Royal Enfield is planning to launch a new motorcycle in every quarter. The new motorcycles will sit between 250cc to 750cc segment and will come with new engine-platform, features and digital solutions. The company has recently introduced the Meteor 350 cruiser motorcycle, which comes as a replacement for the Thunderbird nameplate. The next Royal Enfield motorcycle for our market will be the next-gen Classic 350. In fact, the new Royal Enfield Classic 350 has already been spotted testing several times in India.
When Will It Launch
The RE Meteor 350 was originally planned to be launched in early 2020; however, the launch delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, the new-gen Royal Enfield Classic 350 launch has also been delayed. If reports are to be believed, the new Classic 350 will go on sale in the second quarter of 2021, post April.
Based on new J Platform
The next-gen Classic 350 will be designed and developed on the new modular J platform, which will be used to develop a new breed of RE 350cc motorcycles. In fact, the new Meteor 350 is also based on the same platform. The new J-platform consisting of a new double-cradle frame. Royal Enfield claims that the new chassis is stronger, stiffer and more durable, and is designed for straight-line stability and cornering without compromising on comfort.
Gets 350cc Engine
The upcoming Classic 350 will share the engine-gearbox combination with the new Meteor. It will be powered by a 349cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine with an OHC design. This single-cylinder engine churns out 20.2bhp of power at 6,100rpm and a peak torque of 27Nm at 4,000rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a 6-speed gearbox. Dual channel ABS along with dual-discs will come as standard. For suspension duties, the bike will have telescopic front forks and twin shock absorbers at the rear.
Styling Changes
The spy images reveal that the new Royal Enfield Classic 350 will retain the original classic-look, but it will have noticeable design changes. It will have new fuel tank and alloys, revised tail-lamps and exhaust system, and a semi-digital instrument cluster with an analogue speedometer. Design bits such as retro-styled blinkers, round headlamps and chrome-plated rear view mirrors will be carried over from the current generation.
Competition
The new motorcycle will directly rival the Jawa Classic 300, Honda CB 350 and the Benelli Imperiale 400. In fact, Bajaj-Triumph joint venture is also readying an entry-level Classic/Cruiser motorcycle. TVS will also introduce a new cruiser bike based on the Zeppelin concept.
