Royal Enfield Classic 350 Lakes Tour Episode 5 -Wrynose & Hardknott Pass

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 Lakes Tour continues over the Wrynose and Harknott Pass. Turning off the Langdale Valley road the climb starts over the Wrynose Pass. It's steep and twisty all the way to the summit. Dropping down the other side I enter a very quiet valley with a stream meandering through it. I have the whole valley to myself, all I can hear is the reassuring beat of the engine and the low hum of wind blowing over the mountains.
At the end of the valley it's decision time, do I bailout on the low road or take the "mountain goat" over the Hardknott?
guess which I did, the Royal Enfield 350 took on the steepest road in England with it's 1 in 3 gradients and hairpin bends. It just laughed at it, can nothing stop these bikes!
Sit back and let's get riding.
My Bikes:
BMW R1150RT
Royal Enfield Classic 350
Royal Enfield 350 machismo with sidecar
Honda ST1100 Pan
Suzuki GN125
Yamaha 535 Virago
#thatblokeonamotorbike #RoyalEnfield
Music from Epidemic sound
#RoyalEnfieldClassic350reborn #Lake District # Ullswater #YHA #Cumbria #ambleside #wrynose pass #hardknott pass#

[@jeffarnold9957]

Thank you ,that was impressive. I was so excited to see the Royal Enfield 350 Classic prove you do not need a GS to go over Hardknott Pass. What a bike and what a ride. Well done.

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

Hi Jeff, these Royal Enfield's will tackle anything. My Classic 350 just laughs at the hills. I have a BMW R1150RT and thinking about it , it would have been harder on the 'BM with all the weight. One real problem with it though ..... I can't stop riding it!

[@ccooper8785]

I have absolutely loved this series of videos. Many thanks for posting them and showing how capable the Classic 350 is. I hope you realise when next summer comes and these passes are choked with traffic, you will be getting the blame... 👍👍👍👍👍

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

Hi, thanks for the lovely comment, really glad you are enjoying them, I loved making them, from the riding to the editing. There are another 2 left in this tour, I'm well ahead planning my next adventure, can't wait. Stay safe, Dave

[@girlinagale]

I was always fascinated by the single cylinder air cooled dumpers on building sites in the 60s. Now I'm 62 I have a Classic 350 on order. I think it's a similar fascination with a simple relaxed engine.

[@reedebrown6006]

Wow! Little Ivy seems to cope with anything you throw at her. Amazing little bike. Loving this series. Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelhutton3642]

Fabulous video. That brought back some memories. 25 years or so ago doing those passes on a 1200 Interstate Goldwing. What your RE lacks in horsepower she makes up for in spirit 😮.

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

It must have been interesting taking the Interstate up there with all weight. I did it on a BMW R80RT years ago. Never thought about anything going wrong, 😉 ho to be young again lol Ride safe, Dave

[@robnewton3368]

Inspirational ride on a great little machine.

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

Hi Rob, thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed it. It is a lovely bike for riding the lanes, ride safe, Dave

[@andyhewitt7588]

Thanks. That has just been added to my bucket list 😀😀

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

Hi Andy, you definitely need to ride Wrynose and Hardknott. It's worth a quick stop and a walk at the old Roman Fort on Hardknott, it must have been a bleak place in winter. Ride safe, Dave

[@bsimpson6204]

That little bike just takes it all in its stride! 21:30 this is the worst bend on the whole road (when your coming back up) nearly had me off when I tried to put my right foot down and the road surface was 6" lower down because of the camber!!! Thank goodness for walkers who pushed me back upright!! Btw, the road from Eskdale Green to Ulpha is amazing and not to be missed!

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

Hi, when I went to the lakes last May on the BMW R1150RT I decided to give it a miss for that very reason. The Classic 350 was a much better bike for it. I have ridden both ways several times on different bikes and that bend is a bad one. I will have a look at the road from Eskdale Green, sounds like it must be done. Ride safe, Dave

[@stevef8763]

Fantastic Dave, thanks. You've demo'd the classic 350's capabilities and I am going to go have a test ride for myself. Great tour video.

[@Peter234100]

Just shows how competent the Classic 350 is who needs a GS to go over the passes !!! They just make you smile every time you ride them, great set of videos, looking forward to the next 2. 🙂

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

Hi Peter, I would much rather go over the passes on the Classic 350 than a GS. Ride safe

[@Peter234100]

@@thatblokeonamotorbike Went out on my Classic 350 yesterday, on my return the wind got up and was blowing like mad. Oops I thought this should be interesting but after 20 miles the bike was totally planted even side winds did not affect the bike in the slightest. To say I was impressed was an under statement. This bike continues to amaze me. Also fitted the touring seats for me is the best improvement I have done, the comfort is now sublime. 🙂

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

@@Peter234100 I was wondering about the touring seat. The stock seat starts to get me after about 2 hours riding without a break. think i need to investigate for next year🙂

[@Peter234100]

@@thatblokeonamotorbike both seats from my local dealer yesterday £165.98

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

@@Peter234100 thats not too bad at all, I need to talk to Santa 🤔

[@JohnSmith-xw5qe]

Fantastic video Dave & thanks for sharing it! That 350 Classic wot a bike it just chews it up! Them hills No Problem! It’s such a great versatile bike I bet you must get a lot of compliments when out riding such a great looking bike! Brilliant!

