Royal Enfield Classic 350 REborn! Can It Tour Two up with A PILLION? How did I get it so WRONG?

[@jgordoncooper7112]

My observation here in the States is that people who "tour" are generally not in a hurry. Going across the countryside at high speed is kind of pointless. Now, for the adrenalin junkies on their 180hp sport bikes, high speed is easy, even effortless. The problem is the sudden stop. At a modest speed of 100mph for these machines, you are traveling at 147 feet per second. The average time for an alert human to recognize and react to a hazard is about 1.5 seconds. When your hand just touches your brake lever, you have traveled 220 feet. That herd of Elk, Cow, Tractor, or whatever that suddenly presented itself 250 feet ahead ------ well, for less than 2 seconds you realize too late, you were traveling down Dead Mans Alley. Cheers.

[@svenbeowulfsson641]

I'm very happy with my Royal Enfield 350 Hunter, which has the same engine as the classic. The bike is lighter than the classic, but more agile and with modern tyres and alloy wheels it is an ideal two-wheeler for me as a 77-year-old. I take it on many round trips here in Sweden, even over to Norway. We have a lot of winding tarmac roads in the hilly border region, with maximum speeds of 80 km/h. The 20 hp is more than enough even for overtaking. Swedes and Norwegians drive very cautiously and nobody is impatient in the light traffic, except for a few foreigners coming from the big cities. But fortunately there are only a few. Greetings to England, Wales and Scotland, where I rode my motorbike a lot in the 70s and up to the end of the millennium. Sven

[@777ooreilly]

Took my 350 from London to Belgium and back with pillion and luggage. Amazing machine.

[@heikothomas5883]

Your video made me want to have a Royal Enfield Classic 350!

[@carlarthur4442]

And Me, One of my mates has got a Super Nova he's just done a trip to the Isle of man, no probs at all , he loves it , so I'm now looking to getting an Enfield 350 I now like the idea of a single air cooled engine with fuel injection, so best of both worlds really , simplicity with modern technology 😀 , its just a matter of what model I want 😀

[@MrTeriyakiman]

My GS is now sulking because it’s been found out! Nice to meet Mrs Stuart after all these years.

[@antonoat]

For the love of motorcycling and for the love of KZbin actually! You may not realise but this film hit the sweet spot in many respects. Cheers! 😊

[@markxt2]

Built in India to literally carry families around some quite rough terrain as you know , even though I just bought the new Meteor Aurora in green , I tested the classic in Halcyon grey , loved that too . Took the wife out on the meteor on the weekend and she loved it compared to my interceptor and the bike didn’t struggle at all , fantastic! Great video and great to see you other half in the video, keep up the good work 🏍️😎 Royal Enfield just nail it !

[@colinhailey830]

I agree with all you say about the 350J engine and it's capabilities. My Meteor 350 can handle having a pillion onboard, in comfort, without any problems or reduction in speed. I pointed out to someone the other day that my 350 has 12 horsepower more than the first car I owned, a Morris 8. That 8hp could transport the car's weight and four passengers anywhere I wanted it to go, 20hp is plenty.

[@Sha-yw6fb]

I can't disagree with you there ..spot on mate Cheers.❤

[@thenefyncat6970]

That'll be a different kind of horsepower rating for the car, going back to a tax rating from the good old days and based on engine bore size and number of cylinders, unlike the more modern BHP rating which is based on another mathematical calculation and doesn't really exist.

[@colinhailey830]

@@thenefyncat6970 Actual BHp of a Morris 8 would be about 30 but with a kerb weight of about 800Kg the power to weight ratio would be in the favour of the RE. I had two Morris 8s one 1939 model and one a 1948. Flat out with a tail wind you could slowly get them up to 60mph. 🙂

[@borderlands6606]

Older bikes normally came with separate saddles, until bench seats became the fashion. The advantage of a different cushion is you only compress your part, as anyone who has camped on a double airbed will understand. The Classic is the most conceptually consistent RE to date, probably because RE single pot 350s were the company's bread and butter model.

[@daintree2455]

...and you survived that comment...bloody hell haha.

