Royal Enfield Bullet Classic: A Comparison between 500CC and 350 CC
Guys here I am giving comparison between 500CC and 350CC Royal Enfield Bullet Classic. In production since 1932, Bullet enjoys the reputation of longest running model in the unremitting production. Recently, after 75 years, its new avatar has been launched in the market with new styling and younger look that does not compromise on what is expected from a Royal Enfield. What sets it apart from just about every other motor bike in the market is its authentic vintage styling and styling in single colour. So here we have a bike reminiscent of the native imaginary of British motorcycles, post World War II.
In case you are a diehard Royal Enfield enthusiast just like me, and planning to buy one, I hope the comparison here will help you to make the right choice.
| Engine | Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, OHV, SI Engine, Air cooled, and Fuel Injection | Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, OHV, SI Engine, Aircooled, Twinspark |
| Displacement | 499 CC | 346 CC |
| Bore x Stroke | 84 mm x 90 mm | 70 mm x 90 mm |
| Maximum Power | 27.2 bhp @ 5250 rpm | 19.8 bhp @ 5250 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 41.3 Nm @ 4000 rpm | 28 Nm @ 4000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5 Speed (left foot gear shift) | 5 Speed (left foot gear shift) |
| Ignition | Electronic Ignition | Digital TCI |
| Carburetor | BS29 / UCAL | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Ground Clearance | 140 mm | 140 mm |
| Width | 800 mm | 800 mm |
| Wheel Base | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Length | 2130 mm | 2150 mm |
| Height | 1050 mm | 1080 mm |
| Tyres | ||
| Front | 90/90 – 18 | 3.25 – 19 |
| Rear | 110/90 – 18 | 110/90 – 18 |
| Electricals | ||
| Electrical System | 12 Volts – DC | 12 Volts – DC |
| Head Lamp | 60 W / 55 W, HALOGEN | 60 W / 55 W, HALOGEN |
| Brakes | ||
| Front | Hydraulic Disc Brake (Disc dia 280mm) | Hydraulic Disc Brake (Disc dia 280mm) |
| Rear | Foot Operated 153 mm Single Lead Internal Expanding | Foot Operated 153 mm Single Lead Internal Expanding |
| Maximum Speed | ||
| Speed | 130 Kmph | 120 Kmph |
| Suspension | ||
| Front | Telescopic, Hydraulic Damping, Stroke 130 mm | Telescopic, Hydraulic Damping, Stroke 130 mm |
| Rear | Swing Arm With Gas Shock Absorbers, Stroke 80 mm | Swing Arm With Gas Shock Absorbers, Stroke 80mm |
Vikas singh
Jan 26, 2010 @ 03:56:15
Are you married? where do u get time to do all this stuff ? Whoooooooo
Jan 26, 2010 @ 06:41:11
I love motorcycles and that’s why I write this blog.
Oct 06, 2011 @ 17:27:48
Hi,
I really appreciate the effort you have put in in comparing the two bikes.
What i need to know is the actual mileage comparison between the two bikes and not the one claimed by the company. I am planning to buy the classic350/500 but i am really confused as to which one should i go for.
Please advice
Regards,
Niteen Thakur
Jun 01, 2010 @ 22:40:19
So which one do you recommend?
Cheers
Jun 02, 2010 @ 22:00:32
I would recmend 500 cc one, but it all depends on your budget and liking.
Jul 07, 2010 @ 16:05:19
hi,
Can you please go little more in detail about the comparision as I am able to get any of these two as I am not like the one who goes for log drives and all but still I am Bullet lover so technically and as per usability point of view which one is better among 500cc and 350cc if budget is also little considerd.
rgds,
-Jass
Jul 07, 2010 @ 16:36:14
Hi Jass
The major difference in both the bikes is their displacement tourque and Bhp, rest is more or less same. If you are not the one who go on long drives and will use it in city then 350 cc will be perfect as its is around 25000 rupees cheaper than the 500 cc classic.
Hope you will get you bike soon and post some pictures.
take care
Vikas
Aug 13, 2010 @ 12:33:43
I believe its the Electronic Fuel Injection, zapper wheels on both ends (350 has only rear) and the Roll over sensor (malfunction indicator) that makes for the 25 to 30k difference in price. I think more or less the said features justifies the cost difference.
