2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 ridden ahead of launch

Whenever Royal Enfield launches a motorcycle it creates a lot of hype in our country. The Chennai based manufacturer is all set to launch the new generation of the Classic 350 on 1st September. The Classic 350 is now all-new despite looking like the old one. Here, is a video uploaded by Power On Wheel on YouTube in which the host takes the new-gen Classic 350 for a first ride.

The host first shows us the keys to the new Classic which now looks exactly like the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT650. Up-front you still get a circular headlamp, two circular pilot lamps and circular turn indicators. The outside rearview mirrors are also circular and are finished in chrome. At the rear, you get circular turn indicators and a circular tail lamp.

Suspension duties are done by telescopic front forks that measure 41 mm. The tyre size has gone up and now the front measures 100/90 while the rear one measures 120/80. The front-wheel measures 19-inches in size while the rear one measures 18-inches in size. It will come with spoked wheels. Although, some versions will come with alloy wheels and you should be able to get alloy wheels as an official accessory.

The instrument cluster is all-new for the 2021 model. The basic design is the same there is a new small screen that displays two trip meters, an odometer, fuel gauge and time.  The speedometer is still an analogue unit and is different from the one found on Meteor 350. The speed is displayed in both kmph and mph. There are also telltale lights placed below the speedometer. The needle does a full swipe when the rider turns the ignition of the motorcycle. The button to operate this small screen is placed in the left-hand side switchgear.

Speaking of the switchgear, it is carried over from the Meteor 350. It has rotary switches that look retro but are still easy to use. You also get a USB charger mounted below the left handlebar and there is also a hazard switch.

The wheelbase of the motorcycle is 1,390 mm, the width is 785 m, the height is 1,090 mm and the length is 2,145 mm. The ground clearance is 170 mm. The motorcycle weighs 195 kgs and the seat height of the motorcycle is 805 mm. The front disc measures 300 mm while the rear one measures 270 mm. You would be able to get the Classic 350 as a single channel Anti-lock braking system or a dual-channel Anti-lock braking system.

The sweet spot of the engine is 80 kmph to 100 kmph. Above 100 kmph, there are some vibrations. The motorcycle feels planted and stable at high speeds. The engine is also slightly refined than the Meteor 350 and it feels torquey.

The engine is the same one as the Meteor 350. It is a 349 cc, single-cylinder engine that is now air-oil cooled. It produces 20.2 bhp of max power and a peak torque output of 27 Nm. It is offered with a 5-speed gearbox.