Royal Enfield Classic 350, DNA filter, De cat, Freeflow exhaust, Is it worth it?

A little dig into "performance modifications" that can be made to the Royal Enfield Classic 350.
Which modification gives the best results.
I'll tell you what I think.
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[@graemeevans2608]

I love the sound of the original system on mine Keith. I think you can spend a lot of money just to get a slight increase in performance, we all have different views though. The dyno figures would be interesting to see. Ride safe.

[@borderlands6606]

It's a personal choice and I'm leaving mine standard. I knew it was a somewhat overweight and underpowered 350 when I bought it. However I like the power delivery and if you pick the right roads, it's ample. A modern 125 could probably keep up, but it wouldn't chug along in the same way. If the changes could produce another 15-20mph I might be interested, but I'd probably buy a 650 and save myself the trouble. Always fascinated to see what other people do, even so.

[@shottostravels]

Agree completely Ride safe mate👍

[@REClassicFIN]

Hitchcocks youtube channel tested Meteor 350 with DNA.

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for commenting. I completely agree and probably wouldn't be doing it if I had to pay for the exhaust. Turns out I am going to be happy with just the de cat pipe on. It's been interesting to see what others think. Ride safe mate 👍

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for commenting, yes I saw that. Some people say they have noticed a difference, there results suggest that. But I didn't notice so much. Till the de cat went on.Ride safe mate 👍

[@travisperkins100]

Also.. its all very well fitting 'performance' stuff... these bikes should be capable of 85mph. What we need is a redeveloped ECU. All these changes and it still only does 73.

[@lowersaxon]

There is a limiter built in and taking it out would be illegal. 😳 With the limiter you can do what you want, it wont go faster than 73 mph, it will accelerate a bit better and run smoother though.

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for commenting. Im not sure why they are limited. To meet some regulation somewhere I guess. But we still buy them knowing that to be the case. Ride safe👍

[@clayfarnet970]

@@lowersaxon Do you know if removing the restrictor is considered illegal in the USA? It's the only thing preventing me from buying one today. That little bit will help flow with traffic on our interstates. Thanks

[@phillee9651]

i have a meteor 350 same engine .. dna , stock down pipe , de cat red rooster polestar pro exhaust , also fuel x lite . the fuel x another step , was thinking of a cam but happy with the improvements i have

[@shottostravels]

Hi Thanks for commenting. Me too, I'm happy. Let's face it you can go on forever but it'll never be a Fireblade. Ride safe mate👍

[@pieter3525]

May I boldly ask what you paid for all these modifications? Did you installed them all yourself or did you let the dealer do the works?

[@phillee9651]

@@pieter3525 hi , the DNA air filter and cover 90 , bit more torque less gear changing , easy self fit . red rooster exhaust and de cat pipe 140 , more power , easy self fit . fuel x lite 150 , self fit , tank removal , smoother running , with mods makes more power/torque through out rev range runs smoother , hope that helps .

[@phillee9651]

@@pieter3525 hi . the DNA filter and cover 90 , easy self fit . red rooster pole star exhaust ,cat delete pipe 140 , easy self fit , fuel x lite 150 , tank removal self fit . mods increase power/torque through out rev range ,engine running smoother

[@richardcrighton8079]

i went for the performance cam and it's total game changer, plus the fuelx and the dna. i also had the freeflow pipe but it was too loud so i went back to the OEM exhaust but with the hitchcock's de-cat. it is now 100% perfect. until there a hitchcock's 500 barrel replacement upgrade, i am very happy. i love this bike so much. a real riders bike.

[@shottostravels]

Thankyou for commenting. That's interesting. I found the Freeflow silencer a step too far. I am wondering now I've come this far whether to go the whole hog and fit the cam. You would obviously say go for it. Food for thought. Thanks again and Ride safe👍

[@Thebigboy888]

Richard thanks, please tells us after you have changed the camshaft + the fuelx what happend with the consumption?? without any performance is about 3.2 litre per 100khm

[@wallybuettner]

I'm with you, that the original silencer is better, both in sound and appearance. The after market silencer is too loud and takes away from the enjoyable sound of the bike. I have found that all bikes get a little louder as they burn in, I wonder if your middle option with the original silencer is closer to what the bike will sound like in about 20K miles or so. The looks and sound of the factory exhaust for my own preference. I have considered after market exhaust for my other bikes, but after riding near someone with louder pipes for a day, I decided the noise was not enjoyable for me. Thank you for sharing your trials, it will help many decide what is their preference. Very nice of your friend to support this too! Ride safe!

