Flashback Friday: Here’s How Far The Royal Enfield Classic 350 Has Come

Over the years the Classic has seen a major overhaul in terms of what’s under, but how much has it changed really?

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 has been a hit, and surely an iconic model from the veteran brand Royal Enfield ever since its inception. Even through major overhauls and transitions from older to modern, the bike has managed to retain its classy charm and has only gotten better. This Friday we see how far the Classic 350 has come.

The earlier Classic 350 used the UCE (unit construction engine) platform, which wasn’t so sophisticated and evidently vibey, which hampered the ride experience of the bike. The new Classic 350 is built on a new frame based on the smooth J-series platform offering a much better and plush ride quality.

Powering the BS6 Classic 350 was a 346cc single-cylinder, air-cooled making 19.36PS @ 5,250rpm and 28Nm @ 4,000rpm. The new one gets a smoother 349cc mill churning out 20.4PS @ 6,100rpm and 27Nm @ 4,000rpm. It uses the same engine seen on the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and Hunter 350. For a better understanding of this engine, head to our road test review of the Classic 350.

Talking about the design, the overall silhouette and essence of the bike has stayed the same as before. However, if you look closely, you will start noticing the changes. For example, the fuel tank has a slightly different design, and the styling is quite different as well. It is unmistakably Classic, but modernised.

Fortunately, the console and switchgear are quite different. Where the old one features a simple analog cluster, the J-series bike gets an analog cluster with a small digital display with two trip metres and a clock, and most importantly, a fuel gauge. It also gets more premium switchgear as compared to the older bike.

Even the ergonomics and riding position of the bike are now different. The older one, due to its flat and low handlebar, had a rather awkward riding position. The new one has a more relaxed riding triangle.

Summing up, there has surely been a positive evolution of the Classic 350, all the while maintaining its unique charm. The prices for the new model start at Rs 1,90,092 (ex-showroom Delhi). You can head here to read our complete review of the bike.