The Indian motorcycle market has seen a surge in competition in recent years, with brands continually trying to capture the attention of new and experienced riders alike.
Among the many iconic brands, Royal Enfield has long been a staple, especially with its Classic 350 model, which has seen significant success in terms of sales and brand loyalty.
However, with the new updates to the Royal Enfield Classic 350, particularly its sporty look, the bike is now more competitive than ever, and it’s poised to challenge the dominance of KTM in the market.
KTM has established itself as a major player in the performance motorcycle segment, particularly with models like the KTM Duke 390 and RC series, which are favored for their power, agility, and aggressive styling.
However, the new Royal Enfield Classic 350 is offering something fresh, combining the iconic retro look with modern, sportier elements that appeal to a younger generation of riders.
This combination of heritage and innovation makes the Classic 350 a strong contender to KTM’s popularity, particularly among the growing middle-class and performance-focused motorcycle enthusiasts.
In this article, we explore how the new Royal Enfield Classic 350’s sporty look and performance enhancements make it a serious contender to KTM’s dominance in India’s highly competitive motorcycle market.
The Evolution of Royal Enfield Classic 350
Before we dive into the specifics of the new sporty look of the Classic 350, it’s important to understand the bike’s legacy.
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 has been a cornerstone of the brand’s identity for years, known for its vintage aesthetics, thumping engine, and classic appeal.
However, despite its success, the Classic 350 has often been seen as a cruiser-style bike that lacks the aggression and modern features seen in motorcycles from brands like KTM.
Royal Enfield has always enjoyed a strong presence in the Indian market, but to compete with the more performance-oriented brands like KTM, they had to make significant updates. The new Classic 350, launched in 2021, marks the beginning of this transformation.
Royal Enfield introduced several key improvements in terms of design, performance, and technology, but the standout change is its sporty design, which gives the bike a more aggressive and youthful appeal.
Sporty Design: A Fresh Look for a Classic Bike
One of the most noticeable changes in the new Royal Enfield Classic 350 is its more sporty look.
The retro design, which once dominated the Classic 350’s identity, has now been complemented with modern, sport-inspired elements.
This new approach to design aims to capture the attention of younger riders, offering a balance between Royal Enfield’s traditional charm and a contemporary, performance-oriented appearance.
The bike features more sharp, angular lines and a sleeker silhouette compared to its previous versions, making it appear more agile and dynamic.
The redesigned fuel tank, which now has a more muscular and streamlined shape, further enhances the sporty look, while the new graphics add a touch of modernity to the overall design.
The front end has also been updated, with a more aggressive headlamp setup.
The new headlamp design is still round, but it features a more compact and sharp bezel, enhancing the bike’s bold stance.
The addition of LED DRLs and a more modern instrument cluster gives the bike a more contemporary look, appealing to a younger demographic that appreciates both vintage aesthetics and modern tech.
Performance: Power Meets Precision
While the sporty look of the Classic 350 is one of the key selling points, it’s the performance enhancements that make the bike a worthy contender in the performance segment.
The new Classic 350 comes equipped with a new engine platform — a 349cc, single-cylinder engine that delivers a respectable 20.2 bhp of power and 27 Nm of torque.
This engine is paired with a 5-speed gearbox, providing a smooth and responsive riding experience.
In terms of performance, the Classic 350 offers improved acceleration, higher top speeds, and better overall refinement compared to its older models.
This engine allows the Classic 350 to compete against motorcycles from brands like KTM, which are known for their raw power and high-performance engines.
The Classic 350 may not be as aggressive or track-focused as the KTM Duke 390, but its power delivery is well-suited for riders looking for both performance and comfort.
The new engine is also mated to a new chassis that improves handling and stability.
With a more responsive front fork and better suspension setup, the new Classic 350 can take on a variety of road conditions, whether you’re commuting through city streets or going for a long ride on the highways.
