Royal Enfield Classic 350 - Two Years and 10,000 Miles

[@mikehatswell3961]

Morning Ian, yes they do get under your skin 😂 they are an incredible wee bike and apart from high performance they are capable of doing anything you ask of them, as you said they are so much fun to swap and change things around to suit your needs or mood, they are the Swiss Army knife of motorcycles, wouldn’t be without mine now, all the best buddy 👍

[@tigerness5555]

Hi Mike Yep great wee bikes indeed, you have to own them to fully understand. Great to hear that you enjoyed the video 😁👍

[@robertnutt5285]

Thanks for the update, throughly enjoy your videos on the 350, and looking forward to more travels.

[@tigerness5555]

Thank you, glad you like them 😁👍

[@DH-tp9ns]

I too have a red/chrome Classic. I love it. These engines are intoxicating. I also bought the Meteor 350. Same engine, but yet still a different bike. I love them both. It's rekindled my love for riding again.

[@tigerness5555]

You most definitely have impeccable taste, these wee bikes have so much character, simple brilliant. Hope you enjoyed the video 😁👍

[@weemark67]

The Classic is looking braw. 10k miles is awesome. These engines are proving to be very robust and reliable. Maybe I get Bumble to 10k by end of next season😊 Keep up the good work Ian. ❤it…..😊

[@tigerness5555]

Hi Mark Thank you, great to hear that you enjoyed the video. So far I haven’t heard of any issues with the J series engines, looking like it’s going to be a reliable and unburstable wee motor so long as it’s regularly maintained. Hope you’re enjoying your MY-07, definitely looks like a fun bike 😁👍

[@wallybuettner]

I have the Bronze chrome... It is a great little bike and wonderful addition to my stable. It is my favorite back road bike and a real head turner here in the USA.

[@tigerness5555]

Excellent, I’m like you, out of my three bikes the one I enjoy taking out the most is the wee Enfield, fabulous bikes. Hope you enjoyed the video, and ride safe 😁👍

[@jamesdspaderf2883]

Ian is my hero, wish I had his engineering know how but have learned from the videos. Thanks for the update.

[@tigerness5555]

Hi James, me a hero WOW🤣 Really great to hear that you’re enjoying the videos I’m making and hopefully you’re finding them helpful 😁👍

[@javierdiaz7952]

Love my halcyon green classic reborn and never getting rid of her. There just so nostalgic

[@tigerness5555]

They’re great wee bikes, lots of fun to ride and own. Hope you enjoyed the video and hopefully found it interesting 😁👍

[@tarragonadreamin]

Looking beautiful! I don't think I've seen one of your videos showing the tappets adjustment. Would love to see one!

[@tigerness5555]

I’ll give that suggestion some thought, you may just see that video early next year 🤔 Hope you’re enjoying my videos and finding them interesting 👍

[@berryslokker8949]

Hi Ian. Thanks for this video. Hoop you put on a video of doing the break fluid. That would be great. Nice update

[@tigerness5555]

Thank you, great to hear that you’re enjoying my videos 😁👍 I’ll add a brake fluid change video to my list of videos to make, potentially a good one for the winter months when not able to get out riding as much.

[@jonathandeeley6276]

I have the Guerilla 450 and it's a fantastic machine! I traded in my Halcyon Black Classic 350 for it and it goes like you know what off a shovel, as you say it's a hooligan machine and thrives on revs, I would say the power it puts out in real life is equivalent to and maybe in excess of the Interceptor 650 however, I do miss the Classic. I also have the Meteor Aurora 350 which I bought new in March so still have a J Series platform in the shed. Interesting to note that 2024 spec Meteors have had the speed restrictor removed from them at the factory and the bike will creep up to in excess of 80 + mph. My love affair may not be over though with the Classic and may trade in the Meteor for another Classic next Spring, I've had 3 Classics so far so I see the love affair with them continuing. Enjoyed your update vlog and the bike is looking splendid as usual.🙂👍

[@tigerness5555]

I did really enjoy riding the Guerilla, definitely a fun bike. I agree with you, given its lighter weight and very agile handling it would give an Interceptor a run for its money any day. The J series engine is proving to be a very reliable and fun unit. Royal Enfield are putting out some great bikes these days. Great to hear that you enjoyed the video 😁👍

[@tanogg794]

Thanks for the update !

