Very interesting, thank you! Yes discontinued everywhere, sadly. And yes I think we all agree about the bikes character. Thanks again 🙏🏼

Despite the EFI, o2 sensors etc. these bikes still have character. I quite like carbs and minimal technology on a bike. I suppose there’s advantages and disadvantages either way. Modern bikes don’t need a drip tray left under them, and they’re more reliable. But if there are any issues you’re less likely to be able to fix it yourself with a simple tool kit. Euro legislation has left bikes running ultra lean. I fitted a booster plug to richen the mixture, but it’s a shame we have to find a way around the ridiculous restrictions. There will come a time that we won’t be allowed to make such changes. Many thanks. Nice to hear about your old bikes. I have a 64’ AJS 350 in the garage. One fine day I’ll get around to fixing it up and taking it out 🤞🏼

Thank you kindly! That is exactly how I find it. After years of bigger, better, faster, more, it was quite a surprise to find myself having so much fun on the Classic. I’m sure anyone that tries one would be the same. Thanks again and all the best 👍🏼

Many thanks. It was great fun putting this one together with Mark. I’d like to film more of this type of video. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Best wishes for Christmas and new year to you too. Thanks again 🙂👍🏼

Excellent information, thank you. And thank you for watching 👍🏼

Just brilliant little bikes! I’m glad the video helped someone in a small way. Thank you for watching and commenting. Safe travels 👍🏼

The 350’s are great. I haven’t ridden one but a few friends have them and love them. From what they say, it seems the 350’s are a little more refined. Enjoy 🙂👍🏼

Thank you Mr Devonaholics 🙂👍🏼

Marks bike is always turned out impeccably, and I do my best with Ernie too. It’s quite satisfying getting them all polished. Many thanks Goofy 🙂👍🏼

Thank you very muchly indeed. Very kind, as always. Urgh! I hate being busy. Where’s the fun in that? 🫤 Mark was incredibly easy to work with, and equally as easy to get along with. This was so much fun to film, and Mark’s enthusiasm so infectious that it was an absolute pleasure . It was on the cards for a long time but, as you well know, being a grown up ( like it or not ) generally means being busy, which makes meet ups difficult to plan. We got there in the end, thankfully. I hope you find the time for your comparison video. I know that’ll be a good watch. Thanks again! Much love to you y Rubita Bonita 💕 PS. Thanks also on Mark’s behalf. He was pleased as punch to see your comment 🙏🏻

@@Saddlebags73 🤗 Well, you’re both welcome, it was a really entertaining comparison and chat ! 🥃🥃🥃 ER & Rubita

I like to think of them as chats, as opposed to interviews. “Interview” sounds so bleddy formal 🤣

@@Saddlebags73 Definitely chats ! You’re too natural for it to ever be an „interview“ ! Really good though ! Cheers Jeff 🥃🥃 ER

@@economicalrides 🙏🏼🙂🍻

I never had the pleasure of a C90, or a heel/toe shifter. I know all about pizzas though 😋 Thanks Hippo 🙂👍🏼

@@Saddlebags73 Mmmm pizza 🍕 😋

@@HippoDrones 😍

Thank you kindly AR! I prefer to think of it as a natter 🙂👍🏼

Thank you kindly sir! Your choice of course, but the character of the 500’s is unparalleled in my opinion. I must admit the 650 meteor looks good though. Mark is interested in the shifter. He struggles with the heel shift after surgery on his ankle. Would you mind emailing me so I can pass on your details? saddlebags73@btinternet.com Thanks again 👍🏼

Ah, many thanks for the info. Much appreciated 👍🏼

Thank you very much 🙏🏼 That was the only reason I could think of 👍🏼

Hi, many thanks for watching. They really do take you back to basics and are such an enjoyable ride. This is the bike that made me realise it isn’t all about bigger, better, faster, more. All the very best 👍🏼

Hi Taym, so did yours come with the switch as standard or did you retrofit one?

@@markhutchings8281 it was there but not doing anything. A guy at the farm had a look at it and had it working in about 3 minutes

@@TAYM Ah I see, so it’s looking more like the switch being absent is an Indian model trait!

