The world's oldest production motorcycle manufacturer, Royal Enfield, has been around for over a hundred years now. Throughout its 121-year history, Royal Enfield sure has seen a lot, produced great motorcycles the world over, and managed to become a household name across the globe. Today, Royal Enfield is the global leader in the 250-750cc segment by some margin. A lot of bikes and production decisions have led to the brand's success, but none more so than the Classic 350 which burst onto the scene in 2008 and took the motorcycle market by storm. The Classic 350 motorcycle not only put Royal Enfield back on the global map but also put the entire market on notice, effectively bringing forth a new era of affordable retro motorcycles.

Last year in 2021, Royal Enfield finally brought forth a new second generation of the Classic 350, updating their best-selling bike to take on a new era. Now a renowned, respected, and majorly successful motorcycle maker, Royal Enfield made the Classic 350 last, and over the years, an increasing number of motorcycle enthusiasts and newbies alike have fallen in love with the bike. There are plenty of reasons the Classic 350 succeeded the way it did, and here are 10 things we love about the Royal Enfield Classic 350.

10 The Classic 350's Fuel Injection System

2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350
Via Jared Solomon

Before Royal Enfield launched the Classic 350, the brand phased out its old cast iron engine, replacing it with an all-new aluminum UCE (unit construction engine). While this engine had the same 346cc capacity, it now had two spark plugs in each cylinder, and with it came a new fuel injection system to keep up with emission norms.

2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 engine close up view
Via: Evoindia.com

This new engine made the Classic 350 incredibly more fun to drive, as the bike now became more responsive. Furthermore, it was also more fuel-efficient, effectively decreasing the cost of ownership as well. Beforehand, Royal Enfield’s motorcycles had been infamous for oil leaks, but gone were those days as the Classic then became a very reliable machine.

9 The 5-Speed Gearbox Brought In Thousands Of Young Bikers

2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 ride in the rain view
Via: Royalenfield.com

As the India-based motorcycle manufacturer moved with the times and brought in a newer, fuel-injected system, the Classic 350 also came with a 5-speed gearbox to the left. This new gearbox for the Classic replaced RE’s old system which had the transmission on the right and the brake on the left.

Two riders on the 2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350
Via: Royal Enfield

With the departure of the old quirky transmission system, the newer 5-speed was a lot easier to use, which was not only appreciated by enthusiasts but was also appreciated by young bikers who now began considering the Classic as a viable first bike, as Royal Enfield had otherwise become known as more of an acquired taste that took some mastering.

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8 The Classic 350 Can Go Anywhere

Classic350_26-1
Via Royal Enfield

Its versatility remains the USP of the Royal Enfield Classic 350, as the bike is truly one that is comfortable in all seasons and all terrains. Appealing to bikers of all ages and tastes, the Classic 350 is an ideal all-season bike that is adept in every environment. One can easily use it as a daily commuter owing to its great torque and speed in the lower rev range when it comes to driving in the city.

Classic350_12
Via Royal Enfield

Additionally, it also proves a remarkable cruiser on highways and cross-country touring as well, with the Classic 350 being almost synonymous with mountainous touring in its home country. This bike's simplicity is perhaps the biggest factor in its incredible success over the years.

7 The Classic 350's Impressively Low Maintenance Costs

Here's Our Favorite Feature Of The Royal Enfield
Via Yahoo

Another great feature of the Royal Enfield Classic 350 is its incredibly low maintenance costs. In fact, that motorcycle is known for being dirt cheap when it comes to servicing and repairs. Furthermore, while Royal Enfield has updated the motorcycle and kept it fresh and moving with the times, it remains one of the easiest bikes to fix. The super-low maintenance costs of the bike also make your odds of finding a reliable and used Classic 350 much higher.

The Classic 350 Royal Enfield's best selling motorcycle
Via Royal Enfield

This is thanks to the ideology of keeping the motorcycle’s electronic systems to a minimum. The Classic 350, from the very first time it came off the assembly line, has been a no-nonsense retro motorcycle that delivers what is asked of it with little to no fuss. Thus, if you’re ever in a jiffy while touring around on your Classic, chances are the problem is something even you could fix on the go, and any mechanic worth their salt would have no trouble at all in repairing this machine. Even with no missed services and maintenance, the Classic remains a phenomenal bargain, with remarkably inexpensive ownership and maintenance.

