2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 | Stylish, Fun, Practical & Affordable Urban Commuter
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ก.ค. 2024
- The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is a stylish, fun, comfortable and versatile motorcycle that costs $3,999, with a 3-year unlimited warranty included standard. Is this the best beginner or urban commuter available in the USA for 2023? Let's find out. @royalenfield #motorcycle #royalenfield #hunter350 #motorbike
00:00 Intro
01:24 Riding Position
02:10 Specs
06:11 Maintenance
07:20 Tour/Features
10:20 Exhaust Sound
10:40 Urban Riding
14:38 Highway Riding
16:27 Lane Filtering
16:57 Top Speed!
18:01 Competitors
20:14 Audience Q&A
26:26 Final Thoughts
🏍 SUPPORT BIG ROCK MOTO BY USING THESE LINKS!
⚠️Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/33kgRIz
⚠️Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/6bxxXN
⚠️Mosko Moto: moskomoto.com/bigrockmoto
⚠️Amazon: amzn.to/3viGZ0A
⚠️Merchandise: big-rock-moto.myspreadshop.com/
⚠️Patreon: / bigrockmedia
🏍 RECOMMENDED RIDING GEAR AND PARTS!!
HELMETS:
⚡ Klim Krios Pro Helmet: imp.i104546.net/WD9gOM
⚡ HJC RPHA 11 Helmet: imp.i104546.net/9WD6xQ
⚡ Sedici Strada II: imp.i104546.net/g1bjoB
⚡ MSR MAV4 MIPS Dirt Helmet: bit.ly/3HJSDHT
RIDING SUITS:
⚡ MSR Voyager Suit: bit.ly/40YqWmO
⚡ Sedici Garda Suit: imp.i104546.net/RyzMdg
⚡ Sedici Marco 2 Mesh Suit: imp.i104546.net/3ePnAk
⚡ MSR Xplorer Suit: bit.ly/3SjxHwk
⚡ Klim Carlsbad Suit: imp.i104546.net/BXGB5L
⚡ Klim Baja Mesh Suit: imp.i104546.net/oeGVN9
⚡ Klim K Fifty 2 Jeans: imp.i104546.net/BXa310
⚡ REV’IT Sand 4 Suit: imp.i104546.net/Zd2g1z
⚡ REV’IT Cayenne 2 Mesh Suit: imp.i104546.net/NkKZzK
⚡ Merlin Alton Leather Jacket: imp.i104546.net/DVA9Eq
⚡ Sedici Chicane Race Leathers: imp.i104546.net/Ea5rLX
⚡ Mosko Moto Basilisk/Surveyor/RAK/Kiger/Woodsman: moskomoto.com/bigrockmoto
GLOVES:
⚡ REV’IT Dirt 3 Gloves: imp.i104546.net/BXa3A0
⚡ Klim Baja Gloves: imp.i104546.net/0Jn2GV
⚡ Klim Adventure GTX Gloves: imp.i104546.net/Eax204
⚡ Sedici Gauntlet Track Gloves: imp.i104546.net/2rGboD
⚡ MSR Winter Gloves: bit.ly/3IDXufg
⚡ MSR ADV Air: bit.ly/3maEdtF
BOOTS
⚡ Sidi Adventure 2 Gore Tex: imp.i104546.net/b3q5kx
⚡ Sidi Crossfire 3: bit.ly/3dxtlhr
⚡ Alpinestars SMX Street: imp.i104546.net/2rz6YM
⚡ Forma Adventure: imp.i104546.net/vnXJ6e
⚡ MSR Adventure:
LAYERS AND ACCESSORIES
⚡ Mosko Moto Ectotherm Jacket: bit.ly/3GJUax6
⚡ Mosko Moto Wildcat 8L Backpack: bit.ly/3OiE5Ss
⚡ Moose Body Armor: bit.ly/3IuoTyn
⚡ Leatt Knee Guards: bit.ly/3twN8Fu
⚡ MSR NXT Jerseys: bit.ly/3jD7IDd
⚡ MSR Mid-Layer: bit.ly/3Ikkyi1
⚡ MSR Base Layers: bit.ly/3K3bQ8s
⚡ REV'IT! Cyclone Rain Suit: imp.i104546.net/qn1P9N
ACCESSORIES/LUGGAGE:
⚡ Cardo Comms: cardosystems.rfrl.co/xpv8o
⚡ Garmin inReach Communicator: bit.ly/3ybN1Bc
⚡ Mosko Moto Luggage: moskomoto.com/bigrockmoto
⚡ Tusk Olympus Panniers: bit.ly/3lLUHVG
⚡ Tusk Rackless: bit.ly/31FVUXN
⚡ Tusk Dual Sport Saddlebags: bit.ly/336oAtf
⚡ Rigg Gear TailBag: imp.i104546.net/VyQQdk
⚡ Garmin Zumo XT GPS: bit.ly/3EGY4Vi
⚡ Tusk Olympus Tank Bags: bit.ly/3yfaQbi
⚡ DoubleTake Mirrors: bit.ly/3xczavF
CAMERA GEAR:
⚡GoPro Hero11: amzn.to/40VM1Oy
⚡Insta360: amzn.to/3KTgV2s
⚡Universal Chin Mount: amzn.to/3Eq5o8s
⚡Canon EOS R6: amzn.to/3jQRrXO
