The MAM Journals -Royal Enfield Classic 350
A static review of the new Royal Enfield 350 . How does it compare with the Meteor that I rode recently? What are the specifications of the bike ? How does it ride? Is it a sunday morning bike , a commuter , tourer or all three? I comment on engine , chassis , suspension , breaks and equipment as well as the bikes finish before making my concluding comments. The video on the meteor can be found at : • The MAM Journals -Roya...
Additional MAM Journals are listed below:
The MAM Journals-Suzuki GSX-S1000GT • The MAM Journals -Suzu...
The MAM Journals- Suzuki GSXR 750 can be found at • The MAM Journals -Suz...
The MAM Journals-Suzuki GSX-S 1000F • The MAM Journals-Suzuk...
The MAM Journals-Kawasaki Z900RS-Upgrade suspension • The MAM Journals -Z900...
The MAM Journals-Kawasaki Z900RS - • The MAM Journals- Kawa...
The first video on the Kawasaki ZRX1200 can be found at • The MAM Journals-Kawas...
The second video on the ZRX1200 can be found at • The MAM Journals- Rece...
The third video on the ZRX1200 can be found at
• The MAM Journals- Kawa...
The video on the Ducati 996R can be found at • The MAM Journals-Ducat...
The update video on the Ducati 996R can be found at • The MAM Journals-Ducat...
The video on the Honda SP1/RC51 can be found at • The MAM Journals-Honda...
The MAM Journals introduction video can be found at • The MAM Journals - Int...
The video for the Kawasaki Z1000 A1 (1977) can be found at • The MAM Journals- Kawa...
The video comparing the Z900RS to the Triumph Thruxton is • The MAM Journals-Trium...
The video on the Suzuki Hayabusa gen 3 can be found at • The MAM Journals-Suzuk...
Royal Enfield Interceptor Videos can be found at :
Royal Enfield Part 1 • The MAM Journals - Roy...
Royal Enfield Part 2 • The MAM Journals -Roya...
Royal Enfield Part3 • The MAM Journals - Roy...
Royal Enfield Part 4 • The MAM Journals-Royal...
Пікірлер: 138
Thanks Michael,great to the point and the most informative RE video I have watched... and I have watched most of them as you do when purchasing a new bike ....took one for a test ride ..no big vibrations was a nice surprise ....just ordered an RE Halycon Black ....can't wait for my new love to arrive ...I am 72 ..just the bike if you want the old bike look without going through a restoration process..and you get electric start and and all the other modern features to boot.
@michaelmam
2 жыл бұрын
Glad you found the review helpful Ken . Have fun !!
@PhilipBallGarry
Жыл бұрын
Enjoy! 🙏
I was drawn to this by the opening picture of the old Crown at Nuffield, I watched it through and although the bike doesn’t appeal, it still has a certain attraction. Also got a glimpse of the H cafe at Berinsfield. Good informative video, thank you.
One of the nicest features of the Enfield is the user maintainability. None of this business of pulling cams, breaking and replacing the cam chain in order to adjust the valves. If anything adjusting the valves is more straightforward than for a push rod engine. How can you beat that?
Thank you, for this wonderful video. Your experience with motorcycle's shows in the way you speak.
I have a meteor great bike I like it so much I have purchased the classic 350
@michaelmam
2 жыл бұрын
I have made a video on the Meteor as well . I agree . Great little bike !
I just bought the new Classic 350 (the matt black) here in Sweden, and I'm very satisfied. I also tried sitting on the Meteor which was a rather different story, it's more like a Harley Davidson as the footpegs are positioned further front, the steering bar is higher with an increased rake angle, compared to the Classic. I'd call the Meteor the "Enfield Harley" in this case ;)
@Itachi_Uchia1
Жыл бұрын
That's not Harley those are called cruisers Harley are not the only one's who make cruisers. Cruisers are made for comfort long rides and have foot pegs further away
@uncletom1971
Жыл бұрын
@@Itachi_Uchia1 Yes in deed they do. Thank you.
A very fine and thorough review. Loved it !❤❤ tnx 4 sharing!
