I have literally lost count of the number of motorcycles I have owned, over the years and I can say, with complete confidence, that my Red / chrome Classic 350 is by far, the bike which has given me the most pleasure. I bought it two years ago, when it was 6 months old and had just over 1,000 miles on the clock. Totally standard when I bought it and the only mod I made, was to immediately fit a heel / toe gear change, which transformed the riding experience. The bike is now approaching 5,000 miles and, apart from replacing the speedo twice, (warranty, no quibbles), it has been perfect. Love it and no plans to modify it or sell it.
@@davericketts9101 same with my meteor , maybe its the nostalgia but they do seem to get under your skin, but justifiably because they are very good bikes, if i were to buy with my heart it would have been a grey classic or a super meteor , sadly my practical personality kicked in and a meteor it is , but im still jealous 😁
Likewise Dave . 50 years of biking. Went from a Kawasaki 900 to a little red and chrome classic . 180 degree change. Knew exactly what I was getting ( unlike some who flog them after a few hundred miles) and two years later still love the charm, soul and character it exudes. Fast ? No Powerful? No. Joy, zen and relaxation level ? 100% more than the Kawasaki ever had.
I have a new 2024 Bullet 350 Black-Gold. Just last week I got back from a 6,800 km trip from Saskatchewan to South Central Ontario, Canada. While it did struggle a bit on the prairies with 100 km roads and strong cross winds. Riding around the Muskoka's it was the perfect bike on those 60-80 kms roads that twisted through cottage country in the Canadian Shield. Almost every other time I stopped older guys would recognize the Royal Enfield name and several people from India and even Mexico were surprised to see one travelling the Canadian highways. Next week I'm going to Southern British Columbia to ride around the Kootenay district. Then in August down to Sturgis, North Dakota for bike week and to ride around the Back Hills..
I have the same bike. They are beautiful aren't they! I haven't managed to put as many miles on it as you yet though! I thought I was doing well hitting 900 miles in just under two months 🤣
The classic 350 is an ideal bike for pottering about and drinking in the scenery, a very comfortable and relaxing ride. I come back after a ride on my 350 feeling chilled out. If other vehicles want to go faster, then I will mostly pull over and let them pass. I am not going to make any modifications to the engine as it is running so well(and economical!) If I want to get somewhere quickly or fancy a blast, I take my other bike. I regularly go over to the Peak District/Staffordshire Moorlands, where there is a 50mph limit anyway on most major roads, so anything bigger and faster is a bit overkill.
Picked up my new Classic 350 at the end of March and I’m delighted with it. So much so that we went past the 5000 mile mark on Sunday, not bad in not quite three and a half months 😀👍.
Good half price tyre offer for those who own a 350 classic . I always leave my engines ,air boxes , air filters ,exhausts ( if possible ) bog standard , never fit different cams or big bore conversions . Motorcycle companies spend years & millions on R&D , in order to find the correct balance between , performance , fuel economy , reliability ,longevity & compliance with various vehicle regs ,for a given price point . It always amuses me , when I see some bodger in a shed , who thinks the know better . At best they usually only get negligible increase in performance , for the time & money spent , at the risk of increased & premature wear & stress on engine . My motto is if it ain’t broke ,don’t try & fix it , if you want more performance , or to alter the bikes characteristics ,go & purchase a bike designed for that purpose . 👍
@@stoopsolo4187 Millard is a different kettle of fish & in different league doing one off projects . His projects are not really intended for normal use . They are what they are projects , your average amateur bike shed bodger is hardly going to grab his Halfords spanner’s , 10 inch bastard file & big hammer to cobble 2 Honda cub engines into a V twin .
Agree 💯 % with that comment 👍 that's what I think , I bought a 350 Meteor about 4 weeks ago , done about 400 odd miles and I Love it , I knew what I was getting and what I want , I was downsizing and its the best thing I've done .
