Royal Enfield Classic 350
It’s the second month on the brand new Classic 350 and as someone who’s spent a lifetime on Bullets and Classic 500, it has been interesting to see how Royal Enfield has balanced their favour between the conventionalists and the new age for this new generation of the Classics. The most noticeable similarity between the previous generation and this one is the silhouette - close up or from far away this motorcycle is instantly recognisable as a Royal Enfield Classic. This is no mean feat considering this new motorcycle at least for the test sheet is an allnew motorcycle, running the new twin cradle chassis and the 349cc single that we first saw on the Meteor. It is not until you ride it that you begin to understand how different this new motorcycle is. So far, I’ve been lucky enough to put a few highway kilometres on the motorcycle, and the results are pretty interesting. I say interesting because despite being an allnew motorcycle the fundamental characteristics are the same; it’s happiest cruising between 80 and 100kmph but beyond that the engine seems to plateau, the signature “thump” is still there albeit a little muted and it is still one of the most comfortable standard cruisers in this space. What I like most is within this narrow scope Royal Enfield has made exponential improvements. For one, the ergonomics on this Classic are far superior, you no longer feel like you are sitting on the motorcycle. NVH too is much better making for less strain when you’re spending long hours in the saddle.