It is clear that Royal Enfield has focused on delivering a smoother, more controlled ride, which helps it compete directly with the aggressive, nimble handling of KTM motorcycles.
Technology: Modern Features for a Classic Bike
KTM motorcycles are well known for their tech-savvy features, including digital displays, ride modes, and advanced traction control.
In an effort to keep up with these innovations, the new Royal Enfield Classic 350 has incorporated several modern technological upgrades.
One of the most significant updates is the new instrument cluster.
The Classic 350 now features a fully digital display, offering better clarity and ease of use compared to previous analog setups.
The new display is a combined digital-analog unit, which offers key information such as speed, trip details, fuel efficiency, and a gear position indicator.
This brings a more modern, premium feel to the Classic 350, making it more competitive with the likes of KTM’s more tech-heavy offerings.
The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) has also been introduced in the Classic 350, which improves braking performance and overall safety, especially at high speeds or in adverse conditions.
This feature is essential in offering riders the confidence and stability needed to take on both urban and rural roads, helping the bike compete with KTM’s focus on safety features.
Comfort and Ergonomics: A Blend of Sport and Cruiser
KTM motorcycles, while incredibly powerful and sporty, often focus on a more aggressive riding posture.
In contrast, Royal Enfield’s Classic 350 offers a blend of comfort and performance, which is something that sets it apart from KTM’s offerings.
The Classic 350 provides a more relaxed, upright seating posture, making it ideal for long-distance riding, while still maintaining a sporty stance.
The seat is wide and well-cushioned, offering support for both the rider and pillion, which is crucial for riders planning long road trips or weekend getaways.
Additionally, the ergonomics are designed to ensure that the rider doesn’t feel fatigued even on extended rides, which is something KTM motorcycles, with their more aggressive ergonomics, sometimes lack.
With a larger 13-liter fuel tank, the Classic 350 offers better range, which is especially useful for long-distance riders.
It can travel longer distances without needing frequent stops for refueling, making it ideal for riders who enjoy touring or exploring.
Price and Value for Money
One of the main reasons for Royal Enfield’s success in India is its ability to offer motorcycles that provide great value for money.
The Classic 350 is no different, offering a premium experience at a reasonable price point.
With a starting price of around ₹1.90 lakh (on-road), the Classic 350 is positioned as an affordable yet stylish motorcycle that offers a lot of features for the money.
In comparison, KTM motorcycles like the Duke 390 and RC 390 start at a higher price point, typically above ₹2.5 lakh (on-road).
While KTM motorcycles may offer higher-performance engines and advanced features, the Classic 350 provides a more well-rounded package that appeals to a broader demographic.
Why the New Royal Enfield Classic 350 is Set to Challenge KTM
While KTM has a strong foothold in the performance motorcycle market, particularly among younger riders looking for speed and agility, the new Royal Enfield Classic 350 presents a compelling alternative.
The bike combines the best of both worlds — sporty looks for a modern audience and classic comfort that appeals to long-distance riders.
With its upgraded engine, modern features, and balanced performance, the Classic 350 offers an experience that can match, if not surpass, KTM’s offerings for riders who prefer a more versatile motorcycle that can handle daily commutes and long rides equally well.
Royal Enfield has successfully blended the heritage of its iconic motorcycles with the sporty features needed to compete with the likes of KTM, making the Classic 350 a perfect alternative for riders seeking a unique combination of power, comfort, and style.
Conclusion
The new Royal Enfield Classic 350 is a motorcycle that’s both reminiscent of the brand’s rich legacy and in tune with modern demands.
Its sporty look, paired with modern technological updates and improved performance, makes it an ideal competitor to KTM’s dominance in the Indian motorcycle market.
Whether you’re a long-time Royal Enfield fan or a rider looking to switch from KTM, the new Classic 350 offers something for everyone.
With the growing demand for bikes that balance performance and comfort, the Classic 350 is primed to make a mark in the market and challenge the dominance of KTM.