroke back in the 50s, maybe 9hp on a good day, that Classic would be sliced bread with herring in comparison. More is not always better.
What an absolutely terrific video Nathan yet again absolutely on point to all the discussions we should be having, an I think you really got the pros n cons across good of the classic 350. Interesting as someone that had a Himalayan an cast an eye over the new Bullet 350.
I cut my teeth on an rs125 then in my early 20s on a Yamaha RD250LC from 1982 2k Miles in a week taught me so much about riding and cornering vision etc. I think that's the great thing there's motorcycles for everyone an it's all about getting what suits you an not what the media want you to buy.
I think another aspect of this ties into what you said about value to Nathan alot our age an younger the 1300gs at 28k expensive 50k nortons etc they are so irrelevant as there's a generational gap money wise so I think more bikes around the 4-5k mark are so important no younger riders no motorcycle industry.
It's crazy to think I did a quote on a transalp the other day an it came back at 1300 quid! Max no claims, clean licence but living in a city. That's more than I paid for my new fireblade in 2011 which although I rode it an still have it I preferred the smaller bikes.
Speaking of the transalp, the t7 an Africa Twin second hand are a third of the cost at £450 so something weird an wonderful going on there must be the new bike thing.
I much proffered the 650ss Norton to my superbikes similar power to what you said around 47hp an still capable of a genuine 120mph with our speed camera an pot hole ridden roads how much power do we really need which I used as a daily an the Yamaha RD250LC which I shouldn't have sold (still got the 350 though) much more engaging to ride on the roads I always seem to settle on the bikes that are sub 74 hp around 47 or even less like you say with the classic 350 which is similar to some of my older Norton singles.
I really hope we see more motorcycles in this category the vstrom 650xt was one of my fav bikes ive ever owned just so darn usable.
Awesome an very thought provoking video as always Nathan keep up the awesome work.
We keep looking at the nx500 at the mo mainly for the fuel economy an reliability factor, + bit lighter for dad with his bad back, asked me 5 years ago whether fuel economy would be up there on my top features an the answer would be no now though after experiencing that 300 Rally sipping it an being back on a 2004 1150 I miss that aspect of affordability with how much I ride. Be interesting to get a look at it when it's out keeping one eye on the mt450 as well.
Top video, really enjoyed it as you summed up everything thats great about these bikes - traded in the Interceptor for one of these ....
I have ridden around UK, Europe and into the Balkans on 48 hp, i didnt need more, ever.
The lower frame bolts only need to be loosen to remove and adjust the gearshift lever. You just need to loosen, put some slight pressure on the foot peg, and pull the lever off. In India I believe the Classic comes with a heel toe shifter and the design of that style of shifter does not require the lower frame bolts to be loosened. Cheers. Nice review.
I too had the meteor 350 did 1200 miles on it..but it is under powered I passed my full license at 67 but a great bike non the less.
Looking at the Vulcan 650 now .🤔
I loved this bike of yours when I rode it on the experience day. Happy Christmas Nathan.
27:25 hi just watching your video. 350 classic reborn. I agree with everything you say except what you say about gear shifter, I have 2022 classic reborn and have taken gear lever off to put a toe and heal lever on ,I didn't like it ,but simple job without taking anything off. Cheers, enjoyed your video.
Lovely review missed it first time…. So much common sense. Did you ever ride the Hunter ?
All great points mate!
I think the hunter engine is tuned a little differenly....great review brother
Nice ride on a great bike with a well considered commentary.
starting to think really hard about part exchanging my 500 classic for one of these now
Best looking classic mc. I hope they make the 650 Classic
i have a meteor, My son has the classic , wierdly my back preferred the meteor and i like the cast wheels vs spoked.
I did read that the engine mapping was different on the two bikes, the classic to give more of a lumpier, heavier flywheel effect, the meteor,tad revvier.
I did have to put a air comfort cushion on the meteor as i found the seat padding uncomfortable. The harsher rear shocks on the meteor did ease with miles i note.
That’s a beautiful bike.
