The Cruiser That Can Make A Daily Commute Something To Look Forward To
The daily commute has a way of turning into a mundane routine. You leave home thinking about traffic, parking, fuel costs, and the inevitable queue that seems to materialize precisely when you are already late. Cars solve some problems, but they also bring plenty of their own baggage.
A motorcycle can strip much of that away. It takes up less space, feels more connected to the road, and can turn even a familiar route into something a little more engaging. The trick, though, is finding one that doesn’t lose its appeal after a few weeks or even months, and the cruiser in our article does exactly that without breaking the bank or your back.
Why A Motorcycle Makes The Daily Grind Better
Less Traffic, Less Fuss
There is an advantage to commuting on two wheels: motorcycles occupy considerably less road space than cars. That doesn’t magically make traffic disappear, but it changes how you interact with it. A motorcycle can feel less cumbersome in a dense urban environment, especially when negotiating tight streets, parking lots, and an endless stream of obstacles that come your way on a commute. Parking, too, becomes easier. A motorcycle can be tucked into spaces that would be useless to a car. You also don’t have to perform a 10-point maneuver if you’re exiting a tight garage space.
A Commuter Doesn’t Have To Be Boring
Now, the best commuter bikes sit in the entry-level class. They’re not the fastest, nor do they have the best electronics, but they come with advantages that you won’t find in the higher segments. Entry-level motorcycles are extremely affordable. They have the best fuel economy and long service intervals, and when it comes to the cost of replacement parts, bigger motorcycles can’t hold a candle to entry-level bikes.
But these bikes don’t have to be boring. Some of the best commuters on the market are the likes of the Honda CB300R, the Royal Enfield Classic 350, and Hunter 350. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, even the Kawasaki Versys X-300 can be used as a daily driver with the added benefit of being a decent entry-level touring bike as well. What these bikes have in common is character, comfort, and a level of fun that you can only have on a small bike in the city. This leads us neatly into our pick.
Meet The Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350
At $4,999, The Goan Classic Delivers Bobber Attitude Without The Bobber Price
The Goan Classic 350 was introduced as a bobber-inspired interpretation of the Classic formula, drawing inspiration from the motorcycle culture of Goa during the 1970s and ‘80s. RE describes it as an expression of that free-spirited, laid-back culture, making it an interesting choice for a commuter.
Imagine going to work on this. There’s no giant engine demanding attention and no enormous adventure-bike silhouette to wrestle through the city. Instead, you get an air/oil-cooled single, a relaxed riding position, a low seat, and enough modern equipment that, despite the calm commute, doesn’t take away from modern convenience.
The Goan Classic 350’s Engine Is Very Easygoing
There is a concept used to describe Goan culture: “Susegad”. It means being relaxed, easygoing, and unhurried. This is what the Goan Classic’s engine feels like. The 349 cc J-platform single-cylinder produces 20 horsepower and 19.9 pound-feet of torque. The engine revs only to 7,000; peak power arrives at 6,100 rpm, and max torque comes in at 4,000 rpm. These numbers don’t signify amazing drag strip performance, but in the city, this engine beats to a rhythm that makes you relax rather than getting you hyped up for the next corner.
The gearbox is another part of the experience. It has just five speeds, which is good. You don’t need to bang through gears when taking off from a stoplight just to go back to neutral at the next one. With peak torque so close to the middle of the rev range, you don’t have to wring the throttle or downshift to overtake either. RE also says the Goan Classic delivers 85 miles per gallon. It even sips fuel lazily.
The Chassis And Ergonomics Also Promote A Relaxed Ride
The Goan Classic uses a twin-downtube spine frame and rides on a 41 mm telescopic fork and rear twin-tube emulsion shock absorbers. Only the rear suspension gets preload adjustment, so you just have to set it once and forget about it. The wheelbase stretches 55 inches, and the seat sits 29.5 inches high. The bike is short enough to relax at a light stop and long enough to calmly cruise in a straight line.
Now, on paper, 434 pounds doesn’t seem light, but that low seat height gives you a planted stance, so you never feel the weight while just standing around. Stopping power comes from a 300 mm front disc and a 270 mm rear disc. Dual-channel ABS is also standard, which is important for a daily rider. Wet roads, painted surfaces, distracted traffic, and emergency braking are all realities of commuting. A modern braking system adds a layer of safety despite the Goan’s old-school styling.
The Goan Classic Is A Daily Rider With A Lot More Personality
Chopped Fenders, Whitewall Tires, And Turn-By-Turn Nav: The Goan Classic’s Daily Package
The Goan Classic’s biggest trick is that it looks like it belongs outside a biker’s bar rather than an office parking lot. Chopped fenders, whitewall tires, a low-slung bobber seat, raised mid-ape handlebars, and bright colorways give it a presence most commuters can’t project. Then there are the details. The classic-family casquette headlamp remains, but it now uses LEDs, as do the other lighting elements. You can get it either as a single-seater or with a passenger seat, and the accessories list is extensive, with luggage options as well, so you can store your daily essentials instead of lugging around a backpack.
As far as technology goes, the Goan Classic is nearly bare-bones. ABS is the only safety aid you get, and the instrument cluster is a digi-analogue dial. An LCD insert serves the digital part, giving you metrics such as fuel level, trip information, and gear position. The Tripper Navigation system, however, also comes as standard, giving you turn-by-turn navigation. There’s a USB Type-C fast-charging port to charge your phone in case you forgot to do that in your race out the door.
The Goan Classic Makes You Look Forward To Your Daily Commute Differently
The Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350 isn’t the bike that makes you rush through your commute. It doesn’t want to go fast. When you ride the Goan Classic, you want to hum lazily to the tune of its engine, pushing past other vehicles only when you absolutely have to. It’s the kind of relaxation you start looking forward to in the morning before the hustle and bustle of the city and in the evening after a hectic day at work.
Source: Royal Enfield
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