Royal Enfield Classic 350: The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is more than just a motorcycle; it’s a legacy on two wheels. It is revered by bike lovers all over and shares a tryst with history. It has always been a beacon of rugged `charm and classic motorcycling.
And now, in its new, current avatar, the motorcycle has grown without losing its soul; it is more refined, more comfortable and has more in terms of technology, but it’s still got that retro charm which has made it what it is, an icon.
Timeless Looking But Not Old-fashioned
But what takes the cake for the Classic 350 is its old school styling.
With a tear-drop type fuel tank, round halogen lamp, torquey engine, lots of curvy silhouettes, chrome touches, spoke wheels and all the typical retro elements – the bike manages to attain that initial attention.
The wide fenders, spring seat, and upright stance tap the old-world character that Royal Enfield has managed to nail perfectly.
The most current model even upgrades the appearance and function with some slight, yet important modifications.
Bright new colour schemes, better decals and enhanced edging further enhance the appearance, yet the origins of the machine are still evident.
No matter if its resting docilely in the driveway or thudding down a lonesome stretch of road, the Classic 350 remains a head turner.
Enhanced Comfort and Ergonomics
Where the previous Classic 350 earned criticism was for its vibes and sullen ergonomics but this version, built around the J-platform chassis fixes that.
The riding triangle is a bit more relaxed, the handlebar is a bit more forward and the seat padding is better.
Meaning it affords a more comfortable long distance ride for both rider and TM pillion.
The switchgear is renewed too, with rotary dials and expensive-feeling buttons.
The semi-digital instrument cluster gets an analog speedometer, fuel gauge and trip meter, and in higher spec variants, Tripper navigation pod for a dash of modernity while maintaining the retro appeal.
Gentle engine but Refined
The new Classic 350 gets a 349cc, single-cylinder, air-oil-cooled engine making 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque.
It is paired with a 5-speed gearbox that feels smooth and well-suited for both city and highway applications.
It is a huge leap over the last generation’s engine in terms of smoothness and refinement.
The thump of course remains but this time around it’s somewhat toned down and polished.
The power comes on smoothly and predictably, allowing an easy ride in traffic and a comfortable cruise on open roads.
It isn’t designed to be fast, but the Classic 350 offers a comfortable and pleasurable riding experience that a lot of riders want.
The bike’s overall performance is good and you can expect around 35-40 km/l of mileage for a bike of its weight and size.
Ride and Handling
50 now handles better than before, thanks to the new double cradle frame, and improved suspension setup.
Ride quality is also one of the main strengths of these motorcycles which features telescopic front forks and twin rear shock absorbers that delivers a plush and stable ride, especially at moderate speeds.
The motorcycle’s easy on bumps and feels planted even on bumpy roads.
While it’s no aggressive corner carver, the bike is more poised and confident in corners than earlier models.
There are disc brakes on both ends that come with dual-channel ABS for safe braking performance, the front brake lacks some initial bite though.
Pros:
Retro style matched with modern functionality and power.
Much-improved engine with more linear power delivery
Sitting position that is comfortable and relaxed
Better ride and handling
Solid construction, and solid brand lineage
Cons:
Goes beyond the one-handed, sometimes twists my wrist in tight city quarters
Not the best for high performance or aggressive riding
Still missing features such as full LED setup and Bluetooth
Pricier than some of the segment competitors
Not very practical for your daily round of urban commuting
Royal Enfield Classic 350: Final Verdict
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is for those who appreciate time-honored history, as well as style and leisure in the now.
It isn’t rival to hyper quick street bikes or hands-on-the-tech machines, rather an ornament to its own class.
With contemporary features and mechanical changes, the new Classic 350 provides for a much improved riding experience, but without leaving behind the character that built it into a legend.
This is the bike for anyone looking to ride into motorcycling history on a machine whose mien is eternal.