Which Royal Enfield 350 cc Bike Is For You?

Royal Enfield’s aggressive product onslaught over the past two years has given us several options to choose from. In the process, it has also made the brand very versatile — so whether you want a bobber or a cruiser, the Chennai-based manufacturer has it all. Case in point here is the brand’s 350 cc portfolio, which includes five bikes —  Bullet 350, Classic 350, Hunter 350, Meteor 350, and the newly launched Goan Classic 350. 

If you were planning to upgrade to a Royal Enfield – chances are you’ll start your journey with either one of these five motorcycles. So, how would you decide which one to choose, given that all five are powered by the same J-series engine with the same output? Let us help you make this decision.

Royal Enfield Hunter 350 (starting from ₹1.50 lakh, ex-showroom, Chennai)

Weight and heft have been one of the biggest talking points of any Royal Enfield bike. But the Hunter 350 is the brand’s lightest and smallest bike of all, which has helped its case become popular with youngsters and female riders. And when you factor in its heavy exhaust note, with occasional pops and bang moments too, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 comes across as an easy, fun-to-ride bike.

With ex-showroom prices starting from ₹1.50 lakh (ex-showroom, Chennai), it is also the most affordable Royal Enfields in the market. So, if you want an easy-going bike for your daily commutes, and those occasional weekend getaways, then the Hunter 350 is for you. 

Royal Enfield Classic 350 (starting from ₹1.93 lakh, ex-showroom, Chennai)

But if you want a Royal Enfield that looks elegant, rides poignant, and makes you feel good with every thump – then it's the Classic 350 here that should be your choice. It’s after all Royal Enfield’s crown jewel that completely changed the company’s fortunes. And that fact is conveyed to us year after year with rich colour options that Royal Enfield keeps introducing. In fact, the top-of-the-line Emerald option is characterised by a lot of chrome elements, which aptly complement the Classic’s persona. And if you’re not a fan of bling, Royal Enfield also has matte finish options like Stealth Black, Gun Grey, and Commando Sand. 

Royal Enfield Bullet 350 (starting from ₹1.74 lakh onwards, ex-showroom, Chennai)

But if the hearts yearn for some nostalgia, then the current-gen Royal Enfield Bullet 350 is the one to go for. It packs in the same credentials of a chill ride as the Classic 350, but at a comparatively lower price point. There might not be a plethora of rich colour options to choose from, and the bike might look a lot like the Classic 350, too, but subtle tweaks to its ergonomics make it a better tourer. Also, one can’t miss the charm of the hand-painted pinstripes. So, while we prefer the Bullet 350 for being honest and simple, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 feels the same, too, but with a bit more oomph and at a slightly higher price point. Either way, both will tug your heartstrings and leave you happy, seldom found in today’s roadsters. 

Royal Enfield Meteor 350 (starting from ₹2.05 lakh, ex-showroom, Chennai)

But if you’re someone who likes to hit the open road every now and then, then the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 should be your cuppa. If you have your heart set on a cruiser and want to tour with a pillion, the Meteor 350 is a good option. While you can do long-distance tours with the above bikes too, we would give the Metor 350 the edge over the others with its relaxed ergonomics. However, there is a better alternative, which comes from Royal Enfield itself. 

Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350 (starting from ₹2.35 lakh, ex-showroom, Chennai)

The Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350 rides the same as the Classic 350, but its funky looks create quite a statement. It is also the only 350 cc RE bike to be available with tubeless spoke wheels, which will give it a massive advantage over all the other bikes mentioned above during touring, saving you from punctures. However, the only shortcoming of the new GC 350 is that it's a bobber. Although RE provides the bike with a floating pillion seat as standard, one would be forced to remove it as it kills the bike’s overall aesthetic. And its higher asking price also makes it quite a difficult choice. But we won't blame you if you’re still sold on to the Goan Classic 350. After all, it’s a purchase that is made from the heart and not by logic.