Culture, Featured

A Beginner’s Ride to Smooth Riding and Timeless Style

Embrace full-throttle excitement with a touch of classic elegance as one of the most iconic names in motorcycling offers Cebu a nostalgic cruising experience. When Royal Enfield invites you on a timeless ride, you don’t miss out on the opportunity.

Royal Enfield, a legendary name in motorcycling, has long been celebrated for its timeless design, rugged performance, and rich heritage. Since its inception in 1901, the brand has continually produced motorcycles that embody the essence of classic motorcycling while integrating modern engineering for a dependable and thrilling ride. With their distinctive aesthetics and unmatched durability, Royal Enfield motorcycles have attracted a devoted following of enthusiasts who appreciate the seamless blend of vintage charm and contemporary innovation. 

True to its motto, “Made Like a Gun,” Royal Enfield delivers machines that are as reliable and enduring as they are stylish. But let’s talk about the models that really stood out.

Royal Enfield Classic 350

When we say iconic, nothing compares to the Royal Enfield Classic 350. Living up to its name, the Classic 350 exudes a whimsical, classy style inspired by the Royal Enfield G2 350cc Bullet motorcycle, first produced in 1948. 

The Classic 350 is a bobber-style motorcycle powered by a 349.34cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-oil cooled engine—which means it uses both air and oil to stay cool while running—with a spark ignition. This engine delivers around 19.8 horsepower (hp) at 5250 revolutions per minute (rpm) and 28 Newton meters (Nm) of torque at 4,000 rpm, giving it decent power and performance. It’s paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, which means the rider has to shift gears themselves while riding. It also features a removable pillion seat, enhancing the classic bobber aesthetic when removed.

Crafted to turn heads, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 boasts several notable styling cues. Its teardrop-shaped fuel tank is accentuated with a matte-finished leg guard and pinstriped decal, all topped with bold lettering of the name. This street-legal cruiser bike embraces classic features like a halogen headlamp, tail lamp, and analog gauges, remaining faithful to its timeless design.

Royal Enfield Meteor 350

The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 displays another classic silhouette. It’s designed to give comfort for all-day easy riding with incredible handling for the rider. 

This model houses a 350cc air-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine which pumps out a decent 20.2 hp and 27 Nm of torque mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. In simpler terms, the engine is cooled by air and uses modern fuel injection technology. Although made for cruising, the design remains powerful and efficient, offering good performance for its size.

It comes equipped with a circular headlamp with LED daytime running lights (DRLs), a peanut-shaped fuel tank, a pulled-back handlebar, a sweeping rear fender, and an LED taillight. The Meteor 350 is Royal Enfield’s first motorcycle to include a USB charger and the Tripper Navigation feature, providing turn-by-turn navigation assistance. Additionally, the stylish 18-inch wheels further enhance the bike’s classic look.

Royal Enfield Hunter 350

Unveiled in February 2023, Royal Enfield introduced its latest model for the Philippine market—The Royal Enfield Hunter 350. This model showcases an elegant neo-retro style, seamlessly blending that timeless Royal Enfield charm with contemporary motorcycle design.

Like the Meteor 350 and Classic 350, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 runs on the same 350cc single-cylinder engine for performance. While it includes electronic fuel injection, the engine retains the traditional Royal Enfield design without incorporating advanced tech or performance upgrades. The engine on this model produces 18.9 ft-lbs of torque at 4,000 rpm and 20 hp at 6,100 rpm, providing a strong pull at lower speeds.

The Test Drive

Having had the privilege of test-driving the Royal Enfield Classic 350, it’s safe to say it certainly lives up to its reputation as one of the smoothest 350cc motorcycles offered in the Philippine market.

The Classic 350 is beginner-friendly and surprisingly easy to maneuver. Feeling for the clutch biting point was effortless, resulting in minimal stalling. Its 5-speed manual gearbox facilitates smooth gear transitions. Despite its 349.34cc, four-stroke, air-oil-cooled engine, it’s worth noting that it’s a relatively smaller engine that operates with just one cylinder.

Overall, the Classic 350 is meant to be cruised, not raced. With Royal Enfield, riders in Cebu are not just buying motorcycles; they’re stepping into a legacy—a legacy of style, craftsmanship, and adventure.

Write your own chapter in classic motorcycling history with every twist of the throttle with these timeless beauties. To get started on your revving journey, visit Royal Enfield at Astron Gestus Building, Gorordo Ave., Cebu City.

Photography Kyrra Kho

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