⚡Rode Wireless Mics: amzn.to/37xoc9E
⚡RAM Claw Mount: amzn.to/3jQ55u4
⚡PurplePanda Helmet Mic: amzn.to/3vkL7Ni
⚠️Welcome to Big Rock Moto
⚠️Subscribe and hit the bell, thumbs up, and leave comments
⚠️My other channel: / @bigrockoutdoors1
⚠️Contact: info@bigrockmedia.net
⚠️Facebook: / bigrockmoto
⚠️Instagram: / bigrockmoto - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
![หาทำ EP.41 : ผัดวุ้นเส้นที่รักกับนายกล้วยหอม “หลิง-ออม” [Eng Sub] | จือปาก](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/r2jrLOQRthI/mqdefault.jpg)
I am aware of the small audio issue near the beginning... youtube corrupted the upload... I'm trying to fix it. Thanks for your patience!
What do you think? Is this the BEST beginner bike or affordable commuter bike in the USA for 2023? Sound off below!
🏍 SUPPORT BIG ROCK MOTO BY USING THESE LINKS!
⚠Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/33kgRIz
⚠Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/6bxxXN
⚠Mosko Moto: moskomoto.com/bigrockmoto
⚠Amazon: amzn.to/3viGZ0A
⚠Merchandise: big-rock-moto.myspreadshop.com/
⚠Patreon: www.patreon.com/bigrockmedia
Hey sir u okay? Cuz U gasping alot just by talking, kinda like my pops and he had lung problems... u should see a doctor.
I had to go to court multiple times for having a tire overlap the outline of a handicap lane line, for about 30 seconds.
Beware.
I think too many of us are getting spoiled with perfectly edited vids with crystal clear audio.I noticed the glitch but I did not give it a second thought.
Looks similar to my 1973 Honda CL360. Probably performs similarly. Wish I still had it.
Yeah, they were about $700 new. But I was only making $2.25 an hr then.
Royal Enfield is killing it with the aesthetic.
Your right ! i own a Hunter 350 and a Interceptor 650 twin they are both fun but in a different way and like you say they look so good,i got the int. 650 now 3years and no problems at all so i think the quality is very good for the money you spend .
I agree. But the Hunter is just too small
"100 mph if you drop it out of a plane." That gave me a good chuckle.
Same here
probably break the sound barrier :D
I guess scooters don't feature much in the US - but where they do, many would consider the RE cooler. Apart from early Himalyans, the modern REs have been pretty reliable. Looks good, and reminds me that biking doesn't mean stretching the speed limits or grazing the knees on every trip.
A automatic scooter is so nice around town. I thought I'd be OK with just a CRF250 as my one bike. Pain in the butt in Thai Traffic, I'm buying a scooter too this week.
Just recently bought the red and black Hunter 350 as my first bike and it is amazing
I am seriously becoming a huge fan of RE. I'm very excited to see what the future has for them.
they will launch like 10 new bikes in india like Himalayan 450 ,scram 450 , shotgun, 2 super meteors etc will launch in 2024 i guess
There is a bike coming this year, already spied on streets, named RE Shotgun 650
RE is on point with the styling. A friend of mine traveled the east coastline with a 70's honda CB360 when he was in his late teens. I did the same on a 1980 Kawasaki KZ440LTD. I was plenty comfortable at 6'1". I could see the RE Hunter as a fine bike for traveling.
