Royal Enfield Classic 350. Review and thoughts after 2 months and 1000 miles.

[@GeorgeConaway-w2b]

I rode mine 110 miles today, frequently getting up to about 45 MPH even though it's in its 300 mile break-in period. I have never experienced anything like this motorcycle; it is utterly magical. Thank you for the video!

[@shottostravels]

Your pleased with it then🤔 Ride safe mate 👍

[@5150show]

I bought one 3 weeks ago , love it too

[@shottostravels]

Great choice, ride safe.👍

[@lomate1963]

You go steady dude 😊

[@Peter234100]

Regarding the quality of the engine have a look at Glyn Owen’s rebuild of a Classic 350 and the quality of the valve gear when he was fitting a new performance cam shaft. I have done an oil change just recently on my 2 year old Halcyon Green bike and was amazed at how easy it was and the quality of all the bolts and how well machined all the surfaces were on this j series engine. Even better was no skinned knuckles as you normally get with spin off filters, unlike the simple oil filter the Classic has being sat behind a plate that is located with 3 allen headed bolts. In short this bike just continues to amaze me and like it more now than when I bought it two years ago ! 😊

[@shottostravels]

Excellent. All good stuff. Ride safe mate 👍

[@tweedelidee]

I rode mine for a bit more than 3000 miles now. Just love this bike, - pure joy, superb fun factor and I'm just back from a 200 miles tour . No issues and when I ride it, I immediately feel 45 years younger and forget about the ongoing madness in the world for a moment. Who could ask for more ? Thanks for posting, ride safe.

[@shottostravels]

Thankyou. Somes it up very nicely. Ride safe mate 👍

[@georgewylie9674]

Good day to you! I really enjoyed this video as it hit close to home. As a kid my Dad told me about my grandfather riding a Royal Enfield, between the World Wars. So I picked up a brand new 2023 Classic 350. I got my license in '77. Owned a Kawasaki, Triumph, Harley, and a Yamaha. I am close to retirement and not interested in expensive payments. I agree with all of your observations (spot on), this is a neat, good looking fun, low displacement bike, and is a joy to own & ride. I put my ego in check, and am pleasantly surprised. Great Video!

[@shottostravels]

Thankyou, Glad you enjoyed it. No egos required here! Nothing to prove ride Safe mate👍

[@georgewylie9674]

I have never been a brand snob, but I never would have thought I would enjoy anything under 50 HP. Glad I proved myself wrong. I now live in a high traffic region, so you can't go flying around like Evil Knevil anyhow. And sadly for me, my wife has never ridden with me ever. So I am not needing a bigger bike. Cheers!

[@wallybuettner]

Good morning Keith! Great video, I couldn't have summed it up better! These little bikes are a gem to ride. I believe I will follow your 1000 mile break in, I never thrash my bike either. I love the way riding this bike makes you want to slow down and notice the scenery. It even has me riding my bigger bikes the same way! Besides, it is a real head turner with it's classic style😀

[@shottostravels]

Good morning mate, it's loosened up nicely and feels run in to me. I can't see another 200 miles making one jot of difference. Thanks for commenting and Ride safe.👍

[@berryslokker8949]

Good review, thanks. Loving my 350 to bits. Now, after 3000km. It runs so much smoother. I wanted a little bit more power so i fitted the air filter, the decat pipe, the performance camshaft and the fuel x lite. This, for me, is such a difference. The sound, the pulling up a hill, etcetera. And, you can do it yourself to this wonderfull motorcycle. Without all the upgrades it is still a wonderfull machine Who makes you smile and enjoy the environment much more. Thanks again. Berry from Holland

[@shottostravels]

Hi Berry. Thanks for commenting, you've gone a bit further than me with the fuel x and the cam but I do understand it makes quite a difference. Great to hear from you. Ride safe mate 👍

[@dennispusey8664]

Got mine 1st day of Spring, Love it. Built like a gun with the slug still in it😁

[@shottostravels]

Brill, let's hope we get some sun soon. Enjoy you're new bike. Ride safe mate 👍

[@MsDenver2]

Thanks , all the different colours look fab and the badges on the tank are lovely, happy riding mate 👍🏍️

[@dennispusey8664]

was out today(got 278 miles now) and a wrench image appeared on the dash; 1st maintenance? @@shottostravels

[@Trev350]

Find me someone who doesnt love their 350 J platform bike..... 99% adore them. And for a bike costing just around four grand, thats exceptional. The 1%, they probably bought the wrong bike in the first place. Regardless of the price, these are outstanding bikes that have no direct competition.

