2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 First Look

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Royal Enfield meshes an all-new design of the 2022 Classic 350 with the post-war silhouette of its 1948 G2 350. (Royal Enfield/)

If there’s ever been a company able to throw around the term “classic” all willy-nilly, it’s Royal Enfield. That’s because the company has been continuously producing motorcycles since 1901. Originally founded in England, the brand produced bikes there until its factories in Redditch and Bradford on Avon were shuttered in 1970. Its Indian subsidiary survived and was eventually acquired by The Eicher Group. That provided the chance for rebirth, and the Chennai company has been streaking forward ever since.

In recent years, Royal Enfield has introduced a string of new models that have made a respectable mark, including the Himalayan and the Meteor 350, which join long-time stalwarts like the Continental GT and Bullet. For 2022, RE has brought back the Classic 350, the best-selling model in the company’s long history, which was inspired by the 1948 G2 350 Bullet—the first bike with an articulating swingarm! The Classic was brought back to provide the simplicity of pure riding enjoyment in a basic package, with nostalgic styling, but powered by an all-new modern engine.

The Classic 350 is powered by the same air/oil-cooled 349cc DOHC powerplant as seen in the Royal Enfield Meteor 350, which we’ve become fond of for its gradual power delivery and gentle personality. (Royal Enfield/)

“Throughout our history, we have been consistent in our pursuit to build timeless, beautiful motorcycles that are great fun to ride, and the new Classic 350 does just that,” said Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director of Eicher Motors Ltd. “The all-new Classic 350 combines this quintessential, retro design with a modern and refined ride experience. We are confident that the all-new Classic 350 will once again redefine the midsize motorcycle space, globally.”

Its brand-new single-cylinder DOHC counterbalanced air/oil-cooled 349cc J-series engine first found life in the Meteor 350 and puts out a claimed 20.2 hp at 6,100 rpm and 19 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. Fueling is provided by EFI, while the classic pea-shooter exhaust gets rid of spent gasses. Power is sent through a wet multiplate clutch to the five-speed transmission and then onto a chain final drive.

The Royal Enfield Classic rides on an all-new steel twin-downtube spine chassis and a 41mm fork. A pair of twin tube emulsion shocks handle the rear end’s damping needs, and offer six-steps of spring-preload adjustment. (Royal Enfield/)

“We’ve paid great attention to every aspect of the motorcycle, right from its stunning look to the perfection in parts and the touchpoints to its impeccable riding performance,” adds Lal. “The engine is super smooth, intuitively responsive and engaging, and has that gorgeous growl on acceleration.”

This engine bolts into an all-new, steel twin-downtube spine frame that RE claims has been strengthened for better stability and more precise handling. Plush suspension is provided by a conventional 41mm fork with just over 5 inches of travel and a pair of twin tube emulsion shocks with six steps of spring-preload adjustment. Most models ride on spoked chrome alloy inner-tube wheels with a 19 in. front and 18 in. rear, while the Dark models have 10-spoke (tubeless) alloy wheels in the same diameters. Both versions come with 100/90-19 front and 120/80-18 rear tires made by CEAT. Braking is handled by ByBre (Brembo’s Indian subsidiary) components with a single 300mm disc and twin-piston floating caliper on the front, and a 270mm disc/single-piston floating caliper out back. The system features dual-channel ABS.

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is available in several unique colorways. The Signals Desert Sand and Signals Marsh Grey seen here pay homage to the Indian army with 1950s military-inspired graphics and wire-spoke wheels. (Royal Enfield/)

“The all-new chassis lends enormous confidence while riding, with surefooted handling and agile braking,” continues Lal. “The motorcycle feels in control and well-mannered around tight corners. The motorcycle is, without a doubt, class-leading, and feels incredibly refined and enjoyable to ride.”

Everything about this bike was designed to be fun and friendly to a wide range of riders. Key to that goal is a low 31.7-inch seat height that ensures that riders of all heights can get their feet firmly planted on the ground. The thickly padded seat promises a comfortable place to sit whether you’re making a quick trip around town or on a long ride over the weekend. Want to take a passenger? No problem, as there are passenger accommodations. Still, the rear pillion seat and passenger pegs are removable if you prefer that look and don’t want someone hanging on your back.

Despite being the Classic 350, Royal Enfield mixed premium fit and finish throughout, including the analog tachometer and LCD display. (Royal Enfield/)

A mid-rise handlebar should help provide a relaxed and upright riding position, while mid-mounted foot controls with rubber inserts should put most rider’s legs into a gentle bend that won’t cramp them up on longer rides. Looking out over the single traditional headlight is an analog speedometer with a variety of warning lights and even an ECO-mode indicator that lets you know when you’re being mellow with the throttle hand and consuming fuel at the most efficient rate. Speaking of fuel, the classic teardrop tank has a 3.4-gallon capacity and should provide good range from this mellow engine.

The Classic 350 will be available in nine different styles and colors. Available in April of 2022 are the Dark Stealth Black and Dark Gunmetal Grey models that come with 10-spoke alloy wheels and tubeless tires for $4,599. Also arriving in April are the Signals Desert Sand ($4,599) and Signals Marsh Grey ($4,599) models that were inspired by Royal Enfield’s association with the Indian armed forces and feature 1950s era military graphics. Later in 2022, five more color options will be available including Halcyon Forest Green, Halcyon Black, or Halcyon Blue, all three of which are $4,499. Chrome Red and Chrome Brown with mirror-finish tanks and special badging will run $4,699.

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 arrives stateside in April of 2022. (Royal Enfield/)

2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Claimed Specifications

MSRP:	$4,499-$4,699
Engine:	349cc, air/oil-cooled, DOHC single
Bore x Stroke:	72.0mm x 85.8mm
Transmission/Final Drive:	5-speed/chain
Claimed Horsepower:	20.2 hp @ 6,100 rpm
Claimed Torque:	19 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:	Electronic fuel injection
Clutch:	Wet, multiple disc, cable operation
Engine Management/Ignition: Electronic
Frame:	Twin-downtube spine steel
Front Suspension:	41mm telescopic fork; 5.1-in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Twin tube emulsion shock absorbers; preload adjustable
Front Brake:	ByBre 2-piston floating caliper, 300mm disc w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	ByBre 1-piston floating caliper, 270mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Spoked wheels w/ alloy rims (Signals, Halcyon, Chrome); 10-spoke Alloy (Dark Stealth); 19 in. / 18 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	100/90-19 / 120/80-18
Rake/Trail:	N/A/ N/A
Wheelbase:	54.7 in.
Ground Clearance:	6.7 in.
Seat Height:	31.7 in.
Fuel Capacity:	3.4 gal.
Wet Weight:	430 lb.
Contact:	RoyalEnfield.com

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