2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 - Is It Any Fun?

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is stylish, affordable, and basic. Millions of them have sold. Is it enough to attract a new type of motorcyclist in the US?

It may not be too much of a claim to say that the 2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 is the most futuristic motorcycle on the market. No, it doesn’t have radar-equipped adaptive cruise control, a six-axis IMU, or semi-active suspension. Nor does it produce 200 hp or flatter the rider with telepathic handling. Quite the opposite, in fact.

With its SOHC air/oil-cooled 349cc single, the Classic 350 produces a claimed 20.2 hp at 6,100 rpm and 19.9 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Weighing in at a substantial 430 pounds with a mostly full tank of fuel, it struggles to outrun a Toyota Prius and requires a decent tailwind and a long stretch of road to make the speedometer needle sweep three-quarters of the way around its 0–100 mph readout range.

But motorcycles like the Classic 350 are crucial to the future of motorcycling.

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let’s consider the backstory. The Classic 350 and 500 models were introduced in India in 2008 and went on to become Royal Enfield’s bestselling models. Last year the Meteor 350 debuted with an all-new chassis and engine; it’s this platform that the Classic 350 is based upon. The Classic differentiates itself from the Meteor with its larger 18-inch rear wheel and more traditional styling. Both models use the J series engine, which replaces the previous generation UCE engine and uses a counterbalancer to smooth out the vibes while retaining the feel of its signature single-cylinder power pulses at low rpm. It also has a 1,000 rpm broader rev range.

Riding through the rough, well-trafficked streets of Savannah, Georgia, the Classic 350 rolls along unburdened by the future. Its more immediate concerns are grappling with hastily patched asphalt and dodging the day-drinking tourists who take advantage of the city’s open-container policy.

At the first opening of the throttle, the power delivery is surprisingly snappy. Twisting the grip more, however, doesn’t deliver commensurate thrust, and the single’s humble power output quickly becomes evident. Short-shifting is the natural inclination, especially in urban traffic, but it’s difficult to shift smoothly between first and second gears at low rpm. The five-speed gearbox feels precise otherwise, though it requires a firm boot to work well enough to match the overall riding experience.

On the open road, the engine runs fairly smoothly. Vibrations through the grips and footpegs are present but minimal enough to not be fatiguing, at least during the brief, tapped-out-in-fifth highway time of the test ride. If mile-munching highway rides are in the cards, the Classic 350 will likely not be at the top of most riders’ lists anyway.

The engine’s charm lies in its quaint thump-thump-thump at low rpm and the sensation, felt mostly through the seat, of the piston happily working away. One would be hard-pressed to describe the engine as “eager”; “willing” may be a better word. It’s not a performer, but it is fun.

Perhaps the 350′s biggest fault is its abrupt on/off throttle response, a trait reminiscent of early EFI-equipped motorcycles. It’s the wrong kind of retro. Perhaps there’s nothing like a little imperfection to help steer the novice toward proficient use of the throttle, but really, if there’s one area that needs to be refined, it’s here.

In terms of braking, the 350′s ByBre single-disc front setup is perfectly adequate for urban riding. More experienced riders, however, may find they need to recalibrate their minds to judge appropriate stopping distances. When braking from top speed (around 75 mph), there’s not a ton of power, and the lever feels squishy as one starts to bear down on it.

It’s easy to find the limits of the suspension as well. The Classic 350 regularly bottoms out while crossing over pronounced crests in Savannah’s many tree-lined squares. But honestly, the bike’s limitations are part of its appeal; if you’re not bottoming it out, there’s more fun to be had.

It must be noted that the suspension and brakes have a lot to cope with. At 430 pounds, this bike is heavy for a 349cc single. Considered in the context of Royal Enfield’s “Made Like a Gun” slogan, it brings to mind a scene from the movie Snatch. Boris the Blade sells a particularly weighty revolver to one of the protagonists, saying: “Heavy is good. Heavy is reliable. If it doesn’t work, you can always hit him with it.”

[barrettwbenton]

This isn't about attracting a "new" type of motorcyclist as much as attracting a *forgotten* one, at least here in the States: the person who's been more-than-curious about riding, but intimidated by most of the offerings passed off by the industry as "beginner" bikes, at least up until the last year or two. RE simply saw an underserved need/market and swooped in, with a stunningly elemental formula: classic design, simple engineering (with just enough in modern touches - EFI, ABS and the like - to keep things safe and reliable). and, critically, approachable prices. Want to get more butts on bikes? Here's how you do it.

[Jimo]

I like this bike. I’ve gotten tired of the insectoid transformer styling with the tail ends being unnecessarily high. Should be a breeze to work on too.

