Royal Enfield Classic 350 The Classic Is Slightly Let Down By Its Wooden Brakes

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is so much better than any £4500 single has any right to be 2022 launch pricing, A charming blend of modest power, exceptional build quality and quaint styling harking back to the glory days of British motorcycling, it’s a delightful backroad retro companion that’s happiest chugging away below 65 mil per hour. Novice friendly dimensions work in tandem with a gentle circa 20 brake horsepower output and five speed gearbox, providing a top speed just north of the national limit and a chugging soundtrack that immediately transports you to the set of Heartbeat. Although Euro 5 and fitted with two channel ABS, its metal tank, air cooled engine, chunky mudguards, glistening spoked wheels and analogue single clock are pure 50s nostalgia and if there was a sideways numberplate over the front wheel, you’d easily mistake it for the real thing. Having since purchased a 2023 Classic myself after writing the initial review around a year ago, I am constantly inundated with inquisitive pedestrians passing by who are always surprised to discover a modern numberplate screwed in at the rear. For all its good looks and chugging charm though, the Classic is slightly let down by its wooden brakes. It could also benefit from a sixth gear and a slightly higher top speed to help make you feel slightly less vulnerable on the motorway, Those wanting to adjust the preload on the rear shocks will also struggle immensely, thanks to a poorly thought out frame around the rear...