Tribute to Royal Enfield Classic

March 21, 2025

Why I feel, every biker should ride a Royal Enfield Classic 350 reborn?

I've been a motorbiker for over 30 years. I have been fortunate, to have owned over a dozen different bikes, from BMW GS, Kawasaki Versys, Suzuki Vstrom, Gixxer, RE Himalayan 411, RE Thunderbird 350 then 500cc, Yamaha RX & FZ to Honda CBRs. Each are unique and good in thier own ways.

However there is one little bike, I think every biker must add in thier garage collection. The RE Classic 350 reborn with the J series engine, which was launched in 2022. What makes this an ICONIC bike? Here are 10 possible reasons in my view

1. Character & Charm. It's so uniquely retro, it reminds you of good old times, a bygone era, to take life slow and smooth, enjoy the scenery and chug along gently. RE calls this as pure motorcycling.

2. Joy of riding and surfing the torque. The long stroke, high torque engine, coupled with short gearing, makes it such a joy to ride both in city traffic and highways. You don't change gears often and it pulls cleanly like a train from 30 to 100kmph even in high gears. It will bring a smile on your face everytime you ride the bike. This is onething no other competition (including Triumph Speed 400, Harley 440x, Jawa 42 etc) is able to replicate well. It reflects in sales. Royal Enfield has almost 80% share in 300 to 500cc space in India and across many countries. See sales chart.

3. Road presence. The bike stands out. It's a short and stubby bike. With low center of gravity, wide tires, Solid Build quality, completely made of metal in a world of plastic bikes. Whether it's chrome finish with spoke wheels or matte black finish with alloy wheels it's sure to turn heads.

4. Refinement. J SERIES Engine is vibe free, gear box is butter smooth, even Honda will be embarrassed. Also the reliability has improved by leaps and bounds.

5. Comfort. Both for rider and pillion. With accessible seat height, 90 degree knee and straight and wide seating and low set handle bar, its like a Sofa on wheels.

6. Serviceability. From the smallest villages to towns, to mega cities like London, New York to Bangalore and Delhi any mechanic can easily service this air cooled simple 4 stroke petrol engine.

7. Versatility. It can go on good and bad roads. Its a favorite for mountain climbers to Himalayas due to its high torque climbing ability. I have seen farmers ride in slushy fields. Army officers ride it by side of tanks. And city dwellers take to office in horrible traffic. It quietly does everything well. And this is a bike people of all age groups from 20 to 80 can have and look cool.

8. Heritage. Royal Enfield is the Oldest motorcycle brand in the world still running. Did you know RE bikes like the "flying flea" was dropped from planes in a parachute, for British soldiers to use on ground in D Day landings in World War II. See pics. It's the most purchased motorcycle by Indian Army, Navy and Airforce. The tornado team in Indian army, who does motorcycle stunts in republic day parades before President is entirely made up of RE classics. It's used in the world's highest battlefield on indo pak border in himalayas.

9. Community. RE community is quite strong frequently organizing nice rides across various part of the globe. They support each other like Apple iMac users.

10. Price value, under $4,000, so much fun, Versatility, durability, heritage, charm, character. Plus it's frugal giving you close to 40kmpl on highways and 35kmpl in city.

Is this a perfect bike? No. It can't go faster than 100kmph. So if you are in extensive touring mode, It does not work. It's not a street fighter nor the fastest bike. Its a full metal heavy bike, not easy to park sometimes. Older models, pre 2022, might not be as reliable as some Japanese models. Very tall people might find it too short. But, I'm almost 6 feet tall and I have no issues.

But it scores well in almost every other parameter, especially on the emotional appeal and joy of riding. You need to ride one to understand what I'm saying. And people are voting with thier wallets. See sales chart. BTW I voted with my wallet too and I bought the army marsh green, Classic 350 signals edition. I've named him, Singham (Lion) as a tribute to our lion hearted solders. Singham stands next to my cheetah yellow suzuki Vstrom in my garage. Wish me and Singham safe and happy rides.

Nash Narasimhan Tupil