Royal Enfield Classic 350

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 will be updated soon with new features, and here’s everything it will get.

How much does the Classic 350 cost?

Prices for the Classic 350 start at Rs 1,95,919 for the base model and go up to Rs 2,24,755 for the top-end variant (all prices ex-showroom Chennai).

How many variants does the Classic 350 have?

At a basic level, the Classic 350 has two variants - Single-channel ABS and Dual-channel ABS. The Dual-channel ABS variant offers a 270mm disc brake at the rear while the Single-channel ABS variant gets a 153mm drum brake at the rear. The rest of the variations in the price of the Classic 350 are because of the different colour options on offer.

Which is the best variant of the Classic 350 to buy?

Our recommendation will always be that you pick the Dual-channel ABS version, as it offers better safety when braking on loose or slippery surfaces. The most affordable Dual-Channel ABS colour variants of the Classic 350 are Halcyon Black or Halcyon Green, costing Rs 2,02,094 (ex-showroom Chennai).

What are the colour options available for the Classic 350?

The Classic 350 is available in 10 different colours, listed as follows:

*All prices ex-showroom Chennai

The Signals Marsh Grey, Signals Desert Sand, Dark Stealth Black and Dark Stealth Grey come with matte black paint on the engine and exhaust, while all other colour variants use chrome on their engines and exhausts. It’s also important to note that while most colour variants of the Classic 350 can be configured with alloy wheels and tubeless tyres through Royal Enfield’s MiY (Make it Yours) programme, only the Dark Stealth Grey and Dark Stealth Black get alloys and tubeless tyres as standard.

Our favourite colour option for the Classic 350:

While most of the colour options on the Classic 350 look quite attractive, our favourite one has to be the Chrome Red, as its paint scheme and chrome bits perfectly exemplify the ‘classic’ nature of the Classic 350.

How is the Classic 350’s performance? (Key specs and tested figures)

Even though the Classic 350 has a 349cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, it hasn’t been designed for high performance. It only produces 20.2PS @ 6100rpm and 27Nm @ 4000rpm. This low-revving nature of the engine is meant for easy cruising, whether at city speeds or out on the highway. In our test, it managed 0-60kmph in 6.32 seconds and it reached 100kmph in 22.95 seconds. But the key here is that the Classic 350’s torquey motor lets you comfortably ride at lower speeds in higher gears. And while the vibrations from this engine have been significantly reduced from its predecessor, it’s important to note that this isn’t as smooth as some of its contemporaries such as the Honda CB350 H’Ness.

What is the mileage of the Classic 350?

In our mileage test, the Classic 350 delivered 41.93kmpl in the city and 38.46kmpl on the highway. In normal usage, we can easily see the Classic deliver about 35kmpl in everyday riding conditions.

Is the Classic 350 a heavy bike to ride?

The Classic 350 has a kerb weight of 195kg, which does make it quite heavy. You’re bound to notice this heaviness when parking the bike, maneuvering it with your feet, and getting it on the centre stand. But once you start riding, the Classic 350’s well balanced chassis does a great job of masking all that weight, and you’ll not feel the weight as much when you’re on the move.

Is the Classic 350 easy to ride in the city?

There’s no getting around the fact that the Classic 350 is a weighty bike, and thanks to its large 19-inch front wheel, it doesn’t feel as nimble as other modern motorcycles. Plus, the clutch feels quite heavy to operate and can become bothersome in stop-and-go traffic. But while the Classic 350 isn’t the easiest bike for city use, once you spend a little time with and get used to it, it doesn’t feel too difficult to manage in the city.

Is the Classic 350 a good bike for touring?

Yes, the Classic 350 is a good option if you plan on highway touring, as long as you don’t expect it to sit at triple digits on the highway. The Classic 350 can reach speeds of 110-odd kmph, but the engine feels happiest at around 90kmph. And you can pretty much do this speed all day long in a stress free manner. On top of that, the heavier weight and larger wheel setup of the bike makes it feel really stable on the highway as well. And the wide seats have plenty of room for riders, pillions, and luggage as well.

What features does the Classic 350 get?

When it comes to features, the Classic 350 feels rather basic. You either get single-channel or dual-channel ABS (based on the variant you choose), and the analogue speedometer gets a digital inset for a fuel gauge, odometer and trip meter. If you want something for navigation, you can also get the optional Tripper Navigation Pod for the Classic 350 that connects via Bluetooth to the Royal Enfield App on your smartphone to show you turn-by-turn directions.

Which accessories should I get for the Classic 350?

Royal Enfield has a huge selection of accessories you can get for the Classic 350, right from the factory. We would recommend you opt for a basic engine guard which should keep the engine safe in case of a crash. If you’re planning on touring on the Classic 350, our recommendation would be the Tripper Navigation Pod as well as the optional Touring Seats, which have firmer foam and offer significantly improved comfort for long hours in the saddle. If you ride with a pillion very often, the Passenger Backrest Pad will also make their ride more comfortable.

Should you buy the Classic 350?

If you want a classic or retro motorcycle that does not feel old in terms of the way it rides, we really cannot recommend the Classic 350 enough. It’s not a bike that will offer you high performance. But it looks special, and more importantly, feels special to ride. In terms of just outright old-school charm, it’s difficult to do better than the Royal Enfield Classic 350.

Are there any alternatives to the Classic 350?

Currently in the Indian market, there are a few manufacturers who produce retro motorcycles. But we believe the most immediate alternatives to the Classic 350 are the Jawa 350 and the Honda CB350 H’ness. The Jawa offers a similar old-world charm as the Classic 350, but it has a bit more performance at the cost of slight comfort. The Honda, on the other hand, is smoother to ride and feels more modern in many ways, but in our opinion doesn’t really manage to deliver that same old-school charm of the Classic 350.