Royal Enfield Classic 500 Review 

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I rode a 500 Desert Storm over 20,000kms throughout India and Nepal over 12 months. From the Himalayan mountains to the Thar Desert, jungles, highways, tight overcrowded alley ways, you name it - this machine did it all. You nailed it with the "meditation" comment. People often ask how I could string together a week of dawn till dusk days at a time, and my answer is always the same - "I was meditating". Great review on a truly amazing bike.

I had one for a year and put 10000 k on it, sold it for a new Ducati monster and my heart is still bleeding... most fun on a bike I ever had

Call me an outlier, but this is exactly the sort of bike I would want for a daily Rider A standard riding position, low revving engine, predictable steering, and be able to get it in olive drab or Desert Storm really adds to the cool Factor

I think this Will be one of the Best Selling Motorcycles not just in Australia - but in Every Country that it is sold. Period.

I have been riding a 2010 Classic 500 for a few years now and love it. Recommend it. Don't listen to the nay sayers. Great video Mike.

A good honest review Mike .... so many people rubbish these bikes

Just got mine two weeks ago . Of course it snowed the very next day . I did get a ride in a few days later . It’s wonderful. I’ve been riding since 1967. We moved to upstate NY six months ago and when we moved I sold my Harley . The roads are so wonderful up here that I decided to get another bike . Great choice. I had the HD for 15 years but never really bonded with it . This bike felt perfect after a twenty minute ride on a demo. Bought this in Albany NY - great shop (thank you Ellis) . Slowly breaking it in now. Good stuff . Should have bought one of these fifteen years ago .

Good review Mike; I've just done 2500km on my 500 UCE and you're spot on. It is a great bike, especially here in the Kangaroo Valley and NSW Southern Highlands.

I think that very few people realize what this bike is about, and what a gem it really is. This is the perfect bike after you had your fill of RRs and just want to go back to no nonsense pure joy of riding and admiring scenery in the process.

Meditation! Yes! One returns home with memories of the scenery instead of the visual after image of black tarmac and white lines. They're great fun to ride. With a sensible after market exhaust you can wake up sleepy villages, probably the entire parish, and still have denizens wave to you as you pass.

This has more soul than Harley Davidson.

Finally , someone who gets this motorcycle . Nice review ! The vibrations settle down when you put miles on it. A synthetic engine oil makes things a lot better. I replaced the stock rubber brake hose with a steel one and it certainly bites better. Definitely a fun little motorcycle at the twisties

the way he talks makes me relaxed ..i dunno why but i love it

Regarding the power: the 350 is long stroke but the 500 is practically square being only 1mm different to a DB34 BSA Goldstar. It has a little less power than a DB34 (34bhp) but a lot more torque, 41Nm which is similar to a Honda CB500R. The motor can be tuned fairly easily to about 34bhp, it doesn't go a lot faster but gets there quicker. A free-flow exhaust alone won't do that but helps it breathe easier and gives a good improvement to mid-range; more of the same. Regarding vibration: it is very noticeable during running-in, which takes 1000 miles. If the bike is run-in properly the tingly handlebar and foot peg vibration will dissipate around 1500 miles, but not be eradicated completely because it is after all a big single; engine mounts, head stay and swinging arm should be torqued up because these loosen and bed in during running-in too. If the motor is thrashed during running-in it will knock the bearings and trunnions oval and it will always feel like riding a road drill. Once about 1500 miles has been reached then increase revs through the gears which beds-in the various bearings and shafts and further reduces vibration at higher revs; if this is not done the motor will feel reluctant to exceed 4800rpm, the benefit is not instant, can take 500 miles. Cruising speed: when properly run-in comfortable cruising is 50-70mph (80-115kph), above 70mph wind buffeting is unpleasant (no screen). Will go to 80+mph which means it can be ridden on boring motorways if absolutely necessary. Handling: confident and forgiving but tyre pressure affects handling, put 27psi in the front and 29psi in the rear (Avon numbers), especially on Avon Roadriders, put in another 2psi both for pillion and another 2psi rear for extra load. Hence I ride it solo about 28/30. The Owners Booklet low front pressure (18psi) will have the front tyre practically rolling off the rim, with soggy braking and unpredictable cornering.

