ROYAL ENFIELD CLASSIC 350'S. BUSTING THE MYTHS! 

I've had my classic for just over a year. Done nearly 7000 miles. Bloody love it! 100 smiles to the gallon.

One thing that never seems to be mentioned about these beautiful machines is, you can forget about the constant anxiety of being booked for speeding, and just enjoy the ride... I have another bike with five times the power, which is great, but usually choose the Classic. Have trouble getting off her actually. ❤️

49yrs on bikes myself. I could listen all day. Thanks.

I couldn't agree more, much like yourself 67yr old & riding since I was 16. Iv'e owned more bikes than you could shake a stick at in that time, but this, well it really is something very, very, special indeed. Handling is superb due to the Harris designed frame, fuel injection is spot on too, no hunting at low speeds at all, unlike a lot of other bikes. Is it me or do other riders continually have a smile on their face when out on it? Every now & then manufacturers "get it right 1st time" this is one of those times. As regards to keeping up with traffic, I have no issue's at all either, the only thing that may slow down your ride is being asked by people what is it & wanting to know more about it. Iv'e lost count of the conversations Iv'e had stopped at light's with car drivers next to me 😊it's an attention grabber that's for sure.

I'm returning to the UK after many years abroad soon and have been thinking that there's room for one more bike before I hang up my helmet for good. The RE 350 really caught my eye, such a beautiful machine. I was concerned about the long distance capabilities after watching many RU-vid videos, but your video has sealed it for me. I cannot think of anyone who is more qualified to 'pronounce' on this bike, so thank you, decision made. Back in the eighties when I was riding big Japanese fours, I had a situation where I had to go somewhere very quickly on someone else's bike. That bike was a Yamaha SR 500. It is a ride that I have never forgotten for good reasons. People need to surrender themselves to the joys of a thumper, its something I'll never forget. Great channel Thanks for your insight.

i'm 50 years on 2 wheels too and and ex-dispatch rider, so i've got to say this is the best bike i've ever owned. the build quality is great and the flickability you get if needed is right there. so thumbs up from me. totally agree with everything you said.

I enjoyed riding the Classic, Meteor and Hunter. I thinking they are great bikes. Having owned an original Mini and 2CV they had very low hp figures but were quite capable of keeping up with the traffic.

Well said VB. I have exactly that model and colour and I absolutely love it. It's fast enough for me and I am of an age that I want to enjoy the whole journey. Thank again, great videos, please keep them coming. "17 other bikes to choose from"! Amazing, I only have room for one other bike and that's a 1955 Francis Barnett Kestrel 66. 125cc. 👍

Thank you. Yeahhh...I suspected as much. Beautiful looking thing too.

I had a 350 Bullet on the road the day after I passed my test at 16 yrs of age . I thought I was King of the Road . The Classic has always looked a bit too flashy for me . But. Now 53 years later , the new 350 Bullet looks good , especially in maroon like my old one . If I get one , I'll paint a crown on the tank .

Everyone that's been on mine loved it. Maybe not enough to buy one, but they love it nevertheless. Young lads, blokes with sports bikes, everyone. No, it's not the best bike in the world BUT it's charming, has a soul and is fabulous to ride. Always makes me smile and I can't stop looking at it when we stop. All that and dirt cheap, easy to look after and so cheap to run you won't even notice.

I agree totally with what you’re saying, bikes like this are so refreshing - practical, frugal but still lots of fun - perfect for today’s traffic conditions. Royal Enfield have brought us a range of sensible but thoroughly enjoyable machines that don’t cost a fortune. 180hp or more will sooner or later get you in trouble with law or worse and we all know what that means.

Love these videos, its a break from all the competitive madness that has permeated every aspect of most peoples lives nowadays. 🐆

I fully agree with you! I have a 2023 Bronze and chrome. While I don't have 18 bikes, This one makes four currently in my garage. Like you, I have ridden 40+ years. I love this little bike! Great styling, comfortable ( I'm 6 ft 215 lbs) If I am riding the 70mph highways here in the USA, I take the Goldwing or VTX1800, but anywhere else this little gem is perfect. It encourages you to take the little roads you usually pass by and see things you normally miss out on when the dashed lines are a blur. They seem to be able to go anywhere and look great doing it! It's not even close to heavy compared to the big Hondas, super smooth gear box and great sound! I'll never sell it! Keep busting the myths! Leave your EGO at home and enjoy the ride! Stay safe!

