I want to pay a tribute to SB73. He puts thought and a lot of effort into producing these videos for our enjoyment. I was delighted to meet him and spend time riding over Dartmoor. Good weather - good company and a brand new Royal Enfield! My thanks for all your comments - and I’m pleased to still be in the brotherhood of bikers. I hope to meet some of you at SB’s ride this weekend. He’s given permission for me to adopt the honourary title of ‘Saddlebags37’

I have several old geezers I look up to , many of them are in their late 70's , and early 80s , they inspired me , and put up with me through out my early years of becoming a biker , I would not change it . Life is so special , and the many years on two wheels are awesome , but never enough , I love motorcycles like nothing else .Take it all in , love it while you can , and share , share , share . Cheers .

I'm not sure anyone will top this review and interview. How often can you come across someone with his experience, riding ability and clarity of thought at 85 years old.

Just going to bed. You've got to stop keeping up late. I was going to watch it when I get up but then saw my buddy ER is in the video, so here I am yawning. NOT because I'm bored.

Jeff I've been popping into the back catalogue of Saddlebags 73 and just found this absolutely amazing one. Now I know who Saddlebags 37 is. A delight to meet such an interesting chap. Those Dartmoor lanes and views are,, as you say, beautiful. My wife and I did a fair bit of walking and cycling around there quite some years ago now so this was a real Christmas 2023 treat for me. Thank you both.

What a great meeting! Congratulations to John, I hope I can still ride a bike like him at his age! Another great video for those who want to take the time to live instead of rushing to a fatal fate !!! thank you very much Saddlebag 73. Take care ...

Damn! He's been riding from before I was born, and I'm 59 with 41 years riding under my belt.

This was thoroughly enjoyable! Beautiful scenery, beautiful bikes, and a lovely conversation with an inspiring gent. What an absolute pleasure that would have been to spend that amount of time chatting with someone with a lifetime of experiences. Great video!! ✌️

I,m approaching ...as I am 70. But I'm not intending to swap my Classic 500 for the moment. Very nice routes, exactely those I like riding getting " lost" in Portugal.

Lovely part of the world for a bimble through the moors

Lovely ride, beautiful scenery. Thanks for taking us along, that's what it's all about isn't it?

Had the great pleasure of meeting John and his Classic 350 this evening at the Paignton Bike Night

Man if I can ride at 85, I’m gonna be a happy old biker too!!! Such a great video showcasing the older generation of riders.

Nice to see you getting your top up dose of Devon, SB. John's points on safely riding motorcycles are very relevant. I would like to add that older riders do tend to be constantly cautious because experience beats all when riding a motorcycle. Another great vid.

Brilliant episode my friend. And John is a great chap. I wish I will be able to ride my Enfield at his age. And it looks like he will have many more years of riding to come. Awesome

What an awesome chap. My old man is still riding at nearly 82 years young 🙂

Such lovely English countryside and those narrow lanes! Oh if only I could tuck Oddball into my carry on bag and zip over the pond for a scenic bimble!

awesome vid from two nice chaps, i am in the market for one after watching this !

Nice vid mate, thanks. I've been watching a lot of R.E 500 stuff lately cos I'm seriously considering downsizing from my GS650 twin and getting a used Bullet. The thing is, I'm only 71 years old and maybe I should wait another decade or so!

What a gorgeous road and heartwarming vlog thanks as always

yes! great ride ans scenery!

i'm amazed and chortled that the young 80 yo gentleman got his info from youtube reviews :) Well done and keep riding... I have the RE 411 scram.. but i adore the look and sound of the 350. Muz from Oz

Great video!! Real pleasure watching.

John 85yrs old & riding what a legend.I saw a 80yr old joker at gas station on a trike & talked to HIM. HE said he had a Harley Davidson but he had a bad leg & the weight of the bike was to much so got a trike Harley Davidson.That way he keep riding & not worry about dropping the bike cause of bad leg & he was no slouch either & gave it a bit of herb.

14:46 I remember Cornwall and Devon from caravan camping in the 60:s as the sunny part of England. And cattle grids everywhere, just like in the video. Lovely!

Talk about a feel-good video. Thank you... from a 72 yr old that still has lots of tread left also.