[@shottostravels]

Thanks Wally Great to hear your thoughts as usual. Ride safe mate👍

[@matt904sl]

Hi Keith the silencer is not for me as I think it's not really in keeping with the style of the bike . But if they can make a full system with a standard looking silencer I think they would be on to a winner !!!! . But in the interim I would definitely buy the decat pipe 100 %. Great video Keith and go steady

[@shottostravels]

Agreed, No arguments there. Ride safe mate👍

[@Lee-70ish]

Each to their own guys. For me its not about top end but the engine pulling smoother or with more flexibilty A check on Hitchcocks dyno tests shows that the DNA does help with power as does the performance cam. A guy in the USA proved using an infrared thermometer that the Fuel X lite claim did indeed reduce the engine temp by 10 degrees. I have the DNA and although I kept the cat I fitted a Punjab short silencer. Which for me makes a great noise and has certainly reduced back pressure and the engine feels freer in over run and under load.

[@shottostravels]

Completely agree, we are all different. There's not much wrong with standard bike but it does feel a bit strangled. I think you only realize this when you start changing things up a bit. Thanks for commenting. Ride safe mate 👍

[@EastboundDwn]

At the end of the day, in my opinion, these bikes should be left stock. The only thing that will wake these engines up significantly is a cam. Great channel!

[@EastboundDwn]

@shottostravels2713 I think it's funny how we all go into buying this bike with the allure of it being slow and puddling along. Then immediately we try to make it faster.😂

[@jonathandeeley6276]

At the beginning when you started it up I thought straight away that the Delkevic Silencer didn't look right style wise, much prefer the Pea Shooter style on the Classic. I think you would soon tire of the noise at best or end up with a headache at worst, why have that kind of noise if you then have to wear earplugs which can be uncomfortable to wear for some folk? DNA filter on its own, I feel with the filter alone there is a noticeable increase in mid range pull particularly when performing overtakes but the full benefit of the filter is only felt on a fully run in bike around 1500 - 2000 miles. I'm on my 3rd Classic 350 and also have the Meteor 350 and the DNA benefits have been noticeable on both versions of the bike however, slightly more so on the Meteor which has slightly more get up and go in stock form than a Classic anyway. Be interested to see the progress with a different end can but for me the Delkavik is a non starter. Enjoyed your video by the way and look forward to the update.🙂👍

[@travisperkins100]

I have to agree.. why re invent the wheel.

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for commenting. Other silencers are available. Including leaving the stock one on. I didn't notice much difference with the DNA filter alone. But I did when I added the de cat pipe. That's where I am now. With the stock silencer back on. Thanks for your thoughts. Ride safe👍

[@shottostravels]

@travisperkins100 Thanks for commenting. Ride safe👍

[@Paulwhitham-xi2nr]

Thanks for sharing mate, always good to see some tinkering. I have the DNA filter and decat, but standard silencer. The bike is more responsive for sure. Ride safe 😊

[@shottostravels]

Hi Paul, absolutely agree. It's the sweet spot. Ride safe mate👍

[@Butlers_Bike_life]

Very interesting video, thanks for making it. Think I would go for the de-cat and DNA filter 👍

[@shottostravels]

Me too, that's where I'm at. Just been out on it. For me it's the sweet spot. It's a definite improvement without being too anti social. Ride safe mate 👍

[@Butlers_Bike_life]

@@shottostravels When fitting the decat pipe did you have to reuse the metal ring seals or leave them off ? Thanks

[@shottostravels]

They fitted it for me but it will come with all the necessary carbon seals and clamps where necessary .👍

[@Butlers_Bike_life]

@@shottostravels Ok thanks 👍

[@mickcresswell1031]

Really good comparison. I’ve done the DNA so far, next will be fuel x, then decat / full exhaust. I liked the Delkavic noise - but not the looks (too modern for Classic 350). But the standard silencer is just too bulky, with all the heat shield nonsense. Can’t remember if you mention it, but, maybe a silencer from Punjab will provide the best looks / sound / mid-range performance mix?

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for commenting. That silencer was too loud for me. It didn't really come across on the Vid. The DNA and decat has delivered a smoother running bike with a noticeable increase in performance. Ride safe mate

[@Thebigboy888]

@@shottostravels what about the sound did it change little bit with dna + de cat ?

