Best for the Backroads? Triumph Bonneville T120 vs Royal Enfield Classic 350. You May Be Surprised!

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In my recent review of the Royal Enfield Classic 350, I surmised that it is probably The Best backroad bike in the World, and many people agreed with me, but was I wrong?
To find out; I rode the Royal Enfield Classic 350, and the Triumph Bonneville T120 1200cc Modern Classic motorcycles back to back on the same backroads, to find out. I also rode my BMW R 18 cruiser motorbike down the same route, and the conclusions are interesting!
Please NOTE: any comments saying that the Triumph is faster and therefore thats like comparing apples to oranges won't be answered; those people will have missed the point...BACKroads; not open sweeping fast roads or motorways.
Many people enjoy motorcycling for the visceral joy; the feeling of freedom and enjoyment of exploring and being in beautiful places. Riding as fast as possible doesn't come in to it in these situations.
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Комментарии : 270

@sjnorte Год назад

Have been a motorcycle rider since 1963 with many different motorcycles and just want to compliment your explanation of this video of riding. The differences are exactly what you say and true. Want to say "thank you" for your attention to detail in your expert explanation. Was quite refreshing.

@joshnnik Год назад

I heartily agree with you on this subject. One will often benefit from a lighter bike with a more upright riding position when navigating narrower and tighter roads.

@ianhughesroyalenfield Год назад

Good afternoon. I took my Classic 350 on a mini tour of The Lake District, covering 145 miles. I did Ashness Bridge, Honister Pass, Newlands Pass, then on to Ullswater via Troutbeck. The littlest motor purred and thumped it’s way up the passes without any problems, and was an absolute joy. It really will go almost anywhere. Busier roads aren’t a problem either, but the Classic 350 is perfect for lanes.

@pm8465 Год назад

Hope you're right Ol" man. 😁 I've just traded my Tiger 800 in for a RE Classic 350 in Halcyon Black . Decision made after your other video. Get it this week on my 70th birthday.( not far behind you 😂) Loved the Tiger but to tall for me now . Got to admit, as soon as I sat on it, it felt right, perfect seat, hands, pegs triangle. I can't wait for this old man to hit the lanes. 👍

@ScooterintheSticks Год назад

I've been waffling between the Classic 350 and the Triumph T100. Realistically, I will be riding backroads. Where things get complicated is when my dreams of riding far come in. But at my age now that's not likely. Your review and comments are excellent as always. And I'm now coming closer and closer to a second Royal Enfield in the garage to keep my Himalayan company.

@andrewjohnson6297 Год назад

Id go for the t100 there are some good priced second hand machines about usually well loved too it’s always better to have an option to have a bike that gives you a bit more scope for your riding I’ve a 500 bullet and a Harley Crossbones so it opens up options

@alexugurie Год назад

I fell in love with the looks and allure of the Hunter 350 and went for it. What I didn't realise until I owned it, is that the Hunter is a long stroke engine and - a blast from the past - I am now hooked on it's old school torque characteristics. In first gear you can go walking speed at tick-over and even pull away without any need to use the clutch at all. Even in 2nd and 3rd, it will travel at tick-over on a level road without even spluttering (but pulling away does require pulling the clutch to raise revs first). In this, I gladly accept RE's compromise of lower HP for their 350s (I did take the time to consider a hot cam for the Hunter for an extra 5 horse, but going forward I don't think I really feel the need).

@shubhamgorade4242 Год назад

The Classic 350's and Classic 500's are built so strong and so reliable that people take these bikes on off-road to high altitudes like Himalayas, Spittin vally, leh Ladakh and tallest mountains in india where you barely see any roads for 100's of miles. You should check it out on RU-vid. 😊

