Hitchcocks Forum

Hi, here is a big question, I am looking at getting back into enfields, I had a 1995 500 bullet for many years. Iam looking at the classic 350, any good?
REgards

I may be wrong (easy to verify by telephoning our hosts) but I seem to remember the last of the 350 Bullets were imported in 2007 so there isn't a 2016 version the title of your thread implies. Here's a link to the MCN review of the 1987-2006 350 http://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-revi ... llet/1987/ You might like to consider the B5 500 EFI if you are looking for anew bike? Quality has improved since the 350 and spares are readily available (again from our hosts).

Im in Australia, yes new 2016 350 classics, 6500 dollars ride away

Ahhhh - you didn't say you're in a Land Downunder! Good on yer mate. Different countries different models. I wouldn't have thought the 350 you can get in Oz now is much different from the 2007 model imported here into the UK. I'd still go for the 500 though - not a great deal faster but less stress on a bigger engine under load.

I have a 2008 350 and love it.
They are, it has to be admitted, underpowered and tend to struggle a bit with steep gradients and strong headwinds.
Having said that, it's a lovely "soft" engine and is much less likely to blow up than the 500 version.
If you're happy pottering about at 50mph then go for it. After all, the 500 will only realistically have only another 10mph on the cruising speed.
A few things that will make it better are; close ratio gear conversion (eliminates the huge gap between 3rd and top) free flow silencer and air filter (they are pretty choked as they come) and the stiffener conversion for the gearbox end cover (it flexes and prevents accurate clutch adjustment)

I'm interested that these are still available in Aus. You obviously aren't subject to the Euro emissions regulations.

Pete F, as far as I know the last of the old 350 Bullets were built in 2010 for domestic sale in India. Finished.



Before saying "you can't have one of those!" let's do a bit of research and see what our Australian correspondent is talking about. Hmm. Checking on the official RE Australia web site I see they import the 350 UCE model which took the classic 350's place. Copy and paste the link into your browser and scroll down to the bottom of the page. Just because a model isn't imported into the UK, it doesn't mean they don't build it!



http://royalenfield.com.au/models/



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Thanks Adrian, that's sorted that. It also cancels my comments as I was talking about the Classic, not the Classic (if you see what I mean) An edit function on this board would really be useful sometimes.

Looking at the India RE site, the Classic 350 is a carburettor 346cc version of our Classic EFI-500. http://royalenfield.com/motorcycles/cla ... cification.

And down in Australia - http://royalenfield.com.au/models/classic-350/

So in answer to the ORIGINAL question, unless someone here has privately imported one or had a go on one in India, I suspect we may not be able to help an awful lot! If it's any help at all, the 350 AVL Machismo and Thunderbird models which came after the classic 350 but before the UCE 350, and which have made it into the UK in relatively small numbers, are generally considered very nice rides.



Bulletbarber, why not book yourself a test ride if the nearest dealer isn't a long way away and let us know if they're any good?



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