In a world where we are constantly bombarded with reminders of by just how much the plot has been well and truly lost, your videos help. A breath of fresh air and a reminder that a measure of normality can still be found, if you know where to look. Thanks for giving us directions.
Who would have thought so many people could eulogise a 2-valve single pot bike of modest performance and arcane appearance? It has a rare magic, beyond cylinder displacement and spec sheets that few motorcycles achieve. More than the sum of the parts, a lost gem, a living ghost from biking history.
I've just done a 740 mile tour up Scotland on my Classic dark, a memorable experience, and just so relaxing riding around listening to the soulful thump of that engine, it's spiritual! And I got plenty of people stopping to admire the bike, and again asking what's it like because they're past enjoying their big bikes due to the weight of them and they're tired of the effort of moving them about and have been drawn to the 350 classic and the usual comment "I've been weighing one of these up for a while they appear to be quite popular " I always reply, go and take one out for a test ride, you won't want to take it back! 😆 Great video Dave, cheers Mel 🍻
My 350 Halcyon Grey putts around the beach roads of Yorke Peninsula in South Australia. I will be 69 in a few days and, it is just right for me for back-road country riding.
Hear hear Dave. I was riding through the lanes of Somerset and Dorset this week, avoiding all the main roads, on my Classic 350. Some of the lanes were the same ones that my father rode along, back in the late1920s, yes, almost one hundred years ago and I was thinking that some of the old oak trees, by the side of the road, would have heard my dad`s bike trundle by, when they were just young trees. I don`t think that, if I had been on any other modern bike, those thoughts would have entered my head. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thank you! It is indeed a very special bike. It's hard to objectively analyse why. All I know is that I'm always smiling when I'm on mine (in India) and I can ride it comfortably for huge distances. Wonderful!
I have one of these myself in Sydney, Australia. It's my first Royal Enfield and won't be the last. There's something soothing about that thumping sound when riding through the countryside.
There’s always something special about water. Be it sea, river, stream etc the natural pull of natures life supply is always good to look at and enjoy in all its forms. Lovely video Dave
Being American I have no cultural tie to Royal Enfield and in fact only learned of their existence 2 years ago, but I am completely infatuated with these machines. My son bought a Classic and I bought a Meteor which I traded for an Interceptor after one year. I realize now that he has the better bike and I plan to trade for a Classic, or maybe even the new Bullet, within a month or two. I do the maintenance on his and ride it fairly often and it is just an absolute gem. It may have British heritage but all credit goes to India for keeping it alive and refining it for all these years.
Scenery, bike, weather in perfect harmony 🤗. Nice one Dave 👌 Just over 3000 miles on Ernie now and he gets better and better. I set off early yesterday in search of a lane I've not travelled along since I was a teenager on my "nifty fifty". I wasn't even sure I'd find it as it's been over 40 years and I couldn't quite remember the way. But find it I did. Same semi-unmade surface with grass running down the middle in places. Gently falling gradient and tight curve revealed the perfect little babbling ford under a canopy of trees. Not really accessible on a bigger bike for many reasons. I stopped to take a photo and soaked in a scene of serenity that words cannot describe. The years melted away and for a fleeting moment I was a teenager again, with hopes and excitement for a future unknown. That my bike is named after my father could have instilled a twinge of melancholy - but no it was a totally uplifting experience. On the Classic 350 you just point it roughly where you want to go and let the scenery come to you 😁
I’m in the States, and reading this is soul food. I have some favorite country roads and remote stops that ring completely true to your reflection above. Thank you for sharing!
I love your videos, Dave, but this one is your best. The tone, the pace, the scenery, and the narrative coalesced in a very rare, wonderful manner. Thank you.
An excellent post. I am 62 years old, with 35 years riding behind me. I have ridden mostly cruisers and older Japanese bikes like the original Kawasski Zeds and, my personal favourite, the Yamaha XS650. The XS, of which I have owned 4, wasn't the fastest but just had that something special. I have lots of memories of just bimbling around country lanes on one and being at peace. I will be in a position to buy a second bike very soon and I had considered getting another XS, for occasional rides ( a Scram 411 is my daily ride). However, for less money, I can buy a brand new Classic 350, which will probably give me the same joy?
Mine looks pretty much the same as yours and I can whole heartedly agree with what you say here in your video. There is something about this bike that just makes me happy. It never seizes to amaze me what it’s capable of too. You’d never think it would be good at carrying a pillion but it’s fantastic, my girl has never been interested in the slightest in motorbikes but loves this bike and now understands the freedom it offers. Ps I think I need that pannier set up. Inspired. From long time sports bike rider.
I hear you sir, I've got the Halcyon green I only take it round the lanes of Kent riding through the quintessentially English villages takes me to what bike riding must have been like in the 50-60's, I've got a Harley Softail slim for the dual carriageways and motorways but the enjoyment from my wee thumper is sublime..
