The Royal Enfield Classic 650 and Bear 650

[@heylormammy]

Hi Freddie, Thank you so much for reading out the story from my husband Graham. Jack was my lovely Dad. He loved the fact that he got to see HMH333 every day. He used her handlebars to help him get out and in of his chair until he was no longer able to sit in his chair. Dad would have been so proud to know that his old bike has been featured on your wonderful bike channel. Thank you again, Eileen. P.S. I took all the photos 😉

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

It was my pleasure to share the story- it made my day reading it out and enjoying the pics:) I loved Jack’s beaming smile in front of his BSA in his house!

[@snoopycharlie8718]

Such a lovely and uncynical story 🙂

[@travelogue2299]

Brilliant story

[@sharknose425]

Really enjoyed hearing this story. Thanks to both of you for sharing it. ❤

[@Uncle_Tijikun]

I'm a cruiser guy, but RE absolutely knocked it out the park with classic 650. Absolutely stunning, I'd buy it in an instant if I could afford two bikes.

[@lomate1963]

Go for it you only live once 😊

[@andrewpaton8819]

@@lomate1963naahhh you only die once, you live every day so make the most of everyone.

[@DaipayanKarmakar]

It's a dressed up super meteor. It is a cruiser with the classic brand name and skin

[@nickwheeler9882]

It's killing me old harley sportster or new royal enfield 650 ,l have a royal enfield meteor at the moment and looking to buy but witch one😢

[@Uncle_Tijikun]

@@nickwheeler9882 nah man, old Harleys are always the choice for me

[@fernandoprpinheiro]

impossible to deny, RE knows how to fulfill customers expectations, that 650 classic OMG what a beauty, that would be for sure one of my future bikes! There is nothing in the market competing with that classic right now 🔥

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

I agree😍🏍️

[@Alltheroadrunning]

Thank you. I really enjoyed your telling of my grandad, Jack's motorcycle. We lost him this year so it was very poignant memoir 🥺

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

That’s extremely kind of you, thank you so much for sharing the pics and allowing me to tell his story!:)

[@roverchap]

I am actually disappointed by the looks of the Classic 650. I owned a Classic 350 in Bronze-Chrome for two years, and I was expecting the 650 to be basically a 350 with the bigger engine. In fact it looks more like a Super Meteor, like a cruiser. The mudguards don't look right, they're not as all-encompassing as those on the 350. The seat looks thin and there are no tank badges. It is also very heavy, at 243kgs wet. Look, it's not a bad looking bike but it could and should have been nicer.

[@mickcresswell1031]

Hundred percent agree - I’m really disappointed in the Classic 650. Won’t be selling my 350 for sure.

[@DesmoDreams]

Exactly what I was expecting! I'm relieved in a way: I only bought my Classic 350 a few months ago and thought I might have to sell it to get the 650. But I far prefer the look of the 350. Instead, I'll buy the Bear to have alongside the classic; I'm a sucker for green frames!

[@volt8684]

And still 12 hp short of my sweet spot

[@petergarlick8083]

Completely agree!

[@muckle8]

Obviously the bean counters at RE have got involved , it’s a Meteor with slightly different mudguards/ seat etc , proportions are off for a classic , not nearly as handsome as the classic 350 , my heart says buy a 350 classic, take the engine out and graft in the 650 twin - if ONLY it were that easy . RE dropped the ball on this sadly

[@89RASMUS]

I pre-ordered a classic 650 today. Bought a 350 a couple of years back and absolutely love it although it is, like so many others point out, a bit under powered. It's fine for many of the paths and gravel roads I usually roam, but it suffers on the asphalt roads. I've tried out the 650 power train before, but they just haven't had the right model. Finally that has changed.

