Royal Enfield has been testing several new motorcycles including the new-gen Classic 350 and an all-new 650cc cruiser. Adding to it, the company is also testing a new motorcycle, which is rumoured to be called the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. This model will be positioned against the Honda CB350 RS.
The new generation Royal Enfield Classic 350 is likely to be launched in the coming months, before Diwali 2021. The Classic is currently one of the best-selling Royal Enfield’s in our market. With comprehensive upgrades, Royal Enfield aims to further boost sales in the fast growing 300cc to 500cc motorcycle segment.
New-gen Royal Enfield 350 will be based on the new twin downtube spine frame, which also underpins the Meteor 350 cruiser. Called the J1D architecture, the new platform will be used to develop new breed of Royal Enfield 350cc motorcycles. This platform is claimed to have improved the overall ride quality and characteristics of the Meteor 350, which replaces the popular Thunderbird nameplate. The company has added a balancer shaft to reduce the vibrations, which will improve the overall riding experience.
The new RE Classic 350 will retain the original classic look, but it will have minor design changes. The motorcycle will retain the retro-styled circular headlamp; however, it will get new handlebar grips and switchgear, repositioned grab rails, new turn indicators and sleeker circular LED tail-lamps. The ergonomics and seating comfort will also be improved.
The new-gen Royal Enfield Classic 350 will be equipped with a new digital-analogue instrument console. Adding to it, the bike will also get the Royal Enfield Tripper Navigation System. This system was first introduced in the new Meteor 350 and is also available on the 2021 Himalayan. The Tripper navigation system is jointly developed by RE and Google, and it works by pairing the smartphone via Bluetooth along with the Royal Enfield application.
For braking, the new Classic 350 will get 300mm front disc with twin piston floating caliper and 270mm rear disc with single piston floating caliper. A dual-channel ABS system will come as a standard. The motorcycle will get 19-inch front wheels and 18-inch rear wheels shod with 90/90 and 110/90 section tyres at the front and rear respectively. It will also get alloy wheels as optional. Suspension mechanism will comprise of telescopic front forks and twin gas charged shock absorbers at the rear.
The new RE Classic 350 will be powered by a 349cc, fuel injected engine that is capable of producing a maximum power output of 20.2bhp at 6,100rpm and a peak torque of 27Nm at 4,000rpm. It will be paired to a 5-speed gearbox.