Thanks Dave. Excellent audio, video & narrative- from another bloke overexposed to the hustle and bustle of modern life! I am ever grateful to be able to get out and ride away to the idyllic beauty spots near me on my ever faithful Meteor. Thanks again, take good care 👍
That was great Dave. I have the same colour, same scenery, same satisfaction, but on the other side of the world in South Gippsland. What I think 'does it', for this bike, is the heavy little flywheel. Oh yeah, and it does help to be old.
What can i say to this wise words and beautifull land. Totally agree about the zen feeling you get from riding the wonderful little enfield. Thanks Dave.
Lovely video and a lovely bike! As I was saying on another channel recently, I have a bee in my bonnet that a solo motorcycle doesn't need to be bigger than 500cc (mine is an AJS Model 8, 350cc and it's powerful enough to do almost everything I want it to do). I think you've gone some way to proving my point. Unless you want to charge around motorways, I think your RE would be enough to provide enjoyment to almost all of the people for almost all of the time (I still think they should have a kickstarter).
Thank you for the nice ride 😀 The Classic 350 is simply beautiful! She certainly have the nicest front wheel of all bikes ! I totally agree with your philosophy. Believe it or not, I wrote ... more than 40 years ago an article in my motoclub journal to try to explain my friends why they should STOP to run after the last models, the more power etc and putting sooo much money in it, very often too much for them...I was not undertood at all as we all know 😂 But now we are to the point where they need electronics prodigies to allow "everybody" to (not) use the tremendous power they now have. NONSENS, isnt'it ? But as you say very well, the most important is to be as far as possible from the crowd and enjoying the simplicity of the real things.
Many of my bikes have had a performance way in excess of my skill level. The untapped potential is frustrating to me and the gap gets wider as I get older. I can wring every ounce of performance out of the Classic 350 and it's enjoyable and engaging doing it too. Nothing better than a two-up trundle (at a less fraught pace) to a country pub or cafe 👍
Just got back from a wee ride out, probably 90 minutes... had a lovely time around the lanes of Uttoxeter.. I doubt if I went above 50mph. Just enough power and a sweet handling bike.... I have a Tiger 800 at home, I haven't even started it up this year 🤷♂️
Yes, as an owner of a desert signals version, I like yourself, love to pootle through the lanes and villages around hampshire and Wiltshire. It takes almost no effort to image you are in the 50s, meandering along, people sat outside pubs give me a wave or a smile, as i pootle through, makes me smile in return. I do, though not strictly dress in khaki attire, well, I,d look daft in racing leathers! I did uprate the air filter, it's made a noticeable improvement, I won't bother with anything else, as it would take away the whole point of it all. I have a trident 660, which is of course polar opposite in character and performance, but at 61 in October, I find I,m reaching out for the enfield keys, over the trident. Keep pootling, thanks for the video.
Scar house reservoir, great place, walked round it a few times but not been up there on my Enfield. I’ve a red Interceptor and get the same misty eyed feelings from it your getting from your classic 350…l’ve changed the air filter and exhausts, put a long ride brown duck cotton and leather pannier on and a tripmachine side bag along with leather handlebar grips and a brown leather seat cover and it just looks, sounds and feels fantastic ! I’ve a Tenere 700 as well but the Enfield is in a different league. I almost bought a classic 350 in red and chrome and can honestly say either one of those or an Interceptor will return the biggest pleasure pound for pound of any bike around at the moment….couldn’t agree with you more…great videos - keep em up 😀👍 Richard
As I have got older its the riding experience and being on a motorbike with the smells and sights in an opened faced helmet, the classic 350 is relaxing to ride with loads of character , man and machine. 😊😊
Well hi there. You don't have to explain it to me because.... I also had the big bikes and now ride the same bike as you AND enjoy the same feelings. Cheers and thanks for keeping it real.
What a contrast from your wonderful dales scenery TBW to my Saturday ride out on my 350 classic reborn, in the Western Lake District, choked with cars driven by city dwellers who don’t realise it’s the Lakes not the M1.
I think part of the magic of the Classic is the lazy nature of the long throw engine, that puts you in a zen like state. You just relax into the ride and don’t worry about speed restrictions, unlike all these super bikes that leave you frustrated that you are only using a fraction of their performance. I am also amazed for the money the quality of build the Classic has, in over two years not a single bolt or fitting has had to be tightened on my bike. In 54 years of riding this is the first bike that I not wondering what bike shall I get next, for me the perfect bike. 😊 How lucky are you to live so close to such perfect countryside.
To me mate this video is the epitome of man and machine. Beautiful scenery,the thrub of that single and that part with the musical interlude as you rode the country lanes. Great as always mate a rider at peace with the world.😊
I've just watched a video of Freddie D riding in the centre of London calling at Belstaff and looking at a jacket costing £575. Then I've turned to your video Dave and like you I'm certain we're I would rather be, the concrete jungle or the Yorkshire Dales. No contest, fabulous video as usual, although i could just see you in a high end jacket in sage green.