[@Paul-899cc]

Great job Freddie, hopefully with your help "The Youth" will be seen in droves on classics / less popular bikes from now on👍. I chatted to a lad riding a honda 125 - nothing special, a bog standard bike, 70 plate, 2k insurance !!!! Utterly ridiculous, no wonder you don't see youngsters on bikes. Even though it was costing 2k to insure & it was mid November the lads enthusiasm & joy for riding a bike was infectious. Hopefully your videos will help other youngsters to get on two wheels & enjoy the thrill & freedom that biking brings too. Regards Paul ✊

[@drivingnomad6012]

First podcast of yours that I watched.. And I simply loved it!! Didn't. Skip a single word! I am 38 and have bought 4 motorcycles. All of them are in a better shape than what they were when they left the factory! I have not sold or scrapped any of them! 2 of them are kind of ornamental and remind me of so many memories I have with them.. Tears of joy roll down as I write this.. Have a grt wknd buddy!!

[@B1RDSEYE]

6:23 absolutely agree with you here. I actually JUST test rode the Bear an hour ago, and I had a very similar thought to yours as I left the dealership, that royal enfield has really captured the essence of a motorcycle. I mean, if you picture the quintessential motorcycle in your mind, it’s hard not to say that it looks a lot like the Bear. If I were a richer man, I’d absolutely buy it, but unfortunately, I already committed to a Himalayan 450, and I don’t have the money for both.

[@Alancclive]

Bless your heart Freddie and thank you for reading out my comments at the start of your Tuesday at Dobbs. I respect that you didn’t brush the comments under the carpet. I’m a subscriber once again. I genuinely have enjoyed and looked forward to watching all the you do on KZbin. Am I forgiven for being a grumpy old man 🤞😊

[@MaxUtley]

I met an Australian guy while I was riding across Africa and he was riding a BMW R65 that he had ridden from Australia, across SE Asia, India, Middle East, Europe, the tough West coast route of Africa and eventually to stay at my house in southern tip of Africa that I always offer for free to round the “round world riders” I meet on my own expeditions. Amazing bike and very adventurous rider who shared his stories with me next to a fire in the desert - a picture of his his bike in my blog.

[@tombombadilofficial]

Thats so cool! Thanks for sharing your story

[@adrianroberts6983]

Hi Freddie, Re the R80GS. I'm sure that we all have THAT bike in our history that we regret selling and wish we still had. Well G***TYP was my R80GS in stunning black and yellow. I owned it for a few years in the late '90s and it was brilliant. Comfortable, reliable, beautifully ugly in it's way, and great fun. Traded it in for a Ducati M900 Monster (which was also huge fun) but regret the sale to this day. I'm happily pottering around on a Royal Enfield Classic 500 nowadays, but would swap back to that GS in the blink of an eye!

[@andyhewitt7588]

Brilliant bike of the week. The R80GS was a phenomenon when launched and was the grandfather of all the adventure bikes we have today. I met a French guy on the road on Spain and he was celebrating his retirement by riding his R80GS around Europe for a couple of months. When I met him, it had been totally reliable😀😀

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

This is music to my ears- these BMWs are timeless and will last forever🖤💪🏼

[@mysterybiker1717]

Best podcast yet, amazing new enfields and jacks story / photos was awesome. Gonna be an expensive january!

[@HiViNewsByRegina111]

Beside my RE Classic 350 and Scram 411 I will buy the beautiful Bear 650, the bike that fits 100 % to my taste. I am happy, that the cost of insurance in Germany is not that much as in Britain. The annual cost for my 7 motorcycles is around 600 € for all 7, but I ride since 1980 without an accident. Cheers from Germany

[@kevindarkstar]

24:57 can I just point out that in Google maps you can download any area map and once done you don't need a mobile signal, just the GPS which is always available if you can see the sky! So I'm always a bit puzzled by people saying "there was no mobile signal so we had to use maps 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@collyernicholasjohn]

🎯 did North India without a Sim card this way.

[@kevindarkstar]

@collyernicholasjohn exactly my point, thank you 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Alltheroadrunning]

Thanks

[@peterrobinson844]

Hi Freddie, thank you. Thank you for your content on cheaper insurance for young bikers. Yes we all know it’s fairly obvious; if you’re an old and experienced biker like me..60 plus and a bit! Young riders may not know this stuff and for them it could be a revelation!!! Thank you for ‘risking’ your KZbin content for the sake of others.

