NEW Royal Enfield Classic 350 REborn -V- OLD Classic 500! Which should You buy?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- In the Market for a Royal Enfield Classic model motorcycle? Cant decide which to get? Here I compare the old classic 500 with the classic 350 REborn to see which might be best for you!
PayPal Donations. threelittlefishes@live.co.uk
PATREON. / stuartfillingham
#royalenfieldbikes #royalenfieldclassic500 #royalenfieldclassic350
Me and My Brother bought a BS3 Classic 350. For an indian child like me it has always been a childhood dream to own and ride one of these. I look forward to making many memories with this bike. We previously had a 250cc sport bike that is faster and much better than the classic 350 and I don't even feel bad selling it because I admire the Classic 350's simplicity and the respect that you have to give this bike.
RR just said he can't wait for the "do some motorcyclists dress like a twat vid". Neither can I.Thanks Stu
RR?
@@mattwuk RR?...legend, walking encyclopaedia on all things motorcycle what he doesn't know he makes up.
I'd go 350 myself.
Dress like Twat on bike video probably get a few views🤣.
I agree. I'm looking forward to that video 🙂
If RE made a 40HP Classic 500, I'd have it.
This thought led me to buy a 36 year old Honda 500 RFVC to replace the re 350 in the long or medium term.
That would be perfect.
The classic 500 they had previously made only 27 Bhp
@@sash0047 exactly. Times move on though.
That's my dilemma becouse the 500 is not avaliable in Hungary as used, what l would prefer. Only the 350 as new. I want as vintage looking as possible and this is more the 500. I have modern bikes enough.
I've been riding and owning lots of different bikes over the last 50 years and I can thoroughly recommend the 350 reborn, it's effortless
Yorkshire men might be tight but at least they are honest. 😂
Great honest, no nonsense down to earth review again. 👍
Also, you can always tell a Yorkshireman
But you can’t tell ‘im much !
Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 is coming soon 🎉, can't wait to see that review. Stuart thank you for your reviews, you're such a good storyteller. Have a good one!
Brilliant video as always Stuart and a very good comparison video, and I can't wait fot the " DRESS LIKE TWATS" video 😃👍🏻
Valve clearances had tightened to near zero on my 2022 classic 350 at the first service. They were also tight at 6000. they haven’t budged since. 20,000 on the clock now
I own a 2020 C5. I have been riding since 1967. The C5 is limited in performance as I am - at 74 years old I am happy to be on a bike that gets me into town and back home with little drama. Living in rural NY, this is a great ride.
Respect to you sir. Long may you continue.
Great review, Ive got the classic 500 2018 so last model, I had a test ride on the 350 and found it to lack the charactor of the 500. With a few mods the 500 is such a nice bike. 19tooth sprocket, carberry reduction plate , hithcocks exhaust and dna filter make it a great alrounder. I also have a gt 650 and if I could only have one I would keep the classic 500! Often do 300mile trips no problem.
I have a 2012 classic 500 , it's not the best, it vibrates the brakes work ok , best of all it's my bike I love it I know it's quirks and so far it hasn't let me down, always enjoy your videos honest and informative thank you 👍
Good morning Stu. According to my local dealer, the revised service schedule for both the J series and 648cc parallel Twin does indeed omit valve clearance check/adjust at first service. They went on to say that as far as they are aware, there have been no changes to materials or construction methods. They still recommend the check at 300 miles and I would tend to agree with them. My Classic 350 certainly sounded quite loose after the dealer performed the adjustment and that would indicate to me that they were very likely quite tight before.
I sat on a Classic 350 2 weeks ago. Brand new. It felt huge and my feet struggled to stand flat. My heels were up off the ground. I sat on a 2020 Classic 500 with 1,000kms on the clock and it felt smaller. It instantly felt manageable, more nimble. Comfortable. My heels sat flat and it felt as if the bike and I were one unit. I bought it.
