There is a strong surge of Classic or Neo-Retro motorcycles in India. These motorcycles marry retro styling with modern technology essentially giving us the best of both worlds. Hence their popularity is somewhat understandable. In the past, Royal Enfield enjoyed a monopoly in the classic motorcycle category in India, these days however there are many players looking to eat into Enfield’s cake. Today the retro motorcycle category has options aplenty. Let’s look at the best Retro motorcycles in India.
Royal Enfield Classic 350
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is among the most popular Indian motorcycles not just in India but all over the world. With the new Classic 350, Royal Enfield is ready to stamp its authority in the retro motorcycle category in India. The Classic 350 is by far the most successful motorcycle over 200 CC category in the country.
A motorcycle so seeped into the pop culture that it is literally worshipped as a God. This list could well be ended with Royal Enfield Classic 350 such is its fan following and sales numbers.
Pros
- Retro Styling done right
- Very competetive pricing
- Smooth Engine
- Huge service network
Cons
- No LED lighting
- 5 speed gearbox
Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
The Interceptor 650 twins are leading the beacon of change for the Royal Enfield. Ever since they launched Interceptoc 650, they’ve been on a steep upward trend. The Interceptor 650 twins have not just been popular in India but have been best sellers in other countries. In June 2020, the Interceptor 650 became the best selling motorcycle in the UK.
Not just best looking retro motorcycle, the Interceptor 650 could be one of the best looking motorcycles
Pro
- Characterful twin cycliner engine
- Good quality fit and finish
- Royal Enfield’s vast service network
- The most affordable twin in the market
Cons
- Soft suspension
- Death wobble at illegal speeds
- Brakes could be better
Honda CB 350/ RS 350
Honda was quick to jump on the Neo-Retro motorcycle bandwagon but this move was not done in haste. They launched Honda CB 350 a very well sorted motorcycle, even better than the aforementioned Royal Enfield Classic 350 in many departments. The CB 350 or H’ness as it is branded in India has a very smooth 350 CC engine producing 21 Bhp and 30 NM of torque.
Classic motorcycles are not about performance but the look and feel of the bike. On that front, the CB 350 has you covered and then some. It has timeless styling as well as modern features. CB 350 sports LED lights all around, something that is missing from the Classic 350. It also has Traction Control, another feature missing from the Classic 350.
Pro
- Smoothest engine in class
- LED lighting all around
- Good engine thump
- Good looking
Cons
- Only sold in Big wing
- Needs frequent gear changes
Royal Enfield Meteor 350
Royal Enfield has upped their game ever since they launched the GT500. The company has ever since been on an upward trend in terms of sales, quality and everything else. Royal Enfield has promised to launch 20 new motorcycles in the next 5 years, some of which have already been launched. The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is one among 20 motorcycles that has been a sales hit for the company.
It is also a very good looking retro-styled motorcycle, one that deserves a spot on this list.
Pros:
- Smooth engine
- Comfortable riding dynamics
- Accesible pricing
Cons:
- Only 5 speed gearbox
- Pillion backrest eats into pillion seat space
- No LED lights
Jawa Classic
Jawa is one of the oldest names in the motorcycling industry. I still remember being in awe of the Yezdi when I was a kid. There was nothing like it at that time. With its two exhausts, it looked a different kind of class back in the late 90s. The Jawa and 42 are trying to ignite the same sense of style and I’m happy to report that they’re doing it quite successfully. The Jawa looks very striking with its twin exhausts and headlight cowl. It is a handsome looking motorycle.
Pros
- Best power to weight ration in class
- Twin exhausts look good
- Retro styling with sports bike dynamics
Cons
- Buzzy engine
- On the costlier side