Thank you muchly TAYM. Now it all makes sense 🙂👍🏼

Thank you Grey Wolf! Yes it’s had a great response. I think the Vulcan requires such attire 🤣 I bet she is a heavy old lump, but no doubt like the Pan, ok once it’s moving. Many thanks my friend 👍🏼

Thanks Flapjack! It was great fun filming this. We went for fish n chips afterwards too 😋

@@Saddlebags73 of course you did🤣🤣

Thank you, Lester. Also very interesting hearing from you. I adore the 535 GT’s. They’re quite small aren’t they? Thanks again Lester. Take care over there 👍🏼

@@Saddlebags73 When i put the 535 next to my 650 there doesn't seem to be a great deal of difference in size but definitely weight and performance. Every time i look at the 535 however it reminds me of the old British bikes my brother and his mates would be riding in the early 70,s, the begging of the end for British manufacturing of most things not only bikes. I am only 5'7'' and that seems to be an almost perfect height for most of the retro bikes i am interested in triumphs too. An advantage to being vertically challenged that makes a change! Cheers for now.

@@lesterhall5310 Ah ok. Next time I spot one I’ll seek permission for a sit on it. Although I do feel a little perched on the Classic, I think I get away with it on that style of bike. Being tall can be a pain. Not only for fitting bikes, but also constantly being asked to grab things from the top shelf in the supermarket 🤣 Thanks Lester. Take care over there 👍🏼

Oh that’s lovely. I hope you have many happy miles on the 500. Such characterful little bikes and they really do bring a smile to your face. Coincidentally, Mark has just bought an 1150RT for long rides and to hopefully encourage his other half to ride pillion. It would be a pleasure to ride with you, on the wrong side 🤣 Many thanks. Take care over there 👍🏼

@@Saddlebags73 Well tell Mark that my wife has ridden behind me with on a Harley FLHT, a Goldwing GL1800 and a Honda CB900 since we've been married (30 years!). The BMW 1200RT is far away her favorite. The comfort, wind protection and performance is simply stellar. I do believe he'll greatly enjoy the bike as will his wife. Oh, I got all the bits 'n pieces back on the 500 and zipped around the neighborhood today. It's GREAT FUN! Entirely different riding experience but I can't wait to do some work commutes on it. I work on a military base so it will look great there.

@@briand4000 Thank you, I’ll pass that on now 👍🏼

Thank you kindly sir. Yes we both felt a bit dumb when we realised the reg plate would have been under the headlight 🤦🏻‍♂️ I’ve had all sorts of bikes in the past, but none made me smile like the 500. I’m sure everyone that owns one feels the same. Thanks again, keep it clean and take care over there 👍🏼

Ah thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it in the end. They really are different to other bikes aren’t they. I think you have to ride one to understand it. I’m sure anyone that gives it a chance would be won over by its charm. Thank you for watching. Safe travels 👍🏼

Thanks Bandit! It’s nice to know not only Enfield owners can enjoy it. Yes, if I were Mark I’d be looking at getting a side stand switch fitted. Haha, I think you’ve just got to find the right bike to slow you down. The amount of fun I get out of the Classic was a shock. Yes, bleddy cows timed that well didn’t they 🤦🏻‍♂️ Pah haa 🤣 what a privilege, washing Carol’s bike. I wouldn’t let anyone wash mine 😳 Thanks Bandit 👍🏼

@@Saddlebags73 In the latest model which came out in India before it was discontinued, I believe there was a cut out when the side stand was engaged. It had ABS (dual channel) as well.

@@ravinschannel that’s interesting, thank you 👍🏼

Thank you kindly. I’m travelling to Ireland with Mark at the end of this month. Hopefully there will be videos from there, although I’ll be riding my Himalayan 👍🏼

I know what you mean 100% These simple little bikes have personality. I’ve ridden all sorts over the years but nothing makes me smile more than puttering around on this one. Thanks again 👍🏼

I changed the tail light on mine to one off a Thunderbird. I’m not sure if my original one is any different to the one on Mark’s Indian model, but now you’ve said, I’ll take a look next time. Many thanks, and all the best to you 🙂

Thanks for watching Solo! Had great fun filming this 🙂👍🏼

@@Saddlebags73 seemed very professional 👍👍🙏

Thanks Janner 👍🏼 Yes we had a proper look and saw the ABS gubbins behind the panel on mine. It’s quite interesting seeing the differences, but hard to know which are down to the different markets, and which are down to years.

