Since Classic 350 and 500 are same except for engine ( primarily), let me elaborate using my Classic 500 as the example.
Until the Warranty Period
- Seat Cushion
- Carrier
- Transparent vinyl wrap for the Tank
- Crash Guard + Raja Guard
I own a RE Classic 500, 2012 model. I never touched any of the original parts of the vehicle or added anything new, for the first 5 years. I wouldn’t recommend changing anything for the first few years, that would void your bike warranty.
During the first year, I added a nice cushion to my front seat ( the default one can turn you into a babboon after a moderate ride), added a carrier so that I could fasten my bags safely ( The smaller backseat in the Classic model means that the bag will creep to the side slowly if you are doing more than 200 Kilometres. You can consider changing the seat also if you want to, if you plan on doing long rides. The original spring seats are more comfortable during city rides, however the lack of back support may be a problem during longer rides.
The front tank is a scratch magnet, unless you use a scooter for home needs. I used my bike for almost everything including getting groceries and this may result in scratches on the tank. Don’t buy a tank cover because they too cause considerable scratching underneath. A transparent vinyl wrap is the best solution, from my experience.
Do have crash guards installed as this is very important from a safety perspective. It is very difficult to control the vehicle once it slants to the side and since the silencer and bent pipe can get fuming hot, avoiding this is a recipe for disaster. I can’t tell you how many times I have been saved during long rides. My legs are still intact because of this. I had crash guards for the back also and this ensured that in case of any fall, I’d be safely tucked in between the two.
Once the Bike is old and ready to be played with I slowly started experimenting with stuff. The following were the modifications I did.
Here are some picture first
( During my Bike Trip from Kolkata-Bishnupur)
In Odisha while travelling from Kolkata- Nagpur)
En Route Nagpur- Lonar
- LED headlights
- Windshield
- Side Carrier Box
- Seats with slight back support + Air Cushion
- Handle bar of Electra
- Mobile stand + charging port
- Vinyl wrap for the front Tank
- BackRest for the pillion
- Upswept silencer
- Fog Lamps
- Fixed Bike Cover attached to saree guard
- Crash Guard with black rope cover
- Bent pipe Wrap.
- Indicator grill
- The default lights in the classic is a shame. They don’t offer any visibility during the night at all. I don’t know if they come out with LED lights these days. I changed the lights to LED headlights, and now the visibility is superb. Ask the service centre what wattage is legal and fit them. I think it was 30W lights, but can’t remember clearly.
Buy a good mobile stand with charging port. If you don’t know how to install it, get it done by the authorised service centre. Make sure that the ignition controls this charging port. Else your battery will be drained( if directly connected to battery) even when you are not running the bike.
A windshield can be a good addition when doing long rides. I have received heavy windblasts while riding, when lorries or buses come in the opposite lane. The classic doesn’t do well above 80, but still while overtaking also I have experienced heavy windblasts. This is even magnified due to the upright sitting position. Therefore think whether you need this. If your primary riding is in the city alone, skip it. This is because the windshield is a major hindrance to judging while in bumper to bumper traffic.
Side Carrier is good if you have stuff to carry around. Try carrying eggs without this and you will immediately fit one to your bike.
A good seat with some amount of back support is preferrable in long rides. Beware, the spring seats absorb a lot of vibrations. So it’s a trade off that you are making with other seats. You decide what’s important to you. I bought an additional air cushion which made the seat a joy to sit in.
Once I selected a low seat, I changed the handle bar to that of Electra. It makes sure that your shoulder is not locked and the bike offers much joy while riding. Another handle bar I have heard people try is the RD 350 handle. I don’t know if it is very good.
I wrapped the front tank with yellow wrap from 3M. This completely changed the bikes look and since the yellow color is not offered by the company, turns a lot of heads while in traffic. You can choose the color you like, but I would suggest you get one. It is like infusing more love into an old relationship. You will feel like your girlfriend is way more hotter ( Bikers will know what I mean)
I ride the bike usually when I want to be alone and enjoy my own thoughts. However, your girl friend/wife/mother may find this weird. Don’t remove the backrest, because it is illegal as per Motor Vehicles Act.
I had changed the straight stock silencer to the upswept one offered by the company. Many people go for aftermarket silencers that magnify the thump like anything. It is a disturbance to your peace as a rider and general public. Please don’t do that. The only thing you’ll come across is a cocky, immature rider. Good riders won’t respect you, if you go out on public roads with it.
Fog Lamps are essential if you ride a lot in the hills. They enhance the riding experience many fold during winter and chilly mornings.
The bike cover I use is one that is permanently attached to the saree guard. This means I don’t have to remember to carry it around. Whenever I want to cover the bike, just pull it out and then roll it back in when I’m done.
The best thing about the classic 500 is that you can have a lot of fun touching and tinkering it. You get to learn a lot as an owner and it is a rewarding experience. Even now, I go to my office in my bike and not office car. Nothing beats the fun out of it. Always remember to use proper gear and ride safe.