Royal Enfield has launched its 2021 Classic 350 in India. Prices for the entry-level model start at Rs 1.84 lakh (ex-showroom, India).

• Meteor-borrowed 349cc SOHC engine

• Reworked suspension and brakes

• Fuel gauge and Tripper navigation

The popular Classic 350 has undergone a huge overhaul. While it may not look like it, at first glance, the bike has undergone big changes. Before we dive into the details, here is how it has been priced. The entry-level, rear drum brake equipped model (Redditch) costs Rs 1.84 lakh, sitting above it is the Halcyon that gets a disc brake and dual-channel ABS (Rs 1.93 lakh). The Signals model, meanwhile, costs Rs 2.04 lakh, while the alloy-wheel equipped Dark variant is priced at Rs 2.11 lakh. Lastly, the top-spec Chrome model will set you back by Rs 2.15 lakh. These three models get rear disc brakes and dual-channel ABS as well. All prices, ex-showroom, Chennai.

2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350: engine

One of the most significant changes comes in the form of the ‘J-platform’ 349cc engine that replaces the 346cc UCE. Royal Enfield has said that this engine is the same as the one found on the Meteor 350. However, it has its own ignition timing, exhaust layout and fueling map. As a result, the old Classic’s pushrod-valve system is replaced by a SOHC two-valve head. Peak power and torque figures stand at 20.3hp and 27Nm. For reference, the outgoing model makes 19.1hp and 28Nm.

Like with the Meteor 350, these changes have been made to increase usable torque and reduce vibrations. The engine continues to be paired to a five-speed gearbox.

2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350: chassis

Royal Enfield has also made big changes to the chassis. For 2021, the basic single-cradle frame has been replaced by a double-downtube unit. This change is also similar to the one on the Meteor 350, with only the foot peg mounts being different. While the suspension components might look the same as before, Royal Enfield has said that they aren’t, with the new Classic getting a fatter 41mm telescopic fork. Ground clearance on the 2021 Classic 350 has increased by 35mm, to a fairly substantial 170mm. 

Braking is handled by a 300mm front disc and a 270mm rotor at the rear with dual-channel ABS. The single-channel ABS models, meanwhile, use a drum brake at the rear.

2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350: features

The 2021 Classic 350 gets an updated instrument cluster, which for the first time has an LCD, with a fuel gauge. It also gets two trip meters. The top-spec Chrome variant also gets the company’s Tripper navigation display as an optional extra. It uses Google Maps data via your smartphone and solely displays navigation-related information. However, it does not give any call or SMS related notifications. The Tripper display will also become available as an accessory for the lower models in the coming months as the semi-conductor supply situation improves. The bike also features updated lights all around, but sticks to halogen-powered bulbs. Another change comes in the form of the updated switchgear that’s borrowed from the Meteor 350.