A Classic Icon in The British Countryside. RE Bullet 350 Revisited

I reviewed the Royal Enfield Bullet when It first came out earlier this year, The Ol' Man hadn't ridden it until now. Here we tell you his thoughts on his review of this motorcycle and also my updated opinions.
We talk about the power and Torque, is it enough? Handling, brakes, comfort, looks/design and more. This bike has a few accessories fitted, including the Touring 2-up seat, windscreen and engine guards.
Would you go for this or the RE Classic 350?
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[@silkycherry]

Being an owner of the classic 350. The RE 350 engine is just perfect I really love it and it has plenty of power for me. I don't really understand the need for going fast when there are some beautiful scenery to look at on a relaxing ride. It rides well on dual carriage ways and Motorways and can do just over 70mph which is just over the national speed limit. But unfortunately there are more lunatics on the roads than normal decent people that just want to speed everywhere with no consideration to themselves or others.

[@romgl4513]

If the roads were empty, I would love to go slow, well below the speed limit, to increase safety and enjoy the scenery, but, as you noticed, the roads are full of lunatics, and going slow can be as deadly as going too fast. I prefer to explain why was I speeding to a policeman, versus explaining my early arrival to st.Peter.

[@silkycherry]

@@romgl4513 I agree. I am also forced to go faster sometimes because these lunatics drive up so close tailgating. I sometimes pull over and let them pass. But they really just ruin your ride.

[@loddude5706]

Resting on a roadside verge, I watch a transient mayfly 'walking the spokes', 'You take your time in life my friend, the advantage we all should know, this 'now', is all ours." To the sporadic clicks & pings of resting metal's ode to thermal relaxation, I finish my crafty smoke & gather up spent things. Walk-around glancing at the front wheel first, I see that my friend of a moment has gone . . . 'Have a good life Orville, I'm glad we had enough time to share your day'. Only slow bikes can do this . . . it's their gift to life . . . Fifty yards later, I got a bloody fly in my eye : )

[@irvinmartin9259]

3:50 to 3:59. That “Moo-o-o” couldn’t have been more perfectly timed.

[@BulletBeena]

I got the same one a few months back (minus the terrible upgrades) and I absolutely love it! Perfect for exploring the country lanes of the UK and loads of fun to rag it around at 60mph. In my opinion the DNA air filter kit and the decat pipe is a must - they really free the engine up and make it peppier (plus bring a bit more noise to the party). The original seat is still very comfy, even for a taller rider like myself (6'1") and the riding position is lovely and relaxing.

[@ccooper8785]

I really must get myself a go on one of these. Having owned a '93 Bullet I know the power will be perfect for the riding I do but I really wish RE made a larger frame for the western markets. We are much taller over here than the average person is in the east.

[@christopherpekel6096]

I'm 6 foot 2 and this bike fits me comfortably Do you think they need to make a bike for the 3% of men taller than me?

[@Anuragz9s]

bullet 350 looks the best in its new maroon shade with chrome elements.

[@tomstockell9481]

Good one guys - as Ferris Bueller once said, life moves pretty fast, if you don't stop once in a while you could miss it

[@StickPeopleAndPuff]

I agree with the modifications but I will note that if you look at pictures of Bullets in India, most have the engine guards, I'd be inclined to keep them on for authenticity

[@Andy_ATB]

Good point about too many of the motorcycle media hooning it on country roads.......and thinking going flat out is what being a biker is all about. Most of them are clueless, and aren't living in the real world......Superbikes are fine, on a track, but have no place on narrow, rural lanes......

[@matt_7617]

What a beautiful little bike! But on the other hand seems to be a little too small / compact for a tall guy like you, ol‘ man ;) Thanks for another nice vlog 😎

[@adipardita5232]

Hope you got the chance to visit us in Bali😊. We have a 100+ strong RE riders here. Let's ride in the island of the Gods.

