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Classic 350, GT 650 – Augustman Malaysia

Once on the verge of closure, Royal Enfield’s resurgence from the dead is an excellent case study story for marketing professionals.

The retro motorcycle manufacturer is on the verge of dominating the mid-size motorcycle segment with its collection of irresistible models at extremely affordable prices. For all the men who like to spend a large part of their lives on the saddle, we decided to round up the best Royal Enfield models you can buy in 2024.

Although you might assume that this is an easy job, choosing the best Royal Enfield tailored to your individual preferences requires a lot of research. For example, the Classic 350 is currently the best-selling model in the Royal Enfield range, but its large dimensions do not make it ideal for beginners or short riders. Similarly, the svelte Continental GT 650 might be a cool bike to look at, but it’s far from comfortable on longer rides. Royal Enfield’s most popular model may not be ideal for your specific use case.

Each motorcycle from Royal Enfield caters to a different style of rider and if you are looking for one, it is necessary to understand what each of these neo-retro models has to offer. This is where our list of the best Royal Enfield models comes in handy, exploring all the crucial aspects like engine power, specs and features.

For this list, we include the recently launched Guerrilla 450 and Shotgun 650 – two new additions to the Royal Enfield class from 2024. Additionally, we also talk about the Bullet 350, Continental GT 650, Himalayan 450 and Hunter 350. .

Without letting the engines run any further, let’s hit the throttle and go into this in-depth review of the best Royal Enfield motorcycles.

A list of the best Royal Enfield models

1Royal Enfield Classic 350



Released in: 2019
Category: Retro shuttle

The Classic 350 is the motorcycle that gives Royal Enfield its valuable identity. With its timeless retro styling and 349cc engine, the Classic 350 is an icon that riders want in their garage. It’s calm, quiet and relaxed for city as well as highway cruising.

The new J-series platform with 20 hp and 27 Nm of torque allows the Classic 350 to return high fuel efficiency (for a motorcycle in the 350 CC category) while delivering the torque traits that pilots have come to love them for over a decade. The wide range of accessories and customization options offered by Royal Enfield make this motorcycle a tempting choice.

(Image Credits: Royal Enfield)

2Royal Enfield Himalayan 450



Released in: 2023
Category: Adventure tourist

Himalaya has become a brand within Royal Enfield! Since its introduction in 2016, this unusual-looking adventure tourer has dominated mountain passes, treacherous deserts, difficult water crossings and whatever you throw at it. The new Himalayan 450 makes the same package more refined and faster.

The new 452 CC Sherpa engine gives the Himalaya a lot more grunt – it produces 39.6 PS and 40 Nm of torque. The revised chassis allows for better road manners and the adjustable seat height makes it accessible even for the shortest. The Tripper Dash module perfectly combines analog aesthetics with the convenience of a digital dashboard.

To sum it up, the Himalayan 450 is a legendary bike for adventure riders who venture quite far off the beaten track.

(Image Credits: Royal Enfield)

3Royal Enfield Continental GT 650



Released in: 2017
Category: Cafe Racer

The Continental GT 650 is a motorcycle with huge fans, primarily because of its retro cafe racer styling. The aggressive riding position coupled with a long tank section, clip-on handlebars and a flat seat make the GT 650 an irresistible bike to behold, especially if you get it with the spoked wheels.

But the GT 650 is more than its cafe racer looks. At the heart of this Royal Enfield motorcycle is a 648 CC parallel twin engine that produces 47 PS of power and 52 Nm of torque. This allows the motorcycle to reach a top speed of 161 km/h, making it one of the fastest motorcycles in its class. Keep in mind, though, that the Continental GT 650 is heavy, guzzles a lot more gas than its rivals, and isn’t comfortable for long trips.

This is where the next motorcycle on this list comes to the fore.

(Image Credits: Royal Enfield)

4Royal Enfield Interceptor 650



Released in: 2017
Category: Retro Roadster

If you value ride comfort over style, the Interceptor 650 ends up being a superior choice over the Continental GT 650. With the same 648 CC twin-cylinder engine that delivers 47 PS of power and 52 Nm of torque, the Interceptor has tall handlebars and a revised rider triangle for a comfortable riding experience. While the extra weight makes it cumbersome for city use, the torquey engine and its timeless modern classic aesthetic make it ideal for those weekend rides. And unlike the GT 650, it can comfortably carry a passenger.

(Image Credits: Royal Enfield)

5Royal Enfield Hunter 350



Released in: 2022
Category: Neo-retro roadster

If you are new to motorcycles and prefer a compact roadster with plenty of torque and a touch of retro style, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is your best bet. With a curb weight of 181kg and a seat height of 790mm, it’s a popular choice among shorter riders of all stripes.