@mikefule330 Год назад

I ride a Guzzi V7, just a shade under 50 bhp. Over the last few days, I've done several hours in the saddle ranging from the A1 dual carriageway, fast A roads, through to narrow fen roads that were so badly subsided, broken and rutted that I had to stand on the pegs for substantial distances. I was only overtaken on the major roads by sports bikes. At no stage did my throttle hit the stop. That is proof that 50 bhp is more than I really need. I used to do longer days on a 250cc 2 stroke single which gave me some of my happiest biking memories. I have ridden far bigger and much faster bikes, but the feeling of only being able to use the bottom third of what's available was frustrating. It's far more fun to ride a small bike at 80% than a big bike at 30%. Also, when you look at the cost of back tyres... a bike capable of 130 mph needs a tyre designed to be capable of 130 mph. That is an expensive tyre, and it can be squared off and ruined in one long day on the motorway. Small bikes are cheaper to maintain, easier to ride, and tend to get used more.

@ralfybaby Год назад

And cheaper to insure and less likely to get stolen

@mikefule330 Год назад

@@ralfybaby Indeed, and if one is stolen, you can run after them. :D

@kgc1963 Год назад

Picked up my 350 hntr yesterday, been out with some mates today mainly on back roads = bloody great fun.

@robgerety 10 месяцев назад

Thanks for this. I'm considering getting a bike after 50 years. I'm 72 and just retired. I have zero interest in speed. I want a nice classic bike for the back roads and dirt roads in the rural area where I live. I was going to go Triumph Scrambler 900. Now I am thinking that this 350 is probably the better choice for me at this stage of my life. Thanks. Great videos.

@MrDarcy-OlMan 10 месяцев назад

💯 Classic 350 is the best backroad bike without doubt.

@xtc2v Год назад

The time is right for steady bikes even in towns as councils over the UK are plotting on sticking 20 mph limits up everywhere in their crusade against ownership of private transport. Open face helmet and a small screen brings the countryside closer by avoiding that "remote" feeling of being enclosed in a full face

@Lee-70ish Год назад

Good evening. Spot on analogy OM Just returned from a Suffolk ride to bring my 350 up to 300 miles and just done its first oil and filter change . Tappets tomorrow. Obviously as an owner people will say I biased Perhaps so. But as I returned home I ended up on the tail of a ride out . Mixed bunch of bikes from an Africa twin to a big Kawasaki Ninja in the lead with rear tyre Kim Kardashian would be proud of. All super machines. The road is a mix of 30 40 60 speeds. Boredom seemed to prevail on this windy back road but not for me . The Africa who was tail end Charlie kept blipping the throttle as he had an after market look at me please can. He kept looking at me in his mirror at every blip I was not that impressed A couple in the middle did the ubiquitous weave as if they were on a warm lap and in the end the road captain got so fed up with a car in front of him doing the speed limit he blasted past on the wrong side of a keep left sign and left his mates in the dust. It was a great ride for me. The old Honda ad "you meet the nicest people on a Honda" Can be countered by " Enfields give you time to watch the show". Relaxed back road fun with entertainment thrown in. I Love it. The adrenaline bikes are great in the right place this road was not it . But for the little 350 classic ......Perfect

@skillfuldabest Год назад

Seeing a new video from the Ol' Man always puts me into a good mood =) Cheers!

@davidcoleman4941 Год назад

Wise words, my mantra is " Ride to the road conditions and always be aware of your surroundings ". To many people just want to speed, I use to work for a funeral company, the graveyards are full of the unwise and unwary.

@TheNorthernClassicRider 5 месяцев назад

Fantastic real world review "the walking boot of motorcycling" as a keen walker & motorcyclist I'm sold! 👏👏👏

@Ukuleleal Год назад

Bang on the money! Similar roads where I live on the edge of the Brecon Beacons. Swapped my Ducati Scrambler for a Himalayan. Ducati was a great bike, but the Himmy is more like a comfortable pair of slippers. 😎

@PeterOekvist Год назад

With your reasoning you should try a three wheeled scooter, like a Tricity 300, as a backroad motorcycle. No, really! With It's two front wheels it's super stable in the corners going over gravel, potholes, sheep and cyclists. It got storage, no gears to mess with, very quiet and comfortable like a sofa. Just look straight ahead and not at it and imagine it looks like an Enfield!😂

