The 346cc UCE is also gone in the 2021 upgrade, replaced with the 'J-platform' 349cc engine. Its engine is the same as the one that debuted on the Meteor 350 last year, but Royal Enfield claims that the one on the Classic has its unique ignition timing, exhaust arrangement, and fuelling map.

The pushrod-valve mechanism of the original Classic has been replaced with an SOHC two-valve head, and while the engine is still air-cooled, there is an extra internal oil circuit within the cylinder head to improve cooling.

The new engine features a 2mm larger diameter and 4.2mm shorter stroke, as well as a main balancer shaft. These improvements, like those made to the Meteor 350, were meant to extend the useful torque range while simultaneously eliminating the off-putting high-RPM vibrations, and the benefits are fairly noticeable.

Engine and Performance: A Modern Upgrade

The heart of the Royal Enfield Classic 350 is its new 349cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke engine. This powerplant delivers a respectable 20.2 bhp of power and a healthy 27 Nm of torque, ensuring a balanced performance. The engine is mated to a five-speed gearbox and features a slipper clutch, offering a smooth and efficient transmission. Furthermore, it adheres to the BS6 emission norms, contributing to reduced emissions.

A Quantum Leap in Refinement

One of the most noteworthy improvements over its predecessors is the refinement of this new engine. Previous Enfield singles were infamous for their vibrations, oil leaks, and reliability concerns. However, the revamped power unit is markedly smoother, quieter, and more refined. It boasts a crisp throttle response, complemented by a gearbox that shifts seamlessly. Adding to its appeal, the engine produces an enticing soundtrack, enhancing the overall experience.

Designed for Leisurely Riding

The Classic 350 is not engineered for breakneck speed or racing aspirations. Instead, it's tailored for leisurely journeys along picturesque routes, where it comfortably cruises at speeds ranging from 80 to 90 kmph. With ample torque for smooth acceleration at lower speeds, this bike effortlessly handles moderate inclines and overtaking manoeuvres. Nevertheless, it tends to struggle beyond 110 kmph and feels strained at higher revs. An additional gear and a slightly higher top speed could enhance its suitability for highway cruising.

Efficiency and Range

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Classic 350 impresses with a range of 35-40 kmpl, contingent on the rider's style and road conditions. Equipped with a 13.5-litre fuel tank, it offers a commendable range of approximately 450-500 km on a full tank. Moreover, its maintenance costs are reasonable, with readily available spare parts, making it an economical choice for long-term ownership.

Robust Build with Some Heft

Crafted with a focus on durability, the Classic 350 exhibits impressive build quality, minimizing the use of plastic components in favor of sturdy metal parts. This solid construction enables the bike to withstand rough terrains and occasional bumps, ensuring longevity. However, its weight of 195 kg can be a drawback, making manoeuvring in tight spaces or navigating through slow-moving traffic a bit challenging. Additionally, picking it up after a drop requires substantial effort.

The Essence of Nostalgia

In summary, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 is an embodiment of retro design, powered by a refined engine, and tailored for a relaxed riding experience. It caters not to speed enthusiasts or adrenaline seekers but rather to those who cherish the nostalgia and character of a vintage motorcycle. Its charm lies in its ability to offer a journey back in time, where the pleasure of the ride takes precedence over speed records.

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 seamlessly marries the nostalgia of a bygone era with the prowess of contemporary motorcycle engineering. A standout model from the illustrious Royal Enfield stable, a brand with a remarkable 120-year history in the motorcycling realm, the Classic 350 pays homage to the iconic post-war G2 model from the 1950s. This timeless machine transcends generations, symbolizing style and freedom for riders of all ages.

Timeless Design, Nostalgic Reverie

At first glance, the Classic 350 is a visual masterpiece that elicits a sense of nostalgia and admiration. Its design is a tribute to the classics, featuring a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a circular headlamp adorned with a chrome bezel, and the ever-charming spoke wheels—all conspiring to invoke a vintage charm that's hard to resist. This motorcycle comes in an array of captivating colours and variant series, including the Redditch Series, Halcyon Series, Signals Series, Dark Series, and Chrome Series. Each variant possesses a unique character, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.