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for commenting. You hit the nail squarely on the head. Ride safe mate 👍

[@lancerbiker5263]

Agreed ! Got my Meteor in 2021. Do all my own work and not an issue. 👍 🍻

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for commenting 👍

[@matt904sl]

Spot on Keith !!!! I think if you do your research before you buy the bike and manage your expectations then I agree this bike is an absolute gem 💎💎💎 left the house at 7am this morning 4°C wind and rain and just done 60-70 on the back roads and had a smile on my face all the way !!! This bike is very addictive 😂 . Go steady Matt from Sunny stoke on Trent 👍🏽

[@shottostravels]

Ayup Matt. You're a brave boy, sunny Stoke on Trent? it's not very warm this morning. Ride safe mate, go get yourself a brew and some Oatcakes👍 Great to hear from you

[@BTeamHooligan]

Another great vid! In the process leading to getting mine, I waivered for a time (only human:). I began to second guess getting the "heavy, underpowered" 350, feeling like maybe I would be handicapping myself. It got to the point I had put a deposit on a new Honda Rebel 500 twin. Thank goodness I came to my senses. No matter how much I tried, I realized the Honda just wasn't gonna "do it" for me. Yeah, it was a bigger (slightly) twin with more power, but that's not what I was wanting. Thankfully I corrected and went with my original plan of the Classic 350. I've personally seen to many new riders get "too much" bike out of the gate, and unfortunately get in a lot of trouble. I do trust my skills, but as a new-ish rider I had made the decision to focus on my skills rather than the spec sheet. The way I see it if I did feel lacking at some point in the future, I could trade up to an INT 650, Shotgun, or (fingers crossed) a Classic 650. And by that point I would be solid with my skills. But I do love this bike. So very easy to ride and maneuver, don't know that I'd want anything bigger at this point in my life. When I received deliver of my Classic, I had had the dealer (which is 5 states away) add the low rider seat and removed the pillion. When the driver rolled it off the truck I did a good inspection and thought all was good. It wasn't till a few days later I notice a very small dent on the rear fender under where the pillion had been. Initially I was heartbroken for having missed. It's truly so small you can only see it in the perfect lighting conditions, and frankly, most people would never notice. It must have been like that from the factory, or from when the dealer removed the pillion. I didn't have many options because the dealer I bought from was in Iowa, and the closest in-state dealer is about 2.5 hours from my home. In the end though, I'm ok with it. In a way, I'm kind of glad it's there. It helped me get over the fear of scratching/mucking up my dream motorcycle. Now just need to add the Hitchcock's rear carrier, and I'll forget it's even there!

[@shottostravels]

Hi Mate, I was the same with my mudguard. ( Fender) I saw a mark and once you see it you can't un see it. My dealers close so it got sorted. Don't let it spoil a brilliant little bike. Give it a month, you'll forget it's there. Thanks for commenting and Ride safe👍

[@keithholyoake322]

Fantastic bikes. Just bought mine after a few years without a bike - wanted something simple and to be able to do my own servicing. Definitely agree about fitting a heel & toe shifter. Had one on my last Guzzi California and just fitted one to my Classic. Greater control in my opinion and less boot wear too.

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for commenting. Ride safe mate 👍

[@ericsissenwein3601]

Hi, writing from California. I have a ‘23 Signals and I watch all the Royal Enfield you tube videos. I watched this video and subscribed. Love to hear about the bike, and your accent takes me back to 1964 and 4 lads you may have heard of. 😊 take care.

