No School like Old School

USUALLY, WHEN I SIT DOWN TO WRITE a comparison story, there is a clear winner in my mind; the one motorcycle that stands head and shoulders above the rest and delivers on all the parameters that matter to buyers in the segment. However, it hasn’t been as easy choosing among the three motorcycles here; each of them takes a slightly different approach to capture a share of the growing retro market, and each does a fantastic job in its own right. So, let’s dive right in and see which one comes out on top.

Launched a couple of years ago, the Benelli Imperiale 400 is the oldest motorcycle here and was our pick of the retro bikes on sale up to last year. It beat the Royal Enfield Classic 350 at its own game with a smoother motor and better performance, and felt miles ahead of the reborn Jawas. But the game has moved on this year as Royal Enfield’s new Meteor 350 finally brings the manufacturer’s single-cylinder platform into the 21st century, and Honda too are looking for a piece of the action with their oddly named H’ness CB 350.

Let’s start with the design, since image is an extremely important consideration for anyone shopping in this segment. The Benelli features the most period-correct look, with its long and low-slung profile, oversized fenders, spoked wheels, and sprung rider’s seat. If authenticity is what you’re looking for in a retro-styled motorcycle, you will naturally gravitate towards the Benelli, which successfully manages to look like