ROYAL ENFIELD’S Classic 350 has landed down under and we were invited to head south to the beautiful Marnong Estate in Victoria to experience everything it had to offer at its Australian press launch.
Ahead of our ride, all four model variants of the Classic 350 line-up were on display, including the Halcyon, Classic Signal, Classic Dark and range topping Chrome Series. Each one has its own styling cues and it was great to see them all together.
Learner approved, the new range has a refreshed look and a nice fit and finish. The motorcycle bears Royal Enfield’s signature teardrop shaped tank and casquette, with a new pilot light-styled headlamp across the range.
Drawing inspiration from Royal Enfield’s association with the armed forces, the Classic Signal Series was a standout for us. Available in Desert Sand and Marsh Grey (which honestly should be called Army Green), both bikes look mint.
The range topping Chrome Series looks great too, and is fitted with some optional extras, like a windscreen and touring seat. Available in Chrome Red and Chrome Bronze, it’s sure to win fans. It proved to be a sweet little motorcycle during testing too.
In fact, when it was time to hit the road, the Red Chrome was where we started. Out onto some nice country roads towards Mt Macedon we went, to put Royal Enfield’s latest range of bikes through their paces.
The Classic 350 generates 15kW of power and 27Nm of torque through its 349cc fuel injected, air-cooled engine. It utilises a primary balancer shaft that is designed to cut down motor vibration.
Acceleration is relatively smooth as a result, even with the bike’s accelerator pinned on its way to a top speed of just over 120km/h. That said, the sweet spot for this motorcycle is in the 80-95km/h zone.
It’s there that the Classic 350 feels at home as it flicks through nice easy corners, letting the rider enjoy the experience. The 5-speed gearbox works well too, with a minimum of fuss, and like the overall package, is just easy to use.
Utilising a brand new chassis specifically designed for the Classic 350, the bike’s setup is targeted at being stiffer, and thus giving the rider greater confidence. The suspension setup too, has undergone significant development by Royal Enfield.
All-in-all, the suspension works reasonably well, with a plush feel up front. The back is still a little bumpy, and while more enthusiastic riding feels solid, even when pushing hard through bends, mid corner bumps at full noise can leave the Classic 350 a little unsettled.
Braking is adequate from the single disc setup, however you will need to give a hard squeeze if pulling up in a hurry. That said, the 2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 isn’t designed to be a race bike, it’s a stylish way to commute and enjoy the ride, at your own pace.
Ergonomically, Royal Enfield have hit the ball out of the park. Despite being a bigger person, this bike doesn’t feel cramped or make you feel like you’re Donkey Kong riding a children’s toy bike.
The handlebars are within easy reach and the foot peg position allows the rider enough room not to feel cramped or squished for room. The controls are nice and easy to the touch with nothing being overly complicated.
The speedo is easy to read, with all the essentials clearly displayed. Although the Tripper navigation device is not fitted standard due to supply issues, there is a nice plug and play setup already incorporated into the Classic 350, for when it’s available.
Pricing for the 2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 range will start at $7,990 ride away for the Halcyon Series, while Signal Series pricing kicks off from $8,290 ride away. Dark Series and Chrome Series will start from $8,690 and $8,790 ride away respectively.
Every variant will be backed by a 3-year unlimited kilometre warranty and there will be a range of genuine accessories and rider apparel available. Overall, the 2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 is an easy way to enjoy the ride.
Whether riding at your own pace, commuting or beginning your motorcycling journey, it offers an accessible, stylish way to enjoy your time in the saddle. We reckon they look pretty schmick as well.
We rode the 2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 as part of its Australian media launch. Further details are available from your local Royal Enfield dealer. Pictures courtesy of MD Photography.