They also do a bench seat for the Hunter, so if you have long legs that might make it an even better fit.
I think those older twins were more road worthy than are these small bore singles. I’ve ridden a lot of both. JMHO
Man, this little bike sounds like a fantastic value! Inexpensive, practical, fun two-wheeled transportation is the best way to lure young people into the joy of motorcycling. Bravo, RE!
I purchased one of these in Western Australia a while ago. I did a lot of research before purchasing, and been testing since I took delivery. Regarding some of the topics of questions you were answering;
Touring/comfort: I've done 4 hour rides of ~450km and had no issues with comfort, and it really is a case with Americans going fast, the top speeds in most European countries is lower, and here in West Aus is 110Km/h (69M/h) so the bike is actually pretty good for 'economic' touring. I haven't done any transcontinental touring but I don't see why not as it has very good fuel economy and range.
Reliability and QC: there was QC issues in early batches with relays having way too much dielectric grease added to the contacts and this causing sporadic fueling issue. This has been addresses in later released bikes, but if you have one of the earlier batches it is just a matter of cleaning your relays of excess grease and is a quick and easy job, most people take the opportunity to upgrade as well though its not needed. As far as reliability, this is one of the new era of RE bike. They poached engineers from Triumph, Harris, Bosch, Bybre, Japan so pretty much every component is quality engineered and all reports from early adopter of new bikes, particularly the J series, have found no big issue with reliability.
Cost of maintenance and purchase: The bike after all fees and duties here in aus was 7590 AUD (5000USD) and that should be noted that we have big premiums on all goods out here in Aus, so very reasonably priced even with additional costs. Though accessories were pretty dear there are many eBay sellers passing on genuine parts from India for 1/3rd the price shipping included. Cost of maintenance is also reasonable here in Aus from dealer, but really the simplicity of the bike and accessibility of the engine + center stand included means that its a very easy bike to cheaply and quickly self service, both major and minor services, and needs not many perishable items or quantities. Very economical!
Some points of difference to the classic and meteor is it DOES have a different frame; lighter, has a shorter wheel base, has smaller wheel/tyres + tubeless, has sharper rake angle on front. This all ads up to a lighter and better handling bike than the other two, it really just shares the engine.
GREAT info thank you!
Hey man thanks for the input, have you had any passengers on it? Just wondering how it could handle two-up riding.
@@SpringfieldFatts unfortunately I dont have any passengers, so I cant vouch for the 2-up riding. Others have said its fine, but I have no first hand experience
Thanks those GreasY... Parts ➕⭐ 🅰️➕info'S
@@MrCombfoot Broh how much is the insurance and rego for this please?
Whoa! This bike is a sleeper - way better than I expected! Finally a solid entry-level machine that people can afford, especially with a 3 year unlimited warranty! Also a great way for a dealer to pick up and maintain/nurture new riders. Nice review.
:The sound cut out in the first 30 sec of the video for me for about 10 sec.
and then later at one point as well
@@PovilasPanavas at the 12:10 mark for about 20 seconds.
I kept thinking my wife was parking up in the garage as my phone always jumps on the cars Bluetooth.
Once again, great review
It's probably because he used copyright music and had to remove the audio after uploading
I got into motorcycles in the late 70's, and this new Enfield looks way better done up than any bike from that era. Bikes have come a long way, and even this bike is so much better than anything back then. Pretty good time to be into motorcycles....
...and it still has that super cool retro look.
It's a beautiful thing, man.
@@Harvey_Pekar right
I am really in love with this model. Light, nimble, stylish at a very low cost. Test rode one and it rides way better than the 390 duke.
How so? I have the Duke 200 but it’s too small cc , I want to do the highway sometimes so was thinking the Duke 390 but also the hunter.
Why you like the hunter over the 390. I know the 390 is faster but you think the trade off is better for the hunter?
RE’s 350 motor is better than it seems like it should be. I have a Meteor and it’s absolutely perfect for my 5 mile commute to work. I ride it daily with longer rides on the weekend and it never lets me down. As long as people understand what it is they can’t be disappointed. It’s a budget bike with 20hp. If you grasp the meaning of that then you’ll be fine.