[@JoJo-hc4dj]

A lovely looking bike, thanks for the review 👍🏼

[@Farney-gy1qo]

Great video and Bike. I love the Bullet. Your videos are just the right length too, I get bored with those that go for 30 mins or more. Just waffle, you guys give us a great fact full and straight to the point review. Thank you 👍.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thank you 😊

[@Disposalist]

Love to see more of your opinions on this bike. Good vid. Was so tempted by the Bullet 350 (took a test ride - made a vid). In my not-so-humble opinion, it's slightly better (more comfortable and better looking) than the Classic 350 (which I also rode, but no vid), though it's close. As you guys know I have the Speedmaster, but really don't need a 1200 and the lack of range/economy and lurchiness that comes with it or want the low/short suspension. All I want really from a bike is a comfortable, 'unfolded', sat up position and a 'classic'/retro ride and style. The small capacity engine is so much easier and relaxing to operate/ride than a large. The suspension is suitable. The style is great. My only criticism was I could barely get it up to 60mph with my 'large' self on it and a slight headwind, which was a bit of a deal-breaker, though I hear the engines 'open up' some when broken in. I really wish they had done a 500 Bullet. I don't think they will do one with the current 450 platform (?) but maybe they will do a 650 Bullet that will still have the comfort, ease and range/economy benefits? Even though I love it my Speedmaster, a 500 or 650 Bullet might tempt me, but the 350? Maybe one day, but for now, nah.

[@BulletBeena]

They definitely loosen up and the performance increases after a few miles. Mine would barely hit 60mph with me on it (6'1" and 86Kg) when I first got it but after about a thousand miles (and a performance air filter and decat pipe) it became much peppier and easily gets to 70mph+ now.

[@Disposalist]

@@BulletBeena I keep hearing similar. Ooooo. The temptation...

[@nonsononessunooko4066]

i have the stealth balck classic 350 but i problably gonna buy jsut the tank of this classic bullet amd swap it😂

[@1990-t1j]

I don't like the seat. I'd prefer a single one with a small rack on the rear mudguard. I wouldn't have a screen. As you say, they increase wind noise. I agree: minimalism. I prefer the 350 Classic, especially in the desert/army colours.

[@rajaakashkumar7099]

Royal Enfield classic 350 got new upgrades how do you think about it ? In your recent Instagram post about bobber , Darcy wrote he want to try it once , when can we expect Darcy view on it .

[@kwakithailand]

Lovely, just lovely 👍

[@rohanroxy4813]

Good review there , you and Ol man were spot on with the point ,as this not for fun seekers ,its more of relaxed riding and enjoying the scenery on the go from point A to B.

[@kevinpollard1550]

Lovely bikes

[@simtalkayak]

So.... What IS the difference between the Classic and the bullet? They look identical to me, this one just has a screen and a nicer seat..

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Those are both extras, I made a video a few months ago with the differences

[@simtalkayak]

​@@MrDarcy-OlManah shoot, I must have missed it! Thanks.

[@SS-ck3ew]

If I could have my druthers, it would be this model in burgundy but with that blacked out engine! And tubeless wheels. Gorgeous motorbike and countryside, gentlemen! SS in commiefornia, USA.

[@splodge5714]

I prefer the Bullet to the Classic but after 50 years of riding bikes 20 hp isn't enough. A 500 single would be better. You can ride slow and enjoy the scenerey on a bike with a bit more power.😂

[@Lee-70ish]

Not fast, about 75ish Huge power, nope around 16hp at the back wheel. Fun to ride? Off the scale for those who understand the zen ethos of these plodders

[@BlakesPipes]

I am sure it can be taken to its limits on your single lane roads. I am pretty sure most people would have a ball on that bike in the 20 and 30 mph lanes. But around town, what a beauty!😊

[@BulletBeena]

I own one and it is loads of fun to take to the limit around country roads.

[@madaya8167]

.d😂😅

[@davidforsdike4343]

You need a 150 hp or something capable of coming 150th in Paris to Dakar. To ride to your local bike shop. And compare story's of near misses and the need for a set of better tyres. You chaps just don't understand what it is all about

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Haha yes 😉

[@kevinsubi399]

Who doesn’t like a “Fruity ride”?! 😂

[@tichwykes]

I used to have the 500 Bullet & loved it not sure if this one is doing it for me though way to much black for my taste, I'd prefer polished alloy & a bit more chrome including the exhaust. It does have the classic sound & for plodding around the country lanes I can see the appeal.

[@splodge5714]

They make a black and gold Bullet with polished engine and chrome exhaust. Looks great but a shame it's not a 500.