[@tigerness5555]

No problem 👍 glad you enjoyed it.

[@yves350]

Very nice and informative video! Have you a video about your cleaning process (and products) in winter?

[@tigerness5555]

Great to hear that you’re enjoying my videos and hopefully finding them helpful 😁👍 I don’t have a video of me cleaning the bikes. I simply hose them down with water, then Muck Off motorcycle cleaner, then snow foam it works for me. There is a video of the bike dryer I use which is brilliant, see the link below. kzbin.info/www/bejne/npC9kqeBnsd5h80si=N7S3Dfw52QwrLg25

[@MarkG-su4wd]

Hi Ian, I have done around the same mileage. I have had no issues. Fantastic bike. I went back to the original exhaust. I preferred the sound. Still have the upgrade filter, but removed the fuel lite. Love the bike. Look forward to more of your adventures

[@tigerness5555]

Great to hear that you’re also loving your bike. You have to own and really use them to fully appreciate just how awesome they are ☀️👍

[@robgerety]

Thanks for the update. I bought the same bike this summer. I've made some minor mods and I am weighing whether to do the various performance mods. Not sure. I do enjoy the bike a great deal. Its sits next to my 2022 T100 which I also love to work on and ride.

[@tigerness5555]

A man after my own hear, Classic 350 and Bonneville owner, both great bikes 🏍️🏍️👍😁 Regarding the power improvement modifications, I’m not sure if I would do it all again as the standard engine is just so sweet running. It definitely does give a performance boost, very handy when overtaking slower vehicles etc. I suppose I just enjoy tinkering around with this fabulous wee bike 🤣

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Classic 350 and Bonnevile here too 😊. Surprisingly, if I take both sets of keys down to the garage, it's usually the Classic 350 I ride off on 😊

[@wimbon1959]

very nice plate and well done/made..... in a few months i will buy a signals,a plate like that wil be satin black..... a pro you made it like that is that it is strong!! the base can carry a pillion......another luggagerack placed could maybe carry 9kg??? this is the best option,and you have made it!!! compliments!!! Wim😉👍🏻

[@tigerness5555]

The Signals is a beautiful model, I’m sure you’ll love it. Excellent base for personal modifications. Great to hear that you enjoyed my video 😁👍

[@michaelkeevan9228]

I've just come across your video, I bought a a classic 350 chrome this summer after years of 650s 550s and I love it as you say. Wouldn't part with it, enjoyed your video by the way. 🏍

[@tigerness5555]

Hi Michael Great to hear that you enjoyed the video and found it interesting. Yes, these wee underrated bike are very special, it’s amazing just how many owners love them. It’s also interesting how many owners that have sold theirs and immediately regretted it. Ride safe TN

[@scotty2307]

Hello Ian, I am just looking into getting back to motorcycle riding after about 20 years out of the saddle. Royal enfield has been my brand of choice since I first saw the Interceptor, and GT650s on Jay Leno's Garage. It is amazing to me that RE just keeps releasing these outstanding bike models that are pulling more and more of the world market. They just can't seem to go wrong. Could the 350 produce more power? Absolutely. They are likely capable of a reliable 35hp at least. Being 59 now, I don't know that I care that much for high performance. I was considering the Himalayan 450, with it's 40 hp but I am a DIY sort of guy, and I just don't want to deal with shim and bucket valve adjustments. I am capable of doing so, but I simply don't fancy it. With the classic, remove the gas tank and the rocker cover, pull out a screw driver, and a box end wrench, and you are there. As you demonstrated in your camshaft swap video, even that job is dead simple with the cam and crankshaft locking tools. I love the sound, and the looks of the Classic 350, and it is the bike that most excites me, and keeps me on goal for purchasing a bike in the spring. The Himalayan is the more practical bike, but it just doesn't strike me as being the one I could grow to love. Thus, I think I will stick with the Classic 350. Questions for you; does the HP cam break Royal Enfields 3 year warranty? Also, have you ever considered installing a belt drive kit? I know that the chain is the most efficient drive as far as power transmission, but the belt drive is almost zero maintenance. I really enjoy your videos, especially your how to ones. Thanks for the fantastic information. SM