[@rockintigger]

Didn’t you know Stuart likes to live on the edge 💪🤭🤭

[@Gaius0]

@@rockintigger If he's going to live _that much_ on the edge he might want to reconsider wearing a full face helmet

[@Sha-yw6fb]

Maybe he fresh air feel on his face riding in the countryside ❤that mate...great content as usual cheers mate...​@@Gaius0

[@Jim-nm1en]

Crikey, if I said to my wife- lift your chin, no, the other one- I would be spending the following week in hospital. 🤕🤕🤣🤣

[@rockintigger]

@@Jim-nm1en Now you gotta ask yourself this question, do you feel lucky, well? etc. 🤔😢🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Lovely to see Paula and her exemplary packing skills. Using the tripod to keep the pannier lid off the plants - genius. Kelly and I ride pillion a lot. We have done since we first met years ten ago. We've had a lot of bikes over the last decade and the Classic 350 surprised us, not only by the comfort and space for a pillion, but also by the way it simply shrugs off the extra weight. Two notches of preload on the rear shocks is perfect for our combined weight of around 140kg. It never bottoms out and the handling isn't affected one bit. There are a few compromises of course. You need to work it a bit up really steep hills but the engine never feels out of it's depth. Also when stopping, an extra bit of effort is necessary on the front brake and a little bit more rear brake is required to assist. But the Classic 350 is a very good two up bike indeed. Choose your roads, waft along in an unhurried fashion and enjoy the scenery. The accessibility of it cannot be underestimated either. We stop a lot more when something catches our eye. I have the confidence to do that where on bigger bikes I've probably decided to just carry on due to the usual concerns about space, turning, road conditions etc. The Classic 350 - It's really no compromise at all. Edit: I just want to add that the weight of the Classic 350 has been criticised by some. But it's substantial mass is actually one of the reasons it's so sure footed on faster roads👍

[@Trev350]

Quite right Gary. A bit of weight is a good thing in a bike, in my opinion. Heavy wall thickness frame tubing and steel mudguards etc equals a bit of extra mass to lug around, but it also plants the bike more firmly on the road and makes for a more robust construction. I have never gone with the thinking that the lightest build is the thing to have; it just isn't. I love my Signals 350 and your observations and comments are spot on.

[@adampatterson707]

It is madness if you need to unwind after your vacation. Here in the US there are a few of us that actually plot our trips with a map so we can travel on the back roads and stay far away from the high speed traffic.

[@Sal_Inc94]

Just the video I wanted to see. Me and Mrs are taking the Meteor 350 to France/Germany/Luxembourg this coming long weekend all the way from West Yorkshire. When I tell people, they scoff and say "What, you're going on that?" People have been brainwashed into thinking they need a GS to go on a motorway or ride longer than 2 hours. These bikes are simple, comfortable and go well, even with a passenger and luggage. I'd like to think the performance camshaft I have fitted is helping a little bit. Thank you Uncle Stuart.

[@frankzorn3164]

Love all of your content. I'm soon turning 55 years old and have been riding since the 90s with a long hiatus with no motorcycle (the dark years). Over the decades I was one of those crazy Americans that got caught up in the idea that you should get as far as you can as fast as you can, my perspective has changed. My machine is now my therapy from the daily grind and now I've (with your help) begun to see it's all about the journey the experience as a whole. So, I guess old dogs can learn new tricks thanks for your honest insights that we don't necessarily need a 150 hp to be a motorcycle enthusiast.

[@TakisZed]

Exactly the same here!

[@KRAM-zb2vc]

Brilliant video as always Stuart and " LIFT YOUR CHIN UP, THE OTHER ONE" had me in stitches and how come your not dead 🤣😅 👍🏻

[@raymondplatts7516]

Hi Uncle Stu glad the good lady enjoyed the pillion ride We have just returned from a 600 mile bimble around the Scottish Highlands The Classic never missed a beat two up on mostly traffic free roads and some NC500 ( sorry if I held up the big adventure bikes for 2 seconds between passing places ) including Bealach na ba pass had to wring its neck but the bike took it in its stride Best thing is when we caught up with the BIG TOURERS in the coffee shop 10 mins later it’s the 350 classic the pubic came to admire Must confess we did trailer the bike up to save on the 400 miles motorway slog from the south Have a great summer everyone

[@hop-skip-ouch8798]

Bikes in the Indian market have always been made with commute and pillion in mind. Since for a lot of people that would be their only vehicle with an engine. However the modern ones that are trying to attract a more aggressive audience tends to have those seats where the pillion sits a floor above the rider on a doormat.

[@darrabase1]

That's very true, my bike a Himi, the wife sits 5 inches above me, and cops all the wind in her face including all the bugs, she does not like it, as much as she liked my Z250 back in the day.

[@bankruptpensioner]

I had the HNTR. and this 350 two up was great fun. And rest assured, neither of us are silth like. No reason this engine could not take you through Europe as long as you have the time 👍

[@天鹰座]

Cruising with my girlfriend on the Himalayan 410 - it is also a great bike for having boxes all around and a pillion in the back. She feels very safe, although she has no experience as a pillion at all. Its great to share the rides!