[@teneretraveller8980]

Why can't you tour on a classic 350? Soft panniers, little screen, pick your routes carefully. 90plus mpg, and go anywhere. So light and manageable. Much easier than a thurd of a metric ton of teutonic steel. I don't ride one but i happily would. Ride safe 👍

[@andyberhaahn]

I'll be touring on my classic 350 next year, was planning on upgrading to the 650 but with the mismatched look and weight I'll be looking elsewhere

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

The biggest reason I hear from Classic 350 owners for selling their bikes is they wanted more power for touring. Although I’ve happily toured on one for a few days and LOVED it😀

[@teneretraveller8980]

@tuesdayatdobbs I get it, but as you have proved, you don't need mire oomph to tour on it. 👍

[@mickcresswell1031]

@@tuesdayatdobbsthe Classic 350 owners who sold because of ‘lack of power’ clearly got the wrong bike and didn’t get what the bike was about. It’s not underpowered, so capable of touring.

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

As have most, l've been right up the capacity ladder but about touring....lve had big touring specific bikes, they are great at getting there, crap when you are there. I rode to Malaga from Leeds on a Suzuki VanVan and that was the opposite. A Classic 350 would be like a rocket in comparison!

[@hughphillips1427]

Yes totally agree classic motorcycles are well worth the money. I have a Honda CB250RS from 1981, with 16k on the clock. Admittedly I only ride it in the dry weather, but it is so much fun and very cheap to run.

[@philshotton3366]

Great podcast Freddie and what a lovely story of the Scottish BSA 👍

[@davidmuir6849]

Fantastic clip Freddie 😊 Thats exactly the reason I have a Suzuki Gs850g 1981 model and I’m 62 years old 😊 Regards Dave from Scotland

[@TheNorthernClassicRider]

What a fantastic story(and pics)of Jack and his BSA. And those Enfields!❤

[@crazybiscut]

Being a scram 411 owner im really excited for the bear 650

[@05gt99]

Freddie , I loved the story of Jack in Shetland and his BSA. It is interesting that insurance for older bikes is cheaper when they don’t have the safety features of modern bikes such as ABS. I imagine that they are also difficult to repair due to lack of parts availability. Good work there.

[@mslattery8710]

Such good advice to young and aspiring riders to look to the classic bike market for their first serious bike. I've always subscribed to that principle. Having owned numerous, at least ten plus year old machines since I started riding more than forty years ago. If you chase the latest models, you've always had to be of some considerable means. Another good reason is the price you'll pay for the bike will be a good deal less than the new equivalent. I've always realised my long term bike ambitions but only by delaying purchasing them for a decade or more. But with older comes less sophistication, almost certainly carburettors for instance. Never been a problem in my long experience. Less to go wrong in fact and easier to diagnose faults should they occur. The greater the uptake of historic vehicles and therefore, road tax, MOT and ULEZ zone excempt bikes by the ever dwindling motorcycling population of this country, the more likely it will be that the legislators will do their best to take them off the roads. So, enjoy it while you can and exploit those loopholes and breaks for all they're worth..

[@keithhealing1115]

A friend of mine used to have an old R80. It looked very beaten but he said it was impossible to break. Not fast but would sit at 50 on ANY incline. He loved it.

[@tristansayers6494]

A very helpful video! When I was 17 my dad already knew about statistics with insurance companies. He got me a Honda CG125 from 1979 as my first bike! two years later come 2019 it was Tax and MOT exempt as well. Never had an issue with reliability and I did basically no maintenance. Love that machine, will never get rid of it.

[@shaundewar7397]

What a wonderful story with Jack and his A7.

[@Surbatron]

What a lovely story about Jack and his beloved motorcycle...really touching. Stories like this and the community who share them really make your channel unique. Thank you.

[@GeorgeShepherd-c1l]

Brilliant previous story Freddie I wonder how many old riders including myself would have loved to have their most loved bike lifted through their bedroom window and parked in their living room to look at and dream about past trips and adventures.Lovely story about a lovely family man.Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@deanomachineo7281]

Another excellent review Freddie, I really appreciate your enthusiasm!

[@StephenClarke-l4s]

Great podcast, lovely and punchy. Some of your best work I have seen to date.

[@colinsweetman6745]

Freddy - Re: insurance costs for young riders. It’s simple - buy a bike people don’t want to steal. That’s why the CX500 and Enfield 500 are so cheap to insure.

