Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs Meteor 350 - review after a week on each
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 22 авг 2022
- In this video Bry compares the Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs the Royal Enfield Meteor 350. Bry had each of these bikes for just over a week and did a range of rides to get a really good feel for them. The real questions we wanted answered was are these Royal Enfield 350s any good and which one is best?
Location for this video was Mitchell's Classics workshop.
// FOR ALL CHANNEL ENQUIRIES (INCLUDING SPONSORSHIP AND ADVERTISING) please contact Alex Rollings - alexander@talktocamera.co.uk
// ABOUT THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE CHANNEL
The Classic Motorcycle Channel is for people who love classic, vintage and antique motorcycles. We are passionate about classic motorcycles and produce high quality motorcycle profile videos, restoration videos, restorer profile videos and also anything that takes our interest.
// CHANNEL PARTNERS
- Alex Rollings - director and producer for the channel.
Instagram: @motofilmer
- Dave Mitchell - in house mechanic, presenter and producer. Dave also owns and runs a classic motorcycle workshop called Mitchell's Classics.
Website: www.mitchellsclassics.co.uk
- John Oakes - presenter and producer. John is a classic motorcycle enthusiast, rider and restorer and works closely with us on all our video content.
Instagram and Facebook: @classicbikeman
// A BIG THANK YOU TO
- Royal Enfield for loaning us the bikes.
Website: www.royalenfield.com
Instagram: @royalenfieldeurope
Facebook: @RoyalEnfieldUK
RUclips: Royal Enfield
- Caroline Blake and Lucy Crabbe from Shellwood Blake for organising the bikes for us.
Website: www.shellwoodblake.com
Instagram: @shellwoodblake
- Bry for taking the time to film with us.
Instagram: @bryrides
- Dave Mitchell for his time filming on the day.
Website: www.mitchellsclassics.co.uk
- Bertie Francis for his additional photos and videos of Bry in and around London.
Instagram: @bertiefrancis
- Alex Monk for his additional photos of Bry.
Instagram: @alexkentspitfiremonk
- Alex Rollings for filming and editing the video.
Instagram: @motofilmer
#royalenfield
#royalenfieldclassic350
#royalenfieldclassic350cc 
Авто/Мото
Great vid! Happy to say that here in CALI, we just bought three of (Classic 350) these! I'm 61, and have been riding for over 50 years. This is the smallest bike (engine wise) I've owned in over 30 years, and it's the most fun I've had since my first ride! I got one for me and my son, and his girlfriend's father as well.
No matter where we go or what we're doing, we get stopped and asked about them.
I'm also a big guy - 6'-4", 230 lbs. It's 100% comfortable - after I moved the bars back slightly and changed the gear shifter up one-notch. Perfection, even with the wife on the back.
If you're considering one, go have a look (and test ride if possible). I don't think you'll regret it and I'm guessing you're going to love it!
Ride safe all!
The meteor has 5 litres of fuel once the low fuel light comes on and stays on, which is of course over a gallon, so you realistically have over 100 miles before you are on vapour 😉
To be on safe side I err towards 60.
Indian motor cycles used to have reserve section within tank.
My bullet has no fuel light at all 😂😂
@@cameronrichardson3108 then it must have the fuel switch under the tank with open, close and reserve options. All Indian bikes had them.
@@leokp641 yes, with the switch lever.
Nice review thanks. I’ve owned the RE classic 500 military green before (no longer made) and loved it to bits. Commuted 20km daily (work and back) and was pure joy. Miss the ride, feel and sound of this bike so much I’m looking at buying another. I wish they kept the instrument panel completely analog though (no lcd screens) and not removed the kickstart lever on this new classic. Keep it simple and raw.
Very good presentation and comparison. I am a big fan of Royal Enfield and all of their models, and currently am leaning heavily toward the Classic350 to buy. Great retro/classic look and sound and unbeatable price point. Thanks for this review. Dan ✌️🏍🇨🇦
@@TrailHuntersThailand Solution for you = Get a different bike.
Super happy to see a review by someone who is 5'6 and slight of built...I am in India and have always been intimidated by the size of these bikes...but damn i should go get a test ride now cos Bry made this look like a breeze!