@PhilipBallGarry Год назад

We actually rented a Tricity 125 last year in Halkidiki and it was great for exploring sandy tracks (of which there are a lot). The twin front wheels really help on the loose stuff. It was actually a much better mode of transport than the previous years 150cc quad

@aaazz92 Год назад

Great video! Keep up the great work 🏍️

@ReRiderChi Год назад

agree, Ive been on a variety of off road places on my 350 recently and it performs admirably; i may change out tires from stock i'm thinking 🤔

@alexugurie Год назад

I put Metzeler Karoo Streets on my Hunter 350 (they come even in small sizes): excellent road holding, and with a chunky tread pattern offering slight off-road capabilities, the often broken and gravelly back roads of West Cork now seem less intimidating.

@ReRiderChi Год назад

@@alexugurie I'll check out thanks

@jamesharvey44 Год назад

Shenko 705s work great on the Classic as well, gives a mild off-road grip that still handles wet pavement without problems.

@silkycherry Год назад

I said this before and I'll say it again. This Channel is the best Motorcycles reviewer on YT. I will be getting the RE Classic as a second bike soon (Hopefully before winter.) 👍

@frankysworld Год назад

Well put and explained. I own a Royal Enfield Classic 500 and an Interceptor 650. The interceptor had upgraded suspension and a FuelX mod to help it run smoother at lower RPMs - its brakes are way better then the Classic 500 and it is a great bike with twice the power as the classic 500. - but on my favourite route (the old military road in the Wicklow mountains) which is exactly the sort of road you describe - the Classic 500 (with maybe a few ponies more, but then JUST a few, then the Classic 350) goes through it with ease while I would have to work much harder on the Interceptor - maybe, on a good day I might shave a few minutes off the time I can do it with the Classic 500 - at the expense of comfort and longevity in the saddle - the Classic 500 would be my choice. If you are talking taking longer trips with lots of motorway - the interceptor is the better choice.

@azurecoast45 10 месяцев назад

I think “easy” is an underrated quality in the motorcycling world. Maybe it’s because we take pride in riding, which takes skill, concentration, and effort. There’s this feeling that if something is easy, it is perhaps not as good as some alternative that would offer a greater experience provided you have what it takes to master it. But to me, ease in riding is tied with the freedom for which I ride. As you say, horses for courses, and more isn’t always better, as this 350 has shown.

@JoJo-hc4dj Год назад

Great video and love the doggie 🐶 in the background 😊

@ericweber1969 Год назад

I wish we had more roads like this in the US. Unfortunately, road engineers in this country think we should only have interstate-scale roads, cut and blasted through the most interesting landscape. It utterly destroys the experience, sadly. Great video by the way, keep up the great work!

@TheMissendenFlyer Год назад

Enjoyed that as ever - and couldn't agree with you more!

@raulantonioperezortiz1118 Год назад

Buen video Ol man., Gracias por poner subtítulos,. Tengo estas dos motos y estoy de acuerdo contigo. Saludos desde México ✌️

@patrickohara9550 Год назад

If I just wanted a bike for the backroads, I would hold out for one of the new Triumph 400s. I am looking forward to a review of those.

@critterIMHO Год назад

Maybe, but I don’t think those are going to be good low rpm engines. The 450 Himalayan is the one I’m looking forward to.

@RiderOftheNorth1968 Год назад

Those engines is revvy little things. Not what he is looking for.

@hartley383 Год назад

So right about these lower powered bikes. I’ve a Himalayan making a whopping 23 bhp and on small backroads it’s by far more enjoyable than my 1250gs or XJR1300. If I’m honest I find it the most fun to ride most of the time. It’ll do the legal speed limit and on nationals it’s very happy. But a couple of hours between 30 and 45 on the lanes and I always get home with a smile on my face.

@pistolpete6321 Год назад

You makes some great points! Both are beautiful motorcycles!

@ReRiderChi Год назад

Good review; concur on the RE as I've just passed 1200 miles on mine.

