Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350

​The center of focus of the Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350 is its design and styling. This is a bobber motorcycle that is built on the Classic 350 platform. The Goan classic is itself a unique masterpiece by Royal Enfield. The bobber characteristics of this masterpiece include raised-up ape-style handlebars which are 100mm taller than the ones which comes with Classic 350. These handlebars provide the rider with a characterful body position with an upright riding posture. This posture can reduce strains on your upper body so that you can ride long for hours without any discomfort. In addition to the handlebars, the bike has the footrest positioned slightly forward beneath the engine, allowing you to rest your feet comfortably,  apply brakes, and switch gears effortlessly. These ergonomics altogether contribute to making this machine a convenient apparatus.

Then, when talking about the seats, it includes a single floating seat that contributes to the aesthetic bobber taste in the motorcycle’s side looks. The seat is just 750mm above the surface which makes it the lowest in RE’s 350cc series. However, the company has also provided an option for the detachable pillion seat, if the rider wants an additional space for a partner or luggage and backpack in case of long tours. The ground clearance of this motorcycle is 170mm which not only makes it a good-looking bike but also a comfortable one.  

​Going down to the wheels, you can find a bobber signature in both the fenders as well. The motorcycle has chopped-up mudguards, placed above the cross-spoke wheels with tubeless tyres, eliminating the need for tyre disassembly in case of punctures. In addition, the tyres are flavored with white walls, providing an old-school look along with the entire bobber-style design of the motorcycle.

When it comes to the looks and design of a motorcycle, how can we forget the colors? The Goan Classic comes with several color shades for customers having different preferences. These options include Purple Haze, Trip Teal, Rave Red, and Shack Black, (as seen in the first image) providing you with vibrant options to match your vibe.

Furthermore, the exhaust system plays a significant role in the overall looks of the motorcycle. It comes with a chrome and a matte-black, sharp slash-cut design added with a bracket on the back of it. With a longer rear fender attached to the swingarm and a completely new tail-light design, this bobber makes a strong impression on the road. Its slightly broader wheelbase of 1,400mm and the heavy weight of 197kg give it a solid and noticeable profile overall.

While Royal Enfield motorcycles are not as technically advanced as the cybernetic motorcycles we see in modern Sci-Fi movies, the legacy of RE has been maintained since its inception. And this legacy is what the "Royal" suggests in the brand's name the Royal Enfield. But still, Goan Classic boasts a host of modern features in a retro-aesthetic way. It has a semi-digital instrument cluster which includes an analog speedometer, an LCD display for major vehicle data such as fuel meter, engine immobiliser indicator, gear position indicator, and aluminum switch cubes typically found in higher displacement 650cc Enfields. 

​When it comes to safety features, the Goan Classic 350 comes with a Dual Channel ABS setup on both the front and rear wheels. This braking system includes a 300 mm disc at the front, and a 270 mm disc plate at the rear, positioned with a dual channel antilock braking system which helps the motorcycle to skid in case of sudden braking on sleepy or wet surfaces in a rainy environment or at fast speeds. It efficiently prevents both tyres from locking in when brakes are applied all of a sudden in case of an unprecedented emergency kind of situation. In addition to braking, this motorcycle also comes with a side-stand cut-off feature that allows the engine to cut off ignition when the side-stand is down to prevent any unwanted accidents.

A standout feature in the Goan Classic 350 is a Tripper pod for turn-by-turn navigation which is positioned in the lower right side of the instrument console setup.

Further, additional features include the lighting, which is supported by full LEDs for sharp visibility. The motorcycle also comes with a Type-C charging port and adjustable clutch and brake lever for personalised configuration. The switchgear is the same as the Classic 350, and the Goan Classic is notable for being the first 350cc Royal Enfield bike to feature all-LED lighting and tubeless spoke wheels.

One of the standout features of the Goan Classic 350 is the Royal Enfield logo elegantly engraved on its fuel tank. While this emblem may not serve a functional purpose but it plays a significant role in the bike's identity and is a unique element not commonly found on other Royal Enfield models. The design of the Goan Classic 350 draws inspiration from three iconic aspects of Goa: the sun, water, and sand of its beautiful beaches. Thus, this RE logo, inspired by the sun, beautifully radiates the vibrant and sunny vibe of Goa which makes the aura of this motorcycle so aesthetic and elegant.

While the feature list may not be extensive like other rivals of Royal Enfield in the 300cc to 400 cc segment, it still provides a host of essential features that all together contribute towards the looks, safety, comfort, and convenience of the motorcycle with the Royal Enfield standards.

The motorcycle’s restful ergonomic components such as taller handlebars, lower seat height, and slightly forward-set footpegs cater to the overall rider geometry. Although it weighs 2kg more than the Classic 350, this difference is minimal when considering its total kerb weight of 197kg with a full tank. While you might notice the weight when in a standing position, it quickly becomes less apparent once you start riding. The upright riding position is comfortable and natural, more likely as the Thunderbird 350. However, a slight downward tilt of the handlebar grips could enhance comfort even further.

For those who find the handlebars too upright, there’s an option to switch to a lower U-shaped version available in the accessories catalog, which would improve comfort. The positioning of the forward-set footpegs strikes a good balance, making them suitable for both city commuting and highway cruising. The rider seat is wide and supportive; however, the ride quality leaves something to be desired.

While the front suspension performs adequately, the rear feels noticeably firmer compared to the standard Classic 350, despite having an additional 15.3mm of travel. This firmness can complement the seat design, which lacks rear support to absorb shocks due to its traditional bobber-style front-hinged configuration. Nonetheless, you can find this trade-off acceptable since the floating seat adds to the bike's aesthetic appeal. Additionally, ride quality tends to improve with a pillion passenger, and you can easily add a pillion seat to the Goan Classic 350 by removing just two bolts.

In terms of handling, the Goan Classic is quite similar to the Classic model. It shares the same twin downtube spine frame, providing stability at various speeds and allowing for smooth cornering. The brakes offer adequate performance with good feedback and bite, complemented by dual-channel ABS for added safety. However, this motorcycle is best appreciated when ridden smoothly rather than aggressively.

The Goan Classic 350's engine is the same used in the Classic 350. It delivers 20.2 bhp at 6100 rpm and a peak torque of 27 Nm at 4000 rpm. The low-end and mid-range performance is impressive, making the bike highly responsive. You can comfortably ride in third gear at speeds as low as 30 km/h, and it still accelerates smoothly.

This engine is paired with a remarkably smooth five-speed gearbox, which is adequate for city riding. However, once you exceed 80 km/h, you might find yourself wishing for a sixth gear to ease the strain and enhance cruising comfort. A six-speed transmission would have been a perfect addition, especially since the bobber encourages long highway rides.

While some engine vibrations can be felt through the handlebars and footpegs at lower speeds, they are significantly less pronounced than those found in older Royal Enfield models, which were notorious for their harshness. This engine is one of the most refined to carry the Royal Enfield badge, as evidenced by the steady rearview mirrors even at higher RPMs.

The tuning of this engine reflects that of the Classic 350, embodying a relaxed riding style akin to a typical Goan lifestyle. Maneuvering through Goa's narrow streets feels effortless and laid-back. The low-end torque makes the Goan Classic easy to handle, even when riding in higher gears. Vibration levels are similar to those of the Classic model; they begin to emerge around 100 kph, but they remain unobtrusive.

When cruising comfortably between 80-90 km/h, the bobber exudes a sense of stability and relaxation. The Goan Classic isn’t built for speed; instead, it favors a more relaxed riding experience.