I've got one of these, same colour too. Fantastic "old world" engine/gearbox with high inertia heavy flywheel feel. Not fast and not a motorway machine, but heaps of fun on smaller roads and lanes. I'm having a ball on mine with no intention of ever getting rid of it.
Bought a new Classic500 in July. Such a great bike for the Devon roads and lanes. Up to 1400 miles now, after carefully running it in and the whole character and sound track has evolved. Vibration has vastly reduced and its a joy to ride. Love this bike.
They smooth out after riding them for a couple of thousand miles . I always have a little chortle when people start talking HP & power to weight ratios....if most people were honest and weren't sucked into the macho BS of my bike is bigger than yours , they'd admit that they don't ride thier bike to anywhere near its potential ....you are completely right that it really is all about the experience !
Totally agree , although in this case if that "experience " involves being stuck behind slow moving traffic because you haven't got the power to overtake the enjoyment soon wains as the owner of this bike obviously realised ! ...
That takes me back! I bought a new Bullet 500 in '93 (1/2 a lifetime ago 😲) I saw much of Scotland from the cab of RAC recovery vehicles during the 5 years I owned it. I only decided to get rid of it when the wiring loom (or what passes for one) started to fall apart. I loved the part of the gearbox maintenance where you were supposed to mix a grease and an oil together to a "slightly thin buttery consistency" and pump it in to the 'box.
I think they nailed the look with the "woodsman". It would be great to see a new 350 Woodsman with the new engine, but i expect RE wont bother as the Himmy is selling well. My understanding is that those 500 really do smooth out with some really hard riding once broken in. There was a video of a guy doing 70mph and the mirrors were vibe free (might have been Rocketman) There was a video just posted by Zigwheels , doing a mountain trek on the new 350 classic, worth a watch, add knobbies + go!
I bought a brand new 500 Trials last year and loved it but 10 months in I was out on a ride and called in at my local Enfield dealer and was offered a ride on a Meteor. After less than five miles I knew I had to have one. I rode it round the Peak District for a couple of hours then back to the dealers to place my order. I was going to keep the Trials but I'm trying to reduce the number of bikes in the garage. I also knew in my heart that faced with both I would choose the Meteor so I sold it privately with 800 miles on the clock. I had to wait nearly 4 months for the Meteor to arrive and have now covered 400 miles on it. It is a delight to ride and comparable in performance to the 500 Trials. It has become my goto bimble bike for those B road rides, I live just outside the Peak District National park, with just the right amount of power to do the job in more comfort than the Trials offered.
My favourite speed shop bike that will be now Nathan. You should do well or if that bike. I loved my time on the one I reviewed even though I didn't think I would like it. I'm very tempted to get one myself. Proper biking👍👍👍🍻
Had one for a year or so, but I had to move it on as the rear drum brake was ultimately going to kill me:) Mind you, the garage has never smelled the same since she went, lovely earthy oily scent which lasts for days!
I would like to modified to Classic 500 by adding mudgurad and Rear seat royal d stock silencer but no space for foot Peg Did anyone tried yet or any Idea ?
I've had an Enfield 350T (2007, cast iron carb fed engine) for 12 years now..... Its a little slow and too heavy for rounding up the sheep but it looks good and sounds right. I'm looking at the Meteor or Himi (or both)at the moment to keep it company
i had a 500 classic chrome 3 years ago loved it but i had to move back to uk and leave it then i bought the 350 classic a beautiful well finished bike went well too But i have sold that and bought the 2019 500 T same as yours ah bliss it had been fitted with a crap exhaust argh bought one from Hitchcocks excellent plus an 18 T engine sprocket a DNA air filter and an iridium plug its a much smoother bike now and it got something that the 350 never had “ SOUL” 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿😜😜😜
@@gronno Yes, I remember... I used to own a 6 volt 1980 grey import 350. Had loads of fun on that bike too. As I recall, the tappets were set to nil clearance but with the push rods spinning freely. As you say, 10 minutes and you were done. Happy days?..... they really were!
