Royal Enfield Classic 500 Test Ride in Edinburgh, Scotland and My First Impressions...

A ride out with my mate Andy to our local Royal Enfield dealership to test ride the Classic 500 and Interceptor 650 and my initial impressions of the Classic and couple of encounters with dodgy drivers... A fantastic day on two wheels in great company... Enjoy!
Bikes: Suzuki Vstrom 650, Honda CBR 500, Royal Enfield Classic 500 and Royal Enfield Interceptor 650Camera: GoPro 7 Black, 1080HD, 60FPS
Instagram: Vstrom_Matt
Facebook: MJX Motoblog

[@chuckvt5196]

I have one exactly like the one you tested...battle green. SO easy to ride and just makes you smile all the time you are on it!

[@matjucable]

It is indeed, I really enjoyed it! I might get the stealth black one in the future!

[@igocamping3545]

Mate, I love my battle green Classic 500!! Its pretty cold here in Australia right now. Doing a trip from Sydney to Canberra tomorrow. -3° when I get there. But normally its my every day commuter bike. Its the most fun Ive ever had on a bike. A new exhaust and air filter have turned it into a different beast. A 19 tooth front sprocket is going on next to help with the motorway speeds. I cant recommend this biike highly enough!!

[@matjucable]

Awesome! I have now bought a 25 year old VS1400 as my second bike but I really do like the Classic 500. The stealth black version is really nice. Strong contestant for my 3rd bike! -3 in Australia?! Jeezo! I thought you guys never get it below 20! Ride safe buddy!

[@jeffslade1892]

Don't do the 19T. Been there and swapped back. I drops the top speed and puts all the gears in all the wrong places. With the 19T it struggles with motorway. Once it is fully bedded in, motorway at 80 to keep clear of the lorries is normal on the 18T with a little in reserve.

[@igocamping3545]

@subhashishbanerjee -3°C. Its winter in Australia

[@deeptruthchanneldtc6770]

The beauty of this bike is the experience of the vibrations. Also the vibrations become unobtrusive after the engine has been run in.

[@matjucable]

Definitely the smoothest bike/gearbox I've ever had!

[@whitecompany18]

I love mine, put 10k on it last year with no problems, I'm always fully loaded for camping and fishing..pulls like a train .

[@matjucable]

Hi, thanks for popping by! I absolutely loved it! It's reassuring to know there are no long term issues with them! My wife really wants one and we're leaning towards the stealth black version, which I think looks absolutely amazing. Have you had the rattle/vibration issue at higher revs with your bike (my guess was front fender/mudguard or headlight)? I'm thinking this was specific to this particular bike, possibly a loose screw somewhere and it's not all Classics...

[@whatsstefon]

MJX Motoblog 40,000km on mine. No issues.

[@matjucable]

@@whatsstefon awesome! Certainly a contender for my second bike!

[@jeffslade1892]

@ - just run it in and the vibration goes away, the motor developes more power and torque too, it will rev freely to the limiter. The Carberry plate is held on by three 6mm screws, there no hope of them taking the 40+Nm from the crank, and will likely lead to metal fatigue cracks in the casing they're fixed too, besides which it's a solution looking for a problem.

[@jeffslade1892]

@@matjucable fixings do loosen during running-in but they've only been making the bike in one form or another for 70-odd years so they've got most of the bugs out of it by now. Most frequent problems on my 2015 are electrical connectors, annoying but simple to fix. Best off the main roads and into the wild and woolly bits. As you ride a V-Strom you might care to note Royal Enfield won the ISDT six times with these bikes, a bit like winning the Dakar Raid today. Not sophisticated but very, very tough.

[@nigelcheal8499]

I own a 500 EFI Electra and live in the Highlands and I love it!! And I’ve owned everything from a ZX12R when they were new etc but it’s just brilliant!!

[@matjucable]

It is a brilliant bike. If I had a bit more funds, I'd probably buy one. I really like the classic stealth black edition. I was really close to buying one for my wife (and as my second bike) but as per my last couple of videos - she decided to give up motorcycling, so I was able to get something a bit bigger both physically and engine wise, as a second bike but just for myself - a VS1400, which I absolutely love. I think I will get the 500 at some point though!

[@kevindaly5093]

Yes these bikes do vibrate, but not as harshly as people would lead you to believe, I've had mine for 5 years and love it. It's the perfect bike for riding through the countryside. They don't call it a Classic for nothing. You'd be shocked with the attention the bike draws from the public. The vibration you were hearing was likely the this sheet metal heat shield on the silencer. They're known for that tinny vibration that comes and goes at certain frequencies. Not a big deal. Relatively easy to fix, or replace the silencer. Very common.

