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-   -   should one buy the classic 350 ? (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motorbikes/74589-should-one-buy-classic-350-a.html)

i was just thinking about the classic 350, what are the +s it has over a tbird, and is it worth paying the extra premium ?

considering one doesn't get Fi with it, does it make sense to buy a tbird use it for a while and then convert it to a 'classic' look ?

cheers,
ac

If you are a person who believes the intangibles make more sense then being sensible go for the STD 350 (with premium?? you must be kidding me).

Save up enough and go for the Classic's.

The looks for 1. Also if your thinking of buying a TB and converting to a classic look . you will end up spending about the same.

what is the price difference between Tbird and CL350 considering both sport the same engine for all practical purposes? IIRC they were pretty close, but I could be wrong.

The CL350 is a great looker and stays largely true to its heritage, whereas the TB is a wannabe cruiser and will always lack legitimacy among the blue-blooded bulletocracy. But if you dont care, the TB is just fine, just my 2 cents.

Based on your post, I dont think you fancy the comparatively austere looks of the STD350 or the Machismo which will be launched with the UCE engines, so I wont advise you to wait for these models.

Tbird is costed 98k on road at my location & Classic 350 is at 1.07k i suppose..

Hi ac, my 2 cents -

I like the TB look, though the look part is pretty subjective to individual tastes. For long rides TB is damn comfortable. Also, I personally dont like the single seat thing on the CL. And the CL looks short compared to other bulls.

Engine wise both bikes are the same.

The CL has a better thump with the upswept silencer, I havent yet seen a TB with the upswept.

I wouldnt want to buy a TB, use it for some time and then convert it to CL look.

So my vote, its either the TB or a wait to see the new UCE STD 350 and machismo.

Give a visit to your local RE dealer, they should have the Std 350 with UCE by now for display.

Benefit of TBTS over CL350 to me is simply the comfort level which you will never get on CL350(cause- the seat and handle bar).

Hello ac,

Apart from the looks both TBTS and CL 350 share the same engine and as @rrahul_2778 says:'look part is pretty subjective to individual tastes'. I myself like the 'retro' look of the classic- the diecast headlight casquette with those tiger eye pilot lamps and the triangular airfilter/toolbox reminding one of the Royal heritage of Enfield Bullets.

So unlike me if you are not bothered about the 'looks', then go for the TBTS. As @Randhawa said, the dual seat and handlebar of TBTS is more comfortable for long rides and its Instrument console is more modern with a Tacho and Trip meter added. Also since TBTS with UCE engine has been around for more than a year, any teething trouble should be ironed out by now- so a more tested and reliable bike compared to CL 350.

Comparing the Techspec of both TBTS and CL350 from RE official website, one +ve feature of CL350 is brighter headlamps- 60W/55W compared to 35W/35W of TBTS. Helps if you are a Night rider.

I think they are just around the same in price.

If you want to just go around in the city, get the CL350-- if you like its retro looks.

If you want to go for long inter-city trips (or to Leh :thumbs up), get the TBTS -- it is really comfortable.

Performance-wise they will both be about the same, as they share the same engine, and will be much easier to maintain than the STD350.

Yes, 60W/55W is much better. I put it on my TBTS, without having to change anything but the bulb. It cost 70 bucks, and should not influence the decision of which bike to buy.

Having ridden both, I can certify the comfort of the TBTS.

Still, Classic has a classic feel to it. The sound of a TBTS isn't really as good as the sound of a classic (even without an upswept). Buying a classic and changing the seats will also make a lot of sense since it isn't a very expensive proposition.

The TBTS and CL sharing the engine means that they have already ironed out the minor folds.

I think you should be thinking about either the 350 or the 500. The 500 is a screamer of a machine!

CL350 is costlier than TBTS by 5k on-road here in Bangalore. Obviously it doesn't make sense to buy a tbird use it for a while and then convert it to a 'classic' look.

You seem to like Classic's looks and price difference is the only worry.

TBTS is more like a modern bike with modern instrument cluster(RPM meter, Fuel gauge, Trip meter), cruiser comfort. CL350 lacks these features.

Classic over TBTS:
1: Bullet looks.
2: I have met 2 TBTS owners who are interested in changing rear tire to the one that Classic has.

if i look at things more rationally, the t-bird scores over the 350 classic. other than the looks the classic has nothing going for it.

is it advisable then the to push my budget and buy a 500 classic ?

cheers,
ac

p.s: i currently own a std 350 1981.

I have the same question as ac_427 and own a '82 std 350.

I test drove the classic 500. In comparison to my bike, it has oodles of power, better shocks (i understand its a new bike), felt slightly lighter. The engine clatter put me off a bit. The SE said its because the tappet takes time to adjust. Anyone care to elaborate? Also, the 'thump' was better in my std even though the CL500 had the upswept exhaust

With the troubles CL500 seems to be having with its current EFI, wait till they come out with a carb version!