Is it any good? 6000 miles in 5 months on the Royal Enfield Classic 350 

I have owned my Halcyon Green Classic 350 since April this year and after 52 years riding will simply say the best bike I have owned from 175s to 1200s of various makes from twins to 4 cylinders but this is my first ever single cylinder bike. Unless you must travel at over 70 mph this bike does it all and has never dropped below 100 per gallon here in the UK. Amazing value for money and very solidly built, but at the same time relaxing to ride and just puts a grin on your face, speed limits are not an issue on this bike, each ride is a joy no matter where you are going. 😊

I got my Classic 350 in Halcyon Grey just under a week ago. She's bloody lovely. As a shortie (5ft 2in) I'm on tiptoes, but still feel quite safe and grounded. The sound is sublime, and the heads really do turn 😊😊😊

I'm a 40 year old bike noob. I have a mortgage, two kids, a wife (and a puppy). When I hit the MANOPAUSE, I decided I wanted some escapism and decided to do a "taster" session at my local bike centre. In short, I absolutely loved it. After much research, and a trip to the Birmingham Bike Live show, I decided to invest in a 2023 Yamaha XSR 125 Legacy. Being 40, I have lived a bit and have weakness in my left leg following a car accident (muscle wastage and drop foot means it looks more like a kids arm than a middle aged blokes leg!). This meant weight was massively important to me. The retro 70's / 80's inspired looks on the Legacy, class leading engine, and the upright seated position all appealed to me. Not to mention the Yamaha man dealer network and reliability. Sure, its expensive for a 125 - I get that, but as a way into (hopefully) a new escape / hobby / lifestyle choice, it ticked all the right boxes for my ability. Over the next two years, I will go for my test and decide where the bike gods (and that pathetic leg) allow me to go next. I love the Royal Enfield 350 classic - but like I said, we will see on the weight situation. Excellent content as always, ride safe mate. Happy Christmas, and healthy New Year to all guys

Own Halcyon Green variant here in India ... The bike is awesome... Can hold 80-90 kmph all day long while also returning 35+ kmpl ... Classic 350 was or is not about going fast... It was and is about the feel of motorcying which is unparalleled... The confidence that it exudes while riding is simply the best in its segment... The more one rides it , the more he/she is going to appreciate the simple yet high quality and robust nature and feel of it... It is a beauty...

Congratulations, simply spectacular your video. I'm Brazilian, and here Royal Enfield is only 5 years in the country. However it is already the second most sold brand in number of units. The Classic 350 model is selling a lot, we are already seeing many on the streets and highways. Excellent bike. Subscribed to you channel.

I bought mine around the same time and gave covered just under 3000 miles. As you say, the power is adequate and the bike is just an absolute hoot! Very enjoyable and I love it!

What a brilliant review. I have fallen in love with this bike. I have an Interceptor 650 and rather than going for more power and speed for my second bike it will definitely be a Classic 350 which has character and charm that much faster bikes can only dream of. The only problem is deciding which colour to choose as they are all absolutely gorgeous. I think that as I already have an Interceptor with metal casings that require regular polishing to keep them looking great I’m tempted to go for Stealth Black. I think it will be a great stablemate for my Interceptor. I’ve subscribed to your channel which is great👍

This was a sensational review. The switchgear portion and evaluation feedback were just great. I am looking at a bronze/ chrome model and your review has pushed me over the edge to buy it. Thank you sir. This is the true essence of motorcycling.

Im new to riding, got the classic 350 gun metal grey last September, this is my first motorcycle, and I really love going out on it. I have only a learner permit and waiting to do the test. Im 51 and wish i had started sooner but really having a great time. Great to hear from an experienced rider, thanks for the review.

Nice to see a bike being used. I have a Meteor 350 still running in. I've returned to biking after many years and love the Meteor. Bought second hand with 730 miles.

Nice review. I'm in Thailand, saw the Classic 350 at the BKK motor show - best lookin' bike in the whole show. Glad to hear it's as good as it looks!

