2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 | Review the first trip
Few motorcycle manufacturers can claim the word “classic” with as much legitimacy as Royal Enfield. Debuting its first motorcycle at the Stanley Cycle Show in London in 1901, it is the oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production. Now, 121 years later, we have 2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350.
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One of Royal Enfield’s most popular models – the Bullet – was produced between 1931 and 2020 and is available in either 346cc or 499cc air-cooled models. In 2021, Royal Enfield introduces Meteor 350, a cruiser equipped with SOHC engine, 2 valves, fuel injection, air / oil cooled, capacity of 349ccc, comes with a 5-speed gearbox. The Classic 350, bringing back the styling that made the Bullet such an iconic bike, is built around the same engine.
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Built in Chennai, India, since 1955, Royal Enfields is designed for a large segment of the global market who want reliable and affordable small to midsize motorcycles. . Over 12 years of production, from 2008 to 2020, Royal Enfield produced and sold three million Classic 500 units, known in the US as the Classic 500. Bullet C5 Classic.
Take off:
Soldier’s helmet: Arai Defiant-X
Coat: Highway 21 Winchester
Gloves: Activate Highway 21
Pants: Highway 21″ block jeans
Bootblack: Highway 21 . Shaft Shoe
Royal Enfield North America held the press premiere of the Classic 350 in Savannah, Georgia, a classic Southern city founded in 1733 on the banks of the Savannah River. On hand are two variants of the Classic 350, both retailing for $4,599: Dark versions, available in Gunmetal Gray or Stealth Black, with a black powertrain and 10-spoke forged wheels with tyres. tubeless; and Signals models, available in Desert Sand or Marsh Grey, with 1950s military-style graphics and spiked wheels with tube tyres. Signals models are inspired by Royal Enfield’s longstanding relationship with the armed forces of India.
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Later this year, Royal Enfield will launch a Halcyon collection inspired by 1950s British roadsters. Halcyon Forest Green, Halcyon Black and Halcyon Blue will retail for $4,499, while the Chrome Red and Chrome Brown models with glossy mirror finish and special badges are priced at $4,699.
Like the Meteor, the Classic 350 is a collaborative effort by Royal Enfield’s design teams in the UK and India. They have managed to create a motorcycle that seamlessly blends authentic style and driving personality with modern necessities like electronic fuel injection, disc brakes and dual-channel ABS. All Royal Enfields are built in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, ISO-9001 certified, and backed by a three-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty with roadside assistance.
Looking as good as the Classic 350 while parked on one of Savannah’s paved roads, it’s even more fun to drive. Its comfortable, neutral seating position accommodates riders of all shapes and sizes, and its engine accommodates riders of all skill levels. Hit the starter and Single burbles come to life, delivering pleasant vibes, visceral beats, and a heart-warming bass note your grandma will love.
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Royal Enfield claims 20 hp and 20 lb-ft of torque at the crank. When we tested a Meteor 350, it sent 18 hp at 6,200 rpm and 18 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm to its chain-drive rear wheel. Built around a heavy-duty steel frame and weighing in at 430 lbs ready to ride, the Classic 350 isn’t exactly a lightweight one. Add a full grown man to the foam compression of the 31.7-inch seat, and the result is a languid, unhurried experience. The engine spins at a comfortable speed and accelerates without urgency. Top speed is about 75 mph.
However, horsepower and speed are not the right metrics for the Classic 350. It is a motorcycle that accepts a slower pace of life accompanied by dense humidity and lazy afternoons. What’s urgent?
Classic 350s will hit the pavements of rough, neglected roads around the world, and its suspension and brakes are designed for abuse. 41 mm non-adjustable forks with 5.1 inches of travel and a double emulsion rear shock with adjustable preload and 3.5 inches of travel were chosen for their durability and affordability. Ride quality is good but not great, living up to expectations. Likewise, the ByBre disc brakes, with 2-piston calipers up front pressing 300mm rotors and 1-piston calipers at the rear pressing 270mm discs, provide modest stopping power but predictable.
With 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, the Classic 350 will easily overcome road imperfections. Its Ceat Zoom Plus tires, also made in India, are narrow in size – 100/90-19 front, 120/80-18 rear – and contribute to quick driving.
It’s hard not to love a motorcycle like the Classic 350. It’s a period motorcycle, an attention-grabbing object and – like the 1960s ad campaign for Tab diet cola – a “reviewer” mind”. Cycling around the streets of Savannah, every time our racecar fleet stops at a red light or pedestrian crossing, locals and tourists alike stop and ask, “Hey, what kind of thing? What bike is that?”
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Drive a Royal Enfield Classic 350 and you’ll make new friends and it never gets old.
2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Specifications
Basic price: $4,599
Guarantee: 3 years, unltd. miles w / roadside assistance
Website: royalenfield.com
Engine type: Single air-cooled, SOHC w/2 valves
Horse power: 20 hp @ 6,100 rpm (claimed)
Torque: 20 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm (claimed)
Transposition: 349cc
Diameter x stroke of piston: 72.0 x 85.8mm
Transmission process: 5-speed wet clutch, cable drive
Last drive: O-ring chain
The standard long: 54.7 inches.
Rake / Trail: 26 degrees / 4.4 inches.
Seat height: 31.7 inches.
Wet weight: 430 lbs (90% fuel)
Fuel quantity: 3.4 gals.