Royal Enfield 350

[Duccout]

Sorry to put this in the main forum, but I don't know where else it should be.

Does anyone here have a new RE 350? I would like to know how it compares to a Ducati 350, and whether it is a viable bike for reasonable distances?

I am thinking of selling my Ducati GT1000 Sport Classic, as the lowering of speed limits and the increasing road congestion are making riding it a bit pointless. Yesterday I rode up to Lowestoft in Suffolk, and the sheer volume of traffic and speed limits meant that I barely exceeded 60 MPH, and it seems to me that an Enfield would do the job and be much better on the back roads; it is very tiring trying to keep the Ducati in check. Alright the Enfield would not handle motorways, but I avoid them these days anyway. The Enfield is fully equipped and has a balance shaft so it can be cruised without vibration, and seems to fit the bill. Possibly a 650 Enfield would be better, but it is heavy (the same weight as the GT1000) and as I am 70 next birthday, weight is an issue now.

Cheers,

Colin

[George]

Hi Colin
I have no experience with RE but today I rode 110 miles from Canvey to Watton, Norfolk on the 350 Road. Very comfortable and cruising at 60\65 with no effort, arrived fresh and no more aches than usual for an octogenarian
I have noticed that a few vmcc club members are now riding modern RE"s I can ask next time I meet up with them.

[Duccout]

Hi George,

Glad to hear that you are doing OK and are out on the 350. I took mine out for a decent run earlier in the week and TBH it is all that I need really, which made me wonder about the Enfield 350. The Enfield would be my 'convenience' bike - quiet, and with a reliable electric starter and a side stand; things that my 350 Ducati is not so good on, having a noisy exhaust, no electric starter and no side stand, plus it is about 50 years old, which gives me a certain amount of trepidation.

Cheers,

Colin

[blethermaskite]

Colin, Buy yourself the best Honda xbr500 you can find and afford.....light, comfortable, electric start, (and kickstart) balance shaft and a nice gearbox with a light clutch, really quite a fast wee bike and with good brakes and decent handling ........twice the bike a Royal Oilfield is and still a very affordable jap classic. I have owned one and have regretted selling it for years now (if you can find an xbr TT model lovely!)
Cheers,
George

[George]

I have recently bought a new 350 and find it a really nice easy bike to ride corners really well with good brakes not yet run in but the published top speed is only a tad over 70. Stuart Strauss

Hi Colin I have had the above reply from one of our vmcc Essex section members. Hope this helps. If you are thinking of buying new why not have a test ride.

[Duccout]

Thank you both Georges.

[themoudie]

Aye Colin,
I have PM'd you!
Good health, Bill

[Jordan]

I met a RE350 owner on a recent Distinguished Gentleman's Ride (ironic name I suppose).
It was a smart looking machine with modest performance.

[George]

Hi Colin not sure if you have decided on the Royal Enfield yet. I have had a reply from a friend who belongs to VMCC club in Cornwall as shown below:

"Hi George. There are a couple of members out here in the west have done exactly that and are very happy with they're RE 350s. Cruise all day at 60/65 and easy on the knees with the electric start. One has recently bought the new 400 Triumph and reckons it's the best thing he's had."

[Duccout]

Hi George,

Thank you for the info. I have gone as far as visiting my local dealer and having a sit on the Enfield. I am very taken with it - it just looks right, but the suspension seems a bit budget (as to be expected) but is easily remedied. There is even a 500cc kit available for it! Whatever, I have to sell my big Ducati first, and the way the used motorcycle market looks, that may not be easy.


Cheers,

Colin