If you’re going for the classic, I don’t see why you shouldn’t go all out for the 500cc. I can assure you its going to be worth every paise!
Cheers!!
Mao
Sep 08, 2010 @ 17:24:56
How do you compare 350 classic with Electra UCE and Twinspark?? City drive types and reasonbl long drives of 100kms; any reco for Ladakh trip??
Nov 22, 2010 @ 11:15:12
Is it Possible to add a rear seat in 500 Classic..
Nov 23, 2010 @ 22:19:41
yes it is possible
Dec 17, 2010 @ 14:05:22
is the decision of buying second hand bullet 350cc right?
Dec 20, 2010 @ 15:46:56
absolutely, rather I suggest you should buy a used bullet which will cost you around Rs. 20000-25000/- and spend another 25000/- and convert it in a Royal Enfield classic
Apr 27, 2011 @ 23:01:06
hi,
Vikas J singh
can u just guide me over as i am planning 2 buy a royal enfield.
i don know much about this bike bt really passionate for getting this into my garage.
i am much intrested in buying a classic one that is 350cc or 500cc any one.
i have some questions i hope you could hlp me out.
1. the main factor is cost. what is cost of this 2 bikes?? for mumbai
2. i have daily journey of 100km a day.wat average does this both bike give??
3. which all colours are available in market.. is white available??
4. what is the approximate w8n period for this bike??
5. whta do u recomend th1 shld buy between this 2 bikes i.e 500cc or 350cc..
regards,
mitesh sanghavi
May 05, 2011 @ 16:34:39
But a Royal Enfield Classic 350cc only if you are passionate about it but if you can look at other bikes then buy a Honda CBR 250r as its a great value for money and a bike to last a lifetime. You will never regret buying it.
Apr 28, 2011 @ 16:22:28
I want to gift the Royal Enfield to my bro,
price is not the matter for me, i just want to know which is good and reliable.
I dont have any idea about this.
Will you give any suggestion.
I want to bye it in Pune and handover him at Nashik. Is it ok ,Is there any distance service facility.
Or its good to bye it in Nashik only..
May 05, 2011 @ 16:13:45
If you want to gift than I suggest you gift a Honda CBR250r as its better value for money and your brother will thank you always for such a wonderful gift. Royal Enfield is not a reliable as a Honda. The price of RE 500cc and Honda CBR 250 base model (without ABS which are also not present in RE are same)
May 12, 2011 @ 22:20:39
is classic 500 suitable for city ride with minimum running of 50 km/day? price doesn’t matter.
May 13, 2011 @ 00:57:48
No its not. Better buy a Honda CBR 250r if price dosent matter. IF you still want to buy a Royal Enfield Classic then go for 350 instead of 500.
Jul 07, 2011 @ 10:27:18
what is the difference between digital tci ignition and electronic ignition
Jul 07, 2011 @ 12:12:31
Hello Vikas,
I would also like your advice on these Royal Enfield bikes. I have only recently fallen in love with the idea of owning a motorbike. My plan is to use a bike not just for short trips (such as Delhi to Jaipur or Pondicherry to Bangalore and also for commutes within the city), but to also make very long road trips (i.e. from Pondicherry to Ladakh).
Personally, I love the look of the 500cc model, but I don’t know whether these two models you have compared would be good for very long road trips – most likely just short trips and within the city. Am I correct in my assumption?
Concerning only Royal Enfield bikes (the others besides the ones you have compared here), which would you recommend for use within the city/short commutes, long road trips or perhaps one bike that can manage both requirements? Are Royal Enfield bikes like the 500c or the 350cc reliable on long journeys or do they have problems/break down often? Which one tends to break down more easily?
I know reliability is a big factor for long trips, but I don’t want just a boring, highly efficient bike…I would like some character.
Are there any other brands/models of bikes that you would recommend besides Royal Enfield for these multi purposes? I’ve also been looking at Harley Davidson models for my long cruising purposes and I’ve heard that the various Japanese bikes are also very good choices. Right now, I’m not concerned with price – I just want to know about the motorbikes themselves.
