There are certain motorcycles that adds absolute value to the money in terms of fuel economy like the new Yamaha FZ-X 150cc, there are certain motorcycles like the mighty Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 that satisfies the rider’s urge to experience the power at the fullest and there are legendary and iconic motorcycles like the Classic which sits in the sweet spot that every motorcycle enthusiast should “Make it theirs (Yours)” – we tell you why, in our detailed review of new Classic 350 in this article. It is not the price of the motorcycle, nor is the fuel economy, it is all about what you want do from your motorcycle that matters. Numbers don’t lie, the Classic 350 dominates the Royal Enfield product portfolio – it is one of the most sold motorcycles in the premium segment. At the the heart of Royal Enfield is this product called “Classic 350” which has a natural and magical connect – not only among the owners but with every road users in India and outside. The original Thump of the Classic 350 stands still like a hard rock, has stayed in the permanent memory of people’s hearts and minds. We all know that, so what is new in new Classic 350? Lets find out.
Design
It looks like any other Classic 350 motorcycle which you have seen in the past. However, this time Royal Enfield has introduced wide band of color options for its new 2021 Classic 350 – one such new color is “Chrome Red” which are seeing in the below picture.
One change you will notice – the rider’s seat is no longer carried by spring loaded system, it has been updated. One more prominent and most sought out feature is that the new Classic 350 gets fuel indicator and a dedicated navigation system in the console. New dial type ignition kill switch (similar to Meteor) has been introduced, it now also features hazard lights. It looks really good as much as original and does justice to be the successor of outgoing Royal Enfield Classic 350. You would notice shining chromes, updated logo plates and new graphic stickers. The side stand is also integrated with engine-off function for rider’s safety. Royal Enfield has retained the original halogen based headlamp and needless to say the thump is as original as it was.
Ride Quality
What is special (and also improved) in new Royal Enfield Classic 350 is its overall ride quality. Classic 350 is successful among its people, but a segment of riders avoid it with a perception thinking motorcycle is heavy or bulky. The new Classic 350 exactly addresses this problem, riding the updated new Classic 350 is so comfortable and easy – it doesn’t make you feel you are riding a big machine – it is truly light and very easy to handle. The motorcycle rides with confidence both at high speeds and normal pace. You can feel the refinement offered in engine. The gear shifts happen very swiftly and the gear lever is positioned at the right place just at wear your shoe can reach.
The motorcycle offers a decent mileage of upto 29 Kmpl and very neatly houses a pillion rider at the back. We did not find any issue in manoeuvring this motorcycle in the traffic. There are no vibrations which we noticed at any point in time and at any given speed. The thump of new Classic 350 is the extra bonus which you will be wanting to hear, every single time you turn up the motorcycle’s throttle.
Specs
Powered by 4-stroke, air-oil cooled, single cylinder 349cc engine, it seem to be custom tuned based on the Meteor’s engine (Read Meteor review). The Classic 350’s engine delivers a maximum power output of 20.2 bhp @ 6100 rpm and has peak torque of 27 Nm @ 4000 rpm. Talking about the dimensions, the new Classic 350 weighs 195 Kgs and comes with a fuel tank capacity of 13 litres. The wheelbase of 2021 Classic 350 is 1390mm. The motorcycle measures 2145mm in length, 785 mm in width and 1090mm in height. The seat height is 805mm which is good for short riders. The ground clearance is 170mm.
Suspension, Handling, Brakes
Most variants of new Classic 350 is offered with dual channel ABS. Only in redditch editon colors Single channel ABS is offered. The brakes of new Classic 350 is responsive and does the braking neatly. In the front, the motorcycle gets 300 mm disc brake with two piston floating caliper and at the rear you get 270mm disc with single piston caliper setup. The tyre size used in the front is 100/90 – 19 – 57P and at the rear you get 120/80 – 18 – 62P. You can choose between alloys or spokes.
The motorcycle’s suspension system is good which helps the Classic 350 run across any terrains. You get 41 mm forks, telescopic front suspension and at the rear you get Twin tube emulsion shock absorbers with 6-step adjustable preload.
Price and color options
The all new 2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 is priced at a starting price of Rs 1.84 lakhs ( Ex-showroom). The colors offered are Chrome Red, Chrome Bronze, Dark Stealth Black, Dark Gunmetal Grey, Signals Marsh Grey, Signal Desert Sand, Halycon Green, Halycon Black and Halycon Grey. The motorcycle is also available in single channel version with Redditch Sage Green and Redditch Grey colors.
Verdict
We seem to be liking whatever Royal Enfield is launching these days. The new Classic 350 too joins this list. The Classic 350 is a motorcycle of character and is now modern with navigation system and fuel gauge addition. This can be a perfect upgrade for you from your <200cc segment without causing much dent in to your pocket. You will be owning a legendary and iconic machine with wide band of color choices. Trust me, the thump resonates in yours – Own one – Make it yours.
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