Horsepower is a way to grab attention as a way to sell bikes. A motorcycle is a sum of their parts and engineering. It's mostly a vibe! Most of us have been seduced by horsepower numbers. I personally like the smaller bikes. Easy to get on with.

Some of the youtube reviewers dont help really; they seem to love the 350 but often pigeonhole it as a 'bimblng slowly along narrow country lanes' type bike. The 350 does that really well, but is also capable of carrying a touring load on long motorway journeys. I bought mine last year expecting to build my confidence on country lanes before moving up to a bigger bike. From here near Manchester she has since been to Scotland twice and had a weeks holiday on the south coast. Needless to say I still own the same bike!

Had mine 2 years. Love it to bits. Video comments spot on. Experience says it all.

I absolutely agree. These are amazing bikes. Just worked mine through the run in period. Now it flys along lovely. I absolutely love it. Now all my mates want one.

I have just bought a 2022 Red & Chrome, only managed one ride out but absolutely lovely it! You are spot on when you say to Sports Bike die-hards "why are you watching this video!" 😅

Good video. I have an old AJS Model 8, it is a bit lighter than the RE with a power output of just about 21bhp (when it was new, 63 years ago) and it can handle at least 95% of what I want to do. I thought about looking for a 500cc bike (which is as big as I think a solo bike needs to be) but I judged that the extra expense compared to the 350 wasn't worth it. I enjoy your style of video, keep up the good work!

Beautiful bike, beautiful countryside. I’m jealous from the lack of cars. The availability of these motorcycles in California are not so good.

I've got the Hunter 350... I fricking love it.... been riding 38 years... its a cracking engine..

One of the nicest bikes I've owned (and I've had a few!)

Great review, had my meteor 350 for two years now, just under 20,000 miles. Only done oil changes myself and truth be told hardly bother cleaning it. They are very reliable and durable

I rode mine for one and a half year now, beside my now 33 year-old BMW side-car . Perfect machine, and I rode quite some in my life. I don't want to ever sell this machine : simply because I love it.

Cracking video, well said and always look forward to your videos..... keep up the good work, thank you 👍

Nice video even the cat came to see you and find out who you were talking to, well done.

Interresting as usual. I try to get familiar with my 2003, 500 Iron barrel, during last week, and find the 22 Hp well enough for me. Some issues with the throttle action, speedometer, and gear shifting, but no severe things. I just love to ride her. I have named her as "Her royal highness", and have ordered a pair of RAF roundels C1, as were placed 1942 at Spitfires, Mosquito's and others. One at the battery cover, and one for the leather bag at the starboard side. All to honour the braveness of the heroes that saved us from Mr Hitler. Swedish regards. 😀

Greetings from Suffolk....I bought a new 22 plate classic 350 - a nice bike & better finished than the older gen models but personally i found it just a bit lacking in the power & torque department. I sold it & bought a 16 plate classic 500 instead - a bit down on fit & finish, about 25 lbs lighter, more vibes but the torque is way up on the 350 & is still excellent on petrol & will sit all day at 70 with a 19 tooth front sprocket. I still don't know why people slag these bike off though - maybe they're not "old "enough yet to appreciate them. 👍

Great comments that show your wisdom on bikes, speed and aging. Hadn't been on a bike for about 30 years but the RE CLASSSIC 350 got me re-enthused and back in the saddle.

Well said young man. Totally agree with everything you pointed out. The classic is everything you need from a bike at our age. Do enjoy listening to your channel. Keep up the good work.

As a US resident it's certainly not great for freeway cruising as most people are blowing past the speed limit and doing 80mph. However I live out in the country and it's absolutely perfect out on the back roads and can surprise some sport bike riders on low speed twisties, as the handling is spot on.