I have the 350 Classic Halcyon Black in Chiang Mai, Thailand. She's called black Betty 😉I have been riding bikes since '74 and I can honestly say that Betty is one of the best I have ever had. She brings a big smile to my face every time we go out and she has taught me that the riding pleasure is far more important than the speed or destination. I guess I have finally matured as a rider. Pushing on 9,000 kms now and loving it. Betty's definitely a keeper. Some awesome roads here and all year round riding 🙂

You've really chosen a lovely one there - nice colour scheme. Your observations about the chain are the same as mine - clean and lubricate and it'll last indefinitely. Like you I think the tyres are very predictable - not had any problems. Royal Enfield have kept these bikes straightforward and uncomplicated. That's why they appeal so much. Great assessment., Dave.

Great review, always prefer watching reviews from owners rather than someone who has the bike for a few hours , I'm a big fan of smaller bikes, am at the age where I have no desire for a silly fast bike anymore, currently have a CB500X which is excellent and a 125cc Suzuki Address which is great for my 9 mile commute, watched your review as I will probably replace the 125 when it's two years old with the Hunter 350, the classic looks nice though. Thanks for putting the review together

Good to know it’s still running great with 6000 miles , mine has about 900 miles so far (halcyon gray) . I love it so far .❤ I’m in Butte MT. Can’t ride for a while , it’s Dec 17 today .

Just the right size, weight and power. Beautiful bike, and a great review. Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts.

Thanks for the video . I get 92 mpg from my 350 meteor so very happy . Tyres are fine , too . Also I cruise around everywhere at 60mph on a 16 tooth sprocket, lovely and relaxed

Excellent Video! I really enjoyed the Camera Work and Commentary. My 1st Bike was a French Made 50cc Mobylette in 1968. In 1970 I bought a ROYAL ENFIELD 350 Bullet, Both these bikes were " Fixer Uppers " . The Royal Enfield was made in the mid 50's in England. When you are " Financially Disadvantaged" like I was , being still in High School at the time, you learn how REPAIR and MAKE THINGS WORK again without spending a lot of money. That Royal Enfield taught me a lot about the mechanics of a Motorcycle. I managed to get it road worthy for short trips in the area I lived in. I always thought I Iwould have liked to have had one in Really Good Reliable Condition. I am myself Very partial too and love the old Classic Single Cylinder THUMPERS from back in the day! The Royal Enfield Bullet my Classic Favorite.!! Your Video took me back to another time indeed!!

Fantastic review, thanks for sharing. Very tempted & hoping to get a test ride asap.

I agree totally with you on the riding aids taking the skills out of the rider you don't need all that. If you do need all of that maybe a car would be a better for you.

Great review, coming from experience and debunking a lot of the hear say, Brilliant

We need more drivers like you! Go Ahead,Ahead.........!

The basket is really nice! 😁

I wish more motorcycle reviews were done in this style - no gloss, sales patter or misplaced enthusiasm - the Ronseal of bike channels and that's a compliment to you- your right that most of the reviews aren't in any way thorough- nor could they be with such short tests - and likely incentives by dealers! I'm definitely considering going down the RE route for my next ride - problem is that (aside from the meteor) I really like their entire lineup. *re edited as thinking one thing while typing something entirely different but the analogy still stands 👍

I love the look of this bike. Like something that run away from the 1940s. Leaning towards an Interceptor or Continental myself for the extra power for the motorway. If there were a Classic with the 650 twin it would make the choice even harder ....

Just found this vid.Nice to hear Yorkshire accent.I live in NZ but I am from Sheffield .I am looking at the Classic 350 as a possible bike to down size to and found the info given very useful,cheers .

Hi Dave, great review, and would fully concur with your summary, I have the identical bike, but only covered 2K miles. never had a false neutral, I'm pleased to say, did have the speedometer replaced, after it suffered with the well documented "sticking" My local dealer , Manhatten, in Sheffield sorted that very quickly, no problem! Bike's safely tucked up for the winter now, ( while I get a hip replacement!) Ride safe!