Power and Poise: The Heart of the Classic 350

Under the Classic 350's retro exterior lies a robust all-new 349cc single-cylinder engine, generating a formidable power output of 20.21 PS at 6100 rpm and a torque of 27 Nm at 4000 rpm. This engine is thoughtfully equipped with a balancer shaft and an electronic fuel injection system, delivering a silky-smooth and refined performance. What's more, it produces a signature thumping exhaust note that accentuates the bike's personality. Complementing this powerhouse is a five-speed manual transmission, ensuring effortless gear shifts and a comfortable riding experience.

Form Meets Function: Chassis, Brakes, and Comfort

The Classic 350 boasts a modern twin downtube chassis that enhances stability and manoeuvrability. It's equipped with disc brakes on both wheels, featuring dual-channel ABS for added safety, making every ride a secure experience. The bike also features a wider seat, offering superior rider comfort. With a fuel tank capacity of 13 litres, the Classic 350 provides a substantial range, perfect for those extended journeys.

Smart Features for an Enhanced Ride

Incorporating modern convenience, the Classic 350 comes equipped with intelligent features. Its instrument cluster seamlessly blends an analogue speedometer with an LCD display, offering vital information like odometer readings, trip meter, fuel gauge, and clock. Notably, a handy USB charging port beneath the handlebars ensures your devices stay powered on the move.

One standout feature is the Royal Enfield Tripper™, a turn-by-turn navigation companion that connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. This ingenious tool displays directions on a small screen, ensuring you explore new destinations without the fear of getting lost.

Royal Enfield has recognized that its customers want to personalize their motorcycles, which is why the Classic 350 will ship with a variety of extras. Buyers will be able to select from a variety of extras, including various alloy wheels, exhausts, and seat choices, using the online configurator. In addition, the firm will offer a lower seat option that decreases the 805mm seat height by 32mm.

Heritage Meets Versatility: A Motorcycle for Every Rider

In essence, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 is the embodiment of classic aesthetics harmonizing with modern functionality. It caters to riders who hold Royal Enfield's rich heritage in high regard and seek a dependable and adaptable ride for everyday use.

With pricing ranging from Rs. 1.93 lakh to Rs. 2.24 lakh (ex-showroom Chennai), depending on the variant, the Classic 350 competes admirably in its segment, pitting itself against rivals such as the Honda H’ness CB350, Jawa Standard, Benelli Imperiale 400, and more. In a world of motorcycles, this timeless classic is a treasure worth exploring.

The Royal Enfield Classic 350, steeped in history and boasting a dedicated following, has always been synonymous with retro charm, iconic thumping sounds, and unhurried cruising capabilities. However, the previous iteration had its share of drawbacks, including a vibey engine, an outdated frame, and a plush suspension. Enter the 2021 model, poised to rectify these issues and usher in a more refined and enjoyable riding experience.

Smooth Powerhouse: Engine Evolution

At the heart of the new Classic 350 lies an updated 350cc engine, part of the J platform, which also powers the Meteor 350. This powerplant distinguishes itself with its smooth and hushed demeanour, a stark contrast to its predecessor. It delivers power in a linear fashion, with a robust mid-range kick.

The gearbox, too, impresses with its slick and fluid shifts, albeit with a slightly elongated throw. This revamped engine transforms the Classic 350 into a more adept highway cruiser, capable of maintaining speeds exceeding 100 kmph with minimal vibration or strain.

Frame Reimagined: Enhancing Balance and Agility

A notable upgrade is the adoption of a new double-downtube frame, replacing the older single-cradle unit. This shift optimizes weight distribution and the bike's equilibrium, imparting greater agility and stability to the Classic 350. The suspension has not been overlooked, featuring a beefier 41mm telescopic fork at the front and twin gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear.

This suspension setup leans slightly towards the firmer side compared to the Meteor 350, endowing the Classic 350 with enhanced confidence and feedback in corners. Moreover, ground clearance receives a boost, ascending by 35mm to 170mm, facilitating increased lean angles and averting pesky scraping of footpegs or exhaust.