[@tigerness5555]

Hi Scotty As someone similar to yourself, I’ve come and gone from bikes my whole life. Really enjoying this period and riding all three of my current fleet. I agree with you, Royal Enfield are producing some fabulous bikes these days and don’t seem to be putting a foot wrong. From what you’ve said, you’re more drawn to the Classic 350. As you can probably tell I love my wee bike, and definitely plan to have more adventures on it. It’s such an easy bike to maintain and modify as my mood or needs change. But I’m not so sure I would be as happy with it if it was my only bike. I’d miss having a decent amount of power for all round use. The Classic 350 isn’t quick, the camshaft etc does help. For what it is, the comfort, handling and braking is excellent. I personally think that achieving 35hp would be pushing it a bit too far. You would then be having issues with handling and brake performance. There is a big bore conversion for the J series 350 engine taking it up to 450 and 500cc, but then you’re into spending a lot of money on what is a relatively inexpensive bike. A belt drive would be fabulous, they are available for the 650 Interceptor but not for the 350 as far as I know. If you’re happy with the standard 20hp Classic 350, you will find it’s such an engaging and pleasant bike to ride, and loved by many owners just like myself. Get a test ride on the 350 and also the 650, the new Guerilla 450 is also a great fun bike to ride. Don’t be put off by its valve train. Returning to bikes is simply fantastic, test ride as many bikes from all makes as you can and have fun. Hope this helps TN

[@scotty2307]

@@tigerness5555 I do keep waffling back and forth. My heart says the Classic 350is the one. The practical side of my brain tells me to go with the Himalayan 450. You are probably correct that 35 hp would be pushing it on the Classic 350. My understanding is that the bottom end, and gear case on the J platform are plenty strong, but as you said, it is the brakes, and chassis that may have trouble handling the bike. There is at least one company Mtechnics who make a belt drive kit for the J platform bikes about $200 US

[@Disposalist]

Very useful vid, thanks. I've ordered a Bullet 350 and you've made me be tempted to change the spoked to alloys. I love the classic/spoked look, but as you observe, punctures are such a palaver with tubed and then there's the cleaning. The alloys still suit your classic somehow so that's great. I will definitely try the DNA filter cover (and maybe the filter hehe) perhaps wait until after the first service. I'm struggling to find a rear rack I could use as is and also attach a topbox to, but that's half the fun and I'll know more when the bike is delivered. All this stuff is half the fun, eh?

[@tigerness5555]

I’m sure you’ll enjoy your 350 Bullet when it arrives, great wee bikes. I really like my alloy wheels, they’re genuine Royal Enfield items and I was lucky to get them at a very good price in a MotoGB sale a while back. Great to hear that you enjoyed the video 😁👍

[@leehart1498]

Nice set up. Bravo.

[@tigerness5555]

I'm glad you like it 😁👍

[@tonystone3397]

Great stuff.

[@tigerness5555]

Glad you enjoyed it 😁👍

[@tomlinnane4979]

You consider engine protection bars? Was the first accessory i put on my Classic 350. Agree with you--a fantastic ,beautiful 350.

[@tigerness5555]

Good to hear that you enjoyed the video and hopefully found it interesting. I personally like the look of the bike without any engine protection bars, but that’s just me 🤣👍

[@tomlinnane4979]

@tigerness5555 Yes, can understand that. Have mine since March '22, only 5000 mls. Done so far - chrome bronze.Regarding the speedo. Problems, i cleanded out at least half of the original factory grease from the relays ,and it seems to have made a difference.

[@Lee-70ish]

Same colour . Not as many miles but still will agree whole heatedly. With the new Goan I'm tempted to get hold of the Tubeless spoked wheels . Don't want white walls though.

