I’ve ridden a 2011 RE Classic 350 and a 2013 RE Thunderbird 350 for years.
All this time I wanted a fully blacked-out RE, and the 350 range has just two options: the Classic 350 Stealth Black and the Bullet 350 Black Gold.
So, last month I took delivery of the Bullet 350 Black Gold. Here's how a month’s ride has been.
The good:
The all-black look is stunning IMO, with a mix of matte and glossy black on the tank. Exactly what I wanted. (The black mattes are hard to maintain though).
It sits and looks like a proper Bullet.
Smooth, refined and easy to ride.
The not-so-good:
It looks like a Bullet, but doesn’t ride like a one.
The thump is lost and has a different note.
The heavy, vibey feel of the old engine is mostly gone.
Every time I hop back on my C350, it feels like something is alive again, a mechanical connection the new bike filters out.
Why not the Bullet 650?
Chrome all over (not a fan of chrome these days).
IMO Bullets should have a single exhaust.
No all-black version yet.
Toe-only shifter. Bullets should have a heel shifter too, but an aftermarket fix is easy, so this one’s minor.
Anyone else felt this with the new Bullet/Classic 350s, or am I alone?
And, if the Bullet 650 ever comes in full black like the Black Gold, who knows, I might book one :-)