The look inspired by the Triumph Speed ​​Twin gives it an unmistakable presence on the road. However, the Hunter 350’s party piece is its 350 CC J-series engine borrowed from the Classic 350. Although it produces only 20 PS of power and 27 Nm of torque, the shorter 17-inch wheels combined with the gear ratios updates make the Hunter 350 a lively roadster. Let’s not forget it has a wonderful exhaust note that puts some bigger bikes to shame.

For a motorcycle that should act as an entry point into the Royal Enfield family, the Hunter 350 is an excellent choice.

(Image Credits: Royal Enfield)

6Royal Enfield 650 Rifle



Released in: 2024
Category: Bobber

If you’re into bobbers, the Shotgun 650 is worth a shot (no pun intended).

Based on the 648 CC parallel twin platform, the Shotgun 650 offers a combination of good handling and stable highway cruising. The bike’s single-seat setup and low weight might not help it win points for practicality, but you have to remember – who rides a bobber for practicality?

The main reason to consider the Shotgun 650 is its style. The slightly butchered headlight housing, along with the muscular tank and a chopped rear wing give it a commanding road presence. Royal Enfield says the Shotgun 650 is also customization friendly, which should encourage custom builders to use this platform to make their dreams come true.

(Image Credits: Royal Enfield)

7Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450



Released in: 2024
Category: Roadster

The Hunter 350 is a city-friendly roadster with ample torque and power. But what if you want more? More speed, more power and more torque without giving up Hunter agility? This is where the Guerrilla 450 comes in.

The Guerrilla 450 is a svelte version of the mighty Himalayan 450, which is tuned for cities and highways. The 452 CC Sherpa engine with its 39.6 PS of power and 40 Nm of torque promises peppy performance with quick acceleration and higher top speed. The 17-inch alloy wheels coupled with a compact chassis and a lower seat height of 790mm make the Guerilla 450 a great handling bike. The youthful paint scheme as well as the Tripper Dash digital instrument cluster also make it easier to live with.

(Image Credits: Royal Enfield)

8Royal Enfield Meteor 350



Released in: 2020
Category: Retro cruise

If you’re all about cruising, there’s no better street bike than the Meteor 350. This bike has been around for a while and is the go-to choice for riders looking for a comfortable riding experience while cruising at triple-digit speeds.

It’s based on the same 349cc air-cooled engine as the Classic 350 and Hunter 350, producing the same kind of power and torque. However, the touring chassis setup makes it one of the most refined Royal Enfield class 350ccs to buy today. The relaxed riding position coupled with the plush seats make the Meteor 350 suitable for long distance travel. The Tripper pod navigation unit makes life on the road a little easier.

(Image Credits: Royal Enfield)

9Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650



Released in: 2023
Category: retro cruiser

If the Meteor 350 seems underpowered for your highway cruising endeavours, you can take a look at the Super Meteor 650 – Royal Enfield’s flagship offering.

The Super Meteor 650 is longer, heavier and more powerful than the Meteor 350 – attributes that make for a better cruiser bike. The Continental GT 650’s 648 CC parallel twin engine ensures a high top speed of 170 km/h, and the long wheelbase makes for a stable ride. The slightly stiffer spring suspension pays off with sharp handling on smooth roads, but struggles on uneven tarmac.

Overall, if you’re looking for a mid-sized cruiser, the Super Meteor 650 is a great buy.

(Image Credits: Royal Enfield)

10Royal Enfield Bullet 350



Relaunched in: 2023
Category: Retro Roadster

Bullet is the bike that kept Royal Enfield alive for decades! Once the top choice of transport for military and law enforcement agencies, this retro British-style commuter is now an alternative to the Classic 350.

Essentially, the Bullet 350 is a stripped down Classic 350. It retains the same 349 CC J-series engine as the Classic 350, as well as 90% of the body panels. The differences are only noticeable with the retro-style badges, hand-painted stripes on the tank and the classic spoked wheels. The performance of the motorcycle is also identical.

The Bullet 350 is best for someone who prefers to flaunt a genuine retro style on their motorcycle.

(Image Credits: Royal Enfield)

Note:

The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best Royal Enfield model of 2024?

Royal Enfield Classic 350 is the best motorcycle of the brand.

What is the most powerful Royal Enfield model?

The Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is the brand’s most powerful motorcycle.

Which Royal Enfield model is best for beginners?

The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is the best entry-level motorcycle from the automaker.

Amritanshu lives and breathes technology, cars, Formula 1, space stuff and anything that gives an adrenaline rush. As of 2016, he turned his favorite hobby of going over iPhones and Lamborghinis into his profession; therefore, you probably won’t be surprised to check his browser history. In his spare time, he likes to drive and explore food, but will somehow end up with a plate of Chicken Biryani and a big smile. He has previously written for Hindustan Times, India Today, BGR.in and Deccan Chronicle.

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