[@matjucable]

Yes, a great bike. I really enjoyed the test ride. As per previous comments I now know I was over-revving it and shifting up to late, which most likely made the buzzing / vibration worse. I had never ridden a classic/modern classic bike before that and had just jumped off my vstrom. I'll do a second test ride at some point and undoubtedly will enjoy it even more! Thanks for your comment!

[@kevindaly5093]

Interesting. in my experience, more often than not, folks have a tendency to short-shift these bikes because they have so much available torque. They rarely open the throttle to bring the revs anywhere near the electronic rev limiter in fear of blowing it up. The result is that they lug the engine, which is a bad thing. Don't flog the engine of course, but by the same token, don't be afraid to get the revs up - especially in 2nd and 3rd gears. These engines are not as delicate as you'd think and they're quite spirited with some revving. Wind it out a bit and don't worry about tinny vibrations. You'll be too busy smiling to give them much thought. Have fun.

[@angiefav1847]

I injured my back a little while ago l needed a comfortable bike so l bought the military green with matching side car, l love this machine everywhere l ride people ask how long did it take to restore it. it's a classic. I wonder why royal Enfield discontinued the 500 bullet for me it would have serviced another 100 year a shame

[@matjucable]

I still have a soft spot for the RE. Have bought a VS1400 asmy second bike since but I'll get one one day! I really like the bobbered stealth black edition with the rubber tank protectors.

[@jeffslade1892]

The vibration you felt and the resistance to revving indicates that bike is not fully run-in.

[@synthmania7275]

Great bike! I just test drove one today.

[@Glasshousebc]

What a cool looking bike, matey... loved this. Cheers matey (loved the ass and Del Boy bits)

[@matjucable]

Cheers buddy! It was a nice test ride. If you ever get a chance to ride one, have a shot. I'm going to arrange another one at some point, I think...

[@jeepbeach]

Funny, I sold my 2013 v~ strom 650 and soon picking up a 2018 low mileage Royal enfield classic 500, battle green . Can’t wait

[@nigelcheal8499]

What you are riding is what we rode back in the day... I’m 58 by the way... so I absolutely get why you say what you do but it’s just what you were brought up on that affects your perception. Great video guys 👍

[@matjucable]

That's a lots of biking experience! I've only ridden bikes since 2006 I think, so not as long as you and admittedly, I am more used to modern bikes/engines. I have never ridden anything like the 500 before, I really enjoyed it. I think I will have another test ride at some point, next time though, I will try not to ride it like modern bike. I know now I was overrevving it, which i think is what was causing the vibration that I mentioned. All in all, a really fun bike to ride!

[@matjucable]

And thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed the video! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@nigelcheal8499]

MJX Motoblog everyone to their own. You guys will judge a bike based on what you are are used to and rightly so👍 People of my age judge them through rose tinted spectacles 😁

[@nigelcheal8499]

MJX Motoblog finally I would say that I am really pleased that you at least are prepared to look at these machines in context. That’s key. I’ve raced Funny Bike dragsters over here in the UK but it doesn’t stop me loving bikes like that 👍

[@matjucable]

I do have my preferences clearly but I can appreciate all kinds/types of bikes as well. I really do like the classic/modern classic bikes👍🏻

[@hridaybaishya2092]

The felling that u get during driving this bike ,u can't get this felling in other bike i can assure u ,the one and only royal Enfield can give this felliing

[@matjucable]

I really enjoyed it! I pushed it too hard I think so If I ever ride it again, I will remember to ease off the throttle. Definitely a great bike.

[@sushi_edits225]

We have 2 of these and they’re not as powerful but fun to ride

[@matjucable]

Yes, not a powerful bike but I really enjoyed it. Very relaxed ride!

[@tomstockell9481]

Nice one !

[@matjucable]

Thanks buddy, glad you liked it!

[@rockbay79]

I would love to own this bike with a side car! :)

[@matjucable]

Proper old school! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@ericweber1969]

Greetings from sunny Arizona in the USA! I really enjoyed your video review. Where are you located? I admit to not quite being able to identify your accent, and I didn't want to mis-identify it. Those appear to be U.K. plates, are you in Scotland? I met someone from Edinburgh a few years ago, but his accent was a bit different. Anyway, as I mentioned, I appreciated your review of this very cool bike, thank you for sharing!

[@matjucable]

Hi buddy, yes I'm from Edinburgh... although the accent is admittedly a weird mixture of Scots and Polish, hence your confusion 🤣🤣. I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you for your positive feedback, much appreciated! 👍🏻👍🏻 Only my third video with the new Gopro set, more coming soon as I'm trying to make it a weekly thing!

