CHENNAI: If you have roughly Rs 2.25 lakh to spend on a Royal Enfield this festive season, two of the company's newest additions sit almost side by side on price but could not be more different in purpose. The Classic 350 Signature White was introduced on 22 September from Rs 2,24,275 ex-showroom Chennai. The Himalayan 440, launched on 4 September, is priced at Rs 2,29,000 ex-showroom, and Royal Enfield's product page still lists that figure as of 5 October 2026, 2:30 AM IST.

That is a gap of under Rs 5,000 before registration and insurance. The on-road price in your city will be higher for both, and it is worth getting a written quote from the dealer, since state road tax and insurance plans can change the final number quite a bit.

Here is how the two compare, using only Royal Enfield's own published details.

What each bike is meant for

The Classic 350 is Royal Enfield's long-running retro motorcycle. The company points out that the model dates back to 2008, and it is built around easy city riding and relaxed highway cruising. The Signature White is one of the top-end variants of the Classic 350, sold alongside the Emerald Green Edition.

The Himalayan 440 is an adventure tourer. Royal Enfield describes it as a return to the simple, uncomplicated spirit of the original Himalayan, which first arrived ten years ago with a 411cc engine. The new bike is meant for broken roads, mountain passes and long trips with luggage.

So the first question is not really about price. It is about where you ride most of the time.

Engine and gearbox

The Classic 350 uses the 349cc J-platform single-cylinder engine, air-oil cooled, producing 20.2 bhp at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm, according to Royal Enfield's product page.

The Himalayan 440 uses a new 443cc long-stroke single that makes 25.4 bhp at 6,250 rpm and 34 Nm at 4,000 rpm. It comes with a new six-speed gearbox, which the company says makes low-speed riding easier while the sixth gear helps with relaxed highway cruising.

On paper, the Himalayan has about 5 bhp and 7 Nm more. That extra pull will be most noticeable with a pillion and luggage on board, or on steep climbs.

Chassis, seat and ground clearance

The Himalayan 440 has a half-duplex split-cradle frame, 41mm telescopic forks with 200mm of travel and a linkage-type rear monoshock with 180mm of wheel travel. It runs a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoke wheel combination and has 220mm of ground clearance.

Its seat height is 800mm, and Royal Enfield lists a kerb weight of 199 kg with 90% fuel and oil. The fuel tank holds 15 litres.

The Classic 350 is set up for road use rather than off-road travel, with the emphasis on a relaxed riding position and a comfortable pillion seat. Royal Enfield's Signature White note does not list a seat height for the Classic, so the best way to judge seat comfort and weight is a proper test ride of both bikes back to back at the same dealership.

What the Signature White adds

Royal Enfield's press note lists several features on the Classic 350 Signature White:

Premium brown touring seats for rider and pillion, a new Classic logo on the side panel, a stencil-style decal on the fuel tank and an RE badge on both sides.

An Assist and Slipper Clutch with adjustable clutch and brake levers, which the company says gives lighter clutch action in city traffic and on long rides.

A USB Type-C fast charging port and the Tripper Pod as standard. Tripper gives turn-by-turn navigation paired with your phone.

For many buyers, the lighter clutch and standard navigation are the practical gains here. The colour and seats are the visual draw.

What the Himalayan 440 brings

Royal Enfield offers the Himalayan 440 in three colours: Sela Black, Mustang Brown and Nelong White. Early units carry a ten-year anniversary badge on the fuel tank to mark a decade of the Himalayan name.

The company says the Himalayan brand, across the original model and the current Himalayan 450, has sold over 320,000 units globally. B. Govindarajan, Managing Director of Eicher Motors and CEO of Royal Enfield, said at the launch that the Himalayan 440 "delivers precisely what was asked for", describing it as "a simple, accessible, and uncomplicated adventure tourer".

Which one should you pick?

Choose the Classic 350 Signature White if most of your riding is in the city with occasional weekend highway runs, you want a lighter clutch for stop-start traffic, and you prefer a classic look with a comfortable pillion seat.

Choose the Himalayan 440 if you regularly ride on bad roads or in the hills, plan long trips with luggage, or want the extra power and six-speed gearbox for highway cruising.

If you are still unsure, ride both. The price difference is too small to decide the matter, so comfort and riding style should.

Before you book

Check the current ex-showroom price for your state on the Royal Enfield website, then ask the dealer for an itemised on-road quote that shows road tax, registration, insurance and any accessories separately. Do not pay for accessories you did not ask for. Confirm the colour and expected delivery date in writing.

Royal Enfield's range also extends to community rides through the season, including the Tiger Heartland ride with MP Tourism this month. If you are considering a sportier naked bike in a similar budget, our story on the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z covers its latest update.

Official details are in Royal Enfield's Classic 350 Signature White press note, the Himalayan 440 launch release and the Himalayan 440 product page.