Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350 vs Classic 350: What’s Different?

Royal Enfield has been on a roll this year, and the brand’s latest unveil is probably its trippiest-looking production bike ever. Based on its much-revered J-series platform, the new Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350 might come across as a much more flashy Classic 350, after all, it is its bobber derivative. However, there’s more to this bike than what meets the eye. Here are some of the key differences:

Ape Hangers And Slightly Different Ergonomics

Ape hangers are not new to Royal Enfields and have been used before too, think Thunderbird. These handlebars have made a comeback with the Goan Classic 350, which gives the bike an imposing stance. When it comes to ergonomics, your hands don’t feel strained that much, and a nice comfortable grip is available here too. The footpegs are forward set, similar to that of the Meteor 350, which gives you that nice slightly laidback cruiser feel. 

Single-Seat By Choice

Completing its “bobber” aesthetic is that single-seat design that is pinned to the sub-frame. It is completely different, now lower by over 50 mm, standing at 750 mm. While the bike will be offered as standard with a pillion seat, it can be removed easily as it hangs on just two bolts. The floating tail looks pretty cool too.

Tubeless Spoke Wheels!

One of the biggest highlights of the Royal Goan Classic 350 is the fact that it rides on tubeless spoke wheels. This makes it the first 350 cc Royal Enfield bike to get these wheels, and down the line, other RE bikes will be available with these new wheels too. The rear wheel is also a smaller 16-inch, not an 18-inch one like the Classic.

The whole tubeless spoke wheels not only help retain the bike’s retro aesthetic, it also help make travelling long distances less taxing where you don’t have to worry about punctures all the time. Something that cannot be taken for granted with the Royal Enfield Classic 350 (spoke wheels version) till now. 

Funky Colours

While the 2024 Royal Enfield Classic 350, launched a few months back, showcases a more regal and shiny look – the Goan Classic 350 goes for a much more funky and hippie appeal, something synonymous with Goa’s beach culture. Right from its white-walled tyres to colour-matching rims down to those four funky shades with funky names —Rave Red, Trip Teal, Purple Haze, and Shack Black. All in all, the Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350 looks and feels more liberated than all of the 350 cc bikes. Even the Hunter 350 gets bright colours, but the funkiness is not on par with the Goan Classic’s. 

Slash Cut End Cans

To fairly compliment the bike’s vibrant hues is the new slash end can exhaust. There’s not much change in the melody, it is just being sung out by a different pipe.