The Royal Enfield Classic is a series of retro-styled motorcycles that Royal Enfield has produced since 2009. Its styling looks back to the G2 350 cc Bullet of 1948, while the engineering belongs to the modern Indian range, with a first generation in 350 and 500 cc form and a completely redesigned second generation.
Royal Enfield Classic at a glance
| Maker | Royal Enfield, Chennai |
|---|---|
| Production | since 2009 |
| Inspiration | Royal Enfield G2 350 cc Bullet, 1948 |
| First generation | 2009–2021, Classic 350 and Classic 500 |
| Classic 350 engine | 346 cc single, twin spark, air cooled |
| Classic 500 engine | 499 cc single, fuel injection |
| Power | 19.1 bhp at 5,250 rpm (350); 27.2 bhp at 5,250 rpm (500) |
| Gearbox | five-speed constant mesh |
| Brakes | disc front, dual-channel ABS on later models |
| Second generation | Classic 350 Reborn, from late 2021 for 2022 |
| Bobber version | Goan Classic 350, launched 2024 |
Based on one source: the English Wikipedia article on the Royal Enfield Classic.
History of the Royal Enfield Classic
First generation, 2009–2021
The first Classic 350 and Classic 500 used the new unit-construction engine in 350 cc and 500 cc form. The Classic 350 had a carburettor while the Classic 500 was fuel injected, and the 350 kept an ammeter that the 500 replaced with a low fuel light and an engine check light. Both models came in a range of colours including Stealth Black, Chrome, Battle Green and Gunmetal Grey, and both were priced above the Bullet 350 and Bullet 500. The 350’s 346 cc single produced 19.1 bhp at 5,250 rpm and 28 Nm at 4,000 rpm; the 499 cc unit of the Classic 500 made 27.2 bhp and 41.3 Nm at the same engine speeds. Both used a single downtube frame with the engine as a stressed member, 35 mm telescopic forks with 130 mm of travel and twin gas-charged rear shock absorbers with five-step adjustable preload.
Updates and the end of the 500
In 2017 Royal Enfield brought the Classic 500 to Euro 4 compliance, which added anti-lock brakes at both ends and better emission control. In 2018 the Classic 350 received ABS in some markets. In 2019 production of the Classic 500 stopped as the company moved to BS6 engines and dual-channel ABS, and a final “end of build” run of 1,000 Classic 500 Tribute Black machines was made.
Second generation: Classic 350 Reborn
The second generation dropped the 500 and arrived in late 2021 for the 2022 model year as the Classic 350 Reborn. It was a complete redesign, with a new engine, new chassis, new suspension and new brakes, and a much wider choice of cosmetics, accessories and paint schemes. In 2022 it started at ₹1.84 lakh ex-showroom in India and €4,890 in Germany. The press response at launch was favourable: critics described it as “a languid, unhurried experience”, not built for speed, but praised its handling, fuel economy, ergonomics, low price, quality and looks as making it fun and friendly for a wide range of riders. In 2024 Royal Enfield added a retro-styled bobber version, the Goan Classic 350, using the same 349 cc air-cooled single-overhead-cam single.
Design and features
- Retro styling: the Classic series is modelled on the 1948 G2 350 cc Bullet.
- Unit-construction singles: 346 cc carburettor and 499 cc fuel-injected versions in the first generation.
- Rider aids: ABS arrived on the 500 for 2017 and on the 350 in some markets in 2018.
- Full redesign: the 2022 Classic 350 Reborn brought a new engine, chassis, suspension and brakes.
- Bobber offshoot: the 2024 Goan Classic 350 shares the 349 cc single.
Royal Enfield Classic versions
- Classic 350 (2009–2021): 346 cc carburettor single with an ammeter.
- Classic 500 (2009–2019): 499 cc fuel-injected single with a low fuel light.
- Classic 500 Tribute Black: a final run of 1,000 machines at the end of production.
- Classic 350 Reborn (2022–): the second generation, completely redesigned.
- Goan Classic 350 (2024–): a bobber-styled version of the 349 cc model.
The Classic was inspired by the Bullet, and the modern cruiser of the range is the Meteor. More models are in the Royal Enfield collection.
Sources
- Royal Enfield Classic, English Wikipedia: generations, specifications, reception