[@chrisfs150]

Another top tip for the younger riders.... Dont ride like a dick nor hit other cars Simples

[@GarryShirreffs-cs2gb]

Love RE, had a classic 350 loved it, needed more power, got an interceptor loved it , what a bike , realised I wanted to keep adventuring now have a Honda Nc750X , it dawned on me I’m not a classic biker, I’m an adventurer lol cheers

[@-old-school-motorcyclesltd]

What a fantastic story about Jacks 500cc A7 bless him and RIP Jack What a Beautiful machine Great one Freddie Atb phil green

[@Turnbull62]

My brother has 1982 Honda Cb750. Bought as non starter about 12 yrs ago for about £800. He stripped the entire bike. Painted the frame, new rings etc, cleaned and balanced the carbs a couple of times and replaced all the serviceable parts and fluids. (All work done himself and he’s not a mechanic to trade) After a few years of riding it around big chunks of Scotland, about 7 or 8 years ago he took it on a long weekend trip from Scottish Borders to Orkney and back, never missed a beat. At 59, (passed test in early eighties) full no claims, his insurance came DOWN this year, to £67 fully comp. Obviously now tax free and no MOT required. Practically biking for free. 😄

[@michaelmclarney1994]

Hi Freddie, i also think that a big factor is that smaller motorcycles and scooters are more expensive to insure due to the theft risks and that they are the vehicles of choice for phone and bag snatching fraternity in our cities. Also, they are used as a tool for stealing other small bikes, be wary of these bikes carrying a passenger!

[@Biggles83]

The two best RE models made to date in my opinion! I’d happily have both in my garage

[@mantarayal]

Me too.

[@kokilimonke]

In Norway veteran motorcycles is very cheap to insure. I have a veteran Yamaha XJR1200 and a veteran Honda Transalp xl600v. The insurance is under 100£ for each. About 170£ for both.

[@kokilimonke]

Due to the cheap veteran insurance, veteran motorcycles is pretty popular here for people that ride occasionally. Especially since some insurance companies have a limitation on how much you can use a veteran registered vehicle. My insurance is 4000km, but with two veterans I can ride 8000km witch is pretty decent.

[@ontheroadadventure]

We have been touring around Thailand on two Royal Enfield 650’s and have to say we loved them, affordable reliable machines that get the job done with no frills. The best looks good but for me I’d buy a interceptor used and then customise it myself to a scrambler style and have a unique bike

[@NeuKrofta]

I think I still prefer the Shotgun 650 over Classic 650. Shotgun just looks so good.

[@barrytriumph6620]

I’m still peeved that anyone thought that the ‘industry’ was hating on Freddie. There is no industry. Just competing companies. They don’t collaborate on shit. Ignore the drama Queens and keep doing honest reviews.

[@vimalodedra]

Can you swap bear 650 wheels with front of super meteor and rear of shotgun? I am thinking of building a street tracker!

[@Leef3477]

Been waiting for this video from you since I saw Enfield post all the new images. Love this bike from what iv seen. Hope the powder blue colour makes production. For me that is my absolute top choice! 😍

[@Avigazed]

WOW! A metaphorical mic drop at the end there. Great video. This one was extra informative. 👏

[@dankorolyk5917]

Definitely R.E. has a winner there

[@Muller-s5f]

Hi Freddie, That's exactly what I did when I decided to get back into biking after a 30 year absence. In about 2001 I checked the cost of insurance for a 50 year old with a full licence but no no-claims bonus. Prohibitively expensive. A friend suggested trying Carol Nash for their classic insurance. I was able to buy a GPZ900 from 1985 for little money and insure it without breaking the bank. What a thrill! I built up my no claims bonus and was able to insure a BMW K1200S with 50% no claims bonus. Happy days. Brian

[@jaciuh]

Thanks very much Freddie. I’ll be waiting for your review of the classic 650 after you ride it (because you will do it, right?) to decide whether or not to trade my classic 350… No pressure!

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

I’ll definitely borrow it asap, with exactly the same thought in my mind as you: does it still have the charm, and is the extra power a game changer?