@michaelmam
27 күн бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment .
@micheleporcu2287
27 күн бұрын
@@michaelmam my pleasure sir. Have a good day :)
Such a beautiful machine deserves an engine with proper power.
Good video. Bit more knowledgable than the average review. I have bullet trials rep and benelli imperiale so very similar machines. But may get 350classic as well. Cheers
@bukkaker66
2 жыл бұрын
Less is not more xD
Looking forward to watching this video over the next couple of days Michael. It’s been a long shift and I’m poooped. Bye4now.
Very insightful reviewer comments. Subscribed!
As a recent owner of classic 350 dark...ive done the same brake pads swop...as my himalayan the original pads are not brilliant they seem to make disc bind....this despite classic definately being better quality build ...👌
@jijopvarkey
2 жыл бұрын
Having owned both motorcycle's can you help me with your opinion on which one is better in terms of engine smoothness, comfort and overall balance. I am trying to choose between the Himalayan and the classic 350. I like how they both ride. I don't plan to do any serious off-roading. However roads in India are kind of an off-road trail😅
@caroldave4037
2 жыл бұрын
@@jijopvarkey 350....ive off roaded in forest tracks with classic but slowly😏.... the looks are a winner too👌
My meteor front brake scared me when I first picked it up new, almost no bite! But after 100 - 150 miles a lot better
@PhilipBallGarry
Жыл бұрын
We road tested the Classic 350 recently and were very impressed. Went well enough - even two up. Brakes are perfectly acceptable. Just means you need a four-finger pull vs the two fingers we've got accustomed too
Very nice and true explenations👍👍 very beautiful bike
Beautiful bike; I would love to have one for back road trundles. The huge downside for me at 6'4'' is that it is physically too small. I really wish that RE produced longer & taller framed machines for the western markets. This would have the added advantage of leaving more room to do the tappets without removing the tank. Also on my imaginary wish list is for RE to have local garages operating as service centres in areas where there are no RE dealers. All 3 of my "local" dealers are 250 miles away! I would love to know why the UK market is not offered the model with the cast wheels nor the classic green paintwork of the Reditch model.
@ttmadness34
2 жыл бұрын
The Himalayan?
@MN-wf8hr
8 ай бұрын
We are now, cast wheels are offered 👍
lovely Review! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and thoughts :D
Just a quick one on the early part of the video and tuning it, a de-cat pipe, a dna performance air filter and cover and the fuel X lite opens up the engine breathing and fueling and certainly seems to be more responsive and pulls more willing through the gears especially on hills 😉
@michaelmam
Жыл бұрын
I have heard that a few people are offering tuning accessories . If they make a difference and make people happy , why not ..
Excellent video. Thoroughly enjoyed and learnt a lot.
Excellent review Mike, great to see the piston, that's a first! Being much lighter, that probably goes a long way in conjunction with the balance shaft in reducing vibration. Still awaiting delivery of mine, beginning to wish I'd gone for the red/ chrome now, rather than the Halcyon black. Shame the chrome variant doesn't come with a tripper as it does in India. Interestingly, this bike's not yet on the ABI list, so can't get an insurance quote without a phone call for a special quote ( which will, I bet be more than a standard online quote!) Thanks again, well informed and very watchable video. Stay safe.
@nikos-giorgos
2 жыл бұрын
Halcyon black looks great, nothing to worry about...
@keithwheeler3049
2 жыл бұрын
Just got my green Halcyon insured which was indeed a faff. All good in the end though as my insurer accepted it as a modern Classic. The Meteor is on the system, tell your insurer it is very similar.
@petejones1957
2 жыл бұрын
@@keithwheeler3049 Thank's Keith, I'll do that, hopefully by the time the bike arrives, it might be on the System. Enjoy the new machine!
@SJ_new
2 жыл бұрын
you can get the tripper added on demand
@petejones1957
2 жыл бұрын
Looked on Devitt website earlier, Classic 350 now on the list!
Triumph used to advertise buying a small motorcycle to save putting miles on your big bike. Or as to use as a winter bike as well that is if you rode all year.
