All retro but slightly different flavours
In India, classic roadsters have always held a special place, marrying tradition with mobility. Their timeless essence and straightforward riding experience continue to captivate enthusiasts. And the recent surge in new models has ignited a fresh wave of excitement. So, if you're yearning for a slice of motorcycle nostalgia under Rs 3 lakh, buckle up as we explore the top 5 contenders:
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is the OG roadster, coming in at ₹1,93,080. This bike brings in retro vibes in a comfortable package. The engine is a 349.34 cc air/oil-cooled engine that produces 20.21 bhp and 27 Nm. The suspension is supple, making for a comfortable ride. It is bare bones when it comes to fancy features, only packing a USB charger and Tripper turn-by-turn navigation console(available as standard only on certain colour variants). The riding posture on the Royal Enfield is the most neutral of the lot. You sit upright, and the handlebars fall naturally. Additionally, the Royal Enfield Classic has a regal and macho image attached to it, making it a great uplifter on those days when you are feeling down.
The Harley-Davidson X440 starts at ₹ 2,39,500 (ex-showroom) and goes up to ₹ 2,79,500. It has a strong 440 cc liquid-cooled engine, delivering 27 bhp and 38 Nm. Its highway-friendly torque makes cruising effortless, complementing its comfortable riding position. its roadster style, it handles well with crisp throttle response for smooth performance. Limited dealership network remains a challenge. It is an attractive choice for riders seeking powerful performance on long highway rides.
Coming in at ₹2,33,000, this roadster is the first offering from Triumph. It features a 398.15cc engine, producing 39.5 bhp and 37.5 Nm. The roadster vibe is enhanced with an accessible seat height of 790mm. The rider's triangle is comfortable and compact, making it a very tight and petite little motorcycle in its class. The Triumph Speed 400 offers competitive features, including full LED lighting, a semi-digital instrument cluster, ride-by-wire throttle, switchable traction control, dual-channel ABS, and an anti-theft immobiliser as standard.
Priced at ₹2,16,000, the new Jawa 350 classic roadster boasts the retro charm while also bringing in the functionality of a modern bike. It features a 334cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 22.5 bhp and 28.1 Nm. The new update includes more suspension travel, a better seat, and improved engine acoustics. Overall, the Jawa 350 has become a better package worth recommending in this list of top roadsters under ₹3 lakh.
Priced at ₹2,07,142 to ₹2,13,642, the Yezdi Roadster is one of the nicest bikes that the company has in its lineup. It is an easy-to-ride offering owing to its well-balanced weight. At 194 kg, it might not seem light on paper, but the low centre of gravity makes it one of the easiest bikes to ride. This bike has a 334 cc engine that produces 29 bhp and 28 Nm. Suspension on this roadster is not super stiff and is pliant but still on the firm side. The riding posture on this bike is like a cruiser but one doesn’t sit with legs stretched out completely. This makes it a great companion for city rides and weekend sprints on the highway.
