Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs Royal Enfield Classic 650: What Are The Differences?

The Royal Enfield Classic range is known for its timeless design, old-school charm, and relaxed mannerisms. Currently, the brand sells two models under the Classic range: the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the Royal Enfield Classic 650. The Classic 350 has been the brand’s best-selling motorcycle for years, while the Classic 650 is a newer, more powerful version. While both bikes may look similar at first glance, there are quite a few major differences where it matters. We break it down: 

Design

Both motorcycles stay true to the Classic name, when it comes to the design. They feature an iconic round headlamp, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, metal bodywork with triangular side panels, and lots of chrome. The Classic 350 looks compact, and well-balanced, making it suitable for everyday riding. The Royal Enfield Classic 650, on the other hand, looks bigger, bulkier, and more muscular due to its bigger engine, longer wheelbase, and twin exhaust setup. It has more road presence, and the colour schemes are really, really premium. 

While the Classic 350’s design is absolutely loveable, the Classic 650 just looks a bit more wholesome, especially the long pea-shooter twin exhausts that add symmetry to the design. 

Engine

The biggest difference between the two bikes are the engines. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is powered by the same 349cc single-cylinder counterbalanced engine, shared by other 350cc Royal Enfield Bikes. It makes 20.21PS, 27Nm and comes paired to a 5-speed gearbox. The motor focuses on smoothness, strong midrange grunt and a comfortable riding feel, rather than speed. This engine delivers calm performance, which is ideal for city rides and relaxed cruising. 

The bigger Classic 650 uses a 648cc parallel-twin engine that produces 47PS and 52Nm, which is much more than the Classic 350. It also comes paired to a 6-speed gearbox. This makes it faster, smoother at high speeds, and better suited for fast highway cruising, and long-distance touring. The greater torque also helps it pull a lot easier in all gears.

Underpinnings

Under the skin, the Classic 350 uses a double cradle frame, with conventional telescopic fork and twin rear shock absorbers.  At 195kg (kerb), the Classic 350 is lighter, and easier to manage. Especially in traffic and narrow roads. Its lower weight also helps new riders feel more confident. The bike runs on a 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel, with a 90-section front tyre and 110-section rear tyre. It uses a 300mm front disc and a 270mm rear disc brake setup, with either a single-channel ABS or dual-channel one, depending on the variant.

At 243kg (kerb), Classic 650 is significantly heavier. This along with the 85mm longer wheelbase (at 1475mm), the Classic should be quite stable at high speeds. But on the flip side, these two qualities aren’t really ideal for city commutes as it won’t be as nimble as the Classic 350. It’s also important to note that to go with the added weight and power, this one gets a fatter 43mm telescopic fork, heavier-duty twin preload-adjustable, and also larger 320mm front disc and a 300mm rear disc brake setup. The Classic 650 runs on the same size wheels, but with wider 100-section front and 140-section rear tyre as well.

Features

Both motorcycles keep things simple when it comes to features. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as the whole point of Classic is to ensure a distraction-free riding experience. That said, the two bikes get the bare necessities thanks to the semi-digital instrument console on both bikes. All variants of both bikes come with a Tripper navigation pod. It allows smartphone connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation. The higher variants of the Classic 350 get all-LED lights, and dual channel ABS, while the base model gets halogen lights and single channel ABS. On the other hand, all variants of the Classic 650 get all-LED lights and dual channel ABS. 

Verdict

At a base price of Rs 1,81,118 (ex-showroom Delhi), the Royal Enfield Classic 350 is much more affordable, making it a great option for daily commuting, short highway rides, and for riders who want a comfortable and easy-going motorcycle. If you’re looking to buy this bike, then here’s how much it costs on-road. At Rs 3,61,234 (ex-showroom), the Classic 650 is priced significantly higher, and is meant for riders who want a typical big-bike experience but wrapped in a tasteful retro package. In simple terms, both of these retro bikes offer proper old-school charm, with the Classic 350 being suitable for everyday riders, and the Classic 650 being for those who want stronger performance without compromising on the classic looks.

Before you move on, here’s an interesting tidbit: Royal Enfield recently showcased a custom bike based on the Classic 650, which uses two 650cc engines!