Royal Enfield Classic 350 Built like a gun? Time will tell if the new Classic 350 hits the target Words by Maria Hull Photography by Matt Hull
“An old bike involves a lot more than just riding; you have to learn it inside out, how it works. Modern classics are so much easier to live with than a true classic.”
inside out. How it works, its strengths and weaknesses. Modern classic-looking bikes are so much easier to live with, giving the look and a little of the feel of a true classic. I love my Tribsa, one of biking’s true lash-ups, with a Triumph engine encased within various BSA parts – a common marriage back in the day. Riding it gives me such satisfaction and I put up with the shortfalls, of which there are many. Lights are not fit for purpose. The stand acts like a renegade union worker... when it wants to. And then there is starting: jump on having got completely dressed first (because you’ll be balancing the throttle once it has started), fuel taps on (two of them), choke if cold, tickle the carb (ask your father), ignition on (a modern touch), find just after top dead centre (ask your dad again) and jump on the kick-starter,