Thanks Laurie! Mark and I bounce off each other well 🙂

Ah of course, that would make sense. Thank you 👍🏼

Ha thanks for watching. Yes, they’re also known as Bullet’s, and the styling has changed very little 👍🏼

🤣 Yes, brilliant film. I watched it many times back in the day. “It’s just a little old lady” 😂

Yes Mark is a funny guy 🤣 Thanks for watching 👍🏼

Hmm I’m not sure how that works then 🤷🏻‍♂️ That’s the only reason I can think of for the twin spark ⚡️👍🏼 Thanks for watching, Weston!

Gregor, my friend, thank you kindly. I am aware that I am behind on your videos and I will catch up, as always. No matter what, you have always been a great support and I appreciate it. Thanks again 🙏🏻🙂

@@Saddlebags73 I know you will. Just feel free. :) On Wednesday there will be a special one for you. Others... can wait. :)

@@RRRRefuelRideRace If you say so, I know it’s unmissable 🙂👍🏼

I honestly thought it would only appeal to Enfield owners. It’s nice to know you enjoyed it, thanks. Self retracting stand? Ridiculous idea! I bet that bike has been dropped a 1’000 times 🤪🤣

😁😛

Thanks Quin 🙏🏻 It’s very interesting spotting the differences, but also a little confusing as the bikes changed so much in the 3 years between them. One constant seems to be the character and pleasure for the owners 🙂👍🏼

Thank you very much! Did you simply remove the o2 sensor and cap the hole? It seems there are many differences even between the UK models. Mine will run in neutral with the side stand down.

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it 👍🏼

🤣 thanks Bikegeist. Well every day’s a school day. I didn’t even know Honda India existed. Thanks for watching 👍🏼

It's because many Indians ride in flip flops!

@@mickwalker8813 🤣 true

Thank you kindly for your input. Very interesting to hear. Regarding the storage space, mine has no storage there and it does appear to have the abs workings behind the panel, so it’s confusing that yours has abs AND a storage space 🤷🏻‍♂️ But yes, the differences are subtle 👍🏼

@@Saddlebags73 yes Sir

Many thanks, Frank! I’m pleased you enjoyed it. It was fun to film. I agree on the swing arm caps and would be interested in an alternative too. Also the indicators, I have bought two pairs of Lucas style indicators from Hitchcocks. They run regular bulbs and in my opinion are much more tasteful than the bulbous affairs that come as standard. You never know, I might get around to fitting them this winter. Thanks again and all the best 👍🏼

I kind of like the big indicators. All part of the strange charm of these machines. Agree about the swing arm caps though!!!!URG!

I agree! I also have a Himalayan, which is great, I have a lot of fun on it. But it isn’t a patch on the Classic. Many thanks 🙂👍🏼

Thank you Old school! Yes it’s very interesting, but a little confusing. Some differences are down to the bikes being 3 years apart and some to the different markets. You’re on the money regarding the number plate. A few folk have said the same. It seems so obvious now 🤦🏻‍♂️🤣

Pah haa you could be right about the suspension 🤣 Many thanks, Jim 🙂👍🏼

I had a heel toe shifter on a cruiser I bought since filming this. I adapted quickly and quite liked it. The bike was too bulky though so I moved it on again. I’d love a go on A URAL outfit.

Yes it’s a scary thought. I saw him pull away with the stand down once, and I went straight into panic mode. If I were Mark, I’d look into getting a switch fitted. Thanks for watching 👍🏼

I had a 1978 Kawasaki Z200, It had an interesting mechanism on the side stand with a twin retractor spring. Was no problem if you left the stand down and rode off. The stand would lift up slightly then retract. Not seen this on any other bike. Another great feature I've seen in my life once, and not seen again.🤔

@@KTU17N That does sound interesting. I haven’t seen anything like that before.

Hi and thank you. Oh no, that’s worrying. Thanks for the heads-up 👍🏼 Best of luck!

