Thirteen years after the introduction of the Classic brand, Royal Enfield has launched the next generation of Classic models in the form of the all-new Classic 350. What this means is that this is the first significant update that the Classic has received since its debut in 2008.
And it was about time. Because really, any motorcycle still adorned with the UCE engine today is just too outdated even for the era it represents.
So, On to the New Classic 350
Between the Classic 350 and the Classic 500, the 350 has been the most important motorcycle for Royal Enfield for many years. This bike is the reason why RE has seen the biggest growth in India in the last 10 years. For Royal Enfield, the Classic 350 is its most successful child and RE and its fans adore it.
The new Classic 350 looks nearly identical to the outgoing model but it is totally different technically and promises an entirely new riding experience. The most prominent change is, of course, the new 349cc engine which has already made its introduction in the Meteor. Built on the company’s J series platform, the new engine has the SOHC architecture, is air-oil cooled, and produces exactly the same power and torque output as it does in the Meteor - 20.2 BHP at 6,100 RPM and 27 NM at 4,000 RPM.
However, Royal Enfield has made some changes to the ignition timing making it accelerate differently. The Classic 350 has an even calmer nature compared to the Meteor. Moreover, it is not a Meteor in Classic’s clothing - the wheelbase at 1390 mm is shorter while the seat height of 805 mm is taller - ensuring that the handling dynamics will be significantly different.
The front suspension is completely new as well when compared to the model it replaces. At the front, there are 41 mm conventional telescopic forks with 130 mm of travel and a pair of shockers at the back providing 6-step per-load adjustability. These numbers are identical to the Meteor’s suspension. But because of the shorter wheelbase as well as the larger 18-inch rear wheel, the Classic 350 is certainly going to handle differently.
The seating comfort is said to have improved too with a wider seat which is well-padded and also looks better than before. Overall, the new Classic 350 is supposed to have higher levels of fit-n-finish and build quality.
Among all the changes, the biggest and the most significant remains that of the engine. The new engine has already been praised in the Meteor. It is actually smooth, more capable, and promises reliability that the previous UCE engine couldn’t. Inside the Classic 350, this engine should be as pleasing as the Himalayan’s 411cc unit. Together with the 650cc parallel twin platform, Royal Enfield has truly started a brand new journey for its motorcycles.
Classic 350 Variants
There are five variants of the Classic 350 according to the colours - Redditch, Halcyon, Signals, Dark, and Chrome - Redditch being the cheapest one while the Chrome is the most expensive of all. Overall, you can choose from 11 colours between these variants. Also, not all versions are equally equipped. The Redditch models come with a disc only at the front while the rear is drum, which also translates to a single-channel ABS.
Finally, the Tripper is available as standard only the Chrome models while it can be fitted on other versions under the MIY (Make It Yours) program that RE has introduced with the launch of the new Classic 350. Under MIY, customers can get the motorcycle personalised from the available options and then make the booking.
Prices start from INR 1,84,374 Lakhs ex-showroom for the Redditch models and from INR 2,15,118 for the Chrome models.
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