I'm coming at this from a different angle? I'm fortunate to be the keeper of eight motorcycles all bigger and more powerful BUT! I recently had the opportunity to ride a Royal Enfield Classic 350 and what a life changer, I get it 100% what a bike.
I love my little grey. But let's be absolutely honest. It helps if you grey hair. A backup bike is handy for serious roads and distances, and it is nice to dust off the old RT1150 occasionally. Wonderful presentation Dave. You do such a great job I don't need to strap on a camera. 😄
And this is why I look forward to your videos. Thank you Dave. What an elegant little gem, full of the virtues of a life lived with a likeness of my own-only an ocean apart. God bless and keep you in all your days.
Your videos are always so good. Wonderful countryside scenery and insightful commentary. These have been a pleasure to watch. Thanks. (Chrome Red Classic 350 rider from the Bay Area of California)
Morning Dave, a very philosophical video with lovely vistas and ‘Norman’ as well 👍🏻 enjoy it before our freedoms get taken away from us 🤨 carry on that man Caio for now tat ta 👍🏻
im irish, born, bred, with a family history of the lads...but cant see past the enfields...cant bring meself to buy anything but. Built like a gun. Theres a certain panache about britishness,, built in india but born in britain. The history, the refined class and the thump thump thump. It kills me, but i just love it. It kills me. but...sallys gap, classic 350....can not be equalled anywhere.
Your discussion and reasoning on RE ownership really struck a chord with me (again) Dave. I am just in the final throws of completing my licence at the tender age of 57 and the reason that finally pushed me to do it was owning a C350. However, the temptation to look at other styles, and predominantly an adventure style bike, has crept into my reasoning. But your discussion has reminded me why I am doing this and why I want a 350. The price, running costs and 'smiles per miles' are wisw and well reasoned words indeed. RE should work with you as an ambassador for them!
Top video thanks Dave, lovely footage ...you're dead right about the bike and engine synergy with those sorts of roads, it just hums along in top gear and almost seams to grow in statue as it gets up a head of steam ....By the way have you thought about the touring foot rests? I've just them on and they are pretty comfortable, especially the brake side...they make the bike even more relaxed if that's possible
Great trip out, and I share your enthusiasm for the area, but it's been a long time since I went there forty years, I think thanks for the visit. Keep up the good work 👍🏻
Nice one Dave, what a way to start a Sunday morning, a cup of tea, a bacon roll and a Yorkshireman's thoughts about a wonderful motorcycle in a spectacular setting. A £15 - £20K bike would really look out of place, would it not? Nothing wrong with the high end bikes at all, but Norman looks fantastic. Many thanks for bringing us a great video, all the best from Norfolk, Roy.
Another great video in the Yorkshire County love it and what a place scarhouse reservoir beautiful place also them high powered bikes on that road 40yrs ago would have been me stupidly riding 70/80mph thinking I was good but really its being bldy stupid now 40yrs later that little 350 Enfield would be the bike of choice god how the mind is easily satisfied as you gather older or is it wiser you miss so much of the scenery going like hell but nowadays 40 mph is a nice and enjoyable ride bumbling around bye for now take care ride safe
Love my Classic 350 and I agree it’s just so easy to ride and because it doesn’t have much power, you don’t feel the need to try and do a silly overtake.
So right, you don't need a 20k rocket ship or bemouth tourer to enjoy motorcycling. In fact on the contrary I've had all sorts of bike over the past 50+ years but currently the one always turn to is my little RE Hunter 350 for pure enjoyment on two wheels.
In some ways you are lucky that a bike like the 350 fits your part of the world. Here in the USA with the larger roads higher speed limits, the 350 will struggle. You can get by with say the new 450 from Royal enfield for a small bike. Also the 400’s from triumph. The 350 is a neat little bike and you are lucky.
My journey is the same when it comes to motorcycles. Started on a harley iron 883 but 'it wasnt enough' quickly bought a harley sport glide, traded it for a 1250GS, but still found it too heavy, downsized to a tracer 900 but the sporty nature wasnt for me, im now on a transalp 750 and my next bike will most likely be a royal enfield super meteor. Since i want to tour on it and only have one bike im afraid the classic 350 wont be enough to also tour on.
Are you going abroad to tour? because the Classic 350 could very easily tour the whole of the UK. Or abroad if you just want to enjoy the ride and scenery 😊
That's beautiful countryside and somewhere I will visit, there seems to be a lack of traffic, is that because it is low season? Over the years I have had quite a few small bikes (MZs) that I've enjoyed riding and the augument was the same back then with why spend up to a couple of thousand pounds on a new Japanese bike when the MZ cost £500 ish. To me it's being in the environment that counts not really what machine I'm riding although this can assist the feeling!. Are you falling out of love with the Guzzi as I thought that would also excel in that environment?