I Got me squadron blue one...FANTASTIC here in malta i love it!!! :D

It looks like the RE Bullet has come a long way since it was imported into the USA on a large scale over 15 years ago. I test drove one that had the 4-speed newly converted to the left side through the engine from the right side as required for sale here. It had a carburetor, two drum brakes and a kick start only. On the negative side, the shifting was guess work because I usually found a false neutral with every other shift and the brakes were extremely weak which required stopping long before I reached a stop sign. On the positive side, I loved it! The comfort, handling, sound and overall personality were excellent. It only needed one kick to start the cold engine and it performed perfectly. The riding style is perfect for me. I've never been a fast rider, don't like interstate speeds and I certainly don't need a uniform which seems to be required for the "crotch-rocket" or Harley/Indian macho machine. I currently putt around on secondary roads with 35 mph and 55 mph speed limits on my little Honda Shadow VT600 Shadow/Steed. It is the slowest motorcycle of my last four models and the most fun. It is 30 years old and shows its age cosmetically but it is mechanically excellent. I plan to place a newer Bullet 500 Classic beside it now that it is more predictable in its shifting and braking.

Awesome review. I have a classic signals 350 desert sand. Its got a few updates the best one is a low fuel indicator and the second one being a dual channel ABS with a rear disc brake. The bike is awesome between. 80 to 100 and the best part is u dun get tired at the end of the journey like the Japanese motorcycles.

Excellent review. I’m debating a classic 500 here in the US. I don’t mind tinkering (actually look forward to it) and I like the Enfield for that. I am debating between a 1970s Honda CB or the Enfield. I like the fact that the Enfield is still in production vs digging for parts of a 40 year old bike.

I am currently 3 weeks into ownership of my Royal Enfield Classic 350, and loving it! The 350 still has a carburettor but is otherwise the same as the 500, it's also over $2,000 cheaper. I find the 350 is a blast for commuting, that slow thunk thunk thunk idle has people looking as it sounds much larger capacity than it really is, I have nearly 800 klm on mine now and the engine is bedding in nicely, a lot of the very mechanical noise from the engine has vanished after the first service to be replaced by a very satisfying rumble on acceleration, the bark and burble on closed throttle coast down just adds to the fun. I am getting almost unbelievable fuel economy, my two topups after the initial fill have it running at over 40 km/ltr. near on 120 imperial mpg. It just makes you smile every time you throw a leg over it, I refer to mine as Valium on wheels, there's just no way you can be agro riding one of these things. Build quality and paint finish is totally fine, it's not a Rolls Royce, but it's not rubbish by any measure, the only issue I've had with mine is a dodgy looking weld on the front wheel rim where the hoop is welded to form the rim, I showed it to the local dealer here in Adelaide on Regency Road and no problem, a new rim has been ordered and will be replaced asap. Looking forward to many many thousands of km's of smiles on 'Rodney' Cheers Ray

Hello Sir, this being my first exposure to your work and channel, finds me as a new and happy subscriber. Your style, presentation and apparent honesty I find both refreshing and enjoyable. Just one point I would argue, I believe this would in nigh all aspects be an ideal beginners bike regardless of what they may or may not "transition" to. From personal experience these older style designs require a more active but restrained input, in all a more nuanced experience, which I think can only be beneficial to the novice. Finally I can really relate to your meditative condition whilst putting along on those gorgeous Victorian back roads, I mean lets face it you Victorians always had the advantage of somewhat wider roads than we New South Welshman, leaving a good deal more rideable surface before encountering the usual cracking edges. Anyway, many thanks from James (ex-Australian now residing in West Yorkshire, UK)

Royal enfield its a passion, feeling, attitude. I love my royal enfield 500cc bike

I wish I hadn`t gotten old, because I would sure love to have one of these.

You got it right Mike.....its very much like meditating.......and one always wears a smile ...whilst riding it.... I use my Baby Tiger (Bullet 350 Standard) to escape the city on week ends.... Peace and Lots of Love from Mumbai, India

I own a classic 500 too and to be honest it easily doubles as a commuter as it's simple bike and very comfortable.