Thanks VB. Couldn't agree with you more. Got the red and chrome classic 350 last August. Had bigger bikes in the past but this little beauty is the best bike I've owned. Just getting to the 3000 mile mark now and still loving every ride. A big thumbs up for the channel 👍

I totally agree with the points you have made. A and B road perfection and no problems on the M6 up to Lancaster either.

I've ridden on several occasions my friends classic 350 ,and I really love it, the only reason I don't own one,is if I did I don't think,I'd ride my Trident enough,and I don't want that wet sumping!,but you're absolutely right, it doesn't feel like 20hp,the 350s have ample tourque, so it rides really well,great video, thanksVB👍

I have a Meteor and I absolutely love it and i like you have been riding for more than 50 years and owned everything big small hyper fast and slow and i love my meteor as much as any of them its very quick about town too 👍

Here in Indonesia it is 10:54 p.m. on Wednesday. RU-vid tells me you posted this video 17 minutes ago. I always enjoy your videos. It is like being down the pub with a mate chewing the fat and putting the world to rights. I don't use the Notifications on any apps or programmes on any devices I use. I see your videos are there and I wait until I have time to sit down with a cup of tea and relax, watch, and above all listen. Thank you for these moments. 👍

So you were down my neck of the woods in Hove, glad the Classic survived the bloody awful roads down here iv'e just fitted some Tec progressive springs and pre load adjusters on my Bonnie to make riding here a bit more comfortable. Good video bud l can see me getting a Classic or Bullet some time in the future

Torque delivery on the RE bikes is great from low down. Fuzzy Biker rode a 350 with cam & pipe, air filter & was a Rocket 🚀 & be a great bike to mod.This 350 with cam was modified for on/off road & had nobblys on it too.I reckon the army green 350 with nobbly tyre's on be great for gravel road exploring in NZ.

Well said. Unbiased, as I don't have one. ( did have a '61 350 Bullet in 1966). This modern version is the best looking bike on the market. The everlasting increased power of modern motorcycles has resulted in machines with 50% more power than can be used on most roads.

another great episode , i could relate to your journey to Brighton as have done M25 /M23 on a number of occasions , think i will definatly go for a classic or meteor now and possibly look at a earlier bullet as a second bike later on

I drove the big trucks for 40 years, and one thing I noticed was that in the winter time when the roads got bad, and I had to slow down, it really didn’t take much longer. There’s just no point in speeding everywhere as it doesn’t raise your average speed by very much.

I agree, I've never ridden 350 classic or any RE, but I WANT one: badly. Do I want speed? no. Ive got Z1000, a Gpz900r and a B12, if I want speed. Some of my best biking days were on Lambrettas with 1000s of miles of easy riding , and I could see the RE as replacing the Lambretta. That's not an insult to RE, but life was much easier when you wernt fighting 100+ BHP, and frankly more enjoyable. Not to mention the cost of replacing all the Y fronts after every Sunday ride out with the lads. Cant wait to get a RE, but I've got no room at present ( maybe I'll sell my wifes car?..) Happy and Safe riding folks

Good one - as an owner, couldn’t have put it better 😊👍

I’ve just bought one for my retirement and I love it in halcyon green , just running it in and buying accessories, your right it handles fantastic and already I’ve had some comments. The only thing is I wish I could do electric stuff so I will have to take to my dealer but I don’t mind that. And they are all metal😊👍🏍️

As always,superb.👍

Lovely review of the classic, tnx. Riding a classic 350 is a way of life, not just a ride ;-)

You forgot to mention that it's also the prettiest bike on the market! Far more so than the weird looking bikes coming out of Japan at the moment. I have the 350 Meteor and have over 20,000 miles on it so far without a hitch. I recommend putting on the slightly larger gearbox sprocket offered by Hitchcock's - it makes it feel a bit less 'busy' at highway speeds. You're on the money regarding the number of gears - in fact one of the aspects of the Interceptor I don't like is its 6 gears - silly on a bike with such a broad spread of torque. Oh, and by the way - the brakes won't lock the wheels because it has ABS front and rear 🙂

I have to agree Mr B there are too many people out there who are obsessed with the size of the engine in a bike & consider anything small capacity to be inferior, I have several small bikes I like to ride. An MZ es150/1 a Franciss Barnett falcon 70 a CZ 175 Trail & at some point soon I hope to have my RM6 & my New Hudson autocycle running. I seem to be getting around 70mpg out of my brace of 500 iron barrel bullets, which I'm happy enough with. Keep your kneeze in the breeze & keep on muttering !