[@ericweber1969]

MJX Motoblog cool, looking forward to it.

[@jyotiprakashnanda5653]

They already discontinued this 500cc bike , go for 650 twin interceptor or GT

[@matjucable]

I'll do some test riding once the dealerships are open again, thanks! 👍👍

[@scottyaustria]

hi matt! by vibration you mean that anoying sound I suppose not the actual vibration, correct? You'll hardly get rid of any vibration on a thumper. Again, great video! cheers! 👍

[@matjucable]

Cheers buddy, I'm glad you liked it. Yes, the vibration coming from the engine is actually quite pleasant, so that's not an issue. I meant a high pitch buzzing, if you know what I mean, which only appears with higher revs, just befor you go up a gear. It was most likely caused by a front mud guard or headlight. Somewhere from the front of the bike anyway. It's hard to explain. I'm not sure this was the issue eith all classics, possibly just this bike. Wouldn't stop me from buying one to be fair. I really fancy the stealth black edition!

[@scottyaustria]

as long as you hear it rattling you know its still there..😁😂🤣

[@matjucable]

@@scottyaustria that's one way to look at it! 🤣🤣

[@maadhujovi9528]

Its made for touring

[@everythingenfield8903]

Did you purchase the Royal Enfield? I am getting a new one, hopefully early January!

[@matjucable]

Hi Glenn, unfortunately not. It was suppose to be a bike for my wife, which I could also use as my second bike. The wife decided motorcycling wasn't for her after all and I got a green light to buy a second bike just for myself. Went for a 25 year old VS1400 in the end but I think I will own an RE at some point. I really liked it!

[@everythingenfield8903]

@@matjucable That's a shame. Similar situation for myself. My wife went off the idea. However, after riding one I just purchased it for myself, along with a Himalayan too lol.

[@matjucable]

It was close for me as well but went for the intruder in the end, it was a bit more affordable too and I really liked the classic 90s power cruiser look of it. I couldn't find a matt black RE anywhere, which contributed to my decision. I still fancy one though. One day....

[@everythingenfield8903]

@@matjucable My local dealer had one too. I think he still may have a Tribute edition left though. Absolutely stunning mate. Well worth a look. Speak to Martin at Ecosse in Dundee, tell him Glenn sent you. Very competitive prices and excellent service there.

[@matjucable]

@@everythingenfield8903 will keep that in mind, thank you!

[@ganeshpede664]

Ride Royal Enfield Classic 500 in top gear at 50 KMPH Ultimate Fun.. Try this.. 👌👍

[@matjucable]

Ultimate fun at 50 kmph (around 30mph) in 5th? Hmmm.... not sure about that 🤣🤣

[@ganeshpede664]

@@matjucable Bro.. I am from India, where this motorcycle is manufactured. I saw your video, so I thought I should guide you. Look brother I am seriously talking to you.. don't make it funny.. RE Classic 500 build for torque, pull in lower RPM. But you ride this machine like a sports bike. High raving throttle in lower gears. If you ride like this, then RE classic 500 vibrate alot.. You have experienced a vibration too much.. RE Classic 500 not build for higher speed. That's why I told you!! You should ride this Classic bike at 30 - 40 MPH in 5th gear.. Believe me.. you will make fun to ride this bike.. Because, This is Royal Enfield... Not an ordinary bike.. Its different..👍👍

[@matjucable]

@@ganeshpede664 you're right, it's different to anything I've ridden before! Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed it and I would buy it in a heartbeat. The gear/rev ratio felt a lot different to my vstrom, yes. I thought towards the end I was probably overrevving it, so you're probably right... it is a different style of riding to my vstrom, so it's a case of learning it and getting used to it. Ride safe buddy!

[@ganeshpede664]

@@matjucable yes bro..🙂 You should watch this video.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f56XiJiupNOqpc0 Enjoy👍

[@jeffslade1892]

50kph - 30mph is only 2000rpm and they really don't like going that slow, your 'knocking bottom' and damaging the works, 3rd or 4th gear for 30mph. That big piston will be slamming the bearings. It should really be 2500 &up, peak torque is 4000rpm. If you completely mess it up and get too high a gear, the bike doesn't stall but bounces up and down like a space hopper. It will pull low revs in 1st, you can pull away at idle, just let the clutch out gently and potter away.

[@scotty_beast_rider]

I had a brand new 2019 Himalayan..... Would never have one again.... So unreliable. A real shame

[@matjucable]

Fun to ride though, I bet! That's a shame, I know a few people, who bought one and so far they haven't had issues... I totally get it though, it would put me off buying another one in the future...

[@AmanSingh-kk6rh]

From which country you belong plzz reply love from india🙏🙏🙏🙏🚩🚩