Blimey Michael, wake up! Thought you were falling asleep, I’m sure you suppressed a yawn once or twice. I love that bike, if I’m still riding when I’m 70 or 80 years old then I might think about a second hand one. Joking apart, it’s not a bad machine and thanks for the video. As with most RE’s it’s a good bike and value for money for many.
@michaelmam
2 жыл бұрын
😂 it is a little less urgent than what I normally ride but a different type of fun . Had plenty of time to reflect as I rode and probably reminded me the most of my Honda XL 185 , which was 16bhp but weighed about 250Ibs . It would actually do just over 80 and I spent most of my time trying to get it there . It was a well spent youth …
@TheChrysler56
2 жыл бұрын
@@michaelmam 😂 I think we all tried to squeeze what was available in our youths but more importantly we’re still here today to tell our stories. 😊
You can fit Royal Enfield’s short accessory seat in this bike which will reduce the seat height to 760 or 765mm. Interceptor seat height is 804mm Continental GT is 793mm
@michaelmam
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you 👍. There are certainly plenty of options for them !
Thanks Michael for this great video. I was going to buy a Meteor but the looks of the Classic got me. I am going to get the beautiful bronze one. Thanks again.......Sal : )
@michaelmam
Жыл бұрын
Great to hear from you !
Enjoyable and easy informative vlog/review. Subscribed.
@michaelmam
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you Guy . Glad you enjoyed it 👍
Buying one in the spring. I'll be losing the pillion seat though. Great vid mate. Thanks. 👍
@michaelmam
Жыл бұрын
Have fun 👍 Nice bike for a leisurely ride and to my eye , looks great .
@jez6208
Жыл бұрын
@@michaelmam Totally agree. I'm 57. Starting on my motorcycle journey pretty late. Just passed my theory and hazard perception test 10 days ago. Starting my training in Feb. Went to a dealership last Friday to look at this bike. So many styles and colours to choose from. I wanted them all! 😄 Incidentally, although I'm living near Durham and have done so for about 4 years, before that, I lived near Oxford for 25. When I get my classic and it's run in, I'm off down to the dreaming spires for a visit. Lovely place. Perfect backdrop for this bike. Anyway, Merry Christmas mate! 🎅
Adjusting the pushrods on a BSA single whether it is a 250 or up to a 500 is an easy procedure without having to take off the gas tank or disconnecting any wire. When they designed the engine they could have designed the vavle train to be hydraulically adjusted therefore you would not have to adjust the valves like on my Sportster. A belt drive is also much cheaper and easier to deal with that constantly lubricating as well as replacing chain and sprockets as needed. To replace the drive belt on my Sportster is no harder than replacing an endless chain. It is so easy to change the oil filter and primary transmission fluid. A 20-minute job in my driveway. Easy peasy. My BSA 250 singles make 22 horsepower and way almost nothing. It can get up to 90 miles an hour. Of course I have other motorcycles if I want to go that fast like my Daytona 500. My BSA C15 250 is a full size motorcycle adequate for two adults to ride. It can Cruise all day at 65 miles an hour in Florida and run as cool as a cucumber. Excellent gas mileage as well. It is not a retro bike it is the real thing. Kickstart only of course. If you cannot take start a 250 single you to check to see if you have a pulse. India will not prevent the importation of the Chinese built copy of the evolution Sportster called the Stormbreaker because it would knock the Interceptor out of the ballpark. It's easy when the government make sure you have no competition. Of course any other countries that import Royal Enfield as well as the Stormbreaker the Stormbreaker is a much superior motorcycle. Being an old-school design it is rebuildable forever. Just like my BS a250 signals they are rebuildable forever as well. The BSA unit construction single was made in various displacement for 20 years. The original is always better than the copy. It's like margarine pretending to be butter.
Great video and hope to see you at the H Cafe sometime. I’ve got a Meteor 350, very pleased with it!