People hand over their hard earned cash for the bike they want and what they do with it afterwards is their business. Nobody cares what you think. Too many people on RU-vid telling us all what to think and do. Just do what you want and give the rest of us a break will you...
@@davespruce4362 Somebody needs to say something & it might as well be me , no body’s forcing you to read my comments or agree with them . There are also to many idiots who obviously believe they know better than the manufactures ,who designed & built the bikes , along with naive owners , who are prone to following their often misguided advice & wasting time & money for negligible or any noticeable gain . Why should anyone care what you think ,when you seem to obviously agree , with people copying poor advice , from bodge merchants in sheds . I am at least giving them sensible advice , which is to leave well alone ,don’t try & fix what’s not broken , or replace with a bike that’s more suitable for their requirements .
Ive just bought a 350cc Meteor 9 months old and i love it , staying completely standard its what i wanted and i bought it 2nd hand because it was run in so i didnt have to mess about , its still come with 2years 3 months warranty, i downsized to the 350cc, because it does everything i need , wonderful , thanks for the Video.
Same story here, I have four bikes currently in the stable. The latest is a 2023 Chrome bronze 350, I love it! Aside from a rear rack and tail bag it is completely stock. I may add saddle bags later, but it is a revelation in riding just as it is. I am in Ohio, and I don't ride the interstates, no enjoyment getting somewhere as fast as possible seeing nothing in between. I've been riding well over 40 years and I have no need for an ego trip. I have more powerful bikes, but after riding the Classic 350, I've slowed down on the "big"bikes as well! I am enjoying them all more since "Lil Darlin" (named after my wife a classic beauty) joined the stable. Love the video, stay safe!
I purchased a red and chrome 350 2 years ago. Then I purchased a signals grey edition for winter riding a year ago, so I now have 2 Classic 350's! Love them!
I agree, I think of this with nostalgia as my brother had a Triumph 2500 Pi in a colour very similar that I grew up to know as French powder blue. Very genuine. All the best.
I just bought a 350 classic in the Halcyon grey color. I named her Phoebe. Such a straight forward, comfortable bike. No dark corners. As an older rider I appreciate how predictable it handles and runs.
Your videos were influential in my purchase of a 2023 classic 350 in the same color as Norman. I have 9 motorcycles (5 Harley Davidsons, 2 Kawasakis, 1 Triumph, and my Classic 350). This is my first summer with the Classic 350, I agree that the R.E. has a fun factor that is addictive and is the bike I seem to always be on.
TBW wholeheartedly absolutely agree, the classic 359 is a bloody brilliant bike as it is! I left mine completely stock & loved it because it taught me to enjoy the ride in a different manner.
My classic is Halcyon Grey, 'Vince' and I love exploring the moors and back roads. Hands down the most hassle free and rewarding bike I have owned to date.
When I were a nipper the school summer holidays were sunny and warm for the whole 6 or 7 weeks. The kids haven't broken up yet and it's going back into autumn already. 😂.
By my reckoning, we have had summery weather on 8 days so far in 2024, here in Northumberland. Could be yet another year without a summer. Pleasant ride despite the grey sky.
Bought my Classic 350 Stealth Black 2 years ago. done almost 18,000 km on it and i'm well chuffed. It' manages to do mountain passes here in Italy , albeit slowly but surely. I've fitted a pair of Dunlop Arrowmax tyres. They make a world of difference. Might be fitting a heel/toe gear lever and bar end mirrors , not to mention , a DNA filter.
A couple of bad British summers come to mind. One in the 1960s, when it seemed to rain for the entire six week school holiday, another in the early nineties when I moved to a cottage deep in the country, and used an enormous stack of fire wood by the end of August. It seems people are more adventurous on small capacity bikes nowadays, crossing continents and whatnot, probably inspired by others on RU-vid and social media.
