Royal Enfield Bullet 500 v Classic 350J -- What's the Difference?

[@nikitis13]

I loved the ergonomics of the older classic. Hope they make a new Bullet 500👌

[@Deetroiter]

I had a 535 continental gt and absolutely loved the bike. Only issues I had was the metallurgy was pretty bad (parts breaking off from vibration stress, etc) and it just wasn’t fast enough for safe traveling on US expressways. I still miss the bike to this day and the sound is unmistakable. Didn’t matter which bike event you show up to…could be Harley’s, expensive Italian bikes, etc…when you showed up and also started the Enfield to leave, all eyes are on you and that sound. That massive single pumper with heavy bass sound. I did end up getting a 650 continental gt and that bike was glorious in its own right, but it just still doesn’t come close to the single cylinder feeling.

[@geraldscott4302]

No, it wasn't fast enough for freeway use. But that's not what the original was all about. It was about the look, sound, and feel of a real vintage bike. I ride my carbureted 2013 Bullet 500 about 55 mph in top gear. That seems to be its sweet spot. Much faster and it feels like it is going to fly apart. If you want to go fast, you will have to get something more modern. But you'll have to give up that wonderful sound and feel. I have a total of 5 bikes, so I get the best of both worlds. None of them are crotch rockets, and all of them are carbureted. But a couple of them are plenty fast enough for freeway use, topping out around 130 mph. Then there is the H-D Sportster 1200. You get plenty of sound and feel from it at lower speeds, but at 80 mph and above, it's just loud and buzzy. I have 20,000 miles on my 2013 Bullet, with no serious issues. It probably wouldn't have made it anywhere near that far with the stock EFI, because it was running way too lean and overheating. It still runs perfectly.

[@stevenmiller184]

I own a Classic 500. It is my second 500. I have test ridden a 350. Below 50mph there is little difference that I can see. Yes the 500 pulls a bit better, yes, it has more mechanical noise, a lovely clackety-clack, but you don't miss the few extra HP of the 500 when you ride the 350. The 350 feels very refined. When you get near 65 mph things change. The 350 is clearly slower to speed but it remains very smooth and unobtrusive. The 500 starts to vibrate punitively. I have had my 500 up to 80+ MPH and it had more to give.. but it was uncomfortable.. after an hour commute at 70mph my hands and feet were numb and it took hours to recover and my tailbone was sore.. (The seat is horrible compared to the 350's) A 500 classic single with counterbalance shaft would be my idea of a great bike... just put the 350 seat on it.

[@pauleckett6713]

Stick a carberry reduction plate & 19 Tooth sprocket on, big improvement in vibes and cruising speed..

[@niallwildwoode7373]

​@@pauleckett6713 I was at a bike meet and got talking with an old mechanic about Carberrys. He said yes, the Carberry reduces "perceived" vibration but can't stop it - it just sends it into other parts of the engine, to their detriment. I think only a full and expensive balancing will sort this.

[@pauleckett6713]

Good review, I think the 500 has not been run in, they don't smooth out until at least 3000miles, stick a 19 Tooth sprocket & carberry reduction plate on, it makes a difference vibe wise and cruising speed, I did ride them both back to back and the 350 seemed characterless.. The 500 has more guts as well, clear choice for me.

[@MrMomo182]

I ride the same model 2019 B5 Bullet 500 in forest green. And I rode a Classic 350 on a trip around Nepal a few months ago. I like them both but I get up hills better on the 500.

[@motostralia5563]

Hi MrMomo, thanks for your view on the old Bullet. It will be interesting to see how the new Bullet 350 is received. However, I was hoping for a new 500 motor, but maybe in the future?🤞 Thanks for watching. Cheers, Lenny

[@svalson]

Great videos. You summed it up very well for me. Two very different bikes with the same genes. Thank you.

[@motostralia5563]

Thanks for watching. I’m pleased you enjoyed the video. Cheers, Len

[@gren509]

What a brilliant review, I could "feel" what you were saying. Better than most on TV, IMHO.

