Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs Triumph Speed T4: Only Comfort Matters!

Classic meets the Speed! A comparison we have wanted to do since the T4 arrived.

On one side, we have the Royal Enfield Classic 350, a true icon of Indian roads loved by generations. Known for its timeless appeal and rock-solid reliability, the Classic 350 has been the trusted companion for those who crave nostalgia with a thumping heartbeat.

On the other side, we have the roaring new warrior from the Triumph family, the Speed T4. It is the most affordable motorcycle from the British brand. It looks modern and has a beefy engine that wants to teach the Classic 350 some new tricks.

Will the Classic 350's old-school charm and mature performance help it hold its ground? Or, is it time to make way for the Speed T4’s fresh energy?

Let’s dive into this legendary face-off!

Royal Enfield Classic 350 vs Triumph Street T4 

Targeted riders

Before I dive deep into the specifications, let me clarify the age group and the kind of riders these motorcycles are targeting. 

The Classic 350 is the old reliable – a motorcycle that's all about no-nonsense old-school riding. The Classic has a reputation for reliability, which has only been strengthened with the new 349.34cc J-series engine. The Classic is all about a comfortable and mature ride experience, whether in the city or on highways.

On the other hand, the Speed T4 wants to impress commuters with its energetic performance profile. Utilising the same 398.14cc engine as the Speed 400, the T4 is after Classic 350 riders and fan club, with a mission to show how you can have a relaxed ride while possessing enough grunt to pull off those quick overtakes. 

The seat height of the Triumph Speed T4 is 806mm and the Classic 350 is almost the same at 805mm. Therefore, the accessibility of both bikes is going to be similar.

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Performance

The Classic 350 is equipped with a 4-stroke air-cooled 349.34cc engine, delivering 20.2 bhp at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm at 4,000 RPM. Its competitor, the Triumph Speed T4, features a 4-valve liquid-cooled 398.15cc engine that generates a peak power of 30.6 bhp at 7,000 rpm and 36 Nm at 5,000 RPM. The Royal Enfield Classic 350 utilises a 5-speed gearbox while the Triumph Speed T4 is equipped with a 6-speed gearbox.

Both engines offer sufficient power for daily commuting needs, although the Speed T4 is more aggressive in performance than the Royal Enfield Classic 350. While both motorcycles perform well in urban environments, the Triumph Speed T4’s higher speed capability makes it a preferable choice for urban riding over the relaxed pace of the Royal Enfield Classic 350.

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Suspension and wheel size

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is equipped with 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels while the Triumph T4 is fitted with 17-inch wheels. The Classic 350 is available in multiple variants, with the top variant featuring alloy wheels. In contrast, the T4 is offered in a single variant only with alloy wheels. For Classic 350 buyers, opting for alloy wheels can be beneficial in minimising the inconvenience of punctures.

Both motorcycles are equipped with semi-digital instrument clusters. The Classic 350 showcases a retro-style circular instrument cluster. The same goes for the Triumph Speed T4.

Range

Both motorcycles come with a similar 13-litre fuel tank. Due to its more powerful engine, the Triumph Speed T4 may deliver approximately 27 km/l of fuel efficiency while the Classic 350 is expected to deliver around 35 km/l. Consequently, the overall range of the Classic 350 will be greater than that of the Triumph Speed T4.

Conclusion

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 starts at INR 193,000 (ex-showroom price, Delhi) while the Triumph Speed T4 starts at INR 217,000 (ex-showroom price, Delhi).  

The Classic 350 has been the benchmark for old-school retro roadsters over the decades and the arrival of the Speed T4 doesn't change anything. It is larger and offers an imposing road presence. The sofa-like ride quality and the reliable J-series engine with its relaxed performance profile make the Classic 350 more appealing to riders seeking a mature motorcycle. The lower starting price also makes it a sweeter deal. 

The Triumph Speed T4 is pricey in comparison. The extra pennies you spend on this Triumph get you an energetic engine with a refined performance profile, a sleek and modern design, agile performance and the entry into the elite Triumph club. This is best suited for those who seek a refreshing change from the age-old Classic 350. 

Whichever motorcycle you choose, both of them will leave an everlasting smile on your face.

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