[@stephennewell6628]

Great to hear something new about the Classic 350, I’ve not seen anyone else talk about pillion on this bike! Sound advice and totally agree with your thoughts on touring. Mrs F is very restrained at the garden centre, my wife would need me to fit a trailer….

[@charlesbarnett2724]

Mine too. 😂

[@paulashmore2075]

My 350 Classic was bought this year primarily to take my wife out on the back. I also own a Aprilia Tuareg , but it’s just too tall for her to get onto the back. My wife is very similar to yours in being basically a non biker, but she enjoys a potter in nice weather! This bike constantly amazes me, it does everything so much better than the sum of parts and price would suggest. The only bike that my wife recalls being a similar comfort was a late 1990’s Triumph Thunderbird, however, from my point of view it was way too heavy both solo or with a pillion. How this little machine copes so well with 30 plus stone of us combined, is nothing short of a miracle! Out of the many motorbikes that I have owned in the past, my previous favourite was my 1979 Honda CB250RS, another underrated single, but the little Royal Enfield Classic is threatening to take its crown! A truly wonderful bike…. well done Royal Enfield 👏👏

[@sun4nicolya]

Great video. The last argument for me to buy the Royal Enfield Classic 350. I haven’t sat in the saddle for 20 years, and I’m going back. Greetings from Russia.✌️

[@paulmuench7830]

Such a great video and topic. My wife joins me on the Classic 350 and we run the hills and twisties here in the Driftless west of Madison Wisconsin. I work the gear box. I drag the rear brake as needed. Heaven. 6,800 miles on bike and engine still getting sweeter and calmer. I have her preloaded at +2 all the time and don’t even think of it anymore. Thank you and regards to your partner for allowing our intrusion. I’m so grateful for the 350, my first bike …. at 60 years old.

[@timw4030]

I totally agree with you sentiments on touring. Some bikes are better suited than others but touring is as much if not more in the mind than the technology and the machine. A plan is good, and plan B is important. Not to forget the other 24 letters in the alphabet that can make a simple tour a life and love changing event. Roll on brothers and sisters. I’ll meet you on the road

[@briandauphinais7894]

Great eye-opener about this bike. One of the most memorable (and funny) comments you made in this video was: "Don't dis my little tank" !

[@KO-pk7df]

That part of the video at the 17:00 mark, watching that trip down the lane reminded me of those scenes in the classic movie "Laurence of Arabia" where he is riding with the light flashing through the trees and shadows. Just the sound of the motorcycle and wind.

[@timsatchell6713]

Excellent pillion review. As someone already mentioned, you are the only one who has done a pillion review. Once apon a time, 350s we're the backbone of motorcycling. Great video.

[@ericsissenwein3601]

I’ve had them all, including a BMW-GS, a Harley dresser, a Gold Wing, Suzuki GS750 etc. I got older(75) and decided, or my body decided, that I didn’t need the complexity, speed or size of the big bikes to have fun. I remember my first ride on a Honda S90 and how I was then impressed by my ride on a Honda 305! In those days 300-350cc was enough for anything. It still is. Very thoughtful comments on this video. .. oh yeah, if you’re still breathing you have a wonderful wife. 😊

[@nathanhenry.]

You have put out a video on the subject of "If you could only have one motorcycle " and you said it would be the Interceptor. Has that changed now that you have the Classic 350?

[@stuartfillingham]

I have to admit Nathan the 350 has grown on me. Its a very versatlie bike.

[@duncanhine898]

Although it wasn’t with a pillion, got to agree with your comments about touring on a Classic 350. Took mine down the west coast of France, over the Pyrenees and home from Bilbao via the Picos all on the little Classic. Best 2 weeks I’ve had on a bike and with any longer trip, you get to know the bike so well compared to if you just do short trips all the time.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Bike comfort is such a hit & miss issue. I have had a few bikes over the years that I swear were improved by the addition of an adult pillion. Most unusual to come up trumps like this was my old Kawasaki ZX9-R. The handling was transformed by the addition of Mrs Boulders weight. Conversely the two Gold-Wings I have owned were a nightmare on anything but a higher speed straight stretch when a pillion joined me. These days Mrs Boulder won't go pillion so it's no longer an issue. Got to love the Classic 350. It's next on my list to own..

[@DavidSkidmore-e5t]

Yeah agree on that one did most of Scotland and local 2up soft luggage on my zx9 before adventure bikes became the norm and apart from serious European touring on a motoguzzi breva 1100 my partner said equal best 2up is the classic 350..

