New Motorcycle Review: Royal Enfield Re-launches its Historic Classic 350

Post-war inspired bike for less than $5,000

By Kirsten Midura, Photos by Brandon Bunch, Jen Muecke, and Royal Enfield
Entry Level Motorcycle Reviews, Low Seat Height Motorcycles, Motorcycle Reviews, Other Motorcycle Brand Reviews, Standard Motorcycle Reviews /

Classic 350—Filling a Need

Royal Enfield’s dedication to the middleweight and entry level motorcycle market is obvious. With its 2022 motorcycles falling between 350-650cc, the brand’s offerings fill the needs of new riders as well as those looking for a reliable, manageable, and affordable motorcycle. According to Breeann Poland, Marketing and Communications Lead for Royal Enfield Americas, a large part of RE’s customer base are riders downsizing from larger motorcycles. The Classic 350 is the company’s latest release, sporting a vintage vibe with up-to-date technology.

Old World Charm

It’s a humid morning in the charming historic city of Savannah, Georgia, when I step up to a line of gleaming motorcycles that look straight out of a wartime movie. These are the new Royal Enfield Classic 350 motorcycles, the latest in the Indian brand’s lineup with vintage vibes and modern-age capabilities.

With its retro stylings, the new Royal Enfield Classic 350 makes me feel like a movie star from another era.
With its retro stylings, the new Royal Enfield Classic 350 makes me feel like a movie star from another era.

The history of this motorcycle is enough to pull me in. The Classic 350 draws its design inspiration from the 1948 Royal Enfield G2 350 Bullet, a motorcycle that revolutionized the industry with the introduction of its articulating swingarm. According to Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director of Royal Enfield’s parent company Eicher Motors Ltd., “The Classic 350 is a modern and capable motorcycle that symbolizes the timeless post-war styling from the heydays of the British motorcycle industry.”

The 2022 Classic 350s cost just $4,599 and are offered in nine color options including Dark Stealth Black (left) and Signal Marsh Gray (right).
The 2022 Classic 350s cost just $4,599 and are offered in nine color options including Dark Stealth Black (left) and Signal Marsh Gray (right).
The Signals come with a chrome-spoked 19 inch front wheel and 18 inch rear wheel, while the Dark models have a black 10-spoke alloy wheel.
The Signals come with a chrome-spoked 19 inch front wheel and 18 inch rear wheel, while the Dark models have a black 10-spoke alloy wheel.
The Signal 350s are inspired by Royal Enfield’s association with the Indian armed forces, commemorating 65 years of working with the Indian army.
The Signal 350s are inspired by Royal Enfield’s association with the Indian armed forces, commemorating 65 years of working with the Indian army.

Despite the bike’s nod to the past, the 349cc, air-oil cooled engine performs like a well-designed modern machine. The single-cylinder dual overhead cam (DOHC) engine is well-balanced and smooth. The Classic 350 offers enough power to easily make its way through town and fun back roads.

The Classic 350s include modern features such as electronic fuel injection, front and rear disc brakes with ABS.
The Classic 350s include modern features such as electronic fuel injection, front and rear disc brakes with ABS.
The central instrument display offers a classic analog speedometer with an LCD underneath. Its headlight cowl mounting position adds to the nostalgic look of the Classic.
The central instrument display offers a classic analog speedometer with an LCD underneath. Its headlight cowl mounting position adds to the nostalgic look of the Classic.
One feature I love is the “eco” symbol, which shows up on the digital dashboard when the bike is functioning at its most efficient point. As a sustainability nerd, I find this helps me to be both a better rider and better steward of the earth. This is also very helpful if you find yourself a bit further from a gas station than you'd anticipated and need to conserve fuel to make it to the next one.
One feature I love is the “eco” symbol, which shows up on the digital dashboard when the bike is functioning at its most efficient point. As a sustainability nerd, I find this helps me to be both a better rider and better steward of the earth. This is also very helpful if you find yourself a bit further from a gas station than you'd anticipated and need to conserve fuel to make it to the next one.

