Royal Enfield Classic 350 ‖ First Ride ‖ Meteor 350 Comparison...

This was a big day for me. Finally got to throw a leg over the Classic, having owned the Meteor and seeing it's sister bike soar in popularity over the last few months I wanted an opportunity to compare my experience on the Meteor with the new upstart. They are quite different offerings in look but also in ride. Both bikes are fantastic and do overlap somewhat but if you want to hear about some of the unique charms of the Classic 350, then this is the video for you. I hope you enjoy and please do comment and like the video to help me out 🙏...
Gear I use:
Jacket🧥: Alpinestars Andes Touring I / RST Pro Series CPX-C Leather Jacket - Neon Green
Trousers👖: Alpinestars Andes Touring I / RST R-18 CE Leather Jeans
Gloves🧤: RST Thermotech Heated Gloves / RST Blade 2 CE Leather Gloves
Helmet: Arai: RX-7V Gold Rea edition (signed)
Boots🥾: RST Tractech EVO III
Action Camera 🎥: GoPro Hero VII x2
Audio🎵: Olympus LSP4 sound capture device
Mic🎤: Rode SmartLav+
Still images📸: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

[@247ADIE]

it's gun metal grey not halcyon grey m8

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Hi Adie, thanks for the correction there, I'm not as hot on the Classic colours as I am on the Metoer! cheers

[@geraldscott4302]

Whatever you call it, it's hideously ugly. A classic bike should have bright shiny paint and tons of chrome and polished aluminum. I was thinking about buying a 650, but the new models have black wheels. No thanks. It would cost a fortune to have them chromed or even painted silver.

[@GaryFÓBrien]

@@geraldscott4302 the ‘orange crush’ interceptor doesn’t have black wheels

[@Busywave]

@@geraldscott4302 no it’s not ugly. They are all beautiful bikes in my opinion.

[@geraldscott4302]

@@GaryFÓBrien It's no longer available. All the new models have black wheels.

[@scottboettcher]

Great vid! Happy to say that here in LA, we just bought three of these! I'm 61, and have been riding for over 50 years. This is the smallest bike (engine wise) I've owned in over 30 years, and it's the most fun I've had since my first ride! I got one for me and my son, and his girlfriend's father as well. No matter where we go or what we're doing, we get stopped and asked about them. I'm also a big guy - 6'-4", 230 lbs. It's 100% comfortable - after I moved the bars back slightly and changed the gear shifter up one-notch. Perfection, even with the wife on the back. If you're considering one, go have a look (and test ride if possible). I don't think you'll regret it and I'm guessing you're going to love it! I got the Halcyon Grey, son got the Bronze/Chrome, and buddy got the Halcyon Green. ALL of the are beautiful! You can't go anywhere without being stopped and asked about them. Ride Safe 🙏🏼

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Hi Scott, thanks for the comment and... congratulations on your three new bikes. I'm a previous Meteor 350 owner and was tempted by the new BSA Goldstar but something about that didn't quite sit right with me so I am waiting to get back on another RE. I am also keen to test out the Scram 411 and of course the latest incarnation of the 350cc unit the Hunter 350. RE are on a roll at the moment that's for sure. Having those bikes with the LA climate is a match made in heaven! Hope you and the other two owners enjoy your bikes!

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Riding mostly two-up I'd say the performance is still more than adequate. The low-down torque copes well with the extra load and doesn't dent the 20bhp too much either. Not for everyone - but once you understand these bikes you love them 👍

[@shrivantr]

i had booked the meteor 350, but on a visit to the RE showroom I happened to spot the new Classic 350 in Chrome Red. It was love in first sight! Immediately switched!

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Yes I agree, although I owned the Meteor and loved it the Classic is something to look at! Lovely proportions and style...

