Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs Benelli Imperiale 400 - Specifications Comparison
We pit Benelli’s upcoming retro motorcycle against Royal Enfield’s best-selling product, the Classic 350 to find out which one is superior on paper
We pit Benelli’s upcoming retro motorcycle against Royal Enfield’s best-selling product, the Classic 350 to find out which one is superior on paper
Up until 2008, Royal Enfield was a dying business, struggling to compete against modern motorcycles. However, their fortunes took a turn for the better with the launch of the Classic range in 2009. It became such a runaway success that the motorcycle single-handedly popularised the retro-modern segment. So much so, that other manufacturers were reluctant to enter this segment that was, and still is, solely dominated by Royal Enfield. Eventually, in 2016, Bajaj launched the Dominar to take on the Enfields, but it didn’t exactly set the sales chart on fire. Now, Benelli intends to grab a share of Royal Enfield’s market with the Imperiale 400 that’s slated for launch in mid-2019. Apart from the Imperiale 400, Benelli also intends to launch the bigger Imperiale 530 by the end of 2019. Let’s see how the Imperiale 400 stacks up against the Royal Enfield Classic 350 on paper.
Design & Features:
The Imperiale 400 looks properly vintage. Its design is inspired from the Imperiale 125, which was manufactured by the erstwhile Benelli-owned company, MotoBi. The round headlamp is a halogen unit and the indicators are also bulbs. For the sake of convenience, Benelli has equipped the Imperiale 400 with a twin-pod analogue instrument cluster with a digital inset. It not only suits the motorcycle’s character, but is useful as well. The rider’s seat is sprung, just like the Classic, and the ergonomics are also upright. At 12 litres, the Imperiale 400’s fuel tank is 1.5 litres smaller than the Classic’s.
The Royal Enfield Classic 350’s design has remained unchanged since its launch. Royal Enfield has chosen to go with a minimalistic console which isn’t very informative. Apart from the speedometer, odometer, single tripmeter and ampmeter, most readouts are absent. You don’t even get a fuel gauge, whereas the Benelli features a speedometer, tachometer and fuel gauge, among other readouts. Expect the Imperiale’s digital inset to pack twin tripmeters, odometer, clock and perhaps even range.
Powertrain:
| Specifications | Benelli Imperiale 400 | Royal Enfield Classic 350 |
| Engine | 373.5cc single-cylinder air-cooled, fuel-injected unit | 346cc single-cylinder carburetted, air-cooled motor |
| Peak Power | 19.7PS at 5500rpm | 20PS at 5250rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 28Nm at 3500rpm | 28Nm at 4000rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed |
Interestingly, despite sporting a bigger, fuel-injected engine compared to the Classic, the Imperiale makes almost the same amount of power as the Royal Enfield. Even the peak torque is same for both the bikes, but in the Imperiale, it arrives 500rpm earlier. This should result in a marginally better pickup than the Classic. However, without the power and torque curve, it is difficult to gauge how the two motors will behave in the real world.
Underpinnings:
| Specifications | Benelli Imperiale 400 | Royal Enfield Classic 350 |
| Front suspension | 41mm telescopic forks | 35mm telescopic forks |
| Rear suspension | Twin shock absorbers | Twin gas-charged shock absorbers |
| Front brake | 300mm disc with ABS | 280mm disc |
| Rear brake | 240mm disc with ABS | 153mm drum |
| Front tire | 110/90 - 19 | 90/90 - 19 |
| Rear tire | 130/80 - 18 | 110/90 - 18 |
The Classic’s rear suspension appears to be superior, at least on paper, thanks to the gas-charged unit. On the other hand, the Imperiale’s fatter front forks should result in better stability. On the braking front, the Imperiale clearly trumps the Enfield, with not only a bigger set of discs, but also the fact that a dual-channel ABS is offered as standard. It also gets a fatter set of tyres, which should aid in the bike’s handling, theoretically.
Dimensions:
| Specifications | Benelli Imperiale 400 | Royal Enfield Classic 350 |
| Wheelbase | 1450mm | 1370mm |
| Ground clearance | 170mm | 135mm |
| Seat height | 780mm | 800mm |
| Weight | 200kg, dry | 192kg, kerb |
The Benelli Imperiale 400 should offer better high-speed stability because of the marginally longer wheelbase. It also has 35mm more ground clearance, and even the seat height is 20mm lower than the Classic. This makes the motorcycle accessible for shorter riders, and should also make it better at tackling bad roads. However, the motorcycle is a lot heavier than the Classic, even without fuel. Low speed maneuverability may be compromised because of this.
Verdict:
Overall, the Classic makes for a better buy because it not only matches the power figures of the Benelli, but RE also enjoys a better presence across India and should also be relatively cheaper to maintain than the Imperiale. However, if you’re in the market for something unique that is also safer, the Imperiale looks like the one to go for. We expect the Imperiale 400 to carry a price tag of around Rs 1.8 lakh, while prices for the Classic 350 start from Rs 1.35 lakh (both prices, ex-showroom Delhi).
Royal Enfield Classic 350 (2012-2021) User Reviews
- Royal Enfield Classic 350 (in V Good Condition)The bike is in very good condition. The feel of heaviness in 2013 model is unique and not available in new bullets. It is easy to start because battery is new. Engine was never opened so engine is in excellent condition. Have this bike and enjoy your rides. You will never regret buying this bike I bet.Read More
- Still My Favourite RideBought this bike on 17th March 2016 and still enjoy riding it. The comfort and road presence are great. Maintenance has been reasonable and the engine feels solid after years of use. A reliable bike for daily rides and long trips. Happy with the ownership experience. Worth every penny. Road presence is awesome.Read More1
- Royal enfield is a very good bikeThis bike is very comfortable. Royal Enfield is very good bike and very comfortable and this bike's mileage and look is very good and this bike's sounds is very good like a lion that's the reason I choose this bike. This bike is very comfortable and handling is easy. Mileage is very good. This bike performance always top notch in all places like highway, off road because this bike handling is very good and very comfortable. The bike which has royal in its name, it is suitable for royal person Royal Enfield is a bike that shows your royalty, that's the reason this bike recommend for only royal person because this bike shows your royalty.Read More2
- Royal Enfield Classic 350 is my dream bike and now i own this..I've always wanted to purchase a Royal Enfield, and the Classic 350 was my first pick. For Indian riders in particular, it's more than simply a bike; it's a feeling. I also gave the Jawa and Honda CB350 some thought, but nothing compares to the Classic's legacy and appeal. Long YouTube reviews, forum conversations, and advice from friends abound throughout my research quest. I finally knew this was the bike after a test ride. It felt like mine right away—the comfort, the road presence, the thump. The thump of the engine and the riding posture makes it feel special every time. On highways, it cruises beautifully at 80–90 kmph, and in city, it feels stable though heavy in traffic. Mileage is around 34–36 kmpl. Negatives are the slightly heavy weight and higher maintenance compared to normal bikes, but for the experience it gives, I don’t mind. Yes, for anyone who wants to feel a strong connection with their bike and enjoys relaxed, powerful riding. It is not for people who want lightweight, high-mileage bikes. But for enthusiasts and travel lovers, it is the perfect choice.Read More1
- Royal Enfield classic 350 a champion bikeGreat bike and well maintained and lot reliability and comfort. Such a pleasure riding this bike and provides lot of safety in the raod due to its sturdy and heavy build. Long trip are real joy in this bike and I had best memories of my life in this bike. Only downside is that the bike maintenance is high.Read More1