[@motostralia5563]

Thanks for watching. I really appreciate your kind words. Take care, Lenny

[@Biggus63]

With only 1400ks on the 500 it may not really be fully run in yet, my Classic 500 didn't feel properly free spinning until it had somewhere between 2500 and 3000ks on it. It's an acquired taste, and is both the worst and best bike I've ever owned at the same time. For the back roads at sub highway speeds it's hard to beat in my estimation but if I have to spend more than 15 or 20 minutes on the highway I'll take my Interceptor instead.

[@motostralia5563]

Hey, thanks for that. I hadn’t thought about the Bullet being not quite run in. The Interceptor for highways every time. Cheers, Len

[@geraldscott4302]

I guess you could call it an acquired taste, but it's a taste I acquired as a teenager with old Triumphs and BSAs. Modern bikes have become FAR too refined for me.

[@5150show]

Love my classic 350

[@constantin1959]

Thank you for your review! I like your style.

[@motostralia5563]

Thanks for watching, Constantin. I really appreciate you’re kind words. Cheers, Len

[@jurassicnev67]

Thanks for that. That was a pretty good appraisal as I've been debating whether to get a new 350 bullet or classic or an old 500 bullet. Like you said to ride them would probably be the best bet to see what you feel best on. I have a preference for old classical stuff. I don't need to go fast. I like the feel of a big single thumper and the torque from that motor. I think that's what I kind of like and a good throbbie note.

[@motostralia5563]

Greetings, the new 350J is a great motor. I love it, and with the cat delete is sounds so good. All the best with your choice and enjoy. Cheers, Len

[@pauleckett6713]

500 if you want character ..

[@felixVanDiemen]

Thanks very enjoyable video. I love RE I have an iron barrel Bullet 500, and Interceptor and 2 UCE 500 Classics. I have recently moved to Vic, but lived at Jenolan Caves/Blue Mountains for many years. So let me have a guess at your filming location...Darling Causeway, then down to Browns Gap via Mitchells Pass?

[@Vanrides.]

Late to the party here. One advantage of the UCE 500 is the hydraulic valve lifters, no valve clearence adjustment necessary. The diagram of the pushrod arrangment shown does not relate to the later 500.

[@motostralia5563]

@@Vanrides. Hi, Vanrides. Thanks for clarifying that. Wrong diagram 🤦‍♂️ Cheers, Len

[@thewatchman6074]

From day one, I always felt that the new classic 350 should have been a 500 instead., but now that they have the 350 and 650 in place, is it worth bringing out a 500 that would throw out around 30 horse power? Would there be a market for it now?

[@motostralia5563]

Good question… Considering that the new 350 is such a great motor, I think a 500 would be brilliant. I’d buy one 👍

[@gaza1952]

Yes, a 500J would be awesome. But I absolutely love love my 350. ​@@motostralia5563

[@vikramjeetsran03]

That Dug-Dug sound can still be achieved by changing the exhaust. Get a short drum silencer from Punjab. You will still miss the vibration going through your arms as RE has lightened the crankshaft. If you could get hands on pre-2005 models, you’d be amazed for the riding experience.

[@niallwildwoode7373]

I've got the Classic350 because there was a great OTR deal going for stock clearance in the UK. But as a returning biker who prefers 'thumpers', I miss the kickstart and fine tuning the carbs.....the days of sitting on the garage floor & tinkering, beer to hand and 70's-80's rock & metal playing on the stereo. So I'll likely go for a newer RE Classic500 with it's kickstart, then eventually put a carb conversion back on. That's if I don't find a reasonable price 60's-70's Triumph Bonnie first.