[@andrewgibbs5135]

Enjoyed the video, filmed in a beautiful area. Ideal for the Classic 350 👍.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks Andrew, it was a joy to ride the bike around such roads :)

[@Busywave]

Don’t forget the Signals in Marsh grey and Desert sand. I just purchased the Marsh grey and also own the Meteor. Both fantastic bikes. Thanks for sharing.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Hi Busywave, that's a great point both those colours are absolutely fantastic and I do like the military themed Enfields however haven't those colours been discontinued for UK market?

[@Busywave]

@@MindfulMotorcyclist I’m not sure. I live in the US.

[@adhils9633]

@@Busywave its not discontinued i guess.. foreign market used to get army green color as well which is sadly an illegal color to use in india

[@darrenpower8210]

Great video, the finish option I am currently considering to, thanks and best.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks Darren, appreciate the comment. Good luck with your new bike decision 👍

[@williamtaylor874]

Hi Darren I have the same colour gun metal grey had it three months it's awesome when run in ! done done 2700

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Not everyone wants chrome, and having had a chrome Meteor 350 I appreciate how much cleaning there is... ☺️

[@iamneelabh]

Watching this video, All I can think is such a beautiful road and me & my meteor would love riding here too. 😊

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Hi Neelabh, yes I was very lucky with the road and also with the weather! I think I'll try and do more bike reviews here as many people appreciated the backdrop 😃. Thanks

[@chrisburras8283]

Really enjoyed you views of the classic 350, I've just ordered one, sold my Himalayan as my wife couldn't get on the back very easily. I know the roads you rode on, I live in the cotswolds Shipston on Stour

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Hi Chris, thanks for the comment. I stumbled across this area but I would definitely go back there for other test rides involving filming, I think it makes it much more interesting for the viewer than just hedgerows. Of course it's not the be all and end all to a good video but it certainly helps. Congratulations on your new Classic, I find the Meteor and the Classic incredibly easy to swing a leg over, it's great fun and a lovely bike all round really. I'm also excited to see how the next incarnation of the 350 engine turns out, the Hunter 350!

[@patricktracy7940]

I traded my G310GS in for a Classic for many reasons, one of which was my wife had difficulties getting on and off the pillion. She really loves the Classic...much easier for her to get on and off...she has stage 4 cancer and pain is an issue. Ride safe my friend.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thoughts with you Patrick through this difficult time. Ride safe and glad the Classic 350 is doing you well 🙏

[@adhils9633]

Tripper navigation is optional, you can get it from the RE service center..what i did is bought a mobile holder thats 20 ,30 times cheaper than tripper navigation and i can charge it from the charging port

[@KevinofWessex]

Lovely

[@Observer9812]

Mine is stealth black... Happy riding bro

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks! Stealth black is a nice colour option, so much easier to keep clean. Do you have that with cast wheels or spokes? I saw an image of a stealth black with cast wheels which looked great but that could have been only available in India...

[@rbattson7171]

I,m a 60 year old bloke, had loads of bikes in that time. Have a trident 660 and was trying to pootle through the back roads and villages recently, which isn't really it's thing. Remembered I once had a honda benly 200 in the 90s and kinda liked it's pootling character. So, popped to Silchester nr reading(UK) to an enfield dealer, ended up buying a signals desert sand version (not a common sight). Had to take the back roads to Andover, about 35 mls due to running in issues, with each passing day, I,m growing fonder of this bike, with it's dependable sounding, laid-back character.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Nice report on your ownership experience of the Classic, Signals does have a strong appeal and much less cleaning needed... Particularly interesting that the Trident didn't really fit for your purpose.

[@rbattson7171]

Have kept the trident, just nice to chill and sight see, now and then.

[@quasars6365]

Where the spot for the tripper is, I wish one could install a small analogue tachometer, or a fuel gauge ! Maybe some people achieved to do that, would be awesome I think instead of covering the hole like they did

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Hi Quasars, it's a nice spot to locate something else. I think they have left the hole there so there is a possibility of adding the Tripper to the Classic at some stage in the future... perhaps as an optional extra...

[@JW-ym5yb]

Enjoyed the ride. You’re take on this bike was very interesting. I was surprised you found it so different then the Meteor. What would you say was the biggest difference between the two as far as handling?

