Motorcycles are fun because they are simple, light fun. Along the way, like all things, they’ve progressed, and this ‘progress’ means increases in horsepower, technology and rider aids. They are becoming faster, more luxurious and forgetting about their roots. In this race to be modern, there is one old manufacturer that offers throwback motorcycles that go against the grain.
But that only adds to their allure, because they celebrate the same things that attract us to two wheels – simplicity, and the true freedom that comes from knowing there’s nothing on a bike you can’t fix with basic tools. Here are the ten best Royal Enfield motorcycles that celebrate that same simplicity.
royal enfield hunter 350
Price: $4,299
The Hunter 350 is a Royal Enfield that is quite different from the Royal Enfield in that it has a compact form factor with 17-inch wheel rims at both ends. In terms of pricing it competes with the regular naked bike, unlike the other cruisers that Royal Enfield is known for at this end of the market.
Its small size definitely increases its appeal, but traditional Royal Enfield enthusiasts may not like it much. Still, it’s the ideal beginner motorcycle that won’t break the bank. Oh and, you can also find older examples of MY24/MY25 priced around $200-300 less.
Royal Enfield Bullet 350
Price: $4,799
If you like traditional Royal Enfields, you will definitely love the Bullet 350. It uses the same J-series 349 cc single-cylinder engine as the Hunter, but has more traditional Royal Enfield motorcycles around it. That means pinstripes, a round headlamp, and spoke wheels that measure 19 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear are all standard.
It has a touch of modernity that was updated in 2024; The instrument cluster is now part-digital and dual-channel ABS is also available. It can be difficult to stay true to its heritage moving forward, but the Bullet 350 has done it well.
Royal Enfield Classic 350
Price: $4,999
The Classic 350 was priced exactly the same as the Bullet 350, but since then the Classic has received a few updates with some minor differences. It’s the more stylish, modern-retro of the two, and it stands out with the split seat. The pillion seat is removable, and you can give it a classic, old-school, sprung-seat look.
You can also see it with alloy wheels, which are the two things that differentiate it from the Bullet 350, although mechanically they are similar. However, we still yearn for the original Classic’s upswept exhaust pipes. A good feature-set also brings it up to date with time.
Royal Enfield Goa Classic 350
Price: $4,999
If either the Bullet or the Classic 350 doesn’t appeal to you, there’s always the Goa Classic 350. It looks like an Austin Powers fever dream, and that’s by choice. There are some important changes compared to the Classic 350.
The footpegs are set a little more forward, the mini-ape handlebars keep your wrists higher than normal, the fenders are chopped, the exhaust is slash-cut, and the rear wheel is a 16-incher with a taller rear tire to compensate. Oh, and there are whitewall tires! If you want the best looking cruiser as a first-time buyer, there is probably nothing better than the Goa Classic 350.
royal enfield meteor 350
Price: $5,099
Taking over from the Thunderbird in Royal Enfield’s 350cc lineup, the Meteor 350 is a true cruiser. Unlike the Thunderbird, it’s a thoroughly modern product, complete with blacked-out driveline (but with chrome exhaust) and alloy wheels.
Its mechanical simplicity—an SOHC, two-valve heads and a five-speed gearbox—is matched by features like a speedo with a floating needle. It was also the first model to get the ‘Tripper’ TFT pod, marking the first time such technology was fitted to a Royal Enfield. With its huge tank range, it brings easy travel for 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 it ushered in a new era for Royal Enfield. This is the brand’s first twin-cylinder engine, and it seems to have got it right. It is one of those products that is truly global, with different positioning in different markets.
It hasn’t needed any real mechanical updates since its launch in 2018, and there was a lot to like about it in that time. This shows how RE got it right the first time with this platform. All of the above have also proven to be quite reliable over the years.
Royal Enfield Continental GT 650
Price: $6,349
The Continental GT 650 is the twin of the INT, and where the latter is a standard motorcycle, this one is a café racer. Its sporty credentials, coupled with the driveline it shares with other 650 cc models, make it the most powerful Royal Enfield motorcycle ever.
It also helps that it makes its peak power at a slightly lower speed than the INT. It carries a slightly higher $200 premium compared to the INT 650, but if you’re a fan of retro sporty bikes, it’s worth it.
royal enfield shotgun 650
Price: $7,299
If you want neither a café racer nor a standard motorcycle, then the Shotgun 650 with bobber styling should be a good choice. With the blacked-out engine, pea shooter exhaust, alloy wheels, bar-end mirrors and single-seater aesthetic, it also looks attractive to the young audience.
The pillion seat is an optional extra, but pillion footpegs appear to be a standard feature. Another part of its aggressive, youthful appeal are the inverted front forks, although the brand has stopped shy of offering a radial front brake caliper. This is a very underrated product that everyone ignores
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Price: $7,899
The Super Meteor 650 is the cruiser variant in the Royal Enfield 650 cc lineup, and probably has the most complete design of them all. It blends its looks with performance and handling so satisfying that it makes the bigger bike feel unnecessary. The street presence is kind of American.
Surprisingly, it is also Showa’s first 650 cc model with inverted front forks. Unfortunately, the rear suspension is notorious for being stiff, so a touring seat is a necessity. Still, it’s reminiscent of those simple cruisers that made you want to spend the day in the saddle with no destination other than the horizon.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 411
Price: $4,235 (Used, MY2023)
The Himalayan 450 has been around for a few years, and it has been better than anyone expected by a fair margin. However, it stands on the shoulders of giants. This giant, indeed – the Himalayan 411. The 411 was the first RE that was truly capable of going off-road. It’s got a beautiful chassis, suspension that soaks up everything, and possibly the best pillion seat in its class.
One cannot deny that it looks old now, but its simplicity and capability is what made it so popular and paved the way for the Himalayan 450. Happily for 411 fans, it may soon make a comeback in a different avatar with the Scram’s 440 cc engine and six-speed gearbox, but that’s a story for another day.
Source: Royal Enfield Motorcycles