As a fsie owner couldn’t wait to progress to 250cc back in the day all 2 strokes except Ducati desmo single I think. 100mph machines. And after a year passed test on 250 and went to honda cb360/550/750 suzuki t500 and z900 all I wanted was power and speed. Now I ride a very satisfying suzuki v strom650 70 bhp. I have tried smaller capacity and it’s just not enough motorcycle sensation for me. Each to their own but even my lowly honda cb360 could pillion and hit a ton easily. Cant see the pleasure in this size bike but good we all not the same. Cb360 34 bhp - RE 20 bhp pathetic effort. Cb550 50 bhp 2 and a half times more power from 200cc more. Even they weren’t rocket ships but exciting. Just my pov no disrespect. Love the channel esp the guzzi
One of, if not the, most beautiful motorbikes in the modern world today. Especially so the Halcyon Gray. The Signals Editions in both colors are also sweet machines. I recently sold my Sportster 1200 Low and bought an '08 Ultra Classic which I hope to fit with a sidecar (once I save up the money!) as I have a physical handicap. I hope to get a Royal Enfield one day in the near future and the Classic 350 would be The One. By the way your country is gorgeous! Keep putting the great back in Great Britain! SS of commiefornia, USA.
I don`t think you`ll go wrong with the little Classic. Read my comment to see what I think of it. P.S. The U.S. has the finest scenery in the world and I love the vastness of it, compared to here in Britain. Enjoy your Classic, if you do manage to get one.
350cc was the most common size of motorcycle engine in the UK for the better part of 100 years... and it is still the best all rounder motorcycle by far... perfectly suited to Britains terrible roads.
Thanks for the mention Dave, very kind of you. There's quite a lot of Yorkshire I've yet to explore, perhaps one day we should get Norman and Donkey together and you can show us some of the better roads to ride.
That’s a grand idea Matt and I’d be happy to oblige….I’d also be happy to take a trip over the Pennines to your neck of the woods….keep up the great work pal 😎👍🏻
Hi Dave 👋. The quality of your vlogs is spot on. The alternative camera angles work really well too so you keep doing what you do sir. Regards, Mo 😊 👍.
I have little Norman’s sister, my fantastic 350 Meteor, it’s an absolute delight to ride as it is, and like you I have no intention whatsoever of trying to improve the performance, its absolutely perfect. Greetings from rainy Staffordshire 😂, thanks for all the great videos, cheers Hugh
They're a magical bike , I use mine more than my other bigger bikes now , I just can't keep of it , mines the Gunmetal grey and I've done 7,000 miles on it since last July , it's easy to keep clean no polishing, just wash it and ride, they truly are addictive to ride! I keep looking at the Shotgun and Supermeteor but they just don't quite have that character that the little Classic has! I am interested in the Classic 650 when it arrives, but it still won't be the character that the 350 is ! Cheers Mel 🍻
Probably my favourite RE ! I have a meteor because i like the way it rides and i like the tubeless tire’s but it was a difficult decision as to which to buy but you have the best looking with the brown seats and the lovely vintage blue( grey) I know but its blue to me😬👍
I bought my Classic (green) just b4 Christmas. 3 weeks later I bought a leftover "22 (red) GT. Being red and green I said these were the traditional Christmas colors and my Christmas present to myself. My favorite color?? Personally, I think they are all beautiful. I love how you change from color to B & W in the video. 👍👍
My Classic 350 is Halcyon Black. I bought off a guy in York and he'd already fitted a few extras like bar end mirrors and sumpguard. Like you I've no real desire to add any mods to it except maybe a decat pipe but I'm in no rush to do that. I love it just as it is.
Totally agree about not modifying the engine in those (exception is the DNA filter, which is no brainer), however, if you live in the South East near London you will quickly struggle on fast A roads and motorways, which are more or less inevitable to have to negotiate down there. I did the Tech cam upgrade to my Himalayan for that reason, it just makes it get from 60 - 70mph much quicker, so I'm less of a sitting duck in those heavy traffic situations scrapping for lane space with the ones who don't give a ****. It is too early to comment on any hit to long term reliability, but the reality is I can source an entire cylinder head assembly for a Himalayan out of India for £240, so if it goes wrong, not a kings ransom to put it back to stock. Otherwise I ride it at the same speeds, only tapping the extra pull when it is needed.
