If you are tired of being placed at the tail end of the convoy every year during the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR), then maybe it’s time to get a proper classic bike.

It's just that the most affordable option from the stable of the event sponsor, Triumph Motorcycles, is the Bonneville T100, which costs ₱775,000. Ouch…

Fortunately, the DGR discriminates against the motorcycle model and not the brand. So, you can opt for a more practical bike from other makers with equally notable heritage.

Royal Enfield Classic 350

You can’t argue Royal Enfield’s more than 100 years of history, and its flagship model, the Classic 350, is based on the legacy of the G2 model, which dates back to 1948. The Classic 350 is practically the same bike with a few minor updates.

Thankfully, its latest iteration, launched early last year, already uses the J-series engine and a new stiffer chassis. While the Classic 350 is a machine inspired by motorcycling in the olden days, the annoying engine vibration it was previously known for is already a thing of the past.    

The Classic 350 is propelled by a 349 cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that generates 14.87 kW and 27 Nm. It retains the powerful low-end grunt perfect for riding in urban traffic.

The 19-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheels complete the classic look, but this bike hides modern features to keep up with the times: a fuel-injection system and dual-channel ABS.

Benelli Imperiale 400

Benelli is another centenarian maker which has been in the business since 1911. The Imperiale 400 is a reinterpretation of a historic model from the Benelli-MotoBi range produced in the 1950s.

At the heart of the Imperiale 400 is a 374cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine with a single overhead camshaft timing system and electronic fuel injection offering maximum fuel economy in any riding condition. It produces 15.5 kW and 29 Nm.

Like the Classic 350, the Imperiale 400 features a 5-speed gearbox, 19-inch front, and 18-inch rear spoke wheels. It also uses fuel injection and is equipped with dual-channel ABS.

Pros and cons

Regarding styling, the Classic 350 and the Imperiale 400 exude proper classic bike character. Still, the Royal Enfield gets an edge over the Benelli by offering nine colorways and theme options for the Classic 350, as opposed to the Imperiale 400’s rather conservative red, black, and silver.

However, the Imperiale 400’s displacement is rounded-off when registered, so it is tollway legal, while the Classic 350 is not.

The Classic 350 is priced at ₱249,000, while the Imperiale 400 sells at ₱238,000. To get either one, you only have to fork out about a third of the cost of the Bonneville T100. How’s that for practicality?

So, which of these two tickles your fancy?