IMO Meteor is best for Short riders..I'm just 5'5"..I don't face any problem..You can replace seat to reduce its height little bit more..
One of the most honest reviews yet. I'm buying a Classic 350 Gunmetal Grey here in São Paulo, Brazil. Your review helped me make up my mind, thanks!
As a woman who loves classic styled bikes as well, I've been looking at these two myself. It's hard to find bikes these days without a lot of after market expense that fit us comfortably from the get go. Also bike weight is an issue and I want one I know I can lift myself if I get into trouble. The Meteor was very comfortable and easy to ride. I have yet to test a Classic and look forward to doing that and making a decision on my next purchase.
Did you make your decision?
@@udaysingh9_11 Went with a Stellar Blue Meteor and have been having fun on it the last few weeks.
Hi, May I ask how tall are you? I’m looking at the particular same one. Thank you.
@@gingpotter7 I'm 5'6"
Best M/C review I've ever seen! No crap background music, just the facts and all-important soundtrack of how the bikes sound. I really hope Bry gets chance to to review the 650 ...😀
Yep. Love the opening scene where they both change gear at the same time as they pass the camera and disappear around the bend chugging in perfect unison 👍😁
Well done. Useful and comprehensive. Nice to see a bit of passion.
amazing job on the review, so in depth and very well done
Great video thanks.
I love my chrome/red C350 which I’ve had for six months now. Not had that fuel gauge issue on mine though.
Both lovely bikes and phenomenal value for money.
I've got a Classic 350 and it's awesome, love it.
Just bought a meteor a week ago and on Sunday I did the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in Derbyshire. I did 120 miles nearly all on B / A roads and loved it . This video helps a lot with questions we all have when getting to know a new bikes features and that’s very helpful! Great video!
You are such a doll. Thanks for the great assessment of these very cool bikes.
An excellent insight and comparison of the two Royal Enfield 350's. Your experience of having these bikes to ride makes your opinion first hand. I look forward to watching more of your videos which you have on your channel.👍
Great review. Informative, amusing and some stunning photo's.
Excellent review. My first bike back in 1972 was a 1961 RE Crusader Sports. Since then at work I used to ride BMW 80RTs, Honda ST1100s etc. Now retired i potter around on a Honda C125 Super Cub which is a great urban machine. Off to Hartgates in South London after Christmas to see one in the flesh.
Very nice review! You did a great job.
Very thorough, covering some interesting stuff that most reviewers dont even think about. Thank you.
The problem with the navigation is more likely down to google or the actual GPS data.
I have found that all the devices that I have used go slightly wrong somewhere or other, sometimes sending you around in circles.
Great video - thanks !
A think a centre stand is a bonus.I’ve got a Street Twin and it doesn’t come with a centre stand.
You can get a centre stand for it from triumph. I had one on mine. Annoying that most bikes Don.t get them these days. Or mudguards! One of the reasons I have 2 enfields
@@zedcharlie I’ve got one but it should really come as standard
Excellent comparison between the two Enfields. Pleased you got the opportunity to try them out. I'm certainly very happy with my Meteor.
Great review thanks 🙏
Excellent review. Nice that you could do it with them side by side.
Think the Classic is absolutely beautiful, but the Meteor ticks more boxes with the tank size and seat height. The niggles with the gear change would probably inspire a complete footrest/leaver modification.
Or wait and see how the Hunter stacks up.
Nice comparison I've bought the classic 350 in halcyon black after years of riding all sorts of bike i find this 350 is pure motorcycle riding joy and at the moment i am enjoying every mile and the 300 mile running in under 40mph slows you down and you need to find the right roads to do it not so much of a problem problem in Suffolk. I have had bikes ranging from Big Harleys to sports bikes but at the moment this is ticking all the boxes.
Nice review with plenty of useful information. This genre of motorcycle is becoming increasingly popular with it's simplicity and reliability.
You are 100% correct about the toe and heel gear shifter, I swapped mine for a standard gear change lever before even riding the bike, also once you take off the catalytic convertor and replace with the straight bypass pipe the exhaust sounds as good as the classic 350, and it looks no different, you can't even tell the modification has been done.