Thanks so much for your time,
Nirvan
Jul 07, 2011 @ 12:45:21
Dear Nirvan
Thanks for your mail.
If you are looking for a bike which can serve you on both long and short trips then I will never recomend a Royal Enfield. I believe its not as reliable as a Japanese bikes.
Royal Enfield cant be compared to any other bike and they are in a different league. But its my personal view that its is not a reliable motorcycle for long distance travel like Pondicherry to Ladakh.
If you are looking at Harleys and money is not the crieteria for you then I suggest you go for Kawasaki Ninja 650r which is a excellent and brilliant tourer as well as city sport bike. It prices around 4.57 lacs ex showroom and has a very refined engine and gives great value for money. Or a Harley 883 superlow which can also be customised in a cruiser and can serve you as a sporstster in the city.
Or if you want something below 2 lac price range or lets say with price tag close to a royal enfield 500cc then you better get a Honda CBR 250r. This Honda is a great value for money as well and is very good in city as well as if you like to tour across the country as its top model comes with an ABS which can come handy while riding in the tough terrian of Ladakh.
But if money is not the crieteria then nothing can beat Kawasaki Ninja 650r but you have to wait now as the booking for ninja is closed by Kawasaki for time being.
Make sure that you take a good long test drive of all these bikes before you buy any.
take care
Vikas
Jul 08, 2011 @ 16:32:18
Hi Vikas,
Thanks for your input. But I’m still confused about certain things. The Kawasaki Ninja 650r and the Honda CBR 250r are both very sporty bikes. Even though they are great for touring as you say (plus great city bikes), I was thinking of something more along the lines of a classic look. That’s why the Royal Enfield 500cc was so appealing. And yes, the Harley 883 Superlow is also great!
So the Royal Enfield bikes are definitely not good for long distance touring in your opinion? Are they OK for short city-to-city journeys? What is a Royal Enfield 350cc or 500cc ideal for, in your opinion? And what type of cruiser bike (not overly racing-type ones) are good for long distance touring? For example, the types suitable for going cross-country in rough terrain/weather and where you carry all your travelling/camping equipment with you? Stuff like that.
Regards,
Nirvan
Jul 08, 2011 @ 17:06:49
Dear Nirvan
Royal Enfield are cult bikes like Harleys, Indian and Triumphs. The tecnology Royal Enfield is using is old as compared to the japanese, European and American bikes. I will not say RE are outrighly bad for long distance travels, but there are chances they you face problems with them on long distance rides. But with superior technology bikes you are not going to face troubles. This is my opinion but people may differ with me and I respect their opinion as well. RE is a great bike for a road trip of say 1000 kilometers but not for longer trips like pondy to Ladakh
First of all you need to shun this image that long distance motorcycles should not have sport bike like looks. CBR 250r is inspired from Honda VRF 1200 which is a specialist touring motorcycle.
For long distance travel you can also consider Pulsar 220 F which is a very capable touring motorcycle. In rough terrains this bike can perform better than RE.
Ironically there is not much choice of touring motorcycles in India as on today for motorcycles that have classic looks but then you can go for 883 superlow as its my personal favorite also as it has the biggest fuel tank and upright seating position that makes it good for long distance travel.
But its upto you what you like. But the classic looking curisers are actually not touring bikes.
Take care
Vikas
Aug 01, 2011 @ 14:57:42
Hi,
I spent quite a lot modifying a 1994 RE, Standard 350cc. However, it struggles to reach 100 KMPH….
Would you advise changing the engine to a 500 CC one? who much would it cost me?
Kindly let me know.
Thanks
Joshua
Aug 01, 2011 @ 15:38:45
Dear Joshua
By making changes in the 350 cc engine it can be converted to a 500 cc engine. I know a person in my city Ludhiana (punjab) who does this. But obviously he dosent tell me how he do it. This change increases the power of the engine and I am sure you motorcycle will easily cross 100 kmph. I think he mnakes some changes in the bore and crank plus some other minor changes. You can get in touch with some very good and experienced mechnic in your city who also is into modification of RE.
all the best
Take care
Vikas
Nov 27, 2011 @ 06:56:53
Hai Vikas,
Iam RE lover and own TBTS,I would like to convert it to 500cc,Can U please give me contact of the mechanic you mentioned.
thanks ans regards
Srinivas.