Blooming lovely that was👍

I've not seen your channel before but I really enjoyed this video. I'm about to get a Classic 350 so it was nice to hear such an experienced riders view on it. Like you, if I'm anywhere near as good as John at 85 I'll be well happy! Beautiful roads, nice conversation and very well filmed. Thanks..I'm subscribed:)

Lovely video, and what an interesting man John is, with a lifetime of experience

What a glorious conversation about bikes. This fella should have his own bike show….kind of like back in the old tv days….”A Round With Aliss” that wonderful golf program.

At 69 I'm a youngster on my 500 classic, I quite fancy a Meteor, but I still like a bit of a burn up, now and then . So I think 350 won't be big enough and the 650 is more than I want to spend, shame they don't have a 500 Meteor, oh and love the moor as well , living not far from Widecombe.

I own the meteor 350 and I love it !!!meteor is a more laid back modern take on a classic. I just sat on the classic 350 super comfortable upright position you’re definitely sitting on top of the bike compared to the meteor. Both bikes are dripping with personality, super smooth and comfy along with very predictable power band. I don’t know if it’s my imagination but these bikes feel like they have alot more power than they should -good gearing! Cheers mate Allan USA

Hi, nice one, a day out in the sun , with a gent named John . What a remarkable man and still enjoys riding his Enfield . Avery interesting chat . Hats of to John . Thanks my friend and ride safe, listen to John .😃

Well done you two. I hope to be out happily riding in 21 years. Cheers 🍻!

What a lovely surprise to get to virtually ride behind dad as I sit here in North Carolina. Thank you !!

Great video mate, the Royal Enfield Classic and the English Countryside is an unbeatable combination. My word the old fellow's doing well, fantastic chap. Take care and ride safe.

Wow, what a glorious day ye had with the perfect Royal Enfield weather 😁 This was a very entertaining video, think you'd do well as an interviewer, maybe another series you could do?? 🤔 The combination of the ride with the voice-over from the interview was great. And thanks to John for sharing his story too!

Great video. I like how you have shared the conversation with John whilst showing the ride. I have ordered my classic 350 red and chrome but have a wait of at least a couple of months over here in Perth Western Australia

They certainly don't make them like they used to mate, meaning people as a whole! 😉👍 This is something that's really appealing to me, the fact that these look like proper vintage machines, but with modern tech & more, importantly... Modern brakes!!! 👍♥️😎

That's a great vlog showing fantastic scenery and a very interesting interview with John. I've recently met some great people when I've been out and about on my Himalayan. I was stopped have a break in the Goyt valley on Friday miles from anyone and this guy(Paul) appears from nowhere. He saw my Himalayan and came over for a chat, we chatted for over an hour about bikes we'd owned and Royal Enfields. He had come up to Derbyshire on his Meteor 350 all the way from Suffolk just to ride the lanes. So it seems Royal Enfield owners are some of the most friendly and interesting people.

Another enjoyable video thank you. Love my 500 but if I didn't have one I'd get a red and chrome 350 for sure. Test rode one for 2 hours and loved everything about it. Enjoyed the interview too. Thanks again. Peter

A red one fanbloodytastic what a lovely bike well done John 56 I was 4 😄😄

Top man seems very happy with his 350 lovely bike and ride, keep um coming 👍

I really it must get on a 350 classic soon! If it's gives me what the 500 did (they don't come with kick start so I can't go wrong) then it's going to be a fun review. Lovely to hear Johns convo, and he sounds very passionate about safe riding. And most importantly 2 stunning bikes across Dartmoor. Cracking👍🍻🍻

The places with the best scenery always seem to come with 6 months worth of snow.

A really entertaining and relaxing Sunday watch after all the superbike racing this weekend. Great guest rider; perfect bikes and pace for those roads and a tempting taster for next week's social ride. I'm hoping to be able to make it this year and keeping fingers crossed for similar weather.

I have a Harley 1200 nightster and should be happy, but my son is bringing me an 06' Bullet 500 in two weeks and I'm like a kid before Chrismas! 😆 beautiful ride Gents!

Those bikes look perfect in that setting 👌

Gateway overload 😀Great video Saddlebags. John's advice is spot on, especially the "don't be in a hurry", not just because of safety, but you miss out on all the views and interesting things along the way . You can tell he's done IAM with the fluid way he rides.And that 350 is stunning in those colours.

Thank you for another great vidio and introducing us to John and his new bike. John and my uncle who introduced me to motorcycles have a lot in common as he is still riding at the same age.