[@motostralia5563]

@@niallwildwoode7373 I like your style, Niall. Old school certainly has its charms. All the best in your search for a golden oldie. But, but in the mean time, enjoy the 350; they’re a great bike. Cheers, Len

[@has4896]

GUYS YOU HAVE TO CHECK WITH THE TIMING, IF ITS ADVANCE OR RETARD ,IT MIGHT PRODUCE VIBRATION IN THE TOP GEAR SPEEDS,PUSHROD ENGINES NEED TO BE DRIVEN IN OLD FASHION WAY,😅SLOW IN ALL GEARS ⚙️ TO ENJOY THE TUMPING ROYAL ENFIELD SWEET SOUNDS 😊

[@geraldscott4302]

I have a 2013 B5 Bullet 500 in Forest Green with gold pinstriping. I bought it new, and absolutely love it. I have converted it from that HORRIBLE EFI to an Amal Concentric MK1 carburetor using a kit from Hitchcocks, and installed an aftermarket non cat con exhaust on it without the baffle. The 500 Bullet is the real thing, even with the UCE (unit construction engine) converted to a carburetor and with an aftermarket exhaust, it has the same feel and sound of the original pre unit bike. The new Classic 350, and now the new Bullet 350 are just pretenders. They have some of the look, but none of the substance. They have none of the sound and feel. They are just computer controlled fakes. I don't give a rats ass about emissions standards, something I don't have to be concerned about with a motorcycle here in the U.S. Also, My 2013 Bullet 500 has NO flat black on it. The new 350s, and even some of the last 500s were almost completely flat black. I hate flat black with a passion I cannot describe with words. I would love to get an early 2000s red and chrome pre unit Bullet 500, and if I ever find a decent one, I probably will. I'm 64, I like MACHINES, not smooth quiet computers on wheels.

[@estanileon]

exactly

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

It's missing the kickstart, the only proper way to start a motorcycle.

[@JIMWSMITH]

That 500 was still tight. There are some videos on KZbin with 350 reborn against 500, drag race 😂 the 500 leaves the 350 for dead on every run, i expected it to be alot closer , the 500 torque romped away.

[@motostralia5563]

Hi, @1gp100. Thanks for posting. Yep, I’m sure you’re correct, there. At the time I hadn’t considered the fact that the Bullet was still tight. That explains a lot. The torque figures for the 500 don’t lie and the motor just needed to be run in. However, the 350 bikes used in the drag comparisons have the old pushrod motor as used in the 500s, not the new overhead cam J Series 350, which is a very different performing motor to the old 350. I think I need to ride a well run-in 500 and see how it compares. Thanks again for your comments. Cheers, Lenny

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

30 ft.lbs of torque vs 19.8

[@estanileon]

exactly

[@londo0]

I had 3 500s and now own new 350. I find 350 performs much better even when my wife rides with me. I read that 500's power figures at the wheel are only 1 or 2 hp more then the 350, hence no difference in performance.

[@motostralia5563]

Thanks for that info, @londo0. That backs up what I was feeling. Take care and enjoy your 350 - they’re great bikes. Cheers, Len

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

30 ft. lbs of torque vs.19.8.Its not about h.p. with a low rpm engine.Sure the 350 feels smoother but it will not push a sidecar.A 500 will.

[@Muntschitschi]

Is the new 350 a more refined bike? Absolutly! Would i want it over my old 500? Absolutly not!

[@GARRYPLOTT]

i have 2009 and 2019 500 love them.

[@SubashM-i4o]

Now there is no manufacturing of old 500-cc bullets in India, but how did you get that Previous Generation new bike? Are they still manufacturing it on your side but we have only J-series bullets in India So we need that old bullet but not in our country. Please let us know.

[@motostralia5563]

Greetings from Australia. I’ve owned three of the old 500s and loved them. The 500 Bullet in the video was indeed the old model 500 before the J series. It was a couple of years old with minimal kilometres and was ‘as new’. The original owner sold it to the bike shop where I was able to ride it. Regards, Len

[@SubashM-i4o]

Thank You Len For your kind information Regards Subash M (India)

[@anthonyprice5596]

Got news for you, thats not " the old 500" that was the new 500, the real early 500 had a 4 speed box, was pre unit and had a proper carb and points.