Aug 02, 2011 @ 16:42:35
hey vikas I don’t agree with your opinion that royal enfield motorcycles are not meant for long distance touring infact on the contrary RE are designed for long distance touring and they are proving this for several years my friend !!!
Coming to your second misconception about RE motorcycles that their technology is out dated. you can go any authorised showroom or google about the above mentioned motorcycles and their specifications… You will be surprised to see that they have revamped all their models with unit construction engine which is very reliable and is euro 4 compliant.
I own a royal enfield classic 500 and very much satisfied with the bikes performance it has nice uce based engine , efi system from kehien japan, starter motor by denso… I hope the above explanation will help you to change your views about RE motorcycles !! Have a nice day !! For more info visit http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.inenfieldmotorcycles.in
Aug 02, 2011 @ 16:45:52
hey vikas I don’t agree with your opinion that
royal enfield motorcycles are not meant for long
distance touring infact on the contrary RE are
designed for long distance touring and they are
proving this for several years my friend !!!
Coming to your second misconception about RE motorcycles that their technology is out dated.
you can go any authorised showroom or google
about the above mentioned motorcycles and
their specifications… You will be surprised to
see that they have revamped all their models
with unit construction engine which is very reliable and is euro 4 compliant.
I own a royal enfield classic 500 and very much
satisfied with the bikes performance it has nice
uce based engine , efi system from kehien japan,
starter motor by denso… I hope the above
explanation will help you to change your views about RE motorcycles !! Have a nice day !! For
more info visit http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.in !!
Aug 14, 2011 @ 01:12:22
I was told that fuel average of 500 is low, so that on long tours you might have to carry extra tank on side saddle for fear of fuel running out between two petrol pumps. Looking to buy a bike basically for Sunday rides. Price isn’t much important. Just wondering if I cud still think of the 500 Classic ?
Aug 30, 2011 @ 17:14:24
Rahul,
You dont have to carry extra fuel, With full tank I rode classic 500 from Ahmedabad to Navsari that is around 280 Kilometres and still had some fuel left in my tank. I have never checked exactly what mileage it gives per liter.
Any classic 500 owners can you please advise if you have changed your exhaust to goldstar exhaust and did that improve the sound.
Aug 26, 2011 @ 10:49:34
Vikas,.
Its good to see all above views
can you clarify me for a couple of questions 1) classic 500 runs with petrol or diesel??
2) Difference between Electronic Ignition and Digital TCI
3) Difference between Fuel Injection and Twinspark
I have already booked Classic 500 & eagerly waiting for it
Thanks,
Vinodh Ganji
Aug 26, 2011 @ 19:44:19
Vinodh
Your questions are actually funny.
You dont know that whether classic 500 is pertol or diesel and you already have booked the motorcyle.
take care and happy riding.
Sep 06, 2011 @ 20:10:33
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parthdeepika01@gmail.com
PULLSER 180 THE BEST LONG & CITY
I MAKE BYK TRIP TO GANGOTRE UTRAKHAND 23 TIMES
TWO GUYS ON PULSER / HUNK / CBG / BULLET 350 / THUNDER BIRD
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ULTEMATE BYKE
Sep 09, 2011 @ 13:34:57
Hi guys which is better Classic 500 or Harley 883 . thanks
Sep 19, 2011 @ 23:58:24
Hi All,
Can we have a Comparison between Bullet Standard UCE 350CC and Electra UCE 350 CC….
Please advise which will be a better model to go for?