Classic 350 Riding Impression

As we weave through traffic, I am impressed with this motorcycle’s maneuverability at low speeds. The bike weighs 430 pounds, which is heavy for a smaller bike. However, a low center of gravity and stable chassis make the Classic easy to lift from its sidestand and make slow turns with ease. My only issue around the city is I tend to kick the pegs when putting my feet down. This is something I write off as a result of my long legs and being accustomed to rearset footpegs.

At 5 feet 10 inches tall, the Classic’s 31.7 inch seat height is no problem for me getting my feet flat on the ground.
At 5 feet 10 inches tall, the Classic’s 31.7 inch seat height is no problem for me getting my feet flat on the ground.

On the open road, I relax into the Classic 350’s upright seating position. The bike’s five-speed gearbox and smooth shifting make for a comfortable ride around the Georgia countryside.

Despite my height, I don’t feel cramped. I find the bike to be confidence-inspiring with the mid-controls squarely beneath my feet.
Despite my height, I don’t feel cramped. I find the bike to be confidence-inspiring with the mid-controls squarely beneath my feet.

I was advised before the ride to shift at higher RPMs to maximize the capabilities of the 350’s torque range. This indeed helps to tackle long ascents up bridges and overpasses. On the highway, the bike maxes out around 70 mph. Even so, the Classic 350 is perfectly suitable for the urban and semi-urban environment for which it is designed.

All Classic 350 models sold in North America come with removable passenger seats, passenger pegs, and handholds for a customized solo look.
All Classic 350 models sold in North America come with removable passenger seats, passenger pegs, and handholds for a customized solo look.
The 350 Classic handled Savannah’s cobblestone roads with ease. Its telescopic 41mm front suspension offers 130mm of travel, while the twin shocks offer 6-step adjustable preload and 3.5 inches of travel.
The 350 Classic handled Savannah’s cobblestone roads with ease. Its telescopic 41mm front suspension offers 130mm of travel, while the twin shocks offer 6-step adjustable preload and 3.5 inches of travel.

Champions for Women Riders

Royal Enfield is a true champion in the women’s motorcycle space. With prominent women represented in the brand’s leadership, ambassador list, and program participants, Royal Enfield embodies the representation of women in a way that feels uniquely genuine.

“Women have been an underrated and underserved segment in motorcycling since motorcycles have existed,” Poland explains. “Our initiatives such as the Build.Train.Race.Program empower women to live out their dreams. Our motorcycles are not only appealing to women but inspire confidence in all riders.”

Clearly focused on leading the way in the U.S. market, President of Royal Enfield Americas, Krishnan Ramaswamy tells us he expects the company to be leading the mid-sized motorcycle segment in the next couple of years. And with so many women filling many important roles in this leadership, WomenRidersNow.com is excited to see the evolution of this brand and its continued success.

Roya Enfield 350 Classic woman rider kirsten midura women riders now
The 350 Classic emodes the Royal Enfield’s signature ‘thump’ sound that the brand has become known for.

WRN Recommendation

The Classic 350 is an affordable, nimble, confidence-building bike for riding around town or back roads. It is appropriate for newer riders with manageable power. The upright seating position and mid-controls are comfortable for both shorter and taller riders. The vintage vibes provide a nostalgic look on this otherwise capable, modern machine.

 Specs at a Glance: 2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350
Engine Size: 349cc
Seat Height: 31.69 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.43 gallons
Wet Weight: 430 pounds
2022 Colors: Dark Stealth Black, Dark Gunmetal Gray, Signals Desert Sand, Signals Marsh Gray, Halcyon Forest Green, Halcyon Black, Halcyon Blue, Chrome Red, Chrome Brown
MSRP: Starts at $4,599

For more Royal Enfield motorcycles and to find out more, visit RoyalEnfield.com.

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