RE Classic 350 - Initial ownership

bj96 · 24th February 2010, 17:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by RECL350

...my wife has been complaining about pillion not being wide enough...

Mister, get the signal. She is indirectly telling you to have her own bull or let her take charge while you sit pillion.

-BJ

RECL350 · 26th February 2010, 10:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by bj96

Mister, get the signal. She is indirectly telling you to have her own bull or let her take charge while you sit pillion.

Thats true.

Here are the pictures. He could have done a better job for 250 Rs.

mantrig · 26th February 2010, 18:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by RECL350

Thats true.

Here are the pictures. He could have done a better job for 250 Rs.

Looks good

The rear grab has gone too low I feel - Wont it be possible to get another one made?

RECL350 · 26th February 2010, 19:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by mantrig

Looks good

The rear grab has gone too low I feel - Wont it be possible to get another one made?

True. In fact pillion seat frame needs a bit modification for that. I will do it next time. Attached the bottom view picture. Classic has an advantage over other REs w.r.t pillion seat, it can be customized. None of the Royal Enfields give that extra butt and thigh support on long rides. I guess hardly there are any modern motor bikes that have wider pillion seats except RD350, RX/100-135 etc.

EssYouWe · 26th February 2010, 21:33

I just got off the phone with Shantanu and wanted to update you guys with the current status of the bike.

I had asked the RE mechanic to tune the carb a little rich a little while back.

After that, the idling time reduced to 10-15 seconds. Which was worrying but not enough to make me go to the service station again.

Today, the idling time fell down to a second. As soon as I left the throttle, the engine puttered out.

Seems like our friend at RE went overboard with making it rich.

Will go and get it corrected tomorrow. I expect to see a very very black plug.
I did not check it today as it was too dark by the time I got home.

Will update the thread once I know more.

Apart from that, seating with your bum placed towards the rear edge of the seat is a very relaxed position.
As of now, I don't feel an urgent need to change the seat.

As recommended by a few people, I had upped the run-in limit to 80kmph. The bike does not seem to agree with it as of now. Maybe it is the carb, lets see if things improve after leaning out a bit. If they don't I'll drop back to 70 for another 200 kms.

Cheers!

JayPrashanth · 26th February 2010, 21:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by EssYouWe

I just got off the phone with Shantanu and wanted to update you guys with the current status of the bike.

I had asked the RE mechanic to tune the carb a little rich a little while back.

After that, the idling time reduced to 10-15 seconds. Which was worrying but not enough to make me go to the service station again.

Today, the idling time fell down to a second. As soon as I left the throttle, the engine puttered out.

Seems like our friend at RE went overboard with making it rich.

Will go and get it corrected tomorrow. I expect to see a very very black plug.
I did not check it today as it was too dark by the time I got home.

Will update the thread once I know more.

Apart from that, seating with your bum placed towards the rear edge of the seat is a very relaxed position.
As of now, I don't feel an urgent need to change the seat.

As recommended by a few people, I had upped the run-in limit to 80kmph. The bike does not seem to agree with it as of now. Maybe it is the carb, lets see if things improve after leaning out a bit. If they don't I'll drop back to 70 for another 200 kms.

Cheers!

Your mech can't impact the carb after 1/3rd throttle. The max he can do is richen the pilot which won't impact high speed running anyway. Try to get into DIY mode just like Shantanu did. Much more easier than running to the mechanic everytime. Adjusting the carb is a very easy if you try to understand what happens when you turn different screws. Your manual is a good starting point.

Cheers,

Jay

EssYouWe · 22nd March 2010, 21:47

RE probably hates its customers.

With the seats they have put on those things, its just cold blooded murder.

I thought I would venture out on an early morning ride this Sunday. It went pretty well too! I drove some 75-80 kms and it was a great ride. But I got this pain in my upper back after it. I thought it would go away, but it hasn't and has gotten worse.
Changing the seat has again taken priority.

General Update:
The Bull is at 1670 kms.
Running well now. I tuned the carb myself and am happy with the output. On Sunday, I upped the speed limit to 90. Touched 90 twice for no more than a second or two.
Earlier I was worried about the 350 being less powerful and about how it probably won't make a hundred even.
On Sunday I realized, I was being stingy with the throttle. And at 90, I felt there was juice left to take it to 120 once the throttle was decently opened.