[@shottostravels]

Hi Eric, thanks for subbing. I did love my Royal Enfield but to be honest felt that I ultimately needed a little more power so have moved on to a Bonneville now. I do however, (and this may seem a bit backwards) intend to get another when finances allow. Where are you in California? I have been, just once and loved it. Ride safe my friend👍🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@ericsissenwein3601]

I’m 75 and I have had tons of bikes. Big Harleys, big. BMWs ,big Gold Wings etc. I’m currently selling my Harley Sportster in favor of my RE 350. I don’t plan much highway or long distance touring anymore so the little RE Signals is all I need. In ‘66 when I moved from a Honda Super 90 to a 305 Super Hawk I thought that will be the best. I think I might have been correct back then. Different strokes for different times in your life. 😊ride safe. 1:20

[@shottostravels]

@ericsissenwein3601 absolutely, well said Mate. If it maintains your relationship with something you've always loved then how wonderful is that. Ride safe bud👍

[@PhilipBallGarry]

"Where does that road go? 🤔". Shotto - that's exactly why I love mine so much too. Such an accessible little bike especially for someone who's a bit short in the leg. All those lanes I've ridden by so many times on bigger bikes, I've now explored on the Classic 350. 😊

[@shottostravels]

Indeed, great for tickling about, and go pretty much anywhere. 👍

[@davericketts9101]

First time I have seen one of your videos. Totally agree about the heel/toe shifter. It was the first thing I did and it transformed the riding experience. Just subscribed.

[@shottostravels]

Thanks Dave, there's a few who don't share our view. I said in a previous tickle around that it was like Varifocals. It takes a bit of getting used to, but once you have you wouldn't go back. Thanks for subscribing to my little channel. Ride safe mate 👍

[@davericketts9101]

@@shottostravels All the big channels started off as little channels Keith. My Classic has now done approaching 4,000 miles and I LOVE it. I had the speedo problem but it was replaced under warranty with no problems and the new one is fine, so you should be okay.

[@RanMachlof]

What a beautiful bike, I miss my Meteor 350 and its Heel and toe shifter. the Normal shifter mark my boots 😭

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for commenting. I never thought of that! Ride safe mate 👍

[@melfzs]

Great review, you've covered everything there, I have two bigger bikes in the garage and since I've had my Classic I've used my other bikes less , I bought it last July and I'm coming up to 5,000 miles now , at which I'm giving it an early oil and filter change (its normally at 6,000) as I'm going touring Scotland on it in a weeks time, it's a brilliant bike and very addictive to ride, and is well capable of taking me anywhere! I always avoid motorways if possible but it will run along at 60mph all day if I do go on them, but I think we all prefer the A and B roads for the pleasure and scenery. I have done 230 mile days on it a couple of times, going around Wales and as I say no problem. Great review 👍 Cheers Mel

[@shottostravels]

Thanks Mel Great to hear. Thanks for commenting Ride Safe mate 👍

[@richardfreestone3938]

Great video. I have a meteor and am enjoying it very much. I think it would be a better bike with 5-10 hp more power but I am not complaining.

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for your comments. Ride safe mate👍

[@Butlers_Bike_life]

Fair play, your review is nearly word for word what I would say. I have a bit of misting on the digital display too, I have done 200 miles and my only issue is the right mirror, just can't get it in that ideal spot, but don't like bar end mirrors so will live with it. I was actually blown away with the suspension in comparison to my Super Meteor 650. I'm finding the 350 is my goto bike and the Super Meteor is being left covered up in the garage. I have so many country lanes here in Pembrokeshire, I can plod along quite happy. All in all it is a fantastic bike, great 1000 mile review, keep the videos coming, your not far of 1000 subscribers. Next job for me is to fit a decat pipe,. Ride safe 👍

[@shottostravels]

Thanks mate. I haven't really had an issue with the right hand mirror but like you am not really a fan of bar ends. I just think it makes the bike too wide. Interesting to hear about the suspension on the super meteor, I have a test ride booked for tomorrow on the Shotgun. Is it the same forks? Are they Showa? Anyway I'll keep an eye out for that. Thanks for commenting. 1000 subs yes. I don't think Taylor Swifts got much to worry about 🤔 Bout time we had some sun. Ride safe mate👍

[@Butlers_Bike_life]

@@shottostravels The Shotgun is getting good reviews, think both bikes have the same forks. It looks better with the rear seat removed....Good luck with the test ride 👍

[@chrisb5986]

I love canal boat culture in the UK.