[@shottostravels]

It did, sounds much better to me but not too loud.👍

[@petejones1957]

Just a thought, I don't think it's going to be too long, before some "high up" in the DFT sees all these "DeCat" mods, and decides to update the bike MOT to include emission controls, make sure to keep all the old bits! for an annual refit!. Stay safe

[@shottostravels]

Hi Pete, You're undoubtedly not wrong. Ride safe👍

[@twotter1969]

A peashooter can would look better to me and perhaps take the edge off the noise you found with the bull nose. If Delkevic can do the decat for less than Hitchcocks, then I'm sure it will sell. I wonder if they will do a matt black exhaust for us Signals riders?

[@shottostravels]

Hi, great shout. I'll ask them. Ride safe mate👍

[@bazxl57]

I thought they would do a design like the Burgess silencer that was fitted to British singles & twins back in the day, or the reverse cone mega. looks wise i think either of those would look better The mega would sound louder. Regards your clock problem i wouldn't have been happy with that.

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for commenting. Trouble is they don't really produce a bespoke system for a particular bike. They want the customer to fit a sort of generic silencer. But I think the demand for one for this could be worth there while As for the clocks, they have fitted replacements only to find the issue comes straight back. I've been out today, mild and dry day and there is no issue today. Ride safe mate👍

[@RufusCapstick]

I'd decat just for one in the eye of the eco-loons

[@shottostravels]

Perhaps now's not the right time to mention I've got an electric car! 😉 Ride safe mate👍

[@steven-vn9ui]

Nice video, SUBBED

[@shottostravels]

Thanks, Ride safe👍

[@peterchandler1403]

Shotto,have you noticed an increase in fuel consumption with the DNA filter and decat?

[@shottostravels]

Hi Mate. No not yet, I don't expect much difference if at all. It feels better, like it's breathing better. But too early to tell yet Ride safe👍

[@ianhalliwell8604]

Performance mid range might just improve because of the extra weight the cat has, now the bikes lighter. It seems to me a lot of money spend for very little improvement why not just buy a bike with more power yet still has that British bike single feel in other words a BSA GoldStar.

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for commenting. I personally don't think the still relatively modest performance is to do with the weight. Although it is definitely lighter. The bike breathes better, it isn't strangled anymore. It also agree that it's a bit pointless buying a 20 bhp bike then tuning it up. However I feel the decat and DNA filter are a worthwhile modification for relatively little cost Plus it's a Royal Enfield. Ride safe mate👍

[@lancerbiker5263]

Seems like The DNA and CAT delete will suit me as well. I've got the DNA but am still shopping for the delete pipe. Does it function as a CAT, does it have baffles, or can you see straight through it ? I tend to believe the pitch of the exhaust sound changes similarly to the length of horns. A trombone sounds quite a bit different than a trumpet. Cheers

[@shottostravels]

Hi Mate. Completely agree. It's a straight through pipe. It's not hard to make. Hardest bit is getting the lugs in the correct place so that you can refit the heat shield Ride safe mate 👍

[@lancerbiker5263]

@@shottostravels Should I assume they have done so ?

[@peterreeton6051]

sounds ok to me,looks like it pulls harder with the delvic

[@shottostravels]

Hi Peter the bikes has gone now , I think it maybe pulled a tad better, barely noticeable. It was however far too noisy, some people like that. I don't Ride safe Mate👍

[@phillipmoore8114]

Not to bad Great vid 😂

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for your thoughts. Ride safe mate👍

[@allanb52]

I agree, I have a 350 Meteor and always travel 2 up, so a bhp or two would be nice. What about you dyno test results?

[@shottostravels]

Hi, they didn't get around to Dyno testing and unfortunately I have now changed to a Bonneville. I think the honest answer is if you need more power, and some might not, get something else. Ride safe Mate👍

[@allanb52]

@@shottostravels I really don't want to change the bike, I am 72 and it is an easy bike to ride. I looked at the Himalayan 450 and it has the power but feels top heavy. I can live with 20hp, but another couple would be nice

[@shottostravels]

@@allanb52 I agree, it'll do anything. I'd have another in a heartbeat, I said many times that it over delivers what you expect. I'd certainly have another. Put a DNA filter on it. Gives a bit more mid range👍

[@IanM18]

Whats going on with your forks? Have the springs been replaced with solid bar?

[@shottostravels]

Brilliant 👍I thought that too. It's my new camera mounted on the tank, it seems to wobble all over the place so I absolutely agree. Sorry. Next time it's on the handlebars, let's see how that pans out. Thanks for your comments. Ride safe mate 👍

[@gaza1952]

I have DNA only at this stage. Bike feels like it has it's Covid hoax mask off. Also, I can clean it. Here in South Gippsland I have miles of beautiful gravel roads with no need for more speed.