[@cousinjack2841]

I bet you're still paying for the snide comments Stuart; a brave man.🤣 I think I have one more bike in me and was thinking about the RE500, having written off the 350 as being too small for motorway work. Your video has made me reconsider. Thanks for the upload and your insight.

[@chrisc9376]

Thought for a minute that tripod was going to be left behind as the plants took priority 😂.

[@skotty1962]

Thank you Stuart. My Hunter will quite happily do 110kmh (70ish mph. State limit here in South Australia) on the highways. Paula seems a good sport. Well, she must be.

[@davericketts9101]

I don`t often comment on your videos but I feel that this video and particularly the last 4 minutes, sums up my exact feelings on touring, here in the UK. When I go on tours, I never touch a motorway and, as such, it took me 3 days to ride from Somerset to Scotland but I enjoyed every mile, stayed in lovely places and saw so many beautiful parts of England, that would never been seen on the M5 and M6 heading North. Also, I never once felt tired even though I was covering over 200 miles each day and, on one day, 280 miles. Thanks.

[@RebelCowboysRVs]

I ride a 230cc CVT bike in the US. It will cruise at 55 an walk off an leave most cars in the mountains. Its enought bike for what use to be a traditional American road trip. The US highway system is mostly 55 mph or less. Thats the 2 lane system that predates the Interstate system. US 66 being the famous one. The ones all the old movies show people vacationing on. Where small bikes have issues is on the Interstate system. In the overpopulated northeast its not as much an issue as speed limits are still commonly under 65. In the Southeast, you generally need to be able to cruse at 70 to 75 which that bike can just do the low end of. The problem really comes west of the Mississippi. The distances start getting huge an the speeds get to be 80+... None of this would matter if people still took traditional American road trips. But people today want to get on the Interstate, burn a day crushing miles an spend the next 5 in some beach town, then burn another day crushing miles back home in time for work. Thats what has became the new American holiday. The driving part is not fun. Maybe because I live in an odd area of the country where I can get a lot of places just as quick on the old Highway system, I still like the old school American road trip. I have driven from Savannah Georgia to Key West Florida on US 1, US 27 from Chattanooga Tennessee to Panama City Florida. US 90 from New Orleans Louisiana to Panama City Florida. These can all be done in a long day on a 55 mph bike. Lots to see along the way so better done in more than one. The problem that comes up even then is at bottle necks. West of Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain and Suck Creek Mountain are separated by the Tennessee River. The only space between Lookout an the river is used by I-24. There are several options up an over the mountains, but the only way between them is taking I-24 which runs 70 to 75 mph. I took US 27 up an over Suck Creek Mountain Sunday. Nice ride an motorcycles everywhere. But I am a local an just through about that option last week. Someone traveling through would be lucky to find it. Thats where a bike with a 72 MPH speed limiter becomes problematic. The weird, random places you need to jump on an Interstate for a few miles because its the only option. Be it a cut between mountains or the only bridge across a river. As someone in the Automotive industry, that knows how to get a few more mph out of it, an rarely uses the Interstate, that still may be my next bike. But RE really shot itself in the foot bringing that bike to the US market with the speed limiter still on it.

[@michaelpearl-r8w]

I couldn't agree more, you summed up this bike perfectly, it is the pure essence of a touring motorcycle. I just enjoy the ride and arrive more relaxed and de stressed than when i started. I don't really want to arrive at my destination!.

[@Sha-yw6fb]

I had a triumph 21 .350 twin 1961 model ..I had the same feeling of wanting to ride on once warmed endlessly... ❤ ..

[@KevinBird-vx6dy]

Many thanks. I’ve been hoping for just this type of review for quite som time as the 2Up question has always been on my mind for the 350. Brilliant video and no nonsense comments.

[@johnrocker2986]

Thanks!

[@stuartfillingham]

Thank You John!

[@johnrocker2986]

@@stuartfillingham my enjoyment, your work.

[@lensmann100]

The Meteor is also great for touring; last year, we did an 800 mile trip around The Dales and a 600 mile trip around Scotland. The boss actually prefers the comfort of the Meteor to the Street Twin.

[@carlarthur4442]

Well done sounds like a good plan 👍

[@johnpawson7400]

Well that was different Uncle Stu. I have just had a camping weekend and tour on my 350 Meteor and it managed fine and that was in the company of some bigger bikes. I agree with your comments 100%.

[@JamesSmith-xx9py]

Thank you Stu for answering my concern about the Classic 350’s ability to carry a passenger, now I want one even more! I’ve owned two British bikes, a Triumph T-Bird, and a BSA 250, I always thought the BSA was more fun, even if it wasn’t fast. I have learned that bigger isn’t always better, last bike was a Harley Softail. I’m saving my money for a R.E. Classic 350! My best regards to Mrs. Stu! You all have a great day!