@bikerbeliever8169 Год назад

Now those are some amazing backroads and pretty country there. Relaxing just watching the footage of the scenery. I throughly enjoyed my test ride of the Royal Enfield Classic. It felt really good, obviously not fast but just weighted really good under you and easy to tip in and still felt really stable too at speed.

@666louis Год назад

For the same reasons you mentioned for the little classic, I got a used Kawasaki W800. Same classic looks, beautiful engine, full mudguards. Pulls nicely from 1500RMPs onwards, doesn't encourage wringing it out. I can just enjoy the scenery and burble along. I recon though, for a man of your size, the riding position might be a bit cramped. I am 1.82cm and I feel you mustn't be much taller than that.

@valherurides2109 11 месяцев назад

Having a Meteor myself, there's absolutely nothing better than brarping down a backroads (or main roads as we call them in Norfolk) on the way home.

@kwakithailand Год назад

You are living in a stunning landscape, incredible scenery, indeed 👍 Your (invaluable, at least IMHO) POV might be not very popular with some folks... But, as they say: different walks for different folks 😁 Great job, Ol'Man 👍

@itsbhooms Месяц назад

Your backroad is like every other road in India 😂

@TheLoopTraveller Год назад

Nicely explained !! And yeah abandoned places are always very attractive :)

@richardgitz2264 Год назад

Nice presentation, thank you.

@borderlands6606 Год назад

The majority of UK motorcyclists also own cars, which obviates the need for 2-wheel long distance motorway transport. Suburban roads defined biking aspiration from the rocker's café twins to hot 2-strokes like the LC350, but speed cameras have killed bypass racers. Country A-roads are clogged with cars and vans, with sports bikes spending more time on their brakes than throttle. For many people it's about what works on the lanes where low down torque, linear power bands and fewest gear changes offer the most fun.

@user-ww8cd1ue7x 9 месяцев назад

Excellent video! Interesting comparison, this is actually one of the reasons I bought a T100, because it sits in the middle of these two as far as I can tell. Fast enough on highways (which i don’t like riding) and very relaxing on backroads. Absolutely love it! Greatings from the Netherlands, Gert

@MrDarcy-OlMan 9 месяцев назад

Thanks 😊 You will be very interested in our latest T100 review which will be coming on Sunday morning 👍🏼

@DuffersMcDuff 11 месяцев назад

"Horses for courses" - wise words. I find both on Motorbikes and Mountain Bikes...it depends where and what you like to ride. Also if you have only one bike...it will probably have to be a compromise to cover all the riding you like to do. I have gone down the middle on both. I have a 650 V-strom, which is happy low revving round the back roads of Somerset but equally happy long distance touring. My mountain bike is a long travel trail bike that can do the local hills and is equally happy decending off an Alp! - I really like the RE range and I think they are going from strength to strength at the moment. As an older rider who is more interested in seeing horses than horsepower...your observations are spot on.

@critterIMHO Год назад

I’ve been preaching “horses for courses“ for years. And I find that I can ride much longer at a slower pace than what I can at a fast pace, so at the end of the day I’ve gone just as far on the slower bike, and enjoyed the ride much more.

@jimbandit1250sa Год назад

Absolutely spot on buddy I have the T120 but I’m looking at these Royal Enfields and also I may try the new Triumph 400cc also cracking on the ball review and you make a lot of sense. Cheers 👌🏍😊

@flatcapcaferacer Год назад

If the bike used soley a back roads your choice is understandable. I'm not sure that many actually limit themselves to back roads or have a second bike to fill in the gap. Your explanation and reasoning was clear.

@speedtriplerider7853 Год назад

Enjoyed that Ol Man. Barry Sheene, my hero bar none.

