Royal Enfield Classic 350

When you think of a roadster with a vibe, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 might be the first thing that comes to mind. With its iconic legacy sourced from the Bullet, spanning an awe-inspiring nine decades, the bike combines the heritage of the Bullet with some pizazz and style. 

Looks, Feel & Build Quality

At first glance, it looks like Royal Enfield did get the design right, with the Classic 350 looking almost identical to the previous-gen model. The design is unaltered and it isn’t easy to notice the differences at first, but only becomes obvious on closer inspection, something which Royal Enfield fans will really appreciate. The Classic 350 comes in 7 colours: Madras Red, Jodhpur Blue, Medallion Bronze, Commando Sand, Gun Grey, Stealth Black and Emerald.

The overall retro vibe that represented the old Classic 350 has been kept alive really well with the same iconic Royal Enfield headlight, taillight and indicators, with no LEDs anywhere, along with the same old fork covers. But even with all these similarities in design, the new-generation Classic 350 has a few modern components that set it apart, such as the new instrument cluster that comes with a large analogue speedometer, but with a small digital display that features two tripmeters, a clock, and most importantly, a fuel gauge. 

There’s also the optional tripper navigation pod which you can get with some variants of the new Classic 350. The module is the same as we have seen on other Royal Enfield bikes, like the Meteor 350 and the Hunter 350. 

Power & Mileage

The Classic 350 is powered by a 349cc air-cooled engine that puts out 20.4PS @ 6100rpm and 27Nm @ 4000rpm. The bike is able to deliver a fuel efficiency of 36kmpl.

But what the figures don’t tell is that the performance has improved considerably when compared to the old Classic. This is quite evident when looking at its high-speed manners. While the old Classic struggled to get to 100kmph, the new one not only gets there easier but also manages to sustain this speed quite comfortably.

But even with the better performance, the Classic 350 isn’t supposed to be a high-speed cruiser, and its sweet spot is between 80 and 90kmph. There are a few vibes to let you know that you’re sitting atop a living, breathing engine.  Talking about how the engine feels when compared to the old one, what the rider would notice first is how smooth the ride feels. Sure, the new model may not have that ‘thump’ of the old cast iron engine, but it does make up for it with its lovely bassy note that just sounds so intoxicating at low to medium revs. 

The engine still has a bit of vibrations but it is nothing that will leave a lasting impression or create problems in the overall riding experience.

Suspension, Ride Quality & Ease of Riding

When it comes to handling and ride quality the Classic 350 is able to provide a good riding experience due to the better engine, but the overall design makes it one that demands greater effort from the rider to steer the bike. This comes down to the fact that the Classic has a longer trail and shorter handlebars when compared to other J-platform models like the Meteor 350, this leaves the rider with lesser leverage while steering.

Comfort

The riding comfort has improved quite a bit when compared to the previous Classic, the handlebar positioning which is slightly further away from the rider and a bit lower down along with the new seat that is not sprung has made the riding position better overall. The seat height is 5mm taller than on the old Classic, but getting your feet down is much easier as the chunky battery box has been removed and the bike feels relatively narrower. The pillion seat is more spacious and comfortable; it is soft, but not so soft that you will sink into it and your backside starts to complain.

Our only real complaint with the ergonomics is that with the rider’s footpegs pulled ever so slightly backwards (and slightly higher), they can foul with your shins when crawling through bumper-to-bumper traffic with your legs down.

Features

When it comes to features, the new Classic 350 has improved on the old Classic by adding on tripmeters and a fuel gauge within the digital inset on the otherwise analogue speedometer and comes with all-LED lighting. Other than this and the optional tripper navigation module, there really isn’t much to talk about. The bike does capture that retro authenticity in this way by keeping electronics and features to the bare minimum. 

Even with the minimalistic approach, Royal Enfield hasn’t compromised on rider’s safety and the Classic 350 comes with dual-channel ABS as standard. 

Is The Royal Enfield Classic 350 Worth Buying?

If you are a Royal Enfield fan and love retro motorcycles, the new Classic 350 will not disappoint. Royal Enfield has successfully modernised all the right aspects of the Classic without compromising on what it has stood for an easygoing, old-school “British” single that doesn’t feel out of place in the 21st Century. With the new changes and improvements that have made the bike more accessible, we believe the Classic 350 will attract a whole new set of riders into the Royal Enfield fold.