Great review I love my classic chrome red

I am still deciding for this bike, doing some windows shopping etc. 15:03 . "Never fails to bring a grin to my face" thats really good feedback there! Thanks to that comment I an getting one step closer to buying it.... thanks gor sharing and gettings from Costa Rica!!!!

Hi David, all ways look forward to your videos, just traded in my Himalayan for a classic 350 same colour, picking it up in a few days, wish I had those lovely roads on my doorstep 😚 I live in London, have to travel a bit to find anything decent 😢

Lovely report, thank you! The thing I perhaps like the most with bikes like this - not to big, relaxed and simple with a classic design - is that they tend to blend in on the scenic backroads I love to ride. Modern nakeds seem to mimic alien insects more often than not, and as a result stand out like pimples in nature, contrary to the organic shape of the classic motorcycles, regardless of when they were made.

Such a beautiful bike. I own the Meteor 350. I absolutely love it.

The noise seems better than the meteor. Authentic retro in every aspect.

Cracking review Dave. I'm looking at one of these for my first grown up bike. At 53 and being pretty steady by nature, this seems to tick all the boxes. ...plus i sat on onevat my local dealership and was sold 😄👍

I aim to get this beautiful classic bike in the near future... As I just bought a (Zontes G1 125 Scrambler) which I'm very happy with. I have had the larger 1000cc bikes in the past. But I actually wanted something smaller to travel with, and to enjoy the scenery at a slower pace. With great gas mileage. That's why the G1 Scrambler is a rather nice bike. I do find that a need just a tad more power. I love the classic look of this Royal Enfield, it's right down my alley, and the engine sound is just perfect! Definitely in my sights!! Thx so much for sharing your personal experience. Just to cruise on the "Royal Enfield Classic 350" would be extremely exciting !! Safe riding sir 👍

Sorry for the late reply mate but its just become relivent for me. Just bought the red and chrome only got 60 miles on it so still running in . Thanks for your excellent 6000 mile review. Gear wise found its very much like my old 1965 BSA 250 box going from first to second . More of a feed it through the gears rather than stuff it through. Although its still a way better box obviously than old designed machines Removed the rear saddle and got a Chrome solo long rack coming. Understand why you went for the none chrome. If I had to commute id have gone for the Halcyon green as its a more practical finish. CE AT tyres are fine. My old Skoda Fabia had them and wear against grip was excellent. I think people fall for the if its not Avon , Dunlop etc its rubbish. Panniers next so going to check out your Lomo vid. Thanks again Lee the wrinkly

Thanks, Dave. Great review! Agree wholeheartedly about simplicity being wonderful.

Love the picnic basket!

12:06 what a beautiful view

I like the sound of the Ceat tyres. They would be more than adequate for my needs and would hopefully be much cheaper than the big name brands. The last set of trye I bought (£315 a pair) picked up a puncture within 2 months. Thankfully it was on the rear, in a position where it could be plugged. I always feel bikers are their own worst enemy with the "needs more power" and "needs stickier tyres" BS....

Ummm good honest review mate , from someone that's actually owned one and covered Some serious mileage rather than rode a press bike for a week and trotted out all the usual clichéd lines such as ' controls fall easily to hand ' well flipping obviously unless your a dwarf!! Re the mention of the long awaited 650 Classic...think we've all been led up the garden path on that one !! Take care 🙂

Nice bike, But for me The Pre Unit 350 and 500 Bullets did it for me. Drum brakes,, points, and a kick Start were everything I wanted (and more!)

Well done, I watched the lakes videos they were great, thanks for taking me on a great journey.

I've spent too much time in the Philippines I got a house and I own a few I fell in love with the small low power motorbike and I was looking for something in the states kind of replicate the Honda 125 experience I had. I think this is the perfect bike

i been looking forward to buy this bike, thanks for sharing!