Although this is not a bike that fits my needs, I think it is one of the coolest looking bikes on the market. I just can't get into the looks of the himalayan, but I think RE hit a home run with the Hunter. I predict it will be very popular.
Great to see your extended freeway review portion ( with traffic). You even included lane splitting. Very SOCAL appropriate! It would be interesting to see you ride it around your usual local mountain area, and get your opinion on the bikes abilities in the twisties. It appears the Hunter is more than adequate in the weekly local commuter role, but is it up to weekend excursions to the local mountains?
What a pleasant surprise this bike was to ride!
I test rode it back to back with the classic 350 which felt old school and cumbersome in comparison to the Hunter.
The demo bike I tried had the taller flat bench seat.
I got the OK from the Mrs. To get one but now conflicted if I really need one…😂😂
Thanks Ian
It's ideal for urban city riding with 45-50 mph being a sweet compromise between performance and efficiency. Pushing it into the 60s and 70s, though possible, feel like a strain on that motor and definitely impacts those mpg/kpl that you might have purchased one for.
Today I saw a RE for the first time in person. It was a different model. An INT 650. But I was actually very surprised at how nice it looked in person. So much so that I immediately got online when I got home and am looking more into the brand. This hunter kind of has a classic Yamaha SR400 kind of vibe but slightly more modern looking especially the seat shape. I like it. I don’t use the interstates here in NC. So as long as a bike can comfortably cruise at 60mpg I’m good. I’m in my 40s now. I’m getting older and my hooligan days are behind me. Harley’s have gotten laughably expensive. I might give RE a shot.
If you’re a cruiser guy, you might want to wait for the super meteor to arrive in the states.
@@Thunder_Bear_mg learning more towards either the scram of the Himalayan. Want to be able to do at least some mild off-roading
@@nephilymbass1 One of the biggest issues with the Himalayan is it's power output, but a new 450cc liquid cooled updated Himalayan is expected to be launched this year, which is going to have (allegedly) 40hp, which is double that of the current Himalayan.
@@13rokendreamer Doubt that very much
@@ziondanny7081 might be, might be not. Do you have any reason not to believe so?
A great review, thank you. I've had my Hntr (here in the UK) for 2 months now and I'm luvin it. I grew up in the 70s, riding British singles and twins and I wanted something with that kind of styling, feel and sound and this little Royal Enfield delivers completely IMO. Some critics of these bikes might be missing the point, these bikes have long stroke, air cooled engines which is why they have the character and limitations, they have. If you just want to go fast and wheelie on something that sounds like a hairdryer, there are lots of other bikes out there. I also own much faster bikes but riding this Hntr quickly through the bends is actually more rewarding and it just looks stunning (Rebel Red)! Well done Royal Enfield 👍👍
Probably one of the best and most thorough reviews I've seen. Great video.
I have the meteor 350 with 2000 miles on it love it super reliable
The blue does look really nice.
Actually all of em look nice. Red white blue black charcoal
It's my favorite! Will be getting it as my first bike.
Thank you Ian for doing this review, not everyone is after the super bikes or have the money to afford them. It's a beautiful machine.
Incredible that you can get a bike of those looks and build quality for a 4,000.00 dollar price point . Great looking bike
"Quality"? 🤣
@@podunkman2709 They sell 900,000 bikes a year . I went and looked at RE , built like a tank . a good honest bike not loaded down with plastic . Very much like the old days , just the sound of the wind and engine , no bells and whistles. The only thing missing is a kick start, bikes should still come with kick start . Then again I find today’s generations to be soft and pampered, spoiled by overindulgence in everything . They more or less enjoy being wrapped in plastic, in fake petroleum byproducts. I’ll take RE over any Japanese bike , and the Japanese build very good bikes . But the RE is a more honest bike . I’ve been on bikes since 1966 , long time n the saddle
@@tonyfrancesco3701 People dont know the RE story--they are progressing quickly into a major brand world wide and are already huge. The newer the model the more sorted the bike. The new 650 cruiser is unreal in person, not my style but switch gear and finish are gorgeous. People love their Interceptors but i think the Himalaya has had enough issues even recently to give a bad reputation to some degree. The Hunter might be my next bike and i have over 45 year sin the saddles and dozens of bikes.
