Motorcycle specifications Royal-EnfieldClassic 350 2025 Getting out of the Ganges
The Classic is an essential Royal-Enfield model. A timeless interpretation of the English motorcycle, under the banner of India and nostalgia. Its existence lasted for many years, in 350 cm3 and 500 cm3 - the 500 was the only model ever seen in France. Until modernity turned the tables. While the Meteor replaced the Bullet, the 350 Classic took up residence at the manufacturer's premises. To perpetuate the charm of the vintage motorcycle and, above all, to strengthen its market share in its home country.
The Enfield team has pulled out all the stops. The Classic's design is exceptionally close to that of its predecessor. Apart from the engine casings and a few discreet details, it's really hard to tell one from the other. Enthusiasts will appreciate the effort. Even the dashboard makes every effort to match the triangular shape of its predecessor. However, the instrumentation has taken a serious step forward: small LCD digital display under the speedometer, USB socket under the handlebars, mini TFT screen for the Tripper navigation system. Without detracting from the nostalgic design, with the same location as yesterday's instruments, as well as the left-hand switch on the instrument cluster.
The Classic uses the same engine as the Meteor. This little 349 cm3 single is modern, cleaner, pleasant to drive(see our Meteor test) and only slightly more powerful than the old block. On the other hand, as Royal has accustomed the French market to its 500, the difference in performance is likely to be devaluing. Not so much in terms of power. We're down from 27 hp on the half-liter to 20.2 hp on the new-generation Classic. It's the torque that's the problem. Less than 3 mkg on hand, when the Bullet and Classic 500 offered just over 4.
To take offence at this would be unfair. Yes, this Classic replaces the Classic; but the 350 doesn't replace the 500. It's more important to bear in mind that this bike is intended to be global, with a certain homogeneity between its local market and the export market. For those who want more watts and the Royal-Enfield identity, the Continental GT and Interceptor 650 are available - in a different price range.
New instrumentation, new engine (J platform), and new chassis for the Classic. The tubular steel frame is redesigned as a double cradle to improve rigidity. With new saddles and a reworked riding position featuring new handlebars, the machine's mission is to offer greater comfort.
The chassis remains very much in keeping with the segment, with spoked rims, one brake disc per wheel, dual-channel ABS, 41 mm forks and twin side shocks.
Millions of units of the 350 / 500 Classic duo have been produced since its birth in 2008. This second chapter will have the onerous task of perpetuating more than a motorcycling lineage; it's practically a philosophy. A motorcycle that demands fullness, charm and the pleasure of cruising.
M.B - Manufacturer's photos
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Well, I'm less enthusiastic about the conclusion..
Test ride this Sunday (HVR77 open house) of this machine and a Himalayan for which I had come
This 350 seems pretty light (but my bike is 300kg...), easy to handle and comfortable. The sound is nice and it looks really good
And finally, there's none of the unpleasant vibration of the 500!
On the other hand, the 350cm3 / 20hp / 4-speed is a bit of a cocktail...even if I understand the general idea that "you need philosophy, coolescence, plenitude", and I subscribe to this idea (I used to ride custom bikes)
But adhering to this philosophy doesn't mean eliminating any possibility of acceleration or recovery!
I'm convinced by the machine's design, but what about its use once I've bought it?
- i can't see myself doing 80 km of A4/A86 every day to get to work: I might as well take a scooter whose power is much better exploited...and which protects me in winter
- i can't see myself doing 350 km of two-up riding in the mountains...or I'd have to play with the gearbox all the time
- As for joining an organized Sunday ride, it's best to find out if everyone is set on the same riding philosophy. Even if it's possible to keep up with the pace on small roads by always being on the throttle (as was the case this Sunday when I followed the opener on the "conti"), you have to pray not to take a stretch of 110/130 dual carriageway
This lack of fishiness is even more frustrating than the handling
I had a lot of fun on this test ride, but the daily-use window is too "sharp" that I won't go through with the purchase
Or as a second machine, as the salesman suggested..
Yo
<°)))<< Rating : 3/5 Respond to La Sardine
A chrome bronze will also be on the road shortly (another person has also signed in the showroom) Rating : 5/5 Respond to el_toro
Can you keep up to 100km/h on the flat? Uphill?
Is the weight not too noticeable?
I was interested in the HONDA GB350 but if it never arrives in Europe I'll have to find another solution. Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation