Royal Enfield Classic 350 S: Same Price, Other Options

Here are the alternatives that you can buy for the same ballpark price as the most affordable Classic!

Royal Enfield has made the Classic range more affordable by launching a new variant called the Classic 350 S. Priced at Rs 1,45,975 (ex-showroom Delhi), the bike comes with blacked-out components and single-channel ABS to keep the cost competitive. It also makes do with single-channel ABS instead of the dual-channel unit in the standard model. There are some interesting alternatives that you can buy for around the same price as the Classic 350 S and here are the options:

KTM RC 125 - Rs 1,47,213

The RC 125 is the most affordable faired bike from KTM. It costs Rs 1,47,213 (ex-showroom Delhi), which makes the bike dearer than the Classic 350 S by Rs 1,238. The KTM RC 125 is worlds apart from the Classic 350 S thanks to its sporty faired styling, aggressive ergonomics and a modern liquid-cooled engine. 

The 124.7cc single-cylinder engine makes 14.5PS and 12Nm, which is 5.5PS and 16Nm less than the Classic 350! But when it comes to the dynamics in the real world, the RC 125 feels a lot faster than the Classic. One of the reasons for its agility is that it weighs a lot less than the Classic (154.2kg dry against the Classic’s 192kg kerb). Even in terms of underpinnings, the RC 125 trumps the Classic as it features an inverted fork and a monoshock - both sourced from WP.  It also gets disc brake on both ends but the ABS is single-channel only.

Yamaha Fazer 25 - Rs 1,44,180

Sure, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 S offers you the characteristic “thump” which no other bike can offer. But if you’re into touring and feel that the Classic is a bit too lethargic, then you could have a look at the Yamaha Fazer 25. At Rs 1,44,180 (ex-showroom Delhi), the Fazer 25 undercuts the Classic 350 S by Rs 1,795. It offers a smaller but more modern 249cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine with oil cooling. It churns out 20.9PS, which is 0.9PS more than the Classic, and 20Nm, which is 8Nm less. 

However, out on the road, the Fazer 25 would feel more sprightly primarily because it is a whole 35kg less (157kg kerb) than the Classic! Also, the faired bodywork should deflect wind blasts better. Unlike the Classic, the Fazer 25 comes with dual-channel ABS acting on the 282mm front and 220mm rear disc. It also comes with a 0.5-litre bigger fuel tank (14 litres) than the Classic.

Yamaha YZF-R15 MotoGP Edition - Rs 1,42,780

If the KTM RC 125 caught your fancy, here’s an even better deal: the Yamaha YZF-R15 Version 3.0 MotoGP Edition. It is priced at Rs 1,42,780 (ex-showroom Delhi), which is around Rs 4,400 less expensive than the KTM. The R15 is also more affordable than the Classic 350 S by Rs 3,195. Despite costing less, it comes with an advanced 155cc liquid-cooled engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA). This technology helps in maintaining the balance low-end grunt and top-end drive. 

It also gets a more sophisticated Deltabox frame, aluminium swingarm and a linked monoshock for agile dynamics. That said, it also features traditional telescopic fork like the Classic 350 S. For better safety, the bike gets dual-channel ABS as standard as well. While the ergonomics is perfect for spirited riding, it’d feel uncomfortable for the everyday commute. Lastly, the MotoGP-inspired livery not only looks sporty but will also help you stand apart from other R15s!

Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 - Rs 1,40,237

The Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 is the most expensive bike in the Pulsar family at Rs 1,40,237 (ex-showroom Delhi). Interestingly, it is the most affordable option in this list, undercutting the Classic 350 S by Rs 5,738. Even though it features aggressive styling with a faired bodywork, the ergonomics are easy-going thanks to the raised clip-ons. The motorcycle draws power from a 199.5cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine which produces 24.5PS and 18.6Nm. Compared to the Classic, this motorcycle is more powerful by 4.5PS but it lags behind in terms of torque by 9.4Nm.

The comfortable ergonomics coupled with the 6-speed transmission should make the bike a better highway-worthy machine than the Classic. It comes with disc brakes on both ends but the bike makes do with a single-channel ABS like the Classic 350 S.