The Royal Enfield Classic 350 BS6 has been officially launched. This is the first BS6 motorcycle from Royal Enfield. Price ranges from Rs 1.65 lakhs to Rs 1.83 lakhs, ex-sh – depending on the colour option.
In addition to launching BS6 variant, Royal Enfield has also launched new colour option, alloy wheels, Fuel injection and tubeless tyres. Fuel Injection is standard on all BS6 variants, while alloys and tubeless tyres are standard on Gunmetal Grey and Stealth Black colour option. Classic Signals continues to be on sale in same colours.
While there are no obvious visual changes, the engine output is also same as before. Max power stands at 19.8 bhp while peak torque is at 28 Nm @ 4k rpm. Transmission is via 5 speed MT.
Priced about Rs 12k higher than the outgoing BS4 model – So what are the changes that lead to a steep price increase? For starters, the engine now benefits from an electronic fuel injection system, replete with an oxygen sensor on the exhaust header. Royal Enfield has also updated the exhaust system with an additional catalytic converter located on the bend pipe.
On the styling front, select colour options will come with standard alloy wheels like the Gunmetal Grey variant. RE is also reported to introduce two new color options – Stealth Black and Chrome Edition to the lineup.
There is not much change in riding dynamics. The engine response more or less remains the same. Thanks to FI, the initial acceleration has improved, while the motorcycle is slightly more responsive. Also, the spoke wheel variants offer better ride quality as compared to alloys.
It is to be noted here that this new BS6 motorcycle launched now, is not the new generation of Classic 350 which has been spied on multiple times for the past few months. It is the same Classic 350 which has been on sale for many years now.
Initially, it was thought that Royal Enfield would kick start the BS6 era with launch of its next generation family of products but a possible delay in development process has prompted the retro classic specialist to update the existing 350 cc models to the new emission standard as an interim measure. The new family of products (Classic, Thunderbird and Bullet) based on the all-new J platform are expected to be ready sometime in the later part of 2020. The prototypes are already out testing extensively.
Royal Enfield has recently trademarked the ‘Hunter’ name, suggesting a new product is in the pipeline. There are also reports that the company is working on a model to specifically target women (smaller 250cc motorcycle).
Alongside the Classic 350 BS6, the company is also expected to launch the BS6 versions of its flagship models, the Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650. Himalayan, Thunderbird 350, Bullet 350 will also get the BS6 update. 500cc models will be discontinued.