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Hi JW, objectively, I think they handle pretty similar and they do have the same chassis basically. You feel a lot different on the Classic because of the footpeg position, the bars are further away from the rider and a higher seat height, which I think gives the impression the Classic is somewhat more sporty. Conversely, the Classic is also heavier, less flickable perhaps because of the 18inch front wheel (Meteor is 17inch) and skinnier rear tyre (120 vs 140 on Meteor) which mutes its handling. I'm probably splitting hairs and it's very close but the Meteor feels more agile and nimbler. The new Hunter 350 I am interested to try as there you have the same 350cc unit, but quite a bit lighter at 180kg ish and shorter rake and trail, that should improve the handling quite a bit and I expect it will be the best RE on the 350cc platform to date...

[@JW-ym5yb]

@@MindfulMotorcyclist I didn’t realize the Hunter was that much lighter. That could really change it’s performance. I’ll be interested on your take.

[@জয়78]

The model you are reviewing is not halcyon gray but dark gunmetal gray.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Should be pinned in the top comment?

[@timmit3579]

The Classic has an 18" rear wheel, and the Meteor; a 17" rear wheel... Are there differences in sprocket gearings for both front & rear sprockets; Can you notice & feel a difference in the overall performances between the two? I'm curious, and I'd like to know...

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Hi Tim, thanks for the comment and sorry for the delayed reply here. I think the Classic is a little shorter geared than the Meteor so it feels a little bit quicker off the mark but at a slight sacrifice to top end. The foot peg position being further back on the Classic also makes it feel a little more sporty. I'm sure it's only the slightest of differences both being this J series engine and a similar wet weight. The Hunter 350 on the other hand at 181kg might perform a little differently with a 20kg weight saving...

[@omCARvlogs]

Well explained …

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks 👍. I would love a Hunter 350 for a couple of weeks if you can help out with that 😉. That 350 lump with 180kg and sharper handling, it's going to be good isn't it...

[@bencluroe4183]

Hey, great video I love this bike. Currently trying to sell my transalp to fund one. I can’t find the jacket your wearing online. It’s what I’m after

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Hello, thanks for the comment. Interested to know why you are selling the Transalp? I presume you mean the new one. The jacket is Spada Staffy Wax cotton 😊

[@bencluroe4183]

@@MindfulMotorcyclist Hi, it’s an old 650 transalp. My off road riding is coming to an end (sports injuries) so I’m looking for something cheap and 😎 cool this seems to fit the bill nicely. Just gotta sell mine and find one.

[@critterIMHO]

I’m thinking one of these with 50/50 tires and raised front fender (for mud) might be perfect for the dirt roads that I love riding.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Hi Keith, I'm no expert on dirt at all, but what about the upcoming Hunter 350? It's a good 15kg lighter and shorter rake and trail? Same engine. Would that be a good starting point or do you want the classic looks?

[@critterIMHO]

@@MindfulMotorcyclist I do like the classic look, but I have my eye on that one. Thanks.

[@sonnyday6830]

Just wondering how tall you are with both feet flat on the ground. The bike you have looks identical to the classic dark gun metal grey, but the difference seems to be the gun metal grey does not have spoked wheels so has tubeless tyres instead.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

I'm 5'11'' or 180cm and can easily place both feet down! Cheers, Sean

[@sonnyday6830]

cheers@@MindfulMotorcyclist

[@tincoffin]

It would be good to know his height. My impression was that the Classic had a slightly more cramped riding position than the Meteor which may make it less comfortable for a taller person. I would also like to know whether it is possible to adjust the position of handlebars, gear shift etc.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Hello TC, I'm 5'11'' or 180 cm and I've got a 31'' inside leg. I wasn't cramped but then I didn't ride for hours and hours. The bars and shifter (excepting standard splined gear shift) are non adjustable on the classic it's still a budget motorcycle...

[@JustPlainCommonSense]

The positions of the gear shifter and brake petal are adjustable. Not sure about the handlebars.