Low Running Costs ,Owner Maintenance, Back to Basics Motorcycle Ownership Very Rewarding I could not Contemplate paying For £20,000+ Motorcycle & Have it Dealer Serviced (Nice if you Can Mind you) I find 650cc is a good Compromise on Uk Roads for Myself
That's a bit more difficult 🤔. The SM 650 is arguably a better mile muncher and fantastic in it's own right. But for a different kind of ride. Whilst the Classic 350 will do everything the Super Meteor would do, the weight and size of the latter makes it a bit less accessible for those lanes you might pass. The Classic will eat them up. Try and get an extended test ride on both. Spend the most time on the Classic though as it can feel a little frustrating at times until you get into it's groove 👍
My choice as an owner of the Classic 350 for two years would be my bike as it does everything any size bike can do but just at a more relaxed pace. The Classic is also super comfortable to ride and over 100 mpg 😊
Had the classic 350 for 2 years now, before that I had the Interceptor. The 350 can do 95% of what the 650 does. Bare in mind the 350 takes 2k miles to fully run in though.
@jandekelver7445 I thought it had 27. But yeah for some reason insurance is higher on them than the 650 models, I get I'm 19 (and have a claim due to oil on road) but they wanted 11k for a year on the scrambler
Well no, 200hp is always better, but is truly overkill in your riding conditions. I have a Classic350 'cuz I distrust my right wrist & at 60 years 200hp would put me in jail or kill me, or both....
It's a pretender has the image but not the reality. It pretends to be a simple classic British motorcycles but it not a British motorcycle not a classic , it's not simple loaded with electronics waiting to have a expensive failure. Your MG 750 is the real thing. Has heritage and lineage going back decades. Expensive for what it is,heavy and underpowered. Composed of cheap parts made by cheap labor. Accelerates if you can call it that is slow abismally so.Poor quality and haphazard warranty service.Poor resale value. I love riding my BSA C-15 250 as it is the real deal. Simple, reliable and dependable transportation.Better parts supply and availability. The RE 350 should have hydraulic valve adjustment and belt drive as well as a kicker.Pityful 350 at a 500 price.A Doppelganger.
In a world where we are constantly bombarded with reminders of by just how much the plot has been well and truly lost, your videos help. A breath of fresh air and a reminder that a measure of normality can still be found, if you know where to look. Thanks for giving us directions.
Thank you sir and you are most welcome 🙏
Classic 350, don't hurry, be happy.
A man at peace with himself and his beloved Yorkshire.Well done another cracking video.
Who would have thought so many people could eulogise a 2-valve single pot bike of modest performance and arcane appearance? It has a rare magic, beyond cylinder displacement and spec sheets that few motorcycles achieve. More than the sum of the parts, a lost gem, a living ghost from biking history.
I've had mine 13 months and 5,000 miles, almost none over 55mph. Highly enjoyable
I've just done a 740 mile tour up Scotland on my Classic dark, a memorable experience, and just so relaxing riding around listening to the soulful thump of that engine, it's spiritual!
And I got plenty of people stopping to admire the bike, and again asking what's it like because they're past enjoying their big bikes due to the weight of them and they're tired of the effort of moving them about and have been drawn to the 350 classic and the usual comment "I've been weighing one of these up for a while they appear to be quite popular " I always reply, go and take one out for a test ride, you won't want to take it back! 😆
Great video Dave, cheers Mel 🍻
They’re certainly a crowd pleaser Mel 😎👍🏻
Man, Machine, Gorgeous scenery and Cracking weather. Nothing more to be said mate 👍 ( The classics make it more special )
Cheers Gaz much appreciated
My 350 Halcyon Grey putts around the beach roads of Yorke Peninsula in South Australia. I will be 69 in a few days and, it is just right for me for back-road country riding.
Hear hear Dave. I was riding through the lanes of Somerset and Dorset this week, avoiding all the main roads, on my Classic 350. Some of the lanes were the same ones that my father rode along, back in the late1920s, yes, almost one hundred years ago and I was thinking that some of the old oak trees, by the side of the road, would have heard my dad`s bike trundle by, when they were just young trees. I don`t think that, if I had been on any other modern bike, those thoughts would have entered my head. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Just ordered my own Halcyon Grey Classic 350 and, having watched this, can’t wait for it to arrive! Thanks for an inspiring video.
You’ll love it Michael 😊
Thank you!
It is indeed a very special bike. It's hard to objectively analyse why.
All I know is that I'm always smiling when I'm on mine (in India) and I can ride it comfortably for huge distances. Wonderful!
I have one of these myself in Sydney, Australia. It's my first Royal Enfield and won't be the last. There's something soothing about that thumping sound when riding through the countryside.
Absolutely mate 😎👍🏻
What a beautiful place, a wise man & a fantastic motorcycle. Everything is classical.
There’s always something special about water. Be it sea, river, stream etc the natural pull of natures life supply is always good to look at and enjoy in all its forms. Lovely video Dave
Thank you my friend yes it’s a stunning area and the water is a definite draw 👍🏻
Being American I have no cultural tie to Royal Enfield and in fact only learned of their existence 2 years ago, but I am completely infatuated with these machines. My son bought a Classic and I bought a Meteor which I traded for an Interceptor after one year. I realize now that he has the better bike and I plan to trade for a Classic, or maybe even the new Bullet, within a month or two. I do the maintenance on his and ride it fairly often and it is just an absolute gem. It may have British heritage but all credit goes to India for keeping it alive and refining it for all these years.