Love all of my Enfields from the GT to this model, a good honest review.

I am so freaking excited to get one of these.

THANKS BUDDY HONEST REVIEW IS WHAT I LIKE FROM AN EXPERIENCED RIDER .

I, for one, would just love to have that bike. Classic is exactly what I am looking for.

I had a green 2012 classic 500 for 3-4 years. Overall, I thought it was lacking in power and distance capability (can't really go highway speeds). It was definitely a comfortable ride, and very relaxed, so good for tooling around town. I always got compliments on the bike, like clockwork whenever I pulled up in a parking lot, so it definitely turns heads and has a great classic look. One thing that I didn't know until I had the bike: There isn't a large (english speaking) community of enfield riders, so every time I had a question about the bike or specifications it was really a big struggle to find forums online with the right information. Along with that, the few additional parts that are available are sold through India and tend to be very expensive for even small farkles. I noticed all this after moving to an 800cc dual sport and finding an abundant wealth of information online which makes it much easier to do my own servicing and troubleshooting. Also, as someone else mentioned, pieces on the bike do tend to rust easily so keep it dry. Lastly, word to the wise: be super careful not to over-tighten the drain plug on the bottom of the engine box. I'm not a big guy but I easily stripped the aluminum threading on the bottom of the engine. Since it's all one big metal hunk, you can't just replace a small portion - I had to have the dealership retap the plug hole and then fit a larger drain plug, which was a big PITA.

I have had my 500 for about 8 months and thought most of your evaluation was spot on. I think the bike is very good for commuting as long as the speeds are 60 mph and under. The lightness and fuel mileage is outstanding.

This is one of best reviews ever. Thank you

My uncle lives in India, he bought classic 350 brand new. He gave it away to his friend claiming is was too heavy to park in tight spots

Well, I have this same bike same colour.... Feels good..vibrates Little... Good job by RE...

The RE bikes are oozing with character; stunning bikes.

That rear drum brake can be fixed to operate properly. For some daft reason RE paint the cam/bush onto the back plate. It has slotted holes and screws with lock nuts because it is supposed to slide slightly to centralise the shoes. With it reassembled correctly (about half hour messing about) and the shoes centralised the free play on the pedal can be reduced to less than an inch. The brake not only becomes more powerful but becomes completely predictable and really useful for feathering into bends and slow manoeuvring. Otoh the liquid RE put in the front disc brake is genuine rubbish and needs replacing with DOT.4 asap and then it works well (it should be a Brembo on that year model)

I have 3 RE, a 350 single, carby, drum back and front, 500 Trials and the last of the 500’s, the Tribute, love these bikes.

A very honest & comprehensive review. I enjoyed watching!

Great review. “Zen and the art of motorcycle review”

I compare re RE Classic 500 to AJS, Matchless and BSA of the 50s with the benefit of being new, so you can go on a longer ride being almost sure you get home not on a tow truck. If you want a classic style motorcycle I believe there is no match (if there is, please tell me). And no, HD is not an alternative.

Suddenly it's 1950!

Thanks for the nice review. This was only one of the many reviews that made me order a brand new Desert Storm - unseen - last october. Picking it up at the shop after Easter, the last (perhaps the only) Desert Storm sold in Norway. In the meantime I enjoy RE Classic videos and order accessories, such as sports silencer, luggage rack, panniers and crash bar.

From what I heard they are out of production now. I did drive a Morris major as my daily transport for years. I think this bike is right up my alley.

Love the look of this bike I really hope to own one soon maybe

Had the black and white version of this bike and it was a hoot. Travelled all over the UK and it never let me down once. The vibrations do settle down as the miles rise. Would have another one no problem

I own an old one and I love it it takes priming to start it in winter but I've owned it for 15 years

Great. Now I want one more. My CB1300 is getting nervous.

