A situation report on my feelings and experience of this bike as ownership has progressed. Engine, gearbox and general experience of vibration. PayPal Donations. threelittlefishes@live.co.uk PATREON. / stuartfillingham
OK, 5 things you hate about the 350 is my vote. 1800 miles in there is nothing I hate about it, this being my 4th RE bike. By 800 miles the engine is starting to come together and at 1200 miles you will see why 1200 miles is the run in period.
A - I’m clocking in about 600 miles on mine and I sure feel that the engine is still getting better, more powerful and responsive with each ride. I absolutely agree that the 300 miles point is not the end of the running in period.
I just had my first service done here in Thailand. I checked the oil before it was dumped, very clean, no metal, I was shocked! This is indeed, a great in town bike, it works well in Pattaya traffic. If you have ever been here you know it's hot, but I don't suffer from engine heat. The gearbox, smooth from day one as mentioned. I have a little over 700 Km on it now, looking forward to adding more.
A. - First week of ownership of a bronze Classic 350 Chrome and what a great little bike this is. Sadly I had to trade in my 2020 Classic 500 Trials as I was getting "white finger" with the vibrations on any journey over 20 miles. I can report that after the 36 mile ride back from the dealer I had no issues, as the 350 is so smooth. No regrets in swapping (made easier with your videos and comparisons to your own Classic 500, thank you)
Hi STU I am another one of those awaiting delivery of my Halcyon Black 350, you are partly responsible ,along with many of RU-vidrs for my choice, I am confident I will be more than happy.As I already own a 2018 Himalayan ,and previously a 500 Bullet Electra,the wait is now almost over, just waiting for Transport Malta to register and make the number plate, have a good break, I shall as usual be watching all content. Cheers DINO.
A - Your videos played a huge part in me buying one and I've had mine for just over a week now (Chrome Bronze) Took the pillion straight off and honestly its just a stunning bike. Already clocked about 200+ miles on it as its immediately become my commuter. I've had no issues with it at all. I've probably run it a little harder than I should, largely because I am commuting into Birmingham and sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. I have found it hitting false neutral a common problem but I suspect thats just me! I'd say its an excellent B road basher. It lives for the country lane. Its fine in a town, A roads it just about manages but you can feel a tad exposed if Audi's are bottling down at 80 when you join the carriageway. Only real issue I have is the mirror vibrations at 50+ but I have gotten used to it. Definitely no regrets at all though. Its the envy of the car park at work.
Changed the oil here at 285 miles. Just had the valves done by a proper mechanic. Said they were a "little loose" but not too much so. Bike now has 425 miles and runs fabulously. I know I'm getting over 90MPG (US). Never rode a 500, but I LOVE this bike, so the 350 is it for me. It runs so well, esp after the valve adjust. Using Motul 5100 15w50. Also just installed the Beeline Moto GPS puck. Great iece of kit! Ride Safe 🙏🏼
Just a quick note to let you know how much I appreciate you, Mr. Fillingham. Your perspective is pure and sensible, and actually gives me quite a lot of hope. I grew up reading Peter Egan's work and, as one does, dreamed of a "one-day" bike. My first moto was a used '90's Yamaha FZR 600, which was a mistake. I pretty much had a bipolar relationship with it: I either love/hated it or feared it. After blitzing down a desert two-lane in Southern California at 140, I decided I'd been stupid. I've been out of the moto scene since 1997, when I sold the thing and bought a car. But I'm coming out of my caged stupor lately. I've been poking around, looking at the possibilities. And then I found your channel. Now, as a result of your (most welcome) influence, I feel I have the ability to make a good decision about my next ride. It's going to be a Royal Enfield Classic 350 or nothing. Wish I could say more because there is more, but for now just know that you're appreciated Stateside. Thanks for all you do, friend.
I'll probably get slated for this. I like riding a bit slower, these days. About a month ago, I did a little 3 day tour on "Something else" on the B roads of Western Brittany. A lot of villages in this area, now have a 19 mph speed limit in the centres. A "Classic RE" would have been just perfect for this sort of riding. I'd have REALLY enjoyed the ride If I'd had one for the trip. BTW, The instant I got back from the trip, a sold the "Something else" I had been riding.
definitely one of your better reviews :) love the positivity. normally you're very tough on bikes, tough but fair. exactly why I enjoy your channel, so when I hear about a bike that you are more complementarity of, I know its a beautifully made bike. there's always bikes that can be made better, always ones with special high quality material. but a quality bike with a great gear box, an engine with proper character that isn't just a loud hunk of metal is what this is.