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for your thoughts.👍

[@mbhambleton]

Another great video. My Hunter 350 is just short of 1400 miles, it just feels better and better as the miles go on. I had a dealer service at 300 and planning the same for 3000 but with a DIY oil change at 1500 - no it shouldn’t ’need’ one but I’ll just feel comfier. Can't get over your ‘going for a tickle’ rides, not a common expression in this part of Yorkshire!

[@shottostravels]

Thanks Mate. Thats got me thinking, I thought it was next due at 6000. I know it mentions 3000 in the book but it doesn't involve anything more than a check over I seem to remember.🤔 Perhaps I need to have another look. Ride safe mate 👍

[@philpeacock7803]

Good job. You sum it up perfectly. Cracking little bike. Thanks

[@shottostravels]

Thanks Phil, glad you agree. Ride safe mate 👍

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Love mine too 👍. Regarding self-servicing. I think, under European law (still relevant in the UK) unless the manufacturer can claim that damage has been caused to the part (or parts) for which warranty is being considered by incorrect servicing or maintenance then they'd find it very hard to deny the claim. In short, it's not up to you to prove it hasn't, it's up to them to prove it has. It's especially true for an item unconnected to any servicing you've done.

[@shottostravels]

Thanks for commenting. Ride safe mate👍

[@mattdog1982]

Had a go on my dad’s yesterday. Nothing beats plodding on this.

[@shottostravels]

Excellent, ride safe mate 👍

[@bsabiker-d7z]

Lovely scenery in the video. The build quality for the price is absolutely excellent, yes some of the welds could be better but as I couldn't do them, it's okay. Over here it's 2,000 kms to run in and the 60kmsph (45) max for the first 500kms is rather trying but we persevere with it. Yes it would bet nice if it did 80mph when run in but it is what it is and being quite a bit older than you top speed is not what I'm looking for these days.

[@shottostravels]

Couldn't agree more, who cares how fast it goes. Ride safe mate 👍

[@ianalan3084]

Excellent video,keep up the good work.

[@shottostravels]

Thankyou for your support. Much appreciated. Ride safe mate 👍

[@SteveBernard42]

Couldn’t agree more. Cracking vid.

[@shottostravels]

👍

[@leighcoulson2148]

Agree they're fantastic bikes 👍. The only problems I've had on mine was a rare random stuttering on acceleration, which felt like a fueling issue ...however that has magically disappeared . I got mine as a winter (or not so good weather) bike and ridden it in various conditions but haven't had any fogging up on the instruments ...but do have that on my Continental GT650, I expect it's a common problem not that it's anything major.

[@shottostravels]

I agree Leigh, the fogging is a minor irritation. I did casually mention it to the dealer and he said join the club, he had no intention of going any further. I wasn't bothered. Ride safe bud👍

[@garykeighley712]

I would think that engine will just keep going as long as you do 👍

[@shottostravels]

Wonderful, I do hope so.👍 Thanks for your support.

[@garryclarke-kray4071]

Good review from a man that knows , I would definitely like a test ride on one , I’ve currently got a street twin

[@shottostravels]

A man that knows very little. But thanks for commenting and Yeah get a test ride. It wouldn't suit everyone but what bike would. But it will be better than you think! Nowt wrong with a Street twin. Ride safe mate👍

[@mikehatswell3961]

Hi Garry, I have a 900 speed twin and just got a 350 Enfield as a second bike for pottering around the lanes and I have to say they are brilliant for what they are, you just have to accept it’s limitations and enjoy the relaxing nature of them

[@garryclarke-kray4071]

@mikehatswell3961 I think as a second bike they must be ideal, I've got to try one as I haven't heard a bad review yet

[@mikehatswell3961]

Morning Keith, another cracking vlog , l’m catching up on the meteor, just shy of 900 miles now and it’s definitely worth the tedious process of running in because it’s a cracking little engine, as you said it’s very capable of most things so long as you’re realistic about it. All the best buddy 👍

[@shottostravels]

Thanks Mike, your mates already been on and commented. He's off out in the Sunshine in France today I think. Not sure if his gloves are in or out😂 Hope the weather's better where you are👍

[@mikehatswell3961]

@@shottostravels by the sound of it they’re probably going to be in so he can get a cooling draft 😎 git 🤭😂😂 bit overcast here but hopefully will get out on the bike later 🤞🤞