Thank you very much 🙂

Hi, How amazing. Will you ride the bike here? It’s been years since I fitted any drum brakes but I seem to remember it being quite a simple task. However if you aren’t confident in doing it yourself there is a good network of Royal Enfield dealers and service providers. A Google search should show them. You shouldn’t be too far from one wherever you are, hopefully.

Hi @@Saddlebags73, First of all, thank you so much for replying in time. And yes, I am planning to ride it here in UK. Actually I reached out to a couple of stores here in London, they seemed to have very little idea about availability of drum brake pads. That's what got me skeptical about all this in first place. Another work around I am thinking about is to get the rear drum brakes converted to disc ones in India itself before getting it shipped here. Let's see how it goes. Also, I would love to meet you personally( once I have my motorbike here) if I ever get opportunity for the same. Thanks🤗

You are very welcome Praveen. That surprises me. I know of two or three RE dealers within an hour from me that could do it, but I’m a long way from London. I believe rear drum versions are quite common over here. Best of luck with it, whichever way you go. Feel free to give me a shout if you’re in my area. All the best 👍🏼

Thanks Charlie! Mine was quite snatchy on the throttle until I fitted a booster plug.

Very interesting, thank you. You two can spend half an hour walking around each other’s bikes soon 🤣👍🏼

Ah from SB’s reply the penny has dropped! Looking forward to meeting you soon hopefully Warrick! 😀👍🏻👍🏻

Both bikes fitted with Avon’s from new 👍🏼

But you rode one once, didn’t you? 🤪 Yeh he’s a real good egg 🙂 Thanks NooB 🙏🏼👍🏼

@@Saddlebags73 I did, around the block. Not many details were retained...

Thank you for settling the side stand sensor debate. And thank you for watching 😊👍🏼

I’m not sure on that 🤔 I’ve heard several stories of folk travelling to India, buying a bike and riding back. The money saved on the purchase of the bike, pays for the adventure riding home. There is a bit of hassle that goes with re-registering it I think, but doable. It may have changed recently unbeknown to me though. Yep, shinier than a shiny thing on shiny day in shinesville 🤪

Hi there! Thank you, yes a couple of guys said about the number plate mounting. It seems so obvious now. Lovely motorcycle, enjoy your rides 🙂👍🏼

I’ll admit I still have a taste for speed. But the beauty of the Classic is I can have just as much fun at a more sociable pace 🙂 Yours sounds more similar to the UK 2017 model. It seems that the plate between the forks is where the front number plate would have been on the Indian version. Many thanks Flat Cap, always good to hear from you 👍🏼

Same age as me! Best wishes for Christmas and the new Year buddy. 🙏🎅🏼🇬🇧

@@philtucker1224Thanks Phil just got back off a -9 degree Celsius ride. My coldest ride to finish up 2022.

@@flatcapcaferacer yes, I took mine to Henley (local) last week on a very cold but dry bright day and I think that’s probably my last before Christmas. I’m trying to design a couple of handgrip shrouds for it now (only because I’m to tight to pay £50 for a pair! ) Stay safe mate.

@@philtucker1224 Good luck, sounds like fun.

Oh thanks for the warning. I might get some loctite on them before it goes missing 👍🏼

Thanks Ice! It’s getting more and more confusing 🤣 Was yours a chrome model?

@@Saddlebags73 odd isn't it, mine was the same as Bertie (TAYM) black model with cream details

Thank you kindly! From what I can gather, all export models had the cutout switch. Only the domestic model didn’t. They must have cut corners to keep it cheap for the locals. As long as they don’t cut corners with the stand down eh 🤣

Thank you kindly. I find it strange that the UK version has a single plug even though the emission regulations are very strict.