With you 100% Sir ! 👍
Well done for extolling the virtues of motorcycles with sensible power to weight ratios. Unfortunately the motorcycle press (MCN etc) are constantly setting a culture of needing ridiculous amounts of power for a satisfying ride and the resulting peer pressure among bikers is enormous. Frankly some riders are not too bright and write off any machine under 100 hp. This is of course quite ridiculous, as is the ludicrous prejudice against scooters. Most bikes under 47 hp can easily out accelerate almost all cars on the road already even two up. Motorcycling is not about using public roads as a race track but travelling in style and at a low cost.
i rode both the hunter and the classic the other day and for me the classic is more me, so i ordered one, the halcyon green, just awaiting the phone call to collect it, i was not impressed with the hunter, it seemed a hard ride and noisey with the short upswept exhaust and the pillion position footrests, it also seemed a bit less easy to ride in slow traffic, torque wise, the classic seemed better, i also have the meteor and love it and at my age they both suite me perfectly, both of them allow me to ride at a speed where i can enjoy what motorcycling is all about and not racing about anymore like when i was young in the 60's trying to do the ton wherever you could, duh, a good video and i agree with most of what you are saying, apart from the green lane bit, not my scene man, !
Spot on!
Very well said!
Cudnt agree more nathan with your views.....and ive done quite a few off road forestry riding....would like to see 350 engine in a himalayan chassis...the reason i prefer himalayan frame is for my longish legs ...very best wishes and good health for 2024🎅
Even if we had to wait 12 months for this (!!) it’s more good, plain Nathan common sense. Back in the 60s I think the Manx Norton on track produced 47-50 bhp and racing was thrilling back then. I cannot for the life of me see why people want big-power bikes, except as a willy-waiving exercise, though I suppose 120bhp+ is useful to get to Starbucks. If the manufacturers woke themselves up we could have a great range of ‘useful’ motorcycles and a lot more people wanting to ride instead of use their cars. But then, car advertising has the same silly focus, appealing to those who should never be allowed to drive! Les
I wouldn't know about royal enfield vs Chinese brands as I've had a very bad experience with RE both with warranty and their road side assistance..my bash plate broke still waiting 6 plus months still for replacement.also broke down on my Himalayan while doing Lejog ..bike was fixed 10 plus days later .I had to pay to get bike back to me as they wouldn't deliver it back once fixed.they only take you to local dealership.I was considering buying new Himalayan but won't happen.
Hi Nathan, as an avid Himalayan owner and rider, I really love the look of classic and new Bullet, we are seriously considering buying a new Bullet , HOWEVER!! My only issue is a puncture in the rear wheel, looking at videos it seems an absolute clart to pull that rear wheel off which basically needs two people to lean the bike over , I think fine if your in India, but everywhere else could be a right clusterf*** lol
We are moving to India next June so no issues for us as there is puncture repair shops everywhere but not so much In the UK,
Nobody seems to mention the clart in fixing a rear puncture with an otherwise amazing machine
You make a very good point and to be honest I've never had the back wheel out on one. You could it with some Bike Seal in or Slime and hope for the best. But yeah it could be a nag
There are versions of the classic without the spokes.... It's plug and play with those ;-)
@himydad1499 not in the UK there isn't. They are not an imported model unfortunately.
Great vid mate, have subbed!
Very happy with my meteor (bought used for £2k). Took off the custom gear lever & went back to the heel & toe which I prefer. Loving your passion Nathan, feckin’ bikers eh!😂
I quite agree , more fun on smaller bikes , I’ve got a Deauville 650, nobody waves or talks , love it , havnt a clue what horsepower, less than 50 I should think , but wander round the back lanes of Kent , got the low down traction so brilliant , and can give a sports rider a scare if need be , as long as there’s corners involved and I’m old 😁
I've always hankered after a Deauville, or the holly grail... the PC800....
@@nathanthepostman 🙈 I sold mine and bought it back 4 years later lol , just suits me really comfy , handle well , Massey Ferguson gearbox , just do what they do well
Great looking Bike.
Nathan cant believe you have not got a bullet on the fleet yet a few people reckon its a great compromise between the meteor and classic.
Couldn’t agree more 👍😎
I had a couple of 190 bhp KTM RC8's, alongside my Cagive Mito 125 (unrestricted 33bhp engine). Guess which one I enjoyed riding through the lanes of Essex.
Sometimes less is actually more
Great bikes the mito! I had to settle for a 28bhp tzr125r
Hunter suspension is bloody hard on the rear same as or worse than the meteor!. The classic and new bullet have the softer suspension.
