The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is arguably more than a motorcycle; it is a cultural icon, a symbol of heritage, and a feeling. For decades, its distinctive silhouette and signature ‘thump’ have resonated across the Indian subcontinent.1
The 2025 model year retains this timeless aesthetic while completely transforming the mechanics underneath. Built on the modern J-Platform engine and chassis, the current Classic 350 is a harmonious blend of old-school charisma and new-age refinement.2 It offers a riding experience that is simultaneously nostalgic and supremely contemporary, addressing nearly all the common criticisms of its predecessors.
Price in India and Variant Breakdown
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is offered in a wide range of colourways and finishes, each falling under a distinct variant series.3 This strategy allows customers to choose their level of premiumisation and, crucially, their braking system (Single-Channel ABS or Dual-Channel ABS).4
Ex-Showroom Price Range (India, December 2025)
The Classic 350’s price is highly dependent on the chosen colour and the inclusion of Dual-Channel ABS and alloy wheels.
| Variant Series | Starting Ex-Showroom Price (Approx.) | Key Feature Differentiators |
| Redditch Series (Base) | ₹1.81 Lakh | Single-Channel ABS, Spoke Wheels. |
| Halcyon Series | ₹1.84 – ₹1.96 Lakh | Single/Dual-Channel ABS options, Classic RE colours. |
| Signals Series | ₹2.02 Lakh | Dual-Channel ABS, unique military-inspired graphics. |
| Dark Series | ₹2.11 Lakh | Dual-Channel ABS, Factory-Fitted Alloy Wheels (Tubeless Tyres), Matte finishes. |
| Chrome Series (Top-End) | ₹2.16 Lakh | Dual-Channel ABS, extensive chrome work, premium finish. |
On-Road Price Note: The on-road price (including RTO, Insurance, and taxes) can range from approximately ₹2.09 Lakh to over ₹2.47 Lakh depending on the city and variant. For riders prioritizing safety and convenience, the Dark Series offers the best value for money, combining Dual-Channel ABS with the convenience of tubeless tyres on alloy wheels.
Full Specifications: The J-Platform Revolution
The heart of the new Classic 350 lies in its J-Platform engine, shared with the Meteor 350 and Hunter 350.5 This unit represents a significant leap forward in Royal Enfield engineering.
Engine and Transmission
| Specification | Detail |
| Engine Type | Single Cylinder, 4-stroke, Air-Oil Cooled, SOHC |
| Displacement | $349 \text{ cc}$ |
| Max Power | $20.2 \text{ bhp} \text{ @ } 6100 \text{ rpm}$ |
| Max Torque | $27 \text{ Nm} \text{ @ } 4000 \text{ rpm}$ |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed Constant Mesh |
| Key Technology | Counter Balancer Shaft (Vibration reduction) |
Chassis and Dimensions
The motorcycle is built on a robust Twin Downtube Spine Frame, offering superior rigidity and stability compared to the older UCE models.6
| Specification | Detail |
| Chassis | Twin Downtube Spine Frame |
| Front Suspension | $41 \text{ mm}$ Telescopic Forks, $130 \text{ mm}$ travel |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Tube Emulsion Shock Absorbers, 6-step Preload Adjustable |
| Kerb Weight | $195 \text{ kg}$ |
| Ground Clearance | $170 \text{ mm}$ |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | $13 \text{ Litres}$ |
Braking and Safety
- Front Brake: 7$300 \text{ mm}$ Disc8
- Rear Brake: 9$270 \text{ mm}$ Disc (on Dual-Channel ABS variants) or Drum (on Single-Channel ABS base variants)10
- ABS: Dual-Channel (Standard on most mid-to-high variants) or Single-Channel (on base variants).1
Read more : Mahindra XUV700
Mileage Test and Fuel Efficiency Insights
One of the pleasant surprises of the J-Platform engine is its improved fuel efficiency and real-world performance balance. The engine’s modern design, electronic fuel injection (EFI), and precise mapping ensure better combustion and fuel management.12
Mileage Test Figures (Real-World)
| Driving Condition | ARAI Claimed (Estimated) | Real-World Expectation (Approx.) |
| City Riding | $41.55 \text{ kmpl}$ | $32 \text{ to } 35 \text{ kmpl}$ |
| Highway Cruising | $41.55 \text{ kmpl}$ | $36 \text{ to } 40 \text{ kmpl}$ |
| Overall Average | $41.55 \text{ kmpl}$ | $\mathbf{35 \text{ kmpl}}$ |
- Mileage Insight: The $35 \text{ kmpl}$ average is a strong figure for a $195 \text{ kg}$ motorcycle with a $349 \text{ cc}$ engine. This efficiency makes the Classic 350 a viable daily commuter, offering a practical riding range of over $400 \text{ km}$ on a single tank.