Absolutely spot on sir 👍🏻
Scenery, bike, weather in perfect harmony 🤗. Nice one Dave 👌
Just over 3000 miles on Ernie now and he gets better and better. I set off early yesterday in search of a lane I've not travelled along since I was a teenager on my "nifty fifty". I wasn't even sure I'd find it as it's been over 40 years and I couldn't quite remember the way. But find it I did. Same semi-unmade surface with grass running down the middle in places. Gently falling gradient and tight curve revealed the perfect little babbling ford under a canopy of trees. Not really accessible on a bigger bike for many reasons. I stopped to take a photo and soaked in a scene of serenity that words cannot describe. The years melted away and for a fleeting moment I was a teenager again, with hopes and excitement for a future unknown. That my bike is named after my father could have instilled a twinge of melancholy - but no it was a totally uplifting experience. On the Classic 350 you just point it roughly where you want to go and let the scenery come to you 😁
Beautifully expressed, thank you.
@@goldilocks913 thanks, much appreciated 👍
I’m in the States, and reading this is soul food. I have some favorite country roads and remote stops that ring completely true to your reflection above. Thank you for sharing!
Please tell me you filmed it, Garry.
@@user-eo6tn2sc1z No, I don't have the means currently - but I did take a couple of nice pics 👍
I am definitely getting the impression you love that 350 classic . 👍
Sure do!
Royal Enfield has something poetic that other motorcycles don't have.. Thank you for this much appreciated video 👍✌
I love your videos, Dave, but this one is your best. The tone, the pace, the scenery, and the narrative coalesced in a very rare, wonderful manner. Thank you.
Thank you George very much appreciated
I love the Halcyon Grey. it is such a peaceful, calming color. I am going to a dealer in a few days to order one.
An excellent post. I am 62 years old, with 35 years riding behind me. I have ridden mostly cruisers and older Japanese bikes like the original Kawasski Zeds and, my personal favourite, the Yamaha XS650. The XS, of which I have owned 4, wasn't the fastest but just had that something special. I have lots of memories of just bimbling around country lanes on one and being at peace. I will be in a position to buy a second bike very soon and I had considered getting another XS, for occasional rides ( a Scram 411 is my daily ride). However, for less money, I can buy a brand new Classic 350, which will probably give me the same joy?
Mine looks pretty much the same as yours and I can whole heartedly agree with what you say here in your video. There is something about this bike that just makes me happy. It never seizes to amaze me what it’s capable of too. You’d never think it would be good at carrying a pillion but it’s fantastic, my girl has never been interested in the slightest in motorbikes but loves this bike and now understands the freedom it offers.
Ps I think I need that pannier set up. Inspired.
From long time sports bike rider.
I hear you sir, I've got the Halcyon green I only take it round the lanes of Kent riding through the quintessentially English villages takes me to what bike riding must have been like in the 50-60's, I've got a Harley Softail slim for the dual carriageways and motorways but the enjoyment from my wee thumper is sublime..
So nice to listen to, Royal Enfield the most endearing of all the motorcycles
As Keith from Shottostravels (excellent channel) described it recently, "You buy the Classic 350 because of it's 20bhp - not in spite of it". 👌
Thanks Dave. Excellent audio, video & narrative- from another bloke overexposed to the hustle and bustle of modern life! I am ever grateful to be able to get out and ride away to the idyllic beauty spots near me on my ever faithful Meteor. Thanks again, take good care 👍
Cheers John all the best
Thank you again. I share this bike w you…and the sentiment…here from the Driftless Area west of Madison Wisconsin.
Thank you Paul that’s very kind of you and much appreciated 😊👍🏻
Absolutely beautiful, I’ll be right over. If I do come, I’ll only tour on a RE350. Anything else and I’ll have a pocket full of speeding tickets.
That was great Dave. I have the same colour, same scenery, same satisfaction, but on the other side of the world in South Gippsland. What I think 'does it', for this bike, is the heavy little flywheel. Oh yeah, and it does help to be old.
What can i say to this wise words and beautifull land. Totally agree about the zen feeling you get from riding the wonderful little enfield. Thanks Dave.
Lovely video and a lovely bike! As I was saying on another channel recently, I have a bee in my bonnet that a solo motorcycle doesn't need to be bigger than 500cc (mine is an AJS Model 8, 350cc and it's powerful enough to do almost everything I want it to do). I think you've gone some way to proving my point. Unless you want to charge around motorways, I think your RE would be enough to provide enjoyment to almost all of the people for almost all of the time (I still think they should have a kickstarter).
Beautiful bike and the the scenery we have on our doorstep. Great video, truly love them.