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6 Great Torque Figures Compensate For The Lack Of Horsepower

Classic350_lead
Via Royal Enfield

The Classic 350 houses Royal Enfield’s 346-cc single-cylinder air-cooled fuel injection engine that churns out 19.3 hp. While this might not sound too impressive for a tourer that weighs 430 lbs, the motorcycle excels on the torque front.

2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 in the moutains hd wallpaper
Via: Twitter.com

For all the Royal Enfield enthusiasts, the Classic 350 is all about the torque, which, at 20.65 lb-ft, offers great responsiveness in the lower and middle ends of the rev range. This is why the bike remains phenomenal as a city operator despite its weight. And even though the power does feel a little muted as you go towards the higher side of the rev band, the peppiness of the engine never warrants a complaint.

5 The ABS On The Classic 350 Is Never Too Intrusive

2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350
Via Jared Solomon

A common complaint many motorcycle enthusiasts have from new-age bikes is their machines feeling like tech nannies, with safety features that are either too restrictive or intrusive. With the Royal Enfield Classic 350, the ABS was never a source of complaints.​​​​​​​

2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 with its predecessors
Via: Royalenfield.com

The motorcycle comes with both single and dual-channel ABS, and the 280mm disc at the front and the 240mm disc at the rear provide great braking and remarkable stopping power. However, the ABS manages to never feel intrusive at all, which enhances the riding experience greatly, all the while ensuring the rider feels confident in their brakes.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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4 The Classic 350 Remains One Of The Most Affordable Heritage Motorcycles

2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 hd bike wallpaper
Via: Royalenfield.com

Royal Enfield has tasted an incredible amount of global success with their bikes, especially the Classic 350, owing to the bike’s great and affordable price tag. When it comes to old-school, retro-styled cruisers, perhaps no motorcycle proves to be a better deal in terms of reliability, performance, and affordability than the Classic 350.​​​​​​​

2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 rear third quarter hd wallpaper
Via: Twitter.com

With a starting price of just $4,499, which could go up to $4,699 depending on the color in which you choose to bring one home, the Classic 350 is an incredibly value-for-money machine, especially for those new to the motorcycle world. Plus, its impressive maintenance costs and great fuel economy make it a gift that keeps on giving.​​​​​​​

3 The 2022 Classic 350 Offers Improved Suspensions And Switches

2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Signals hd wallpaper
Via: Twitter.com

Most renowned for being one of the most reliable tourers on the market, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 sports a straight riding position, which ensures a comfortable stance for riders even over long distances across the country or on the highway.​​​​​​​

Classic350_3-1
Via Royal Enfield

The 2022 Classic 350’s telescopic front forks and rear twin gas-charged shock absorbers offer a soft suspension, which makes the bike breeze over potholes and bad roads. Over the years, the motorcycle has received improved circuitry and switchgear as well, and the latest edition of the Classic 350 sports top-notch switchgear, with no more writing jutting out of the body and being an eyesore.

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2 The Classic 350 Welcomes Riders Of All Heights And Sizes

Royal Enfield Classic 350
 via Youtube

While the Classic 350 has always welcomed all riders regardless of their weight or height, it has never been more accepting than it is in its 2022 avatar. With improved ergonomics, an upright seating posture, and closer handlebars that offer a more comfortable position, the Classic 350 is easy for any rider to master in a short time.

Royal Enfield Classic 350
 via BikeWale

Its seat height of around 31.4 inches also means it is accessible for a rider of any size to saddle up to it. Plus, the handlebars now push little to no weight on the rider’s wrist, further enhancing the bike’s credentials as a commendable long-distance tourer.​​​​​​​

1 Riders Revel In The Classic 350's Engine Thump

Royal Enfield Classic 350
via RiderMagazine

Perhaps what makes the Royal Enfield such an iconic motorcycle is its legendary engine thump, which has, for years on end, provided the bike with phenomenal character. It also makes the rider feel entirely like they are in charge of an old-school motorcycle.​​​​​​​ After all, the sound of a motorcycle's engine is an integral part of the riding experience.

This classic thump is something Royal Enfield has never compromised on, as it is every bit as integral to the package as the rest of the bike’s features. The Classic 350 offers a well-refined yet head-turning thump, which never affects the ride quality and enhances the whole look and feel of the bike.