[@marsoelflaco5722]

That is a sweet bike! I like the passenger seat. Is there a passenger seat variant with a back rest?✌🏽

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Hi Marso, as standard I'm not sure there is but the grab rail comes up at the back a to hold onto. I'm sure genuine add-ons and aftermarket options will be available if not.

[@unconventional-rebel]

Yes, its a dealer available accessory which bolts on in place of the grab rail, in black or brown to match seat.

[@marsoelflaco5722]

@@unconventional-rebel That's great.✌🏽

[@chriserskine585]

Do the service yourself, easy maintenance, get to know the bike👍

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Good advice 👍. There was a bit of debate shall we say amongst the Meteor 350 owners group as to whether RE would honour warranty claims on home serviced bikes particularly on running in service etc. I chickened out on my Meteor and had the dealer do it, my current bike the Voge I do my self and my mechanic does more complicated bits like valve train (it has shims) to hard for me I admit. Oil and filter and general lubricant then yes I agree do yourself especially on a cheaper bike. Thanks for the comment

[@williamtaylor874]

hi ime no mechanic changed my oil and filter took me 45 mins ! just a thought

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

I would do the same, and have done so on my other bike...

[@balamuralim6117]

Hi, I am from India. Could I know Royal Enfield 350 or Honda CB 350, which one is more popular in USA, people like to buy. Thank you.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

100% it would be Royal Enfield 350. In UK Meteor 350 was best selling motorcycle in it's class for last 12 months. Now Classic 350 is the best selling motorcycle...

[@Originalrebelosho]

Honda cb350 is not being sold in uk or us..how will they give opinion.. personally cb350 is better

[@balamuralim6117]

Honda CB 350 getting 50 kilometers per litre of petrol.😊

[@skillfuldabest]

meteor 350 vs classic 350 vs hunter 350? I don't know which one to buy O_o

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Hi Skillful, thanks for the comment. The Meteor is more cruiser, the Classic is a modern retro and the Hunter well its more urban. All have the same powerplant so will feel 'similar'. The classic is said to be slightly quicker off the mark than the Meteor but at the expense of top speed. I would possibly opt for the Hunter as its new and I personally like a bike that's a little more sporty (shorter wheelbase) and also rare, there are now ALOT of Meteors and Classics around the place. All three would be a nice choice 👍. Do consider that if you opt for any bike with chrome, then you'll be spending longer cleaning the bike!

[@timsatchell6713]

3000 mile service is just a visual inspection with a spot of grease/oil where required. We should all be doing this to our bikes. 6000 mile as above plus valves and oil. All easily done by a home mechanic. Doing a basic evening class in basic maintenance would cost about the same as 1 or 2 dealer services

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

And as long as genuine RE parts are used no warranty claims will be affected...

[@IRONZURCRIDER9000]

Hi I wanted to ask how is this motorbike for a newbie like me? Is the throttle sensitive or forgiving ? Is it too much power for a newbie?

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Hi Roswell, this would be a perfect A2 or first bike. The throttle isn't that snatchy and there's definitely not too much power. Thanks

[@williamtaylor874]

Yes it's perfect for you very soft throttle not intimidateing don't hesitate, I've done 2000 miles in eight weeks it's awesome 👍

[@shardlake]

Underpowered and very easy going, I feel a new rider would quickly outgrow this kind of bike.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

I tend to agree, this bike suits you when you've been riding a while and you've got the 'speed' thing out of your system, you can accept it for what it is. A safe first bike yes, but perhaps a little underpowered.

[@adhils9633]

Only need to get used to the weight..other than that ,its a perfect bike for new riders.. I learnt riding motorcycles in this

[@petewebb6952]

Now there is the Royal Enfield Hunter 350…

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Yes and as soon as that is available in the UK I'll try to get on a test ride, very excited for that bike.

[@tartancobbler7242]

Hi What jacket are you wearing?