[@flyingbullet-53]

suspension is so stiff. we need gas powered suspension from old classic on these . that suspension came with stiff setting & 3 more step to make it softer. this one comes with softest setting which is stiff. in potholes really break your back

[@jez6208]

Thank God! Not a CCM vid. 😂 I own a classic 350. 15 months in and 9000 miles. Fantastic bike. 3 year warranty and a great engine. Never let me down. I live near Durham. Next weekend, I'll be off to Oxfordshire and back. Sure, someone on a big bike may get there an hour quicker that me but I couldn't give a toss! My bike always gets lots of interest and I love it!

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Great to hear 👍🏼

[@mockbattles]

I’d love to explore the B roads of Britain on my Bullet 350 in the summer.

[@AlexOnABoat]

I think there are those who really get going slow and those who think they do, but then say "oh if only it had a bit more power". And there's nothing wrong with that, we're all different after all. So I'm really glad bikes like the Bullet still exist, and the Honda Monkey, it's great that the manufacturers don't always give in to the "more power, more power" brigade.

[@nowhere529]

I seen one with real heavy crash bars I thought it looked cool if not a little awkward.

[@viraltube4232]

that windshield looks ugly on that bike

[@johnlenart597]

I've got the Classic 350 and added the Touring mirrors. More stable but not wide enough. Then I added mirror extenders from S W Motech., big difference. I should have just got the bar end mirrors, but thought the upright mirrors looked more Classic and traditional.

[@abhishekgurung6307]

They should bring back the kick

[@phoneplayTV]

Come to India next...thank you.

[@omCARvlog]

Hello UK EU BSA owners specifically I want know how’s the overall impression of BSA over there … I actually planning for BSA here in india they recently unveiled here …let me know…

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

A lot of people, traditionalists, don’t like it, but conversely, people who can see beyond it not being an exact replica love it. Have a look at a channel called The Mindful Motorcyclist (he has one)

[@omCARvlog]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan thank u for details ❤️

[@karanbhatia9190]

Have you guy's took a look on the new Made in India BSA Goldstar 650? Which is only launched in India right now and giving a tough competition to Interceptor 650 and Goldstar 650 is even cheaper than Interceptor 650.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

@@karanbhatia9190 we reviewed the BSA last year here. Same as far as we know

[@umangVerma-t7w]

Beautiful machine ❤

[@saketbongale312]

It sounds soooo good

[@cruiserbrahuk5411]

I used to ride without earplugs for a couple years. I had a comprehensive hearing test recently just out of interest (I got it free because I work in healthcare) and they said my hearing is very good, above average. You can get away with it but probably not for years on end

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

My hearing is ruined, my audiologist puts it down to 40 years on 2 wheels biking and cycling. I just never thought. I am not too fussed but it's £4k for quality aids so think on....

[@davidskaggs9914]

Nice review

[@TheGreatestBeyonder]

I brought one of the last 500 Classics in 2019. Really enjoyed it at first, but to be completely honest it doesn't get much road time now. My other bikes do (T120 XSR900 Z1K). Its very under-powered (and I get that's the point) and thats after a beast-tune with a PowerTronic unit, AIS bypass and free flowing exhaust system and air filter. Makes one hell of a "thump"! LOL I'll probably keep it for the very rare odd blast! Slow and heavy not a great combo... but lovely to look at! Bags or errr..... character..... vibey, etc.... but it garners lots of praise where ever I stop!

[@HunterVlog350cc]

back in 90s my police uncle had this from govt and i sat as pillion so u see govt helped it survive by ordering for police and army

[@RobVespa]

Great video. Love the beautiful scenery and thoughtful commentary. My imperfect classic chrome Bullet 500 AVL (last of the cast irons) remains one of my favorite bikes. I've been impatiently waiting for a 650 Bullet since the 500 was bafflingly discontinued. Every six months or so, there have been rumors. For years. Royal Enfield, where's it at?

[@chriswhite-i3m]

I actually like the 350 classic think it looks cool but and it's a big but is the power. To take one of these out on the back roads and enjoy the ride I can get but the way people drive nowadays is crazy car drivers do not see past there own bonnets and you might not need power to have a nice ride but sometimes you need power to get yourself out of trouble . Those that ride daily will no what I mean and the lack of power on a modern 350 would worry me . A mate of mine who is not a fast rider had a re 650 continental and after a year chopped it in for a 900 tiger . He said and his words it was a beautiful bike but it just lacked power I think in this modern world you don't need power to enjoy your bike but the way the roads are changing ie bad driving bad roads sometimes you need that power to fall back on to get you out of trouble . Truimph will always have that edge over re even thou I don't ride a triumph but if re brought out a 650 classic then that would be interesting . Might be wrong but if you ride everyday then power is sometimes useful .

