8:00 PM, 30th November 2009. I get the keys to freedom. My own RE Classic 350. One of the happiest events in my life. I am smiling ear to ear. My friend is smiling too. He is happy just to watch the black beauty. I am happy because I have my dream machine. Finally, the long wait is over :)
As of today I have done 720kms on my bull. So I can tell you better than anyone who has just taken a test ride of the newly launched motorcycle. And believe me, I have enjoyed every inch covered on my motorcycle. The motorcycle is pure Royal Enfield. It being an International RE model, the build quality is better than the other RE models.
The motorcycle is a complete head turner on the roads. The new UCE is amazing. It adds to the overall beauty of the motorcycle. The chrome engine casing and the RE Wings logo embossing looks really beautiful. The stock silencer is a long one. Though it doesn’t look bad, it curbs the already faint sound that comes out of the UCE. The optional upswept silencer is better in this regard. It is a bit louder but the thump of a CI engine is missing. It is also very beautiful. It adds more curves to the motorcycle. I think I will have one for my motorcycle soon. The saree guard, disappointingly, is built in to the rear mudguard stays. So it is not easy to remove it. You will need to change the whole left side stay, which is not available without the saree guard in the market as of yet. It is not very important in the black colour though. But it does not look good in other colours. Also the new CV carburettor ensures that there is no problem of bike getting over.
About the riding experience, this motorcycle is made for sheer riding pleasure. The Classic 350 is designed for long rides. The wider rear tyre adds to the stability provided by the low centre of mass and heavy weight of the motorcycle. There were some obvious vibrations in the new bike, but they have vanished after the first service. Now the bike runs surprisingly smooth. Gear box is still stiff, pure bullet style. You need to make sure you press it well enough to change the gear. The clutch is loose. Throttle response is better than older RE models. The handle bar is a bit lower compared to Bullet Electra and other REs. They make you extend your hands just a little more than the other REs (You won’t notice if you haven’t ridden any RE before). The saddle seat is wide and comfortable. Its springs along with the gas filled shock absorbers give you a cushioned ride with no strain on the back. The Classic 350 is a bit higher than the Classic 500 mainly due to the bigger front wheel. I have made many trips across the whole of Delhi on my new bike. Traffic or no traffic, the ride never exhausts me.
Though the fuel economy has never been a concern for bullet riders, it is good to know that the new engine can save you a lot of money on fuel. The UCE powered Classic 350 gave me around 38kmpl(crude calculation) before the first service. This should improve after the first service which i just had. I don’t expect more from a 350cc motorcycle. The company claims it to be around 45kmpl. I think my motorcycle should at least give close to this.
Though I miss the thump of the CI Bullets, the much better fuel economy, higher reliability, lower maintenance and killer looks make up for it and make Classic a good buy.
Technical Specifications -
Engine
Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, OHV, SI Engine, Aircooled, Twinspark
Displacement
346 CC
Bore x Stroke
70 mm x 90 mm
Maximum Power
19.8 bhp @ 5250 rpm
Maximum Torque
28 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Transmission
5 Speed (left foot gear shift)
Ignition
Digital TCI
Carburetor
BS29 / UCAL
Dimensions
Ground Clearance
140 mm
Width
800 mm
Wheel Base
1370 mm
Length
2150 mm
Height
1080 mm
Tyres
Front
3.25 - 19
Rear
110/90 - 18
Electricals
Electrical System
12 Volts - DC
Head lamp
60 W / 55 W, HALOGEN
Brakes
Front
Hydraulic Disc Brake (Disc dia 280mm)
Rear
Foot Operated 153 mm Single Lead Internal Expanding
Maximum Speed
Speed
120 Kmph
Suspension
Front
Telescopic, Hydraulic Damping, Stroke 130 mm
Rear
Swing Arm With Gas Shock Absorbers, Stroke 80mm