Hi stu had my meteor 6 weeks booking my first service any day now absolutely love my meteor ,keep it up stu your doing a great job also love your vids 👍
A - Had my Halcyon Green for 2 months and just clicked over 800 miles, just gets better every time I take it out. Love the channel Stu keep up the great work.
B. That level of smoothness you mentioned is exactly what I felt on a recent test ride. I even took it up to 70mph briefly, it took a while to get there, but again once the speed levelled off it started to feel smooth again. And like a lot of your other comments, I too am in the process of buying one. 👍
Picked mine up a couple of days ago, loving the ride, it’s so comfortable and smooth. Keeping it to about 40-45mph depending on steepness of hills as it creeps up going down! Looking forward to the first service so I can push it a bit more, but not rushing…….much 🤪 great video again Stu, appreciate your perspective.
A! I'm saving for a 350 classic and I am nearly there! Next week I will book my first bike lesson and licensing test, I'm really excited. Keep up the great work!
A As thinking of pulling the trigger on one of these Get better soon Stuart great content and eye to detail with that all important ingredient common sense approach
B. I have had a few occasions where my new 350 would not change gear going up, condensation in the digital part of speedo which disappears after a wee while and the petrol gauge warning me of low fuel when there is still plenty in the tank.Having said that I love my R.E.
A- I'm drawn more to this bike as a possible future buy, to get back to motorcycling, so the more I hear from you on it, can only be of benefit!- cheers Stuart!
Yipppeee... I picked up my Classic 350 Signal in Marsh Grey yesterday... and what did I do as soon as I got it home??? I started tearing it apart... replaced the shifter with a toe and heel shifter, engine guard, larger foot pegs, sump guard, rock shield for the headlight, and Himalayan handguards. Now I just have to do the painstaking break-in period starting with only 5 miles on the clock. I have to say this Classic has a buttery smooth shifter. Just having a lot of smiles per mile.
Thank you for another enjoyable video. If I hadn't bought my very much loved C500 last year, I'd be on a 350 now. A two hour test ride tempted me but logically it would be silly to lose so much money on my pride and joy so soon. Especially as its kept me safe on a 460 mile round trip from Devon to East Sussex last week. Such a great bike! The 350 is the better bike IMO but I'm not allowed to have both I'm reliably informed by the boss and I don't want to sell my 500. Re the next video I choose: B
I got to test ride the new classic 350 and I loved it, thanks for the tour through the Victorian town you were in, great architecture and liked seeing all the Union Jack flags flying in the villages. Watching from the states.
B. Love to hear your perspectives in your videos. I don't agree with everything you say, but that's why I come here: to hear another perspective. Thanks!
A - Owner of one myself, at the 500 mile mark. Experienced some slight burps at 40/45 and false neutrals between 1st and 2nd gear, but all seem to have sorted out since the 250-ish mark. Finally taking her out on 50 roads, rides lovely and seems more powerful/smooth. Very interested in your take of the negative points so far :)
Followup on a couple things... OIl indeed was like new to the eye at 285 miles in the pan. I get Neutrals all the time, but it's not the bike, it's me. I get so lazy and comfy riding that I kinda get out of my head and don't pay attention! It is a great gearbox. Also, since I moved the shifter up one notch, the boots I wear makes all the difference in my shifting. Thinner, narrower boots are worse than my Moc Toe boots and engineer boots which are thicker and larger. We're running the new DNA filter/caps and Motul 5100 15w50. At 500 miles, she feels better than new! The comments on this I was unsure of, but it is indeed true! Loving our Royal Enfield Classic 350 more than I ever could have expected! Ride Safe 🙏🏼
As I have aged my confidence has let's say slowly lessened , as has the size of my motorcycle engines , the classic 350 suites me , at where I am in my life , where you are is purely personal, stay safe enjoy the ride !
