Jun 28, 2016 04:03 PM
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Royal Enfield launched the updated Classic 350 in India in 2009 along with the Classic 500. The Classic 350 is the smaller twin of the Classic 500 with the same features but with a smaller mill which is also seen on the Thunderbird.
The Classic 350 boasts of the rich heritage of Royal Enfield and continues to portray the old school styling. However, this motorcycle gets a dosage of new-age technology while keeping the feel of practical leisure motorcycling intact. The company has used this philosophy in the UCE platform to design and introduce a wide range of motorcycles.
The Classic 350 is powered by a 346cc engine that churns out 19.8bhp of power and 28Nm of torque. Though the torque has decreased marginally, the power figure has been increased by a significant 1.8bhp. This mill is carburetted and misses out on the electronic fuel injection(EFI) which the Classic 500 is equipped with.
This motorcycle has all the qualities of a typical Royal Enfield and a relaxed and comfortable cruiser is what the company still intends to provide. Though there are not many changes to the design, the company has now equipped the motorcycle with 18-inch wheel rims instead of the conventional 19-inchers, giving the owners the freedom to choose from a wide variety of tyres.
But I never expected to own one in my life as I prefered sports bike over cruisers as they are more live and fun. Although I own Pulsar 135LS, I have ridden Cbr 250, karizma zmr, duke 200, pulsar 200 NS, fz v1 and gixxer a couple of times thanks to my kind hearted friends. I got my eyes on Royal Enfield when the subject Touring came to my mind. As you know, sports bike have harder seats and tight suspensions which makes them poor for long rides. I needed something which was under my budget and which goes on and on without having engine out of breath.
When I spoke to my dad about taking a new bike such as avenger and karizma, he just ignored by saying' u already have a bike, why do u need a new one. Take a car(am having job)'. But am a biker . so I researched and came into conclusion of buying a royal enfield. When I informed my dad about, to my surprise the response I got from was the most heart warming.'Royal enfield!. Thats very good.' . my dad worked(currently retired) as Circle inspector and has a history with Royal Enfield Bikes. Infact, he was more excited to buy the bike than I was. We visited the showroom and decided to buy classic 350 as its style was more appealing. We paid an advance of Rs.5000 to Prince motors, palakkad, kerala to book silver classic 350 and the bike got delivered within 3 months waiting period. Oh man what a site it was to see royal enfield'the king of the roads' standing in my house.
The first 500kms is very crucial for any new bikes as its the time where the engines get set. Also if there is any complaint with bike we have to inform it in start itself else in future its going to be costly. Me and dad tamed the beast to run under 50 although the manual says we can go on 60kmph and after crossing 500 we went upto 70 as per manual.
But after first service tappet noise started to arise when I gave more acceleration. This really hurted me as new bike giving problems at the starting can cause to anyone. When inquired with showroom, this was their reply'the new engines come with hydraulic tappets which cannot be adjusted by us and is strictly prohibited by company. It will be automatically corrected when you ride the bike continously'. I hope it does! because Royal Enfield is not a brand that stands for technology.
After second service the bike returned a mileage of 33kmpl which was way below the company claimed one although I rode at 70kmph. The biggest thing I liked about the bike was its engine performance, the more distance it covered more smoother it became. Self start even though was present became useless as it works only occassionally. it felt like the battery dosent have enough juice to start 350cc engine. Headlights have powerful beam which is good for night driving. The rider seats have springs which acts as extra shock absorbers and thus provide more comfort. The pillion seats though is narrow and will definitely cause pain after 50 to 60kms. The new UCE engine is light and entire bike has reduced weight and its very easy to navigate in traffic. I didnt like the fit and finish though since the nuts and bolts started to come off due to vibration and you might never know when something is missing. In my place, the silencer nut and chain guard nut was lost after a long ride. The paint quality is also another issue as one little scratch will peel off the paint.
On Dec 20th and 21st 2014 I made a chennai to Bangalore and reverse in my bull covering almost 800kms in two days and the bike performed well.
But I was not happy as although the engine was 350cc I could only cruise the bike at speed of 80kmph and after that vibration was in excess. Comon. a wide open 6lane straight road and you still move like a turtoise. I envyed the CBR250 and KTM Guys who flew past me through these open roads. And the biggest problem was a heart breaker. The rim got bent when I ran through a huge pot hole and bike began to wobble like anything. thanks to chennai road.(I have run my pulsar like anything but it didnt give it a scratch.! this is the quality of steel RE guys give? I have my pulsar 135 to bangalore through same highway and there was no problem at all). Another thing that iritated me was tappet noise, after 70 tappet noise will become high.
As one good rider once said. Take a royal enfield with heart and not mind. And thats truly said as this bike is not perfect in any means. it got problems which makes many buyers to back away but once you ride on it the whole world will envy upon on you. The sound of beats will become music to your ears. Clutch and brakes like the strings of a guitar. Its Upto you whether you wanna play hard metal or melody. Yes, there are more better bikes such as CBR, Pulsar, R15, Avenger etc for this price and if you are not a big fan of RE, then surely you must not take it. This bike has more cons. than pros no matter how mad a RE fan suggest you to buy.
Ride safe. Ride long.