My classic 350 bronzie ( Gloria ) is my most used bike of 15 , it copes with the mountains in southern Austria without any problems , no mods required , she’s just perfect as is , if I want to go fast , I take another bike ! But the 350 suits exactly where I live , threat channel Dave
Well Mr BW, I too have the 350 in Halcyon Gray, because I think it is the prettiest version. I live in the south west of France where the dealer has only ever sold two of this colour. A couple of people have been quite disparaging about this colour when they have seen it. Thank goodness my self esteem isn’t based on their opinion of the most fun bike I’ve owned in the past 45 years of riding 😂😂😂😂. Love your videos.
I agree, I think of this with nostalgia as my brother had a Triumph 2500 Pi in a colour very similar that I grew up to know as French powder blue. Very genuine. All the best.
Morning Dave, maybe you need to have cold weather clothing and warmer weather clothing. I don’t bother taking the liners out of my winter gear, I just wear the warmer weather stuff. I even have an aramid lined thin cotton jacket that’s good for the very rare times that the temperature gets into the upper 20’s ( not that it does that often in South West Wales).
I can relate, I have a RE Classic 500, an RE Interceptor and a Honda ST1300 and the classic 500 is the most fun to ride in my opinion, the only limitation being it's not really up to highway speeds for more than 15 or 20 minutes. For just putting around the back roads it's perfect, there's just something about a thumper, it's basic and organic and every time I ride it I end up having a ball.
What a great video and I agree fully with you with your opinions on the 350. I got myself a Super Meteor 650 , absolutely love the look of the bike and is prefect for me (may change the shocks though) BUT thanks to RU-vid and 99.9% of positivity about the Classic 350 and I am so happy with the Royal Enfield brand due to the 650 ownership I got also a 2024 Classic 350 in gunmetal grey, cost me £3699 OTR & delivered to my door (one of GBMOTO leftovers) and O boy what an awesome bike, have only added the DNA filter, no more fiddling will be done to this utterly brilliant bike. It does exactly what it says on the tin and due to many fantastic reviews including yours, I didn't expect any more from the bike. The bike is spot on for bimbling around the Welsh countryside. 👍 So with two Royal Enfield's in the garage I am more than happy. 😀
It is funny how (talking from personal experience) a bike that is dated in looks with very few horses that are totally chilled Shire Horses and slow in comparison can give so much pleasure that one could say it’s the best bike they have ever owned.
We love our "Ernie" too Dave. As Keith from Shotto's Travels said, "You buy this bike because of it's 20bhp, not in spite of it". Our Super Meteor 650 sits in the shed awaiting the Hagon shocks as we've found it simply too painful to ride in it's standard form. In the meantime, we've been enjoying our local lanes as usual on the Classic 350 which ironically provides a relatively plush ride by comparison. Also, the Classic 350 does not feel like it has less than half the power - even two up. We will get up to Yorkshire to see you eventually, but we will definitely need the longer legs of the SM for that trip. Here's hoping the Hagon investment cures the Super Meteors only flaw. 😊
I had my mind set on the Marsh Grey Signals Classic 350 until I saw the Bullet 350 Black-Gold in the flesh and fell in love with it instantly. Had it for almost two months now and the engine is really loosening up now I'm coming up to the thousand mile mark. I added the DNA air filter and I have a decat pipe to install, but that's all I will be doing for performance mods as well. It's just not that kind of bike is it? As for the weather - I think every British RU-vidr with a Royal Enfield that I follow has moaned about it in their videos lately....myself included. What would we have to talk about if we didn't have our weather though 🤣
Great video. Thanks. Bought a pair of Matt's 'Day Tripper' bags for my red and chrome 350. They look the bees knees hanging from my new rear rack!!. Great quality and service from Matt. Weather suppose to be picking up so will be out and about on my 'Ruby'!. How are you getting on with your 50/50s?
