Royal Enfield launched the BS6-compliant Classic 350 with a starting price of Rs 1.65 lakhs (ex-showroom). If you are looking for motorcycles in a similar budget, there are five options to choose from. Here is what the grid looks like-
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350X
In Royal Enfield’s showrooms itself, you’ll find the Thunderbird 350X. The motorcycle offers a comfortable riding position and a well-cushioned seat. In terms of styling, the Thunderbird 350X gets blacked-out components and rides on alloy wheels similar to the ones on the new Classic 350. It comes powered by a 346cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 19.8bhp and 28Nm of torque. Royal Enfield retails the Thunderbird 350X at Rs 1.64 lakhs.
Jawa Classic
You could also have the Royal Enfield Classic 350’s biggest rival at Rs 1.65 lakhs. The Jawa Classic sports the same styling as its counterpart from yesteryear. It comes loaded with chrome and styling details that give it an authentic retro look. However, underneath its retro bodywork, the Jawa Classic uses a 293cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled motor that churns out 27bhp of power and 28Nm of torque.
Benelli Imperiale 400
Another competitor to the Classic 350 comes from Benelli in the form of the Imperiale 400. The Imperiale sports a classic inspired styling and comes garnished with chrome components all around. It even gets a twin-pod instrument cluster and a spring-loaded rider seat that adds to its look. The motorcycle comes powered by a 374cc, single-cylinder engine that is capable of producing 20.7bhp of power and 29Nm of torque. The Imperiale 400 is priced at Rs 1.69 lakhs.
KTM 200 Duke
If you desire more performance and a modern-looking motorcycle, there is the KTM 200 Duke priced at Rs 1.61 lakhs. The streetfighter is built on a tubular steel trellis frame with minimal bodywork. It is powered by a 199cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 24.6bhp of power and 19.2Nm of torque.
Honda CBR250R
The CBR250R is the only fully-faired option around the price bracket of the new Classic 350. It comes with an attractive-looking, full-LED lighting for the headlamp while the turn signals and tail lamp continue with conventional lighting. The CBR250R offers a slightly upright riding position that can also be comfortable for touring. The Honda CBR250R comes powered by a 249cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 25.7bhp of power and 22.9Nm of torque. Honda has priced the CBR250R at Rs 1.67 lakhs.
All prices ex-showroom, Mumbai