[@OMUNDRA699]

Me Frustrated and Exhausted out of office, but my Classic 350 is waiting 😊 enjoyed like at 1:45,buy a new 2024 model

[@Snoopy-cq5jy]

Hi, a good video again, I have the classic version and here where I live it’s very mountainous and a lot of hills and people are driving hard so I thought I could need some more power so I just installed a big bore kit on it and the Kent cam, it’s 410 cc now and have taken it out for a test ride today, and I could feel it was a lot stronger in the lower rpm’s only took it to 4000 because I have to run it in, otherwise I have the DNA and decat pipe on it, but it was a significant improvement I must say 😀

[@Borntobemild2625]

Have always admired the clasic & Bullit. Can you imagine how many more will sell in Euro & UK once the 650cc Eng is applied? I'm hanging on 🤞 but it's difficult due to the range of retro bikes out now, but I can last maybe a year before I upgrade.

[@moto.greaser]

Darcy looks big on the bike, then ‘dad’ is coming and looks like he would eat it for breakfast 😂 I can tell you’re picking up the work in the gym 💪🏼

[@robmance1611]

If I hadn’t subscribed already this video would have done the trick ‘do what you’re told’ really, really made me laugh nice one 😂

[@Munawirtum]

I prefer previous versions of bike, in colour "Jet black".

[@ShivKamalUpadhaya]

I'm 29, riding a scooter for past 6 years, thinking of upgrading but I am so confused between this black gold bullet and the himi, I don't want a slow bike but this black bullet is not leaving my heart alone. 😓

[@HunterVlog350cc]

try scrambler400 its midway between himmi and this

[@ShivKamalUpadhaya]

@@HunterVlog350cc It's too compact, 70% of the times my mother rides with me, I need bigger rear seat and a bike to support moderate amount of luggage. We generally do small trips around 160 to 200 kms in my suzuki scooter but planning to go big with the bike so space is a matter for me.

[@HunterVlog350cc]

@@ShivKamalUpadhaya then bullet 350 is best and dont think it is slow i did continuous 100-110 on hoghway this 15th august

[@ShivKamalUpadhaya]

@@HunterVlog350cc Thank you so much for this information helps a lot

[@HunterVlog350cc]

@@ShivKamalUpadhaya try scram 411 also

[@kealanmcateer9690]

Any chance you guys could get your hands on a honda gb350 to review, I know they not available in UK, but someone may have imported? Thanks fellas

[@schnuffelhase1968]

The chrome engine guard looks a lil bit odd, should have been black 🤔 For the price a nice commuter bike 😊

[@jeffwatson4908]

Love that thumper sound. It matches the character of the bike grandly.

[@nishantsaloki]

Loved the video. I do have a 2016 classic with me and it's alright

[@roshansamrobert]

Literally the only bike you need.

[@mitchellnix5274]

Hope you went back for your leather jacket at the end 😀

[@andrew6526]

Mr Darcy, I've been following you guys for a while, I've checked but i can't find a review of Suzuki's SV650 a beaut little vtwin, have you reviewed it.cheers.👍

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

@@andrew6526 No unfortunately Suzuki have never returned an email or a message in all the years we have been doing it 👍🏼

[@JH-ox7hn]

Was thinking of getting a Bullet 500 as a winter bike, back in the 90ies. Nice that this modern 350 seems to have mitigated most of the issues the 500 used to have, especially the horrible vibrations. One thing remains, which is the unability to overtake a lorry on a single carriageway road. i really enjoyed your review and will think again about this year's winter motorbike.

[@Keys1955]

So don't overtake the lorry. Just kick back, relax and enjoy the ride!

[@jamesmair2512]

Agree completely, I've a hunter and on the quiet country roads in north east Scotland it's perfect, I'm a bit older now so bimbling around and taking in the scenery is just fine. Nice video, thanks.

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Great to hear 👍🏼

[@petemcclelland9067]

This motor definitely gets better with age!! Frees up and becomes more eager

[@mattdog1982]

It certainly does. A different bike with every thousand miles ridden.

