Text/photo: OA Isdah

The Classig 350 is built on the same engine platform as the Meteor 350 but has a slightly different chassis that takes us right back to the authentic and completely classic motorcycle, no powder puff with modern driver support systems and electronics, just lots of delicious engine sound, mechanical precision and a steering geometry that takes the riding experience right into a wonderful waltz that can only be cultivated by bon vivants. The engine delivers just over 20 hp and 27 Nm, which doesn’t sound like much, but it’s actually more than enough and the model is nothing short of a charming driving machine.

Key data:

Engine : Single cylinder
Cubic capacity : 349 cc
HP : 20.2
Nm : 27
Wet weight : 195 kg
Front dampers : 41 mm up/down fork with 130 mm travel, adjustable
Rear dampers : Double, adjustable
Front tires : 100/90 – 19 (tubeless)
Rear tires : 140/70 – 18 (tubeless)
Seat height : 805 mm
Gears : 5

Who is in the target group

All age groups really, but the common denominator for the drivers in the target group is that they all have a sense of the aesthetic, the beautiful, the classic and these drivers probably care less about acceleration and speed, they cultivate flow, feelgood and image. These drivers drive to cultivate and enjoy the pleasure of traveling on two wheels in the city, on the road, or on a long trip for that matter. These riders value sound, fluidity, mechanical precision, a great seating position and the experiential aspect of riding at a pace where you can actually remember where you’ve been and what you’ve experienced. The low seat height of 805 mm makes the model accessible to shorter riders, including women. The Classic 350 is also digged by young urbanites who are keen on a cool image and style, you can park this bike on the sidewalk next to a cafe table while enjoying your espresso in Ray Bans and maybe a cool leather jacket. If you’re a burly 195-120 kg slouch, the Classic 350 might not be for you, so you might want to look elsewhere in Royal Enfield’s extensive model portfolio.

What does this technology platform deliver?

Classic 350 is a simple technological device, but simplicity is also its strongest point. Simplicity and authenticity are probably what appeals to many people, and it is precisely this simplicity that makes this particular technology platform accessible or puts us in touch with it. When we get closer to each operation, the experience of the technology becomes stronger and better for those seeking authenticity. The uncomplicated, technical solutions of this and several other Royal Enfield models is that simplicity does not come at the expense of quality, handling or driving experience, on the contrary, simplicity is what many drivers want and look for. The Classic 350 scores very highly on design, image, ergonomics, engine sound, mechanical precision and for these reasons the bike creates an experience of well-being and pure happiness when you ride it. The model has a very nice steering geometry and invites calm and good flow in the ride. In any case, I’m left with the feeling that I don’t need anything other than 20 hp and 27 Nm, a beautiful ergonomic layout and a steering geometry that really gives me the experience of riding a capable classic motorcycle. The fact that they also look cool and support my desired image is just great.

Riding a Classic 350 is all about riding a classic motorcycle that’s not too big, not too powerful, but capable of enabling you to enjoy every operation and every phase of the ride. The bike communicates very well with me as a rider and I have a close and good contact with the front wheels, the bike’s balance and steering geometry, all this helps to produce wide smiles and an experience of happiness when riding, the need to rock, bully or play is simply gone and I for my part only seek the feelgood experience at a high utility value.

The instrumentation is classic, cool and not least inviting. The seating position, the design of the handlebars and the instrument itself are the link between driver and machine and are simply perfect in terms of visual design and functionality. Above all, and perhaps most importantly, this is a highly reliable technology platform that you can simply enjoy without fear of it stopping. The only thing a Classic requires is to be kept clean and the chain lubricated and maintained. Simple.

The Classic 350 experience phenomenon

That’s exactly what this model is – an experience phenomenon. The Classic 350 is easy to drive and very easy to live with. It’s beautiful, cool and lovely to rest your eyes on, but in addition to this, the Classic 350 is capable of putting you in a state of “minfullness” where you just enjoy every aspect of riding it. In my eyes, the Classic 350 is actually much more than an ordinary motorcycle, because it takes us back to the very core of moving on two wheels, namely the relationship or coexistence between rider and machine (the man-machine interface), and this is exactly what I can describe as the X-factor of the Classic 350. The sweet spot is actually in the middle of what is not too big and heavy, not too powerful but still creates great riding experiences. It may sound strange, but for me this is one of the motorcycles that creates the most and greatest riding pleasure. I just love it.

But does the Classic 350 really have such good driving characteristics?

Yes, without a doubt. Royal Enfield is good at frames, damping, weight, power, balancing and not least ergonomics. This means I’m sitting in balance and can devote all my time to using my eyes, track selection and my own coordination of the technical driving operations. The damping is good and contributes correctly and well to driving strategies and track selection being exactly as I plan. The engine pushes well, admittedly not a power bomb, but still contributes more than enough for me to feel that the bike actually has a “fun factor” that also makes it fun to turn. The last time I rode the Classic 350, I took it out on a 2.5-hour round trip in West Telemark and I just sat there smiling, the whole time and I missed absolutely nothing, I was just happy and was so absolutely present in my own world right then. For me, this model actually has a meditative effect and the driving characteristics are simply amazing.

The test driver believes

This is one of the best, coolest and most wonderful things I can drive. Even though it doesn’t have 150 hp, a bucket of newton meters and crazy handling, this is one of my biggest favorites that I NEVER say no to driving, I simply love this model. It has little but still a lot and maybe more than the biggest, think about what I’m saying right here. If you’re considering getting one of these, it’s important that you set your sights correctly by reminding yourself that this is exactly what you’re buying, not something else, bigger, more expensive with more power. You need to remember that you’ve said yes to and want to drive a small yet big charmer with lots of image, sound and great handling. You get a new motorcycle for just over 60,000 SEK and if you divide the acquisition cost by driving pleasure/new, you can easily recoup this. The driving pleasure per dollar invested is enormous, that is, if you have adjusted your sight correctly. The model even has a nice center support that makes it easy to maintain, which is a big plus.

“Be cool – go classic”