That royal enfield ride out day back in september, there was a lad there with an older one, in the army green. It was gorgeous. That plate that says EFI 500, his was transparent. Super cool looking bikes, but I've got 3 bikes already and no garage :)
Great video. They did a Tribute Black version, which is the final special edition but this version is right near the end of the run too. I have a '21 plate Battle Green and the engine really does smooth right off at around 1k miles and by 2k miles is pretty much vibration free. The 500 also boasts hydraulic tappets, so you don't need to remove the tank at service time. Just change the oil and other easy bits. It's also quicker than the new 350. 27hp against 20hp, with one third again more torque. Happy days 😄
hi nathan,glad you are keeping well.i bought your postie bike book those years ago.i am now 72 and bought a meteor 350, 85 miles ridden as weather crap .may get out tomorrow.
Agree with you Nathan that is a great looking bike. Haven't seen that particular model before. Love to ride it but 9 hour flight is a bit far to go unfortunately and at todays prices for flying I could probably buy one for less.
New Bike.. felt for a moment the Harley Pan America had followed you Home.. sure wouldn't fit in the van. The Trials is one sweet bike, love the looks when first saw one. It's another RE that will do what it was designed fore.. Manufactures made a name for themselves in Trials, not just TT.. Would it replace my Himalaya.. if had the space more than having the money likely both.. Then, Oh the BSA if done in SS (Street Scrambler), a CCM Spitfire and have to add the DOT... for real 160kg mass!!!
Absolutely fantastic, brilliant addition to the fleet - there is such a charm and romance about a traditional bore and stroke single on tick over. Whats the best way to book a day with you for early next year?
Nathen, I also have a 500 trials bullet and a 350 Meteor. The Bullet is definitely faster and has more torque. The Meteor tops out at just over 70 mph and I’ve had 83 mph indicated out of the bullet, but at that speed you are likely to loose a few fillings.
I acquired one with similar mileage, ran it in carefully now up too 1250 miles, cruised happily 65mph on motorway 75 + for over takes, happiest at 50 to 60mph..coming from older Enfield's this is faster nipper and handles at speed a lot better would make a good café racer if my back could stand it...the efi is a bit on off ish at sub 30mph though...overall a good bike and has been a genuine 85mpg + too ENJOY ;;0) )
I have one just like this - 2020. They only made 125 red frame models from what I hear. I will probably be selling mine this Summer. I live in Pennsylvania.
@@fredtracy3931 Yes, not too bad but I don't ride that much. I've owned many bikes over my 71 yrs but this is the first Royal Enfield. A blast from the past with modern features.
Only to add that if you you want to get on with your day or you suffer from shyness this isn't the bike for you. Park it out front and you'll have a queue of interested parties who want to pick your brains for approximately 2 hours each. My advice is park it and hide and when you're fueling up use the excuse of having earplugs in. Even after that statement they'll still keep talking. Bless them.
I test rode one last year. For me the foot controls were to far forward to stand up comfortably which killed it for me. I found it to be a beautiful motorcycle but no practical reasons to spend the money.
I have one just like this & noticed the same thing about the pegs. A bit awkward standing up while riding & takes some getting used to. Great bike though. Lots of fun.
@@nathanthepostman It happened to me a year back, battery dead I thought no problem I'll give it a kick. After about 10 kicks relised the battery needed a bit of power to prime the pump. My bullet is the first bike I,ve owned with fuel injection, a learning curve even after riding for over fifty years. Nice bike by the way.
This was the one that sensible me realised I would be better served by the Himalayan. Like the style...just those fixed/rigid pegs; dear god save my shins.
Do please make sure you run it in properly before letting customers loose on it. Mine was transformed and much more enjoyable. I’ve even had comments on my videos about it not hanging around 😉
Love the looks but the HP to weight is just terrible. 500cc should be making 40HP minimum Japanese 500cc makes around 50HP. Pretty much the only thing putting me off the similar Himalayan which is heavy for its output.