[@alanjl61]

Thanks for the inclusion, A quick note on the later G/S models - They might be less basic but they are better. Paralever suspension on the rear means less shaft bounce on acceleration and having wheels for tubeless tyres. As an old despatch rider of the 1980's we used to deal with punctures in a tubeless with a self tapping screw to get you home - Latex in a can trashed the tyre and shops would only replace them with that stuff in. That restoration of Jack's A7 is an epic tale. A bike that had true meaning in a life - beautiful! Even though I have never had one, I am attracted to the Enfield. Pity the 500 Bullet disappeared. The 350 is not much smaller and my first adventure was on an RD250 around Ireland. Sometimes smaller and simpler can be more enjoyable. The Beemer has a 38 litre petrol tank which is quite a weight to lift when stuck in sand! On your insurance crusade - whatever happened to the good old Norwich Union rider policy? Any number of bikes based on capacity Under 225 Under 350 Under 600 and Unlimited. Nice and simple. They assumed you could only ride one bike at a time. It also allowed for despatch work such a pity it is gone.

[@TheWuseln]

Yeah, the candle light makes the difference! :) Love your vids.

[@reinmansmith]

Totally agree Freddie that classic bikes are the way forward! Following in your footsteps next April heading for Morocco on my 1983 R100RS and I have absolute trust that she’ll get me there and back 😎

[@organizedanarchy2745]

I'm so stoked for these new bikes in the US

[@crispinleslie]

There are many brilliant bikes available at the moment; for RE to stand out right now is an achievement without precedent in the history of motorcycling.

[@chrisharrison3649]

Hi, just a small correction, the first year free insurance was paid for by Benelli as an incentive.

[@ralfybaby]

Wow i am surprised that the Classic 650 gets so much praise. It looks misshapen to me. Where rhe 350 is a little gem, just absolutely perfect in its dimensions and properties the 650 just looks off. The Bear does look good and it is already hitting stores here in the USA. Not too expensive either, in fact the 2 in 1 exhaust and the uograded shocks are included! Gonna check one out next weekend (but will probably get an Interceptor with the regular street looks, 2023 leftovers can be had with significant discounts ...)

[@arthurdeygers2106]

I've got a bmw R60/5 and its just great everything is super simple parts are everywhere its not the fastest or best but i will never get rid of it. I already did some smaller trips on it the longest around 1300km and it did just fine I plan on doing a longer trip trough europe one day.

[@davidforsdike4343]

Love how Enfield follow their own path.

[@ianhalliwell8604]

It's the weight of that new 650 classic that puts me off, it's considerably heavier than i thought it was going to be. OK for a young whippersnapper like you Freddie but at my age I'm not convinced.

[@jemtreays]

Now the qiestion is do I sell my interceptor and two van vans to buy the bear. Im with you Freddy uber cool and gorgeous🤩.

[@stevezahn8056]

Ok Freddie, that new 650 RE is going to be a big deal. I don’t know if it’s better than that chrome and blue Triumph you rode in Tenerife. That bike really took me back to the old days. Most old Harley guys like me always had cool old Triumphs and BSAs also. I’ll tell ya when I was 21 I had an old police panhead. Insurance was $58 a year. That was a lot of money for me, so we all knew an insurance agent, that for $20 would make you a policy, give you a temporary insurance card to take to the dept of motor vehicles so you could register your bike. You would get your paperwork and license plate. Then go back to the agent and he would close your policy. Worked like a charm. Now that I’m older I have a policy on both of my Harley’s. Only liability. $95 a year.

[@himydad1499]

I share your enthusiasm about the Classic/Bear 650, Flying Flea. It is the reveal of the year. I do doubt that the Classic 650 will give you the same feeling as the 350. Maybe that tad more power will compensate for that. Anyhow, can't wait to test ride one.... Cheers.

[@Batman-m8r]

Hello Freddy. My first bike, a BMW R25, was older than me when I bought it. I overhauled the engine myself and all parts were still available new at the time. This is still the case for many old models of BMW. For many Japanese bikes, it becomes difficult to get new parts after 10 years or so, and then rebuilding becomes a challenge.

