Royal Enfield Standard 350. Review on Royal Enfield Bullet 350

A small review on my brothers 2017 Royal Enfield Std 350. If I am not wrong it is the oldest running production model of any bikes in the world. During my vacation when I came to India I had a chance to use my brother’s new bike for transport. I had it nearly one month and I feel I should write a review for the same. I am not an Enfield person and my reviews will not be biased.

Specification:-

The new std 350 comes with UCE or unit Constructionguru30 engine which means the new motorcycle engine is not like what the older Enfield’s had n it is typically like the ones you find in new bikes. It has a 346cc(technically) engine with 5 speed transmission same like the usual, with 1 down n 4 up-shift pattern employing twin spark plugs running 8.5:1 compression ratio producing 19.8bhp @ 5250rpm and 28nm @ 4000rpm. It weighs 183kg as per company website, has a 13.5L fuel tank, rides on a 3.25” tube tyre X 19” rims front n back with drum brakes at both ends. A special mention for the crank which as per the old Enfield website stated that the std 350 is the only vehicle which has a std500cc vehicles crank weight. The headlight is a standard 35/35W bulb. If I Have missed something please feel free to check their website.

Styling:-

This vehicle looks exactly like a usable cruiser compared to the real long distance cruiser. As it has been the only available big cc bike in our market for long, nobody can compare it to anything Indian. It rides on 19” spoke rims with 3.25” skinny tires. The overall look gives a heavy big bike feel. The fuel tank needs a special mention as it has the hand drawn pin striping in gold color with a special logo which no other models in the line-up gets except std500. Though being a child I never liked how this vehicle looked n sounded, now it has grown on me n looks something different n very good.

Ride Comfort& Handling:-

The seat is big and well cushioned, rear shock is 5 way adjustable so according to your requirement you can adjust it, another thing that should be noted is the vehicles weight at almost around 180+kg it smoothens out all the small n big road undulations and makes the ride very comfortable. The rider triangle should be very good for slight tall people but for me being little short it was little uncomfortable as my height is around 164cm.

The bike is not a good handler. You don’t get the perfect tight feeling same as with KTM or Honda. Eg when you go over a hump or while taking a turn, if you happen to go over a small pothole there is slight flex between front and back wheel which many people may not notice. I had previously owned other bikes n scooter including a cbr250 n had a chance to ride my friend’s duke 200 and 390. So the vehicles flex can be made out clearly but the other thing that should be noted is that this vehicle is not meant to go above speeds of 60km/hr. if u need to travel faster, it is always advisable to go for some other bikes. Any speed above 60km/hr. very frankly is not this bikes forte. It can get unsettling n dangerous the faster you go.

Maintenance(A special mention required):-

It should be understood very clearly that this vehicle needs good care n maintenance else you will definitely see many things getting rusted, damaged n not functioning properly. The one month that I had this vehicle I rode it nothing less than 3000+ km. mean time saw its indicator chrome falling off, clutch getting very hard, front brake release not working properly, front shock play difference and rear swing arm n chassis play. Got almost everything serviced n lubed before returning it to my brother who the immediate next day had the front sprocket teeth broken(maybe he rode it a little hard).

Verdict:-

The one month I had with this bike was good but during long journey I always used to ride between 60 n max 70km/hr. in last gear which was very slow n sleepy but not tiresome. I Travelled 200-200km one day, 100-100km two times n 40 to 50km many times. There is absolutely nothing to complain about the comfortability n the ease to use it other than the hard clutch. I believe this bike is for some person who don’t leave the city or for some mechanic who likes long distance travelling that too he should not be in hurry. It should be ridden at max60km/hr. n not more, cruise comfortably n take in everything u see. Not for someone who does 300+km of ride in a day for some purpose coz once u are in highway being comfortable only makes u sleepy. A normal tourer should be able to keep at least a 100 to 110km/hr. At 110000 rupee on-road this is the cheapest Royal Enfield experience that you can currently buy. Good luck with your selection.