Royal Enfield Classic 350 – Is it the Best Buy?
For a long time, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 was my dream bike. Even today, I can honestly say that it still feels like a dream bike to me. The sound, the design, the way people look at it when it passes – everything about the Classic 350 gives a special feeling.
But let me share my experience honestly. I did not purchase this bike, and there is one main reason for that. In my city, the Royal Enfield showroom does not provide good service. I have seen this problem myself. Many people complained about poor service, and when I visited, I also felt the same. This was the only reason I did not buy the Classic 350.
Even though I didn’t purchase it, I have ridden this bike many times. And I must tell you the truth – riding it feels amazing. The thump of the exhaust, the royal design, the army-man-like feeling you get when you sit on it – everything is special. No one in India is unaware of this bike. Even people who don’t know much about motorcycles know about Royal Enfield Classic 350.
For many youngsters, especially men, this is not just a bike, it is an emotion. For some, it is a dream they want to achieve when they earn enough money. If you have the budget, the Classic 350 can be a wonderful purchase.
Of course, like every bike, it has positives and negatives. In heavy city traffic, the engine heats up a lot, and vibrations are slightly more compared to other bikes. But these issues are already well known, and people who love this bike accept them as part of the package.
Now, before you decide to purchase, let us carefully go through the important specifications of the Royal Enfield Classic 350. I will also explain them in very simple words so that you can understand whether this bike really fits your needs.
ROYAL ENFIELD CLASSIC 350 BIKE SPECIFICATION
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 349cc, air/oil cooled, single cylinder, J series |
| Max power | 20.2 Hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Max torque | 27 Nm @ 4000 rpm |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual |
| Frame type | Twin downtube spine steel frame |
| Front suspension | 41mm telescopic fork |
| Rear suspension | Twin emulsion shocks, preload adjustable |
| Front brake | 300mm disc with dual channel ABS |
| Rear brake | 270mm disc or 153mm drum in base variants, dual channel ABS in higher trims |
| Front tyre | 100/90-19 |
| Rear tyre | 120/80-18 |
| Top speed | 138 km/h |
| Mileage | 37 - 43 km/l |
| Fuel tank capacity | 13 L |
| Ground clearance | 170mm |
| Seat height | 805mm |
| Wheelbase | 1390mm |
| Curb weight | 195kg |
| Lighting | LED headlamp, tail-lamp, pilot lamps, indicators |
| Instrument cluster | Semi analog dash with gear position, tripper |
| Price | Rs 1.93 lakh - Rs 2.45 lakh |
1. Engine and Performance
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 comes with a 349cc single-cylinder, air-oil cooled engine. It produces around 20.2 horsepower at 6100 rpm and 27 Nm torque at 4000 rpm.
In simple words, this engine is not about racing or high speed. Instead, it is made for relaxed riding. You will not feel like rushing. You will feel like enjoying the journey. The engine is smooth compared to older models of Royal Enfield, and vibrations are reduced.
The torque, which is the pulling power, comes early in the rpm range. That means the bike easily moves forward even at low speeds, which is perfect for city traffic or uphill roads.
2. Gearbox and Ride Quality
The Classic 350 has a 5-speed gearbox. The gear shifting is smoother than older Royal Enfield bikes. Earlier, people used to complain that the gears were hard and clunky. But with the new J-series engine, the problem has reduced a lot.
When you ride the Classic 350, you will notice that it does not like to be ridden very fast. Instead, it loves cruising at speeds around 70-90 km/h. At this speed, the bike feels the most comfortable, and you can ride for hours without feeling tired.
So, if you are someone who enjoys long-distance highway riding at a steady pace, this gearbox and engine combination is perfect for you.
3. Design and Styling
The Classic 350 has one of the most iconic designs in the motorcycle world. It has round headlamps, teardrop-shaped fuel tank, wide and comfortable seats, and chrome detailing.
When you ride this bike, people will look at you. The design has a timeless charm that attracts not only bikers but also common people. Some even say that riding this bike gives you a king-like or army-man-like feeling.
Royal Enfield has kept the design close to the old-school retro style, but they have made small improvements. The fit and finish are better now. The paint quality, chrome quality, and detailing are improved compared to earlier versions.
4. Comfort and Seating
The Classic 350 is built for comfort. The seating position is upright. The handlebar is wide and slightly raised, which means you do not need to bend forward like in sports bikes. You can sit comfortably and ride for long hours.
The seat itself is large and well-padded. The pillion seat (back seat) is also comfortable enough for your partner or friend.
Suspension is handled by telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. This setup is tuned for comfort. On Indian roads, which are often full of potholes and bumps, this suspension helps you ride smoothly.
If you are planning long road trips, this bike is a very good option for comfort.
5. Brakes and Safety
The Classic 350 comes with disc brakes on both front and rear wheels. It also has dual-channel ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).
This means that when you press the brakes suddenly, the wheels will not lock up, and you will not lose control. This is very important for safety, especially in Indian traffic conditions where sudden braking is common.
Earlier versions of Royal Enfield did not have ABS, and braking was not very strong. But with this update, safety has improved a lot.
6. Mileage and Fuel Tank
On average, the Classic 350 gives around 35-37 km per litre. Some people even get close to 40 km/l if they ride smoothly.
For a 349cc engine, this mileage is decent. It is not the most fuel-efficient bike, but people do not buy Classic 350 for mileage. They buy it for the feel and experience.
The fuel tank capacity is 13 litres. With this, you can expect a range of around 400-450 km on a full tank, depending on your riding style. That makes it a good option for touring as well.
7. Price and Value for Money
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 comes in different variants and colors. The price in India starts from around ₹1.9 lakh ex-showroom and goes up depending on the model and finish you choose.
Now, is it worth the money? That depends on you. If you want a motorcycle with high mileage, very low maintenance, and modern sporty looks, then maybe this is not for you.
But if you want a motorcycle that gives you a royal feeling, a timeless design, respect on the road, and a bike that you can keep for 15-20 years, then the Classic 350 is absolutely worth the price.
MY OPINION
As I said earlier, this bike was my dream bike. I still love it. The only reason I did not purchase it was the poor service quality in my city. Otherwise, I would have definitely bought it.
When I rode it, I felt special. The sound, the vibration, the attention from people – everything was unique. Yes, it has small negatives like heating in traffic and some vibration, but these do not reduce its charm.
The Classic 350 is not just a motorcycle. It is a lifestyle. It is an emotion. For many youngsters, buying this bike is a symbol of success.
About the Author