Just bought a 350cc Meteor 23 plate just under 2000 miles , and i love the bike great bike ive just done 200 mile in 2 days and enjoyed every minute on it and am looking forward to many more happy miles on it , keeps up with everything and a comfortable bike to ride , once youve had a go you dont want to get off it . Youve hit the nail on the head .😂

AMEN Brother!

I absolutely agree, one of the best bikes i've owned. The 350 Classic Signals is fantastic. Also been riding for 45ish years and had many many different bikes.

Have been on bikes over 60 years From Batams to goldwings Harley ultras and everything in between- have lost count of how many bikes - started in South Wales ad a boy now in Florida Have just bought a 2022 interceptor with 2200 miles on it loaded for 3900 US dollars Did a ride on the 350 and loved it and may add one to my garage when I see I great deal on a lightly used one Totally agree with your assessment of the 350 Ride safe And regards from Florida

thats why i like the idea of getting a classic later, because of mpg figures and i dont want to ride likec a lunatic anymore as they say been there nearly collected a coffin, keep up the videos vb they are crackin.

I have a `22 Classic red/chrome too and bought it when it was 6 months old, with about 1,000 miles on it. It now has 4,500 miles and I love it more than any bike, I have ever owned. I check it accurately for fuel consumption and the last 3 times I checked it, I was getting 110 mpg, 112 mpg and the latest was 108.7 mpg (long day ride into a strong headwind, one way). I literally have lost count of the number of bikes I have owned and ridden, from a Raleigh Runabout to a Triumph Thunderbird 1600 and just about every make and capacity in between. I have another faster bike but I find myself more and more, choosing the Classic for most of my journeys.

I bought the Classic and a GT 650 at the beginning of the year to go along with my 3 BMW's. I've had people looking and taking pictures of the RE's. This never happened with any of my Beemers. Very proud to have spent so little $$ and have gotten so much pleasure from this brand. When I want to go faster I take the R1250RS., but then I'm always watching for the coppers. LOL.

You make a good point when you say at the end ' I've got bigger bikes if I want to go faster'. I think a lot of riders would be owning this as their sole bike, so the argument for it being not fast enough I think still has merit for anyone who can't keep more than one bike. When you feel like you want to go fast and you can't because you bought a classic instead of bike that is even, say 40hp, you have purchased yourself out of part of the motorcycling experience.

Think you need to introduce us to the honda 1300 😉 another great chat..

A very pretty motorcycle and very good advice at the end ! Loved the Tardis although I’ve never watched an episode of the modern stuff, Jon Pertwee was my favourite. And I don’t like crash bars either 🇬🇧

Well said. I really do appreciate your channel. And if some people watching don't like RE what the bloody hell are they doing watching in the first place?? Stuff em' 😜

I totally agree perfect bike.

I test rode a bunch of bikes after I got my license in 2022. Had my eye on the RE classic 350 and got to test ride one a couple of times. Was sorely tempted and I’m sure I would have been happy with one but got a triumph t100 only because a guy needed to get rid of his quickly and I got a crazy good deal. For what I need a 350 is powerful enough. Only perhaps on the motorway when you would like to accelerate to pass at 100 km h quickly would you maybe lack the oomph. But I love how they look and still watch videos of them

I've looked around, and this is fantastic, built, price, thanks for your opinions. Help me to know what I wanted to know. It was a great review on topic 👍

Completely agree, in fact I've measured the 350 compared to my Road King and there's a good 1.5 inches more room on the 350 seat for 2-up use - confirming what me and the missus thought... It goes pretty much the same 2-up as one up too! Had to modify the Road King backrest to match the room on the 350... Love my 350. Thanks for the great Video

Great video, almost sold me.one! I've an Interceptor 650 and honestly I think in a real world situation I think the 350 would be just as quick but a lot more economical! In the hands of a good rider probably faster!