I bought a Classic 500 Desert Storm last year in October. A 2019 EFI with anti-lock disc brakes. I've had 5 rides on it since then (it's winter here and bloody cold XD), but I've put 1300km on her already. I own a BMW K1200GT and Suzuki Katana 750 as well. The Classic 500 ist by far the best bike I own. It's the most comfortable and the most fun bike I've ever had. I will not sell this bike, it was love at first ride :-)

Having got an Enfield Classic 500 a few weeks ago, (my first non-Japanese motorcycle in 47 years) I can endorse what your review said. It is a lovely, relaxing ride on "A" roads and by-ways and at 50 ~ 60 mph, there's little vibration. I'll not be taking mine on motorways (freeways) as it'll be too frantic trying to keep out of the way of large trucks doing 60 ~ 70 mph. Instead, I'll enjoy the pleasure of a quieter (hopefully!) ride in the countryside and also on our UK network of less-major roads. By the way, the handlebar switch gear is EXACTLY the same as fitted on my other bike, a 1997 Suzuki GSF600S (Bandit). The only difference is that on my 2018 Enfield, the headlight on-off switch has been removed and blanked off. Daylight running lights are the order of the day.

Very informative! I am considering a Royal Enfield Classic 500 with a sidecar as my second motorcycle. Top end speed isn't as important as torque when hauling a sidecar. It will be my weekender bike.

I feel like it's really hard to assess these UCE bikes without spending time around a lot of different ones. My 2010 shakes and rattles like an old English bike and I assumed they were all like that, but I've since ridden others with no modifications that are as smooth as silk. Likewise the gearboxes range from lazy and full of neutrals to snappy, tight and responsive. I'm 25 so don't judge too harshly when I say I've put 35,000 thrashed and crashed kms on mine with only basic maintenance, electrical tape and zip-ties and it's still going strong. A couple in the club have clocked up over 100,000 before catastrophic frame-related failures and other members have had their engine throw their rod at 40,000km (2012 model). More recently one has required a complete rebuild after just 12,500km (2015 model), and that one was owned by a mechanical engineer in the navy for god's sake. If you can get a good one you'll have the most trusty bike you could ever own, but get a dog and it might bite (blow) your leg off

That bike is so cool. Really like the color.

Beautiful machine . Every bike that catches my eye , looks alot like a Bonneville I had early 70's .

I was talking bikes with my mate in work the other day, and Royal Enfield came up as a joke really.........now I have my heart set on the classic in military green, it's a gorgeous bike.

Royal Enfield it's an EMOTION

Excellent review Mike. Good narration. Good onya..

My favourite model of RE...Classic 500 Desert Storm

Excellent review Mike. Your analysis was spot on.

Waiting for my driving licence to come... Without it, I can't make an order and registration. I never felt that time is no going to me. I already felt how this bird flying.

Very nice review A proper analysis of a product Well done Mike

These are are really fun probably one of the best cruiser bikes, plus these bikes are made like gun.

It's sad they were discontinued because of emissions regulations. Here in Brazil they started being sold around 2016 so there's not enough of them here and all spare parts will need to be imported from India. I just wish we had it for 5 or 10 years more I would certainly be able to maintain two bikes and the classic would be the second one. Even if they make a 650 twin version it won't be the same. Not classical nor single bore or as versatile as the classic 500. There's still the 350 one but it's more like a urban motorcycle

Looking to buy one. Great review. Cheers.

Perfect review! Will probably buy one after watching this video. Thanks!

Thanks for the info, I'm looking to get this as my learner bike. Living in Ringwood, so it's right around my corner😂😄

It came down to the Royal Enfield and the Yamaha SR400. I went for the SR400 but I'm getting a Royal Enfield in the spring.

Italian bikes also had right hand gear change until the US authorities determined that the brake lever should be on the right side, as most people are right footed, they felt the brake needed more delicate touch than did the gear lever and that it should be placed on the right side.

Amazing review. ❤ this bike is a true beast ❤

Nice motorcycle... Would be nice to have such next to my old VFR800vtec

excellent review - vibration puts me off really, ok for a short time i suppose. When i sat on one, in a showroom, the footpegs felt too far forward, for me anyway. in the UK, some of the most crowded roads in Europe, cruising isn't really an option, you are obliged to go with whatever the flow is not really able to troll around in an oblivious way. angst is the name of the game in mid UK Haha.