@michaelmam
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you Simon . H cafe is a regular T stop for me .As are the SuperSausage at Towcester and AV8 at the old Kemble airport near Cirencester . Hope to meet you and have fun with your Meteor 👍
Jolly interesting review of this machine. However, I think that its style is not 1950's RE but a modernised 1962/4 RE G2 model. That model also possessed 20/21 BHP with a top speed of 70/80 mph. I think that I read somewhere that RE had governed the "Classic" to a top speed of 70/71 mph, possibly to stop some riders from pushing it to perhaps an ungoverned 80 mph with embarrassing consequences!
Nice.. i really want the 500 classic.. but the 650 now tempts me
@sushantdutta8707
2 жыл бұрын
You'll enjoy 650 more, being twin cylinder its much smoother and enjoyable.
@dereksmith9473
2 жыл бұрын
@@sushantdutta8707 I get more enjoyment from a big single. Truly elemental
@Peter234100
2 жыл бұрын
The single is a more relaxing to ride in my view, compared to the twin.
GREAT review. Thank You.
I need a 650 interceptor engine in this classic ..
Nice to see you back!
@michaelmam
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you 👍
Another great video...thanks very much!
@michaelmam
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you . Always good to hear from you !
Enjoyed your video Mike, very informative. Think the best way to understand the exhaust note is to ride it…. Have you a link for the workshop manual or is there a manual included with the purchase.
@michaelmam
2 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for commenting . You might find it easier to contact me on my facebook page? Michael Mam ..👍
@keithwheeler3049
2 жыл бұрын
You get an owners manual which you can download from the RE site. The main omission is the lack of torque figures. According to my dealer, they have yet to receive workshop manuals for new Classic 350 from RE.
You could put a nice stainless steel exhaust system on it without a catalytic converter and lose about 30 lb but the exhaust system is about $1,500. I understand you can cut a wire to the DCU and get more horsepower that way as well. I saw a video about a new camshaft that gives it much more horsepower but it was kind of expensive. For a big single I like the Suzuki 650 Savage. The engine is beautiful compared to the newer motorcycles. There was an article in Classic Bike where a guy took a Suzuki Savage which is kind of styled like a Harley and he put alloy fenders sheet assembly tank and new pipes made it into a British looking Cafe Racer kinds of motorcycle came out looking very good. You can buy a good Suzuki Savage with low mileage for $3,000 or less much better bargain than a Royal Enfield anyting plus you get a belt drive.
Awesome bud cheers 👍🏻
Wonderful bike in beautiful condition! and brilliantly filmed video. It's almost as beautiful as my Halcyon Grey one ,-) Would you be so kind as to say what that bike lift is. I really think I might ask Father Christmas for one.
@michaelmam
9 ай бұрын
Well I hope you have been good ? 😂 It is a German lift . Motorrad Hebebuhne JMP Lux 500 EH ..
@ruso9660
9 ай бұрын
@@michaelmam Many thanks for the swift reply! Subscribed before you answered ,-)
Good review. As a Motorbike pass in 1973 I appreciete! Including Police bikes! LOL!
great review! thanks!
The garage next door…..omg! I’m looking for lodgings. I don’t mind sleeping in the garage btw. 😆
@michaelmam
2 жыл бұрын
😂
I expect it is a soft tune because it is air-cooled too. Tolerances must by design be looser to allow for the greatly varying engine temps. Emissions then become an issue. The same as my air-cooled CB1100 which only has 89 PS.
@michaelmam
2 жыл бұрын
Logical . Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 👍
I very much like this new 350 Classic and intend to buy one. While it looks very good it still isn't quite as great looking as the Bullet 500 that's no longer in production. The new Classic seat looks puffy and lacks the cool old springs. I'm wondering if there is an aftermarket kit to mount a real Royal Enfield Classic springer seat? The Classic is far more stylish than the Meteor in my view.
@michaelmam
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching . I think Royal Enfield do a seat spring kit for the bike .
@kevindarkstar
Жыл бұрын
They do, but it's purely aesthetic and has no practical use, looks good tho 😁
Good review !