That’s good to know. At a mere 6’3” ‘fit’ has always been a consideration, although really, it’s only ever been a problem on some fully faired bikes, having to squeeze the knees in.

There is a reason these were preferred, developed and put to the test by the Indian military and police forces. They are still used and on weekends the service men & women take their whole family and the dog on it. So if it’s pedigree anyone is after then this has 100 plus years of it. I had a Hayabusa, Africa Twin Adventure Sport, BMW GS. All sat in the garage as I couldn’t be bothered to get them out everyday! This I look for opportunities to ride whatever the weather. I don’t really care about speed, I am 47 … I wish these marketing companies that focus on BHP and Torque stop marketing power and speed and there will be more lives saved on this planet. The only thing that interferes with my enjoyment of riding this bike is being stopped by members of the public to chat about its classic looks😂 I am thinking of handing out some information cards 😅

Just done my sums on the fuel consumption of my 1991 500 Iron barrel Bullet. The bike is only used intermittently riding on minor roads in the Yorkshire Dales (twisty and hilly). Since 2021 it has completed 2477 miles and used 138.7 litres of petrol at an average of 79.5mpg! Steady A/B pottering I am sure it would make 90 mpg!

For some riders the only point of a motorbike is passing everything else on the road. Alright if you like that sort of thing, but it's not very relaxing.

I am in the second stage run in so not meant to go faster than 80 kilometers per hour, but accidently get up to 100 without realising it so have to slow back down to 80. Love the bike

I tend to go for the sportier bike, owning a Gsxr 1000, Ducati Supersport and Triumph street triple, but your RE looks wonderful and its nice to push a 20bhp bike. Cheers from Debeham Suffolk

Rode the 350 Hunter at a demo and really liked it. Had decent power for its size and comfortable.

Well said, I've been to Scotland on mine 740 miles round trip loaded with camping gear, A roads B roads and Motorway, it did it no problem ! 🤷‍♂️ I've got a Vstrom 650 and an SV650, but I can't stay off my 350 classic it's an excellent bike. Cheers Mel 🍻

Nice bike and if they made a 500 single with 35hp I'd have one.

I have many bikes but the three (maybe four) I use most are, in no particular order... Kawasaki Versys 650 GT Honda ADV350 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Honda CRF250L Commuting, touring, weekend rides, these bikes are fantastic. I laugh at these only 1000cc plus comments... you can have an adventure on any bike. RU-vid is full of videos, scooter from London to Morocco! The CRF300 Rally girl in Africa! The Honda monkey bike 125cc around the world... Ride safe.

I have the meteor 350 and have loved the 5000 miles with done together. Yes it's not fast but I'm not either so 55 is fine for me and 95mpg is very welcome 👍

I agree with everything you say, its not small, I'm a foot shorter at five foot six, I've put the low seat on mine. I see all these videos of people tuning them for more power but I don't know why, they are fine as they are.

Well said. 👍

It’s strange as “modern” bikes are so much more powerful than the era the RE 350 is based on!…so how can they be compared?! …the 350 Bullet and BSA B31 350 of the 50’s and early 60’s were only 18 BHP and 22BHP respectively….and they were considered as medium sized work horses!! Even a 1960 Triumph 650cc Tiger 110 only put out 42BHP…and that was considered a sporty model before the TC Bonneville T120 came to the fore!! and even that only put out 47BHP!……we seemed to be BHP mad nowadays…..there’s only so much power you can use on the roads ( legally!)…..I think the Classic 350 is a brilliant bike…love your red/chrome colour scheme especially!…loving the vids pal…keep em coming( Triumph Street Twin owner)…👌😎👍

Love mine red chrome same as yours

I used to have a 1958 Ariel Huntmaster. Also a Gilera Fuoco 2-wheels-at-the-front scooter... Eventually I couldn't keep the huntmaster fettled on my own, so I compromised between those two and got a Triumph Speedmaster which I LOVE. BUT I don't need a 1200 engine. Also the suspension is very short. I want a modern-classic machine that's more economical and an easier ride and I'm trying a classic 350 today... I think my beloved Speedmaster might be in trouble. Just so long as the mid controls are still comfy on my busted knee...

