Royal Enfield replaced the popular Thunderbird brand with an all-new motorcycle, Meteor 350. The Meteor 350 came with an all-new chassis and a modern engine. The Meteor 350 also brought in modish ergonomics and refinement with the new platform. Now Royal Enfield has launched a second product using the same chassis and engine platform, the Classic 350. The long-running bread and butter of the brand made its debut in 2008 and got various updates. But this new-generation model underpins the J series engine and chassis borrowed from the Meteor 350. But continues to offer the signature modern-classic design language with improved ergonomics.
In this technical specification comparison, we pin the new Classic 350 against the Meteor 350, so you can make an informed buying decision.
The Royal Enfiled Classic 350 comes with a starting price of INR 1.84 lakh ex-showroom. The Classic 350 comes in five variants – Redditch, Halcyon, Signal, Dark and Chrome. The top-of-the-line Chrome model comes with a price tag of INR 2.15 lakh ex-showroom. On the other hand, the Meteor 350 comes with three variants – Fireball, Stellar and Supernova. The entry-level Fireball comes with a price tag of INR 1.92 lakh ex-showroom, and the range-topping Supernova comes with a sticker price of INR 2.08 lakh ex-showroom.
Both the Classic 350 and the Meteor 350 share the motor. The new J series engine comes with 349cc of displacement and features a new chain-cam driven OHC valve distribution system. The engine produces 20.2 Bhp of power and 27 Nm of torque. The motor is paired to a 5-speed transmission with a new clutch that offers progressive gear changes. But the larger 18-inch rear wheel on the Classic 350 slightly changes the acceleration characteristics of the motorcycle.
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 and the Meteor 350 both feature a double downtube spine chassis. The new chassis provides a balance between straight-line stability and cornering agility. The Classic 350 comes with 41mm conventional telescopic front forks and twin-tube emulsion shock absorbers with 6 step adjustment. The Meteor 350 also features a similar suspension setup. Both motorcycles also get a 300mm front disc and 270mm rear disc with hydraulic stoppers and dual-channel ABS.
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 comes with 1390mm of wheelbase and 170mm of ground clearance. The bike comes with a commanding 805mm seat height and tips the scales at 195 kg. The Classic 350 rides on 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels. The Meteor 350 comes with a 1400mm wheelbase and 170mm of ground clearance. The longer wheelbase is thanks to the slightly relaxed rake angle of the steering on the Meteor 350 than the Classic 350. The seat height on the Meteor 350 is an approachable 765mm, and the weight is 191 kg at the kerb. The Meteor 350 rides on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels.
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 features such as an analogue speedometer with a multi-information display and USB charging point. The Meteor 350 comes with an analogue speedometer and tachometer along with a multi-information display. LED daytime running lights and LED taillamps. Both motorcycles come with Royal Enfield’s Tripper Navigations system (Depending on the Model), Bluetooth connectivity and retro classic switchgear.
Also Read: 2021 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Review