I’m enjoying my Himalayan. Had it three months now done 1100 miles. Never missed a beat. Yes the fuel gauge is a bit strange. Fancy a 350 meteor next as them come in lovely colours
I've just bought a Blue one with yellow trim , looks quite good 👍 Good Luck 👍
I think that not being able to decide between the 2 is masterfully diplomatic. Thank you.
I have both the 500 and the 350 and you are Bob on with what you say.
Two different animals, but two great bikes to ride.
I put a hitchcocks taller gearbox sprocket on the 500 and it transformed the bike, well worth the investment
hi Stuart you're right!
I had a 2017 500,
I looked after it and sold it with 17,000 km to someone who likes to tinker.
I now have a 350 and I love it 19,000 no problems with it.
I would really struggle to choose between the two Stuart. I loved my 500 Woodsman (and should never have sold it) and I can’t keep off my 350 Classic despite the weather! I’d be happy to have both in my garage.
And as a person who had a 2018 Classic 500 I’d only buy a pre-2018 Classic 500 now: the emissions control equipment, fragile pipes in the petrol tank, fragile plastic petrol pipe fittings and potential for fragile electronics to go wrong would guide me towards the low tech bike if I were looking to keep it forever. As it is, the bike I really thought I wanted is actually a Moto Guzzi V7, not an RE Classic 500.
Morning Stu. Another good video. I did look for a classic 500 just after they stopped producing them but couldn’t find one in my budget range at the time. There have been lots of new models in Royal Enfield’s range since then. I opted for the Interceptor which I really happy with. I go out for rides with our local Enfield dealer and there are normally 3 or 4 classic 350’s with us. We keep to speed limits and the 350’s never get left behind. If I wanted something smaller, I’d probably go for one.
Do the clothing video - pleeeeese, could be fun. And, where's the Attack Kittens gone?
Nice one Stu. Right at the point my brew appeared your were pouring tea from the "matching flask". My other half suggested the kids get me one for Fathers day. Can't wait for the dressing like a top hat video. Cheers.
Great comparison and very helpful 👊😎👍
One thing not mentioned is the appearance,the color. When I saw a 500 Classic in Tan and Red I had to have one. Real 50's colors. Fortunately I found a 2017 with less than 700 miles from a dealer in Iowa for a good price delivered. I am totally satisfied with it. Also,I don't know what all the concern is with vibration,it's not much more than the 750 TT Interceptor I bought new in 1966 when I was 22 years old.
I have a 500 Bullet B5, previously owned a classic 350 for a year, did about 3000 miles on it, of the two I much prefer the Bullet, it is livelier and doesn't need the tappets adjusting every year. The classic 350 suddenly started drinking oil, Royal Enfield said it was within limits, but it put me off the bike completely.
I have also previously owned a Himalayan, classic 500 and an Interceptor, all were ok, but I prefer the bullet 500 B5 over the others, as always an interesting video. Best Tim.
Hello Stuart. Garage Queens😅. That made me. Chuckle! All my previous motorcycles were second hand. Always had to deal with previous owners "issues" so in 2002 one purchased a brand new W650. Not looked back. I know one day it will need a stablemate whilst it has a major rebuild. One is tempted by a Royal Enfield.... So thanks for the insights and compassions between the 350 &. 500. Keep up the good work 👍
Good luck finding a clean 500 these days, especially in the US! Got mine last year, VERY glad I did. It's just a total joy to rumble about, knees in the breeze, totally different experience than my BMW R1200RT. Both fantastic, in entirely different realms! I would not entertain a 350 here, living at higher elevation. Horsepower is just barely sufficient with the 500. There is no replacement...for displacement.
I'll never understand why they couldn't have made a 500 version of the new engine, with a bit more umph, if they had I would probably be changing my 2018 Classic 500 for a new RE instead of the Triumph Speed 400, I'm hoping will arrive next week!
There are J-platform models that are less vulnerable to cosmetic neglect, like the all black Classic 350. You still have to maintain them, but it'll build up a nice patina in lieu of hours spent cleaning and polishing.
