VINTAGE SEEDS, MODERN SAPLINGS

Royal Enfield's absolute domination in the Indian market has been the driving force behind so many things.

- ANANT PANDEY

Be it cringe-worthy marketing tactics, revival of iconic brands or global top dogs foraying into Enfield's segment. Everyone's aim is simple - to eat into RE's astronomical sales figures. Some attempts have been brave, while some downright desperate. A new wave of neo-retro motorcycles have struck Enfield's shore including the already-elusive Triumph Speed 400 and the underdog, updated Yezdi Roadster. Is RE'S defense strong enough to avoid this penetration or will it crumble under frequent, valiant assaults? With the same in mind, a bunch of us rolled out on one fine day, to just enjoy the ride and draw a few conclusions along the way.

WHAT MAKES THE RE CLASSIC 350 SO SPECIAL?

The reason why we chose the Classic 350 for this comparison test is its sheer popularity and the fact that this particular motorcycle single-handedly pulled RE out of a dark pit and made it into a force to be reckoned with. No matter which manufacturer pulls the trigger, the Classic 350 will always be in their crosshair. From strictly engineering perspective, the Classic 350 is the most basic of the lot but the thing is, it is timeless. And timeless things aren't judged on the basis of value they bring to the fold, they're judged on the basis of emotions.