[@frankysworld]

I really enjoyed this video in all it's light-hearted playful edits and how it carries a torch for this humble 350. I always felt that my 500 (and so did others claim) that a bit of weight of a pillion and/or camping gear unlocked a new level of handling and it is good to learn that this is persistent with the J platform. Now I am not going to beg "more of this light-hearted videos, please", as I also enjoy the more heavier topics, but it is a nice change and to be honest, it does feel you had more fun making this vid and somehow that shone through in the production🙂.

[@paulsnowdon5210]

Thanks for another good video. I don't normally watch much of your bike stuff, I was first drawn to your channel through the non-bike topics you have covered. I was a biker back in my youth, but eventually realised that if I was to reach 3 score years and ten, then I'd be better off on 4 wheels rather than two. If I was to ever go back to two wheels, that Enfield looks like the ideal machine on which to do so. I like it's retro look. On another topic, I just wondered if the relevant authorities were aware of your partners proclivity for horticultural destruction? Having said that, I'm surprised you're still with us after the crack you made at the start of the video!

[@anthonyostell5776]

All of these 350 Enfield bikes are amazing all rounder machines. Many of my work colleagues ( with far larger capacity bikes ) have been pleasantly surprised by mine. I have ridden mine with a pillion many times and totally agree with everything you say in this video.👍

[@nicholasrandles6657]

Tho I do regular, short, two up up rides through the local hills on my classic 350, it was a recent 3 day trip riding two up with luggage that surprised and impressed me for all the reasons you just mentioned. Perfectly put. Suspension wise I use setting 4 two up, 5 adding luggage. It's a great two up bike . Cheers.

[@danielmcneil3004]

Very good video Stuart, and also a treat to see you and Paula together in the video. My wife is also neutral regarding motorcycles and has never been interested in riding pillion, so Paula’s very positive reaction to being pillion on the 350 is very encouraging and checks another box when considering the purchase of the Classic350. Not only a beautiful looking bike, but apparently an almost perfect all rounder. Thanks for taking us along and for Paula’s input. Cheers, Dan ✌️🏍🇨🇦

[@mototom9086]

Thank you for this beautiful video. Greetings from Germany!

[@MrJpb2000]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching this video as it answered a lot of questions on my mind about the pillion riding with the Classic 350. This Motorcycle truly is 1 of if the the most beautiful looking modern classics available Today. Well done on producing this amazing video Uncle Stu. 👊😎👍

[@Joseph-gp5ld]

I'm an American expat living in the Philippines. That would be the perfect motorcycle to tour in the Philippines. I have seen a few on the road. People do have large displacement motorcycles. Probably 80% of the population has scooters and motorcycles under 400 cc's. The roads in the Philippines are not always the best due to poor maintenance and weather conditions when it rains. It would be a brilliant bike for sure to tour with. Excellent video

[@Dave_East_Riding]

I saw it coming but never thought you'd go through with it. Well done, sir. Great courage, but remember, they never, ever forget. Good luck!😂

[@paulmuench7830]

Thank you Stuart!

[@stuartfillingham]

thank you Paul!

[@luciusthe]

Having this bike for over a year and using it whenever possible - I could not agree more with Stuart on all of the points he made. My thoughts of this bike and my experience is literaly the same as his :) And thank you Stuart for this great channel as well are your other, logical and down-to-earth comments and asessments you are making in your videos - this world needs more people like you !

[@richardnicholson9789]

I very nearly purchased this bike in the same colour…got an interceptor in red which l love but watching you and your wife on this makes me want to rush out to the dealer and buy the classic 350 as well…great video as always, thank you 👍😀 Richard

[@walt7518]

It took you long enough!😉I took my meteor to Spain and back through France in 2022 with pillion and luggage for 3 weeks. We used a variety of roads inc mway as needed and many steep hills in the Picos and Pyrenees. I came back amazed at the meteor. It was the best bike I think I'd ever taken 2 up on holiday. It's just a shame it's not rated for a bit more payload then I could fit my camping gear as well. BTW my 'better' suited tourer, triumph trophy 1200/4 stayed at home.

[@JB-zp5fb]

Recently, I did a 900 km trip with my brother and some luggage on my 2023 Classic 350, and we had a blast. Kept the speeds between 80-100 kmph and the bike was smooth as butter. the only worry I had was that of a puncture, but fortunately, my fears were unfounded. Never thought that riding a 20 bhp retro could be this much fun.

[@edreyes1391]

I am in Central Florida USA . I travel with my wife constantly. We even did Daytona bike week, planning a summer trip from Orlando to Baltimore.