[@Tonyslifephase3]

Thanks Freddie, some great content as usual.

[@biker_dale]

Great video Freddie. I do like RE, they make great bikes now with plenty of character. I recently bought a 2018 Himalayan for winter and think I have my perfect 3 bikes for all occasion now. 2019 Guzzi V7 (750cc), 2018 Himalayan (411cc) and a 1965 BSA Bantam (175cc) Got them all insured on a multi policy for £250. I'm not really bothered with new bikes, I'll stop at bikes that can still be tweaked.

[@stillben]

I think you have hit your stride with these videos. Chruchillian authority on used classic bikes and insurance short cuts. Very enjoyable watch/listen.

[@barryfrancis7421]

Jesus,,,,lol.

[@garthmccarthy4572]

Beautiful episode 🤩

[@danielsale3805]

Very good information there Freddy. If people use it it could help with the problem of getting the younger generation into motorcycles.

[@WillianMeloMachado]

Hi Freddie! I don't know about the UK, but in Brazil, besides the rider's age, insurance also considers how much attention the motorcycle attracts from thieves. For example, here, thieves' favorites are sport bikes and adventure bikes, pushing the insurance cost to approximately one-third of the bike's value. Meanwhile, custom and cruiser bikes have insurance costs around 10% or 5% of the bike's value. In 2011, I had a Ninja 250 worth 15,000 BRL, and the insurance cost was around 5,000 BRL. Obviously, I didn’t go for it. Last year, I bought a Classic 350 for 25,000 BRL, with insurance costing 1,200 BRL.

[@JH-ox7hn]

Would love to see a Bullet 650 as well. Would make a good winter bike.

[@MrPX207]

Yes yes yes Freddie, I knew it! Go classic all the time and stick it to the government, no MOT, not Tax and NO ULEZ charge and get yourself to the Bike Shed London to show it off 😂 - excellent video 👍🏻

[@kevindixon2645]

feel the same about old Guzzi as the GS great advice for new riders

[@doccops]

Thanks for that, very interesting as usual.

[@stuartjames6300]

Hi, another great vid, I am sure I recall a Paris Dakar BMW in The Baffle Haus, Wales. Stunning bike

[@JayDuke-h6v]

Hello Freddie, I just came across a photo of a Brixton Cromwell 1200. Have you ever come across or taken a look at this interesting line of motorbikes? Keep up the great video blogs. I look forward watching Tuesday at Dobbs, always informative and entertaining and like hearing from an old friend!

[@racheltaylor6578]

Lone Rider by Elspeth Beard’ is a great book Freddie if you are looking for a read.

[@Eyegazersphoto]

HI Freddie, its not only for the young riders. I took my CBT last year and decided to go for an AJS Tempest as my L plate ride. I was shocked when Bennett’s came back with a quote in excess of £1300. I shopped around some more and managed to get it down to about £800. Then my training centre passed me a discount voucher for Bikesure. Imagine my surprise to get quoted £250. So it is really mad out there on the quotes. The story is shop around, do research etc. I am sure the older bikes with out a cult following will be cheaper. Also I suspect the brand matters a huge amount., IE if a brake lever for a Japanese bike is £50, but a Chinese import its about £15. So repairs etc will be a lot cheaper and typically the labour rate from the smaller dealers will be less as well. I’ve just renewed and this year my insurance is significantly less. I did a check with others and got the same old north of £500 quotes so over double.

[@chrishart8548]

Wednesday at Dobbs

[@dannyhampshire2825]

Have you got some type of deal with RE just a bit over the top Freddie

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

Good to hear your thoughts, thanks Danny🙌🏻

[@dannyhampshire2825]

@ no don’t get me wrong it’s that it’s seems as if everyone is pushing RE so much love watching your channel and have done since god know when and will for the see able future

[@abhigyansinha7924]

That’s a lot of useful info mate! In India, the same stuff is a bit cheaper - especially REs

[@simonharvey9782]

Hi just subscribed, liked your dit on the BSA but this vlog is very good investigating into the insurance,I like the Bear,RE has done it before BSA,I bet they do something similar many have already converted the Goldstar to a Scrambler.