Yea completely take your point but I guess with these things it's about the riding experience and for me the riding experience isnt so much about the power output. The cb500x I have is a very good bike but I much prefer riding the Himalayan with half the power. Just has more charm and I suspect this 500 will be the same. But ultimately we're all after different things.
Plenty of reviews on TH-cam from India in English, comparing the new and old Classic 350's from people that know the best about the bikes.....not asinine UK journalists ....
I've got one of these, same colour too. Fantastic "old world" engine/gearbox with high inertia heavy flywheel feel. Not fast and not a motorway machine, but heaps of fun on smaller roads and lanes.
I'm having a ball on mine with no intention of ever getting rid of it.
I just bought one like this as well.
I have one and I love it. Not selling it ever. I can't wipe the stupid smile off my face.
Bought a new Classic500 in July.
Such a great bike for the Devon roads and lanes. Up to 1400 miles now, after carefully running it in and the whole character and sound track has evolved. Vibration has vastly reduced and its a joy to ride.
Love this bike.
They smooth out after riding them for a couple of thousand miles .
I always have a little chortle when people start talking HP & power to weight ratios....if most people were honest and weren't sucked into the macho BS of my bike is bigger than yours , they'd admit that they don't ride thier bike to anywhere near its potential ....you are completely right that it really is all about the experience !
Totally agree , although in this case if that "experience " involves being stuck behind slow moving traffic
because you haven't got the power to overtake the enjoyment soon wains as the owner of this
bike obviously realised ! ...
Love the old winged RE logo. My first proper motorbike was a Royal Enfield, although mine was a 250 from 1965.
That takes me back! I bought a new Bullet 500 in '93 (1/2 a lifetime ago 😲)
I saw much of Scotland from the cab of RAC recovery vehicles during the 5 years I owned it.
I only decided to get rid of it when the wiring loom (or what passes for one) started to fall apart.
I loved the part of the gearbox maintenance where you were supposed to mix a grease and an oil together to a "slightly thin buttery consistency" and pump it in to the 'box.
The Burmah gearbox I believe but don't quote me was actually first used as a lathe gearbox?
I think they nailed the look with the "woodsman". It would be great to see a new 350 Woodsman with the new engine, but i expect RE wont bother as the Himmy is selling well. My understanding is that those 500 really do smooth out with some really hard riding once broken in. There was a video of a guy doing 70mph and the mirrors were vibe free (might have been Rocketman) There was a video just posted by Zigwheels , doing a mountain trek on the new 350 classic, worth a watch, add knobbies + go!
New bike day is always a good day! Really like the look of the 500, especially for that price. Should be a bit of a fun toy around north Devon too.
I bought a brand new 500 Trials last year and loved it but 10 months in I was out on a ride and called in at my local Enfield dealer and was offered a ride on a Meteor. After less than five miles I knew I had to have one. I rode it round the Peak District for a couple of hours then back to the dealers to place my order. I was going to keep the Trials but I'm trying to reduce the number of bikes in the garage. I also knew in my heart that faced with both I would choose the Meteor so I sold it privately with 800 miles on the clock. I had to wait nearly 4 months for the Meteor to arrive and have now covered 400 miles on it. It is a delight to ride and comparable in performance to the 500 Trials. It has become my goto bimble bike for those B road rides, I live just outside the Peak District National park, with just the right amount of power to do the job in more comfort than the Trials offered.
Great introduction to your fleet.... Hope people like it😊. I have the Bullet 500 and love it to bits!!
Bye Stuart 🤗
My favourite speed shop bike that will be now Nathan. You should do well or if that bike.
I loved my time on the one I reviewed even though I didn't think I would like it.
I'm very tempted to get one myself.
Proper biking👍👍👍🍻
Had one for a year or so, but I had to move it on as the rear drum brake was ultimately going to kill me:) Mind you, the garage has never smelled the same since she went, lovely earthy oily scent which lasts for days!
