Royal Enfield has long been a name synonymous with robust and timeless motorcycles, especially in India, where they have become a symbol of power, comfort, and style. Two of their most iconic models, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the Royal Enfield Bullet 350, have earned immense popularity among motorcycle enthusiasts. Both bikes offer a blend of vintage aesthetics with modern-day technology and performance, making them favorites in their respective categories. However, while they share many similarities, they also differ in certain key areas that might influence a buyer’s decision.
In this article, we will dive into a detailed comparison between the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the Royal Enfield Bullet 350, focusing on their engine specifications, performance, design, comfort, and pricing. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or someone looking to upgrade, understanding the features and capabilities of these iconic motorcycles will help you make an informed decision.
Key Specifications and Engine Performance
Both the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 are powered by similar engines, which is one of the reasons they both offer a comparable riding experience. If you are planning to buy any of these bikes but need financial assistance, you can explore a bike par loan app to check EMI options and loan eligibility. Let’s break down the key specifications of each bike:
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Engine Capacity and Power Output
- Royal Enfield Classic 350: The Classic 350 comes equipped with a 349 cc engine, delivering a max power output of around 20.2 bhp (at 6100 rpm). This ensures smooth and consistent performance, making the Classic 350 an ideal bike for both city commuting and highway cruising. The engine is air-cooled and comes with a 5-speed manual transmission, which offers smooth gear shifting, adding to the overall riding comfort.
- Royal Enfield Bullet 350: The Bullet 350 also shares the same 349 cc engine and produces similar power figures, delivering around 19.1 bhp at 5,250 rpm. This makes the Bullet 350 a slightly less powerful option compared to the Classic 350 but still offers ample power for everyday riding needs. Like the Classic 350, the Bullet 350 also comes with a 5-speed manual transmission, which is geared to deliver a relaxed and comfortable ride, especially at cruising speeds.
Both motorcycles share the same engine capacity and similar power outputs, making them almost identical in terms of raw performance. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 might feel slightly more refined due to the tuned engine but the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 still delivers a pleasant experience on the road.
Mileage
Both the Classic 350 and Bullet 350 are designed to offer impressive fuel efficiency, ensuring long-distance riders can enjoy extended trips without worrying about refueling frequently.
- Royal Enfield Classic 350: The Classic 350 offers an impressive mileage of 35 kmpl, which is a decent figure considering the engine size and the power output of the bike. Whether you’re navigating through city streets or cruising on the highway, this mileage makes the Classic 350 a practical choice for regular use.
- Royal Enfield Bullet 350: The Bullet 350, like the Classic 350, also delivers mileage around 35 kmpl. This makes both bikes comparable when it comes to fuel economy, offering excellent efficiency for long-distance travel as well as daily commuting.
Fuel Tank Capacity and Kerb Weight
- Royal Enfield Classic 350: One of the standout features of the Classic 350 is its fuel tank capacity of 13 litres, which offers an excellent range for long rides. With a kerb weight of 195 kg, it provides a solid, grounded feel on the road, giving the rider confidence and stability, especially when cruising at higher speeds or maneuvering through curves.
- Royal Enfield Bullet 350: Similarly, the Bullet 350 also boasts a 13-litre fuel tank, ensuring riders can go on longer journeys with fewer fuel stops. The kerb weight of 195 kg is identical to that of the Classic 350, providing a comparable road presence and stability on the highway.
Both bikes offer a strong, grounded riding experience, with similar fuel tank capacities and kerb weights, making them suitable for both city use and longer highway trips.
Design and Aesthetics
While both bikes share the same engine platform and similar technical specifications, they differ in terms of design and styling, catering to slightly different preferences.
- Royal Enfield Classic 350: The Classic 350 is the quintessential retro motorcycle, evoking the charm of vintage motorcycles from the mid-20th century. The design of the Classic 350 is sleek, with a minimalist approach that highlights its timeless appeal. It comes with a round headlamp, a vintage-style chrome tank, and prominent, classic fenders. The Classic 350 is available in a wide variety of colours and special edition models, making it a more customizable option for riders who prefer a personalized aesthetic.
- Royal Enfield Bullet 350: The Bullet 350, on the other hand, has been around for decades and has a more iconic and rugged design. It features the unmistakable single downtube chassis that the Bullet series is known for, along with a strong, muscular fuel tank and chrome highlights that contribute to its old-school charm. The Bullet 350 has a distinct design that sets it apart from the Classic 350, and it’s often chosen by riders who prefer a more utilitarian and rugged look.
While both motorcycles feature vintage styling, the Classic 350 is often seen as the more polished and refined design, while the Bullet 350 appeals to those who prefer a no-nonsense, bold, and raw aesthetic.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfort is an important factor for riders who plan on spending long hours on their bikes. Both the Classic 350 and the Bullet 350 offer excellent ride comfort, but they have slight differences that may sway your decision.
- Royal Enfield Classic 350: The Classic 350 offers a slightly more modern seating posture, making it more comfortable for long-distance touring. The bike’s seat is wide and well-cushioned, providing ample support for the rider. Additionally, the seat height of 805 mm makes it suitable for a wide range of riders. The handlebar position and the footpeg configuration of the Classic 350 are also designed for comfortable cruising, making it an ideal bike for long highway journeys.
- Royal Enfield Bullet 350: The Bullet 350 also offers a similar ergonomic seating posture, though the ride may feel slightly more rigid due to its more classic design. The seat height is also 805 mm, which is suitable for most riders, but the overall feel of the Bullet 350 is a bit more retro, offering a firmer and slightly more upright riding position. This makes it a better choice for those who prefer a more traditional and nostalgic riding experience.
Both motorcycles offer excellent comfort, though the Classic 350 is slightly more comfortable due to its more modern ergonomics and softer suspension setup.
Braking System and Suspension
- Royal Enfield Classic 350: The Classic 350 comes equipped with disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear, along with a single-channel ABS for enhanced safety. The dual-channel ABS is available in certain variants for better control during sudden braking. The suspension system comprises telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear, ensuring a smooth ride over bumps and uneven roads.
- Royal Enfield Bullet 350: The Bullet 350 also features disc brakes at the front, but it uses drum brakes at the rear with single-channel ABS. The suspension system is similar to the Classic 350, with telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear, ensuring a stable and comfortable ride.
While both motorcycles offer excellent braking and suspension setups, the Classic 350’s dual-channel ABS and slightly more refined suspension make it the better choice for safety and comfort. If you’re planning to buy a Classic 350, a bike par loan app can help you check EMI options and financing easily.
Conclusion
In the end, choosing between the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 largely depends on your personal preferences and requirements. Both bikes offer a similar engine capacity, performance, fuel efficiency, and comfort. The Classic 350 stands out with its more modern design, better safety features, and slightly enhanced comfort, making it ideal for riders who want a polished and refined experience.
On the other hand, the Bullet 350 continues to carry the legacy of the Bullet series, offering a rugged, no-frills riding experience that appeals to those who enjoy vintage aesthetics and a more classic, raw feel on the road.
Ultimately, both the Classic 350 and Bullet 350 are excellent choices, and whether you opt for one or the other, you are assured of a Royal Enfield experience defined by power, comfort, and style.