Sep 30, 2011 @ 07:38:41
I am planning to buy a RE bike but i am confused between thunderbird or classic 350. could any one suggest which one is better (comfort, touring ability). Comfort matters a lot to me and i am even thinking on bajaj Avenger. which is better please suggest
Oct 03, 2011 @ 08:13:59
Buy Avenger as its a better package anyday compared to royal enfield
Oct 06, 2011 @ 17:33:35
Hi,
I am planning to buy a bike and has to chose between Engield classic350/500/HondaCBR but i am really confused as to which one should i go for. I am looking for a comfortable ride in hills, daily of 80kms. Please advice
Please advice
Regards,
Niteen Thakur
Oct 06, 2011 @ 17:34:11
I am planning to buy a bike and has to chose between Engield classic350/500/HondaCBR but i am really confused as to which one should i go for. I am looking for a comfortable ride in hills, daily of 80kms. Please advice
Please advice
Regards,
Niteen Thakur
Oct 08, 2011 @ 21:57:03
sir can u tell me wat is the daily average of bullet classic 500
Oct 09, 2011 @ 02:37:52
hi my name is nithin…..i am staying in Dubai. i wish to take a royal enfield. my options are…classic 350..and thunderbird twinspark…but confused with both…i may spend 60days in an year wid ma bike….wich is suitable for me……
and just xplain me de difference of dese two bikes…
plz guide….
thnx
Oct 10, 2011 @ 03:04:30
which one is physically bigger , 350c or 500 c ?
Oct 15, 2011 @ 11:06:00
hi friends… i have got a 883 superlow, excellent comfortable ride..
enfield users will appreciate the power… now i am getting this wildest idea of buying an old RE and convert into a harley… eventhough half the the bike has to be imported..
Oct 16, 2011 @ 09:40:09
wat is the averaaj of bullet 500 modal i want one guys?i’m jaat phrom haryana and want to rid bulet
Oct 16, 2011 @ 20:30:33
Hi,
i want to buy 350 classic. Is it safe to fit rear seat.what about suspension.
Nov 01, 2011 @ 23:22:38
Hi Vikas,
I am planning to buy classic 350, i just wanted to how is the maintenance for this bike..
Nov 01, 2011 @ 23:25:20
Hi Vikas,
I am planning to buy classic 350, i don’t know much about classic 350, and how is the maintenance of this bike…can you please help…
Nov 04, 2011 @ 15:50:32
Hi Vikas,
Wanted to know if i take re classic 350 without fuel injection now and some years later can it be cobverted to fuel ingection… silly thought but useful..
as classic 500 still have issues with its ecu and anyhow indian 500 doesn’t have O2 sensor and many felt jerking issues and planning to change the ecu to get rid of all this. no one complained for 350 with carburator. don’t know how good it is..
felt rear tire better than other re but still just 110mm fz still have thicker one even pulsar 180/220 have 120mm i feel. superlow in bangalore costing 6.7 lacks on road 1 lack road tax.. i felt better take re classic 350 and enjoy instead of spending too much… 40km daily city ride that too on highway…
whats your suggestion. haven’t took proper test ride for re but heard… cbr never drove heard of bad plastic quality… single cylender etc. 1.67 on road bangalore and 2 lacks for abs version here…
Nov 10, 2011 @ 15:17:43
I am great lover f royal enfield. I am confusd between 350 r 500. whc one to buy. i am col stdnt studin at 1st puc. so i am planin to buy it nxt year. whc one wil u suggst me. and also tel me mileage
Nov 11, 2011 @ 12:59:19
I suggest you a RE Classic 350 with fuel injection. You can choose from new colours (Desert strom. chrome and battle green)
Nov 24, 2011 @ 14:33:33
The 350 is not available with Fuel Injection. Only the 500 comes come with Fuel Injection. Desert Storm, Chrome etc are exclusive 500 models.
Dec 09, 2011 @ 16:08:53
Battle Green Is Reserved For Army Personells…
Dec 09, 2011 @ 16:21:21
classic 350
UCE Engines (For better mileage n less maintenance)
Mileage : 35-40 city
40 to 45 Highway (Depends on how the person rides it)
110 – top speed
maintenance is less due to UCE engines and better mileage
black, maroon, silver
124000/- On Road Mumbai
=====================
classic 500
UCE Engines (For better mileage n less maintainance)
Mileage : 20-25 city
25 to 30 max 35 Highway (Depends on how the person rides it)
120 – top speed
maintainance is a bit high dan 350
black, aqua blue, maroon
153000/- On Road Mumbai
Dec 09, 2011 @ 16:23:32
Engine of Royal Enfield Classic 350cc
The bike runs on a powerful 346cc engine from Thunderbird Twinspark, and it generates a torque of 19.8 Bhp of maximum power at 5250 revs giving 28 Nm of torque. We will talk about UCE or the Unit Construction Engine in detail. However, there is not much of a difference between Royal Enfield Classic 500 and Classic 350cc other than the engine capacity.
