Classic 350 vs Thunderbird 350 Comparison Review
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 vs Classic 350 Comparison Review:
Introduction:
Well, this is a big one, isn’t it? One iconic brand, one iconic model. To compare anything to a Royal Enfield Classic 350 is never an ‘apple to apple’ comparison. Nothing brings out the passion as much as the Classic 350 does, it isn’t a motorcycle, it’s a lifestyle to many. Indeed, it has been the most successful and top selling model for Royal Enfield. It has carved out a fan following of its own. Thunderbird on the other hand is an equally matched Motorcycle albeit based on a different rider in mind, they are two different ideologies.
Introduction:
Well, this is a big one, isn’t it? One iconic brand, one iconic model. To compare anything to a Royal Enfield Classic 350 is never an ‘apple to apple’ comparison. Nothing brings out the passion as much as the Classic 350 does, it isn’t a motorcycle, it’s a lifestyle to many. Indeed, it has been the most successful and top selling model for Royal Enfield. It has carved out a fan following of its own. Thunderbird on the other hand is an equally matched Motorcycle albeit based on a different rider in mind, they are two different ideologies.
Which
one should you buy and for what reasons?
Important Bits:
Royal Enfield Classic 350
|
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350
|
|
Ex
–Showroom price (Delhi)
|
1.31 lacs
|
1.42 lacs
|
Engine
Displacement (CC)
|
346
cc
|
346
cc
|
Power
(PS@rpm)
|
19.8
bhp @ 5250 rpm
|
19.8
bhp @ 5250 rpm
|
Real
World Mileage
|
37-45
kmpl
|
35-42
kmpl
|
Top
Speed(Km/h) :
|
130
Kmph
|
107
Kmph
|
Colours
|
Mint
Ash
Chestnut
Lagoon
Silver
Black
|
stone
marine
lightning
flicker
asphalt
|
Pricing & Features:
The
Royal Enfield Classic 350 retails at 1.31 lacs (ex. Showroom Delhi) and the
Thunderbird at around 1.42 lacs (ex. Showroom Delhi). For the extra 11,000 the
Thunderbird offers a dual-disc brake, Projection type headlamp, LED tail lamp,
a hazard lamp and a larger 20 Litre fuel tank and a more functional Instrument
cluster.
Build Quality & Refinement:
Royal
Enfield is just not known for its Built quality and refinement. When you
compare it to the other international brands, RE still lacks far behind and
could see a lot of improvement in this department.
In
the older days, if you owned a RE then your mechanic was your best of friend
and only he would know what’s the ‘character’ of your motorcycle. That said,
the reliability has hugely improved from those times owing to radical
improvements in the engine.
Check direct video Comparison review
Performance:
Both Motorcycles have the same
single-cylinder 350cc engine which offers decent performance, Power peaks at
5250rpm, however its best not to rev. it to the limit as the engine vibrations
become a lot more noticeable. Both are meant to be comfy and bring out a laid
back riding experience, therefore the best cruising range is around 3500rpm.
Comfort & Ergonomics:
In terms of the rider, both Motorcycles
are very comfortable, yet we found that Thunderbird is more suited to longer
rides thanks to its cruiser stance handlebar.
Both have ample saddle and cushioning when it comes to seating.
We found that for a pillion rider
the Classic 350 gives more comfort, the Thunderbird could have had a little more
space in that department. Also if you are planning to put large saddle bags
then the Classic 350 has ample space and room to play with. The Thunderbird 350
offers backrest which comes handy when on a long rider. This backrest is also
adjustable/removable to make room for the bags.
The instrument cluster on the
Thunderbird does offer more information (again, keeping touring in mind).
Handling & Ride Quality
Ride
quality is extremely good and a pleasure if you keep the revs in limits, for
longer rides, Thunderbird 350 does offer more comfort. Also, the added disc
brake on the Thunderbird offers largely improved braking.
These
machines are not meant to cut corners but both navigate them fairly well.
Reliability & After Sales Service:
Again, reliability can be improved,
Royal Enfield has been successful in creating a heritage, however, and this is
one department where RE can massively improve. Authorized Service stations
network has certainly bumped up as compared to the olden days and many
specialist shops have sprung up in almost all the cities who claim to be
experts on Royal Enfields and even do a decent job. The core issue is the
inherent product quality of the Enfields which can only be improved at the
company level.
Verdict:
There
is really no clear winner here and this review was not meant to find out one. Technically,
both Motorcycles start at the same core level however, both are very
differently positioned.
If
you are in the market for a Royal Enfield with a budget of around 1.4 lacs then
you cannot go wrong with either.
The
question that you have to ask yourself is what kind riding you would be doing?
Reasons
to buy the Classic 350:
1. If you are going to commute within the
city with short weekend trips then Classic 350 is a good option.