Yeah I've just bought a 350cc Meteor in Blue with yellow trim and it's blacked out , looks quite good 👍 if that's what floats your boat .
The 500 without a doubt. The 350 just seems so fake to me. It has no feel, and doesn't sound right. The "thump" is gone. There's not really anything you can do about that. It's a short stroke engine. That digital display just doesn't do it for me. And despite the engine being smaller, the seat on the 350 is actually a couple inches higher than the 500. That alone would make all the difference to me. I can just barely get on and off the 500. Since the 500 can only be found used, I'd look for a 2016 or older. You can get a kit from Hitchcocks to convert those to a carburetor, which I did, along with an aftermarket exhaust.. The EFI that they come with makes them almost unrideable. A properly jetted carburetor fixes everything. Plus they don't have ABS. And being an older rider, the idea of riding something with a computer just doesn't do it for me. I love motorcycles because I love mechanical things. I would not, however, recommend one of these to a beginner, or someone who does not like to tinker. To me that is a big part of what owning/riding a motorcycle is all about. The 2016 and older models are not "lets pretend" vintage bikes, except for the EFI, they are the real deal. I actually bought one because I could not afford a real mid '60s British bike. If you want "modern" then one of these bikes are not for you.
i thought the bore and stroke was almost identical to its Redditch ancestor.
Hallo Stuart, thanks for this help. Due to my size both classics did not fit, but the Hunter did. So the 350 was set. The power at the begin was, lets say, o.k. After the first 1000 km I could the feel that the engine got free. Now there is only 1 point, I love it. Thanks.
I have a 2016 C5 and there is quite a difference between the 2016 euro 3 and 2017 euro 4 bikes with the euro 4 being slightly more refined than the euro 3. The addition of a rear disc brake, ABS and I believe improvements to the EFI changed the bike enough in my opinion to say it bridges the gap between the early C5 and the reborn 350. I only bring this up as anyone who wants to look at getting a 500 due to it’s more “classic” nature should, if the option is available try both.
Thanks you for the advise
Hello Stuart, an interesting video comparison. I have no intention of parting with my Interceptor 650, but where I looking at a smaller cc bike I think I would probably go for the 360 Classic in the hope that it might be a bit more 'future proofed', plus the 350 engine has actually gained a reputation for being a fantastic engine.
Cheers Keith
In all fairness the best comparison would be between the old Indian made Bullet 350 and the new Classic 350. I was amazed how similar the riding experience was. The old 350 was super smooth and widely regarded as being the optimum engine size for a single. It wasn’t fast but there were absolutely no vibes whatsoever. It was no thumper! The power to handling balance was just right too. It could be argued that the old 500 was too big an engine for the frame.
I think the new 350 is an evolution rather than a pastiche. This engine is beautiful but adjusting valve clearances is a real pain due to the abundance of wiring you have to move just to get the rocker box off.
I've been chewing the fat on picking up a Classic since they were announced, but the Mrs is so short she cannot touch the ground from it's low perch. Thinking about just getting one for myself; seems more fun to use on short hops than waking up my 500lb 'Guzzi commuter.
T'would be nice if R.E. would reintroduce the Classic 500 with an improved engine and counter balancers, but keep the subdued, elegant looks of the old engine, as the current Classic 350 has. I would happily purchase a used Classic 500 here but they're quite rare. You're lucky in the U.K that you can purchase a BSA Goldstar, a product which doesn't have a distributor here in the 'States. I have to wonder if they will ever come here and give some competition to Royal Enfield. The R.E. brand sells very well here.
Hi Stu. I too have noticed here (down under) that low kl post '18 C5s are fetching roughly the same price as new 350 classics. Which leads me to think that the C5 (all things being equal) will always retain a better price than a 350. Assuming of course it's maintained properly. Also I've noticed my C5 is now much smoother at 100 kph at 12,000 klm than it was at 7,500 klm when I got it.
