Royal Enfield has aggressive plans to expand its product portfolio in the middleweight segment. The company is reportedly gearing up to launch one motorcycle every three months. Spy images and videos have already revealed at least four motorcycles that are scheduled to arrive in the foreseeable future, and here we explain all the details about these upcoming models.
Next-Gen Royal Enfield Classic 350
The next-generation Royal Enfield Classic 350 will receive several mechanical and feature updates. The motorcycle will use a new engine that will utilise the company’s J-Platform. The new 349cc, air and oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine already powers the Royal Enfield Meteor 350. Linked to a five-speed gearbox, the motor produces 20.2bhp and 27Nm. The next-generation Classic 350, too, should make similar power and torque output numbers.
While the power and torque output numbers are similar to the older 350cc engine, the new motor on the Meteor 350 feels punchier and substantially smoother.
In terms of styling, the Classic 350 will retain the overall silhouette of the existing model, and it will be instantly recognisable. The motorcycle will feature minor changes in the form of updated switchgear with the rotary style switches and a semi-digital instrument cluster with a small LCD screen and the Tripper navigation system. Spy images and videos have revealed the Tripper Navigation setup on the next-generation Classic 350, and it looks neatly placed in the cockpit.
The hardware will be similar to the outgoing model, and the next-generation Classic 350 will use telescopic front forks and twin-sided rear springs to perform the shock absorption tasks. The braking setup will include single discs on both wheels while the safety net will be provided by an antilock braking system. Similar to the outgoing version, select variants of the next-generation Classic 350 should be available with alloy wheels while others will use wire-spoke units.
All these updates will come at a cost, and the next-generation Classic 350 should carry a price premium over the outgoing model’s Rs 1.67 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) tag. The motorcycle is expected to arrive in the second half of 2021, although its launch could be preceded by the Hunter 350.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350
The new Royal Enfield Hunter will feature a retro-design, although it will be noticeably different from any existing Royal Enfield motorcycle. The styling cues on the Hunter include a typical retro-styled round headlamp with a chrome bezel, a dual-pod console with Tripper navigation module, a straight handlebar, a single-piece seat, a stubby and short exhaust canister, and alloy wheels. Spy images revealed that most components of the motorcycle will be finished in black that will lend it a modern roadster appeal.
We do not expect to see major changes to the 349cc, air and oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine. Thus, expect the motor on the Hunter to produce the 20.2bhp and 27Nm as it does on the Meteor 350.
The hardware will be pretty basic, and the suspension tasks on the new Royal Enfield Hunter will be handled by telescopic front forks and twin-sided rear springs. The anchoring power will come from single discs on both wheels while the safety net will include antilock braking system.
While the next-generation Classic 350 will rival the Honda HNess CB350, the Hunter 350 will compete against the Honda CB 350 RS and the Jawa 42 version 2.1. Thus, expect the new Royal Enfield Hunter to arrive in the Rs 1.70-Rs 1.90 lakh (ex-showroom) price range. We expect the new Hunter 350 to arrive in the second half of 2021.
Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser
Apart from expanding its 350cc range, Royal Enfield will also bring new models in the 650cc segment. Among the list of upcoming 650cc Royal Enfield motorcycles is a new cruiser-style model. The new 650cc Cruiser from Royal Enfield will pack hardware such as upside-down front forks – a first on Royal Enfield motorcycles, and twin-sided exhaust.
The current Royal Enfield 650cc motorcycles, the Interceptor INT 650 and the Continental GT 650, too, feature a twin-sided exhaust setup. We expect to see similar mechanical specifications for the entire 650cc range. Thus, expect the upcoming Royal Enfield Cruiser motorcycle to use a 648cc, air and oil-cooled, parallel-twin engine that should produce 47bhp of power and 52Nm of peak torque.
The hardware will be different from the Interceptor INT 650 and the Continental GT 650. The suspension setup will include upside-down front forks and twin-sided rear springs. The braking tasks will be handled by disc brakes on both wheels while the safety net will include dual-channel ABS. The Cruiser motorcycle will ride on alloy wheels that will come wrapped in tubeless tyres.
The Tripper Navigation system will also be a part of the package. The rear swept handlebar and forward-set footpegs will deliver typical cruiser-style, relaxed ergonomics.
The new Cruiser will retail in the premium price range, and well above the Interceptor INT 650 and the Continental GT 650. We expect the new cruiser-style model to arrive in the Rs 3.40-3.60 lakh (ex-showroom) price range.
Royal Enfield 650cc Roadster
The 650cc Royal Enfield Cruiser was spotted with a roadster-style motorcycle. Unlike the 650cc Cruiser, this model will feature relatively neutral-set footpegs and flatter handlebars that will deliver a slightly sporty riding position. Spy images have also shown a spacious seating arrangement on the motorcycle, and it should be very comfortable for long-distance rides.
The hardware setup will be similar to the 650cc Cruiser, and this roadster-style model will use upside-down front forks and twin-sided rear springs to handle the suspension tasks. The anchoring power will come from single disc brakes on both wheels while the safety net will include dual-channel ABS.
Similar to the current Royal Enfield 650cc motorcycles, this 650cc roadster will also use a twin-sided exhaust setup. The mechanical specifications should remain similar to the Interceptor INT 650 and the Continental GT 650. Thus, this upcoming Royal Enfield motorcycle should use a 648cc, air and oil-cooled, parallel-twin engine that will deliver 47bhp of power and 52Nm of peak torque.
Pricing will most likely remain in the same range as the 650cc Cruiser, and we expect this roadster-style model to retail in the Rs 3.40-3.60 lakh (ex-showroom) price range. While the launch details are scarce, we expect the 650cc Cruiser and the Roadster to arrive in 2022.