@Coastriderscotland Год назад

Good film on how good the 350 is and as a 350 Classic owner I could not agree more, U.K. riders are obsessed with CC sizes and when I rode the NC500 on my Classic 350 i constantly was asked two questions by riders of larger bikes; what’s it like on a small bike like that? And: I tried to catch you on those windy roads but no chance, says all that’s needed to say about the Classic 350 on country roads, half the questions were by clueless folks new to motorcycles and passing their test went to big bikes…the other half by surprised and interested folks who were really interested in how good these bikes are ?, I said go look at my channel-8000 miles on a Classic 350 and 100% fun times! 😁👍 Cheers Bruce

@lukeoverthere1364 11 месяцев назад

Good argument for having several different bikes. I’ll use that one with the missus lol

@garyseaton4619 Год назад

Your comparisons are on point. I wish I had the roads you do to cruise on. Yes, I do know who Barry Sheene was... I'm now 61 and have been riding since I was 15... Ride on...

@ML-cl6ob Год назад

Perfect comparison! I love my Classic 350 for exact that riding on small back roads - with a big smile in the face 😊 And for going on big journey i take my BMW F800GT

@RedbaronES Год назад

Makes sense. Good explanation!

@85waspnest Год назад

I know exactly what you mean and couldn't agree more. I have and love my Honda CB1100RS. However, as 90% of the roads I enjoy are 'back roads' similar to yours, I often think a lightweight single cylinder plodder of a scrambler type of bike would be more suitable for the potholes, gravel and times when we need to get off the road onto the grass or gravel verge. I'm interested to see the upcoming Scram if they intend fitting the more powerful 450cc water cooled engine planned for the Himalayan. Another that tickles my fancy is the Fantic Caballero 500. These would be second bikes, the CB1100RS is a keeper.

@MidnightExpressMC Год назад

Well, this might be a good one for you, because when you said Barry Sheene, I really had no idea who you were talking about since I haven’t followed Moto GP for eons. The names that come to my mind from back in the day would be Mike Hailwood and Giacomo Agostini 😝 …tells you how old I am 😵‍💫 Anyway, I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed this one as I do your other videos, which, by the way, I actually would call short films instead of videos or “content” because those give them a connotation of less value somehow. My wife and I are known to put them up on our big TV in the family room and watch you as well as the incredible Welsh countryside from the comfort of our huge couch 🙂 The odd thing, is that basically every word out of your mouth is always something that I would say myself, exactly, down to the last comma and period. It’s almost bizarre. Thank you! From Southern California ~ Ride Forever! 🦅

@williamlylecameron9345 Год назад

Another excellent video Ol' Man, thank you. You are spot on with your views on both bikes. With the RE Classic 350 being the right bike for the right conditions it will open motorcycling up to the many not just the few. The other thing I like about the RE 350 is it comes in 3 flavours which gives more people more options to enjoy the back roads in a style of motorcycle they like.

@bebopredux Год назад

Right tool for the job. That's how I see it. The RE is, at least for me I feel, going to provide a more enjoyable experience on roads you are traversing there. I'm 68 and some of my best memories on 2 wheels involved small displacement bikes. Fun is fun is fun. I ride a Stage II HD Sport Glide. It rips. I'm also desiring a small bike like the new Honda 150! These RE's though are really nice bikes. Not just in appearance. I would absolutely be thrilled to have one of these to compliment my current bike. It goes without saying that the Triumph still makes my heart swell. They've always been my favorite looking bikes (along with a Commando, Bonneville's). It's about leisurely riding and taking it all in. Moped or Hayabusa, it's all good.

@bobman7881 Год назад

I agree 100% with your analysis The W800 has that low end off idle torque as well you might try one

@Von-by8xz Год назад

I agree with that . I wouldn't take a semi to the corner 7-11 convenience store for a snack , but I would for all day at work.

@wingandhog 11 месяцев назад

Very nice comparison of two stunning motorcycles. I find myself gravitating to a local dealership where they sell Royal Enfield’s, Triumph’, Moto Guzzi’s etc…. Very tempted to pick up the T-120

@hatchetjack1031 Год назад

Ive got a choice of riding the back roads on my Bullet 500.. Or nursing my 600 lb. 100Hp. Harley around in 3rd or 4th gear. Used to ride a Yoshimura GSXR but i dont look good in plaster.