All motorcycles should have dual disk on the front end in the interest of safety. The extra braking power might save your life. This is something that could be done very cheaply at the factory level on the assembly line but it's very expensive to do after you get the bike. The old two-stroke Kawasaki for interested would have the brackets welded onto the other fork leg so you could put an additional disc brake on the front end.
I don’t know if there’s any difference in the frames between the classic and the meteor, but would it be possible to move the classics foot pegs forward to the meteors position? Thank you in advance
@michaelmam
2 жыл бұрын
Sorry for the delay Keith . Looking at them both , side by side , I Think you would need to get another forward lug welded to the frame and extend the shift linkages ? Possible but not straight forward ..
@critterIMHO
2 жыл бұрын
@@michaelmam Thanks for checking.
When I got my first British bites that shifted on the right-hand side instead of on the left like a Japanese motorcycle I trained myself in the panic breaking situation by just grabbing the front brake where 90% of your braking power is. In a car you are trained to stomp on the break which activates all four wheels but on a motorcycle just locks up the back wheel and you go sliding. In my opinion the back brake should be eliminated as it is a Vestige of its bicycle ancestry and if you do not have a back brakes to lock up then you will not lock it up. You will be trained to use the front brake because that is where the majority of your braking power is.
I don’t understand why it has so little power. My 1985 Honda CB250RS had 26hp. The bike would be so much more practical if it had 30hp
@michaelmam
2 жыл бұрын
I agree . I have assumed that it is a combination of Euro 5 emission control ( ECU / Cat) and a desire to avoid the vibrations you can get on a more taxed , single ?
@Stratiljirka
2 жыл бұрын
@@michaelmam I think it a combination of factors. First its air-cooled BS6/Euro5 - BS6/Euro5 bikes seems to have to run lean and lean mixture burns hotter so keeping it air-cooled requires some sacrifice. Second reason is being long stroke to keep as much of the character of the Bullets loved by millions. Classic has smaller bore than mentioned CB250RS despite having 100cc (40%) more displacement. And another reason is, its simply not designed to impress Europe, we are secondary market for RE. It has to survive Indian usage well. It has to deal with bad roads, high altitudes, heavy loads, daily riding... all of that as cheap as possible with low and simple maintenance and good fuel economy. And even on highways, they don't drive as fast as we do so they don't need more power.
@SJ_new
2 жыл бұрын
@@Stratiljirka plus perform good in indian summer heat too
@Peter234100
2 жыл бұрын
I think the point of this bike is relaxed enjoyable riding, if you want to go fast just buy a fast bike. I have been riding since 1970 having always ridden modern bikes and it is now refreshing to ride this very well made solid bike that puts a smile on your face on every ride.
@fantomas3066
Жыл бұрын
@@Peter234100 Très belle synthèse 👍
It should have an alloy Barrel to Aid in cooling the engine. It's being a soft tune 350 signal it should have a Kickstarter. If it had a carburetor you could knock another $1,500 off the purchase price. Some markets get carbureted versions. I would rather have a carburetors t h a n fuel injection with all that needless complication as well as unnecessary expense. Hold a battery in one hand and an electric starter in the other hand and you'll see how much they weigh.
Motorcycle looks good
In your opinion with the short skirted piston will it be reliable long term? Might sound like a stupid question but you mentioned the honda with the short skirt piston needed rebuilding after a certain length of time.
@michaelmam
Жыл бұрын
I think so Robert . It is a very soft tune so gets nothing like the revs or frankly, abuse that a race bike gets . 👍
@robertcostello9473
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for responding, I'm used to much faster bikes but getting to the stage in life where I actually only use my bike for short rides into town or to a pub 😀. My current bike has 200 horse power but I never go much faster than 60. I'm hopefully getting 350 classic this weekend 👍
@michaelmam
Жыл бұрын
@@robertcostello9473 Fantastic ! Have fun 👍
All motorcycles today should have dual disc brakes in the front for safety. The extra braking power might save your life someday.