As a himalayan owner ive recently purchased a classic 350...im very impressed ....my observation is how simular (yes i know that was the plan ) with the 350... but today i noticed the slight whine engine or gearbox...just like your 500...atb 👍👍

Wow. I love this video SB. I can listen to that guy all day long.

Such a beautiful and pleasant video! Probably the most enjoyable I have watched so far, and I have watched a few.. These outstanding landscapes, these small roads and charming villages, the good balance between pure riding, interesting and wise comments, and breaks. I just loved it. I am currently finishing to pass my motorbike licence, still hesitating between this 350 classic and the Interceptor. Since I live in front of Devon, but on the other side of the Channel, I am looking forward to riding in this place very soon I hope.

Loved this video SB with you and young John Nice to know if I make it to John’s age I’ve got another 15 years of biking, which pleases me immensely

Really enjoyed this. A real gent. Nice people meet nice people.

Stunning ride. 👍🏻Waiting for my classic 350 at the mo. Can't wait. Great video.

Great video, as always

I'm hoping to reach that age let alone continue to ride. Great Video

What a interesting chap and how good to hear is experience of motorcycling. Thanks for sharing.

Just found and subscribed to your channel really enjoyed the video and looking forward to getting my Classic 350 in a week which will be my first NEW motorcycle after 52 years of riding. Cheers

I like this one a lot. :) Very nice conversation and I see some similarities with my friend Franc Pušnik. Admiring him riding at 85. Just great. I also like the idea that you picked the "storm location". This area has something very mystical, I think. Keep up bro.

Another really interesting video. Good company, couple of great looking bikes and some amazing scenery. Brilliant 👌👍

How wonderful is this! The 350 seems super popular. Sadly I do too many motorway miles. Great video. John is a wonderful character. I'm due to do the riding element of 'dragon rider cymru' an enhanced free ride instruction. I expect it to be helpful. I find myself eyeing up gateways. 🤣 Ride safe both. Lady J Rider

Thank you SB & John for the relaxing meander across the moor. I haven't been there since I did a five-day RAF exercise across it in 1962. Must say that riding across it would be a whole lot easier than marching 18 miles in 4 hrs 5 mins, complete with pack! Anyway, I'm envious of the nice bikes and the almost empty roads. Here in Philippines the roads are crowded, with little regard to rules, so my Skygo 150 Classic is quite sufficient.

Bloody fantastic SB kudos to John I hope I'm still riding if I get to that age brought back some memories seeing the moors and Widdicombe . I remember the old 50.s style bus that use to bring the other kids to school from there always thought it looked so old fashion back then . : D .It's funny how seeing these things brings all sorts back into yer mind . cheers mate good one : )

Wow that area is really beautiful!!

Fantastic glad I found your video...Great video too....Used to go to Devon as a kid with Grand parents..loved it..We used to stay at Hartford Bridge Holiday Park near Peter Tavy... Wonderful area.. I've always wanted to go back.. I'm a new biker got my 125 might be worth a long ride from Cambridgeshire.. 🤔😉😎

This video just popped into my suggestion list and I am so glad I watched it (the first one of yours I have watched). Just subscribed. I watch all of Economical Rides videos and we have become virtual friends, through his channel and our love of our dogs and Classic 350s. I have the same colour as his and John B`s. I think I may have seen you on a live chat with Garry but not sure. Anyway, a very enjoyable video and I shall look up some more of yours. Many thanks Dave

Really enjoyed this SB, so nice listening to you both chat as you pootle through the ways on those gorgeous bikes, makes me want a RE more than ever. Really nicely put together video too, a lot went into this & it shows. Quality. Apologies for the no show on Sunday mate, wasn't the rain (riding in Cornwall for umpteen years has given me gils) but I came back from me hols with more than good memories, I'm now full on black lung lurgied up....& this video being set in Devon didn't help! 🤨😁 Catch you dreckly mate 👊

I love the colour of his bike. Cool interview

A wise old friend of mine once told me "Bikes keep your turnip up together". He reckoned they kept his mind fit and I've since read there are scientific studies that agree with him. Apparently, riding exercises the part of the brain that deals with movement, balance and spacial awareness and staves-off mental deterioration. I'm going to ride until I'm immortal! See you next week to ride my Classic 350 around there.

