Introduction
Goodbyes can be utterly difficult. Especially when it’s for someone or something you spend quality time with but have to part ways long before you’d expected or wanted to. And once they are gone, all you’re left with are memories to cherish deeply for years and a strong yearning to get back with them again, someday. Pardon me for being too dramatic and philosophical but these were the thoughts occupying my head when I recently handed back the keys and bid farewell to the Royal Enfield Classic 350, my long-termer since September 2021.
This juggernaut had been my persistent companion not just for office-home commutes, but also for a couple of long rides, and Mumbai-Pune runs umpteen times. All these experiences have been jotted down in detail at regular intervals. But now that the Classic is gone, let me sum up the things I admired about it and some I thought could have been better. Call it a farewell letter, if you will.
Things I liked
The engine of the new Classic 350 is undoubtedly its biggest highlight, mainly for its refinement and tractability. The motorcycle has come a long way from buzzing aggressively at higher speeds to emanating almost no vibes, even beyond 100kmph. That said, it’s the most enjoyable at slow speeds. Trudging along in the city at about 40kmph in fifth gear, accompanied by its thumping sound, is a relaxed and soothing affair. And when you gas it from there, the pull is clean and free of any shudder. The easily workable gearbox only adds to its city rideability.
The Classic 350 is also a good handler, especially considering its 195kg heavy kerb weight. Although it’s not effortless to push around in the parking, it feels easy to steer on the go. And after getting used to its mildly lazy reflexes, you can go around flicking it through tight gaps in traffic with ease. Where it really shines though is around corners. Obviously, it isn’t as agile as KTMs, for instance. But if you take on the bends smoothly, it leans gracefully and even sticks to its line without much drama. After several twisty weekend rides in Lonavla, I had become confident enough to tip it to the extent of scraping the pegs around tight bends. It’s only when you go too aggressive with your direction changes in corners that the rear feels a tad wriggly.
Reliability is another strong suit of the Classic. Over the eight months that we had it, neither did it stall on us nor there were any fluid leaks. Also, courtesy of its solid build quality, none of the panels or components ever made any strange noises, despite me subjecting it to some rough roads almost daily. The only minor issue I had faced since day one was the reluctance of its mirrors to stay in the position I would set them in. The round end portion of the mirror would always stoop down from the ball joint socket, and the service personnel were never able to fix the issue. Also, the clutch became hard and squeaky after the bike crossed about 5,000km, but it was just a matter of replacing the clutch cable.
I would also include design as one of its USPs. Ever since the Classic was born in 2008, its design has remained almost the same, which is the case even in its latest avatar. Despite that, it is extremely popular for its simplicity and elegance. The minimalistic body panels and round design theme lend it such a clean and uh… classic look. The top-end Chrome trim, in particular, looks so tasteful with a generous dose of chrome that I would ogle at the bike after its weekend washing sessions.
Things I didn’t like
One of the main complaints I have with the Classic is its ride quality. Well, it’s not harsh enough to give you long-lasting back pain. But hitting a deep pothole or sharp road joints, even at slow speeds, sends a discomforting jolt to the rider. Also, going over a tall speed bump at moderate speeds shoves you off the seat, thanks to its quick rebound. That’s not to say that the ride quality is entirely unforgiving. It feels composed when going through low-amplitude undulations, like small rumblers or minor surface changes on the highway.
Another issue is the position of the footpeg. Every time I got stuck in traffic, my calves and shin kept hitting the pegs while tiptoeing. This might not read like a major problem in theory, but it gets really annoying every time you start trundling in slow-moving traffic.
I also have a grouse with its seat. Since the foam isn’t very dense, it takes less than two hours to give you a sore backside, which means frequent breaks if you plan to munch long miles. However, if frequent tours are your thing, the optional touring seat in RE’s official accessory catalogue should make things better. Nevertheless, the overall ergonomics are upright, neutral, and comfortable for riders of almost all sizes. Lastly, if I were to nitpick, the Classic could do with a tad lighter clutch and a little more bite from the front disc brake.
To buy or not to buy
If you’re looking for a quintessential modern-classic motorcycle around the Rs 2.5 lakh price point, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 is a no-brainer amongst the few options you have in this segment. All the positives of the bike easily overshadow the negatives and that makes it a highly recommendable purchase. And that’s not just for the new buyers who will adore the OG retro feel that it delivers, but also for the existing old Classic owners who will find it better on many fronts. Having said that, the Classic 350’s desirability goes beyond its specifications and equipment. It evokes a sense of calm and respite amidst the chaotic world we’re living in.
Bike Stats
Odometer: 9,081km
Kilometres last month: 500km
Fuel efficiency: 33-35kmpl
Photography by Kaustubh Gandhi
Gallery
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Royal Enfield Classic 350 Right Side View
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