Braking Revamped: Stopping Power Enhanced

The braking system has undergone an upgrade as well, boasting a 300mm disc at the front and a 270mm disc at the rear, both equipped with dual-channel ABS. This enhancement translates to commendable braking performance, offering ample stopping power and modulation. However, it's worth noting that the front brake feel mirrors that of the Meteor, lacking some bite and feedback, an aspect that could benefit from further refinement.

The 2021 Classic 350 managed to accelerate from 0 to 60 km/h in 16.47 seconds, which is not only faster than the previous model but also reasonable given its hefty 195kg kerb weight.

Versatile and Enjoyable Ride: Modern Meets Classic

The revamped Classic 350 elevates ride and handling to a new level, making it a more versatile and enjoyable motorcycle. It adeptly traverses diverse road conditions, providing a comfortable and poised ride. While it may not match the agility and lightness of some competitors, it possesses its own unique character and allure that resonates with a wide spectrum of riders. It's a machine that transports you to the golden days of motorcycling while offering modern features and unwavering reliability.

In conclusion, the Royal Enfield Classic 350, with its refined ride and handling, has transcended its previous limitations, offering a well-rounded and captivating riding experience. It's a motorcycle that strikes a harmonious balance between nostalgia and modernity, appealing to those who appreciate the essence of classic motorcycling while seeking the assurance of contemporary features.

In the world of motorcycles, the Royal Enfield Classic has left an indelible mark, and the latest iteration upholds this iconic legacy. Its exterior design is a testament to the adage, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," as it retains the timeless allure that has defined Royal Enfield's history. A striking red and chrome colour scheme dominates the visual landscape, making it instantly recognizable even from a distance. Surprisingly, every single panel and surface on this motorcycle is brand new, with no vestiges of the previous Classic, yet the design remains unmistakably Classic.

Honoring Tradition: Resisting Change for Good Reason

In an era where manufacturers often tinker with the fundamental design of their prized possessions, Royal Enfield chooses to preserve the Classic's aesthetic integrity. This decision is grounded in both respect for the design's historical significance and an appreciation for its innate beauty. The Classic design has already woven itself into the fabric of Royal Enfield's narrative, making any alteration a delicate endeavour.

Enhanced Craftsmanship: A New Standard

However, Royal Enfield hasn't rested on its laurels when it comes to this new Classic. While the external design remains faithful, improvements in fit and finish, as well as component quality, are evident throughout the bike. The switchgear cubes, levers, balloon grips, and sleek bar-ends are the first to catch your eye. Notably, the switchgear cubes, identical to those on the Meteor 350, exude a premium feel, surpassing their predecessors in both appearance and tactile feedback.

A Few Niggles: Balancing Form and Function

Yet, amidst the upgrades, a minor quibble arises with the pass-light switch, which could be more user-friendly. The non-adjustable curved levers, while aesthetically fitting, may pose a challenge for riders with smaller hands due to their thickness. However, the balloon grips and bar ends, though substantial, exude a sense of quality that is hard to fault.

Attention to Detail: The Devil's in the Finer Points

Delving deeper, Royal Enfield has lavished attention on numerous touchpoints. The foot pegs, exhibiting enhanced quality, contribute to rider comfort, as does the more supportive seat. Beneath the rider's seat, the twin-spring setup has been replaced with a cantilever mount, enhancing stability through corners. For those who cherish the old-school spring appearance, fear not; they can be acquired as approved accessories.

Streamlined Rear Aesthetics: Form Meets Function

A notable enhancement is the streamlined rear design. The unsightly tail-light and number plate arrangement of yesteryears has been replaced with a simpler, more pleasing configuration. This transformation significantly elevates the motorcycle's rear-end aesthetics.

Attention to Craftsmanship: A Global Perspective

Inspecting the bike closely, one finds neater welds, consistent use of Allen bolts, and an absence of exposed wiring. These meticulous details hint at Royal Enfield's ambition to cater to more discerning global markets, a direction previously signalled by the Meteor 350. It's evident that the company aims to appeal to riders who value not only the heritage but also the finer aspects of craftsmanship.

In conclusion, the Royal Enfield Classic's exterior build and design maintain the allure of tradition while embracing subtle yet impactful improvements. It's a testament to the brand's commitment to heritage and craftsmanship, appealing to those who appreciate the beauty of preserving a classic form.