Wasson Sbagsy boy, fair play to the Old Boy! Makes me feel quite sprightly, and gives me hope that I might follow in his wheel tracks ! See you next week if we're spared ! Geddon Pard and DFD!

Wonderful review. Thank you so much for this!

Hi from sunny Spain! Happy to see your friend and you. Good video!! I love it Very nice little lanes Devon. John is a legend.

Beautiful video !!!

Awesome video mate and you got the weather too you lucky fella 🏍💨💨💨🌤🌤🌤

Loved this video( haven't seen your channel before) Beautiful bikes& scenery & wisdom, I have subscribed and look forward to watching all your videos .Many thanks from OZ( Englishman overseas)

Top bloke John,enjoyed that

Another quality video great stuff!

Ordered a bronze Classic last weekend on the strength of the reviews online and also because for me the 350 Classic is the best styled Enfield ever (IMO). It's all to do with the shape of the fuel tank.

Greetings from Switzerland

What a beautiful video ! Goodness me. Broadcast quality interview too. I am in awe of this one, how the heck did you manage to do that Jeff ? You both got lucky with the weather there, what a gorgeous day ! It looks as though you have a new riding buddy for when you are out exploring on Ernie now 👍🏻 It was a pleasure to finally meet John, even if there was a computer screen in the way, and I will send him an email saying so later on. Thanks for the mentions and the wave from the pair of you, it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside over here in not so sunny Spain ❤️ Also, it was Incredibly diplomatic of you to avoid the cream tea conflict there Jeff, toasted teacakes, the diplomat's choice 😛 Ruby also noticed you having a sneaky stroke of that black doggo when you were parked up and is now feeling slightly jealous ! 😂 I suspect I will have to give her a sausage to help her get over the emotional trauma of it all ☹️ A lovely video. Two lovely bikes, two lovely blokes and beautiful villages and countryside. Fantastic. Well done Jeff and I hope this was the first of many rides for the pair of you. I think you make a great team ! Cheers Jeff & John,, ER.

Excellent video and really enjoy the ride along. Eric

Some ansum video pard, naturally he would be a gentleman when John is his name. 😁

Hi Geoff/Jeff, I came to your channel through, John, when, recently, I bought his Honda Super Cub from him. As you said, a very nice chap, who looked much younger than his 85 years. I met him in Bristol, which was halfway between our houses to collect the bike. John, if your reading this, I am taking good care of the Cub, as you requested. I'm enjoying the relaxed style your channel gives, Geoff/Jeff. And, have subscribed. I, Also, watch Exeter Rider. Started watching him as he has an NC750X, which I have. BTW, I see you have a Himalayan, which I, also, have. So, will be keeping a look out for your videos on that. I'll have to watch some of your backlist. I'm another Geoff ( hope you spell it the correct way, as well )

Great video. Very interesting chap. Great riding up over Dartmoor. Have you ever thought of doing a run with some followers that are local? I haven’t bumped into you yet at Kit hill.

very good ride out ;;; even if its in a foreign country ;;

Great video, Saddlebags. That bike sure looks sweet. But you must correct John on one important point: it's not the speed that kills, it's the sudden stopping. I wonder if he's coming to the social ride. I'm really looking forward to that.

It should have a nice clean economical belt drive like my Sportster. This is not India we do not drive on dirt roads 90% of the time so Bell drives are perfectly fine look at all the Harleys. It keeps the rear wheel clean and chain and sprocket are very expensive to maintain and replace where necessary. I got over 100,000 miles out of the belt on my Harley Sportster.

Love the way Ernie looks and although the classic 350 is gorgeous. Could you comment on build quality Ernie verses Classic 350 please and your preference. I'm leaning toward Ernie, and both are still available in OZ. Many thanks for your channel and opinion.

Wiltshire man is a YT channel you could have a meet with, Enfield owner as is his often featured friend Colin.

I would like to have seen the lunch spot

We all do it. Quickly checks own indicator. 😂😂😂😂# creamonfirst

Please change the handle bar of next gen classic to 500 cc classic type handle in ur hand

I ordered the alcyon black

We ain’t old, we’re Steamagers!

Fun watching. Mind if I ask where did you get the bar end mirrors?

Those roads look barely wide enough for a motorcycle with a sidecar on it.

That can't be England...I haven't seen any raindrops on the lens!

Hi Geoff/Jeff really enjoy your videos can you tell me where you got your mirrors from would like to get some for our Enfield many thanks