2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 is already on sale in India. The new neo-retro bike has brought interesting changes to it. Read all of its pros & cons below.
Royal Enfield has already launched the new iteration of its most popular model globally. The 2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 neo-retro brings interesting changes to it. It has been one of the most popular models in India for a long. Now, with the updated model, it is ready even more to compete with its rivals. If you're planning to buy one; here is the top of its pros & cons that you need to know before moving ahead.
Classic 350 Pros
Refined Engine
The main highlight of it remains the new 350cc engine. Yes, RE has updated the Classic with an all-new engine. This BS6-compliant engine is much more refined and torquey than the outgoing model. The new powerplant now has the counter-balancer shafts and another such refined tech. These techs have made the engine much more buzz-free. It is capable of producing peak power of 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of peak torque. This power is mated via a 5-speed constant mesh gearbox.
Additionally, the cam gears are now replaced by a timing chain thus leading to less noise and vibration. The chain primary drive has also been replaced via the gear primary drive. This leads to less transmission loss and hence better performance and fewer vibrations. The new Classic 350 engine is far more refined as compared to the old UCE unit.
Better Suspension
Another major plus of the new bike is its well-built suspension. It provides a very subtle ride quality which none of the rivals can provide till now. RE has now fitted more fat 41mm front telescopic forks and has increased the travel on the rear suspensions.
This fiddling has led to a far more cushioning ride. The Classic brand has always been known for its very calm ride quality. The new Classic retains this position with a better suspension than the outgoing model.
More Ground Clearance
Royal Enfield has increased the ground clearance of the new Classic. This means that the utility of the new model has been enhanced by multiple folds. The previous model had a ground clearance of 135mm. The new Classic, however, enjoys the increment of a stupendous 35mm. The ground clearance of the new model now stands at 170mm. This equates that using the new Classic over an undluated surface is going to be a lot easier than before. Additionally, the kerb weight remains the same as before i.e. 195 kg.
Improved Handling & Brakes
Yes, the handling of the new Classic has gone up. Why? Well, it is because of the new fat tyres and bigger brakes. The front tyre of the Classic is now 100mm wide while the rear is now 120mm. Additionally, the front single disc brake is now 300mm in dia while the rear single disc is 270mm in dia. This combination of new tyres and brakes helps the rider to gain more confidence over uneven roads. Additionally, the cornering ability of the new model has increased as well.
Classic 350 Cons
Lack Of Top-End Engine Performance
One of the major downsides of the new Classic is its lack of top-end engine performance. Yes, the engine is grunt rich and performs well within the city limits. But, when you need the extra top-end juice for open roads; it simply strains. The engine comes with a 5-speed gearbox and the rider will feel wanting for another gear or more power. This is much more evident once the rider crosses the 85 kmph mark.
Same Old Design
While many customers love the neo-retro looks of Classic; the design is mostly the same. With many required improvements, the design looks more or less the same as the old model. However, the design is eye candy for sure but fewer customers might find it too identical to the older bike. We would've loved some more interesting modern bits on the design like a fully digital instrument panel. The current bike comes with a semi-digital cluster which shows only limited information.
Lack of Connected Features
Priced between Rs 1.87 - 2.14 lakh ex-showroom, the new Classic lacks connected features. The rivals like the Jawa 42 and the Yezdi Roadster are offering more connected features. We would've loved the addition of tripper navigation and Bluetooth smartphone connectivity at this price point.
Verdict
If you're someone looking for a retro-design motorcycle with a widespread service network; the Classic 350 is the one to go for. However, the lack of top-end performance is what you will have to manage with it. Apart from this, the torquey motor of the new Classic helps in making it a very enjoyable riding machine. Comment down below and tell us why will you pick it over its rivals.
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