Things that are no longer made generally carry a premium. There was an overlap period when the EFI 500 and Interceptor and Himalayan were on sale, and I think the new models greatly outsold the old ones in western markets.
The classic 350 has gear driven primary drive, the 500 has duplex chain, I think the 350 is better, plus its got a balancer shaft.
l need to be Reborn !
It's just so stressful to see every driver on the wrong side of the road. :)
👍Always hard to leave the C5 in the shed and take another bike!! How's the pulling power compare between the 2 (know you have covered this but can't remember and too lazy to look back🥴)? How many Km's/miles do you have on each bike?
I have resisted taking a 350 out for a road test up to now because I don’t want to get back on my beloved Interceptor considering a change. Don’t have room in the garage for both. Unless, I move something else on 🤔.
I think Stuart that you would be all stamped out in a week. Any motorcycle needs attention regularly. People often comment that my adventure bike is too clean. Do I ride it off road, of course I do, I just look after it.
My BMW 1150 GSA stood in a garden by the sea for close to 10 years before I naught it. Yes I got it cheap. Yes it was rusty. Confirm cleaning and treatment defo needed :)😂
A fair review, although I do think a little more should be made of the extra power of the 500. 7+HP is more than 'a few horses' and when this equates to 30+% more pure brake horse power and 30+% more genuine torque, over and above that of the 350, this is a significant amount I feel. As well as the electric starter there is also a kick starter on the 500 in the event of low power in the battery, this will get you going again. The 350 doesn't have one. Then there's the issue of the instrument panel. The clocks on the 500 have glass fronts and polished solid alloy surrounds. The key surround is also polished solid alloy. On the 350 it is all chromed plastic and plastic 'glass'. The LCD display, whilst very useful is also quite cheap looking on the 350 and I personally would cheerfully loose the 350's trip display options in favour of the 500's simple but traditional mechanical rotating numbers barrel for mileage only. Then there's the extra plastic on the 350, which includes plastic side panels, and plastic bodied side boxes, albeit with metal covers. Then there's the fact that the 350 is a Euro 5 only bike. This makes it far more difficult and (currently) very limited as far as mechanical tuning and adding performance parts. I don't believe you can de cat the 350 either, (both practically and/or legally) like you can with the 500 but I'm happy to be corrected here with that 🙂
it makes no real difference when riding at road legal speeds.
@@stuartfillingham Oh I agree, the difference isn't huge and these bikes are not performance racing bikes or high speed cruisers, although the 500 will get to a road legal speed of 60mph in well over two and a half to three seconds quicker than an all new 350....
@@richardyardley5127 Be honest Richard what use is 3 seconds 😉
@@stuartfillingham that's a question best put to my ex wife!! lol 😂
Ive been in a right conundrum with motorcycles lately after reaching the grand old age of 65, the 350 classic l bought was sitting unused after purchasing a cheapish high mileage bonneville 865se but now lm thinkinking of selling the bonneville and the classic 350 and buying a used 500 classic ! .But after riding a VFR 800 vtec all that went flying out the window 😂😂
I wish the 350 had the Kickstart like the 500. Im assuming the new engine doesn't have any way for it to work out.
I was bothered by the loud knocking from the Balance gizmo on the 350J engine, and the speed limiter along with the 6 mph fast reading speedo, so top speed was 70 max.
all speedos over report on all vehicles. the bike wont give full performance until it reaches about 2k miles.
Thanks
Thank you!
Buy an old four speed thats a real bullet.
A bike kept in a damp garage would put me off. Nick
350 with a big bore 500? Best of everything?
Very hard to explain to people why I like riding a classic 500. So I don't try. You either get it or you don't.
The fuel gauge on my Hunter is useless,it's an absolute lottery on how much there's in it and unless you live in Holland the gauge is up and down like a whores draws.I just use the trip meter
Hello Stuart, please can we have a 'How not to dress' video
👍👍
What about the Classic 650 Twin?
there isnt one yet
Got the 2016 500 in army green with the windscreen, large adventure rear rack and big box's and front crash bars with TKC80 nobbly tyres , 90mpg fully loaded for touring and fishing... Wouldn't swap this bike for anything out there or id already own it ,it's my perfect bike...a real granny magnet 😄👌
Hah! Indeed. I get thumbs up's from mostly older folks, gearheads of the 60's and 70's era. My people.