[@tigerness5555]

Great to hear that you enjoyed the video and hopefully found it helpful 😁👍

[@davidwilliams5942]

Hi Ian I have the the classic in halcyon and love it my speedo also went at 6k, I love those alloy wheels are they also from Hitchcocks 😊😊

[@tigerness5555]

Glad you enjoyed the video and found it interesting. They are the genuine Royal Enfield wheels that Hitchcocks sell. I was lucky to get mine in a MotoGB sale at a very reduced price 😁

[@ozhimalayan477cc2]

My understanding of the TPMS is that they that they have a centrifugal switch, the right angle valve stems you have fitted would negate this switch perhaps, then the reading is not updated on the display? I could well be wrong, on my own bike( no right angle stems) with this system fitted I neglected to change the button batteries and it displayed the last reading ( before the batteries went flat) which was somewhat below actual. Lovely Bike and I can see why it is a "Keeper".

[@tigerness5555]

Interesting comments regarding the TPMS, I’ve used similar systems on cars with angled valves and they seemed to work ok. I also have the same on my Bonneville which has angled valves as standard. Perhaps I’ll find out one day, one way or the other 🤣 Great to hear that you enjoyed the video 😁👍

[@yellownev]

Thank you for the recap video. The bike is a credit to you for those miles and the use it gets. I’ve A himmy 411 ( well 2 actually) my 20,000 miler has the tec cam. Last service I wound the tappet screw right out and noted wear on the valve head. … using the screw pitch I was able to set the tappets and was able to record about .1mm of wear or cup formed in the valve head. I’d be interested to see if you have the same when you do your service as there is a train of thought that the higher lift cam may hammer the valve heads more increasing wear ? Ride safe and keep the vids coming.

[@tigerness5555]

Thank you, great to hear that you enjoyed the video and found it interesting 😁👍 Your comments regarding the valve heads are interesting, I’ll take a very close look at mine at the next service, hopefully there will be no sign of wear.

[@mickcresswell1031]

Hi Ian - great video and summary of your 350 ownership! Did you notice a difference fitting the cam and if so, what was the difference?

[@tigerness5555]

Hi Mick Great to hear that you enjoyed the video 😁👍 The camshaft has definitely made a difference but it’s still no super bike 🤣. It now has improved acceleration and pulling power, overtaking slower vehicles is much quicker and easier. It probably sips a bit more petrol but nothing worth talking about. For gentle running, it’s still the sweet little bike it’s always been.

[@michaelfirth1075]

Hi, I don’t have a Royal Enfield, but I think you have done a great job fitting all those bits. Well done,oh I enjoyed the video.😊

[@tigerness5555]

Thank you very much. Great to hear that you enjoyed the video 😁👍

[@ravenm.]

Thanks for another informative video. Curious why you removed the faux seat springs?

[@tigerness5555]

Great to hear that you enjoyed the video 😁👍 As for the seat springs, the bikes in winter mode at the moment any unnecessary bling has been removed. They’ll be back on again next year 🤣

[@lloydspence8003]

Hello, Do the Oxford grips slide over the existing grips or do the originals need to be removed?

[@tigerness5555]

The ones I have on my bike are overgrips which simply wrap around the standard hand grips and have Velcro to attach them. Very easy to remove when not required. Hope this helps. www.oxfordproducts.com/motorcycle/brands/oxford/handlebar_accessories/hotgrips_wrap_advanced_heated_overgrips/

[@syednooruddin215]

Why have you removed Hitchcock exhaust.?

[@tigerness5555]

As I mentioned in the video, I just found it to be just too loud for my liking. I much prefer the quieter sound of the standard system. Hope you enjoyed the video and hopefully found it helpful 😁👍

[@AlRos-i2c]

Just wondering if you;ve any plans to fit a big bore kit ?

[@tigerness5555]

Unfortunately not, I have looked at them but don’t see me going down that path. If I want more power then I simply take out one of my other bikes 🤣

[@pommiegranite464]

Great review! Love the alloy wheels, how much were they?