Engine Sound and The Signature ‘Thump’
The engine sound—the soul of any Royal Enfield—was a major point of contention during the J-Platform development. The inclusion of the counter-balancer shaft, while crucial for refinement, alters the character.
- The Change: The older UCE engine offered a more raw, deep, and uneven ‘dug-dug-dug’ at idle. The new J-Platform engine is significantly quieter, smoother, and lacks the dramatic mechanical clang of its predecessor.
- The Current Note: The new ‘thump’ is more refined, a deep, steady ‘potato-potato’ rhythm. It is bass-heavy and pleasing at lower RPMs but becomes a clean, less intrusive exhaust note as the speed increases.
- Verdict: While purists may miss the raw beat of the UCE, the new sound is undeniably superior for long-distance touring and daily city riding, as it is non-fatiguing and allows for conversation-level noise at traffic lights. The new engine focuses on quality of sound rather than raw volume.
Comfort, Handling, and Riding Experience
The entire Classic 350 platform has been engineered to optimize the rider experience, focusing on comfort and predictable handling.13
Comfort and Ergonomics
- Riding Posture: The Classic 350 provides an excellent upright, neutral riding posture with mid-set footpegs and a wide, slightly pulled-back handlebar.14 This is perfect for city commutes and prevents back fatigue on long rides.
- Seating: The single or split-seat design (depending on the variant) features thick, redesigned foam cushioning and a width that accommodates long hours in the saddle.15 Pillion comfort, often a weakness in the older model, is greatly improved due to the better seat and reduced vibrations.16
- Vibration Mitigation: The counter-balancer shaft is the hero here. The crippling vibrations felt on the handlebars, fuel tank, and footpegs of the old UCE at speeds above 17$80 \text{ kmph}$ are all but gone.18 The new Classic 350 can comfortably cruise at $90 \text{ to } 100 \text{ kmph}$ with minimal buzz, making highway touring genuinely enjoyable.
Handling and Dynamics
- City Manoeuvrability: Despite its 19$195 \text{ kg}$ kerb weight, the Classic 350 handles remarkably well in the city.20 The weight is centred low, making it easy to balance at slow speeds. The smooth clutch action and excellent low-end torque (21$27 \text{ Nm}$ peak at 22$4000 \text{ rpm}$) ensure effortless darting through traffic.23
- Highway Stability: The new twin downtube chassis ensures high-speed stability.24 The bike feels planted and confident, resisting crosswinds much better than its predecessor. It maintains its line predictably, instilling confidence during fast sweeping corners.
- Suspension and Ride Quality: The combination of 25$41 \text{ mm}$ telescopic front forks and twin-tube rear shock absorbers (with preload adjustability) delivers a plush ride.26 The suspension soaks up small bumps and uneven roads easily.27 While the rear setup can feel slightly firm over sharp potholes, the overall ride quality is comfortable and compliant, perfect for tackling India’s diverse road surfaces.
- Braking: The Dual-Channel ABS setup provides strong, progressive braking, a major improvement that is essential given the bike’s weight and torque.28
Full Specifications Table (J-Platform)
| Category | Specification | Value |
| Engine | Displacement | $349 \text{ cc}$ |
| Max Power | $20.2 \text{ bhp} \text{ @ } 6100 \text{ rpm}$ | |
| Max Torque | $27 \text{ Nm} \text{ @ } 4000 \text{ rpm}$ | |
| Transmission | Gearbox | 5-Speed |
| Dimensions | Kerb Weight | $195 \text{ kg}$ |
| Wheelbase | $1390 \text{ mm}$ | |
| Ground Clearance | $170 \text{ mm}$ | |
| Fuel Capacity | $13 \text{ Litres}$ | |
| Chassis/Suspension | Frame | Twin Downtube Spine Frame |
| Front Suspension | $41 \text{ mm}$ Telescopic Forks | |
| Rear Suspension | Twin Tube Emulsion Shock Absorbers | |
| Brakes/Tyres | ABS | Single / Dual Channel |
| Front Tyre | $100/90-19$ | |
| Rear Tyre | $120/80-18$ |
Final Verdict: A Timeless Classic, Reborn
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 (2025) is a triumphant rebirth. Royal Enfield successfully maintained the motorcycle’s most cherished attributes—the vintage styling, the imposing road presence, and the characteristic low-end torque—while eliminating its biggest shortcomings (vibrations, chassis instability, and high maintenance).
It is no longer just an emotional purchase; it is a genuinely capable, comfortable, and reliable motorcycle. It delivers a serene highway cruising experience and a relaxed, effortless city commute.
Who is this bike for?
The Classic 350 is ideal for riders who value style, heritage, comfort, and road presence over outright speed.29 It is the perfect blend for a daily rider and a relaxed weekend tourer who prefers to enjoy the journey rather than race through it. The $2025 \text{ Classic } 350$ is not just a motorcycle; it is an enduring statement of refined motorcycling culture.
