Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350: Grace over pace

This is THE motorcycle I’ve been the most enamoured with this year. So much so that I wanted to own one myself. But before I could replace my temperamental, 10-year-old KTM 390 Duke with it (I know it’s quite the contrast, but that’s the age for you), I was keen on spending some quality seat time on the Goan Classic 350. So, I volunteered to take some time off from my usual four-wheeled duties for this story. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to this despite the inclement weather in Mumbai.

The vibrant colours are in line with the Goan’s vibe

The Goan had already made an impression before I’d even seen it in the metal. The bike was dropped off at my place, and I was surprised to get a call from my usually oblivious mom, asking me questions like: What bike is that? How much does it cost? What is that colour called? That’s how I know the Goan Classic has absolutely nailed the looks department – it appeals to all ages and genders. The classic rounded fenders, the big round headlamp flanked by those iconic pilot lamps (I so wished they were halogen), the beautiful cross-spoke tubeless rims, the old-school white wall tyres (brown wall, if you stay in Mumbai), and the cantilevered seat with the exposed fender, all come together to make it one gorgeous machine.

The tall ape hangers give you a ‘king of the road’ feel, and they aren’t uncomfortable either.

Although I wasn’t initially a fan of this Purple Haze scheme – I think the Rave Red and Trip Teal are the ones to get – I must admit it does stand out, with the sparkly purple tank particularly grabbing eyes everywhere. As an object of beauty then, the Goan is hard to look past. I even miss just looking at it in my parking now that it’s gone.

The plan for this story was to ride to Alibaug and beyond to give it that ‘Goa’ feel, but the weather and our road infrastructure – or the lack thereof – had to play spoilsport. Kuldeep, who took the beautiful pictures you see here, suggested we shoot in Vasai, as it’s got that old-school, Goa-like charm. And it had nothing to do with him staying in Vasai, he assured me. Come shoot day, and predictably, the heavens had opened. I let Kuldeep know I’ll be waiting for the rain to die down before embarking on the hour-and-45-minute ride to Vasai.

Headlamp cluster looks the part, but halogens are missed

The late departure meant I was riding at a brisk pace along the Western Express highway out of Mumbai, and initially, I wasn’t gelling well with the Goan. The main culprit is how you’re sitting on the motorcycle. Though the tall ape hanger handlebars may seem like a stretch, they’re actually quite comfortable, but the forward-set footpegs meant all the patches on the highway were felt by my back. It’s just something that you have to deal with on a bobber motorcycle, unfortunately. At least the suspension feels much more compliant than the Jawa 42 bobber, with which it competes.
Compared to the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, Vasai feels like a step back in time. And I mean that in the best way possible.

The Goan Classic’s soulful mill feels its best between 60-70kph

Lush greenery all around, sleepy fishing villages, small winding roads, old forts and a great coastline – it is pretty much like Goa. Kuldeep had redeemed himself. Riding through the bylanes in Vasai then, the Goan Classic really felt in its element. I invariably slowed down – pulling the clutch lever and rowing through the smooth gearbox while the exhaust occasionally let out a crack and pop – to take in the sights as we headed to different shoot locations Kuldeep had shortlisted. In my opinion, this is exactly what the Goan Classic is meant to do. Take you on a slow, relaxed ride on smooth, winding B-roads to no particular destination while enjoying the sights and sounds around you. Just don’t do it for too long, or your back will eventually complain. But for the occasional short weekend ride with friends, it’s pretty much perfect.

The VBox tells me the Goan is over a second slower to 100kph from a standstill than the Classic 350 it’s based on. Not that it matters, of course. The 350cc engine in the Goan is one I know really well and adore. It’s a very pleasant motor, and even though it can cruise at speeds of up to 100kph, it feels its best and most relaxed in the 60-70kph range. Here, the engine feels like it is in its sweet spot – there are minimal vibrations, and there’s no lack of grunt, just a satisfying thump from that single. All of this puts you in that laid-back, Goanmindset.

Objectively, the use case of a GoanClassic is really small, and the motorcycle it’s based on will do so much more. Sure, it can commute, and you can tour if you’re really committed, but there are other RE 350s that are better suited for these applications. Clearly, this is for when form takes precedence over function – a real heart-over-head decision.

As for my decision, the Goan Classic won’t be my next bike as I’m looking for the one that can do it all, and unfortunately, it just doesn’t fit the bill. But believe me, if I were looking to buy a second bike, something to sit alongside a more practical one, I would 100 percent buy a Rave Red Goan Classic 350. At Rs 2.35 lakh-2.38 lakh, the Goan is on the expensive side. But considering its superb and solid build, characterful nature and stunning design, it is bound to make you feel special. And isn’t that kind of the point?

Also see: Back in the saddle: TVS Young Media Racer programme qualifier round