I've got a Halcyon Green 350 classic bought end of January 24 I'm on similar mileage as yourself, I've done DNA filter, removed the cat and put on the straight thro section exhaust and a fuel lite, you're right performance is very same but it runs smoother and the more mileage the engine is loosening up. I've got a 1750cc softail slim Harley which I love but my Sunday morning choice of bike through the lanes always is my classic.
Morning Dave yes my 350 is gun metal grey with the blacked out engine. I’ve enough chrome on my Honda to polish..! I had a recent ride along some of those roads and actually managed to see some sunshine too..👍
Greetings from the free country of canada, ric here. All of your bikes i've seen are nice, i really like your motoguzzi, very nice, however , far & above all i really like your classic 350, it is my favourite by far & when you do videos riding her, i never miss them. Colour beautiful but i have to say that if it came in a nice solid green with maybe a little gold pinstriping, that would be the olde cats' meow. She looks goods & purrs along like a kitten. Thanks as always for the videos, i hardly miss any of them to be truthful. Bye now, ric, ontario canada.
Thanks for my morning ride Dave. If l were there I'd be doing the same...Photographically speaking, an overcast sky give a far more interesting view than a completely azure sky which is often the case where l live...Also, l never thought l hear myself say..''Its to hot for a Ride'' .. Greeting from España.
Hehey, it sounds like you need one of those tool rolls from Freddie Dobbs. You wouldn't have had to go back home. You could have adjusted it on the fly, that's if you put the right spanners and screwdrivers in. I'll see thee later 🤣🤣 Pete
I bought a Halcyon Black 28th June from Appy's and it's done nowt but rain! Only had a couple of rides but great little bike I have however fitted DNA filter and de cat and I think it helps knowing where you are with the revs for running in. Not about any extra power just efficient engine breathing. Done all the sports bikes etc and just want to 'Pootle' nowadays as I'm old and buggered lol
For over 2 years I have owned a Halcyon Green Classic 350 that remains standard engine wise, bar end mirrors, black touring seats and heated grips were all I changed on my bike. However the dreaded spokes reared there nasty head so bit the bullet and replaced the wheels for alloys and tubeless tyres, a great investment in my eyes as at the same time had right angled valves fitted so dead easy to check tyre pressures. In 54 years of riding and countless bikes of all sizes and make, this is by far my favourite bike and have no intention now of getting any other bike. She just puts a smile on your face and no worries about speed restrictions, biking in my eyes at its best, no messing with settings etc. ps re the spoke I was given a dressing down by Uncle Stu for not following his cleaning regime 😂
I get what you mentioned during video, I went the whole hog, re dna, red rooster exhaust, the cam etc. why? I don’t ride it flat out, that’s not what it’s about. It’s probably keeping up with the Jones. They done it, so am gonna do it. Lol😅. Do I regret, heck no. Would I do it again,if I owned a J series 350. Probably just the DNA and the de cat pipe. I counted 42 upgrades I have done to Bumble. (Did a video on this) Away to do 2 more, new Michelin tyres and Hagon rear shocks.😊 If I was to count the cost of these upgrades etc. I could have bought a 2nd model. But, for me. It’s the excitement of doing and getting these upgrades done, nought more. Great video Dave😊
Re: the colour. The original '58 Bonneville was painted a two tone tangerine and light blue. That pale blue was also called grey by triumph. They had a special name of their own for it. But I haven't been able to find it. All l can find is Tangerine Dream. Whatever... This is the colour I would want.
The performance cam is not about making the bike faster. That can't be done. It's about acceleration. I would imagine for overtaking, it may be handy. Having said that, all I've done is fit a DNA filter. Had my classic 14 months. 8000 miles. It just gets better! 😅
Really for scratching around The Dales this bike is the tool for the job. And perhaps for some that might be the extent of their riding so fair play to them. However if you desire a blast to the coast or to reach further afield then unless you’re fortunate enough to own multiple bikes a little more power is required.