[@shottostravels]

Perfect. Thanks for commenting and Ride safe mate 👍

[@MyRoyalEnfieldTravels]

A cat has a tendency to clog over time reducing performance. On a new bike such as yours, the change wouldn’t be as noticeable as on a higher mileage bike. On the noise side it’s great in traffic but on long distances it just becomes too much. I think the only gain you’ll get from changing the exhaust would be to get rid of the horrible looking drainpipe that Royal Enfield fit as the stock exhaust. That said, the shorty you have on now doesn’t really match the look of the bike either.

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for your comments , I agree with most. I quite like the stock Exhaust. We're all different! Ride safe mate👍

[@MyRoyalEnfieldTravels]

@@shottostravels the stock exhaust on my French classic is longer than my bike. I ruined my exhaust on my SA classic 500 and it made so much noise I went back to stock after 20 km. I will def say decat is the way to go. The dna filter made very little difference, I keep telling myself that the only justification for the price is that it’s good for the engine to breathe. I suppose it depends on where you ride, the dna lasts longer and is easy to clean vs having to go to a dealer to buy a new one

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for commenting. Can't disagree with any of that. Ride safe mate 👍

[@MsDenver2]

I think it’s lost that put put sound, yes it’s deeper but not so nice sound, what are you going to do for the MOT because without the decat it will fail?

[@shottostravels]

Hi, thanks for commenting. Regarding the decat, it is not a fail, emissions are not tested on motorcycles. Most people like the deeper sound, including me. I have to say though that I don't want it any louder. Ride safe and thanks again for your thoughts.👍 Ride safe

[@anthonydexter262]

Don't quote me on it but I've heard the dna filter helps the bike run cooler????

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for your thoughts. I have no idea.🤔 I believe the fuel x does.

[@R_Life345]

I bought New Classic 350 from Reown of Royal Enfield in India

[@shottostravels]

Excellent. Ride safe👍

[@travisperkins100]

I have exactly the same bike. Have to say i prefer the original system..this system looks crap.

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for commenting. Ride safe👍

[@udaysingh9_11]

Well that's your opinion but you have to be a little respectful

[@Sm-iw2vh]

@@udaysingh9_11I like his honesty…. I respect it even.

[@Simulera]

⁠​⁠@@udaysingh9_11 well, ok, no reason for incivility. I also prefer the look of the stock unit. I think it sounds better as well, although it’s hard to know with just a computer speaker. If it’s more powerful in useful ways, then ok. Hard to imagine much of a performance boost. Maybe, but it’s an empirical question and we shall find out apparently. With a cam and a stroker, well that would be different. But at some point maybe just buy a different, bigger, bike to begin with. All that can be summarized at the pub in the language of the OP, which can be taken in the spirit of a hearty friendship in my experience.

[@MsDenver2]

Can I ask why is your bike juddering on the video?

[@shottostravels]

It's my camera mount, I don't use it anymore. 👍

[@Peter234100]

Sorry the sweet spot for me is the bike in standard form. 😊

[@shottostravels]

Absolutely. Nothing wrong with that. Ride safe mate👍

[@thepipesmokingbeekeeper8917]

Hi just got my 350 what are your thoughts on the toe and heel 👍

[@shottostravels]

Hi, I love it. It's a big thumbs up from me for little cost. Ride safe mate👍

[@thepipesmokingbeekeeper8917]

Just ordered one from Hitchcock 👍

[@shottostravels]

@@thepipesmokingbeekeeper8917 Oh dear. The responsibility! I hope you like it as much as I do! If you haven't had one before, it maybe takes a little getting used to. But once you do, doesn't take long. I reckon you wouldn't swop back! Let me know what you think! 👍

[@thepipesmokingbeekeeper8917]

Ps My bike's are on my KZbin channel

[@shottostravels]

Thanks mate, when I've answered the comments I look forward to having a look.👍

[@mockbattles]

Fishtail?

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for commenting. Ride safe 👍

[@trevortrevortsr2]

Another person who takes the cat off the bike and chooses to pollute needlessly - in 2 generations time kids will be choking on your decissions

[@pigdog5484]

Lol calm down its a little 350cc he's hardly coal rolling now is he 😅

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for your comments. Ride safe👍

[@JR-yk1zd]

Gullible puppet

[@OOOUZ]

Do what makes you happy mate.. people can have their opinions 😂

[@shottostravels]

Agreed. Ride safe mate👍