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

Hi, thanks for the comment. I have ridden over the passes quite a few times over the last 40 odd years, on bikes from Kawasaki KH125 to a Honda ST1100 and can honestly say the Classic 350 was the nicest bike to ride over there. No drama, it plodded on letting me enjoy the view. Ride safe, Dave

[@enfield7123]

Brilliant video hope you will make more in 2024 i do like your history trivia as well please lets have more when the weather improves

[@loftysaltmarsh69]

I don’t recall those potholes when I rode there early September, probably being a new rider I was just so focused on not falling off. 😂

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

Hi Lofty, I've been riding 48 year and I too was concentrating on falling off! 🤣Ride safe

[@blue2824]

Amazing ride! The proof is in the pudding, or the video 😁 that the Classic 350 is just an incredible machine. Thank you so very much for continuing to share your adventures.

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

Hi Roy, it is a fantastic bike. At the moment the weather over here is freezing fog and ice, so I can't get out o the bike. roll on warmer weather, Ride safe, Dave

[@dr.chrismort8448]

Cracking video tour Dave👍. Stunning scenery and the sound from that single was divine. Thinking about getting one. I’m sure my 650 v storm wouldn’t mind company.

[@theoldman9709]

Very enjoyable video well done.

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

Hi, glad you enjoyed it, Ride safe

[@blearyview2254]

Brilliant ride and video 👍 What a bike the 350 is, I have one and love the way it looks and rides, RE have done something special with them 👏

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

Hi, they certainly have, they look fantastic, just keep going whatever road you are are on, frugal on fuel ⛽ and make everyone smile. Ride safe, Dave

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Hello BV - fancy meeting you here! Not surprised - Dave shows us some wonderful rides.

[@blearyview2254]

@@Lanes-Explorer5733 Hey LE, hehe hope you are well. That Bloke makes excellent vids and they are right up my street so no great surprise there and looking forward to his next epic ride 👍

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

@@blearyview2254 Agreed there Bleary. Perfect watching just like yours, of course 😊

[@stevesmith3216]

Wonderful.

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

Thanks Steve, glad you enjoyed it, Ride safe

[@ktmtravels3727]

Enjoyed that very much! Brought back some great memories, I did a similar trip about 18 months ago. I think that low, moaning sound is people seeing you pass by and realising they don't have a motorcycle😅.

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

Hi, glad it brought memories back for you. I think you could be right about the moaning, it's amazing how many people stand and watch the bike go past or come up chatting about it every time I stop. Ride safe, Dave

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

Brilliant, Dave. Watching this I can't believe that my wife and I have cycled (pushed!!) over here a few times. Twenty years ago it must be admitted. Won't be doing it again 😂. The run down the Duddon valley from that little bridge where you turn for the Hardnott was always our favourite -lovely gentle valley with river Duddon alongside. Peter

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

I sat at that spot for about half an hour just looking at the scenery

[@Lanes-Explorer5733]

@@thatblokeonamotorbike just one of the great things about filming rides is that you're never alone on them as you're sharing them with your viewers. 😊

[@walkerhjk]

of course it is, just take it easy

[@Amos1965]

Superb ride that Dave 👌. Rode it myself a few times and the Roman fort is well worth a walk around. The commandant’s house was situated in the fort were he could look down to the harbour at Ravenglass were there was a Roman settlement the size of 6 football pitches. Beautiful place is Ravenglass, and part of the old Roman bath houses are still there to view. Might do the ride again next year myself 👍🏻

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

Hi Dave, glad you enjoyed it. I've been to the fort a couple of times walking and it is a fantastic place. Last time I went up to Ravenglass railway I had a walk to the bath house. I was tempted to stop off at the railway, Ive driven a couple of their locos when they visited the railway I volunteer at. Ride safe mate

[@andyhewitt7588]

Bugger! My comment favourite route comment should have been posted on the Glossop to Holmfirth video 😮

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

HI Andy, Glossop to Holmfirth is one of my favourite rides as well. I was at the café at Derwent Water, Parked up by the picnic tables in front of the disabled parking. The basket on the back is getting quite a following, it was originally put on as a temporary thing until I could sort something else out. I think it would cause a riot now if I changed it lol. What bike were you on, Ride safe, Dave

[@andyhewitt7588]

