Royal Enfield is expanding the presence of the new Classic 350 across the world, and the Asia Pacific region, and has now launched the all-new Classic 350 in Australia and New Zealand. The new model will be available in four variants, the Halcyon, Classic Signals, Classic Dark and Classic Chrome, each offering unique color options and styling options. In recent days, the Classic 350 has been launched in the UK, and the Philippines, and now the company has launched its most popular model in Australia and New Zealand.
Pricing for the 2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 range will start at AUD 7,990 (approximately ₹ 4.21 lakh) in Australia for the Halcyon series. The Signals series has been priced at AUD 8,290 (approximately ₹ 4.37 lakh), while the Dark Series and Chrome Series will be priced at AUD 8,690 (approximately ₹ 4.58 lakh) and AUD 8,790 (approximately ₹ 4.63 lakh) respectively.
The all-new Classic 350 is the second model to be based on the same platform as the Meteor 350, with the two models sharing quite a few components, including the new J-series Royal Enfield 350 cc single-cylinder engine. The new-generation Classic 350 was launched in India last year, and gets a complete makeover, with a new, more modern engine, new chassis, updated suspension, new wheels, and brakes.
The 349 cc, the single-cylinder engine makes 20.2 bhp at 6,100 rpm, and 27 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The compression ratio has changed to 9.5:1 on the new 350 cc SOHC engine from 8.5:1 on the UCE 350 engine. The cam gears have been replaced with a timing chain, along with the SOHC system, which results in less noise and more efficient valve timings. The chain primary drive has been replaced with gear primary drive, which reduces transmission losses, and the primary balancer shaft reduces vibrations on the engine.
The legacy of the Classic dates back to 1948 with the Royal Enfield Model G2, the first to have swinging arm rear suspension on a full production motorcycle. The Model G2 served as a strong design inspiration for the hugely popular Classic 500 and Classic 350 launched in 2008. The Classic 350, in fact, went on to become the highest-selling Royal Enfield model since then, accounting for 70-80 percent of the brand’s sales over the past decade or so. Even now, the Classic 350 accounts for 60-70 percent of the brand’s overall sales, but so far, these numbers have been limited to the domestic market of India.
In the 12 years since the modern Royal Enfield Classic was first launched, it has built a legacy of its own, selling over 3 million (30 lakh) motorcycles. The Classic has also emerged as the motorcycle that redefined the middleweight motorcycling space and spawned the revival of Royal Enfield. And this time around, with the new Classic 350, Royal Enfield is positioning it as a global product, hoping to repeat some of its commercial success around the world.