10 Royal Enfield Motorcycles That Celebrate Simplicity
Motorcycles are fun because they are simple, lightweight fun. Along the way, as with all things, they have progressed, and this ‘progress’ has meant increased horsepower, technology, and rider assists. They’re getting faster, more luxurious, and forgetting about their roots. In all this rush to be modern, there is one legacy manufacturer that puts out throwback motorcycles that go against the grain.
But that only increases their appeal, because they celebrate the very things that attract us to two wheels – simplicity, and the true freedom that comes with knowing that there isn’t anything on the bike that you can’t fix yourself with basic tools. Here are ten of the best Royal Enfield motorcycles that celebrate that very simplicity.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350
Price: $4,299
The Hunter 350 is a Royal Enfield that is quite unlike a Royal Enfield in that it has a compact form factor with 17-inch wheel rims at both ends. It competes with regular naked bikes at the price, unlike the other cruisers Royal Enfield is known for at this end of the market.
Its small size definitely widens its appeal, but the fans of traditional Royal Enfields will probably not like it very much. Still, it is the ideal beginner motorcycle that won’t break the bank. Oh and, you could also find old examples from MY24/MY25 priced at around $200-300 less.
Royal Enfield Bullet 350
Price: $4,799
If you do like traditional Royal Enfields, then you will definitely like the Bullet 350. This uses the same J-series 349 cc single-cylinder engine as the Hunter, but it has the traditional Royal Enfield motorcycle around it. That means pinstripes, a round headlamp, and spoke wheels that measure 19 inches in the front and 18 inches at the rear are all standard.
It has touches of modernity that were updated in 2024; the instrument cluster is now part-digital and dual-channel ABS is available as well. It can be difficult to stay loyal to your heritage while moving forward, but the Bullet 350 seems to have done it perfectly.
Royal Enfield Classic 350
Price: $4,999
The Classic 350 used to be priced the exact same as the Bullet 350, but since then the two have diverged a little bit with a few updates on the Classic. This is the more stylish, modern-retro of the two, and it distinguishes itself with a split seat. The pillion seat is removable, and you can have the classic, old-school, sprung-seat look to it.
You can also spec it with alloy wheels, which are the two things that distinguish it from the Bullet 350, although mechanically they are identical. We still hanker after the original Classic’s upswept exhaust pipe, though. A decent feature-set also brings it up to date with the times.
Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350
Price: $4,999
If either the Bullet or the Classic 350 do not tickle your fancy, there is always this, the Goan Classic 350. It looks like something out of an Austin Powers fever dream, and that is by choice. It does have some significant changes compared to the Classic 350.
The footpegs are a little more forward-set, the mini-ape handlebars keep your wrists higher than usual, the fenders are chopped, the exhaust is slash-cut, and the rear wheel is a 16-inch one with a taller rear tire to compensate. Oh, and there are whitewall tires! If you want the coolest-looking cruiser as a first-time buyer, there is probably nothing better than a Goan Classic 350.
Royal Enfield Meteor 350
Price: $5,099
The Meteor 350 is the true cruiser among the 350 cc lineup in the Royal Enfield stable, taking over from the Thunderbird. Unlike the Thunderbird, it is a thoroughly modern product, replete with a blacked-out driveline (but a chrome exhaust) and alloy wheels.
Its mechanical simplicity—an SOHC, two-valve head, and five-speed gearbox—is matched with features like a speedo with a floating needle. This was also the first model to get the ‘tripper’ TFT pod, which was the first time tech like this was put on a Royal Enfield. With its massive tank range, it brings easy cruising to new riders.
Royal Enfield INT 650
Price: $6,149
The INT 650 (Interceptor in other markets) was the first of the 650 cc products from the brand, and heralded a new age for Royal Enfield. It is the first-ever twin-cylinder engine from the brand, and it seems to have got it right. This is one of the products that is truly global, with different positioning in different markets.
It hasn’t needed any true mechanical updates since its launch in 2018, and there was a lot to like about it back then. That just goes to show how right RE got it the first time with this platform. All of the above has also proven rather reliable over the years.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650
Price: $6,349
The Continental GT 650 is the INT’s twin, and where the latter is a standard motorcycle, this is a café racer. Its sporty credentials, coupled with the driveline that it shares with the other 650 cc models, make it the most powerful Royal Enfield motorcycle ever.
It also helps that it makes its peak power at slightly lower revs than the INT. It has a slight premium of $200 over the INT 650, but if you are a fan of retro sporty bikes, it is well worth it.
Royal Enfield Shotgun 650
Price: $7,299
If neither a café racer nor a standard motorcycle are what you want, then the Shotgun 650 with its bobber styling should be a good alternative. It does look appealing to a younger audience as well, with the blacked-out engine, pea shooter exhausts, alloy wheels, bar-end mirrors, and the single-seater aesthetic.
The pillion seat is an optional extra, but the pillion footpegs seem to be a standard feature. Another part of its aggressive, youthful appeal is the inverted front forks, although the brand has stopped shy of offering a radial front brake caliper. This is a very underrated product that gets overlooked by everyone.
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Price: $7,899
The Super Meteor 650 is the cruiser variant in the Royal Enfield 650 cc lineup, and is possibly the most complete design of them all. It backs up its looks with performance and handling so satisfying, it makes bigger bikes feel unnecessary. The road presence is rather American in a way.
It is also, surprisingly, the first 650 cc model with the inverted front forks from Showa. Unfortunately, the rear suspension is notorious for being harsh, so the touring seat is a necessity. Still, it harkens back to the simple cruisers that made you want to spend days in the saddle with no destination but the horizon.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 411
Price: $4,235 (used, MY2023)
The Himalayan 450 has been around for a couple of years now, and it has been better than anyone expected by a fair margin. However, it stands on the shoulders of giants. This giant, in fact – the Himalayan 411. The 411 was the first RE that was truly capable of going off-road. It has a lovely chassis, suspension that absorbs everything, and possibly the best pillion seat in its class.
One can’t deny that it feels dated now, but its simplicity and capability are what made it so popular and paved the way for the Himalayan 450. Happily for fans of the 411, it might be making a comeback soon in a different avatar with the Scram’s 440 cc engine and a six-speed gearbox, but that’s a story for another day.
Source: Royal Enfield Motorcycles
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