2. If you want the ‘Classy’ and ‘Macho’
feel of riding a ‘Bullet’ then nothing offers this better than the Classic 350
3. You can definitely take out the Classic
350 on longer rides (people do it all the time) however the ergonomics were
designed keeping in mind Point 1.
4. If you just love the Classic 350 but are
still considering Thunderbird then heck, go for the Classic 350. Enfields
anyways carry that legacy and passion so go for what you love.
Reasons
to buy the Thunderbird 350:
1. The Thunderbird platform was evolved for
a more serious tourer in mind. It is evident from the way its handlebars are
positioned, a 20 Litre fuel tank, and projection type lamps. This does not mean
that it is not suited for the city. If long rides is your thing and you’re not particularly
bothered about the Classic image then go for the Thunderbird.
Always use a chain cleaner and lubricating agent with a brush, refer below link for the products
Complete Tech. Specs.:
Royal Enfield Classic 350
|
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350
|
Engine
|
|
Type Single Cylinder, 4 stroke, Twinspark,
Aircooled
|
Type Single Cylinder, 4 stroke, Twinspark, Air
cooled
|
Displacement 346cc
|
Displacement 346cc
|
Bore
x stroke 70mm x 90mm
|
Bore
x stroke 70 mm X 90 mm
|
Compression
Ratio 8.5 : 1
|
Compression
Ratio 8.5:1
|
Maximum
Power 19.8 bhp @ 5250 rpm
|
Maximum
Power 19.8 bhp @ 5250 rpm
|
Maximum
Torque 28 Nm @ 4000 rpm
|
Maximum
Torque 28Nm @ 4000 rpm
|
Ignition
System Transistorised Coil
Ignition
|
Ignition
System Transistorized Coil
Ignition
|
Clutch Wet, multi-plate
|
Clutch Wet, multi-plate
|
Gearbox 5 Speed Constant Mesh
|
Gearbox 5 Speed Constant Mesh
|
Lubrication Wet sump
|
Lubrication Wet sump
|
Engine
Oil 15 W 50 API, SL Grade &
above, JASO MA
|
Engine
Oil 15 W 50 API, SL Grade &
above, JASO MA
|
Fuel
Supply 29mm, Constant Vacuum
Carburettor
|
Fuel
Supply 29mm, Constant Vacuum
Carburettor
|
Air
Cleaner Paper Element
|
Air
Cleaner Paper Element
|
Engine
Start Electric/Kick
|
Engine
Start Electric/Kick
|
Chassis & Suspension
|
|
Type Single downtube, using engine as stressed
member
|
Type Single downtube, using engine as stressed
member
|
Front
suspension Telescopic, 35mm
forks, 130mm travel
|
Front
suspension Telescopic, 41mm
forks, 130mm travel
|
Rear
suspension Twin gas charged
shock absorbers with 5-step adjustable preload, 80mm travel
|
Rear
suspension Twin gas charged
shock absorbers with 5-step adjustable preload, 80mm travel
|
Dimensions
|
|
Wheelbase 1370 mm
|
Wheelbase 1350mm
|
Ground
Clearance 135 mm
|
Ground
Clearance 140 mm
|
Length 2180 mm
|
Length 2060mm
|
Width 790 mm
|
Width 790mm ( Without Mirrors)
|
Height 1080 mm
|
Height 1205mm ( Without Mirrors)
|
Seat
Height -
|
Seat
Height 775mm
|
Kerb
Weight 187 Kg (with 90% Fuel &
Oil)
|
Kerb
Weight 192 Kgs
|
Fuel
Capacity 13.5 Ltr
|
Fuel
Capacity 20 Ltrs
|
Brakes & Tyres
|
|
Tyres
Fr. 90/90 - 19
|
Tyres
Fr. 90/90 - 19
|
Tyres
Rr. 110/90 - 18
|
Tyres
Rr. 120/80 - 18
|
Brakes
Front 280mm Disc, 2-Piston caliper
|
Brakes
Front 280mm Disc, 2-Piston caliper
|
Brakes
Rear 153mm Drum, Single Lead Internal
Expanding
|
Brakes
Rear 240mm Disc, Single piston
caliper
|
Electricals
|
|
Electrical
System 12 volt - DC
|
Electrical
System 12 volt - DC
|
Battery 12 volt, 8 Ah
|
Battery 12 volt, 8Ah
|
Head
Lamp: 60 W / 55 W, HALOGEN
|
Head
Lamp: Projection type headlamp, H7 55 / 55 W
|
Tail
Lamp: 21 W / 5 W
|
Tail
Lamp: LED lamp with position light guides
|
Turn
Signal Lamp -
|
Turn
Signal Lamp
Hazard
Light featured for the first time on an Indian motorcycle
|
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