Royal Enfield is currently ruling the middle-weight 350cc motorcycle segment in India. The company is selling the Classic 350, Bullet and the Meteor 350 in this segment. RE is also working on multiple new motorcycles including a 350cc roadster (likely to be called Hunter 350), and a next-gen Classic 350.
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 has been one of the most popular bikes in the Indian motorcycle. In fact, the newly launched Meteor 350 is also gaining popularity in the cruiser motorcycle segment. Most of the two-wheeler makers are working on new classics and middle-weight motorcycles to rival the Royal Enfield. Adding to it, there are few bikes in this segment is available in the market that you can buy instead of the Royal Enfield.
Honda CB50, CB350 RS
Honda had launched the H’ness CB350 Classic motorcycles last year to rival the RE Classic 350. The company also introduced the Scrambler-esque version, which is called the CB350 RS (Road-Sailing). These motorcycles are powered by a 348.36cc single-cylinder engine that produces 21bhp of power and 30Nm of torque. This engine is paired to a 5-speed gearbox with assist and slipper clutch.
It comes with semi-digital instrument panel along with Honda Smartphone Voice Control (HSVC) system that allows riders to pair a smartphone with the instrument console via Bluetooth and access features like telephony, turn-by-turn navigation, etc. It also gets Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) system that helps in maintaining rear-wheel traction and hazard switch. The CB350RS misses out on bluetooth connectivity and a tachometer.
Jawa, Jawa Forty Two
Classic Legends re-introduced the iconic Jawa nameplate with the launch of the Jawa Classic and the Jawa Forty Two. The motorcycles are powered by a 293cc liquid-cooled engine that churns out 27bhp of power and 27Nm of torque. The engine is paired to a 6-speed gearbox. For suspension setup, the bikes get telescopic front forks and twin hydraulic shocks at the rear. The motorcycles get 280mm front disc and 240mm rear disc brake with ABS as standard. The Jawa Forty Two gets analogue meter for speed and fuel gauge along with a digital display for odometer and trip meter.
Bajaj Dominar
Bajaj Dominar is a power cruiser, which is available in the same price bracket as the Royal Enfield 350cc motorcycles. The motorcycle is propelled by a 373.3 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with fuel injection technology. This engine produces a peak power of 39.4bhp and 35Nm of torque. Suspension setup includes a 43mm USD telescopic front forks and multi-step adjustable monoshock with Nitrox suspension unit at the rear. Braking system comprises of 320mm front disc and 230mm rear disc along with dual-channel ABS system.
Customers can also opt for the Dominar 250, which is equipped with a 248.8cc, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine that also powers the KTM 250 Duke. This engine has been de-tuned to suit the needs of a cruiser-friendly motorcycle. Paired to a 6-speed gearbox, the 250cc engine is capable of producing 27bhp of power at 8,500rpm and 23.5Nm of torque at 6,500rpm.
Benelli Imperiale 400
Benelli had launched the BSVI compliant Imperiale 400 retro-styled motorcycle in February 2021. It is powered by a 374cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine that churns out 19bhp of power at 6,000rpm and a peak torque of 29Nm at 3,500rpm. This engine is coupled to a 5-speed gearbox. Suspension mechanism include a 41mm telescopic front forks and a dual-shock absorbers at the rear with adjustable preload. For braking, the motorcycle gets 300mm disc at the front and 240mm disc at the rear along with dual-channel ABS as standard.
Husqvarna 250
Husqvarna is currently selling two neo-retro bikes – Svartpilen 250 and Vitpilen 250. Both bikes are powered by the same 248.8 cc liquid-cooled unit that develops 31 bhp of power with a peak torque of 24 Nm. These lightweight motorcycles feature 43mm USD front forks and mono-shock unit at the rear. The bike gets disc brakes with dual channel ABS system.