We've all been blameable for ideas of grandeur myself included K1600GT, Z1300 all total overkill but the purity and simplicity will always be the heart of fun riding a low capacity motorcycle.
HI Just got my 350 after 6 months of searching. It had to be Halcyon Black. Its 15 months old and just 38 miles travelled. I'm as happy as the proverbial pig in ****, I've cleaned the relays _ thanks for the heads up! Running in is a pain but, you just have to find the right roads to suit the task. I really dont like riding in the gutters on the A roads but, when needs must. I've only one niggle, the rear suspension is a bit stiff on the bumps, but I'm in my seventies and a bit delcate these days. Your travelling speed seems to be about 50? Is 60 mph a bit too much to ask for the motor to cruise at on A roads? I guess I'll find out later. As I've said before it reminds me of my lambrettas, on which I covered thousands of stress free miles!, Life is easier when your older, and dont have to fight 100+ BHP, or prove anything anymore Happy to amble along the lanes !! Silly old git. Regards Mike N
Unrelated to this video but I’m aware you took out the 525 yesterday. I’m considering it and was going to go to Apple yards today to take a look. I was wondering what your overall impression was of the Bike thank you very much in advance And, I’m the one that almost met you the other day at Masham but missed. I have the Royal Enfield super media green
yeah we tried to get down to Kettlewell and ended up having to go up toward Hawes and over the tops ,We were down Appleyards on this day then went to Pateley Bridge then up to Masham for coffee must have just missed you
Hey Dave.....did you ever notice the "shrine" at about 4.20? I was up there yesterday (12/07) and it's still there. Something dreadful obviously happened there. Anyhow, ride safe bruv. Best Dave (N Yorks)
To be a classic Bike does it not have to have been made at the ENFIELD plant in REDDICH plant in Worcestershire, just asking since i have over the years owned a few of the older models before the company was sold off etc.
It really amuses me as you go along talking to 'little Norman' i keep expecting him to answer you back. As I watch this in mid July guess what, its still raining. Its called global warming, my aunt fanny.
with a fairly longish stroke engine - piston speed is quite high , more wear will take place if tuned , with a lowish comp ratio tuning and cam upgrade will not increase power by very much ,,, so keep as is ;;;;
Hi Dave; I've been meaning to ask you this question for a while. As much as Gods county is you can cover most routes in a year and then start again. So the question 'do you have a passport to leave Yorkshire' !!!. There are many routes-trips that can be made on beautiful roads in the UK. Or are you restricted by her indoors to be home by a certain time for your tea??. All being said Dave keep up the good work and enjoy your rides, stopping at cafes you recommend would be nice. Ive noted from some comments from subscribers, that your enthusiastic praise of the CF-MOTO bike potentially new owners are restricted or put off due to the dealer network being very sparse around the country??.
Signals Marsh Grey is my favourite. Absolutely stunning in the flesh so to speak. BUT. The halcyon green is a jaw dropping package too. If I win lotto I might have to see what the new Classic 650 looks like (and find a house with a garage!).
l live in Spain where the summer weather is very hot, especially inland. The temperature very often reaches 40c... What you must remember, whilst the rest of the world has a Climate and distinctive seasons UK just has day to day weather..Even in the supposed summer months the weather is very often awful....
@@brianperry The interaction about British weather - and I agree, the place doesn't have a climate, merely weather, which is generally bad - is starting to sound like something out of Monty Python... 🤣 To escalate the bidding war, in this part of Western Australia it gets to around 49C (120F) quite regularly, which makes riding a tad uncomfortable. 🥵
My classic 350 bronzie ( Gloria ) is my most used bike of 15 , it copes with the mountains in southern Austria without any problems , no mods required , she’s just perfect as is , if I want to go fast , I take another bike ! But the 350 suits exactly where I live , threat channel Dave
