2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350. What changed? | Ride review

2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350. What changed?  

One of those tricky situations manufacturers find themselves in-how do you change things and yet keep it the same? How do you know what changes are enough to call a product an upgrade and not disturb the equilibrium? A successful run, topping the charts and creating a segment of its own. Royal Enfield Classic 350 is that product. The Royal Enfield Classic 350, with its unique proposition, created such a niche that even Japanese manufacturers had to launch a product just to get a piece in that pie. For more than a decade this helped Royal Enfield to leap into an international future. Exactly the reason why RE engineers and designers must have put in a lot of thought in making this bike ‘same-same-but-different’. Times Drive was invited for the pre-launch media ride event by Royal Enfield, where we rode the bike for more than 250 km on the first day and I am writing this to list down the experiences I had with the new 2021 RE Classic 350.

2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350: How different from the old Classic 350? 

The new Classic gets few new features, fulfils long-overdue customers’ demands and has worked on the refinement. The frame, suspension, brakes and suspension are obviously closer to Meteor 350 than the previous Classic. If you look at the spec sheet you would be able to pinpoint a few differences. The new Classic 350 gets a new twin downtube spine frame, tail and front lamps design and wider tyres. Work has been done on the engine, exhaust and on the ergonomics front.

Just like the Meteor, the Classic 350 also gets USB charging point and a tripper. The analogue instrumentation now is joined by a small LCD screen with a digital display. However, the tested fuel efficiency of the 2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 remains the same at 37 km/l. Now, the question we wanted the answer for-how different is the new Classic on the roads? 

2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350: Looks

This is how the Royal Enfield Classic 350 remains the same or it seems to be. If we look at the seats or the knee guard first, this would look more or less like a variant or new edition of the existing Classic. The news colours would give it an exclusive look though. The chrome red we rode or the green being displayed at our halt at Tijara Fort can take care of a variety of Classic customers. One was traditional and the glossy green felt distinct cool-retro modern appeal. There are few more colours on offer. The round headlamp and analogue meter with a digital extension maintain the traditional looks department. There is a change in handlebar angle and footpeg positions which can’t be discussed here but in the ride section. 

2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350: Performance 

This is where you can feel the difference between the old and the new Royal Enfield Classic 350. According to the spec-sheet, the changes are not revolutionary, engine capacity is up by 3cc, you get 1.1 bhp extra, and 1 Nm less than the previous Classic 350. So is the case with compression ratio, bore and stroke. However, the peak power and torque figures are achieved at different rpms. Now, all of this comes together to connect the Classic with the Interceptor. 

The power delivery feels consistent, linear and smooth. No hiccups or huffing or puffing if you are late in gearshift. The gearshift is crisp and smooth. During the ride, I didn’t get any false neutral or any clunk sound during the gear shift, which was impressive for an RE. While launching from a standstill or overtaking on the highway, the engine felt comfortable, with no stress. Unless you wanted to take it beyond 100 kmp/h. The new Classic 350 felt the most comfortable in the 90-100 km/h cruising range, beyond this it felt like a stretch. This is the speed most of the bikers do on the highways but at times it left me wanting for more. Other than the top speed, I found this new Classic 350 to be a fantastic ride. 

 The moment you twist the throttle, that right combination of power, torque and the background music of exhaust notes reminded me of the refinement I felt in the interceptor. So, a mini Interceptor.  

2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350: Ride and Handling 

Another department where the new Royal Enfield Classic 350 shines- the ride quality. Whatever changes in the new Classic I just mentioned, come together to give a smooth and refined ride experience. The frame, the suspension, the seats and the ergonomics not only makes the new Classic a better highway-cruiser but an agile urban performer as well. The weight is the same but overall feels much more in control, composed in the 90-100 km/h zone on the highways or slower patchy city roads. It felt more predictable and planted on sharp corners. Overall, sharper yet more comfortable than the old Classic and a bit better than the Meteor 350.  

2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350: The soundtrack 

The sound of the exhaust is the typical RE but over a longer period and distance, I found the sound notes to be crisper. I rode the bike for almost 250 km and enjoyed that soundtrack. At slow speeds and high speeds, in the middle of a traffic jam or inside a tiny underpass we found while entering Gurgaon. 

2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350: Conclusion

The ride and performance have clearly told us that the new Classic 350 is a much better and refined version of its predecessor. The looks and design elements have also shown that the basic appeal hasn’t been tinkered with and yet it looks distinct from its competition. I am glad that the Royal Enfield Team worked on those aspects which matter the most to the common riders and overcame their shortcomings or inconsistencies rather than aiming for gimmicks. The only thing left is the price, which if done correctly will take the Classic 350 to a different level of stardom.

P.S. The Classic 350 gets a fuel gauge. I had to adjust the right side rearview mirror again and again.