I own a 2017 military green classic 500 here in Brazil. I'll try to keep it till my last days. The experience of riding it is unic. I"ll will probably buy a twin 650 (Interceptor or Shotgun maybe) but keeping the classic 500.
This record-breaking Spring with its hottest temperatures on record is really mucking up my bike riding, as I have got all my Winter gear out again and I am still cold.
Me too!
It would have been nice to have a kick start on the 350.
I prefer the 500. The 350 was more refined but on hills or headwind the 500 has the torque. I found on my 350 I was always looking for another gear. Also the 500 speedo was very accurate, 350 about 10% out like most. But if I was choosing now, the 350 new is a bargain over a 2nd hand 500 for sure. Both better than premium brand offerings! For the money anyway 😂
"speedo ..., 350 about 10% out like most" If it works at all, that stupid thing
@@martinmuller2809 I was lucky. Did about 5k and no issues with it. 😃
Good to see a biker having pride in looking and keeping his pride and joy in immaculate condition.Also great videos I really enjoy looking forward to them keep up the good work being a retired and old ex biker these videos remind me of happier times.Well done sir.
The last 500s were way undergeared. Fitting a Hitchcocks 19 tooth front sprocket cures that problem and gives the bike much longer legs. At less than £60 for sprocket/gasket/postage, it's the best money you can spend on it!
I bought the 19 tooth for my '18 Classic 500...still in the box. Problem here is altitude, over 7,000' density altitude on hot days. Not sure I'm willing to lose bottom gear pull in exchange for top end rpm reduction. Decisions!
Just got a 350 red chrome beauty a couple of weeks ago and I reckon how good this sweet Indian piece of engineering is. All the best Stuart! 👏🏍️
Hi Stuart
Yes, the 350 Reborn is indeed a fairly modern bike dressed up as a classic. With all the advantages that follow. Longer service intervals, better and more informative (-although not prettier) instrumentation and so on.
Guess it all comes down to what you want from a bike.
I’m a car driver in the winter months. A pretty advanced car in technical terms. When motorcycling I want something “primitive” and enjoyable giving me a pause from all the advantages (-and frustrations, cause nothing’s perfect) of modern techniques.
Therefore my Classic 500 from 2014, even with that rather primitive drum brake at the back. I enjoy the fiddly work with servicing it, making me feel as a young moped driving lad in 1976 such as I was.
And furthermore, as I’ve never been a technical genius when it comes to adjusting carburetors,my little nod to modern technology is the automatic fuel injection😆
My 2017 bullet 500 is a joy to own and ride. I absolutely love it and dote over it , however it's not all roses as I have to admit I regularly have things to do to it. Nothing major but am regularly tinkering to put thing right... It's not always a jump on and go bike like the modern stuff. But the reward of ownership and the oozing of its character is so addictive. The 350 Classic that I rode was great but for me was a modern bike in period clothes and lacked not all but some characteristics of the 500. It is those characteristics that make the 500 such a pleasure to own and ride. Performance the 500 pulls like a train on any terrain but the 350 needs bit more work... Only my opinion though.
I own a Classic 350, a BMW S1000XR, and a modified 2004 Harley Sportster 883…
The Classic 350 is plenty of fun to ride through NYC.
In fact, I actually prefer it when riding locally because it’s so nimble, looks a bit more ‘clasique’, and just a simple get up and go bike.
Not that I don’t enjoy riding the others, because I do.
However, when it comes to riding in and through urban environments, that little Classic 350 does the job better while actually having a bit more fun.
On a US Freeway, the 350 is doable, and can certainly work (wonders through traffic), but that’s where I’d prefer the more powerful bikes.