@lostnfun Год назад

Here in China. Own one T120 Black, love the Royal Enfiield Classic 350 too but find nowhere to buy one in China. Thanks mate for the video, nice one!

@jessecollins5072 Год назад

Along your logic in this comparison, the Janus Halcyon 450 is something I think you should review. Check it out. Thanks for another excellent video, sir!

@Lee-70ish Год назад

You're not wrong. In my now as a new Royal Enfield 350 classic owner quite bias opinion. Motorways and fast roads the Enfield is not suited although you can if inside lane 60mph truck speed is ok with you. My kawasaki vee twin vulcan cruiser would eat the motorway but around town or b roads it was a lump, no two ways. An adventure bike will go around a MX track but a MX bike will be way more suited . Each bike has its merits. The one thing that for me modern machines in general all are lacking is character and soul. That was my number one reason for buying the Enfield.

@korrakrit100 7 месяцев назад

I just got Classic350 last week, It very comfortable and make me happy so much. Classic350 is enough for me

@alejandrodelasala6528 Год назад

Very good analysis, I would like you to compare it with the other 350 of the brand, that is to say, with the hunter mainly, for city riding and secondary routes with a passenger, thank you very much, greetings from Argentina,

@Big_DT Год назад

Hey Ol' man! Spot on, different bikes for different purposes. That being said, here in the States, I find my T120 to be well suited for our back roads. Our back roads are undulating with blind corners as well; however, riding at 20 mph would get you run over from behind in many cases. For cruising along at 40-60mph, I love my Bonnie.

@Aaron_Ada Год назад

Ya. Even well into the sticks there are very few 25MPH roads in the US. Almost all the paved country (county) roads are 45-55MPH. 25 or less would be dirt roads.

@freemenofengland2880 Год назад

Love the Psychomania jacket towards the end... 👍

@user-hf8ie8mf3n Год назад

Good stuff, again. 👍🤪🇨🇦

@andrewjohnson6297 Год назад

I’ve got a bullet 500 trials a month or so ago and after a short honeymoon period I’ve come to the conclusion it has no place on modern roads it’s slow and stressful at 50mph it’s getting well out of its comfort zone , I can commute in 35 minutes to work on my crossbones on back roads at a chilled rate of knots but the Enfield is an hour , having said that the Enfield would have been a treat in 1957

@rockyescape8989 Год назад

t120 owner here, what you say is definitely true. i just got off a 400km touring with a mix of back roads and highway. and while the t120 can do all of it stunningly well, the 350 can do better on back roads specifically. less is more.

@hatchetjack1031 Год назад

Thinking of trying to find an identical 350 classic, Like yours, same beautiful bronze color and all. Here in the states, there are only 2 Enfield dealers in the whole state and they treat them like Gold.

@GapBahnDirk Год назад

Exactly. I couldn't agree more👍👍. I find the Interceptor 650 to be the ideal compromise for my type of riding.

@jesussilvaalvarez3243 Год назад

Saludos super video ❤

@Will-uu8ed Год назад

One thing to consider, is that you shouldn't use all your budget on the bike. I did that recently with a second hand Dyna Super glide. I absolutely love the bike, but now I'm struggling to afford any accessories for it (screen, panniers, handlebars). And also don't have the money to take it on a big long trip around Europe. I'll be able to do all this in time, but something to think about if you were choosing between a RE and Triumph!

@bobbyblueace Год назад

Non of these are light bikes, even the 350 is rather portly. A back road bike should be light and have enough suspension travel to soak up the inevitable potholes. Wider bars with some leverage and steering geometry that doesn't have the turning circle of the Torrey Canyon. My choice of back road bike is the KTM 690 SMC R (or its Husqvarna or GasGas cousins). It won't fit in at Distinguished Gentleman's ride and the Solvol Autosol will be gathering cobwebs on the shelf but for riding back roads......the best. I have no regrets. Try one.

@johnjones4621 Год назад

Lovely analogy 😊

@deadandburied7626 Год назад

Torque is the most important thing riding or driving backroads, and a bike you can pick up off the ground. Trail bikes are best there.