These little bikes are great for your daily needs so long as that does not include a freeway/highway. Never break and super fuel economical. Even after you upgrade you might want to keep it around as a cheap around town ride.
Great intro review of the Hunter. Personally, I love the names RE uses for their models.
Also, RE is doing a great job getting younger riders into riding bikes. Yes, by the time a dealer adds prep, freight and various other charges you will be well over MSRP. But so doesn't HD, BMW, Honda etc...?
An MSRP starting below $4000 in 2023 is incredible. Great looking bike too!
As usual, a good informative review. Is Royal Enfield reliability? Itchy Boots who rides solo rode a Royal Himalayan 22,000 miles from India, Malaysia, Oman. Iran,Kazakhstan Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Turkey, Bulgaria, to her home in the Netherlands, On a new Himalayan, Enfield dealer traded her for a new bike, so he could show it's reliability rode approximately 5,000 miles from the Netherlands to North Cape and back. Air freight it to Argentina she rode it 12,000 miles from Buenos Auris, to southern tip of South America to Peru when Covid stopped her journey. Fortnine had lab test done for manufacturing engine contamination of the first service oil change on 12 different bike manufacturers, Royal Enfield was the least contaminated than the other 11. I would never buy a bike from China, tested was Yin Xiang motorcycle oil , it was filthy, 5 times the amount of the 11 place bike Ducati.
Your review was the best I've seen regarding this bike. It answered all the questions I would have asked. Thanks very much.
I don't know of any other reviewer that goes this in depth on a press launch - appreciate this Ian. I really think this bike is an excellent move for the beginner street rider market. I do relate to all the other's concerns about dealer fees which I know is out of RE's control. My state has very few RE dealers, and really only one in my area and they know it. I almost bought a himmy as a first bike but they wanted about $1,500 in dealer fees. I couldn't justify it and ended up with my CRF250L Rally, which i'm very happy with and I think I'm more happy on my bike than I would be on a himmy.
Edit: Ian, I'd love to see you get ahold of the Kove 450 Rally. I think of any reviewer I want to see your thoughts on that bike out of anyone else.
Great review, I really like what Royal Enfield is doing
I’ve owned 4 bikes in the last 15 yrs. Every component on this motorcycle feel as premium as any of the major brands on the market. And at this price point pretty amazing. Very much enjoying my new Rebel Blue Hunter.
Great video once again. Keep up the good work! 👍🏻
IMO, it is a beautiful bike and based on your description, a great value.
Great content again Ian, R.E. have such an awesome nostalgic look
You mentioned the similarity in appearance to the Triumph, I'd like to see you compare the two...build quality, feel, ride, etc. Would be interesting to see what you get for the price difference.
Good unbiased review as usual.I would love to pull the trigger and have one of these to bop around on but I will admit I do worry about quality control. A 3 yr warranty is great but it is a major inconvienance having to drop a bike off 30 miles away(closest dealer).I do all my own maint and prefer to never have to return to the dealer. Time will tell I guess.
Now that's a sweet little bike. I would bet that this model will outsell the other small displacement RE models very quickly, it just looks so much better, and that MSRP! If I had a wife or child that was looking to get into motorcycling, I would not hesitate to put them on this bike - however - I still think a small dual sport is best for learning on, if you have the inseam for it (my personal bias).
I have the 2022 Royal Enfield 350 Classic, a little heavier than the Hunter, but I get 73-81 US mpg, cheap to run. (6ft 215 lb rider). Sweet spot for cruising is 50-55mph, at 60 mph it runs out of steam. Smooth motor, very comfy seat, great mileage & price. After 1,000 miles, the engine loosens up and you really feel an increase in power. Great review as always.
How much out the door?
@@racerx3669 In Canada, they tacked on about $1400 of pdi and freight fees - it was $8,300 Cdn out the door (including our nasty 13% tax), US exchange makes that about $6,000 USD.
Very detailed video about the Hunter. A must for anyone that is interesting in this bike. Enjoyed it very much.
The price point is gonna be the main reason to buy such a machine, even if you are an experienced rider. This could be a daily bike and as such I think that it has almost no competition at least considering the price. Got my like bro, just like always. Keep the good work.
Dead simple, outstanding esthetic, charming sound...