That said, I’m never selling my Classic 350, as it’s really become my favorite bike for running errands around town , heading to the beach, or just going for a pleasant ride.
Now… When I want to spank the freeway, the BMW S1000 does the trick, and when I want to be a little more hooliganism to my ride, I whip out the Harley.
But again, the Classic 350 is just so simple and capable enough to put a smile on the face of any competent rider, and gets more attention and respect from the masses (in my experience).
As they say… sometimes it’s just more fun to ride a slow bike fast!
Thanks for posting.
Ride safe. ✌️😎
Thanks Stuart. Is the kickstarter on the 500 part of its appeal?
Hi Stuart, it will be interesting to see what happens when the 650 Classic is released. Do you have room for another bike? 🙂
I can always make room!
I was unable to decide - now I have a 2020 500 classic and a 2022 350 classic. Both are awesome bikes - the 500 feels truly like an old bike whereas the 350 I refer to as a smooth glider (for sure because of the modern motor but also perhaps because of the wider tires/better suspension).
I've heard a rumour there's a classic 650 in the pipeline, that might be the answer if you want travel at motorway speeds.
If it has to be an either/or, and for most of us it does, then there is a clear choice. The Classic 500 (a 2014 one has my name on it's V5) is essentially an old big single (albeit with EFI, disc brake, etc) with all that that entails in terms of vibration, torque and "character." The Classic 350 REborn is a lovely modern homage to all of that, but in a thoroughly modern package with balance shaft, no kickstart, great build quality and ease of use - a "retro" bike for the 21st century.
I tried both, and made my choice. In a couple of year's time, as prices drop, a secondhand REborn might find it's way into my garage to join it's sister, but for now I'm happy that I made the right choice for me.
The only motorbike I have ever owned was a wartime WDCO 350, which is very much the great grandad of these two. I nut, bolt, bearing and girder-repining rebuilt it over about eighteen months.
It was a delightful old thing that went so well, seemed to only sniff at petrol and really got a bit scary by fifty mph as the brakes were genuinely not very good! But it handled even as a hard-tail with friction damped girder forks. In fact it was so good that it never caused me even to specially consider the line. It seemed to go where I was think rather than actually doing.
Unfortunately I hit a financial catastrophe, and had to sell it, and that was back in 2002, so I had spend more money on parts and rebuilding the girder forks than I could achieve in selling, so I lost the time and effort and the fairly low initial purchase price.
However, I do not regret having it for a couple of years! Seeing the reborn Classic 350 makes me very happy, though it is only in dream-world that I could imagine owning one, so watching a long form ride out on one is an especial pleasure for me.
Thank you for a great film!
Best wishes from George in Herefordshire.
PS: Is that North Lincolnshire? Looks familiar to me some of it. I visit Gainsborough to see my cousin Pat several times a year, and we potter about like two old folks should!
Did the valves on our 350 Classic at the recommended 500kl/300mls and they had closed up,so worth the effort to do them.All these bikes will have very hard seat material due to unleaded ethanol laced fuel,so I think the later valve check is more to save dealers money if they offer a free first service.As for performance against a 500,our 350 now fitted with a decat pipe and a DNA filter cover it's acceleration now out does a mates 500.The 500 will do just over 80 but at that speed is very stressed and uncomfortable,the 350 is smooth as a baby's at 70 topping out at 75 on the restrictor.
Handling and breaking are superior on the 350,it's more comfortable and as you said better built so to me no contest if you want a day to day usable bike.What the old 500 is good at is being modded,they make a great green lane hack with a bit of work.
Good video Stuart 👍. Interesting review of both machines
God bless and ride safe brother.
500 over 350 any day.
A bmw keyring?
Today i will drive bothe of it.
Because my Classik 500 goes to have a Service an i need to be Mobil untill tomorrow, when Service is done. Untill than the RE dealer will give me a Rebourn. I am very interested how it will drive...
