When I travelled India I fell in love with Royal Enfield. After ridding a standard bullet 500 (so called iron barrel) through the Himalayas I bought a new Classic 500 when I got home. Mine was probably a Monday morning bike because it gave me lots of problems. Last year I swapped it for the new Classic 350. I still regret that decision. The charm is lost due to the use of a overhead camshaft, balancing shaft and timing chain. The engine whines and misses the lazy thumping character that the 500 has. Yes it is way more practical for everyday riding, but that is not what these bikes are about. I’m now looking to buy a proper classic bullet.

@ThePkeys

Жыл бұрын

are you in the UK i'd be interested in talking to you about swapping my 500 classic for your 350 possibly

@RB87NL

Жыл бұрын

@@ThePkeys I am based in the Netherlands so that’s not really an option.

@saddamgk6213

Жыл бұрын

I have bs3 classic I want to upgrade with new classics 350 are not

@OOOUZ

Ай бұрын

So you miss that toxic ex while living with perfectly normal current gf😂

@user-kq1fz2cm4f

28 күн бұрын

Not a monday bike. I know my bike was built on a Wednesday & it too is a problem child.

I have a classic 500. I test rode a 350. I will never sell my 500. It is absolutely unique, rattly and vibrates horribly. But what an interesting thing to sit upon. The 350 is far more comfortable and usable as a day to day rider, I may end up with both.

I went on Fuzzy's Biker's , Nifty 350 here in Iowa , lots of 350's a few 500's , on the ride you couldn't tell the difference and looks are close , my 500 kept pace fine and it's paid for so sticking with it ................ thanx for the ride Keith and thanx for the video Jack

Came for the comparison, stayed and subbed for the peaceful minute ride at the end. Love the concept, please put out more of the same! Ride safe!

I recently borrowed a Classic 350 whilst my Himalayan was in for some warranty work. The Classic 350 was a very easy bike to ride ( apart from the aftermarket wide foot pegs), very smooth power delivery and minimal vibration. The suspension and handling were very good and I felt at home on the bike very quickly. The fit and finish was very good especially taking into account the price. The only Bullet I rode before was a 350 with r/h gear change and drum brakes. This bike did put me off RE but the Himalayan has redressed that and the Classic 350, meteor and 650 twins have built up a solid reputation for providing what a lot of what experienced motorcyclists are looking for without breaking the bank. If it were me I’d have the new 350 over the old 500.

I have heard from owners of both that the 500 has much more pull from stop than the 350.

Enjoyed your review. You have a mellow & relaxed voice for Utube. Thanks for reviewing the 350. Will have to test ride one. Uncertain if it has enough get up & go for roads on my island (Pacific NW, USA).

@JackBonhamMotorcycles

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Charles. The sweet spot for the 350 is 60mph. It’s more of a lazy pottering bike 👍

I've become quite a fan of the royal enfield over the past few years, I have a classic 500 and an interceptor 650. Love them both, but for a pure enjoyment relaxing fun ride, the classic is my go to bike. Just something about the overall feeling. That said, I would love to get my hands on the new 350, but wouldn't trade my 500 for anything 🙂

@JackBonhamMotorcycles

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Jeff. Quite agree 👍

Very nice video and honest take on these beautiful bikes... I have to say...lol... I was almost expecting you to go off topic and say, "Good evening ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking... We are currently cruising at 35,000 feet..." Lol Your calm, professional tone just oozes airline Captain... Lol... Hope you see the fun in my comment. It's a compliment.

@JackBonhamMotorcycles

Жыл бұрын

Hi Anthony. Ha excellent 👍 thank you. Glad you liked it 👍

I bought a gt535 because of the simplicity. Had nothing but trouble with it. The hydraulic tappets are a constant problem,

I have owned both. I now have the 350. I would not go back to the 500. As much as I loved its character and charm, I never quite trusted it. On the other hand I feel confident to take the 350m anywhere.

Nicely done!

@JackBonhamMotorcycles

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your kind words 👍

So in other words Jack,you Recommend The Classic 350! Good Call👍🏻

Nice video. I ended up with a classic 350 since the 500 stopped selling in Norway because of the euro 5

@JackBonhamMotorcycles

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Hope you are enjoying your bike. 👍

@norwayrider6339

2 жыл бұрын

@@JackBonhamMotorcycles Yes very much so

Ive got 2 older bullets, 350 and 525 alloy barrel. rough raw and a heap of fun ... and ive just killed the motorcycle industry ...cause Ill never buy another bike

@JackBonhamMotorcycles

Жыл бұрын

I feel the same about my bullet 500. 👍

I have a Classic 500 Tribute black and a 350 Meteor. The Meteor without doubt is easier and more pleasant to ride than the 500.

The classic 500(I had one) was the last of the poorer quality Enfields.There is a big jump now in reliability performance and quality in the modern machines.

@JackBonhamMotorcycles

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Jimmy, yes your right. A big improvement. I’ve even noticed it on the interceptor. The latest euro 5 is is better than the earlier 2019 bikes and they were good. 👍

Cheers. I had the choice between a near new c500 or a new c350. I went with the c350 and am very happy.

@JackBonhamMotorcycles

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Dave. Good choice 👍

Can you tell me about the steep climbing abilities of the two in the rough mountain roads?

Call me odd. I took a 500 Classic for a ride, I found the roughness and it being unrefined part of its charm. I absolutely loved the exhaust note. I don’t like the instrument cluster on the 350 and it, well, sounds too mellow. Great video.

@JackBonhamMotorcycles

Жыл бұрын

Yes. The 500 does have more charm with it’s rough edges 👍

@dg8676

11 ай бұрын

I love my 350 although a 500cc sounds perfect for this bike.

