BREAKING: 2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Launched!

The next-generation Classic 350 is more refined, better equipped and a more wholesome motorcycle than its previous BS6 UCE iteration

The 2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 shares its heart with the Meteor, and makes the same output figures. Also derives its underpinnings from the cruiser. Comes in two variants: Single-channel ABS and Dual-channel ABS, with various colour schemes at different price points. 

Royal Enfield has kicked off a new chapter in its history with the launch of the 2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350. This is the second motorcycle under the all-new J-Platform after the Royal Enfield Meteor 350, and replaces the highly successful Royal Enfield Classic 350 with the Unit Construction Engine (UCE). We've ridden the 2021 iteration, and you can read our road test review here.

The motorcycle is priced from Rs 1,84,374 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the single-channel ABS variant and from Rs 1,93,123 for one with dual-channel unit. In comparison, the UCE Classic 350 starts from Rs 1,79,782 for the single-channel ABS variant and Rs 1,88,531 (both ex-showroom, Delhi) for the most affordable colour option with dual-channel ABS. This makes the 2021 model dearer than the UCE Classic 350 by Rs 4,592 (for both single-channel and dual-channel ABS variants).  

Take a look at the full variant-wise pricing of the new and old Classic 350, and the Meteor 350 here:

Debuted in the Meteor 350, the twin downtube spine frame and the new 349cc single-cylinder air-cooled, fuel-injected, counterbalanced motor have made their way to the Classic 350 as well. The powertrain produces the same output as the cruiser -- 20.2PS at 6100rpm and 27Nm at 4000rpm, but its fuelling and ignition have been recalibrated. It also uses the same 5-speed gearbox as the Meteor 350, and the exhaust layout is different compared to the cruiser. Royal Enfield claims the motorcycle can return a mileage of 37kmpl as per WMTC (World Motorcycle Test Cycle). 

Even though the frame is new, Royal Enfield has retained the 1390mm wheelbase as the UCE Classic 350. Instead of the 35mm telescopic front fork, the 2021 model is suspended on a 41mm unit with 130mm travel (same as before). Like the Meteor 350, this one too gets a pair of twin emulsion shock absorbers with 6-stage preload adjustment at the rear, offering 90mm travel. Comparatively, the UCE Classic 350 uses twin gas-charged units with 5-step preload adjustability with 80mm travel. While the suspension have been borrowed from the Meteor, they have been tuned with different damping and spring rate for the Classic 350.

The bike borrows the same 300mm front and 270mm rear disc with dual-channel ABS as the cruiser, and a 153mm rear drum is standard in the single-channel ABS variant. 

Royal Enfield has retained the wheel sizes (19-inch front and 18-inch unit at the rear), but has equipped the 2021 model with fatter Ceat Zoom Plus tyres at both ends. Both spoke and alloy wheel variants are wrapped in 100/90 front and 120/80 rear as opposed to 90-section front and 110-section rear (spoke) / 120-section rear (alloy) in the outgoing model.

Royal Enfield has made sure the Classic’s umm, ‘Classic’ silhouette is unchanged despite the new body panels. This isn’t a bad thing as the Classic’s distinct design language is much loved by the enthusiasts. It gets a new clear-lens headlamp and a redesigned tail lamp. That said, Royal Enfield has kept the bike as old-school as it gets as there’s no LED element anywhere in the motorcycle. 

However, things are different in the cockpit. While it gets the same vintage dial-type switchgear as the Meteor 350, the all-analogue instrument cluster has been replaced with a semi-digital unit. The digital inset shows the fuel level (a first for the Classic 350), two tripmeters, Eco indicator, clock, and odometer readings. On the right, there’s the optional Tripper Navigation, which is a smartphone-compatible turn-by-turn navigation unit debuted in the Meteor 350. The riding stance is similar to the older Classic 350 but the handlebars are slightly forward and lower. 

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The fuel tank capacity has gone down from 13.5 litres to 13 litres. That said, the motorcycle weighs the same as before, tipping the scales at 195kg (kerb). Thankfully, the ground clearance has improved considerably, going from a paltry 135mm in the UCE model to 170mm in the 2021 iteration. At 805mm, the seat is a little tall, but the front profile is narrow, so it wouldn’t be too much of a task for shorter riders to manoeuvre. The iconic sprung rider’s seat has made way for a conventional split seat setup that appears to have better cushioning. The dual seats are standard, and Royal Enfield also offers a 32mm lower touring seat, and a sprung seat as part of the accessory list.

Other accessories include alloy wheels, eight crash guards, aluminium sump guard, touring screen, and a backrest. The Chennai-based company offers a three-year 30,000km warranty, and a one-year roadside assistance as standard.

The 2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 is the right step for Royal Enfield’s cash cow. It has resolved most of the issues that plagued the predecessor, and has made the 2021 iteration much more refined, more highway-worthy and more importantly, feature-packed without compromising on the old-school aesthetics. It will have a much better fighting chance against the refined Honda H’ness CB350 (priced from Rs 1,94,450 after the recent hike), the recently updated more powerful Jawa (starts from Rs 1,78,415), and the Benelli Imperiale 400 (from Rs 1.89 lakh). All prices ex-showroom, Delhi.