But my 500 is my one an only genuine Real Old classik Bike-❤
No, the rental has bekamen a scram411. 😅
But it is still intressting to drive.
Its an easy live on it. But theres no Punsch an the Seat is Hard.
But it sounds good an it has a good handling. It ist the optimal bike to lern driving.
I am glad to becomme back my classic 500 tomorrow. 😊
Thanks for that Stu, I was waiting for that comparison 🙂 As added advise to those shopping for a 500 - get the history of the bike, has any warranty repairs been done? If so - what? I have been extremely unfortunate with my Pegasus limited Edition (purchased new) that just before the end of warranty at around 13.000 miles, it decided it didn't like it's crankshaft any more and had a catastrophic engine failure.
Now it did get repaired, but the whole warrantee claim process was extremely stressful - but saved by the fact I had all receipts for parts and oil for the servicing I performed. It is very rare to see such a failure occur with these engines - I was just unlucky, but my bad luck didn't end there. The dealership replaced the barrel, piston, crankshaft and a few bits and bobs so after 9 months I got the bike back again. Now I didn't ride it extensively over the past 2 years (5500 miles) but the bike is ready to spit out its crankshaft again due to visual inspection as I wanted to correct the fact that the dealer forgot to put the cam steady plate shims in (and made it noisy) - thus me discovering I could pivot the crankshaft spout on the timing side 3 millimetres in any direction... Checking the massive build up on the oil plug magnets confirmed the worst scenario of that the same problem occurred again.
Of course the dealer , without inspecting the bike, told RE it was totally unrelated to the warranty repair and as extra argument brought on that I did my own servicing and RE dismissed my claim. In my view, the fist repair was just replacing the broken parts without actual addressing the cause for the failure, hence the repeat. I'm heart broken about it, as I still love the brand and even the most prestigious brands will have a tale of the occasionally rare "monday morning engine".
Now fortunately, Ireland has consumer laws and as I have been advised on the matter - this fight is not lost yet!
I am however very happy with my Interceptor 650 that I purchased "pre-loved" with only had 4500 miles on it and thus far done way more then my poor 500 did after the warranty rework. Being in a royal enfield group where many own a classic 500, everybody was surprised and agreed it was very rare for this to happen, if not the first time they hard heard of such problems - and I would say some of them ride the classic 500 quite a bit harder then I would!
So I would say, if you buy second hand - if the bike has been serviced and treated well, you probably get a good bike out of it - but just in that case of one in a million as I had - make sure you are aware of any problems in the history of the bike and it will pay to have someone come along, who has experience with these engines to listen to the bike run. They run a bit noisier, but if there is a knocking rattle - be careful. (does anyone has a classic 500 engine kicking around? I'm in the market for one 😁
J series looks better for adjusting tappets lovers...Like me...
I purchased a second 2016/17 Classic 500.. ABS but with drum rear.. Basically the last model year before the "upgrades". However, Stu pointed us towards Hitchcocks and any concern of scarcity of parts are no longer. I doubt the Hitchcock lightweight silencer sounds as good on the 350 as it does on the 500. Stu captured the loose feeling at speed but hey, relax and enjoy the flow. If I feel more aggressive I take the MV Agusta out. Some days you feel like cruising and others days not so much... This has been the comparison video I have been waiting for ever since the 350 reborn was released!
Mr. Fillingham- A useful view from this video. But be Warned!: The video shows that a suspicious-looking beardless character has apparently stolen your Classic 350!
