The Classic 350 has been Royal Enfield’s largest cash cow for a little over half a decade. This is despite it being sold beside the Bullet 350 which has always been a more affordable choice. When Royal Enfield introduced the J-platform with the Meteor 350, it was evident that the Bullet 350 would follow suit eventually. It now has, in 2023.
Well, the styling is in line with the original Bullet. The shape of the fuel tank, the signature boxy design of the rear fender and a stance dissimilar from the Classic due to the taller handlebar and single-piece seat with the same pattern as the outgoing model. However, it is based on the same J-platform as the Classic and shares the same 18-inch wheels, frame, suspension, brakes and 349cc engine with the same output too. On the earlier version though, it differed from the Classic when it came to stance and the exhaust note. It seemed more retro too.
With all the changes it gets in 2023, the Bullet 350 is now more similar to the Classic than ever before. So, why would you choose the Classic when the Bullet is nearly the same and costs less?
Let me give you a perspective first. The Bullet 350 is probably the biggest resonator for the Royal Enfield brand. The Classic sells, but you can’t ignore people calling that the ‘Bullt’ too. With the revamp, it is less vibey and has modern engineering but with its chrome-laden attire and retro choice of colours, continues to be iconic. That is what the people seem to admire- the Bullet brand. And that is the reason it has made a comeback. As I mentioned earlier, the Bullet has always been an affordable option in Royal Enfield’s stables. Even now, the motorcycle is priced from Rs 1.73 lakh positioning it at Rs 20,000 lower than the base model of the Classic 350. The top-spec option on the Bullet 350 with blacked-out components and old-school badging is priced at Rs 2.15 lakh. Whereas, the most expensive chrome Classic 350 costs Rs 2.24 lakh. (all prices, ex-showroom)
Now the dilemma arises when you realise both motorcycles are as similar to each other as heat is to fire yet the Bullet 350 costs less. Which one should you buy then? The difference between the two is mainly in the ride experience thanks to the difference in handlebar and seat. The handlebar is taller and closer to the rider on the Bullet 350 than the Classic, so the handling feels more laid-back. Even the seat is softer than the one of the Classic. While it feels comfy at first, it could turn cumbersome after an hour or two. That isn’t the case with the Classic’s seat which continues to feel comfortable after a while on the saddle. The rest of the Bullet 350 is the same- the way the engine feels, the way it puts down power and the quality of components too.
To sum it up, the Bullet 350 does everything the Classic can in a more laid-back way. I’m sure you wouldn’t even miss the Tripper Navigation system on the Bullet with smartphones and advanced holders on sale. So if you want to save Rs 15,000-20,000 and are a fan of the iconic styling, go for the Bullet. But if you prefer agility and a relatively modern-looking motorcycle, the Classic 350 is the one for you.
