Good: Styling, seating position, great power, makes heads turn
Bad: Gearbox, rear drum breaks
Full Review
Style-
The Royal Enfield has been a style statement and a status symbol from the colonial times. The Classic 350 does not fall short of this discription. When you ride a Classic 350 you are sure to make heads turn. The chrome parts, the perfect paint job, and the thumping makes you feel proud and tall. Royal Enfield has done everything right here!
Another great touch is the classic speedometer.
Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox
With 350cc and over 22Bhp, the Classic 350 delivers the Royal Enfield promise. The acceleration is unmatchable, it climbs up to a 60kmph under 7-9seconds. The highest speed I have clocked on the is 110kmph while riding solo.
The riding position is the best you can find if you like cruising or taking long trips. The pilion seat too is extremely comfortable especially if you need it to seat a girlfriend or wife for a long journey.
The fuel economy promised by the company is 45kmpl however in city conditions a litre yields about 26-30km. Its a little disappointing and can take a toll in times of inflation, but once you ride an enfield you know fuel economy does not matter! A fuel tank of 12litres would yield 320-330 kms in the city and over 20km more on the highway. There isn't a fuel gauge.
Another bummer is the gearbox. The gear peddle gets sort of jammed often. Another classic problem with enfields it that they slip into neutral which shifting gears, RE hasn't rectified it on the newer models.
Ride Quality & Handling-
The seating position, thigh pads and handle bars that are spaced perfectly make riding this beast a treasured experience. For most of it, you feel like you are just gliding in air unless at speeds higher than 80kmph. At high speeds, the bike tends to vibrate a little and can get a annoying at high speeds. The suspension absorbs every little pothole like a sponge. Sometimes, you won't know a pothole exists, thats how well the classic 350 swallows them. With these features and abilities, you can ride on any terrain with you classic. The soft suspension may cause your silencer hit the ground on high speed breakers or while your off-roading. In case you are going to use it in farms or rough terrain you should consider getting an upswept silencer.
Final Words-
A Royal Enfield is not for everyone. The Classic 350 is a beautiful peace of metal that anyone will grow to love. The bike does justice to its name'classic', the styling right from the paint job to the vintage speedometer dials complement the name. You will fall in love with the bike before you know it.
Areas of improvement
The gearbox needs serious fixing. Royal Enfield Service is no good, you need to rely on other mechanics. A fuel gauge is much needed. They need to introduce disc breaks for the rear wheels, it would boost confidence while making long trips.