I have a 500, (2012) with Cozy sidecar... in the stable.... great bike. I use it mostly for solo camping at state parks...Sturgis, from 400-1200 miles. Wife did 300 miles one day...no complaints. A buddy has the same rig, again for the same reasons. He lives next to a large lake and will take it out during wintertime " hard water " fishing just to see the reaction from the fisherman. Our dealer seldom has a used 500 on the floor. Last spring a very nice 500, in military colors... was offered. I thought about it.. but my buddy with the other sidecar rig snagged it.. $4000.oo ..... I've seen the 350's on the show room floor... very good price and the dealer said they're selling well. I'm not in the market for one... nut that blue one... is veery temping. Handsome machines. 😎
Hi Stuart I wonder if you can help me. I am 69 this year and I have a 350 Classic but have back problems but I don't want to stop riding. I have adjusted the back shocks to as far soft as I can but because of the roads here in country south australia I feel every bump. Is it possible to get much softer back shocks for this bike? I have an aftermarket spring seat from India and that has helped. I tried a blow up airhawk cushion but that was awful. Thanks in advance.
ah well, uncle Stu- can imagine that this is a question that comes up to those poor souls who haven't already got a RE Classic in their stables... I'm rather pleased with having a 500 Classic in the collection, this one being one of the very last ones available. I think they are well made, very purposefully built- and I wouldn't realize that they are not really "modern", as my well over 40year old BMWs and Hondas are still completely normal bikes for me....
Heyup Stuart. My 2015 classic 500 army green is still like new no rust apart from a bit on the aftermarket saddlebag rack which is surface. I concur with you on the cleaning/servicing etc. taken me on trips to Holland Belgium France for WW1 stuff twice. Love it. Also love the channel keep up the good work. 👍 Sithee.
Yorkshire Steve
Stuart, I wanted to say thanks for all of your Classic 350 coverage. I rode the Distinguished Gentleman's ride next to a man with a Classic 500 Bullet in Military Green, and I spent a whole month looking for one. Your videos were part of the research that helped me weigh it versus a Classic 350. This past Tuesday I brought home a Desert Tan Signals Classic 350, and I absolutely love the thing to bits. After my commutes this week I will be doing the wear-in service at 300 miles. I love how it sounds, and how strong yet unhurried it is. It is without a doubt the smoothest single cylinder I have ever ridden. Lovely to have in the stable along my other bikes. I'm going to put a ton of miles on it! Cheers from across the pond!
Great video, Love my Classic 350! I bought it after watching your channel on these bikes, it was between it and the Interceptor. No regrets! anxiously awaiting the the fore mentioned video!😄
Having owned a 2012 Classic 500 I would say unless you want the feelings of fun and accomplishment you get from having it come to life after you kick the bike over buy the 350 Classic Reborn.
I’ve never been on a 500 but I enjoy my 350 ReBorn more now than when I purchased it. It runs much stronger now that it’s done several thousand miles, more comfortably runs at 60-65 mph than when new. It’s been dead reliable. Truly a pleasure to own. The attention it gets can’t be over stated as well. Great vids Stu!
Back when I was riding 15,000 miles per year I kept my bike meticulously maintained. Now that I'm a fair-weather rider and only ride 1,000 miles some years, the bike sometimes sits neglected in the garage for weeks at a time. I still keep on top of oil changes, but otherwise I have become the monster I feared 20 years ago. It's the main reason I am leery of buying used bikes with unreasonably low mileage.
That chrome classic 500 looks so much good to eyes. I miss that one now, not available in india and also not in good condition in used markets.😢 Although sounds good and rides fantastic. It is actually made like a gun❤. So much fun to ride when it beats with your heart.
I have had three new 350 J platform Enfields, and each one the exhaust valves were tight at first service. So, check is advisable 👍🏻
If one intends to climb a hill, this may be of significance: The Classic 500 generates a maximum torque of 41 Nm of torque at 27bhp whereas the 350 produces 28 Nm of torque at 19.8 bhp.
Both have a gearbox! use it, thats what its for!
One thing I liked about the 500 was the fact that it had hydraulic lifters.
Would a 350J with a revised cam come closer to the 500?
So, what’s your next buying bike? 😊
Don’t think a stamp collecting channel would do well, it’s a well known fact that philately will get you nowhere..! 🤣🤣
This was a very good comparison video, it was exactly those reasons why I chose the Classic 350 over the 500 and I’ve never regretted that decision. 👍
Did someone mention campanology? That rings a bell 😊