[@tigerness5555]

Great to hear that you enjoyed the video 😁👍 They are genuine Royal Enfield wheels as shown in the link below. I paid a lot less than that for mine when MotoGB had a huge sale a year or so ago. I really like them, much easier to keep clean than the spoked wheels plus I now run with tubeless tyres. Hope this helps. accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/46885?cont_page=Royal-Enfield-350-Classic-Accessories&Page=5

[@pommiegranite464]

@@tigerness5555 Thanks for prompt reply and link. Happy New Year to you and safe riding.

[@newlife155]

Hey Ian new sub here, if your in the giving names to your bikes type,then it sounds like Chameleon would fit the Classic.

[@tigerness5555]

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 “Chameleon” Special. Thanks for that, really suits the bike 😁 Great to hear that you’ve subscribed to the channel, welcome aboard 👍

[@raymondplatts7516]

You still running with LED bulbs I have heard the tiger lights are illegal if changed to led great videos

[@tigerness5555]

Yes I run with LED headlight bulb and LED tiger lights. I use the LED headlight bulb in the winter months to reduce the power draw from the alternator which allows me to run heated clothing. The headlight beam output isn’t very good in my opinion, but I very rarely use the bike after dark. When the bike goes in for its annual MOT test I refit the original bulbs 🤣 Great to hear that you’re enjoying my videos 😁👍

[@girlinagale]

I've ordered the same wheel kit, I may do the changeover myself. First I want to buy Heidenau k60 50/50 tyres. Do you know the tyre specs?

[@tigerness5555]

Excellent choice, I really like mine. So much easier to clean than spokes 🤣 The tyre sizes on my Classic 350 are exactly the same as the original tyres, but they are now tubeless. Also fitting angled valves make inflating easier 👍😁

[@girlinagale]

@tigerness5555 I ordered Kenda K761 pair. I found it hard to see Heidenau rear tubeless. Kenda are similar, £155 a pair, so a little cheaper.

[@Volksplane1]

Do you like the proposed Classic 650??

[@tigerness5555]

The new 650 Classic looks pretty cool and some of the colour choices are really nice. It’s a pretty heavy bike though for a 650. It’s not a bike that I’m personally interested in, but can definitely see its appeal. Royal Enfield are certainly bringing out very good bikes these days. Hope you enjoyed my video and found it interesting 😁👍

[@onemorethompson]

Whats your views on the new classic 650? Do you see yourself upgrading to that?

[@tigerness5555]

Beautiful bike if a little on the heavy side for a 650, some stunning colour combinations. Not one for me though, happy riding my old Bonneville which is in a similar vane. Hope you enjoyed the video 😁👍

[@martinberdik8551]

What seat are you using on you bike

[@tigerness5555]

It’s the black low rider seat. Not as comfortable as the standard seat, especially for long days in the saddle. I like it as you sit more in the bike rather than on top of it, if you know what I mean. Hope you enjoyed the video and hopefully found it helpful 😁👍 accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/46878?cont_page=Royal-Enfield-350-Classic-Accessories&Page=2

[@ChancellorBeeHaw]

thoughts on the classic 650? personally im hoping they release more colours, perhaps the same as your red one

[@tigerness5555]

I think the new Classic 650 looks cool and I do like the colours they come in. The Classic styling has added a bit more weight to the bike making it rather heavy in my opinion. It’s not a bike that I’m personally interested in but I do like I it. Hope you hope you enjoyed my video 😁👍

[@ChancellorBeeHaw]

@ Thanks mate, appreciate the thoughts and video!

[@widephil]

So you re fitted the fuel x lite.... do you feel it benefits from it then. Good vid

[@tigerness5555]

My bike runs very well indeed, but it’s very difficult to know if the FuelX Lite is making any difference. Hopefully it is 🤣 Great to hear that you enjoyed the video 👍

[@BobMan1952]

What windshield do you have could you please advise and a source Winter is coming Thank you I always really appreciate your videos

[@tigerness5555]

It’s the Royal Enfield Touring Screen, see link for more info: accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/46892?cont_page=Royal-Enfield-350-Classic-Accessories Great to hear that you enjoy watching my videos 😁👍

[@BobMan1952]

@ thank you

[@oldfella4096]

It's a stunning wee bike TN and out of all RE range they seem to hold their value very well indeed, now you have ridden the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 how about a comparison with the Triumph 400 Speed Twin or Scrambler 🤔

[@tigerness5555]

It’s a fun wee bike to own and ride. I’d like to test the Speed 400 or Scrambler, perhaps next year sometime. Don’t tend to go to the dealers very often just in case the temptation becomes irresistible 🤣

[@morrisminor56]

Two and a half years and 7000 miles with mine, no way am I ever selling it.