[@mikehatswell3961]

@@PeterHolland-mu7ynsounds like you’re going to have a great time Peter, you have got a good setup there by the sound of it, we’ve a caravan and I keep saying that if we take the back seats out of the transit I can take one of the bikes, the kids will be ok sat on the floor next to it 😂😂

[@mikehatswell3961]

@@PeterHolland-mu7yn yes that’s the main reason why we still have a caravan, my brother swapped over to a motor home last year but had to get a Burstner 6 wheeler so as to have a garage not only big enough but capable of taking the weight of a motorcycle,

[@mauricemidgley2862]

I really didn't get it fully run in until about 2k although by 1,200 miles it was starting to gain power and a reasonable speed bump. Most notably it no longer seems to need to shift down & slow down to conquer a typical highway hill.

[@shottostravels]

Great. There's more to come up then. Looking forward to it. Ride safe mate 👍

[@markpercy4277]

Keith you need to come down off the fence and let us know what you think 😂l can definitely see me getting one at some point bud, great ramble as usual take care 👍

[@shottostravels]

Thanks Mark. Trouble is I gush about most bikes! So don't take any notice of moi! Take care mate👍

[@markpercy4277]

@@shottostravels Carry on gushing bud l think it's great 👍

[@Damien-omen666]

Bloody brilliant mate 👌👍

[@shottostravels]

That's very kind. Ride safe mate👍

[@nigeldalrymple4099]

I thinkyou have finaly persuaded me on this bike. Im 50/50 on the meteor too

[@shottostravels]

Don't take my word for it! See if you can get a test ride on both, back to back. Same engine, different flavour though. Let us know which way you go. Ride safe mate 👍

[@nigeldalrymple4099]

I will do just that. Thanks👍

[@petejones1957]

Have to agree with all you said Keith ( bar the shifter, haha) What more could an old coger like me need or want? What does surprise me, is the attitude of younger bikers, whom I thought would dismiss it out of hand, but loads Iv'e spoken to really like the bike. Think I've mentioned it before, I wish there was an upgrade option m at purchase, for tubesless rims, I know you can get alloys, but they ruin the look of the bike ( in my opinion). Still, with 3 years free breakdown cover, I guess a puncture is covered? Ride safe, roll on trhe summer.

[@shottostravels]

I'm not so sure a puncture would be covered under warranty. But Thanks for commenting. Ride safe mate 👍

[@NoelRoots-t1u]

There is more power available in from that motor i have a Series Enfield that will get up to just south of 90 and more importantly 70 is enough but de restricted it is much more flexible at 70 for overtaking and still not a powerhouse i don’t need anymore than the 26 and a bit ponies it happily cruises at 70 two up with luggage with a 16 tooth front sprocket on it and is still getting better all the time with 1500 miles on it

[@shottostravels]

That's interesting, thanks for sharing, presumably you've done the DNA, de cat, freeflow silencer, camshaft and fuel x too? Ride safe Mate👍

[@philipmillen4271]

Isnt Royal Enfields motto, make it your own, and doesnt that mean to be able to do your own service and change the motorcycle to how you want it to be ?

[@shottostravels]

Absolutely, thanks for commenting. Ride safe mate 👍

[@MsDenver2]

I used to go on canal trips from Norbury junction , I’m about 22 miles away from there, I have my 350 end of next week, the green halcyon it would be nice to meet for ride sometime and a coffee?

[@shottostravels]

Exciting times ahead then I very nearly had a Halcyon Green, I haven't been down to Nor bury junction for many years. Enjoy your new bike and Ride safe👍

[@jez6208]

It seems that we all have condensation on the LED. 😂

[@shottostravels]

It does mate, but it seems to come and go.🤔 I don't think it's worth stressing over.

[@jez6208]

@shottostravels2713 I certainly haven't. No point really. Apparently, I'd you remove some sort of sticker underneath, it let's the water out. I daren't touch it to be honest. 😀

[@davespruce4362]

Morning Keith, don't know if the same will happen with you but my Classic really loosened up at around the 1800 mile mark. Thanks for your thoughts.

[@shottostravels]

Morning Dave, I look forward to further improvements then!. Ride safe mate👍