Looks like they knocked it out of the park for the target market. 😃
Comprehensive review thank you
Just got one 3 days ago. I only took it out twice given the bad weather. I can't agree more with you. Very stable, light, easily manageable, giving smooth riding experience, even uphill. I got to the use the brakes urgently, quite an experience after having a bike without ABS. Thank you for this video 😊
I don't understand why anyone is worried about service cost of these bikes; they are very much a owner maintainable bike. The beauty of these bikes is that they are super simple and basic. To buy one of the classic simple bikes of the 60s-80s in good shape now would cost you as much or more than this RE bike and the RE is new with a warranty!
It worries me because I'm so ham fisted and have fingers like sausages.
I probably couldn't do a service and valve adjust.
I've watched videos and it still doesn't look that easy.
Plus you have to make sure they don't try and say you did something wrong and wangle out of any warranty claims.
I'd 100% pay for the servicing the first 6k at least.
Very cool, detailed video. Thanks for your efforts.
The closest Royal Enfield Dealership to me is charging $500 over MSRP, $4,499, for the Hunter 350. Have to go to another dealership farther away to get the $3,999 price. Found one online. Worth the trip if I buy it
great review.
loving this bike , common sense has prevailed , good size , good looks , simple tech . whats not to like ?? best wishes from Wales .😍😍
Very good review to be honest. Thank you!
Just bought one. 2023 Blue Rebel Hunter 350. $3,500. 1,166. Miles on the clock. Bar end mirrors, bug screen, and engine guard options already installed. Plus an extra oil filter, 3 quarts oil and a valve cover gasket. Sweet bike. BUY USED...avoid all the dealer fees.
I like very much your videos and I would love a test on the RE Interceptor 650 and your thoughts on it. Good video as always
I have over 50 years of motorcycling under my belt. Here is my advice. You should stay off the dark, center line on the freeway. That is where oil collects from millions of cars/trucks that have traveled through over many years. Especially in the wet it can be a death trap with loss of traction, especially when the front wheel locks up under hard braking. --Mike
This might be the best looking Royal Enfield I've seen!
Agreed 👍
This is perfect for the new rider or "rider of a certain age" who does not want a scooter... With the low price point adding a low restrict air cleaner, decat and pipe is a no brainer. Hitchcock in the UK has a cam for this bike also. Maybe a Fuel X? Bravo!! good review.
'Surprisingly thorough review. With most current vehicles, both cars and bikes, becoming extremely complex, it's kind of amazing that we're even *allowed* to buy something this relatively-simple and inexpensive. Yes, the valves need to be checked more frequently, but it should be quite easy and quick to do, compared to multiple-valve cylinders with shim-type valves - and no radiator to deal with.
My wife and I love the Royal Enfield. We have Himalayan, meteor 350, and the Classic 350. We have been on 600 mile trips, no issues, we plot and stick to country roads, state routes, and they do great! No issues
Highway speed limits of 80mph and 70mph state minimum speeds of 65mph and 55mph respectively. This bike is fine. What's the rush when you're supposed to be enjoying the ride. Take off for work earlier? Why? You'll get stuck in rush hour traffic and you'd be lucky to go 55mph. Taking a trip? Why are you on the highway? Motorcycles are for SCENIC travel at it's best.
I saw this bike in grey at a shop in Thailand. VERY pretty. I'm a fan of the blacked out engine. I hate chrome. It's all you need actually. There are already hard cases and many touring accessories for this bike.
If this is the same engine as the other RE 350's, then there is a 400cc mod kit available. I'm sure they're doing that a lot here in Thailand. They love to tinker with their bikes here.
You can run any RE bike topped out for hours. They are SO under-stressed it's laughable. The gearing keeps the speed down, not the engine. 7krpm is a typical redline setting for a thumper. My 1986 SRX 600 had the same redline. I used to push it to almost 9krpm (back then they didn't have rev- limiters). No problem.
Great video. Could you also do one on one of Enfields 650cc bikes?
Looks like a good bike for smaller riders. I saw two in grand marais mn, and they looked very classy.