@christiand.7930 Год назад

Love the styling and concept of the Classic 350. Being 6‘5“ my knees are well above the gas tank though and actually interfere with the controls of the bike a whole lot before full lock 😢

@grantkokich6906 Год назад

Yes you are right about the bike for the job. You also made a good point about the Harleys. A lot of torque low down , so they can cruise slowly on side roads and still go relatively fast if needed. My 2005 Harley Dyna being good for that for one example and in addition not big and bulky.

@jmlupoludowicy1239 Год назад

According to Yngwie J. Malmsteen: How can less be more? More is more! But I get it, I’m riding a Classic 500 myself. Nice video again! Cheers, Lupo

@RiderOftheNorth1968 Год назад

NEVER use Yngwie as a source of wisdom!!!! The man is a donkey.

@jmlupoludowicy1239 Год назад

@@RiderOftheNorth1968 You might have point here! 😂

@solarisnatuson7928 Год назад

It reminds me of life. Take it easy, travel the journey of life at lower speed you will go through difficult times much easier

@the_anxiousphotographer Год назад

I agree, I have a T120 and it definitely doesn't like going very slow, 1st gear still likes to run even at low RPM's. I had thought about getting the new Scrambler 400 for some slower speed back roads.

@m1907_ Год назад

love the T120!

@carltontweedle5724 Год назад

Love the term comfy boot perfect.

@kirbylechien 11 месяцев назад

I could test the T120 last year, in the city (Brussels). She can't do the job... 1st gear is so long that you can't pass the 2nd before 30km/h, which is the (let's say official...) speed limit of 85% of the streets of that city! My old f650gs is a bit brutal but is fine for that environment. And the Moto Guzzi V7 is even better, her V2 is so smooth, musical and torky in the low revs. My favorite. I didn't test the RE 3500 yet. But I could ride the Himalayan and the Scram which could be also good in the city.

@jasonjason7277 Год назад

have a look at the new Honda CL500 Ol' Man. it looks like it may be a great back road scratcher with enough puff for national speed limit roads too. i love the Classic 350 but i spend a lot of time on national roads and i feel the bike is just too under powered for that.

@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555 Год назад

I think that's a great bike but can't see it stealing 1 sale from RE because there is zero charm in that Honda. Using that same platform with added chrome & retroism than it'd be different so l hope they have another model lined up.

@jasonjason7277 Год назад

@@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555 i agree the Enfield is a far more attractive and characterful bike, theres no comparison looks wise. its just too slow for nsl roads i feel. i think the Honda with its riding position, 47hp and 190kg wet weight looks made for country lane fun but still has enough puff for motorway riding. it certainly isnt a looker though.

@deano1873 Год назад

There's a big difference between roads from country to country. I toured in Indonesia on a 1975 honda cb 100cc and loved it. Back to Australia and tried touring on a cb 250cc.... worst trip of my life...

@healinglight333 Год назад

Exactly!

@arulkumaran4959 Год назад

With a lot of back road riding experience with a street twin I can absolutely agree with your point. Street twin is slightly lighter and less powerful than a T120 but it is definitely hard to handle at low speeds. It's mainly because of the weight and lower ride height its takes a lot more effort to maneuver. Also the demanding throttle control at low speeds just tire you out and makes the experience just daunting after a an hour or so.

@ravenbird111 Год назад

Wouldnt the T100 be a bit better for the backroads over the T120? They Are both fine bikes

@MrDarcy-OlMan Год назад

Yes certainly 👍🏼

@PhilipBallGarry Год назад

@@MrDarcy-OlMan the single throttle body on the T100 makes it much happier pootling along at sub 200 rpm 👍

@williamwintemberg Год назад

The correct wrench, screwdriver, hammer and so on for each job. Same goes for motorcycles. I get it 100%.

@MrJpb2000 Год назад

What about the inbetweener that is the Interceptor?

