Royal Enfield is one of the top motorcycle brands, known for its exceptional build quality and
compelling classic designs. If you want something that stands out in terms of style and beauty,
RE is the way to go. The iconic Royal Enfield Classic 350 has always stayed in style despite
being around for over 70 years. Himalayan, Meteor 350, Interceptor 650, and Continental GT
650 are other top contenders when looking for Royal Enfield bikes. However, there are a few
things to note about Royal Enfield motorcycles before hitting the showroom. Some models, such
as Royal Enfield Himalayan and RE Bullet 350 have higher saddle heights that may present
problems for some riders, especially those below 5.5 feet.
Royal Enfield vs. Other Popular Motorbikes
Royal Enfield motorcycles are quite easy to ride. There's little difference compared to other
brands like Honda, KTM, Suzuki, and Yamaha. If you have experience with these brands or a
scooter, riding new bikes should be easy. However, Royal Enfield bikes are considerably more
involving for beginners, which is expected with any bike. The biggest challenge comes from
RE's seat height, which is slightly higher than the preferences of the average Indian rider. For
instance, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 has a saddle height of 750-800 mm, while the Duke 390's
saddle height sits at 840 mm. Saddle height doesn't necessarily impact riding comfort, but it can
change how you kick start and navigate corners and stops.
Saddle Height and Motorcycle Riding Difficulty
A lower saddle height allows your feet to touch the ground comfortably while you’re seated on
the motorbike. This gives you more control during traffic jams or when you have to make a
sudden stop. You can easily step on the ground and maintain control of the handlebar without
getting off your bike. Motorcycle brands like Honda, BMW, and Pulsar are known to have
variants with low saddle heights to cover a broader range of riders. Naturally, a higher seat
presents issues for shorter riders in places like India. Notwithstanding, it’s not uncommon to see
5.5-foot riders comfortably riding Royal Enfield bikes through the streets of Mumbai.
Tips for Riding a Royal Enfield Motorcycle
Riding a motorcycle should be easy, whether you fancy the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 or the
Hunter 350. All you need is a test ride to determine if you’re comfortable with the bike. Aspects
such as horsepower, build quality, fuel injection, revs, gearbox, and speedometer are more
important. If the bike performs well across all these aspects, features the modern UCE engine
you prefer, and offers excellent rear brake functionality, you can learn how to ride it. For most
riders below 5.5 feet, owning the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 is worth the challenge, even if it takes
a couple of years to master navigating sharp corners and sudden stops. Beginners should learn in
safe open spaces before hitting the road. You should also request a test drive from the showroom
to make sure every lakh spent after that is worth the decision.
Find Your Royal Enfield Motorcycle Today!
Royal Enfield motorbikes are generally designed for people around 5.5 feet and taller. This target
covers the majority of people, so riding your RE should be easy. However, if the saddle height is
too high, Royal Enfield encourages modification. Re-foaming or re-shaping the pillion can give
you extra millimetres, allowing you to enjoy your beloved Royal Enfield Classic 350 or Bullet
350. You can find all the premium RE bikes from FFun Motorcycles dealerships, where we give
you the chance to ride for the first time before deciding.