Hello regarding the gear change lever , I have just bought one of these bikes and have a problem with my boots getting under the lever , I tried to adjust it but it will not come of the spindle because the footrest stops it ,, does yours do the same
@michaelmam
2 жыл бұрын
Sorry . The bike belongs to Kings Two Wheel Centre and has now gone back to them . Hope you sort out your problem quickly 👍
@keithwheeler3049
2 жыл бұрын
I have the same problem. My dealer delivered the bike Thursday but I didn’t ride till yesterday due to the weather. Tried to move the gear lever on the splines but it becomes fouled on the footrest framework - a stupid design oversight. Talked to the dealer this morning and problem will be fixed during the 300 mile service. It requires part of the engine frame to be removed 😳😳. For now the only way I can use the bike is to have a normal shoe on my left foot 😩😩
@michaelmam
2 жыл бұрын
@@keithwheeler3049 Sorry to hear that Keith . Must be frustrating with your new bike . Please let us know how jt goes . If you don’t mind saying , what size shoe do you wear ? I noticed a couple of occasions when I needed to be precise about my foot position . I am UK size 8 /42
@michaelmam
2 жыл бұрын
Bennievie, Can I ask what shoe size you wear ? It sounds like the clearance is tight ..
@keithwheeler3049
2 жыл бұрын
I’m a size 8/42 like you. Interesting review by the way, it’s good to see someone delving a little more deeply into the Classic 350.
Any chance for a Royal Enfield Classic 450???
@michaelmam
2 жыл бұрын
A bigger version would be good . Be interesting to see what they do .
@kyakaruvlogs2784
2 жыл бұрын
@@michaelmam There are rumours that next year RE will launch a 450cc liquid cooled Adventure bike with about 40horses. That should be worth waiting for
In India the gear lever is a heel toe shifter just like the meteor's
BHP is an imperial standard and NM is a metric standard, why do you and the trade use double standards? Surely it is PS and NM or BHP and Ft/lbs?
@michaelmam
2 жыл бұрын
😂 Journalists , manufacturers and tuners ( dyno’s) mix and match all the time . I agree , it is frustrating but probably bigger things to worry about in the world 👍
@spency787
Жыл бұрын
Good grief, maybe a lie down in a darkened room is what you need Douglas? Or perhaps a quick 50 mph ride down to your local petrol station to buy a Litre of petrol? 🧐
Nice information & review. Classic 350 is beautiful motorcycle. Plz enjoy my New classic 350 Custom vid too. Thx.
You lost me at 19 hp! A Honda 350 scooter has 57hp..
@michaelmam
2 жыл бұрын
It is low powered . Which Honda scooter has 57? Not sure if we have that in the UK ?
@nikos-giorgos
2 жыл бұрын
You must be on drugs or something
@keithwheeler3049
2 жыл бұрын
Sorry @ PwnstarUK, I think you are mistaken. The maximum power of the 350 scooters from Honda in the UK is 21.6 KW @ 7500rpm ( approx. 29 BHP in old money ).
@timothyletwin5911
2 жыл бұрын
Not possible. Even a 750 scooter is only 50hp.
Poor performance, poor quality and pile of problems right of the dealer floor. It looks cool though. Now, if I can get RE to fix the problems. :-(
@scottboettcher
Жыл бұрын
You are obviously not familiar with this bike at all. Just got three of them for me and family, and they are superb in every way!
@oknevals
Жыл бұрын
@@scottboettcher I've just put 400 miles on Classic. I've also put 30k+ miles on two yamahas (250cc and 1200cc) and honda (500cc). I also demo rode 60 other motorcyles (Yam, HD, Kawi, Indian, Suz, Ducati, Zero, Guzzi, Beta, Sherco). I guess I don't know shit .... It's ok coming from fake troll account.
@scottboettcher
Жыл бұрын
@@oknevals AH, thanks for the resume, Evel! No doubt you're a blast at parties! Ride Safe 🙏🏼
@oknevals
Жыл бұрын
@@scottboettcher Thanks, you too. Let me know if your family still rides year from now, or your bikes collecting dust in the garage. I'll just continue my boring miserable life, free of lockdowns, masks and forced injections. I'll just keep suffering while riding, camping, boating, playing on acres of wooded land and whatever we boring people do.