Great 👍
I also got mine last year last one
Love it very classic vintage look
I would like to modified to Classic 500 by adding mudgurad and Rear seat royal d stock silencer but no space for foot Peg
Did anyone tried yet or any Idea ?
my money is on the bullet trials taking over as favourite! i have a 500 road version and after 40 odd bikes over 40 years, its my `keeper`
I've had an Enfield 350T (2007, cast iron carb fed engine) for 12 years now..... Its a little slow and too heavy for rounding up the sheep but it looks good and sounds right. I'm looking at the Meteor or Himi (or both)at the moment to keep it company
i had a 500 classic chrome 3 years ago loved it but i had to move back to uk and leave it then i bought the 350 classic a beautiful well finished bike went well too But i have sold that and bought the 2019 500 T same as yours ah bliss it had been fitted with a crap exhaust argh bought one from Hitchcocks excellent plus an 18 T engine sprocket a DNA air filter and an iridium plug its a much smoother bike now and it got something that the 350 never had “ SOUL” 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿😜😜😜
I just bought one of these as well. Red frame like yours.
I'm sure you will love the oil filter and setting the tappet clearances, simplicity itself.
You set yourself an impossible task if you want to set the tappets on one of these engines.....they're hydraulic.
Ah I was thinking of the older bullet engine. It was a complete joy so simple took 10mins and two spanners max. No feeler gauges either.
@@gronno Yes, I remember... I used to own a 6 volt 1980 grey import 350. Had loads of fun on that bike too. As I recall, the tappets were set to nil clearance but with the push rods spinning freely. As you say, 10 minutes and you were done.
Happy days?..... they really were!
Awesome looking bike, always through they were cool.
And you got it at a great price,.
nice addition to the fleet
That royal enfield ride out day back in september, there was a lad there with an older one, in the army green. It was gorgeous. That plate that says EFI 500, his was transparent. Super cool looking bikes, but I've got 3 bikes already and no garage :)
Great video. They did a Tribute Black version, which is the final special edition but this version is right near the end of the run too. I have a '21 plate Battle Green and the engine really does smooth right off at around 1k miles and by 2k miles is pretty much vibration free. The 500 also boasts hydraulic tappets, so you don't need to remove the tank at service time. Just change the oil and other easy bits. It's also quicker than the new 350. 27hp against 20hp, with one third again more torque. Happy days 😄
Well that's surprised me! I never thought you'd have one of those in the fleet but well done on an excellent purchase!
Many thanks for this very helpful video; useful in many situations and the Himalaya is ideal off road.
Beautiful machine,looks like a winner!
Like centre stands, kick-start should be standard.
Stunning looking bike.
Excellent choice Happy travels
Great get, was really sad when they decided to end production of these
It looks good. The nicest RE I've seen.
Same engine as my 2010 Woodsman, Must bring that down for you to see some time.
hi nathan,glad you are keeping well.i bought your postie bike book those years ago.i am now 72 and bought a meteor 350, 85 miles ridden as weather crap .may get out tomorrow.
ps like the bike very much in that colour.
Agree with you Nathan that is a great looking bike. Haven't seen that particular model before. Love to ride it but 9 hour flight is a bit far to go unfortunately and at todays prices for flying I could probably buy one for less.
looking forward to hearing what you think of the Meteor.
New Bike.. felt for a moment the Harley Pan America had followed you Home.. sure wouldn't fit in the van.
The Trials is one sweet bike, love the looks when first saw one. It's another RE that will do what it was designed fore.. Manufactures made a name for themselves in Trials, not just TT..
Would it replace my Himalaya.. if had the space more than having the money likely both.. Then, Oh the BSA if done in SS (Street Scrambler), a CCM Spitfire and have to add the DOT... for real 160kg mass!!!
Bloody gorgeous looking bike that 👍
Absolutely fantastic, brilliant addition to the fleet - there is such a charm and romance about a traditional bore and stroke single on tick over. Whats the best way to book a day with you for early next year?
Hi Andrew. Jump on the website and message me some dates. www.dorothysspeedshop.com
That is a beautiful bike.
Nathen, I also have a 500 trials bullet and a 350 Meteor. The Bullet is definitely faster and has more torque. The Meteor tops out at just over 70 mph and I’ve had 83 mph indicated out of the bullet, but at that speed you are likely to loose a few fillings.
