Royal Enfield Classic: The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is not just a bike, it’s a cultural icon in India. Known for its old-school charm, thumping soundtrack and brisk selling, the Classic 350 has been the stuff of dreams for neo classic motorcycle aficionados for close to a dozen years now.
With its newest update, Royal Enfield has tried to concoct a mixture of old-school charisma with modern focus on refinement. Has it worked? Let’s find out.
Royal Enfield Classic Design:
Nostalgia with a Masterstroke The product, though a lightweight design leaves a heavy load of memories.
All you need to do is take one look at the Classic 350 and you’ll see that it retains all of that uncomplicated, subtle charm that its millions of fans cherish.
It features a round fuel tank, chrome-finished exhausts, teardrop shaped tan graphics and a single-pod headlight, inspired from British motorcycles of yore. It still looks like it was designed a different era — and that’s the point.
The bike also comes in different paint schemes such as Halcyon Green, Signals Desert Sand, and Stealth Black, all for a unique style statement. It’s the sum of small details, from the switchgear to the tank badges that give a feeling of careful consideration having been put into the bike.
Powertrain: Smooth Operator
The Classic 350 is now powered by Royal Enfield’s new J-series engine, that propelled the Meteor 350 as well, and the 349cc, air-oil cooled single-cylinder engine makes 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque.
On paper those numbers might only look modest, but how you actually ride in the real world it’s really all about its refined delivery of torque.
Impulsive types like Version., are so mute, in the older Model, that in Version. they become inaudible. The engine feels smoother, particularly between 60- and 90 km/h It’s not for top end work but it’s relaxed cruising at its best which is what most riders want. Gear changes are slick and the 5-speeder is well matched for town and highway driving.
Ride & Handling: A highway cruiser
The Classic 350 feels heavy on the road, and the ride quality is similar. Telescopic front forks and twin rear shocks carry that same message of comfort over aggression in the tuning. It takes potholes and shitty roads in stride.
It’s not handling’s finest hour — it’s a heavy machine, weighing in at about 195 kilos so you really have to work it to cut it through city traffic. Highway stability is very good, however, and you feel secure even at 90–100 km/h.
Breaking is also fast and stopping distance is reduced with breaking response with double channel ABS and disk breaks are attached at both ends which leaved the rider a confident feeling even in sudden breaks.
Features and Functionality: Old Meets New
Royal Enfield hasn’t stuffed the Classic 350 with a bunch of modern gizmos, but it now gets Tripper Navigation (in a few versions), a digital-analog instrument console and fuel gauge (missing in the older iterations).
The seat has been improved for long rides in the saddle, and accessories including crash guards, luggage racks and custom seats can be ordered.
Mileage is another plus. Riders will be delighted to see about 35–40 km/l depending on your riding style and the quality of the roads.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Timeless, iconic design
Improved engine refinement
Ideal for long rides
Solid road presence
Good mileage for a 350cc bike
Dual channel ABS and improved braking hardware
Cons:
Heavier than most rivals
Limited top-end performance
Doesn’t have luxe conveniences such as Bluetooth audio or USB charging
Anotherist: Price is expensive in this segment
a little heavy and big for daily urban commutes
Royal Enfield Classic Final Verdict
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 remains more than just a motorcycle — it’s a statement on two wheels. With an all-new engine, dramatically improved ride quality, and old-school styling it has the kind of heritage and utility that says yes.
It’s not for the speed demons or for anyone with performance rider’s brain, but if your idea of the ride is a ride to cruise and to enjoy the journey, there’s little to rival it in its class.
For someone who wants a motorcycle that has soul, presence and reliability – the Classic 350 is unanimous.