Great review! I have the 2022 RE350 like yours, except Halcyon Grey in colour (truly a light blue) - great machine. I have a big Harley and a Triumph, but I grab for the RE350 keys the most these days. Keep up the good work, Cheers, Ronny in Canada.

I notice mine doing the same. From 1st to N. I've changed the gear lever to heel-toe one and bump it from first to second with more travel. Just the lever needs more travel from 1st directly to 2nd in my opinion.

G’day, I ride a meteor 350 but love the classics also. Bloody good bikes 👍

You definitly chose the right color. The chrome versions seems a nightmare for everyday use 😅 Also cut your talons before you hurt someone 😃

Good video. Being a Yank, at times, I was having a little trouble understanding you but I take some responsibility. You see I'm in my 70's and my hearing isn't what it used to be.

Great review fabulous bike

brill review! with regards to the chain complainers, I have a bought new 2021 Himalayan which i have used for my small 16 mile return commute to work, i have ridden it through 2 winters now but fitted from new an electronic PD oiler £125 and i only had to do one minimal chain adjustment in 6000 miles..its all down to chain maintenance and proper lubrication..the way my chain is going, it should last me at least another 18 months 😁 new sub for you mate 👍 was going to trade in my 2022 650 interceptor for a new super meteor, but i think i will keep it and add my 3rd RE to my stable as a 350 will be enough for me at 56yrs lol (had bikes since i was 21 yrs old and LOVE them still)

Just found your channel. Really good content! Gonna binge all:)

For reference, I keep a record of my fuel and odo readings on my Meteor (same engine) and have averaged under 3L/100km over 9000kms, even when driven hard.

Enjoyed the video very much, very honest and I concur completely about the condensation and preloads being extremely difficult to adjust with or without pannier rails. Many years ago I had a BMW R80 RT that had small handle extensions on the adjusters, a total joy to use and can't understand why this is not the industry norm👍.

hello from Texas just pick up a hunter 350 two weeks ago, Awesome bike was getting to old Harley got to heavy for me

totally the best bike i have ever owned

That Picnic Basket looks like it belongs there, looks great, just the Job ;)

Nice informative vid, I'm very interested in the 350 engine, and yes Bybre is Brembo (By Bre mbo)

Nice review. Would you consider it capable of a multi week several thousand mile trip? Thinking of buying one for a trip across the US. At modest speed, obviously.

I sat on a Meteor 350 at the bike show (Nov 23) and I don't think I have ever sat on a more comfortable seat. They remind me of the Suzuki TU250 which is already viewed as a modern classic. I forecast the Meteor 350 will go a similar way.

Gorgeous colour - thanks for the review

this is so cool I also have 7000 miles on mine love my bike since august

Regarding the 1st to neutral issue, I got the gear lever height changed for my foot and never had any more issues with the 1st - neutral problem.

At 13:13. I also have the same thing with mine. An all of sudden acceleration on first and it will not kick into 2nd gear but give neutral. Accelerate appropriately and it will give second gear always. I have no problem with this. I think it’s a good thing actually as this bike is about smiles per hour not mph. I have chrome bronze bought recently, can’t get the grin off my face when I ride.

verry good video thank you

Good one - just traded my 650 Interceptor for one of these …much more relaxed 😊

I loved watching your video so much ❤

Nice to see you out and about Dave, in all weathers. The bike is looking good. You mentioned about the new Classic 650. Is that a definite now, or just a fantasy.

Well balanced and informative review, I would have liked to have seen the pannier frames. Let us all know how many miles you get out of the tyres and chain when they finally need changing.

Signing the papers on a Halcyon Grey on Monday. Can not wait.

Great video, I'm tempted myself to get one

A fine looking motorcycle.

Thanks, that was a good and interesting review.