[@melfzs]

Great video Stuart, Ive recently done a 740 mile round trip to Stirlingshire, not two up but loaded with camping gear , but my Classic performed brilliantly, I chose to avoid motorways going up to Scotland to take in the back roads and scenery but, on the return journey out of necessity to get back directly I did the whole 250 miles from Sterling to Manchester on the motorway and the Classic held 60mph comfortably, only stopping for a fuel top up and me needing a coffee and a pee ,( one of the bug bares of being 69 years old 😅) ! , as for comfort I didn't have any aches or pains, and I have the low rider seat on mine, (shortarse) and was perfectly comfortable. Durability wise these bikes remind me as a kid watching building sites in the 60's of those little dumper trucks that got hammered all over the place loaded with bricks, concrete and god knows what else the navvies would chuck in the bucket and they just kept going day in day out ! 😅👍,they're unbreakable! Cheers Mel 🍻

[@borderlands6606]

Scooterists go to rallies on the motorway, then there are air-cooled VW combis and various classic cars that struggle over 50mph. I often took my old 250s up and down the motorways, it's mostly a mindset. It probably helps if there are a group as you are less likely to be intimidated. Some cars habitually exceed the speed limit, and some bikers want a machine that's faster than all of those, but it isn't necessary to tour.

[@niallwildwoode7373]

I'm glad to read of your travels, as I'm reluctant to use motorways on my Classic350. Too many reviews saying it should stick to the A roads. My family is 6½hrs away down the M6, M5 and A38, and want me to ride to see them. Your round trip has me thinking again 👍

[@melfzs]

@@niallwildwoode7373 Thank you, it will do it , but too many reviewers say it's not suitable because it won't cruise at 80mph and they feel intimidated buy faster traffic, it's a matter of mindset, I keep to the inner lanes doing 60/65 ,I overtake any slower traffic when I need to, and ignore the idiots that want to drive up your back side trying to intimidate you into going faster, they've got another two or three lanes to choose from if they want to go faster, so fk 'em ,they can sit behind me or overtake if they're not happy! 🤷‍♂️ But if you really don't want to use motorways, just select avoid motorways on your satnav or Google maps, there's usually an alternative route that runs pretty close to the motorways on A roads and B roads or with dual carriage ways , it will add time to the journey but just factor it in to your travel time , the positive thing with A roads is there's more options to just pull over where you want if you want a brew or a break . I must admit there were a couple of instances on my way to Scotland on some dual carriage ways where there was a couple of speeding trucks in convoy behind me , so instead of pissing them off ,I'd pull into the next lay-by to let them clear off , then move back out and carry on my way .

[@Sha-yw6fb]

❤your consideration for other road user's..cheers mate...

[@Nifilheimur]

You have convinced me to try one out. I kinda dismissed these bikes even thou i absolutely love how they look as i usually ride with my girlfriend on the back and i just assumed the 350 would never be able to handle it with a pilion. I usually ride a Road King with a pilion but i want a smaller bike to putter around on on day trips here in Norway and im going to take my girlfriend and test ride one!

[@workingclasswoodsman]

I had to pause at 28:35 and agree that a motorcycle trip should be enjoyed. It doesn't have to be about how far you go or distance traveled in the least amount of time. Although I am somewhat guilty as I proudly hold an Iron Butt award from 2007. There are two ways to travel on a motorcycle; you can cover ground or you can see things. I would rather see things and enjoy the area that I am journeying through. I also like to stop and enjoy food and the occasional spirit which often requires an overnight stay 😉. That being the case, classic motorcycle luggage is a must! In any case, on with the video...

[@michaelglynn2638]

Very enlightening vid. I admire that you're unafraid to use it to it's maximum potential. Hidden talent in the bike. 👍

[@stevewalker2047]

Good morning Stu. Another good video. Well you’ve sold the classic 350 to me. If I was in the market for a two up tourer, I’d probably go for one. Unfortunately, I don’t ride with a pillion now since my wife had a back operation. It does look a nice little bike though.

[@johnpackwood5454]

Excellent video, couldn't agree more. I have the old pre unit bullet and it loves doing the miles, b roads and smaller, it's not a motorway bike. The newer version might be my next bike.

[@vincesacca5025]

It's a very nice looking and versatile motorcycle. It seems to sip petrol. If Royal Enfield comes around where I am, I will be delighted to see the classic 350. And hello to your partner. 5/21/24.

[@davidstratton7348]

Great video Stu. I think you speaking to the camera and including your other half (Paula) has added a new dimension to your videos. Sounds like you rate the classic 350 more highly than the Interceptor as a touring machine? I have an Interceptor but never tried it two up.