It needs Knobbly tyres to give it the 'look' and to make the ride more interesting for your customers. 😀
Bargain price !! .. I've always loved the look of these and have to keep reminding myself I would hate riding it !
I acquired one with similar mileage, ran it in carefully now up too 1250 miles, cruised happily 65mph on motorway 75
+ for over takes, happiest at 50 to 60mph..coming from older Enfield's this is faster nipper and handles at speed a lot better would make a good café racer if my back could stand it...the efi is a bit on off ish at sub 30mph though...overall a good bike and has been a genuine 85mpg + too ENJOY ;;0)
)
Could make a nice mini Thruxton out of something like that. Very cheeky. Better off putting a top box on the rack for trips to the shops.
Aw man, I WANT ONE!!!😍
I have one just like this - 2020. They only made 125 red frame models from what I hear. I will probably be selling mine this Summer. I live in Pennsylvania.
@@martinrice9190 why are you selling it?
@@fredtracy3931 I'm retired & having a few issues with my hip. It's got 900 miles on it but I do ride it a little.
@@martinrice9190 sorry to hear that. I'm 55, and sometimes my hip bothers me, I have a Honda CB500X.
@@fredtracy3931 Yes, not too bad but I don't ride that much. I've owned many bikes over my 71 yrs but this is the first Royal Enfield. A blast from the past with modern features.
The shaking front wheel made me chuckle ..
Only to add that if you you want to get on with your day or you suffer from shyness this isn't the bike for you. Park it out front and you'll have a queue of interested parties who want to pick your brains for approximately 2 hours each. My advice is park it and hide and when you're fueling up use the excuse of having earplugs in. Even after that statement they'll still keep talking. Bless them.
I test rode one last year. For me the foot controls were to far forward to stand up comfortably which killed it for me. I found it to be a beautiful motorcycle but no practical reasons to spend the money.
I have one just like this & noticed the same thing about the pegs. A bit awkward standing up while riding & takes some getting used to. Great bike though. Lots of fun.
If the battery is dead, it will not start on the kickstart. It needs a bit of juice to prime the pump.
The battery wouldn't turnover the engine but enough in it to prime the pump thankfully
@@nathanthepostman It happened to me a year back, battery dead I thought no problem I'll give it a kick. After about 10 kicks relised the battery needed a bit of power to prime the pump. My bullet is the first bike I,ve owned with fuel injection, a learning curve even after riding for over fifty years. Nice bike by the way.
Love these old Bullets, especially this model.... however... they are just too physically small for my 6'3" frame.
It's alive! :)
This was the one that sensible me realised I would be better served by the Himalayan. Like the style...just those fixed/rigid pegs; dear god save my shins.
👍 👍 👍 Nice video 😎
Nathan, will your fleet include the 650 Interlayan?
Most unlikely. That was a one off build by the dealer and for the dealer's own ownership, therefore unlikely to ever be reproduced.
Do please make sure you run it in properly before letting customers loose on it. Mine was transformed and much more enjoyable. I’ve even had comments on my videos about it not hanging around 😉
I suspect proper run in is around 1000 miles
@@nathanthepostman mine was about that. Maybe a couple of hundred more but I reckon you’ll be spot on .
Shame they don't have round indicators
Something a little different 👍🏻
Love the looks but the HP to weight is just terrible. 500cc should be making 40HP minimum Japanese 500cc makes around 50HP. Pretty much the only thing putting me off the similar Himalayan which is heavy for its output.
Yea completely take your point but I guess with these things it's about the riding experience and for me the riding experience isnt so much about the power output. The cb500x I have is a very good bike but I much prefer riding the Himalayan with half the power. Just has more charm and I suspect this 500 will be the same. But ultimately we're all after different things.
@@nathanthepostman totally get what you mean and would love to one day try them for their uniqueness
Plenty of reviews on TH-cam from India in English, comparing the new and old Classic 350's from people that know the best about the bikes.....not asinine UK journalists ....
Bargain