@andryadams

22 күн бұрын

I use the 500 Classic, I can not tolerate the rough vibration but the sound is good. As soon as the 350 Classic was released, the vibration was gone, but the sound was lacking. I replaced the 500 Classic with 350 and removed the 350 Classic's silencer exhaust, removed the CC, replaced with the free flow pipe and boom! I got a RE Classic Red Chrome without vibration with complete 500 Classic sound! Amazing

Thanks!

@JackBonhamMotorcycles

Жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍

Hi Jack It's looks like Trial 500 I have the same one as well love it Proud to keep this 500

@JackBonhamMotorcycles

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Saab. Yes it’s a fabulous bike 👍

Splendiferous, the Royal Enfield dilemma.

@JackBonhamMotorcycles

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you much appreciated 👍

The old 500 was a good bike. The 350 lacks a Kickstarter and is limited to 19 hp. The OHC 350 is simply a much cheaper to build. So now we don't get a choice. Of course I just love my BSA C-15 250's.Cheap and cheerful as you Brits say. Push rod won't break and kill your engine like when a cam chain does.

G'day Jack from Australia, l myself love the 500cc and the new 350cc in the classic look, however for all it's faults l am looking for a good 535cc Continental cafe racer, had a ride at a club meeting this month and even though l ride a 650cc Interceptor l love everything about that machine, if l had the money l would buy all three, cheers mate, Neil 🤠.

@JackBonhamMotorcycles

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Neil. Yes I did like the 535 myself 👍Glad you enjoyed the video. All the best Jack 👍

The 350 engine is more undersquare which would help low-end torque at the expense of high rpm horsepower. 500 bore & stroke is 84 x 90 while the 350 is 72 x 85.8.

Iam in this dilemma at the minute, adore the looks of the 500 classic and its charm , but then i think of the better build quality a smooth engine . My heart says 500 everytime my head says 350. Its such a tough call 🤔

@christyfernandez7841

3 ай бұрын

Hang on mate the 650 classic will be out shortly .. go for it … it will be worth the buy

@GrzegorzWu

2 ай бұрын

Mam dokładnie tak samo.

Looks like really sweet bike this from what I’ve seen on KZread . Haven’t ridden it myself yet . Some things I’m wondering about : There are 120cc scooters that will do 120 Kmh. Why didn’t they put the 411cc motor from the scram in the new Bullit? Even though it seems to be “enough” Power from the 350 , they would still be manageable to make it slightly more powerful without taking away its positives , right?

@JackBonhamMotorcycles

2 жыл бұрын

Yes your probably right. Although it’s odd that 411cc engine. In the Himalayan it’s got less go than the 350. But the retune for the SCRAM makes it go. I’ve heard they are bringing a 650 meteor soon . A 650 classic would be amazing 👍. Thanks for watching the video.

how often would you use max power on a bike with 20 hp - well, about always i'd guess, not?

Try once to compare bhp and torque, loaded with a pillion of 90 kg and camp equipment on both bikes, and then you will experience a significant difference in bhp and torque between both. While as a solorider it seems that there is almost no difference, as you say, because of the smoothness of the new 350, in duo you surely will feel it. Personal experience. On the other hand, agree with your comments on both bikes, nice video.

@JackBonhamMotorcycles

Жыл бұрын

Hi Marc. Yes you are probably right 👍

@dg8676

11 ай бұрын

Try getting to the next gas station that’s just out of reach compared to the mpg on the 350😂😂😂 we can make millions of scenarios up that would make each bike seem better. Just give the information about the bike and let people formulate their own opinion

Great review but I do disagree with the fit and finish of the new 350 compared to the 500. I also own one of the final year's worth of 500's and the quality is spot on, whilst I've heard that there are issues with the 350, such as sub standard paint joins to the chrome and rusting cables. The 500 is also much quicker from the off, right up to the top speed and the better torque means this is achieved with less effort on the engine. There are plenty of head to head Indian videos which show the difference clearly and it is very obvious when the bikes are side by side.

@JackBonhamMotorcycles

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Richard 👍 . It’s early days for the new 350 although I’ve not heard about as many issues as there were for the last 500s. I’m lucky like you I got one of the very last 500s and it’s been superb. Ok the wiring connectors I’ve had to re taped in places but that’s me being more finicky I expect. All in all two fantastic bikes 👍

Nice review Jack ! Agree with your views, just traded my 500 for a new 350 for the hectic traffic here in Sydney but do miss the 500 for its rattly grunty charms ...

@JackBonhamMotorcycles

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Tom. Thank you 👍. Makes riding through the hectic traffic a pleasure 👍

Nice one....

@JackBonhamMotorcycles

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Henry 👍

That digital display was/is a surprising design error on what is an almost perfect bike imo

@JackBonhamMotorcycles

2 жыл бұрын

Yes agree. An analogue would have been much better 👍

How does the gas mileage compare between the two?Is the 350 more economical and by how much in mpg? Great video!

@JackBonhamMotorcycles

2 жыл бұрын

Hi William, strangely enough they are both about the same combined. Really not much between them 👍

There is a video online of a chap with a brand new one of these - the chrome is coming off the exhaust at ultra low miles (basically brand new) not only that the chrome is clearly wafer thin. Hope its an isolated case but i wonder if the quality is actually as good as people are thinking.

@JackBonhamMotorcycles

Жыл бұрын

I would have thought it an isolated case. Not heard it before. 👍

Y ess👍✌️🇨🇵

@JackBonhamMotorcycles

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Alain 👍

i.bought a classic 350 superb in all aspects but i sold it and went back to a 500 im 82 its lovely its got something the 350 aint got “ SOUL”😜😜😜👍🏿👍🏿