Royal Enfield introduces Goan Classic 350

Royal Enfield has expanded their family of 350 singles with the arrival of the ‘Goan Classic 350’. Based heavily on the existing Classic 350, the Goan Classic 350 adds a bobber aesthetic and a choice of very distinctive paint and graphic finishes. Like the rest of the Royal Enfield range, the Goan Classic 350 is LAMS-legal for learner riders.

Bohemian Throwback

According to Royal Enfield, inspiration for the Goan Classic 350 came from the “bohemian moto-culture” that flourished in the Indian state of Goa in the 1970s. When the hippie movement that had started in the US found its way to India, the counterculture made its mark on the coastal towns of Goa in India’s south-west.

Westerners who flocked to Goa displayed self-expression in their clothes and surroundings, as well as motorcycles. Bright colours and psychedelic patterns were applied to bikes of the period, many of which were Royal Enfields.

While the hippie movement in Goa had mostly passed by the mid-1980s, that vibe of self-discovery, self-expression and self-liberation wasn’t forgotten. The aesthetic from this period of Indian history has been reimagined for the new millennium on the Goan Classic 350.

From India to Australia

“The Goan Classic is a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of freedom and individuality that Royal Enfield has championed for decades,” said Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Chief Commercial Officer, Royal Enfield. “This motorcycle is an embodiment of the cool, laid-back Goan moto-culture, and Royal Enfield’s passion to build motorcycles that are more than just machines, and are a means to self-discovery and expression.

“From the low-slung silhouette and the single floating rider seat, the contours and ergonomics, and the dazzling kaleidoscope of colourways, the Goan Classic has a very bohemian and free-spirited vibe combined with relaxed and comfortable riding manners.

“This is a motorcycle for those who ride not just to get from place to place, but to live and experience every moment with authenticity. We are confident that it will be the perfect companion for the free-spirited and freewheeling riders in Australia.”

Familiar Features

Using the Classic 350 as a base, the Goan Classic 350 combines bobber styling touches, like cut-down mudguards and whitewall tyres, with a re-profiled solo saddle, mid-ape handlebars, retro tail light and some other detail changes. While not fitted in the images shown here, a removable pillion seat will be supplied for the Australian and New Zealand market.

The underlying frame, engine and transmission are unchanged from the Classic 350, although the muffler is different. Peak outputs of 15kW (20.2hp) at 6100rpm and 27Nm at 4000rpm from the ‘J-platform’ air-oil cooled 349cc single are the same as the Classic 350, as is the five-speed transmission. Fuel capacity is 13 litres.

That sculpted solo saddle and a 16-inch rear wheel (instead of the Classic 350’s 18-inch) means the Goan manages to drop the seat height by 55mm to 750mm, but ground clearance remains at 170mm. It’s also worth noting the wheels are ‘edge-laced’, meaning the spokes hook into the outer edges of the rim. These are combined with tubeless tyres as standard, unlike the Classic 350, which has tubed and tubeless tyre options.

The suspension, made up of non-adjustable 41mm telescopic forks up front and twin coilover shocks with six-step pre-load at the rear, is the same as the Classic 350, as are the brakes – a single 300mm front disc with twin-piston floating caliper, and 270mm rear disc with single-piston caliper.

Despite its cut-down bobber aesthetic, the Goan Classic 350 is 2kg heavier than the Classic 350, at 197kg wet.

Bold and Bright

As a “four-stroked, sun-soaked hippie machine,” the Goan Classic 350 had to have colour options to suit. Of the three available colours, Shack Black and Rave Red are relatively mild, adding subtle patterning (Shack Black), or scallops and striping (Rave Red), plus a mix of gloss and matte finishes that are enhanced by the retro whitewall tyres.

These two also feature tank badges that are reminiscent of the die cast brass badges seen on the 120th Anniversary Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650 from 2021.

Trip Teal leans more heavily into the psychedelic era, accenting bold metallic teal green paint on the tinware with orange rims and an orange centre section on the tank with mandala patterning. Trip Teal also gets a chromed exhaust that’s not available for the other colour options.

Standard Tech, Comfortable Spec

Being an entry-level model, tech on the Goan Classic 350 is limited to LED lighting (including the indicators), a USB-C charging port and the mandatory dual-channel ABS.

Instrumentation in the signature ‘casquette’ headlight combines an analogue speedometer with a mono LCD screen displaying fuel level, gear position and odometer. Warning lights are incorporated into the speedo. Royal Enfield’s app-based Tripper navigation system is fitted as standard, positioned in the lower right of the casquette, with the ignition in the lower left.

Even with its mid-ape handlebars, riding position on the Goan Classic 350 remains neutral, with mid-mount footpegs and that low, 750mm seat making it easy for shorter riders to manage.

Pricing and Availability

Pre-orders for the Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350 opened in September, with the first units now in dealerships. Ride away pricing starts at $8,890 for the Shack Black, and $8,990 for Rave Red and Trip Teal. LAMS approved, the Goan Classic 350 is backed by a 3-year unlimited-kilometre warranty with 3-year roadside assistance.

Available accessories include seat and handlebar options, crash bars and a touring screen, plus alternative grips and foot pegs, bar-end mirrors and more. A range of Goa-inspired casual clothing, created in collaboration with Rafu’D, is also available.

See your Royal Enfield dealer for more details, or go to: royalenfield.com.au