@johnnybgood7812 Год назад

I loved my Classic 350 and now my Hunter 350 even more so as it’s a little bit nimbler and manageable for my old bones.

@stevieneilson2451 Год назад

I am like you, being fortunate to own and ride a lot of bikes. I agree with you regarding the RE as i have owned two classic 350's and thet are outstanding at the back road's. If it had a tad more power 25 bhp would be a unicorn bike

@GeeBeeMike Год назад

What we need is the Classic 650! Won”t be much more of a wait, spyshots are already doing the rounds. But I still love my classic 500 scrambler.

@goldilocks913 Год назад

Popped into my local big franchise bike dealer yesterday as I’d been musing about swopping the old softail. Apart from the xsr900 Yamahas which looked nice and were a reasonable £10k, l couldn’t find anything that would fit my aging body and requirements. Either too fast or too bulky or too expensive! I’d never seen the R18 in the flesh and those pots are HUGE! 😂

@SkysaxonDragonslayer Год назад

Completely right! As I couldn’t afford a stable of different bikes I had to make a compromise and chose my 2004 HD Sportster 1200 Custom as a doing it all bike… Sold my car recently and added a little Honda PCX 125 scooter as a commuter for my 15min ride to work and now find myself exploring the smaller roads more and more with this little gem. In my eyes the Enfield has one big flaw and that is it’s weight! These 190kg are to heavy for a backroad bike - the Mutt 250 gets closer to the ideal with only 130kg, but the old 250cc Suzuki isn’t that torquie… The Hunter is great, but the handling is to nervous and it still has 180kg…

@Coastriderscotland Год назад

The Classic 350 has no weight issues on back roads! Have you rode one on them? 🧐 Don’t bother with all your spec sheets nonsense which folk are obsessed about and go ride one and you will find their ace! 😁👍

@parminderbhangoo990 Год назад

Thank you

@letni9506 Год назад

I go to Matlock in Derbyshire some weekends and it's about an 18 mile journey. I think if I set off on my old 250 or my current 600 I'd probably get there in about the same time. We enjoy power and fast acceleration but most of the time we don't really need to use it.

@rumbeard8688 Год назад

I would be interested in revisiting this topic once the Triumph 400s hit the roads. That may be next year, but it would be interesting to see if your opinions change.

@clembrouard9400 Год назад

Watcher ,,,, love the vid….

@Argo-F-Ur-Sef Год назад

I’d like to see you do the same topic with the RE 350 and the RE Interceptor 650. It seems like the perfect middle ground. It’s not much more than the 350 and 1/2 the cost of the T120. It has that little extra power over the 350 to have that extra fun or power when needed. And is expressway capable.

@UncleLongbeard Год назад

I absolutely agree with you.

@szezi66 Год назад

I would like to know why you are not interested in the W800? In my opinion, the most classic English motorcycle, tuned with the knowledge of Kawasaki!

@MrDarcy-OlMan Год назад

Unfortunately Kawasaki no longer sell this bike in the UK, otherwise it would be of great interest. And Kawasaki’s marketing and pr are still in the printed press era

@tweedelidee Год назад

I owned the W650 from 1998 to 2010. Nice machine, but the Royal Enfield is much easier to handle on narrow roads.

@markwhitaker3673 9 месяцев назад

Lovely review and perspective-thanks so much for the quality and content of your videos. I am 65 and haven't ridden for 40 years when I had an RD350-which I loved. Am thinking about coming back to riding, mainly twisty back roads and occasional divided highways but no commuting and want to give the REs a look, prob not the 350 but maybe a 500 or 650 Int. Do you think your views would have been any different with a T100 instead of the T120? I really like the T100......

@MrDarcy-OlMan 9 месяцев назад

It would be a closer match, but the T100 gives you the advantage of more power for the open roads. We have a T100 coming next week for more evaluation 👍🏼

@markwhitaker3673 9 месяцев назад

Great news-looking forward to your review of the T100-I think it would fit my needs quite well and looks great with nice finish and details. Thanks again for your reviews!@@MrDarcy-OlMan