I find the o2 sensor thing confusing, because although Marks is a 16’ model, it is still efi 🤔 I assume the Indian model runs a twin spark to handle lower grade fuel? I wondered if his would have any more power. We may have to investigate that further, with some 0-40 tests 🤣 Never had the pleasure of the heel toe shifter, but have been quite happy without one so far. Nothing quite like the 500’s is there ER. They’re addictive I’m sure. The self retracting stand was on Ken’s 850GS. I suppose the cylinder stops it falling too far 🤪 Thank you mate 👍🏼

@@Saddlebags73 ahh, I never knew they did them on the gs. Everyday is a school day 👍

@@exeterrider Yes it was a big BMW safety feature back in the day...... It allows you to crash without actually moving........ 😜

@@kenbrooks7794 Pah haaaa 🤣🤣👍🏼

@@Saddlebags73 😁😁😝

We were told it would have been too expensive to make the 500’s comply with the ever tightening emissions regulations. It would be nice to see the J series upped to 500. Many thanks 🙏🏼

Thanks CyL! Not familiar with Ace bars. I think a set of clip ons would be nice 🤪 Haa, I’ve heard the side stand switches can be temperamental, and some people disconnect them 🥴 Trials bikes are supposed to be dirty I suppose 😋

@@Saddlebags73 I’ve dmd you on Instagram an example of Ace Bars. They came before clip ons 😂

@@craigyllyn Thank you kindly 🙂

Yes you are quite right. It seems so obvious once pointed out. Thank you 👍🏼

So would I. Unfortunately I don’t know anyone that owns one.

Perhaps a chicken korma once it’s found it’s way to a nappy!😂😂👍🏻

@@markhutchings8281 😂😂😂

@@markhutchings8281 😂😂😂

🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for watching EMA 👍🏼

Okay, thank you 👍🏼

Hi Crumblymal! No short answer to this. The Classic 500 is the most fun I’ve had on a motorcycle since learning to ride my friends FS1E on a farm as a kid. I made a couple of statements in very early videos on this bike, which I still stand by today. 1. This bike has rekindled a flame that I didn’t realise was going out. 2. On paper, this bike is terrible. In reality it’s probably the best bike I’ve ever owned. It’s very hard to put into words, but almost everyone that owns one seems to feel the same way. They are charming and endearing, and raise a smile every time. As I said during the video, they feel vibrant and alive, and after owning one other bikes seem to be missing something. Nikita (Z900rs) is a thrill, don’t get me wrong. But when just going out for fun, I have walked past her many times to jump on Ernie. BUT…at the moment, I don’t think the Classic would work as an only bike. I still want a bigger bike for the longer rides. You are limited to some extent on the 500, as it’s happiest at 50-60mph, and much over that feels a bit of a strain. However, as I get older it may well suffice. The Himalayan doesn’t have the same level of character, and I haven’t ridden a new 350 so couldn’t pass comment on that. I would recommend anyone to try a 500, and would be surprised if they didn’t like it. I spent years of going bigger better faster more, only to find the most pleasure from this little, somewhat agricultural single cylinder. I’ve reached my waffle quota for the week, and it’s only Tuesday 🤦🏻‍♂️ Many thanks my friend 👍🏼

@@Saddlebags73 Very interesting reply and I thank you my friend it's something I am going to be looking into and something I need to try in order to understand just what this interesting single has to offer Thank's for taking the time to answer my question .👌👍

@@crumblymal8479 you’re very welcome 👍🏼

Middle age? That’s generous ALL@SEA 🤣 Many thanks my friend 🙂👍🏼

Ha maybe you’re right 🤷🏻‍♂️🙂

That makes sense!😉👍🏻👍🏻

Thanks Lester! Yes a couple of people have said the same, so that’s more than likely the answer 👍🏼

Very nice 👍🏼 I hope you are enjoying it.

Could it be that somebody has bypassed the cut out switch?

@@Saddlebags73 Possible i had a look under the bike and it looks like it has a wire going from the side stand with a we usb looking thing.

Oh and what also is strange is it has a rather weird sounding engine knock and it only has 19,000 kms on it

@@gideonhas6letters128 My guess would be somebody has bypassed it in that case. Should be easily reversed, maybe in need of a new switch. Not sure about the knock though 🥴

I don’t fancy the heel toe shifter. Mark has had some bones fused in his ankle and I thought the heel toe shifter may have been helpful for him, but he doesn’t like it either. Ah I didn’t realise the sari guard was law over there. Thanks my friend 👍🏼

Thank you! That was my guess 👍🏼

🙏🏼🙂👍🏼 Thank you!

