Introduction:
Royal Enfield is an iconic motorcycle brand that has been around for over a century. The company’s motorcycles are known for their classic styling, thumping sound, and rugged build quality. One of the most popular models in Royal Enfield’s lineup is the Classic 350. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes the Classic 350 such a beloved motorcycle and how it compares to some of Royal Enfield’s new bikes.
Design and Styling:
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 has a design that pays homage to the motorcycles of the 1950s and 60s. The bike features a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a single saddle seat, and a wide handlebar. The Classic 350 also has a lot of chrome detailing, including the exhaust pipe, headlight casing, and instrument cluster. All of these design elements come together to create a bike that looks like it belongs in a different era.
But despite its vintage styling, the Classic 350 has modern features like an electric starter, disc brakes, and fuel injection. The bike also comes with a range of accessories like saddlebags, a windshield, and a backrest, which make it a versatile touring machine.
Engine and Performance:
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is powered by a 346cc single-cylinder engine that produces 20 horsepower and 28 Nm of torque. While these numbers may seem modest compared to some of the larger bikes on the market, the Classic 350’s engine is perfectly suited to its retro-style riding experience.
The bike has a five-speed gearbox that shifts smoothly, and its clutch is light and easy to operate. The Classic 350’s engine also produces a distinct thumping sound that is one of the defining characteristics of Royal Enfield motorcycles.
Riding Experience:
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is a comfortable bike to ride, thanks to its upright riding position and wide handlebar. The bike’s suspension is also well-tuned, providing a smooth ride over most road surfaces.
One area where the Classic 350 could use some improvement is its brakes. While the bike comes with a disc brake on the front wheel, it still has a drum brake on the rear. This setup can feel a bit outdated, especially in emergency braking situations.
Royal Enfield’s New Bikes:
Royal Enfield has been busy in recent years, releasing several new bikes that offer modern features and updated styling. Two of the most notable new bikes in Royal Enfield’s lineup are the Meteor 350 and the Himalayan.
The Meteor 350 is a cruiser-style bike that features a modern design and a new 349cc engine that produces 20.2 horsepower and 27 Nm of torque. The Meteor 350 also comes with modern features like LED lighting, a digital instrument cluster, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Himalayan is a dual-sport bike that is designed for adventure touring. The bike is powered by a 411cc engine that produces 24.3 horsepower and 32 Nm of torque. It also comes with features like a windshield, a luggage rack, and a large fuel tank, making it a capable touring machine.
Compared to the Classic 350, both the Meteor 350 and the Himalayan offer more modern features and updated styling. However, they both lack the Classic 350’s vintage charm and thumping sound.
Conclusion:
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is a timeless icon of motorcycling. Its vintage styling, thumping sound, and rugged build quality have made it a beloved motorcycle for generations. While Royal Enfield’s new bikes like the Meteor 350 and the Himalayan offer more modern features, they lack the Classic 350’s vintage.
