Royal Enfield has just launched one of India’s most affordable Bobber motorcycle, at an ex-showroom price of Rs. 2.35 lakh. It’s called the Goan Classic 350, and was launched at Motoverse 2024 – Royal Enfield’s yearly biker carnival that happens at Goa.
As its name reveals, the new Bobber is based on the Classic 350 – a best selling motorcycle in Royal Enfield’s range. While the mechanicals are bog similar to that of the Classic 350, there are plenty of changes on the Goan Classic 350 – enough to give it a distinct identity of its own.
Let’s begin with the changes, shall we?
Given the fact that’s it’s a Bobber, styling is what really stands out. The first thing that’ll strike you about the Goan Classic 350 is its low slung stance, and the ape-hanger bars. Seat height, at just 750 mm, is a full 40 mm lower than that on the Classic 350.
After the Hunter 350, the Goan Classic could be the next favourite Royal Enfield motorcycle among the fairer sex, all thanks to the very accessible seat height. But this is a bike most men would also love to own and ride, for it’s got a vibe that screams lifestyle.
Circling back, Royal Enfield’s managed to achieve a low seat height by using a 16 inch rear tyre – a first for the brand. The front wheel is an 19 inch, and the combination of 19-16 is what makes the Goan Classic 350 very cruiser-esque. This is a motorcycle that exemplifies freedom – the romance of the open road, with the wind rushing past and the steady thump making for a soundtrack that never gets old.
Then there’s the white wall tyres, tubeless spoke aluminum rims (first in segment) and kicked out front foot pegs. The combination of a low seat, kicked out rider footpegs and the ape hanger handlebars give the Goan Classic 350 its Bobber stance.
Although the Goan Classic 350 will get two seats as standard, it looks best as a single seater. It helps that the pillion seat can be easily removed with basic tools available with the motorcycle’s standard tool kit. The rear mudguard, floating rider’s seat and a new exhaust are some other changes on the Goan Classic bobber vis-a-vis the Classic 350.
Royal Enfield will sell you the Goan Classic 350 in four distinct colour ways – Trip Teal, Shack Black, Purple Haze and Rave Red (costs Rs. 3,000 more) each of them designed to make the motorcycle look very trendy and cool. The result is a bike that’s almost looks and feels like a custom motorcycle but one that’s rolled out straight from the factory, with the reliability, warranty and thoughtfulness that comes with factory builds.
What’s carried over?
At the heart of the matter on the Goan Classic 350 is the tried and tested 346cc, long stroke single from the J-Series platform. This air-cooled four stroke motor is paired with a 5 speed gearbox, features a overhead camshaft, and is a smooth and punchy operator for most part of its rev band. It’s a relaxed engine that’s best enjoyed in a laidback riding style.
Peak torque of 27 Nm comes in at 4,000 rpm but even from idle speeds, the engine offers a nice dollop of torque that should make puttering in high gear at low speed a happy affair. Peak power is rated at 20.2 Bhp, produced at 6,100 rpm.
The fuel injected engine redlines at 6,850 rpm but that’s a zone that produces a fair bit of vibration, and something that most people buying the Goan Classic 350 are never likely to see. Essentially, the Goan Classic is a bike that’s probably happiest at speeds between 80-100 Kph, and this is similar to the sweet spot on the Classic 350 – a zone where everything feels peaceful, enjoyable and happy.
While the Goan Classic 350 tips scales at 197 Kg, making it 2 kilograms heavier than the regular Classic 350, the weight is unlikely to be felt as it’s a marginal increase. And removing the rear seat will make this 2 kilograms disappear. A good thing is that the ground clearance of 170 mm remains exactly the same as the Classic 350.
So, the Goan Classic 350 should be just as usable as the Classic 350 in the real world. Now, can you say that about custom motorcycles from the aftermarket? We don’t think so. This is what makes the Goan Classic 350 so cool. It looks like a custom but seems to have all the bits and bobs in place to ride like an everyday motorcycle – a rare combination, a winning combination if you will.
Finally, the frame and suspension are identical to what the Classic 350 features. There’s 130 mm of travel on the telescopic front forks, and if the suspension tune is similar to that on the Classic, expect a cushy, comfortable ride. There are disc brakes on both wheels (300 mm front and 270 mm rear), and dual channel ABS is standard.
Tripper navigation, a gear position indicator, aluminum switch cubes, all LED lighting and USB Type-C charging are some other key features that most buyers will love. Tank capacity stands at 13 liters, which means a comfortable 400 kilometer range.
Meanwhile, here’s comment about the Goan Classic 350 from Royal Enfield’s top honchos,
Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director – Eicher Motors Ltd. said,
B Govindarajan, CEO – Royal Enfield added,