Royal Enfield Classic 350 Review by Anuj Mishra: Experience After 9,000 Kilometers
Farewells are always heartbreaking. Especially when you have spent a long and wonderful time with a new bike but eventually have to say goodbye. And when it’s gone, only memories remain, and one day you’ll wish to get it back again. Forgive me for the drama and philosophical words, but that’s exactly what was going through my mind when I bid farewell to my long-time companion, the Royal Enfield Classic 350.
This amazing bike had been my constant companion. Not just for daily commuting to the office, but also on several long trips. It gave me unforgettable memories. Now that I’ve parted with this classic machine, let me share the things I liked about it and the things that could have been better. You may even consider this a farewell tribute.
What I Loved About the Royal Enfield Classic 350
The engine of the Classic 350 is undoubtedly one of its biggest highlights—especially its refinement and tractability. The most beautiful part is its engine sound. Even at high speeds, like 100 km/h, you won’t feel any vibrations. And at low speeds, it performs equally well. Riding at 40 km/h in 5th gear inside the city, its engine note gives you a sense of peace of mind.
When you accelerate, you’ll notice there’s no issue at all. The smooth gearbox makes city rides enjoyable. Despite weighing 195 kg, it’s quite easy to handle. In traffic, you can weave through gaps with ease. Of course, it’s not as agile as a KTM, but cornering still feels manageable. Thanks to its compact build, it’s comfortable to ride, and I felt confident taking it on long trips. At very high speeds, though, I did face slight difficulty in cornering.
This Classic is the definition of reliability. I rode it for over 8 months and hardly faced any major issues. No oil leaks, and its strong build quality deserves praise. It’s so well-built that I never heard any irritating rattles from its parts. Except for the side mirrors occasionally shifting out of place, I had no other complaints.
The round mirrors often came loose, and nobody could fix them permanently. Apart from that, after 5,000 km of riding, the clutch became a bit stiff, but once I adjusted the clutch cable, it returned to being smooth again.
Since its launch in 2008, the Classic’s design has remained unchanged. Even in the latest models, it retains the same look. And honestly, that’s a good thing. Its elegance and simplicity still make it as popular as ever. The small body panels, round design theme, and tasteful chrome touches give it the perfect classic appearance.
What I Didn’t Like About the Royal Enfield Classic 350
One of the biggest complaints is the ride quality. It’s not terrible, but on uneven roads, even at low speeds, small bumps can get annoying. At higher speeds, you may feel minor jolts as well.
Another issue is the foot pegs. While stuck in traffic, I often felt pain in my feet and toes. It’s not a huge problem, but still inconvenient in long jams.
The seat was also not to my liking. Because the foam isn’t thick enough, you might start feeling slight back pain in less than two hours. However, if you’re someone who loves long tours or riding on the highway, you can always choose an upgraded seat from Royal Enfield’s official accessories catalog. Overall, though, when it comes to handling, ride quality, and comfort, this bike is hard to beat. Still, I think the clutch could have been a little lighter and the front disc brake slightly more powerful.
Should You Buy It?
If you’re a fan of modern classic motorcycles, then this bike is definitely for you. Among classic bikes, nothing comes close to it. Royal Enfield is a globally admired brand among bikers. Its strengths easily outweigh its weaknesses, which is why I’d certainly recommend buying it.