Thank you for the nice ride 😀 The Classic 350 is simply beautiful! She certainly have the nicest front wheel of all bikes ! I totally agree with your philosophy. Believe it or not, I wrote ... more than 40 years ago an article in my motoclub journal to try to explain my friends why they should STOP to run after the last models, the more power etc and putting sooo much money in it, very often too much for them...I was not undertood at all as we all know 😂 But now we are to the point where they need electronics prodigies to allow "everybody" to (not) use the tremendous power they now have. NONSENS, isnt'it ? But as you say very well, the most important is to be as far as possible from the crowd and enjoying the simplicity of the real things.
Many of my bikes have had a performance way in excess of my skill level. The untapped potential is frustrating to me and the gap gets wider as I get older. I can wring every ounce of performance out of the Classic 350 and it's enjoyable and engaging doing it too. Nothing better than a two-up trundle (at a less fraught pace) to a country pub or cafe 👍
Just got back from a wee ride out, probably 90 minutes... had a lovely time around the lanes of Uttoxeter.. I doubt if I went above 50mph. Just enough power and a sweet handling bike....
I have a Tiger 800 at home, I haven't even started it up this year 🤷♂️
Wonderful… joyful… nourishment for the soul, heart and mind… I couldn’t agree more.. thank you for sharing..
Beautiful motorcycle love the colour
nature love it can't beat it and Norman sets the perfect backdrop
Love the emotion that this machine imbues you with, during this video. Long may it be!
Yes, as an owner of a desert signals version, I like yourself, love to pootle through the lanes and villages around hampshire and Wiltshire. It takes almost no effort to image you are in the 50s, meandering along, people sat outside pubs give me a wave or a smile, as i pootle through, makes me smile in return. I do, though not strictly dress in khaki attire, well, I,d look daft in racing leathers! I did uprate the air filter, it's made a noticeable improvement, I won't bother with anything else, as it would take away the whole point of it all. I have a trident 660, which is of course polar opposite in character and performance, but at 61 in October, I find I,m reaching out for the enfield keys, over the trident. Keep pootling, thanks for the video.
Thank you…you’re the same age as me and you sum up the Classic 350 experience perfectly
Scar house reservoir, great place, walked round it a few times but not been up there on my Enfield. I’ve a red Interceptor and get the same misty eyed feelings from it your getting from your classic 350…l’ve changed the air filter and exhausts, put a long ride brown duck cotton and leather pannier on and a tripmachine side bag along with leather handlebar grips and a brown leather seat cover and it just looks, sounds and feels fantastic ! I’ve a Tenere 700 as well but the Enfield is in a different league. I almost bought a classic 350 in red and chrome and can honestly say either one of those or an Interceptor will return the biggest pleasure pound for pound of any bike around at the moment….couldn’t agree with you more…great videos - keep em up 😀👍 Richard
Well said, Dave, poetic words for a poetic view, in a poetic bike!!
As I have got older its the riding experience and being on a motorbike with the smells and sights in an opened faced helmet, the classic 350 is relaxing to ride with loads of character , man and machine. 😊😊
Well hi there.
You don't have to explain it to me because....
I also had the big bikes and now ride the same bike as you AND enjoy the same feelings.
Cheers and thanks for keeping it real.
Nice video. I rode my first Royal Enfield Classic 350 chrome red. Touring the Island of Java in Indonesia. Truly a pleasant riding experience.
@andryadams where did you rent one from and are foreigners allowed to rent? I live in Singapore and am keen to rent one as well, thanks
What a contrast from your wonderful dales scenery TBW to my Saturday ride out on my 350 classic reborn, in the Western Lake District, choked with cars driven by city dwellers who don’t realise it’s the Lakes not the M1.
Best video you've made for ages mate, loved every minute 😃
Thank you Felix
I think part of the magic of the Classic is the lazy nature of the long throw engine, that puts you in a zen like state. You just relax into the ride and don’t worry about speed restrictions, unlike all these super bikes that leave you frustrated that you are only using a fraction of their performance.
I am also amazed for the money the quality of build the Classic has, in over two years not a single bolt or fitting has had to be tightened on my bike. In 54 years of riding this is the first bike that I not wondering what bike shall I get next, for me the perfect bike. 😊
How lucky are you to live so close to such perfect countryside.
It's the flywheel. 😍
To me mate this video is the epitome of man and machine. Beautiful scenery,the thrub of that single and that part with the musical interlude as you rode the country lanes.
Great as always mate a rider at peace with the world.😊
Great video. I love my 350 and only thing would change is having the kick starter back instead of a button 👍👍
I've just watched a video of Freddie D riding in the centre of London calling at Belstaff and looking at a jacket costing £575. Then I've turned to your video Dave and like you I'm certain we're I would rather be, the concrete jungle or the Yorkshire Dales. No contest, fabulous video as usual, although i could just see you in a high end jacket in sage green.