I bought it because of the Harley gear change lever
Great taste in bikes, I also have a 55 d1 rigid bantam. I love the comfort and weight of the meteor but have recently changed my mind and I am saving for the new BSA Goldstar as 1)I love the brand and 2) I agree the extra power makes it far easier to live with in regards to motorways. Great video, keep up the good work 👍
What a fantastic video. Thanks & subscribed.
Awesome, thank you!
What a great review. Bry is a really good addition to the team, with Dave’s tech videos and John Oakes classic reviews it’s one of my favourite channels.
Thank you for your nice comments Irv B!
Awesome review. Absolutely loved it!
Glad you enjoyed it David, thanks for saying!
Your video is lovely. really liked it.
Nice review. I bought the yellow Meteor fireball but just added, the Bigfoot pegs, sump guard and crash bar. Just ordered the touring seat. Looking forward to your interceptor review.
Great video, looking forward to you testing the Interceptor
excellent review, informative and not your usually self indulgent presentation
That Royal Enfield Classic is really nice looking. I love that Bry is into old bikes.
Both are cool. It just depends from person to person and their taste for the look. A well done video. :) Enjoyed.
Nice video, good to hear from a different perspective than most on YT. You didn’t mention how they handle by comparison or which is the most responsive as others have though. I’m not at all keen on the appearance of the Meteor so like you, it’s a toss up between the Classic or Interceptor. As it happens I’m testing both tomorrow although I have sat on both. The Interceptor feels much heavier even though on paper it’s not that much more and even with my 32” legs the pegs positioning made walking astride cumbersome though not a deal breaker, nor is the price difference. As this is just going to be a fun bike for evening bimbles and weekend rides I’m strongly leaning to the Classic. I’d be interested in your opinion of the Interceptor, have fun and good luck with your final choice.
That was really useful. I’ve been looking to buy a bike and, like you, had narrowed it down to the classic and meteor. I love the retro style. Haven’t decided yet, need to test ride them.
I like your honesty, Subscribed 😻🤝😻
Great real world review, thanks! Just a quick point about the screen. I ride a Guzzi V7 Centenario. I fitted a screen to it last winter and I found it a Godsend, but it may not be for the Meteor. The screen is useful over 60 mph and in horrible weather. Otherwise it doesn't come into play. So if you're not going to ride in weather you shouldn't be riding in or doing loads of high speed motorway miles, it's a bit of a waste of space and I do prefer the look of the bike "au naturel".
PS... the pop! I tested a 350 Classic a couple of months back and it was burbling and popping all the way through the city traffic. Wicked! It turned loads of heads!
Great review, thank you! I hope you do one for the Hunter 350 and the Interceptor!
Thanks for the detailed review....on the point you mentioned about the wobbly gear shifter, it's a common thing in all RE models. I think it is so because the shifter is pure mechanical linkage and not like other fancy motorcycle with electronic shifter or shift assist with feather touch actuation or something like of sort.
I myself own RE thunderbird 500 (older version of meteor from 2016) and I had the wobbly shifter from day1. Did complain to RE but the service engineer mentioned that all RE has a bit of play which help to avoid accidentally shift of gear.
Very good presentation ❤️
Nice to hear the opinion of a relative amateur and someone who is not that strong. I am in the same boat as a 72 year old, but own a Meteor, with a screen and the screen makes a difference. My Meteor is flawless and a great ride. The low seat height makes it easy to control, as it isn't that light at nearly 200kg. The Interceptor is much heavier, not for me. Thanks
Great video
Jolly good video! I am looking at a RE Classic when I pass. Was looking for a ww2 jeep (nice ones in your vid 👌🏻) to do the shows in but can’t feasibly afford one, so something affordable, a tad halcyon, that starts first time like these would be a better start. Then move on to a Bonneville Speedmaster 😁 Keep up the cracking work Bry!
I love the fact that Alex, Dave and Bry all do their take on these two bikes. That is 3 different views from 3 different different age groups. Surprising was the fact that all had very similar thoughts on both vehicles, and all preferred the same model best. Well done all 3 of ya, thankx.
