Royal Enfield Classic 350
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 carries the formidable lineage of the brand, along with offering a power-packed proposition for those into stylish and iconic motorcycles.
How is the design?
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 looks almost the same as its previous version, although all the body panels are completely new. The design carries the same signature components which look commanding on the road. This design philosophy was instrumental in transforming the brand over the last few years and it has been faithfully retained here. Royal Enfield has also transformed the overall fit and finish considerably along with scaling up component quality. The updated bar-ends, balloon-grips and levers are nice along with the cubes for the switchgear. The latter are similar to the Meteor 350 model while offering superior feel as compared to the earlier version. The pass-light switch is not the easiest to use although the levers are stunning. Yet, they are chunky, which may hinder the touch and feel experience at times. The fuel-filler cap is positioned better this time around. The front pegs are also revamped and the seat offers more support. The twin spring-system under the rider’s seat has been replaced by a fixed mount for the cantilever. The tail lamps and number plate look cleaner and sleeker now.
How is the performance?
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 makes 20.2 hp and 19.9 pound-feet of torque overall. It weighs approximately 430 pounds with a full tank. However, you will need some effort to get past the three figure mark on the speedometer. The 18-inch rear wheel does influence performance to an extent, while the J-Series engine has a counter-balancer for a smoother ride. The feel remains the same with the surge of power even at a lower RPM count. The rev range at 1,000 RPM is also wider than before. Performance wise, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 does get the job done with elan. The engine is not a high performer but does what it has to in a smooth and refined manner.
How does the Royal Enfield Classic 350 ride?
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 rides well on tough roads. The power surge is punchy although thrust may sometimes feel inadequate and the smaller power figures become apparent at times. Short-shifting is not as easy in congested traffic conditions and lower RPMs make shifts tougher between the first and second gears. The five-speed gearbox is otherwise quite accurate and neat although there are some vibrations. Yet, these are negligible and the overall experience does not induce much fatigue. The engine is smooth and refined on open roads and highways.
How comfortable is the Royal Enfield Classic 350?
The braking setup is perfect for riding in the city although analyzing stopping lengths may require some time. There is more seat support for enhanced comfort and the suspension is not as perfect as you may expect. The bike does feel heavy but reliable and the seat height is low, making it comparatively easier to operate. The lower centre of gravity also makes the bike better at lower speeds although it does lack some agility during tight cornering.
How’s the Tech?
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 comes with features like the LCD and analogue speedometer along with the Tripper navigation display setup for the top-end Chrome version. There is usage of Google Maps information upon connecting to the app from Royal Enfield. Yet you do not receive SMS/call notifications and readability in direct sunlight is also an issue. There is a USB charging socket and a fuel gauge which was long-desired.
How’s the mileage of the Royal Enfield Classic 350?
You can expect anywhere around 35-37 kmpl in terms of fuel economy from the Royal Enfield Classic 350.
Is the Royal Enfield Classic 350 good value for money?
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 offers reasonable value for money with good riding quality, more improvements to the fit and finish and decent performance. However, comfort and performance are still not top-notch, although this bike manages to be a charming pick in spite of its apparent imperfections.
How is the after sales service?
The estimated expenditure on maintenance will be approximately Rs. 9,258 for three years. The first service (post 3000 km), second service (post 6000 km) and the third service (post 9000 km) are completely free of charge.
Which motorbikes compete in the segment?
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 competes with several rivals including the Honda H’Ness CB350, JAWA Forty-Two, and the Benelli Imperiale 400. The JAWA is the only one to get a rear disc brake option apart from the Classic 350. The JAWA, Honda and Benelli have double-down-tube frames with twin-shock absorbers and telescopic forks just like the Enfield. Honda offers HSTC (Honda Selectable Torque Control) and the Honda Smartphone Voice Control Systems. The Benelli has the big twin-pod cluster while the JAWA comes with a single-pod console. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is priced at a competitive threshold if you consider these rivals.
Verdict (Is it value for money?)
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 comes with great stability and more improvements than before. Pricing is competitive and performance is also decent. There are some aspects which require refinement and some more features that could have been added. However, the design, road presence, and overall feel are hard to match. It is a retro-modern mix that is still appealing for buyers and will continue to be so, if sales figures are any indication.
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