Rest is well, the sound has definitely improved. An upswept is on the cards at 2000kms.
Have been polishing the Bull every week. Love the way it looks.

Cheers!

stnair · 22nd March 2010, 22:20

@EssYouWee

Just a thought, Sorry if my theory sounds dumb.

Unlike the dual seat on TBTS, Electra etc The single seat of Classic has small springs which flexes rhythmically while riding the Bull. This flexing (Oscillating compressing and expanding of seat springs) may cause equal flexing of your spine leading to backpain. This is because these seat springs are directly under your butt and hence affects the spinal bones.

On the other hand, the dual seats doesnt have these small springs and irregularities of the road is transmitted to the whole body via the forks and shocks and not just on your spine. And body vibrations will be reduced if one is gripping the handle firmly.

So as an experiment, try stiffening the seat springs so it doesnt flex while riding the Bull- like temporarily attaching some rubber peices in between the coils and see what effect it does on the riding comfort. If the result is a success, we can find some permanent solution.

Lastly please dont laugh at me for my suggestion.

EssYouWe · 22nd March 2010, 23:39

Well it can be a practical solution!

I'll try it out with rubber bits. Actually, I feel the problem is because of the absolute lack of lower back support. As a result, I have to bend forward instead of sitting in a relaxed position. Which in turn must be causing stress to the back.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was thinking about Slime for the tyres. Anyone done anything like that to their Bulls? Actually my inability to kill the Bull by installing alloys and the consequent inability to go for tubeless tyres means I have to find other ways to prevent punctures.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I want to talk more about the Bull! Ask me any question you want about the Bull.

Cheers!

bludhemn · 23rd March 2010, 00:45

A lot of RE fans have converted to split seats...I wonder if they face the same problem viz. lower back strain??? Again, would this have to do with the type/design of the split seat?

EssYouWe · 23rd March 2010, 04:32

Yes, it would.

Most of the good seats have a depressed middle in which your rear can sink. The back end of the seat rises to provide that bit of necessary lower back support.
What this does apart from supporting your lower back is to seat you at an angle slightly higher than 80 degrees. Which in turn helps you avoid upper back pains.

I am thinking of getting one too.

bludhemn · 23rd March 2010, 09:50

Perhaps you've already been through this site; thought I'd list it anyway. Some decent stuff here.

India's leading distributor of motorcycle parts. Specialists in Royal Enfield spares and accessories.

bludhemn · 23rd March 2010, 10:17

I am guessing Royal-516 is shape that may be suitable for long rides..it has an arched back more prominent than the other types. I wonder if it has any springs though?

mantrig · 23rd March 2010, 15:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by bludhemn

A lot of RE fans have converted to split seats...I wonder if they face the same problem viz. lower back strain??? Again, would this have to do with the type/design of the split seat?

Below is seat I have been riding with & it provides a beautiful support to the lower back ensuring no lower/upper back pains at all, irrespective of the distance or quality of ride. FYI - I have not used springs but regular 3 Inch Stays as I did not really trust the quality & durability of the springs available around.

But, I would also give the credit to the high handle position which also plays a major role in upright sitting position which is perpendicular to the road.

bludhemn · 23rd March 2010, 23:11

Your seat does look wide and comfy...I was under the impression that a good quality set of springs under the seat, combined with the regular shocks, would provide a comfortable ride. Perhaps this is not the case.

What sort of handlebar do you have on yours?

26th February 2010, 21:33	#200
EssYouWe Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Lucknow Posts: 1,391 Thanked: 18 Times	I just got off the phone with Shantanu and wanted to update you guys with the current status of the bike. I had asked the RE mechanic to tune the carb a little rich a little while back. After that, the idling time reduced to 10-15 seconds. Which was worrying but not enough to make me go to the service station again. Today, the idling time fell down to a second. As soon as I left the throttle, the engine puttered out. Seems like our friend at RE went overboard with making it rich. Will go and get it corrected tomorrow. I expect to see a very very black plug. I did not check it today as it was too dark by the time I got home. Will update the thread once I know more. Apart from that, seating with your bum placed towards the rear edge of the seat is a very relaxed position. As of now, I don't feel an urgent need to change the seat. As recommended by a few people, I had upped the run-in limit to 80kmph. The bike does not seem to agree with it as of now. Maybe it is the carb, lets see if things improve after leaning out a bit. If they don't I'll drop back to 70 for another 200 kms. Cheers!
	() Thanks