Hey, thanks for you nice comments and watching the videos, Alex :)
Great review!!! Love the 350 classic
When I read that the RE Tripper app wanted access to everything on my phone I abandoned the idea of every using it. I too, thought that the jiggling shifter might be a problem but
it is nothing wrong at all. I did shift it's position on the splines to make it more comfortable shifting for me. I love the fact that N acts like a definite gear position rather than just not
being in gear like most bikes. I only have 500 miles on my bike but have never had a false neutral indicated. I also chose the Yellow. :)
Great comparison and well presented. I have a red/chrome Classic. I also have a Mark 2 Interceptor as well... it's the only way to go. Get both!! :)
Great review of these lovely little bikes. I can understand why you fell for the styling of the gorgeous Classic 350 but all that chrome in English weather sounds like a recipe for a lot of cleaning and fighting an uphill battle against the inevitable rust plague. For that reason I'm leaning more towards the Meteor in one of the colours with a blacked out exhaust system. High on my wish list would also be a belt drive since having to clean and lubricate the chain all the time takes a lot of fun out of owning a motorcycle for me.
Excellent review, thank you. I'm really interested in the Classic 350; however, I'd also be interested to hear what your thoughts are on the Interceptor
Excellent review. Compliments! Which of the two has better finishes? A thousand thanks
Picking up a Halcyon Grey tomorrow afternoon. Can not wait
I have an interceptor 650 atm, lovely bike very under stressed just wafts along, good on fuel etc, my only problem with it is the seat isn't the best in terms of comfort but it does have the cafe or tracker look to it, I had a test on a classic 350 today and was very impressed the engine was nice, handling was good and the seat was very good, quality machine, looking at ordering one shortly👍
Good feedback there Chris, thanks for sharing :)
It should be possible to get a seat made to suit you and that’s cheaper than having to modify a bike! There are so many positives you mention they outweigh the very few negatives. Many happy miles to you.
That's a fantastic review, I really enjoyed you sensible down to earth approach, I look forward to seeing what you think of the interceptor. ATB Big Dave Scotland
Thank you kindly!
The classic looks good and sounds good too, that seat looks really comfy. I have an Interceptor and love it to bits, you must try one.
Very nice review... waiting for the interceptor !!
Great presentation! 👌
I completely agree. Enjoyed it. Would like to try both of these. Rode just the Interreceptor 650. Drop by bro, you may find it interesting.
Excellent presentation. I've a dream to buy one. ❤️
interesting and informative review...l was thinking of the meteor but you open my eyes with the build quality difference plus the sound of the classic exhaust...but...the only problem l have now is all that shiny chrome to keep clean 🫣..brings back hours of cleaning my T140v only to go to work Monday morning in the rain straight back where l started before l cleaned it 😭...will see what else R.E. come up with..thanks again young lady with the wise head a good combination lm sure it will stand you in good stead ..sub added.. 👍
Excellent and objective presentation - if you do use faster roads, the Interceptor would be better, for sure. I had issues with the Tripper and you didn't mention the lights although you must have been riding at night? I had the yellow.....looks lovely and is a wonderful bike. I was lucky to be in a position to buy a Bonneville so decided to do that.
Really good video. It will be interesting to see how these compare to the Hunter when it’s available in the UK.
Hey Great review. I bought the Interceptor first, Sunset strip lovely, would be better on motorway but no bike is fun on a motorway:)
She is up for sale with 1750 miles on the clock. I fell in love with a Classic 350 in March and now have 10,000 smiles on the clock
Great bike all I need. But i’m old and had had loads of fun on big bikes for years. So if your young cc’s are a real thing. Now I just want to get back to the core fun of motorcycling. More than welcome to come test right both.
An excellent video, charmingly presented by a young lady of excellent taste, who also clearly knows her stuff.
All observations about the Meteor and the Classic were spot on, exactly my own personal experience.
Bry deserves a go on an Interceptor now, make it happen ( they are a fair bit heavier though, which she may not enjoy ) !!!
Well done to all concerned on an informative and entertaining video.
Cheers,
ER.
