Don't just follow the crowd! The Royal Enfield is great, but there's a whole world of motorcycles out there!
Don't just follow the crowd! The Royal Enfield is great, but there's a whole world of motorcycles out there!
Royal Enfield Classic 350 is the most desired bike in the premium entry-level segment. This bike is recognisable as a status symbol and surely does get street cred if you are spotted riding around on it. With such clout, it surely overshadows some of the quality products that are seen in the market. We pick out some alternatives that you should consider if you are considering to purchase the Royal Enfield Classic 350
Consumers seeking a lightweight and agile alternative to the Royal Enfield Classic 350 can look to the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. This urban roadster sheds the bulk of its bigger sibling, tipping the scales at a manageable 177 kg. Power comes from a 349cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled J-Series engine producing 20 bhp and 27 Nm of torque. This combination translates to a responsive ride in city environments. The lighter weight and low-end torque lead to easy riding with fewer gear changes. To further enhance city riding comfort, the Hunter 350 adopts a well-designed roadster stance with an upright riding position. This position offers good visibility in traffic and can also be sporty for highway stretches. The footpegs are strategically positioned further back compared to classic Enfields, and the handlebars naturally fall where the arms rest, promoting a comfortable and confident riding posture. Plus this has Royal Enfield boldly mentioned on the tank for you to proudly flash it around. With a starting price of ₹ 1.49 lakh (ex-showroom), the Hunter 350 is the most affordable Royal Enfield you can buy.
Honda’s alternative entry for the Royal Enfield Classic 350 is the new CB350. This bike is based on the H'ness platform and is a more retro-looking bike targeted towards the Royal Enfield Classic Signals edition. Though inspired by the Bullet in its overall design, this bike takes a decidedly classic aesthetic. The rounded mudguards with their mounting cages and the teardrop-shaped fuel tank with new tank grips are clear nods to the classic motorcycle style. Even the fork sleeves add to this vintage feel. Power comes from a fuel-injected 348.36cc single-cylinder engine churning out 20.78 bhp and 29.4 Nm of torque. What makes the Honda bike standout compared to the Royal Enfield offering so the high level of refinement from the engine and the bulletproof reliability associated with the legendary Japanese brand. Unlike the Royal Enfield Classic 350 where certain colour options can inflate the price tag, the CB350 maintains a consistent price across its colour palette. This can be a significant advantage for budget-minded riders seeking a specific colour without a hidden cost.
Evoking nostalgia with its timeless design, Royal Enfield reintroduces the 2023 Bullet 350. This motorcycle stays true to the classic Bullet silhouette, instantly recognizable by riders seeking an old-school feel. The engine here is the same as the Classic 350. Air-cooled J-Series engine with 349cc displacement making 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The riding experience is similar and to an untrained eye, the Classic 350 and Bullet are just like Green Apples and Red Apples. The handlebar position is now slightly more upright, enhancing comfort on longer journeys. The 2023 Bullet 350 comes in three variants. It also offers a choice of single or dual-channel ABS for braking confidence. The top variant has a head-turning matte black and gold colour scheme, adding a touch of modern flair to the timeless design. With a starting price of ₹ 1.74 lakh (ex-showroom), the Bullet 350 is the option that you should consider if you want a retro-looking Royal Enfield.
This 440 cc motorcycle comes in three distinct flavours to suit your budget and style. All variants of the Hero Mavrick 440 share a robust trellis frame for confident handling, while the 440cc air/oil-cooled engine prioritises low-end torque with 27 bhp and 36 Nm of punch. The design here is a bit modern and more like a roadster. The posture is also a bit sporty with a balance of neo-retro feel. The base variant offers a budget-friendly entry point at ₹ 1.99 lakh (ex-showroom) with a classic-inspired design featuring spoke wheels. As you move up the range, the Mavrick 440 embraces modern touches. Mid-range variants boast vibrant colours and alloy wheels for a sportier look, priced at ₹ 2.14 lakh (ex-showroom). The top variant goes all-in with premium features like e-sim connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation and a luxurious two-tone seat, all for ₹ 2.24 lakh (ex-showroom). Regardless of the variant, the Mavrick 440 seamlessly bridges the gap between timeless style and modern functionality.
Jawa reignites their historic rivalry with Royal Enfield with the all-new Jawa 350. While the Classic 350 embodies a familiar, old-school aesthetic, the Jawa 350 carves its path, blending classic Jawa design cues with a modern edge. The fuel tank is reminiscent of the iconic Jawa design, and instantly evokes a sense of nostalgia for motorcycle enthusiasts. The chrome detailing and rounded headlamp pay homage to the brand's heritage, while the muscular lines and exhaust add a touch of contemporary flair. This distinct design language ensures the Jawa 350 stands out on the road, a modern interpretation of a timeless classic. Jawa has a larger 334cc, liquid-cooled engine that prioritises a smooth ride and strong low-end grunt, ideal for city manoeuvres. The Royal Enfield's air-cooled engine, while simpler in design, might feel less refined in comparison. Jawa ups the ante on handling with a reworked chassis that has a generous 178mm of ground clearance, ideal for navigating tricky city roads and uneven terrain. The Jawa has a similar seat height of around 800mm, ensuring accessibility for most riders. The Jawa's raised handlebar further enhances comfort during long rides. All this comes at a starting price of ₹ 2.14 lakh, making the Jawa 350 the most expensive here but also worth that price tag with its added quality of features and better looks.
