Royal Enfield Classic 350 - New vs Old: What's Different?

Royal Enfield's popular Classic 350 has received an update in the form of modern features and new colourways. With this subtle yet appetising reworking of the Indian manufacturer's Classic 350 retro-roadster, the updated version should be able to keep pace with evolving customer needs. However, no changes are made to the powertrain.  

The 2024 Royal Enfield Classic 350 is slated to be launched on September 1, 2024, with test rides and bookings also commencing on the same day. In comparison, the 2021 iteration of the Classic 350 – launched three years ago at Rs 1.84 lakh (ex-showroom) – underwent a huge overhaul, with the most significant being a Meteor 350-borrowed 349cc SOHC engine. This 349cc engine single-cylinder air/oil-cooled liquid has been carried over to the 2024 version. It delivers 20bhp at 6,100rpm and 27Nm of peak torque at 4,000rpm while being mated to a five-speed gearbox. 

Also Read: Updated Royal Enfield Classic 350 Unveiled in India Ahead of September 1 Launch; Check Out What's New

Royal Enfield Classic 350 - New vs Old: Design

The retro-roadster look too remains as is, including the teardrop-shaped fuel tank, large mudguard, and a round headlamp design. However, new for 2024 is LED illumination for the headlamp, taillamp, turn indicators, and position lamps. The LED headlamp on the 2024 Classic 350 is the same as the Super Meteor 650 and the Shotgun 650.

Royal Enfield offers 7 new colour options with the 2024 Classic 350. Spread across five new themes (Heritage, Heritage Premium, Signals, Dark, and Emerald), the colour options are as follows: Jodhpur Blue, Emerald, Madras Red, Commando Sand, Medallion Bronze, Sand Grey, and Stealth Black. Meanwhile, the older version comes in Chrome, Halcyon, Matte, Signals, and Redditch themes. Besides, the new Classic 350 is customisable from the factory, and options for personalisation are limited to colours, stickers, seat fabrics, and badges.

Royal Enfield Classic 350 - New vs Old: Features

As part of 2024 updates, the Classic 350 brings in a gear-position indicator, a USB-C charging port, and adjustable brake and clutch levers. Having said that, most of them can be had with higher-spec variants only. While the 2024 iteration retains an analogue gauge cluster and a digital MID (multi-information display), a Tripper navigation pod is now standard with top-spec variants. Unlike before, the digital MID now shows gear position. 

Royal Enfield Classic 350 - New vs Old: Hardware

The main frame remains unchanged. It is the same double-downtube unit suspended on a 41mm telescopic fork at the front and dual shock absorbers at the rear. Braking duties on the entry-level variants are taken care of by a disc-drum setup with single-channel ABS, while top variants come with disc brakes at both ends, supported by dual-channel ABS. Select variants continue to use 100/90-R19 (F) and 120/80-R18 (R) tubeless tyres.  

Also Read: Royal Enfield Bullet 650 Twin Name Trademarked Ahead of Upcoming India Launch

As mentioned before, the 2024 Classic 350 will be launched on September 1, 2024. With additional features and new colours, we expect the updated version to command a slight premium over the 2021 model, which is currently priced from Rs 1.93 lakh to Rs 2.20 lakh (ex-showroom).