22nd March 2010, 21:47	#202
EssYouWe Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Lucknow Posts: 1,391 Thanked: 18 Times	RE probably hates its customers. With the seats they have put on those things, its just cold blooded murder. I thought I would venture out on an early morning ride this Sunday. It went pretty well too! I drove some 75-80 kms and it was a great ride. But I got this pain in my upper back after it. I thought it would go away, but it hasn't and has gotten worse. Changing the seat has again taken priority. General Update: The Bull is at 1670 kms. Running well now. I tuned the carb myself and am happy with the output. On Sunday, I upped the speed limit to 90. Touched 90 twice for no more than a second or two. Earlier I was worried about the 350 being less powerful and about how it probably won't make a hundred even. On Sunday I realized, I was being stingy with the throttle. And at 90, I felt there was juice left to take it to 120 once the throttle was decently opened. Rest is well, the sound has definitely improved. An upswept is on the cards at 2000kms. Have been polishing the Bull every week. Love the way it looks. Cheers!
	() Thanks

22nd March 2010, 22:20	#203
stnair BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Calicut Posts: 230 Thanked: 6 Times	@EssYouWee Just a thought, Sorry if my theory sounds dumb. Unlike the dual seat on TBTS, Electra etc The single seat of Classic has small springs which flexes rhythmically while riding the Bull. This flexing (Oscillating compressing and expanding of seat springs) may cause equal flexing of your spine leading to backpain. This is because these seat springs are directly under your butt and hence affects the spinal bones. On the other hand, the dual seats doesnt have these small springs and irregularities of the road is transmitted to the whole body via the forks and shocks and not just on your spine. And body vibrations will be reduced if one is gripping the handle firmly. So as an experiment, try stiffening the seat springs so it doesnt flex while riding the Bull- like temporarily attaching some rubber peices in between the coils and see what effect it does on the riding comfort. If the result is a success, we can find some permanent solution. Lastly please dont laugh at me for my suggestion.
	() Thanks

22nd March 2010, 23:39	#204
EssYouWe Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Lucknow Posts: 1,391 Thanked: 18 Times	Well it can be a practical solution! I'll try it out with rubber bits. Actually, I feel the problem is because of the absolute lack of lower back support. As a result, I have to bend forward instead of sitting in a relaxed position. Which in turn must be causing stress to the back. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I was thinking about Slime for the tyres. Anyone done anything like that to their Bulls? Actually my inability to kill the Bull by installing alloys and the consequent inability to go for tubeless tyres means I have to find other ways to prevent punctures. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I want to talk more about the Bull! Ask me any question you want about the Bull. Cheers!
	() Thanks

23rd March 2010, 00:45	#205
bludhemn BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Cochin Posts: 39 Thanked: 0 Times	A lot of RE fans have converted to split seats...I wonder if they face the same problem viz. lower back strain??? Again, would this have to do with the type/design of the split seat?
	() Thanks

23rd March 2010, 04:32	#206
EssYouWe Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Lucknow Posts: 1,391 Thanked: 18 Times	Yes, it would. Most of the good seats have a depressed middle in which your rear can sink. The back end of the seat rises to provide that bit of necessary lower back support. What this does apart from supporting your lower back is to seat you at an angle slightly higher than 80 degrees. Which in turn helps you avoid upper back pains. I am thinking of getting one too.
	() Thanks

23rd March 2010, 09:50	#207
bludhemn BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Cochin Posts: 39 Thanked: 0 Times	Perhaps you've already been through this site; thought I'd list it anyway. Some decent stuff here. India's leading distributor of motorcycle parts. Specialists in Royal Enfield spares and accessories.
	() Thanks

23rd March 2010, 10:17	#208
bludhemn BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Cochin Posts: 39 Thanked: 0 Times	I am guessing Royal-516 is shape that may be suitable for long rides..it has an arched back more prominent than the other types. I wonder if it has any springs though?
	() Thanks

23rd March 2010, 23:11	#210
bludhemn BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Cochin Posts: 39 Thanked: 0 Times	Your seat does look wide and comfy...I was under the impression that a good quality set of springs under the seat, combined with the regular shocks, would provide a comfortable ride. Perhaps this is not the case. What sort of handlebar do you have on yours?
	() Thanks