[@resin8n]

I agree with your comments, enjoy the journey on a tour. It's quite different from going for a fast ride early on a Sunday morning. Thanks for the vid!

[@kandrews1960]

You are absolutely correct on your comment regarding touring! This American is about to pick up the 350 Bullet to do just that!

[@mikehatswell3961]

Yes I have to completely agree with you, I have a 350 meteor that was bought as a second bike and I really didn’t expect it to be so competent as a bike for two, it has really astounded me and has become without a doubt a favourite for us, all the best Stu 👍

[@db_1z]

Great content. I found the same thing where when my wife rides with me, the Classic 350 feels more at home. It’s quite an interesting motorcycle. Grows on you over time and is never boring.

[@AdrianRouse-e1f]

Of course it can. Just lower your cruising speed. A few years ago a tour around europe was planned. But my mates yam 900 went wrong just days before the trip. He was going to stay home. So I said if he took his litle 200 honda I would take my identical bike. 4500 fun filled miles. Our other friends have gone out and bought under 250,s. It's great fun.

[@Bo-nn1ig]

Top of the KZbin game, uncle Stu! Thank you Paula, thank you Stuart for the pillion review - it is a jewel. I will show my wife what she is missing. Good luck with the new plants, Paula.😊

[@stevelong5510]

Such a great video for anyone with a RE 350, I have a meteor and the limits you have described that the engine can cope with is a real eye opener and confirms what I have been thinking for a while that these bikes are brilliant all rounders! Thanks Stuart!

[@lord.onk99]

Glad Paula is visible Stu, great show as usual. Ride safe.

[@scabbydogmess]

you're a fortunate man, Stuart. Thank you for sharing more of your life

[@teapotwood2817]

So nice to see a pillion passenger review. Would have loved to see one with the super meteor 650 I can only assume it would be as good if not better? Would need the comfort seat for sure. Wonder if the 350 Pillion pad would fit the 650? Thanks again for pillion review keep It up 👍🏻

[@silkycherry]

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is such a beautiful bike. And more than capable doing any type of touring. Great video. 👍

[@davidbgraham461]

What a lovely looking pillion passenger!

[@db_1z]

Saw that Orient Star! Very nice power reserve in-house movement classic to go with the classic 350!!

[@ChancellorBeeHaw]

glad to see youve fixed the audio this time :) all laughs at the end of the day! maybe spice it up and do one going through only the right channel to balance it out

[@jacek8122]

Your stories are amazing. You do it in such an unusual way that today I was coming back from the garden center with you...😀 I need to convince my wife to share the trip in my classic 350. Thank you, best regards to you and your dear wife. Jacek From Poland

[@burtvhulberthyhbn7583]

Speaking from experience 60-65 mph on a naked bike is really all one can do for extended periods without hurting my neck. My situation here in southern California is I have an altitude gain of over 4,000 ft in 15 miles that taxes even my 650 a bit.

[@gerbs4009]

Another great video my dear boy....a very clear and objective aim. Well presented and conveyed. As with some of the other comments....you were risking domestic harmony...brave man, brave man! if it were me, I would be in the spare room and dinner would be in the dog!

[@tweedelidee]

I 100 % do agree with You, Stuart. Mine has now a little more than 5000 KMs, - my favorite bike ever.

[@anthonyprice5596]

The 350 classic is such a lovely bike to look at, but being useful too is a real bonus, I have heard rumours there might be a 500 in the pipeline due to be released in September, that could be interesting we will have to see??

[@Bygkydcmc]

My Classic 350 is my favorite bike of all the ones I've owned so far, which includes sizes from a Yamaha XT225 to a BMW R18 Classic. It is an extremely pleasant vehicle to operate and has so much character!

[@jezwatson8211]

On a slightly different topic Stuart I have just ordered a new 411 Himalayan, I asked about doing my own servicing and the sales guy told me about the problems that may occur and but what shocked me was that they have been notified by Enfield to not check the valve clearances unless the customer asks for them doing as it’s not necessary or words to that effect, I was gobsmacked!

[@NhatDo-fs6eh]

My wife vetos most bike suggestion except for a Classic 500 or 350 because the pillion seat is just too comfortable.

[@juliancain6128]

11/10 Excellent video sir, and a fine greeting to Paula!

[@FrankF-vp4pt]

Yank here. I like your channel and just subscribed. Harley man myself, but the older I get "less is more"

[@philipkessel1567]

Excellent! I got back into biking last year after 13 years. Your reviews of the Classic 350 and Hunter pointed me in the right direction. I bought a new HNTR 350 and it is great. Took the wife on it this week and she loved it - so did the wife! Much more capable 2 up than I would have thought. No need for these big bhp bikes, just relax and chill. Well done and keep up the good work.