I guess it’s worth looking at but I still like a bit of speed so I was thinking about the shot gun or meteor in the future I’m 64 and still like a little over the speed limit at the moment not in 30/40 limits though but get one of those I mentioned in 2/3 years I hear so much good about them especially the price does make me think ride safe take care

Brilliant bike, compared to my 1200:sportster it’s very light, I have the DNA filter kit on which improves the bike on overtakes. Cannot find a reason to get rid of it at all. 50 plus years of riding and well satisfied with the bike.

Sensible comments VB. I own a signals version and agree with everything you said there😊

I've owned fast bikes 80 + HP. And yes they were quick but - sterile. The classic 350 never fails to put a smile on my face. Has so much charm & character & surprisingly smooth. Danger -I wouldn't advise anybody to do a test ride - you'll fall in love.

100 mpg is nothing to be sneezed at in a world where a geopolitical crisis could send oil prices to multiple hundreds of dollars per barrel. Especially on a machine capable of all day touring with luggage!

Most modern bikes have to much power and governments around the world are reducing speed limits. The classic 350 is under-powered compared to most modern bikes but you don't need that extra power, there are exceptions like doing loads of motorway riding or going on a bike big tour 2 up with loads of luggage. but most of the time the 350 is okay for everyday riding.

I’m 6’ 6”! Oh don’t you start! Has TAYM been talking to you! 🙄🤣

To many commenters just HAVE to have a different opinion no matter the subject. I think they feel that they are somebody important when they argue on the internet.

Can't agree with u more 👍😎

Great upload! I've got one, same colouur too. At 67, I've also had most of the 70 to 90's rocket's. I've calmed down a bit over the last 20 odd yrs and sold my last two big bikes last year; a 1000 BMW and a Wiseco ZZR 175bhp monster. What did I buy just to keep my hand in? An RE 350 Classic. What do I think of it? I love it, it's simply the best bike (of any capacity) I've ever owned!

Dear Sir, Thank you for uploading a really lovely video - it was great to listen to, and delivered in a very relaxed style. I'm thinking about getting a R.E.Classic 350 myself, but if I do, I'll be taking it over to France where I have relatives. So, the question is this - will it genuinely hold a true 65-70 mph on the motorway, for extended periods of time, without fear of overstressing the engine? The last thing I would want to do is blow a piston on the French highway! Also, how do you find the suspension/shock absorbers? Do they handle large bumps and potholes ok? Many thanks once again for your time. All the best, and ride safe. Warmest regards, Neil (West Mids).

With the logic of the commenters you are adressing i can find several downsides with the RE Classic 350. Here we go, It is bad because: -It is not as fast as a Suzuki Hayabusa. -It can´t haul as much cargo as a Ford Transit. -It floats much worse than a motorboat. -A airplane flys much better. -A hammer is better for pounding in nails. -it doesn´t bakes as tasty cakes as my grandmother. The thing is that ANY object have a specific range of use and will not complete all tasks without faults. If a Royal Enfield 350 Classic can´t do what you want from it it is likely not the bike for you. Move on. To b*tch about it in the comments of a video reviewing the bike is just pathetic. EDIT: Nice and well presented video. Subscribing. 👍

👍👍

Aaaay yupp Stu.

It will be good if one day, you could tell about the bikes that you've owned or ridden and didn't rate very highly. That would open up a can of worms!

Toto agree get some comments about my 2002 bullet disbelief at my mileage covered ignore people now bigger than most people think maybe they have not used motorcycle just armchair warrior

Great review of the Classic 350 amazing little bike, i know its a very hypothetical question to ask who owns 18 plus motorcycles, If you had to keep just one motorcycle out of all your wonderful collection, which one would you keep, would be very interesting to know your answer and opinion.Thanks and Cheers

Excellent video mate, you may have already have said previously. So pleased excuse me if you have. What's your thoughts on the 350 Bullet?

40 years this end ridden them all ended up with a " cast iron bullet "