Great review! You are the one with the highest mileage I found on RU-vid - so it’s good to see that these engines last more as a few 100 km as some suggested! Owning a HD Sportster 1200C from 2004 and a brand new Honda PCX 125 ( which now my girlfriend has an eye on…), but no car, I ask myself if the Classic 350 would be the right bike for me and maybe replace the Sportster… … or should I keep the big lump?

Marvellous bike; mine was just pinched in Darlington...EF22 LHN (halcyon black) if anyone sees it!

Great review 👍.

Nice little retro style bike.

A great review!

Good work mate. 👍

Hi Dave, a nice review and very much how I find mine. With regard to keeping the chain clean and lubricated I have fitted a Tutoro chain oiler to mine and it works great. The chain never seems to get dirty like it would with the spray on chain lube that just turns itself into grinding paste. I know what you mean about the weight of the BMW, my 1150 GS has stood unused in my garage for six or seven years, I am just too old for it now. Regards Edward.

Hi Dave, you did a good review there well done 👍 a true honest review by someone riding a bike day in day out is of far more use than the usual regular reviewers who do one ride, your 1000 miles ahead of me in the same time of ownership and daily use😁 I too have only adjusted the chain 5 or 6 times - basic maintenance as you say😁👍 If I do a 6000 mile review it will probably just say the same as you have! Lol Cheers Bruce

Excellent common sense review Thank you

I'm 64 years old; I'm considering trading in my 2002 BMW R1150R (with 14,777 mi.) for a Royal Enfield 350 Classic like yours... ( know I'll take a drastic loss trading it in; But my long distance Rally/ camping out weekends are over; and I'd like to have a bike like this to move around on...) We have dealership in my area nearby that sells BMW & Royal Enfield motorcycles; and My Bike is in "Jewel"condition... But I'm looking for something smaller & easy to use... Your video kind of reinforces a decision to make a change...

Nice review 👍

Very very good sir let's have more

Nice review, i'm currently waiting for the halcyon black to be available in my country so i can buy it

Much love from New Delhi India. Loved this video and your relaxed way of speaking.

Another great video! I have a C350 and totally agree with your comments. Where did you get your basket for the rear rack? It really compliments the look of the bike.

I enjoyed watching your video. I love the looks of the Classic 350 and the sound, thump thumo thump. I also like the riding position with your feet below you, not too foward and not too rearward. But I am looking to put a side car on a motorcycle and I think the 350 might be a little under powered for a sidecar. I am in hopes that RE will come out with a Classic 650, this would be ideal for a sidecar. Have you heard any news about RE coming out with a Classic 650?

Hello! Loving the channel! Just wondering what the service intervals are and if you’ve had any issues? Looking at getting myself this bike as it looks amazing IMO

Great bikes and a very accurate review. I agree with your tyre assessment as they give confidence and like you have never been as issue. Also the comments regards riding aids is something that chimes with me and the points you raise regards riders skill is very valid. It feels to me that these developments are driven by the constant reviews that seem to demand more and more and it drives the price up. I have a VFR 1200X that has nothing bar ABS and traction control and certainly does not require these fly by wire systems to allow you to safely enjoy the ride.

I just think about to buy a classis350 , can i all ask you how tall you are? I am 188cm…a bit more than 6 feet. I can’t wait to discover the uk and the lakes with the Enfield 😍

Define Good

Lovely bike makes me want one. That first gear jump out under load is normally a sign of wear.? (When you over run the mesh to gather when you accelerate the pops each other.)Odd with low milage. Anyone out there with more knowledge do comment..Love to learn more

Eyup mate , saw the keyring p and d bought my 350 there also cracking bike .

I hope they bring back kickstart to it like on classic 500

Very practical review! Congratulations. Btw you installed those rider springs, doed it have any benefit other than the aesthetics & does it increase the seat height? I'm thinking to install these as well.

Install leg guard frame .. for extra safety

13:50 I also faced the similar problem when I try to do "quick shift" between 1 and 2. I thought I was the only one with this issue. Switching between other gears is smooth and reliable. But only between 1st and 2nd it behaves differently.