You’re quite right 👌🏼 I can’t believe we hadn’t thought of that. We’ve all seen the Indian bikes with plates there 🤦🏻‍♂️ Mark’s bike even has the original Indian plate behind the rear UK plate.

Thank you! Is there a reason that only the Indian model has twin spark?

@@Saddlebags73 yes..bcos fuel is expensive in India and lot of competition as india is mostly a commuter market.

@@deepakcheekoli5833 thanks again 👍🏼

Thank you! It’s a shame they didn’t equip the UK version with twin spark.

That’s a good question! Personally I’ve only ridden my Indian model so I really don’t know the answer, I honestly hadn’t even thought about it but I am now!🤔🤔👍🏻

I wondered if the twin spark gives it a boost. Perhaps we’ll have to do some 0-60 tests 🤔Well, perhaps 0-40 would be more appropriate 🙂

@@Saddlebags73 0-40 would definitely be more appropriate,however there’s the power to weight ratio to take into account as well! You’ll have to ride both bike’s against the clock!😉👍🏻👍🏻

Or we just agree that it doesn’t matter 🤷🏻‍♂️🤣

@@Saddlebags73 😂🤣😂🤣👍🏻indeed!

I thought that would be the case 👍🏼

Yes, I assume only on the Indian model because they use lower fuel grade over there 🤷🏻‍♂️ Thanks for watching 👍🏼

Very kind 🙏🏻

Avon’s were fitted from new, and I’ll replace with the same.

​@@Saddlebags73 What size wheels are on your Enfields ? And what type of Avon tyres are you talking about ? I have an SR500 Yamaha with 19" front and 18" rear My tyre of choice the old style Avon Road Runner are now hard to find, if you're lucky might still find a nineteen for the front but you can only get Harley sizers for the rear Dunlop TTs wear too quickly and now the Metzler "Perfect" ME77s I have been using are also getting hard to find here in Australia

@@hodaka1000 If I remember rightly it’s 18” front and rear. The Avon’s have been superseded by the Roadrunner 2’s which seem almost identical. I have only had to change a rear so far.

@@Saddlebags73 "Avon Road Runner 2" That's what the Enfields come with from factory ? Right I can get them here Thanks for getting back to me

@@Saddlebags73 A couple of years ago I paced a young fella on an Enfield 500 from the Ulmarra Ferry along the Clarence River to Lawrence (Google it) I was pleasantly surprised at just how well his Enfield performed I thought my 1978 SR500 would've flogged him but the bikes were neck and neck

Hmm, unlike personal protection I think that’s down to the individual. I have considered fitting crash bars but find them quite unsightly. However, I might change my mind at some point (hopefully before I drop it) 🤣

@@Saddlebags73l dropped my Sportster in the driveway and even with crash bars on l had to get help with it.

@@frankmarkovcijr5459 Yes I imagine that’s a lump 🥴

@@Saddlebags73 yes it's quite heavy and it was at a steep incline which makes it harder to get it back on her wheels.

@@frankmarkovcijr5459 Ah yes, a friend dropped his 1150 Beemer last year. Sidelong on a hill. Even with the boxer cylinder sticking out and preventing it from laying flat, it was a struggle for two of us.

Thank you! That’s very interesting and I enjoyed the video linked 🙂👍🏼

@@Saddlebags73 keep posting new videos.

It came as a shock to me too, Chewie. But riding one of these is like being a kid again 🙂 Thank you mate 👍🏼

@@Saddlebags73 hmmm. A kid you say. 😉

Pah haaaa 🤣 Yep

@@Saddlebags73 I must investigate. Maybe a 250 two stroke dirt bike😉

@@hachewie Oh yes! That would certainly enter the fun category 😃

The best reaction 🤣 I asked because I wouldn’t let anyone was any of my bikes. I wondered if it was just me. Obviously not hahaa 👌🏼

🤣🤣🤣

No side stand cut off switch, twin horns, twin spark, sari guard and many other differences suggest otherwise.

Oh, forgot to mention that the original Indian number plate was under the UK plate.

@@Saddlebags73 No bro I live in India our classic model is entirely different