Royal Enfield Classic 350 Review: Pros and Cons

Posted on: Aug 8, 2022 | | Written by:

Royal Enfield Classic 350 Review: Pros and Cons

The very name Royal Enfield brings in a lot of enthusiasm among the biker community. The brand has been synonymous with building bikes that connect with you on an emotional level. To keep up with the times, Royal Enfield regularly updates the Classic 350, one of its most popular models. When you choose to buy a Classic 350, do not forget to buy Royal Enfield bike insurance along with it.

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 has been around for a while. The Classic 350 first went into production in 2009 and has been returning steady sales ever since. Thus, it compels Royal Enfield to keep the bike updated with features and safety. The current generation of Classic 350 has come a long way from the first production model.

One of the best ways to understand how well a bike is built is to put it through various tests. The Classic 350 has undergone several such tests. A lot of city commute combined with long trips and pillion riders gives it a much more exhaustive test experience. And here are the major pros and cons of the Royal Enfield Classic 350.

Pros of Classic 350

● Engine Smoothness

Yes, we know engine smoothness is not something that one would associate Classic 350 with. However, the current crop of Classic 350 is massively different when it comes to the earlier 350s, as far as engine refinement is concerned. The new bike is based on the J platform, which makes the bike incredibly smooth even if you cross 100Kmph. If the rear-view mirror jarring old generation classic prevented you from making the purchase, the new engine will surely win your heart. Albeit a longer throw, the new slick gearbox provides seamless gear shifts.

● Looks

The classic 350 has been one of the best-selling bikes for a really long time, exclusively due to its vintage and retro styling. The current generation bike does not tinker with those formulae a lot. The bike wears an adorable round headlamp, a stylish looking triangular panel under the seat, a peanut shaped fuel tank, round mirrors and comfortable chunky seats. And depending on the colour that you choose, some of the styling elements are further accentuated.

● Handling

With the new bike, the engineers at Royal Enfield have worked on the weight distribution. They have added a bit more weight to the front of the bike. Now, the front accounts for 46%, and the rear accounts for 54% of the overall weight. Thereby, improving the balance of the bike and its agility also. Though it is not the most agile bike, it responds well to inputs and changes directions accordingly.

● Service Network

You are never too far away from a Royal Enfield service centre and that should boost your confidence levels, for after-sales service from the brand. Classic 350 is not an expensive bike to maintain. During the initial phases, the company offers free service, which is exempt from any labour charges. The services usually cost between INR 1,200 to INR 1,400 during that period.

Cons of Classic 350

● Firm Ride

The ride of Classic 350 isn’t something that you would call sorted. It is clearly an area that the bike manufacturer can improve upon. If you cross over smaller undulations on the road, the bike cruises over them without any kind of fuss. However, for dips or other kinds of a crest, the bike is not particularly easy on your back. You would want to avoid such dips or crests. Also, the ride does not get any better with a pillion rider. With the added weight, the ride only gets firmer, making it even more difficult when you go over bad roads.

● Weight

Once you are on the move, the Classic 350 can be an amazing cruiser for long trips. However, it is at lower speeds or while parking or moving the bike around, that you can feel the 195 kilo kerb weight. And in the unfortunate event of you dropping the bike, it would need quite some effort to get the bike back upright. Trying to do so without knowing the correct technique can make it even more challenging. The footpeg placement of the bike is another sore experience. Every time that you try to move the bike on your feet, you will most likely hit your shin muscles with the footpegs.

Should you decide to buy a Royal Enfield Classic 350, there are more than a few advantages waiting for you. But it is essential that you buy Royal Enfield bike insurance to protect your Classic 350 and even you from unforeseen events.

Advantages of Classic 350 that You can Enjoy:

- Affordable

A two-wheeler is much more affordable than a four-wheeler. And most importantly it keeps the cost of your commute low as well. Given that the current generation Classic 350 is fuel efficient enough, it will not burn a hole in your pockets and even the ever-rising fuel prices will not impact you that much.

- Stress Reliever

This is a feeling that most bike owners can relate to. If you are having a bad day or had a hectic week, all that you need is your riding gear and your bike. A ride out on the open roads is bliss and can relieve you from a lot of stress.

- Long Rides

The ease of riding and posture on the Classic 350 makes it an excellent tourer. If you are someone who enjoys riding for a longer duration, will love to have a Classic 350 in the garage. And the bike returns respectable fuel efficiency on the highways, ensuring that you have to make fewer stops.

- Insurance

You must buy bike insurance as soon as you buy your Classic 350. Given the fact that insurance premiums rise every year, having a bike will be easier to insure as well.

Timely updates to the bike have ensured that the Classic 350 remains a popular bike even after several since its initial launch. And the latest update does exactly the same. Though the bike is far from perfect, it is a much better bike than what it was at launch.

Through all the iterations, the Classic 350 sticks to its heritage of being a retro bike that has an imposing stance on the road and the thumping exhaust note, that is synonymous with Classic 350. It is recommended that you opt for Royal Enfield bike insurance for your Classic 350 for all-round coverage. And to protect you and the bike from any unforeseen events.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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