The Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350! Within budget and within reason, it is one of the best-looking motorcycles that you can buy in the country today. We have had the Goan Classic with us for a while now and living with the motorcycle for a couple of months not only brought out its lovely laid-back charm but also its shortcomings. So, here is a long-term report of how the Goan Classic 350 performed. We list out three positives and two negatives on the motorcycle.
Three Positives
Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350: Looks & fit and finish
The single-seat bobber styling on the Goan Classic is just beautiful. The clean, classic lines, the fit and finish, the white wall tyres and even the colour options on the motorcycle give it a lovely presence on the road. It is a guaranteed head-turner and gives off that lone-wolf, care-free vibe. I absolutely love the way it looks.
Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350: Performance
The 350 cc engine has character and I quite like the way the Goan Classic sounds. The inadvertent pops and crackles on downshifts add a ton of flavour to the riding experience. The Goan is meant to be ridden leisurely, taking in the sights and sounds. But if you do want to wring the throttle, give it the beans, then the Goan Classic doesn't shy away from a quick getaway. It isn't the sharpest and the quickest modern classic, but it doesn't mind being revved and ridden at triple digit speeds occasionally. Over the last couple of months that I have used it as my daily ride, it returned a decent fuel efficiency of 32-33 kmpl, which means a range of 410+ km on a tankful.
Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350: Ergonomics
The motorcycle is designed to be ergonomically easy too. Sure, it weighs in at 197 kg but the 750 mm seat height and the upright seating position means it is easy to ride the motorcycle for long hours and even filter through traffic. The tall ape handlebars might feel lazy but don't affect the overall handling of the motorcycle.
Two Negatives
Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350: Practicality
The Goan Classic isn't entirely practical. Touring on it will be a tall order and it is strictly for riding solo. Sure, there is an accessory seat, but if you opt for that, then you might as well invest your money into something like the Bullet or the Classic.
Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350: Ride Quality
Now this doesn't come as a surprise. The Goan Classic offers a relatively average ride quality. It is stiffer than the Bullet or the Classic but that is also down to the nature and design of the motorcycle. For undulations it is best to slow down or manoeuvre around it. It isn't overly stiff, but a touch of pliancy would have made the riding experience even better.
Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350: Pricing & Verdict
The Goan Classic is priced at Rs. 2.37 lakh (ex-showroom), which makes it among the most expensive 350 cc motorcycle from RE. In comparison, the Classic 350 has a starting price of 1.97 lakh and the Bullet 350 has a starting price is 1.76 lakh. Prices of the Super Meteor 350 start at Rs. 2.08 lakh. So yes, the Goan Classic is expensive and not entirely practical, but that is the price you have to pay for jaw-dropping looks.
The Royal Enfield Goan Classic is an object of desire and it will be a great addition to your garage if you like riding leisurely, enjoy that morning coffee ride with your friends and just pottering around town. It is easy on the eyes; makes you look good astride it and you don't have to break your bank either. You know, someone rightly said, if you park your motorcycle and don't look back at it while walking away from it, then you are likely to have the wrong motorcycle. And with the Goan Classic, that is unlikely.