[@stewy62]

I used to watch your channel occasionally but as I’ve become increasingly uninterested in technology and bikes that are not retros / classics I’m watching all your videos now, at least I think I’m watching them all as I’m not a subscriber. I was planning on turning up at your get together at the Bike Sanctuary and decided that I’d subscribe in time for that as I couldn’t possibly turn up as a non subscriber ! Sadly since your meet up has been indefinitely postponed I’m still unsubscribed 🤣🇬🇧

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

To subscribe you just press the button to subscribe and nothing else will happen, the only time you will notice is twice a week you will get a notification of a new video. Also it is free 👍🏼

[@stewy62]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan I know what to do, I’m subscribed to umpteen channels but I don’t subscribe lightly ! I hear a lot of KZbinrs saying that often a majority of viewers are not subscribed but not everyone wants to sign up to KZbin in the first place. If you don’t have a KZbin account you can’t subscribe to any channels (at least that’s how it used to work)

[@alankritkumar7823]

It's actually a British company, earlier manufactured in Britain but now owned by Eicher and Made in India but still famous for it's british heritage

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Yes that’s correct but it did move to India in 1955 so it’s been Indian longer than it was British

[@andreglomm9843]

❤👍

[@AlihanKiyanat]

is this bike good start to new beginners?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

@@AlihanKiyanat yes definitely 👍🏼

[@almightyhimself9284]

Darcy ! do old iconic Monster ducati and cbr650 naked with after market exhaust. you should've bought monster instead of guzzi, no kdding !

[@nomadamigo2550]

İ have bullet 350 2023 model. İ just love it. Classic sleek minimalistic design and how it flows got me really🤘

[@alexugur]

Looks wise, I prefer the new 350 bullet over the classic and that saddle does look inviting. I still love my Hunter for the narrow back lanes of west Cork, Ireland. I've done the major mods that are commonly done (air-filter, decat exhaust with a hooligan end can, and fuelling modifier) and - with its stable but sharp handling - the thing drives like a dream. I can honestly say, I've now got the bike exactly as I want it. Looking at the Bullet, the only thing I miss are the large diameter wheels which would be much better at absorbing the bumps in our incredibly broken and badly patched West Cork roads. However, after watching a video by Dave Moss Tuning on the subject of tyre pressure, I was inspired to experiment a bit: for a far more comfortable ride I now run my tyres at roughly 4 Psi below the recommended pressures (both on my 650 V-strom and my Hunter). Due to the larger contact patch, wear will probably increase (only time will tell). Bear in mind, not all tyres behave in the same way, so much trial and error was called for (as suggested by Dave Moss). My previous rear tyre on the Hunter (Metzler Karoo Streets) wallowed and squirmed with lower air pressure whereas my new and much sportier Mitas MC50s seem unfazed and reward me with a larger contact patch and a gummier, stickier feel.

[@richardyardley5127]

Viewed in isolation, the all new Classic 350 and Bullet are great bikes but what bothers me is the fakery with them. They basically consist of a 3D 'photocopy' of their original 500 versions that has been attached to a modern frame using moulded plastic inner panels to make it all fit. The battery box for example on the new 350 is fake and now plastic The battery is now hidden deep inside what was the air filter housing on the 500, behind loads of untidy wiring and plastic. The clocks are now fake chromed plastic fronted with plastic 'glass'. The key surround is fragile plastic 'chrome'. All of this was real glass and polished alloy on the 500's. Even the optional sprung seat on the new 350 uses fake springs that don't do anything, they are real on the 500. The 500 has a back up kick start as well as electric start. The 500 has 30+% more power and 30+% more torque than the new bike. It also has hydraulic tappets, the new 'All Plastic' 350 does not, so it is a tank off job at every service to adjust them. The list is endless as to how much better the final 500's are to these new 350's. Just my view 🙂

[@splodge5714]

Good points that you don't hear in the reviews! Think I'll look out for a late Bullet 500. Cheers.

[@captainprice9304]

how much is Ol Man height?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

6ft 2" 👍🏼

[@captainprice9304]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan Ohh man Sir you got nice arms though. I am 5.11, will this bike suite me?

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

@@captainprice9304 thank you and yes it will be fine for you at that height 👍🏼

[@captainprice9304]

@@MrDarcy-OlMan Thank you for the advice.