The 2021 Classic 350 Is Here To Reclaim Its Throne In The Retro Segment

Royal Enfield has finally launched the most-awaited bike of the year in India, the 2021 Classic 350. The bike is based on RE’s all-new J-platform, the same as the Meteor 350. 

What’s The Price? Who Are Its Rivals?

The 2021 Classic 350 gets a starting price of Rs 1.84 lakh, while the top-spec Chrome variant will set you back by Rs 2.15 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. At this price point, the 2021 Classic 350 takes on the Honda H’Ness CB350 and the Bajaj Dominar 400, Jawa, and Benelli Imperiale 400.

What’s New?

Well, pretty much everything you could think of. The 2021 Classic 350 is an all-new bike! Everything from the motor and  frame to the underpinnings and ergonomics have been reworked. 

Starting with the beating heart, the 349cc, air-cooled single-cylinder motor is the same unit that’s seen on the Meteor 350. It even makes the exact same power and torque (20.2PS at 6100rpm and 27Nm at 4000rpm), however, the Classic gets a new power map which alters the tune of the engine. So it’s more easy going than the Meteor. Its slightly smaller tank can accommodate upto 13 litres of fuel which pushes the wet weight of the bike to 195kg.

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Coming to the bike’s hardware, the new Classic uses a new fatter 41mm telescopic fork up front and a twin shock setup at the rear. Even the brakes have been updated to Bybre units at both ends which clamp on to a 300mm front and a 270mm rear disc brake. Its 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels come wrapped in 90-section and 120-section tyres.

Moving onto the ergonomics, the Classic 350 features a new rider and pillion seat with thicker cushioning which improves ride comfort. The handlebar sits taller, offering an upright riding posture. 

Coming to the styling, the bike looks pretty similar to the outgoing model, however, it's been cleverly redesigned. While it retains a similar silhouette, it gets subtle design updates for a fresher look. The headlamp for instance features a clear lens and a new nacelle. The ‘Classic 350’ badging is new, and so is the tank, fenders and side panels.

Royal Enfields were never known to be feature-rich bikes, and the 2021 Classic still isn't. However, the company has added a few modern touches to keep up with the growing competition. For example, the instrument console is now an analogue unit with a digital inset with readouts such as a fuel gauge, two tripmeters, an odometer, an Eco indicator and time. RE's patented Tripper navigation also makes its way to the new Classic. Supplementing its feature list is the Meteor 350-derived switchgear.

What’s Unchanged?

The retro-looking spoked wheels and the Classic’s DNA are the only elements that have been retained.

What Should Have Been Changed?

LED lighting has been given a miss, however, it’s not a deal breaker. Royal Enfield had to maintain the classic look of the bike which can only be achieved with conventional lighting. What we would have liked to see are a few more readouts on the console. Features like average and real time fuel efficiency or distance to empty would have been appreciated by all.

ZigSays

The work that Royal Enfield’s put into the bike is incredible, which should help the company maintain its foothold in the retro segment despite the growing competition. The new Classic maintains the right balance between retro and modern, something enthusiasts will appreciate. We’ve already ridden the bike and loved every bit of it. Our comprehensive review will be up at 1pm, so stay tuned to ZigWheels.