Cheers Ian and much appreciated…..I don’t think my entire biking wardrobe gets anywhere near £575 😎
I'm coming at this from a different angle? I'm fortunate to be the keeper of eight motorcycles all bigger and more powerful BUT! I recently had the opportunity to ride a Royal Enfield Classic 350 and what a life changer, I get it 100% what a bike.
It gets under your skin 😎
@@thebingleywheeler don't it just, I understand now why I see so many happy owners.
I love my little grey. But let's be absolutely honest. It helps if you grey hair. A backup bike is handy for serious roads and distances, and it is nice to dust off the old RT1150 occasionally. Wonderful presentation Dave. You do such a great job I don't need to strap on a camera. 😄
@gaza1952 cheers buddy very much appreciated 😎👍🏻
And this is why I look forward to your videos. Thank you Dave. What an elegant little gem, full of the virtues of a life lived with a likeness of my own-only an ocean apart. God bless and keep you in all your days.
Thank you my friend and best wishes to you 👍🏻
Your videos are always so good. Wonderful countryside scenery and insightful commentary. These have been a pleasure to watch. Thanks.
(Chrome Red Classic 350 rider from the Bay Area of California)
Cheers Michael hope all is well state side 😎👍🏻
Thank you for that BW, a lovely watch on a Sunday evening after a lovely sunny weekend
Wonderful video. Just love it!
Yep I've definitely got to try one out
This type of motorcycle video is the best
Thanks
Morning Dave, a very philosophical video with lovely vistas and ‘Norman’ as well 👍🏻 enjoy it before our freedoms get taken away from us 🤨 carry on that man Caio for now tat ta 👍🏻
im irish, born, bred, with a family history of the lads...but cant see past the enfields...cant bring meself to buy anything but. Built like a gun. Theres a certain panache about britishness,, built in india but born in britain. The history, the refined class and the thump thump thump. It kills me, but i just love it. It kills me. but...sallys gap, classic 350....can not be equalled anywhere.
Very enjoyable indeed. Your content in this format is my favourite 😊👍
This here video Dave is why I enjoy your channel so much.
Thanks bud.
Ride safe
What an amazing testimony.
I thought for a Yorkshire lad, the only bike worthy of the name Norman would be the 350 Hunter.
Wonderful 👏👏
Nice one. Lovely little video
Thank you for the honest review Sir!
With your years experience, I am sure it's a valid claim!
Need to get my 600 miles in for the first service, now I have somewhere to go on Saturday ;-] cheers
Your discussion and reasoning on RE ownership really struck a chord with me (again) Dave. I am just in the final throws of completing my licence at the tender age of 57 and the reason that finally pushed me to do it was owning a C350. However, the temptation to look at other styles, and predominantly an adventure style bike, has crept into my reasoning. But your discussion has reminded me why I am doing this and why I want a 350. The price, running costs and 'smiles per miles' are wisw and well reasoned words indeed. RE should work with you as an ambassador for them!
Cheers Wayne and good luck with your motorcycle license
Rewarding video Mate!
Great video Dave, so honest review, you can tell from the way you speak of the area and Norman 😊, you absolutely love it 😎
Top video thanks Dave, lovely footage ...you're dead right about the bike and engine synergy with those sorts of roads, it just hums along in top gear and almost seams to grow in statue as it gets up a head of steam ....By the way have you thought about the touring foot rests? I've just them on and they are pretty comfortable, especially the brake side...they make the bike even more relaxed if that's possible
Cheers Tom I’ll think about the foot rests
Great trip out, and I share your enthusiasm for the area, but it's been a long time since I went there forty years, I think thanks for the visit. Keep up the good work 👍🏻
The perfect bike for an empty road. You lucky man.
Thanks Dave, that were reet nice 😎
I need to take a few days off and get myself up to the Dales. Some ‘me’ time to just contemplate life. Love your videos.
Cheers my friend hope to see you on the dales roads
Thank you for this 👍
Nice one Dave, what a way to start a Sunday morning, a cup of tea, a bacon roll and a Yorkshireman's thoughts about a wonderful motorcycle in a spectacular setting. A £15 - £20K bike would really look out of place, would it not? Nothing wrong with the high end bikes at all, but Norman looks fantastic. Many thanks for bringing us a great video, all the best from Norfolk, Roy.
Was going to write something similar, but you've said it better 😁
@@paulstokes393Ditto! 😄
Another great video in the Yorkshire County love it and what a place scarhouse reservoir beautiful place also them high powered bikes on that road 40yrs ago would have been me stupidly riding 70/80mph thinking I was good but really its being bldy stupid now 40yrs later that little 350 Enfield would be the bike of choice god how the mind is easily satisfied as you gather older or is it wiser you miss so much of the scenery going like hell but nowadays 40 mph is a nice and enjoyable ride bumbling around bye for now take care ride safe
15:14 gotta make sure no one is sneaking between you and the table in that pasture :)
Love my Classic 350 and I agree it’s just so easy to ride and because it doesn’t have much power, you don’t feel the need to try and do a silly overtake.