@@thatblokeonamotorbike hiya. I was on a white Tiger, which I had just bought following my return to the UK. If I buy a Classic, I’m going to pinch your top box idea 😀

[@Ainsworth-Rider]

First biker. to mention the Roman Fort 👍 smashing video 😊

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

Hi, Thanks for the comment, the fort is really worth a visit. I was going to have a look around it on this trip but the time was getting o a bit when I arrived there. One of the things I like about riding bikes is finding out about the area I'm riding through and it's history. Would a bit about the area on the videos be of interest? if it would I will start putting bits in. Ride safe, Dave

[@Ainsworth-Rider]

@@thatblokeonamotorbike I’ve been to the castle a couple of times it’s well worth the short walk 👍 I went over the pass for the first time on a bike this year and I left my Himalayan at home and took my proper Adventure bike the Classic 350 it was amazing 👍

[@peterwillis4239]

Expertly done. Brilliant video, well done. Not sure I could do that on my new Enfield 350! Thanks for the experience! 👍

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

Hi Peter, it just went straight up all the hills, never faulted at all. Which 350 do you have? Ride safe

[@peterwillis4239]

Hi Dave, like you I have the Classic but in red and chrome, called her Ruby! Great bike, on 210 miles so far. Loving your Lake District series. Thanks for all the filming. Stay safe, Pete.

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

@@peterwillis4239 I got mine at beginning of July this year, almost 5600 on it now. They just get better and better as they get the miles on. I do an oil change every 1500 miles, like all my bikes, and its fantastic

[@edwardwest5035]

Smashing video Dave. You were right lucky with the traffic. I last did those two three years ago on a 300cc Vespa. You miss not having a gearbox on the way down ( all brakes) and a clutch on the way up if some thing slows you on one of the hairpins. Regards Edward

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

Hi Edward, the ride was epic even better with little traffic. Engine breaking on the way down sounded amazing with the popping from the exhaust Ride safe

[@marcinpiak3540]

Lovely burble on the overrun!

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

Hi Marcin, I was smiling all the way down listening to it, Ride safe, Dave

[@yannmonnier4291]

Lucky you

[@Team-fabulous]

Did it last year on my fully loaded Kawasaki GTR1400.... I near kacked myself.... This year i'll tackle it on my 350 Meteor...

[@ianhughesroyalenfield]

Haven’t taken Clementine (my 350) up there, but Honour (my Interceptor 650), loves it . Cheers.

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

I need to think of a name for mine. I have an Indian import bullet 350 with a sidecar. I call her violet

[@ianhughesroyalenfield]

@@thatblokeonamotorbike 😊

[@paultaylor4154]

love your vids and this part of the world, beautiful! I was wondering if they are Ortlieb bicycle panniers you have on the enfield? I am thinking of buying a 350 classic and have some Ortlieb panniers and was thinking they may work with Royal Enfileds luggage rail, is that what you use?

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

Hi Paul, the panniers are made by LOMO, they are fully waterproof with a roll down top. The ones I have are the large size and I can get my laptop bag in them. I fitted the to the RE pannier rails I fitted from Hitchcock's. I think with a little bit of ingenuity they could be fitted over the seat and the sides fastened to the sari guards. Really glad you are enjoying the videos, it's really encouraging and I will keep making them. Ride safe Dave

[@paultaylor4154]

@@thatblokeonamotorbike thanks Dave that's great I will check out the RE rails but I think my ortliebs will work too.

[@spikemcsilver1904]

Where was this? Looks like fun, although chilly 🥶

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

Hi, It's at the start of the Hardknott Pass in English Lake District. It's a single track road going over the hills and has gradients of 1-in-3. It is fun to ride. Ride safe, Dave

[@daviddavies5347]

Enjoy the vid’s. 👍 Last time I went over there about 10 years ago, the other way, I got stuck behind a TVR sports car grounding out on every bump! The idiot! 🙄

[@daviddavies5347]

The first time was back in 1981 on a Moto Guzzi Monza with drop bars. I have a Monza again but there was no way I’d go up there now on that with the drop bars. The things we did in our youth! 😱😂

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

My first time was on a BMW R80RT with a pillion. Front wheel was light all the way up. like you say, things we did when in our youth

[@kevindarkstar]

Would I be right in thinking that you were doing around 20mph most of the way? Certainly on the climb side!

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

Hi Kevin, I've looked at the footage and it looks like I was doing between 10 and 20mph on the climb side depending on the bends. The thing that impressed me was how the bike didnt hesitate when setting off on the step section after letting the car come down. I'm about 15 and half stone, not only did it just set off, it wanted second gear before reaching the top. These bikes are unstoppable. Ride safe Dave

[@stevef8763]

Footnote....hows the engine breaking? 😮

[@thatblokeonamotorbike]

Hi Steve, it's n ot bad at all on the engine breaking, and the pop pop from the exhaust is something worth listening to. Ride Safe