ElectricVehicleWeb has obtained pictures of the next-gen Royal Enfield Classic 350 tested with alloy wheels and wind deflector from reader Anish in Chennai. While the bike has once been spied testing with the wind deflector, this is the first time it’s testing also with alloy wheels.
Royal Enfield will be introducing new-gen motorcycles this year in a phased manner. The all-new Classic 350 will use Royal Enfield’s all-new chassis built for better ride quality and a brand-new fuel-injected engine for better performance. The current Classic 350 is powered by a 346 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that makes 20 PS of power at 5,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 28 Nm at 4,000 rpm. It has been updated to BS6 norms in an ad-hoc basis for the model to remain on sale until the next-gen series becomes showroom-ready.
The design of the second generation Classic 350 benefits from a revised fuel tank, new exhaust, shorter rear fender, revised tail lamp, new air filter box and grab rails. While the rear disc has been moved to the right side, the chain and sprocket now shift to the left. The new 350 will not have a kick-start and the instrument cluster will also be updated with semi-digital instrument console featuring an analogue speedometer and a digital display for other information.
Upcoming Royal Enfield bikes in 2020
It is reported in the media that Royal Enfield will introduce two other bikes this year (apart from the next-generation Classic spotted here) starting with the Royal Enfield Explorer/Royal Enfield Hunter/Royal Enfield Roadster – a scrambler-type model (codename: J1C) with a low seat height and kerb weight that makes it an ideal model for beginners and female riders which the company sees as a conquest sales model. The second motorcycle is its entry-level cruiser, with the same engine, that is expected to be called the Royal Enfield Meteor/Royal Enfield Grand Meteor, slotting beneath or replacing the Thunderbird that is set to move upmarket gaining the Interceptor’s 650 cc engine in the coming years.
Royal Enfield electric motorcycle is now a reality
Royal Enfield is also working on an electric motorcycle and this project appears to be in the beginning stage today. Vinod Dasari, CEO – Royal Enfield, has said at its technology centre in the UK, one of Royal Enfield’s two R&D centres, engineers have already fitted an electric powertrain to an existing model to conduct tests. Though the Royal Enfield electric motorcycles are a few years away, it will be exciting to watch how the brand is going to get approval from its cult following on the shift to electric and very importantly preserve the signature “thump” that makes a Royal Enfield a Royal Enfield!