[petehealy]

I find the Meteor 350 more to my taste than the Classic, but they're both smooth, beautiful bikes. More important - and as others have commented - too many reviewers characterize both these bikes as being for "beginners." Wake the eff up, reviewers! I've been riding for 50+ years, and have sold my HD and my Victory Kingpin. Why? Because I don't need a massive, loud machine anymore. The RE Classic (or Meteor) let me get back to simpler, easier riding. What's so hard to understand about that, unless you're still addicted to "impressing" everybody with your screaming, roaring engines?

[ewfisher]

If I wasn't still paying off my truck I'd be saving up to buy one of these. I don't need/want a big high hp bike as I'd be a new rider and live in an area of mountain roads. Just something that I could go out on for a leisurely ride would be enough.

[ScooterintheSticks]

I have two machines in the garage now -- a 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan and an aging, 2006 Vespa GTS 250. The Himalayan is a dream on the many backroad dirt and gravel paths where I live, and the Vespa has been great for pavement adventures. I've been so impressed with the Himalayan that my eye has started to wander to the Meteor, Interceptor, and now the Classic 350. Perhaps it's what I need when the Vespa gives up the ghost. It's at 44K miles now and still going strong but one day...

I think the RE line offers not just an entry-level ride, but also a ride for those of us at the other end of the spectrum that are looking at advancing years and a desire for something lighter and less twitchy on the throttle. I don't need something that I can lift the front wheel off the ground with the flick of my wrist. I want something "soft" and comfortable to ride.

The Classic 350 might do the trick.

[freebehindbars]

A lot of people judge bikes wrong these days. I’m sure this is a smooth ride.

[UltraSS-njkd]

This too me is a better pick than the 150 grom or monkey put bike style ones.

[jaspergrumfuttock]

I started riding bikes back in the 60's and this is what motorcycling is really about. Why do you need a tach? Learn to feel the engine, read the road and adjust accordingly and stop relying on gimmicks. A proper motorcycle without rider aids, engine modes, a plethora of electronics etc etc. Learn to ride, to become one with the bike. That's real fun riding, that's real riding. But having said that, to each their own and if a plastic fantastic turns you on. if you're a speed freak so be it, just ride safe. Regards

[stevenwomack]

So much is said about the RE 350 attracting new young riders, and of course that's true. But it also has a lot of appeal for old guys who haven't ridden in about 25 years but would like to again. In other words, me 🙂

[MrAndrew]

Well said. A lot to be said for an inexpensive, affordable bike with a single cylinder. The engine has been modernised with counterbalancers to eliminate harsh vibration. The bike has brisk, adequate performance for a country of origin where that, cost, reliability and quality are the main requirements. Also a bike that's easy and inexpensive to maintain.

[jroberthadden]

Perfect classic styling. It may be aimed at young riders, but some of us older and more experienced riders, who are looking for something easier to wrestle around with our arthritic bodies, could find this bike perfect. Since I live out here in the wide open and wild west, I'd like a few more horses to haul my butt down the road at 75 with ease. Maybe a 450 or 500 cc version would better fit the bill for guys like me.

[GURUKHAN_OG]

RE is a great motorcycle. Looks cool and rounds smooth. It would give the Honda a run for it's money only if it could add a few more HP and liquid cooling.

[jnbqwhe]

This is something the boomer and early gen X would relate to as well..
If they hv enough saved up they can get one of these ..wouldnt burn a hole in their pocket and give them feel of something of a bygone era but with modern standards

[Motorcyclewindtherapy]

If I was to ever have a 2nd bike in the garage again....this could be the one. I've done it twice (not counting dirt bikes) and I end up being too torn on which to ride and then of course... there is always the fact I sell the 2nd bike for some other thing, lol.

RE knows exactly who they are and I love that.

[johnbellamy]

i have the meteor 350 bought new in december 2021.i love it, its the super nova in bronze colour.we are in the u k . also i love the heel and toe gear shifter.

[oknevals]

I walked in the HE dealership only because it was on the way to Aprillia dealership, just to kill time. I saw Classic in military green and really liked it. My wife did too. We talked about it 10-15 minutes and asked the sales guy if it could be ready before closing, 1.5 hours left. It was tight but, rode it back home. Things happen when most unexpected. Now I need to sell one of other four.

[spiritofe]

This machine is not trying to be an alien transformers ufo thing. It's a motorcycle. That's it. 👍

[AkhileshVeldanda]

Royal Enfields are awesome, it’s all about the feel 🔥

[breaux]

I've been waiting for this bike. Been riding for nearly fifteen years and last year a family member asked me to ride their Meteor 350 home from the dealership because they were at work, immediately fell in love with the new little J series 350 engine in it for riding around town but I wanted that classic Royal Enfield styling instead of the Meteor. Now I can finally get the Meteor engine in the Classic

[toddscholl]

Just put down a deposit on a Gun Metal Grey variant without even riding it…have ridden the INT 650 and the Continental GT as well as the Meteor but this style just hits different!