After the success of 650 twins, Royal Enfield will be launching the new Scrambler, aka Trials siblings in India tomorrow, on March 27. Trials 350 and Trials 500 will be based on the Classic platform and they will be positioned as off-road scramblers.
Names that were being discussed earlier included both ‘Scrambler’ and ‘Trials’, but dealerships have revealed that Trials name has been finalized by Royal Enfield. Trials name was already used for a Royal Enfield bike in international markets, which came with unique features such as upswept exhaust, raised handlebar and dual-purpose tyres.
Indian-spec Royal Enfield Trials will be identical to the international variant and most parts and features will be based on the Classic. Some features will also be derived from new 650 platform such as headlamps that have standard halogen bulb instead of LEDs. Illumination should not be a concern, as 650 twins have already proven their capabilities for night riding. Trials will make a striking pose with its glossy chrome panels and a contrasting colour on the frame and swingarm. It will also get a prominent ‘Royal Enfield’ badge in 3D on tank and fork gaiters.
As compared to Classic motorcycle, the bars on Trials appear to be raised and a bit wider. It can comprise of a braced member, something similar that can be seen on Interceptor 650. RE can also offer it as an accessory. Trials does not have a pillion seat and instead, it comes with a luggage rack. No pillion seat also means that it won’t be required to install the mandatory saree guard.
Trials twins will be powered by 350 cc and 500 cc engines. It is unlikely that RE will change engine configuration because both units already have required level of low-down torque. The most distinguishing feature of Trials is its uniquely designed upswept exhaust. It looks a bit radical and new users may take some time to accept it in their minds. We wonder if RE could have used a curvy exhaust pipe instead of choosing the unusual sharp bend in the middle. And what about the quintessential Royal Enfield thump? We will get to know soon!
Key features will include front and rear disc brakes, dual-channel ABS, telescopic front forks and dual rear shocks. Switchable ABS is unlikely since even RE Himalayan does not offer that feature. 19/18-inch wheels will be the same as Classic, but tyres used will be dual-purpose, most likely Ceat’s GRIPP. Considering the added features, Trials could cost around Rs 10-20k more than Classic. This will make Trials 350 the most affordable scrambler motorcycle in India.