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Hi Tartan, it's the spada wax cotton jacket. Around £130 when I bought it

[@tartancobbler7242]

@@MindfulMotorcyclist thankyou

[@johnalbertbaines2801]

Don't know who's ripping you off on servicing but an oil and filter change takes 15 mins,valve adjustment an hour tops. Also it's recommended oil every 3000,filter and valves every 6000 and these things are very simple to work on.Basic tools and ability is all you need,and you reset the service light from the handle bar switch.

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Hi John, I agree that servicing can be a rip off dealers are quoting £150-£250 for the Meteor/Classic service.

[@philipmccann2358]

It’s heavy for its size cos it’s not made of plastic ! It’s all metal apart from the lockable side panels ! I have one of these bikes ..it’s the 8th bike I’ve had in 25 years and it’s the best ride yet

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Glad you enjoy it Philip! Can't complain about this little bike. Will you be buying a bullet?

[@GaryFÓBrien]

‘Halcyon’ .. Hal-say-on 😉

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks Gary for the response there. This is funny now as I know I got it wrong but the other commenter said it was 'Hal-see-un'. So obviously I'm wrong but who is right you or him 🤣

[@FAM32d]

Brother.... Thiz colr iz gun metal grey, not the halcon grey...

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

That's right buddy, see the top comment which is pinned. Also, youtube has no character limit...

[@alain7338]

✌️🇨🇵

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks for the comment Alain! Hope you're well.

[@sanjuuurocks]

🙂

[@goldenm24race]

Nice review & information. Plz enjoy my classic 350 custom vid. Thx

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks GoldenM, appreciate the comment. Glad you have a Classic 350, nice bike.

[@jimmydickson8854]

I think they should have put a 450 engine in it to help it on hills and motorway may be one day ,old jimmy

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

I think they will, the new 450 street bike is due on 17th July. Won't be long. Thanks Jimmy 😊

[@williamtaylor874]

Sirviceing is 6000 honest 👍

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Hi William, thanks for the comment. Are you taking the bike for the 'check up' at 3000 miles? Some owners have been relieved of their hard earned cash by dealers for the 3000 mile 'check up' so its definitely a concern...

[@williamtaylor874]

@@MindfulMotorcyclist hi mm , definitely not its a nut bolt only check anyone canbdo defo ripoff 😲

[@derson23]

AHH, I remember the days of simple, uncomplicated, robust and easily maintained bikes, otherwise known as the "halcyon days", pronounced HALSEEYON days (good old days), hence the name of the bike. Not sure what a "halikon" is, maybe some rap artist or something !

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Haha good one 😂

[@vijaylaxmiunki409]

Hey it is gun metal grey not halcyon grey

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

One person has mentioned that... or perhaps two 😊

[@kevinmason3141]

the head light needs to lose the shiney

[@RipsawEV_2]

No

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

@@RipsawEV_2 A little blunt 😂 but I tend to agree, shiny ness looks good on the Classic...

[@johnrickards1908]

It's Halcyon, not Halicon🙁

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Dark Gun-Metal Grey actually 😂

[@johnrickards1908]

@@MindfulMotorcyclist Hmm, I was referring to the pronunciation of Halcyon as opposed to the mispronounciation Halicon; not the colour but, thanks anyway😉

[@richardpenna7574]

Hal-see-un

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

Thanks Richard 👍

[@mebeasensei]

That colour scheme doe NO justice to the bike!!!

[@MindfulMotorcyclist]

It doesn't and they do offer a couple of fully chromed options which I believe are a little more expensive. The dealer I test rode it from had this colour as their demo bike, perhaps it appeals to a younger demographic? I'm not sure.

[@fayinadeprato5467]

💦 𝕡𝐫ｏ𝕄ｏ𝔰𝓶

[@cliveturner4788]

Halcian….nor halicon……but it isn’t either. It’s Dark Gunmetal Grey. Not impressed with the duff info if you want people to watch your channel chap……

[@scottboettcher]

Duff reply, mate. Do it yourself and show everyone how brilliant you are, perhaps? Or, how about a kind correction instead? Ride Safe 🙏🏼