5 Bikes to Consider Apart from Royal Enfield Classic 350

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is the most desirable bike in the entry-level premium segment. This bike is recognized as a status symbol and definitely gets street cred if you are seen riding it. With such an influence, it certainly overshadows some of the quality products seen on the market. We pick some alternatives that you should consider if you are thinking of buying Royal Enfield Classic 350

Royal Enfield Hunter 350

Consumers looking for a light and nimble alternative to the Royal Enfield Classic 350 can look at the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. This urban roadster ditches most of its big brother, tipping the scales at 177 kg. Power comes from a 349cc single-cylinder air-cooled J-series engine that produces 20PS and 27Nm of torque. This combination translates into a responsive ride in urban environments. Lighter weight and reduced torque result in a smooth ride with fewer gear changes. To further enhance city riding comfort, the Hunter 350 adopts a well-designed roadster stance with an upright driving position. This position offers good visibility in traffic and can also be sporty for stretches of highway. The kickstands are strategically positioned further back compared to classic Enfields and the handlebars fall naturally to where the arms rest, promoting a comfortable and confident posture. Plus, Royal Enfield is boldly mentioned on the tank for you to proudly display. With a starting price of INR 1.49 lakh (ex-showroom), the Hunter 350 is the most affordable Royal Enfield you can buy.

Honda CB350

Honda’s alternative entry to the Royal Enfield Classic 350 is the new CB350. This bike is based on the H’ness platform and is a more retro looking bike aimed at the Royal Enfield Classic Signals edition. Although inspired by the Bullet in its overall design, this bike has a distinctly classic aesthetic. The rounded mudguards with their mounting cages and the teardrop-shaped fuel tank with new tank handles are clear signs of classic motorcycle styling. Even the fork sleeves add to that vintage look. Power comes from a 348.36 cc fuel-injected single-cylinder engine that produces 20.78 bhp and 29.4 Nm of torque. What makes the Honda bike stand out from the Royal Enfield offering is the high level of engine refinement and bulletproof reliability associated with the legendary Japanese brand. Unlike the Royal Enfield Classic 350, where certain color options can inflate the price, the CB350 maintains a consistent price across its color palette. This can be a significant advantage for riders on a budget who are looking for a specific color without hidden costs.

Royal Enfield Bullet 350

Evoking nostalgia with its timeless design, Royal Enfield reintroduces the Bullet 350 2023. This bike stays true to the classic Bullet silhouette, instantly recognizable by riders looking for an old-school feel. The engine here is the same as the Classic 350. Air-cooled J-Series engine with a displacement of 349 cc that makes 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The ride experience is similar and to the untrained eye, the Classic 350 and Bullet are like Green Apples and Red Apples. The handlebar position is now slightly more vertical, increasing comfort on longer journeys. The 2023 Bullet 350 comes in three variants. It also offers a choice of single-channel or dual-channel ABS for safe braking. The top variant features a head-turning matte black and gold color scheme, adding a touch of modern flair to the timeless design. With a starting price of INR 1.74 lakh (ex-showroom), the Bullet 350 is the option you should consider if you want a retro-looking Royal Enfield.

The Mavrick 440 Hero

This 440cc bike comes in three distinct flavors to suit your budget and style. All Hero Mavrick 440 variants share a sturdy trellis frame for confident handling, while the 440cc air/oil cooled engine prioritizes low-end torque with 27PS and 36Nm of punch. The design here is a bit modern and more like a roadster. The stance is also a bit sporty with a balance of neo-retro feel. The base variant offers a cheap entry point at INR 1.99 lakh (ex-showroom) with a classic-inspired design with spoked wheels. As you move up the range, the Mavrick 440 embraces modern notions. The mid-range variants get vibrant colors and alloy wheels for a sportier look, priced at INR 2.14 lakh (ex-showroom). The top variant comes complete with premium features like e-sim connectivity for turn-by-turn navigation and a luxurious two-tone seat, all for INR 2.24 lakh (ex-showroom). Regardless of the variant, the Mavrick 440 makes a perfect bridge between timeless style and modern functionality.

Jawa 350

Jawa rekindles their historic rivalry with Royal Enfield with the new Jawa 350. While the Classic 350 embodies a familiar, old-school aesthetic, the Jawa 350 forges its own path by blending classic Jawa design elements with a modern look. The fuel tank is reminiscent of Jawa’s iconic design and instantly evokes a sense of nostalgia for motorcycle enthusiasts. Chrome detailing and a rounded headlight pay homage to the brand’s heritage, while the muscular lines and exhaust add a touch of contemporary flair. This distinct design language ensures that the Jawa 350 stands out on the road, a modern interpretation of a timeless classic. The Jawa has a larger 334cc liquid-cooled engine that prioritizes a smooth ride and a powerful low-end grunt ideal for city maneuvering. The Royal Enfield’s air-cooled engine, though simpler in design, might feel less refined in comparison. The Jawa ups the ante on handling with a reworked chassis that has a generous 178mm of ground clearance, ideal for navigating tough city roads and rough terrain. The Jawa has a similar seat height of around 800mm, ensuring accessibility for most riders. The Jawa’s raised handlebars further enhance comfort during long rides. All these come with a starting price of ₹ 2.14 lakh, which makes the Jawa 350 the most expensive here, but it’s also worth that price with the added quality of features and better looks.