Introduction
We are excited to welcome the new Royal Enfield Classic 350 in our long term fleet. This is quite an iconic machine for several reasons. From popularising the small-size modern-classic segment in India to changing the fate of the Chennai-based brand, the Classic 350 holds great significance. It was introduced in 2009 and remained majorly the same, until this year. For 2021, RE has taken a big leap by giving the Classic 350 a major overhaul.
And given my experience with the bike till date, I can vouch for the substantial improvement it is over the previous model. It is a better Classic in almost every area, and you can read the elaboration of this statement in our first ride review here.
Having said that, the scrutiny doesn’t end at spending a day or two with the bike. Instead, we have the new Classic 350 with us till November and we will utilise this time by testing the bike in every way possible. Its city ride-ability, touring manners, mileage, service cost, and every other aspect that needs attention in the long run will be reported for you here. For now, let’s take a quick look at the basic details of the motorcycle.
The 2021 Classic 350 is based on Royal Enfield’s new ‘J’ platform, which has already spawned a product in the form of the Meteor 350. It comprises the new 349cc, air/oil-cooled engine, replacing the previous 346cc, UCE motor. It comes mated to a five-speed gearbox and produces 20.2bhpp of power and 27Nm of peak torque. Holding this mill is a double cradle frame, as opposed to the older single downtube chassis.
The new Classic also rides on slightly wider 19-18-inch wheels and tyres for better stability and contact patch. Even the front suspension has a larger 41mm diameter with 130mm of travel while the rear dual shock absorbers have 10mm more travel at 90mm. Moreover, it also stops better with larger 300mm and 270mm disc brakes at the front and rear, respectively.
Improvements have been executed on the feature front as well. While the speedometer and tachometer continue to be a single round analogue unit, this clock is now accompanied by a small LCD underneath. It shows an odometer, two trip meters, a clock, an Eco indicator, and a fuel gauge. The top-end Chrome which we have at our disposal comes equipped with the Tripper Navigation system as standard. Although it’s not yet available in other trims, RE will offer it as an optional accessory in the coming days.
Bike Stats
Odometer: 1,510km
Kilometres ridden this month: 550km
Fuel efficiency: 32kmpl
Photography by Kapil Angane
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