[@tigerness5555]

Wise person, if you love it then no need to sell it. They’re great wee bikes to ride and own 👍 Hope you enjoyed the video 😁

[@wspollack]

Great review, as always. I'm a 2023 Meteor 350 owner (about 5,000 miles on it, but I have to split my riding time with a C 400 GT, my other bike). By the way, I've added a Powerlet/Din/BMW/Hella socket under my left thigh on all my bikes* since 2007, for the same reasons you cited: heated gear, float charger, and air compressor. In my opinion, under the left thigh is the best location, as most heated gear terminates on the left side, it doesn't interfere with steering or a passenger's foot, doesn't get mushed against bodywork, and allows the longest length when you forget to unplug things and get off the bike on the left side. For the smart charger and air pump, I have cords that have an SAE connector on one end and the male Powerlet plug on the other; for my heated gear, I have a coiled cord (kind of like the cord on an old wall-mounted telephone) with a Powerlet plug on one end and the "coax" connector -- the kind that most heated liners use -- on the other. * (Two Burgman 650s, a Victory Cross Country Tour, two BMW C 400 GTs, and my Meteor.)

[@tigerness5555]

Great to hear that you enjoyed the video and hopefully found it interesting. Yes, those little DIN power outlets are incredibly useful 😁👍

[@wspollack]

@@tigerness5555 : Sorry to bother you again, but if you have a few minutes sometime: 1) Do you have a link to the valve stems you used? I've replaced stock stems over the years with some 87-degree, some 90-degree, valve stems, and they're all slightly different. I'm assuming that what works on your Classic rims will also work on my Meteor 350 rims. (I couldn't even find info in the M350 owner's manual OR shop manual about the size of the rim holes -- the more common 11.3mm or the less common 8.3mm. I've been told on a RE forum that it's the former, but I think RE should state this somewhere. And I would never run a TPMS with the stock rubber valve stems.) 2) Do you have a link to the TPMS you bought? By the way, I'm a subscriber, so if you've talking about these before, my apologies, and you can just tell me to scan through your other videos. 3) I forgot to mention earlier that I see that you, too, are apparently a fan of Wago clamp connectors. I've been using them for more than a decade now -- on both motos and for some household wiring -- and think they're great, never had one fail, etc.

[@tigerness5555]

The valve stems I used were purchased from Demon Tweeks and are 11.3mm black 90 degree angle, see link. www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/bike-it-aluminium-tubeless-valve-gunmetal-729238/ The alloy wheels I have are genuine Royal Enfield items so I would imagine the Meteor wheels have the same valve hole size. I purchased my wheels first then measured the hole size before ordering the valves. As to the TPMS I don’t remember where it came from, probably Amazon, it’s a pretty generic system. I agree with you and also being an ex electrician, Wagu connectors are simply brilliant. Hope this helps and answers your questions. Cheers TN

[@tigerness5555]

Made a mistake in the last message, my valves are Gunmetal not Black 🤣 Great to hear that you’re enjoying my videos 😁👍

[@wspollack]

@@tigerness5555 : Yep! Thanks again for your time and help.

[@markwood9755]

To me the answer is obvious, four bikes, easy ! When the car comes into the garage, one of the bikes goes on display in the living room 😉🤔😀

[@tigerness5555]

Now that’s a fantastic idea, unfortunately not so easy to achieve in my case 🤣 Hope you enjoyed the video and found it interesting 😁👍

[@markwood9755]

😂😂 Indeed, as with all of you content, I found it very interesting. Thanks for your efforts 👍👍