[@motostralia5563]

Hi, thanks for clearing that up. I thought the early 500 was the old, old 500 with this bike being the old 500. Maybe this one should be the new, old 500. The 500 Bullet has such an interesting history and it’s nice to be able to share that history with current and past Royal Enfield owners. You might care to check out the KZbin link below: kzbin.info/www/bejne/haeoc3-gjr6qqZosi=k-rfFW4R6aJjyANs Cheers, Lenny

[@martinoconnor4314]

And most importantly right hand gear change and kickstart only although they did introduce the electric start towards the end of the production run. Mines in the garage as I can no longer start it due to knee problems.

[@motostralia5563]

@@martinoconnor4314 Greetings, Martin. Thanks for your comment and sorry to hear of your knee problems..It’s a shame you can’t start and ride, but I guess the great memories remain. Electric start has really made a difference to keeping aging motorcyclists, like me, on the road longer. I remember back in the late sixties and seventies when electric start was being introduced; so many riders were very sceptical and wary of not being able to start the bike when needed. I’m pretty sure we were thinking of Mr. Lucas and the not so reliable electrics of the time - relying on an electric start just sounded like a dumb idea. Take care and keep well. Cheers, Lenny

[@martinoconnor4314]

@@motostralia5563 Thanks Lenny, my bike is a 2001 iron barrel engine. I'd love to get out on it again but to be honest I doubt that I ever will, if I start it up then there's no going upstairs for the next three days.

[@alain7338]

Merci pour ce partage ✌️🇨🇵

[@motostralia5563]

Je suis heureux que vous ayez apprécié. Merci 👍

[@buddhastaxi666]

I always preferred pushrod motors having had pushrod v twins and ohc motors. My 1900 and 1600 pushrod Yammies would thump compared to 1500 Kawasaki Nomad.

[@briand4000]

Nice appraisal of both very cool bikes! I love my '18 Classic 500 and would not go to a smaller engine. Living at a mile high elevation, we already lose a lot of power so I'll take every hp/kw/nm I can get! There is no replacement for displacement.

[@aishik5127]

Just rode the 500 today for the first time in my life, as much as i like the old bike and the beefy feel of the 500, it gets old fast, much prefer the more refined feel of the new reborn 350 👍

[@flatcapcaferacer]

I think if you never rode a 500 then the 350 would be fine. Personally I prefer the old bike feel with the old bike look on the Royal Enfields. I think they took a step backwards on valve adjustments on the new bike.

[@motostralia5563]

Hi, flatcapcaferacer. Yes I agree that the old 500 has a charm lacking in the new 350. I’ve owned three 500s and really enjoyed the feel and character of the motor. However, for me, the new motor is refined, smooth and quite torquey for a 350. It’s an easier bike to live with. Also, the gearbox is an absolute delight to use. But again, it doesn’t have the same character of the 500. Thanks for your thoughts. Cheers, Len

[@frankjgornickjr3676]

I would take the old one over the new any day!

[@gaza1952]

I want both.

[@felixVanDiemen]

On rereading my comment it becomes apparent that anyone that isn't from that part of Oz wouldn't have a clue what I'm talking about re location lol. So I'm not giving too much away in respect of your privacy ;-)

[@motostralia5563]

Hi, Felix. Very close 👍The video of the 500 is on the road to Warragamba dam and the Classic on the same road as well as on the road to Megalong Valley. Thanks for watching and for your comments. Very much appreciated 😊 Take care and enjoy your Royal Enfields - they’re great bikes. Cheers, Len

[@deltabluesdavidraye]

10 ft.lbs. torque difference

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

Chain drivinOHC is adeath sentence for your bike. When the chain breaks it will destroy your engine . All of my OHC Honda s died from cam chain failure inspite of regular adjustments. You coast to the side of the road knowing your motorcycle is toast . Time for a new one .

[@estanileon]

exactly !

[@jerseyjoe82364]

The RE 650 also has pushrods that clicky clacky all day....terrible.

[@motostralia5563]

@@jerseyjoe82364 Greetings, jerseyjoe. I think you might have meant to say that the old model Classic 350/500s have pushrods. Cheers, Len