2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Review

What you see is what you get; we ride Royal Enfield’s Classic 350

By Keith Dowdle

Everything you need and nothing you don’t. That’s how the staff from Royal Enfield introduced the North American press to their all-new 2022 Classic 350. There’s no high-definition TFT screen, no quickshifter, no endless scrolling through countless ride modes or anything even remotely high-tech. All you get is just what the name says, a good ol’ classic motorcycle with an upright seating position and a nice-sounding single-cylinder motor with a bit of a thump. It all works beautifully.

There’s something gratifying about riding a bike like this—it’s simple yet fun, stylish but practical, and as we meandered through the beautiful cobblestone streets of Savannah, Georgia, we got more thumbs-up from everyday folks than I could count. I pondered as we rode, Do I get this kind of reaction from people while I’m riding my ultramodern, super high-tech BMW GS? Possibly, but I’m too busy scrolling through screens to notice. And that’s what’s liberating about a simple little bike like this: it gives you the chance to look around, take your eyes off the screens, and just enjoy the ride without complicating things.

Obviously, it’s a formula that works, Royal Enfield has sold over three million Classics in 75 countries worldwide, but the Classic 350 has never been offered in the U.S. market—until now. And their timing couldn’t be better. As more and more women riders enter the market, experienced older riders look to move to something smaller and lighter, and Gen-Zers explore riding for the first time, the market is ripe for just this kind of bike, and at $4599, it’s reasonably priced to suit almost any budget.

But will they be happy with their purchase? During the press intro we rode the Classic 350 in slow-moving city traffic, at highway speeds on country roads, and over some very tall, and steep, bridges surrounding the port city of Savannah, and the bike performed very well in all these environments. The modest power from the 349cc air/oil-cooled single-cylinder motor with its five-speed gearbox requires a bit of “planning” before you start up a steep hill, but the bike has the power to carry you up the grade at comfortable highway speeds provided that you select the proper gear. On the open highway, 70 miles an hour was easy to achieve and sustain without the bike screaming for mercy. Personally, I wouldn’t venture out on a transcontinental trip on it, but you could, and if you added a windscreen and some light luggage, the bike could handle it with no problem. That said, around town and on back country roads is where the little 350 is most at home. With dual-channel ABS, fuel injection, decent suspension and a 31.7-inch seat height, the bike is comfortable and capable—with just the right amount of attitude to set you apart.

Speaking of attitude, the 2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 is available in nine different styles and colors. The Signals models are offered in Desert Sand and Marsh Grey, and they’re fitted with chrome-spoked wheels in a 19-inch front and 18-inch rear configuration. These models pay homage to Royal Enfield’s 65-year relationship with the Indian military, and they are finished with military-styled graphics, while the Dark models come in Stealth Black and Gunmetal Grey paint schemes with alloy wheels and tubeless tires in the same 19/18 configuration. Both the Signals and the Dark models have an MSRP of $4599.

Later this year Royal Enfield plans to release their “Halcyon Collection” ($4499 MSRP) styled after the original 1950s British roadsters. These models will be offered in Halcyon Forest Green, Halcyon Black and Halcyon Blue. Plus, if you’re really into the old-school look, for an extra $200 ($4699) you can get a red or a brown version with special badging and a classic chrome polished tank. Very cool.

After spending a day on the new Classic 350, I’m truly impressed with what Royal Enfield was able to achieve. It’s a bike that’s enjoyable to ride, has fantastic looks, goes good, stops well—and all at a price point less than what the accessories alone cost on some premium brands.

So, if you’re looking to uncomplicate your life or if you’re just getting into riding, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 may be the perfect bike for you. There’s a wide array of accessories offered, and you can check out Royal Enfield’s website for additional information and availability or to locate a dealer near you. CN

2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Specifications

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