The Classic 350 has been around for a decade now and in that time, it has become an icon. However, as most of you would know — not too much has changed on the Classic 350 in the last few years. Now though, Royal Enfield has given the Classic 350 a more modern and refined powertrain, tech updates and combined it with the ruggedness and the charm of the outgoing model. The prices for the new Classic 350 start at Rs 1.84 lakh for the single-channel ABS variant and go up to Rs 2.15 lakh, for the top-spec Chrome variant with dual-channel ABS.
The major update to the new Classic 350 has to be the new engine, and boy it is something you wouldn’t expect from a Classic! The powertrain on the new bike is taken from the Meteor 350 — a 349cc, single-cylinder, air-oil cooled engine that produces 20.2bhp at 6100rpm and 27Nm of torque at 4000rpm. For reference, the outgoing Classic 350 produced 19.1bhp at 5250rpm and 28Nm of torque at 4000rpm. Extra power aside, you can expect the new Classic to feel more refined too, with fewer vibrations. Of course, with the new engine, it also gets a new exhaust system and we’re curious to hear how the ‘thump’ from the Classic is translated to this new one.
Other than the engine, the chassis on the bike has also been upgraded and is based on the Meteor 350’s. It gets a twin downtube frame, as compared to the single downtube on the outgoing model of the Classic. Changes to the suspension include a telescopic 41mm fork with 130mm of travel on the front and a twin-shock setup at the rear with six-step adjustable preload. It also gets wider wheels — 100/90 R19 on the front and 120/80 R18 at the rear. There’s also a bigger 300mm disc on the front and a 270mm disc at the rear, on the dual-channel ABS variant. On the variant with single-channel ABS, there’s a 153mm drum setup for the rear, with the same 300mm disc up front. Adding on to the upgrades, you get a massive 170mm of ground clearance, which is 35mm more than the outgoing model. And, even with the beefier suspension, wider tyres, new brakes and other upgrades, the new Classic 350 weighs the same 195kg (kerb weight), albeit with 500ml less fuel capacity at 13-litres.
Mechanicals aside, let's talk about what the new Classic gets in terms of technology: it gets a redesigned instrument cluster with an analogue dial for the speedometer and a LCD screen for the fuel gauge, odometer and other functions. It also features the Tripper TFT screen, the same as the one on the Meteor, for turn-by-turn navigation and smartphone connectivity. Technology on a Classic 350! Good move RE.
Although the overall design is the same, the new Classic 350 gets slightly different headlamps and taillights, with the turn indicators borrowed from the Meteor. It also takes the Meteor’s handlebar grips, brake levers, footpegs and other components. At Rs 1.84 lakh, the new Classic 350 commands a premium of Rs 12,000 over the outgoing version and goes up against the likes of the Honda H’ness which is more expensive at Rs 1.94 lakh and the Jawa which is more affordable at Rs 1.78 lakh.
To know more about the new Classic 350, check out our first ride review.