I can imagine this would be nice to chug around on. I like the Hunter and the slightly bigger Scram, but the two-valve air-cooled single I'd really like is the kick-start only Yamaha SR400. They are still readily available in Thailand, Japan making them for the Southeast Asian market despite discontinuing them in their domestic market due to emissions. The problem in Thailand is that they are ridicuously expensive. I remember telling you before that I had an XT500 in the '80s.
Unsurprisingly, you took the 350 off-road. Good lad. Nick
We did get that bike in the UK for a few years, around 2014 I think. It was £5k and I tested it whilst I was at ABR magazine. I've got to be honest I didn't much care for it! The modern Enfields to me are a better ride, but we're all different beasts!
@@nathanthepostman That's interesting. Maybe my rose-tinted view of my old XT has coloured my view. What was it you didn't like about the SR?
@@1990-t1jI think for the price it just felt very old hat. Like they'd dragged it out the warehouse, done nothing to it other than slap a modern price tag on it. The kickstart was a step backward for me. It was a pain to start. There was a lack of power, spongy suspension and a lack of charisma for a retro bike. I think something like the classic 350 is better in every way, and cheaper. But we're all different. Worth you trying one.
@@nathanthepostmanThe torque is the same as the 350 but peak is at 3,000 instead of the 350's 4,000 rpm, so you'd imagine you'd feel the extra shove. The SR is certainly too expensive, ludicrously so here, and I won't be getting one. Triumph Chiang Rai have stopped selling REs. so I can't test-ride one. I'd like to. Nick
I've been looking around, and saw a used SR for sale, they wanted 5k! In my search I thought my preferencewould be the Meteor, but the classic keeps getting good reviews, whereas the Meteor does not. There'sa private seller locally with a blacked out classic for a really good price. I may jump on it monday!@user-sw2lv3zp6o
Mind scratcher: why didn’t Kawasaki release its beautiful Estrella in the UK. A gorgeous 250cc ‘50s throwback with reliability and charm and sold from 1991 to 2015ish in Japan.
The Eliminator ?
First I wanted the Interceptor then this but then a bit of accidental adv riding on a 125 and now own a Himmy!
As a second bike I'd love a 40bhp version of this! Please R Enfield😂
What's the mpg for the 350, the 411 Scram, and perhaps the new Himi? And range for each? (Im in America so let me know if you are using Imperial or real gallons 😂. And have a Merry Christmas.
Ha. I'm not sure to be honest. I'd imagine it's a bit better than the Himalayan but both should do 200 miles plus on back road riding, maybe 250
At least, you will only adjust the gear lever once !!
If l was younger than 83, l would have one of these !!
No mention of the Hunter. :(
You must have watched a different video to me.
As in the video title, this was filmed a year ago before the hunter came out
The need for power is an interesting phenomenon. I met up with an old friend twice this year while he was passing through Europe on holiday. The first time in April we met in the Spanish Pyrenees for a few days when he was riding his 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Pro and the second time in central France in September when he was riding his brand new Ducati V4 Multistrada. We had a few really great days riding together. Did it make any real difference that his bikes produced three times the power of my own A2 classed bike on real roads with traffic, speed limits and all that? Well, err… No actually. He once disappeared from my sight but that was because I believed that risking cruising at 20km over the national limit as pushing it far enough whereas he didn’t. My bike could have gone faster but I chose not to do so. In the mountains I expected to struggle and on the first day we even arranged places where he would wait for me but that never happened. When the roads were tight and really fun his huge power advantage meant absolutely nothing. I live in the real world and after owning powerful bikes for many years I get a lot more fun from riding my current flock of three. Added together they produce about 90BHP but even the one which produces just 12BHP provides a whole lot of smiles per mile. Power is for posers or for those who prefer Starbucks to the open road but is really only a real advantage for those who spend their time in racetracks and those who want to cover big mileages on heavily loaded bikes with a pillion. For the rest of us it’s overrated and usually expensive in so many ways.
I got all my tools our to adjust my gear lever and it came straight off without doing anything to the frame,not sure if they addressed the issue or I have a dodgy bike 😊
Or I've got a bent frame! Glad it was an easy fix Gordan. Hopefully they've remedied at the factory
ROYAL ENFIELD MOTORCYCLES,LIKE YORKSHIRE TEA, DONE PROPERLY!