Dec 09, 2011 @ 16:24:18
UCE: The Royal Enfield Classic engine comes with clutch and the gearbox which are integrated into crank case and they are situated outside. The UCE or the Unit Construction Engine reduces transmission losses and are absolutely hassle free when it comes to maintenance.
Dec 12, 2011 @ 13:51:25
I hear the new C5s (2012 models) made by RE is coming out with heavy mods, compared to the up to date C5s released, is this true? i mean, RE did bring changes in the air filter and swing arms. does anybody here know how to track these mods?
thnx.
happy thumping.
Dec 20, 2011 @ 19:59:14
I want to buy a bke but my father says that he only wants bullet and i want r15.plzz tell which is better in these both.And plzz tell which is better in classic 500 and classic 350
Dec 20, 2011 @ 20:06:55
There is no comparison of both the motorcycles. RE is a cult motorcycle and R15 is a sports bike. If you want to enjoy the ride experience, and need a high performance motorcycle then go for R15 as its technologically ages ahead of RE Bullet but if you are looking to own a cult motorcycle them go for Bullet.
Dec 22, 2011 @ 18:01:03
And which is better in classic 500 and classic 350.
Dec 22, 2011 @ 20:14:50
Both are equally good
Dec 24, 2011 @ 19:13:37
And if i want to show d sound that d bullet produces then which one is better.
Dec 25, 2011 @ 10:58:35
I will still go for a Honda CBR 250r and I am sure end of the day you will value the quality and performance of the CBR over the sound of the bullet
over
Jan 21, 2012 @ 16:47:15
Hiii vikas..can u tell me why u r offering honda cbr250 instead of royal enfield 500cc bike..i m confused about it because i think honda cbr250cc looks like baby bike in front of royal enfield 500cc..as nobody see honda cbr when royal enfeild is also present at that time…
Jan 22, 2012 @ 11:02:23
Hi Krunal
I think my commenets are misundersttod and I owe a clarification to all. Well CBR 250 and RE are two different motorcycles and should not be compared.
What I want to say is that those who buy RE buy it for the love of it. RE is a great motorcycles because it is legendary and has a glorious history. But we all must also accept that it is poor when it comes to technical comparison. Actually someone asked me that he wants to buy a RE for long drives and I gave my view about CBR and RE that If I have to buy a motorcycle for long drives I will certainly go for a CBR 250 for its handling, looks and technical superiority. Yes, now you will say that for decades people are doing long cross country rides on RE but let me tell you that they have faced a lot of problems and if you try a long cross country drive on a CBR you will feel the differnce.
But to sum it all I am a great fan of the legendary Royal Enfield and always hold a great respect the RE Motorcycles.
Jan 21, 2012 @ 23:23:47
Thanx Vikas for your expert comment its realy help me n others too
Kapil
Jan 25, 2012 @ 21:42:47
hey buddy cna we modify any royal enfield bikes in a royal enfield classic 350cc one seater please do mail me thnx
Jan 25, 2012 @ 23:36:32
Hi Nikhil
Yes royal enfield can be modified in RE classic 350 one seater. you can get in touch with me on my mobile 9872969366 or mail me at vks_10@yahoo.com
Feb 13, 2012 @ 09:11:08
hi….
i hv a bullet stAndard 350 bt nw i want to change my machine….can u suggest me that which is better…bullet classic 500 or
standard 2009 model which costs around 85000….???
Feb 13, 2012 @ 09:34:10
Hitesh I suggest you go for a 500cc classic only as its a better machine with better styling and a good resale value. You can also consider Classis 350.