A friend just texted me wishing to sell me his. I pick it up in a week! I have had seven Royal Enfields so far. The fear about build quality was valid on the 500 but all of the modern bikes are outstanding! I had a 650 Interceptor followed by a Classic 350. I miss the 350 and really looking forward to the Hunter. For big highway miles I have an R1250RT and for a cruiser I have a 114” Heritage Softail. There’s just something special about a little single! Thanks for an honest review!
I saw one of these that had bigger knobby tires front and back and a raised front fender that looked amazing.
I LOVE the look of this bike!!! It just may be my first!!!
Got one here in the UK, super cheap and fun to run around town and on the twisties, can do distance fine on big roads but you are definately holding throttle full open on the motorways. Build quality seams good, its a lot of bike for the price and can hustle along on most roads great.
I haven't yet watched the video... but seeing the term beginner friendly instead of beginner bike is a huge positive step. There is such thing as a beginner bike, just bikes that are better for beginners.
Mildly interesting for poking around. I would add to ... "we here in the US like to go fast"... is because We don't like to get run down from behind by a minivan.
I'd say a pretty direct competitor is the Honda CB400F.
Nice to see how it goes on the freeway.
Here in England id only want to do 70 as there are so many speed cameras about and many times there will be 50 or 60mph restrictions. Im sure sometimes it's for no reason at all.
Im surprised it actually goes past 80 on the clock. Downhill admittedly.
It's fast enough for the Indian market and i think in places like Spain they have even slower limits. Its fast enough for English roads but its definitely not enough for some people i get that.
I find on my 600 that 75 is where i start to feel its tiring or just annoying to go any faster without a fairing of some sort.
So I'm really tempted. It will suit me on my commute and on the 50 and 60mph roads out in the countryside.
Looks, price,fuel economy, the feeling you get riding it are important to me. It's not all about the speed.
I prefer backroads to highways, on a motorcycle, any day of the week anyway.
Works for me, man.
Thanks for the review Ian. I wish those bikes didn't have the valve check intervals so often, then I could actually consider one, but with the dealer 40 miles away it's too inconvenient.
I test rode a Hunter and Interceptor. They are OK mundane motorcycles but I'm in the market for the Speed 400. A few hundred dollars more but with much better appointments and significantly better performance. Thank you for the video.
This single cylinders from R.E. are great, I love the classic specially, really looking to get one as second bike.
I really like that Enfield are sort of lowering the cost of entry for "a bike" with fairly stylish looking and practical machines backed up by a long warranty. It was also a clever trick to use metal mud guards etc on the Meteor and Classic 350 and the stripping things back for the Hunter and ending up with a lighter bike. One more point - it's good to see Enfield adopting 17" cast, tubeless wheels for a street bike, and I suspect the 140/70r17 rear tyre being the smallest size offered of the Michelin Road 6 is not a coincidence.
Hey Ian, good looking bike for sure, has the same looking alloy rims as a CB500X. I know you were looking for some off road on your test drive, 😂. Cool bike though and great for the city commuter.
I bought an ebike that cost more than this bike. It’d be a nice knock around town bike. Find some saddle bags for it and make store runs and whatever. At that price it’s hard to turn down. Great review!
Hello from the UK, I like this, horses for courses... Fab review
Looks like a great first bike.
They'd hardly offer a 3 year warranty if their bikes were unreliable. They take a hell of a beating on both rural and urban roads in India, and they just keep on going.
Just 5 minutes ago an RE Hunter rider passed on me when breakfasting at the café, search the YT for a review, and youre the number one showed up in the results, and you just published this 16 hours ago. Universe conspire to poisoned me.
In Indonesia this could be also good touring bike, with almost upright riding position, soft to medium suspension for dealing developed country road quality (motorcycle can't enter freeway/toll road unless in ONE area only in Bali).
Torquey engine, able to sip lower octane gasoline, good fuel economy etc.
Too bad our Finance Ministry slapped every motorcycle above 250 CC with additional 50% luxury tax on this one (up to 500 CC), and 95% tax for >500 CC motorcycle, so the RE buyer here must patiently waiting (up to 6 months) after paying the price tag to clear the red tape (customs, tax office, national police, etc).
Racking up tons of miles on my GS, have been wanting a cheap fun bike for commuting. I think I may go have a look at them, my primary concern is I'm 6'2" and don't want to look like a sasquatch on a scooter. You looked good on it and if I remember are about the same height.