Thank you for your nice comments :)
I own the halcyon gray classic here in Butte MT , I’ve put one about 925 miles thus far , of course I found a very cool brown two toned leather jacket and some nice goggles and retro helmet , people are constantly commenting on this stunning looking moto , I’ve had quite a few bikes and I’ve got to say this is my favorite of all time . Thanks for this review , I have a feeling the classic and the new release Royal Enfield will sell good here in the USA. I to am going to probably trade my V Strom for a 650 RE .
Great video .You brought up some important points.I wish Royal Enfield would offer those in a 500cc size .I think the extra engine size would help out for highway use.
500 used to be available in India. But it has been discontinued for a while now. They are more focused on 650s now.
You can actually use a big bore kit for the 350. Many are Available.
Great video and Bry, you are wonderful! I love all the details and facts you've shared! Now I feel like one of those would be a great little brother to my Interceptor 😅 Great video!
Thank you Moto Lola :)
@@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel plus I'm glad I could discover your channel!:)
Good review! I watched diffent videos now about the RE 350 and all of them comment on the same issues about gear and tank. So that seems to be a regular thing on these bikes.
About the windshield: diffent riders need different shields, as it belongs on your sitting hight whether it blows the wind into your face or above.
That's a like for me for this Review, thx 4 upload😎👍
Nice job! You know you can ride it off the center stand if you want. It’s really quite easy. Much easier than rocking it from the cockpit.
Exactly!
The fuel gauge issue is mainly because of the design of the tank with the big hump in the centre in the inside and, the fuel float is only on one side.
So, whenever the big banks or climb/descend, the fuel moves to or away from the float. Hence the continuous change in fuel level.
I’m sure the fuel selection switch/fuel tap is there on the left side under the tank, next to the air filter box.
- When the lever is in the centre (9 o’clock direction) no fuel flows from the tank to the engine.
- At 6 o’clock direction it’s open, i.e. fuel flows till it reaches reserve level (about 3-5 litres). So, you ride carefree and without worry till you reach reserve.
- Once at reserve, turn the lever to 12 o’clock and you get access to the remaining fuel. With reserve quantity of fuel, you can easily get a range of about 80-100 km, depending on you ride.
We have this in most bike here in India, not just in REs.
Just Google, Royal Enfield Classic Fuel Switch. 😁🍻
Thank you for you comments :)
Nice honest review. I fancy a Classic but was hoping RE may introduce a 500. Otherwise I may opt for a used Ducati 800 Scrambler. It's always good to have a bit more power.
There are suggestions that a Classic with the 650 twin engine is testing back in India. No whispers about a new 500 yet.
I'm 60yrs and riding 2007 Sportster. I've ridden many different motorcycles in my life and I'm really looking forward to buying a Royal Enfield. I'm going for the 650cc. Looks good, lightweight, and goes 100mph (better do that) I'm S/E Michigan and motorcycles have to be riden defensively and fast! Love this review and thank you for sharing. J.
Nice review thankyou, it's interesting to see how you feel about these bikes , I've owned both and currently own a meteor . I love long rides and couldn't live without the screen but i guess that's a personal preference, in the cold and heavy rain it's excellent 👍 also you may be interested to know that the meteor will easily pull a 16 tooth front sprocket ( standard 15 teeth) . I think they are all great for the money , I service mine myself making travel really cheap and reliable x
I too love to combine photography with riding. I recommend you also check out the Moto Guzzi V7.
Love the review of the motorcycles. The bantam photos are classic! I couldn't help but notice the land rovers! Defenders are my dream vehicle since they stopped importing them in 97 here in the US.
Hey Hal, yeah, these are just sitting there begging to be recommissioned :)
Looking forward to the Hunter 350 release and real-world reviews.
You can get the tripper feature on the classic that what that silver badge is for with emblem , can be fitted with the tripper feature
Noticed the same behaviour of the fuel gauge on my Vortex Cafe Racer (aka Sinnis Hoodlum) 125cc. The thing shows empty when I'm going uphill and then goes back when I'm on a leveled road. I think the sensor is in the front part of the tank, so when the fuel flows back it misreads the level.
Tops review - thanks
Lovely sensible review! Try the Interceptor before committing to the Classic.
I'm a 'mature' biker of later years on many bikes - mainly big litre'ish. I've recently downsized and rediscovered the spirit of biking I'd lost, and that has included becoming a Royal Enfield convert. They embody something quite special, lost by other modern bike (including Triumph!)