Totally agree Anthony. I've been riding since 1981. I'm 60 next year and my confidence has wained a little lately as has my ability to move a heavy bike around. The last ride on my T100 I was actually questioning myself as to why I was doing it and if I was enjoying it. Bimbling along at 50 is where I'm happiest these days and the Triumph feels wasted. Plus, if I keep it any longer there's a very large balloon payment to find. We (Fiancée and I) took two test rides on the Classic 350 and were smitten. We'd obviously adjusted our expectations coming from bigger bikes but the numerous positive reviews meant we just had to try one. Engine, brakes, handling and ride comfort were everything other reviewers had said. Build quality was outstanding. Weight-wise it felt like a 125 after some of our previous behemoths too. Got one on order now and it's the most excited we've been in a very long time 😁👍
B I agree with your review 100%. what is clever about this bike is Yes it is modern but they have managed to give it similar characteristics to the Bullit.
B it is not the end of Wednesday in Canada but you are probably dreaming of your next ride as i write this. Can’t wait to see which option you get to present. Have a blessed day.
I'v had my classic 350 for 2 weeks now and riding every day . I'm in Palawan Philippines and it's a perfect size for here. I'm very happy with the bike
I have just put 2k miles on my chrome/red 350 and the engine just seems to get better and better. Took the Scram out for a test ride yesterday and I can only describe the engine as agricultural compared to the 350 - even the RE dealer on return must have read my face and said 'go on your going to tell me the engine is agricultural compared to the 350' - bloody mind reader!! At 1300 miles speedo went haywire and currently waiting for replacement on warranty, other than that the bike is faultless. I also have a 2021 Euro 5 GT650 which is now on SORN at 1.3k miles as it just doesn't get a look in. After 53 years of riding and countless bikes both classic and modern, this 350 is the best bike I have ever owned for a variety of reasons. Having recently sold on a Moto Guzzi V7iii which at best was only returning 45 MPG I find it impressive that the 350, which is no light weight, is now averaging 100 MPG. I am now waiting to see if it will be joined in the stable by the 650 Classic which should arrive after the UK launch next year of the Super Meteor 650. Until then it looks like the GT650 will be gathering dust whilst the 350 continues to rack up the miles.
Good video and content. I ordered my new classic 350. It will be in next week. It's red and chrome like yours. Five things you hate about your classic 350
A. I have done 1600 km, the average consumption is 2.9 litres per 100 km. And yes the engine runs better the more you ride it. And by the way, i ordered the trip machine leather bag a couple of days ago😉
A Have a 650 Interceptor, break-in period is the same, 1200 miles, I'm at about 800 and finding that bike quite competent. Am thinking about a 350 Classic. Thanks for your videos & information.
B. As a long time viewer and follower I know that you have a lot of appreciation and affection for the Mule. In fact, it was your videos that had me seriously considering picking up a C500 a while back, and before the 350 was announced. So, I suppose that now that you own both it and the Mini Mule, hearing your preferences between the two would make for a more entertaining and informative video. Somehow, I feel that if you made a "top five things I hate about the 350" video it just might be an exercise in nit-picking, and not as informative, nor interesting. Looks like I lose in the voting, but that's my thoughts on the matter.
You have the Interceptor 650 for a smooth experience. So, I think you should keep the Classic 500, for a bit of character, hehe. And of course, I've watched your video on your reason for getting it, and how you've wanted to have it for 30+ years. So, an obvious choice for my money :)
A- Got about 600km on my classic 350, so far I have had a few times where it didn't want to get up in second gear from first, overall the bike is a joy though :) also had the common speedometer issue but that was swiftly replaced under warranty by the dealer.
Try lifting the gear lever position by a spline or two (you'll need to loosen two frame bolts to get enough clearance to pull it off). Of the two Classic 350's we tried, one had the lever at the factory setting and I had trouble getting my toe underneath. The other had it adjusted as mentioned and it makes a massive difference 👍
A for me , ref running in , my mate has now put over 2,5k on his 350 , he has done all the up grades , Air filter , zorst ect . He says the bike now performs great , with just that extra edge due to the upgrades and the only issue which seems not uncommon , the speedo has failed , not a biggy . He said once the full run in is done the bike just seems to get better with each rideout , he`s an impatient type so that period was a real bind for him , but worth every careful mile now he said.