Thanks for that Dave just what the doctor ordered, 👍
So right, you don't need a 20k rocket ship or bemouth tourer to enjoy motorcycling. In fact on the contrary I've had all sorts of bike over the past 50+ years but currently the one always turn to is my little RE Hunter 350 for pure enjoyment on two wheels.
Nice to see you enjoying the classic dave, I was beginning to wonder if you were ever getting off the guzzi 😂
😂😎
Thanks
God bless you sir 🙏
In some ways you are lucky that a bike like the 350 fits your part of the world. Here in the USA with the larger roads higher speed limits, the 350 will struggle. You can get by with say the new 450 from Royal enfield for a small bike. Also the 400’s from triumph. The 350 is a neat little bike and you are lucky.
My journey is the same when it comes to motorcycles. Started on a harley iron 883 but 'it wasnt enough' quickly bought a harley sport glide, traded it for a 1250GS, but still found it too heavy, downsized to a tracer 900 but the sporty nature wasnt for me, im now on a transalp 750 and my next bike will most likely be a royal enfield super meteor. Since i want to tour on it and only have one bike im afraid the classic 350 wont be enough to also tour on.
Are you going abroad to tour? because the Classic 350 could very easily tour the whole of the UK. Or abroad if you just want to enjoy the ride and scenery 😊
That's beautiful countryside and somewhere I will visit, there seems to be a lack of traffic, is that because it is low season? Over the years I have had quite a few small bikes (MZs) that I've enjoyed riding and the augument was the same back then with why spend up to a couple of thousand pounds on a new Japanese bike when the MZ cost £500 ish. To me it's being in the environment that counts not really what machine I'm riding although this can assist the feeling!.
Are you falling out of love with the Guzzi as I thought that would also excel in that environment?
Where do you mount your camera, is it a chest or neck mount? Wee Mark needs to explore a proper camera route.
Bike sounding fantastic
Helmet chin mount Mark
A beauty, but for me, the 6 month service intervals put me off this and other RE bikes
It’s 12 months not 6
Low Running Costs ,Owner Maintenance, Back to Basics Motorcycle Ownership
Very Rewarding I could not Contemplate paying For £20,000+ Motorcycle & Have it Dealer Serviced
(Nice if you Can Mind you)
I find 650cc is a good Compromise on Uk Roads for Myself
Good to meet you yesterday for a brief hello 👍
You too buddy it was a pleasure to meet you 👍🏻
My dilemma, I can only have one bike, I’m torn between the Classic 350 or Super Meteor 650.
What would your choice be?
That's a bit more difficult 🤔. The SM 650 is arguably a better mile muncher and fantastic in it's own right. But for a different kind of ride. Whilst the Classic 350 will do everything the Super Meteor would do, the weight and size of the latter makes it a bit less accessible for those lanes you might pass. The Classic will eat them up. Try and get an extended test ride on both. Spend the most time on the Classic though as it can feel a little frustrating at times until you get into it's groove 👍
My choice as an owner of the Classic 350 for two years would be my bike as it does everything any size bike can do but just at a more relaxed pace. The Classic is also super comfortable to ride and over 100 mpg 😊
Classic 350 every time 😎
Had the classic 350 for 2 years now, before that I had the Interceptor. The 350 can do 95% of what the 650 does. Bare in mind the 350 takes 2k miles to fully run in though.
Guid lad.
I would get a 350 over a RE 650 if the 350 had 30ish hp. Enough for semi regular long journeys
Maybe the New 450 sherpa motor is for you? I am sure it will come in many more bikes than just the New himalayan. It has about 40 hp
@jandekelver7445 I thought it had 27. But yeah for some reason insurance is higher on them than the 650 models, I get I'm 19 (and have a claim due to oil on road) but they wanted 11k for a year on the scrambler
@@jacobwhite9961 11k per year for insurance?? Oh my god this is total madness, which country?
@jandekelver7445 England, I want to leave. A country full of bigotry and fools
Well no, 200hp is always better, but is truly overkill in your riding conditions. I have a Classic350 'cuz I distrust my right wrist & at 60 years 200hp would put me in jail or kill me, or both....
It's a pretender has the image but not the reality. It pretends to be a simple classic British motorcycles but it not a British motorcycle not a classic , it's not simple loaded with electronics waiting to have a expensive failure. Your MG 750 is the real thing. Has heritage and lineage going back decades. Expensive for what it is,heavy and underpowered. Composed of cheap parts made by cheap labor. Accelerates if you can call it that is slow abismally so.Poor quality and haphazard warranty service.Poor resale value. I love riding my BSA C-15 250 as it is the real deal. Simple, reliable and dependable transportation.Better parts supply and availability. The RE 350 should have hydraulic valve adjustment and belt drive as well as a kicker.Pityful 350 at a 500 price.A Doppelganger.
Just ordered my own Halcyon Grey Classic 350 and, having watched this, can’t wait for it to arrive! Thanks for an inspiring video.
hi mike, had mine two years i love it and so will you mate ride on !
Enjoy Michael 👍🏻