[@nortonrider9220]

Could you tell me Stuart who is playing the music, very nice.

[@samuelstambaugh5181]

My Welch Cobb is at this time sitting with just a tad under 12k on her ! She has developed a slight knock that only appears from time to time after we have been out for a long ride , she is getting hot as we are going up hill ! Next week she goes in for service and I’ll ask them to see if it may be from a carbon build up 🤔 ! But yes ! I must agree with you on her capacity to be a grate Turing bike , Evan here in the US !

[@NOTAFULLUN]

At last someone has brought this subject up. I trawled through reviews when looking to purchase one, and could not find anyone who mentioned the subject. I own one now, I've not made a video because I am not confident enough, but I have taken my nine year old Grandson on mine, and he loves it. He's only light, but I am carrying fifteen stone around. I think it's a great bike. I do own more complex machines, but I am converted to simplicity, and won't be going back. Thanks for the information, and the great presentation.

[@midtennmoto7541]

Happily a subscriber and viewer for over 3 years! Appreciate your work Stu.

[@mike-the-bike.]

Just got back from a week in Henley on Thames, our 350 classic fits in the garage of our motorhome. We travel to a site, then explore the area together on Ernie the Enfield. Fabulous way to get about, free parking in most places for motorcycles - we arrived in Windsor wearing our Union Jack helmets and felt great. I’ve the fitted the performance camshaft to give us a little more power for hills etc. We’re not interested in going fast, we generally ride 2 up 40 - 50mph, but when riding in Spain last year we noticed the bike struggled up the mountain roads in the heat. Ernie will be our primary form of transportation during our 9 week tour of Europe, we’ll be riding round Annecy, Lake Como, Venice, Croatia, sail to Ancona then riding through Tuscany, Pisa, Siena - hugging the coast through Italy into Nice, Narbonne, Carcassonne, then into Spain. On our 7 week tour last year we drove 3k miles in the motorhome, and 1,400 miles together on the 350, creating conversations wherever we went.

[@Michael-gw6nj]

Lovely looking bike 👍my wife hates motorcycles so I never get to carry a passenger ! I have a interceptor which I bought approximately a year after you brought yours I watched all your videos on your experience with that and it confirmed to me it was the one to have 😊I have no regrets buying that I love it so thank you 👍

[@dalewintle8099]

Well it was nice knowing you after your opening comment Stu 🤣 , Funny my missus does not like the seat on my Interceptor either , I even got a custom seat made and she likes that one even less 🤷‍♂, No issues with power though still overtakes well etc, The amount of folk who say those bike are not built for touring or pillions must have a different outlook on touring and riding with a pillion to me , I have no issues and the 350 looks like it copes just fine too , great video Stu , maybe you should put some pannier bag plant pots in the garden looks good 😁

[@davidrawlings3460]

I wish I could reply with pictures, my son and I went camping on my 350 classic last year. No issues ...

[@Chris-kr7rq]

"Can this Royal Enfield handle 2 up", this has always been a question that has held me back on buying this bike, you have now answered this and also covered other issues that I had in relation to this, thank you for a very informative video. 😊

[@SimonB-rt3nj]

I've found my Hunter perfectly capable two up and for riding longer distances, including motorways. I rode Taunton (Somerset) to the Gower a while back, almost all motorway. M5 was fast flowing and fine sitting in the inside lane and popping out to get past lorries. M4 along South Wales was very busy, as usual. In slow rolling heavy motorway traffic it was a joy; even leaving behind big bikes who couldn't exploit the gaps as well as I could (I used to be a despatch rider, can't resist a bit of filtering). I have now fitted a screen to the bike (Givi A210, the larger of the two options for the Hunter from Givi) as I do quite a bit of motorway riding and that has improved the comfort at speed (not that it was bad before).

[@motormikeb1047]

Excellent machine for the back roads here in the states or even city commutes ...... and if you have the right mindset... and time.. you can tour with it.... it's not an 80 mph interstate freeway machine.... but it can handle the slower state road systems and the sites... adventures are much richer than hours send droneing on the interstates... besides.. fuel is cheaper and the greasy snoops have better food. 😎

[@PintSki]

testrode the 350 reborn a few weeks ago , definitly will be the one, hopped on it after 20 years not riding and had to hurry to join the group last minute (was a bigger motorcyclefair with group rides) and took off with it not even thinking about i hadn't ridden in all these years. I felt completely at home, love that bike already and i don't even own it yet