I think that Kawasaki should make a little scrambler out of their Z 400 engine. Smaller and faster than Hondas CL 500 - with a 19 inch wheel upfront and a little more ground clearance. I love that little engine for what it is
RE is really reminding me of what Hyundai/Kia did a few years back... Poached an Audi designer or two, and worked really hard to dispel their economy/cheap/unreliable image with a long warranty. Judging by the cars I see on the road today, it worked. I hope RE can see it through to their promised land.
cool n love it
Any ETA on availability of the Super Meteor 650? Very much looking forward to your review of that new bike.
Nice review Ian. I think this would be very approachable and unintimidating for a beginner rider. It seems like it would be a nice city/commuter bike, and the styling is nice.
I just got one this past weekend for my first bike, absolutely love it as I wasn't looking for higher cc's just yet. Just want to note though, although the MSRP is about 4k, total purchase price will be closer to $5500ish with freight charge, dealer prep fee, and tt&l. That being said, still a great price and better than buying a used bike (buyer beware) for not much less.
Gonna have this bike tomorrow with same colour. I lived in Sydney Aus.
Ian, the audio cut out again at the 12:15 mark. I think RE has a hit with this bike. Like you said, it has Triumph styling at 1/3 the cost, and it is super accessible with its price and size. This coming from a Bonneville T120 owner. I wish it had a bit more power but I love the look, and hopefully, this will bring in more young riders.
I went to their store in my city, and it was like a museum, very pretty shop, service was amazing (knowledgeable and educated) AND the bike is cheap and, for what it is, is amazing. I honestly don't see anything bad with it. I need someone to show me the bad (other than slow speed)
you can carry luggage and pillion without any decrease in performance because of high torque throughout , weight is 182 kgs so highly stable while braking
That just reminds me... The outdoors in southern california is so beautiful but there is so little of it anymore. Seems like from mexico up to la the only bit left is the marine corps base on the way.
You kinda sound like Kip from the movie napoleon dynamite. Thanks for the in-depth review.
Nice which it had a tach. She looks good reminds me of my first bike cb360t 73 I got from a buddy in 80 at Moffett field. Wish I still had it. I like the bike :).
Wish not which
I tour on a KLX300SM. Touring doesn't mean you have to ride on the interstate (freeway).
I like the backrest. Keep the passenger comfortable.👌🏽
Shame that Summer price hike is in full swing. I'll have to wait for cooler weather for the price to drop. To give you an idea, in February the cheapest i could buy a KTM 390 Adv was $6,300 brand new. Going April that price is now $7,800. It's just the general thing when buying anything. Buy cold weather gear in summer and warm weather gear in winter. Same logic.
Genuine Scooter G400 is a direct competitor...but I friggin LOVED my demo ride on this. I enjoyed it more than the INT650 which at one point I intended to buy.
Love your reviews.
I live near Orlando Florida where one dealership allows demo by appointment. Said dealership is worth watching on their website as their demo bikes are for sale as USED, negating all those add -on dealer fees. In fact, your Royal blue that you like is for sale right now for $3,500. It has 46 miles on it. That means tax, title, tag, registration fees and you're out the door at $4k.
Luggage - C-bow system by Hepco-Becker. Many bag styles to choose from.
The bike will ride wide open at top speed all day long. I ride my 1986 Yamaha SRX600 on the highway at 70-75mph for 30 miles to work with no issues. Same architecture. 5-speed, single cylinder. Super under stressed motor. Even at top speed this type of design will run hard all day 7krpm is nothing.
Also, this motor has been around a while. I am sure there are aftermarket bore kits and gearing changes that are available should you wish to break 90-100 mph, but at that point you ARE stressing the basic architecture of the motor..
Great points
Something about this bike is just calling my name. I went to my local RE dealer as soon as I could after discovering it, but they don't have the red one. And they were having a sale to clear the 2023 models. Ooof. I was this 🤏 close. Maybe they will release some nice 2024 ones.
A review of the Classic 350 would be nice.😊✌🏾
Fighting myself between this and the Himalayan. I had a lot of bikes in my 'possibly' list but those ate the others up.
If you want a true urban commuter, get a (motorcycle) scooter . It affords better wind protection, rain protection and you have underseat space for helmets or some cargo. This slow bike is only good to commute to your local Starbucks or hipster gathering place.