[@NTF.England]

Wish RE would make a 800cc or above, still using an air oil cooled engine format (many air-heads out there) with a new frame (always the same frame)((and engine)) they seem to be locked into the A2 licence format...understandable. The Bear and Shot-Gun for me are the better variants. Another good vid Mr Dobbs.

[@olijeffcote378]

Hi Freddie, I am looking to upgrading my 1st bike a HD Street 750...it's been an absolutely great bike! When would you suggest a good time to buy and good time to sell?? And also what "red flags" do you look for when purchasing a new motorcycle?? Could you maybe put this question out to the community??

[@diversionbob8482]

Is it the Spanish government giving the free insurance or Benelli ?

[@tuesdayatdobbs]

😆

[@leeandjancruise]

Freddie it's o.k. to advise young riders to buy a seventies motorcycle to take advantage of not needing an MOT or having to pay road tax and the low insurance but what about the maintenance? I doubt they could do it themselves and finding a garage capable or willing to do it won't be easy, I'm talking points, carburettors and electrical components here and then there's the problem of finding the necessary parts should something need replacing, as a classic Japanese motorcycle restorer I can tell you it can be hard to find parts and sometimes they are simply unobtainable. Any bike being considered would have to be fully restored and for peace of mind I'd suggest an MOT.

[@sergentcolon1]

Freddie, any air head boxer engined BMW is a good useable classic. The 800cc air head boxer engine can be easily converted into a 1000 by just swapping the pistons and barrels. Motorworks do a kit for it where you send back your old pistons and cyclinders. They are also ridiculously easy to service yourself.

[@johnnythefox9830]

Thanks dobbsey as aways. 😊

[@michelthienpont]

is the new classic a solo driver ? or can you add a passenger seat ? i don't find info

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

I Agee Freddie about the 650 Royal Enfield Bear . I think would make a great Sunday rider , weekend warrior or even a long distance Adventurer ( with a few mods mate ) that’s great news for young riders mate . I had the same year in the Yamaha RZ 250 two stroke, crazy when I was 17 could ride one of them as a new rider .

[@montagesmoth]

Thank you for doing the insurance quotes. Very eye opening

[@fujimota666]

From the EICMA show, besides the RE's the only other bike i'm really looking foward to is the Honda GB350S, the Honda's answer to the RE 350's popularity. Based on the India's Honda H'ness, it's a singles cylinder 350cc 21hp modern classic, much like the RE Hunter. The way i see it it's a modernday working man's bike from one of the big japponese brands, just like in the 70's/80's And with the GB350S on the way eventally we could also get the GB350C ( a classic looking honda just like the RE classic 350)

[@lkn4jolly]

If you get an old bike, phone up big breakers like Bristol or somewhere and ask them what they've still got a lot of. I sold my old faithful Divvy 96 and was starting to have real trouble getting spares. Old bikes are good on insurance and you can get a lot of bike for cheap, but research parts availability.

[@davidmillar275]

Can we have the insurance quotes for fully comprehensive

[@Tangotop]

Also shop around and haggle you renewal. My Crf300 rally came in for renewal at 245 this month. I went back to the insurer and by comparing quote they match a £134 cheapest quote instantly.

[@albiorixsaturn3532]

Classic 650 might be their biggest beast ever!

[@luddite6239]

What a great move to photograph the new models at the Beamish Museum - inspired!

[@hella42]

Jack's BSA is a beauty! Hope they never sell that bike and make it a family heirloom. Teach all the young ones and keep motorcycling alive.

[@iggyzorro2406]

I like the look of the brown & chrome classic 350

[@felixVanDiemen]

Nice one Freddie!

[@zerofighter42]

Freddie, back in the good old bad old days, insurance was based purely on capacity so an old nail of a Brit bike 500cc sludge pump would cost you the same as an RG500, so at least the system now is fairer. As a 19 year old in the mid 80's I was paying around £300/year TPFT, thats around £900 today for the RG250 you kindly included in your video. But the bike only cost £1799 new, the equivalent of £5397 today and about the same as today's GSXR125. The RG250 weighs less and three times the power of the 125, so perhaps its the poor value for money of moden bikes which is putting some would be new riders off too.