I recently traded a big Kawasaki for two RE's - a Scram and and Interceptor. Had I the money, I'd buy the Classic 350 as well, for reasons you've discovered. However, it comes third in my line up and the Interceptor does have a bit more to it - not a 'superbike' by normal definition, but as much as anyone needs or even wants to make use of on our increasingly congested roads. It's a perfect performer, with ability to cover the slightly faster routes without plodding as the Classic would.
I have to say the Scram has stolen my heart, but that would throw in a curved ball to your search :-)
If you are buying the Classic, opt for the low seat so you can flat foot better. The other option is getting a rear rack which replaces the pillion seat (might need to import from India for that).
Thanks for a thorough and interesting review. Got to say that the Meteor change pedal quality looks shocking! You did well to avoid masses of neutrals with that thing!
It looks and feels a bit flimsy that's true but it's perfectly functional. I quickly got used to it when I had a test ride recently. But then got a bit too relaxed and forgot that I needed to "heel up" into the next gear, pushed my toe forward instead and changed down 😂. No neutrals though (apart from the one that's supposed to be there) 😁
Love your photos of the bikes and like you l would go for the Classic a much lovelier looking bike
Passd my test on a Bantam 125 circa 1966. Never fell for the big bike myth. Did have a 650 for 22 years, but I think it actually fell into A2, not that that bothered me. Now a RE Meteor, great bike.
A great comparison video. Thank you for sharing. I've found myself leaning toward a Classic 350 addition to my garage that already has two modern Vespa scooters and a 2022 Himalayan. I've found the Royal Enfield bikes pretty sweet. And like you, my only hesitation at this point in buying a Classic 350 is wondering if I shouldn't really be looking at the Interceptor. Whatever I finally decide to get, it will be fun riding and making videos of the rides!
Right on Scooter, thanks for saying :)
I trust your judgment on the exhaust sound since I felt the same, good review
The throttle free play is common on brand new Royal enfields the dealership can adjust it so it's no throttle free play at all very easily in 5 minutes probably can adjust and tighten the clutch lever also
It is uncanny! I could have done this video and used exactly the same dialogue....word for word! Your choices and conclusions are a straight match for mine!
Excellent review in the real world of riding, I have a RE Interceptor and will be interested in your review of this Royal Enfield I also owned a unrestricted SV650 and I find the Interceptor feels more top heavy when moving the bike around also at 5ft 7in the standard seat on the Interceptor is high so I changed to the GT Continental Touring seat which has a lower profile at the front of the seat allowing you to get both feet down. My second bike is BMW G310R which a different style and has more speed than the RE Classics but if I like the new Hunter 350 it will be joining my Interceptor in the shed. Keep up your excellent reviews.
Hey Tony, thanks for sharing that detail, I'm sure people who go through the comments will really like to read it. And thanks for you nice comments too :)
Nice review.
False neutral happens a lot on digital bikes, as does sloshy fuel gauges. Fundamentally both these bikes are the same bar the styling so any build quality issues are from the factory. Does the meteor not also have a USB port,
Good comparison !! Big difference between the bikes is you sit “in”the meteor and “on” the classic
Cheers
USA
Very honest and informative. Why not compare the Supermeteor 650 against all Royal Enfield. ?
I own a classic and i am loving it...
I faced the same situation as you choosing between the Classic 350 and the 650 Interceptor. I chose the 650 and had it two months... I could not get the Classic 350 off my mind. So, I went back to dealership and bought the Classic 350. I go between the two bikes on a regular basis... but, I tend to ride the 350 70% of the time. Something about that bike... it just has to be experienced to understand.
The petrol gauge is responding to the fuel sloshing about under movement - if you come to a halt and wait for a few seconds, you will get an accurate reading.
Actually the yellow in my country (the best collor IMHO) came only as the basic, so instead of taking off you had to pay extra for the back seat rest and the windshield, which I really like 🤣
I like the classic a bit better, even though I like both.
I've put about 3200 miles on My Meteor in the three months that I have had it. So far I've had no Issues and am getting about 90 mpg. You didn't mention that the meteor also comes with a tool kit and has the USB port also.