Vibration, what the hell, its good vibration. Who needs a ricedish. I love it.

Meditation on a motorcycle , perfect

OK so highways are in the. US are faster that 100kph. I mean 130kph is not uncommon especially between major cities. I really like the looks of this bike and I am thinking of buying one as my first bike but will it be able to do those speeds for multiple hours at a time? I mean the nearest dealer to me is almost 100miles away. And I would like to take this on trips and not just putting around town.

Amazing review❣️

This is very informative. Thank you. I am.in Thailand where they only import the 500cc models. Have you tried the 350 or 250cc Royal Enfields?

The 2022 classic 350 looks interesting to me. Has the same style but a more modern engine and chassis. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.

if you remove vibrations, you're really killing the machine's character

Used to fit a length of garden hose through the bar capped at one end and filled with sand then capped at the other end. Bars stop shaking period. The rest is “character” you either love it or don’t understand it. If the former you’re quite happy if the latter you probably sold it to me🤣

This is a very quick bike with an incredible torque.

Is it a good beginner's motorcycle? I'm starting to like that bike...may be some young guy in his 20's sitting on his laptop, but I appreciate old school looking stuff such as the 500

Thanks Mike great video going to get one 👍

Hi Mike. Can we say that the vibration is quite disturbing?

Pleasant review, thanks.

Nice review

i just bought a 125 grom.surprised me how much i enjoyed going slower and just enjoying the view.i guess this bike is a little like that.

Best review...loved it mike.

great review. thanks

These bikes have made over the hymilayas, I test rode one and it was a really fun ride, under powered and all there was just something fun about it like other small displacement bikes

What these bikes are made in India? I also own a Thunderbird but I thought it's an American brand.Damn

you can also do loud bulletshot sound by on\of quickly the engine at 60\ 70 km speed by kill switch.. it sounds like bullet shot very loud.. we do here in india ...but dont do near police its too loud shokewave type

I live back in the toolies far from pavement. I ride a Heritage a LOT on gravel. I would dearly love to throw a leg over one of these some afternoon. I love to putt up and down dirt roads at thirty miles per.

You know what am a 2 wheeli begginer and i have stuck alot in gears which is quite annoying. But who cares, I love my thunderbird and i will be perfect for her very soon...

Learned to ride on a Royal Enfield in India and owned a Classic 500 in the U.S. for several years, too. I'm sorry, but it's a rubbish bike--I used mine as a daily commuter, and it just didn't work. I even had to replace the gas tank on warranty within a year of purchase, because it sprouted a spontaneous, inexplicable hairline crack and started leaking petrol everywhere. Really hard for me to shit talk the Enfield, because I've had so many good times on them in India. In fact, I just did the Spiti Valley Loop this past summer on a 350cc--aside from having to replace the rear brakes, it didn't miss a beat. But while the R.E. provides enough power for Indian highways, it completely lacks in countries with higher speed limits and smoother infrastructure. I'd love to get another Enfield someday, maybe once long-term ownership reviews of the 650s become available. But the company really lost my trust as an owner.

Nice review, as always. Is it a 2017 model ? If so, it surprisingly doesn't come with ABS and rear disk brake, as in Europe.

What should be the price of Royal Enfield Classic 500..BS IV.. 2017 October Model.. 4500 KM. Is it good buying or not... Please guide

Yaaaa U said it Meditation on the motorcycle. I was thinking for the last one year y I love this byke. It's meditation. 😍😘.

Very Informative review

Nice countryside. Looks like Central West NSW, I was thinking Kangaroobie road, March (just north of Orange). Where tis? I really like your videos and the "non-sensationalist" delivery. Emailed a link of this video to a friend who has just purchased a RE Pegasus 500 (which really looks the part). Cheers.

If it has a fast idle lever, it must not measure intake air temperature sensor which would help it achieve proper air fuel mixture according to air temperature and pressure.

So i have a question - i have this same one 2012 with only 450 miles on it and it’s spotless - i am in dallas texas - how much do you think it’s worth? I really want to keep it but don’t know a good mechanic to keep up