RE Classic 350 Bobber will rival the Jawa Bobber and Perak – Launch expected in coming months
Royal Enfield has an impressive 350cc portfolio based on their new gen J-series platform. We have the Classic 350, Meteor 350 and Hunter 350 motorcycles. There is scope for portfolio expansion as revealed in Royal Enfield’s annual report. At least two more motorcycles will be launched on the J series platform. These are Bullet 350 and Classic 350 Bobber.
Royal Enfield already offers a Classic 350 with a single seat. But they are also working on a Bobber 350, based on Classic 350 which will get slightly more changes. The first-ever RE Classic 350 Bobber test mule has now been spied on test in Chennai. Thanks to automotive enthusiast Prabhu for sharing these exclusive spy shots. From the image, we can see almost everything that is different from the current Classic 350.
Royal Enfield Classic 350 Bobber Spied
Classic 350 is the highest selling RE. It almost touched 25K units sales mark last month. The main draw for this motorcycle it excels in the balancing act. It has a perfect amount of old-world panache, modern tech and riding dynamics. With the Bobber, Royal Enfield is hoping to retain much of it. As such, there are no changes to design and body panels.
Wheelbase looks the same as the C350. Thus retaining the ride and handling behaviour of Classic 350. New blackened and beefier exhaust, a new taller handlebar, blackened ORVMs, blackened wire-spoke rims, teal-walled tyres and rear tail lights and indicators from Super Meteor 650 are the only changes we can spot.
LED headlight from Super Meteor is expected. The recent test mule was seen wearing emission testing equipment with the new exhaust, which looks like a larger unit as compared to current Classic 350. Exhaust tip is much larger in aperture and could unlock a bass-heavy aural experience.
The handlebar is tall and reminds of custom Choppers from the West. It enables an upright seating position and a relaxed rider’s triangle. Single seat looks good enough to provide optimum comfort. The 349cc air/oil-cooled engine will generate 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm, coupled with a 5-speed gearbox. A dual-channel ABS could be standard.
The Bobber space in India to get a new champion?
We would have liked an extended wheelbase. Because that is what makes a Bobber, a Bobber. Both Jawa Perak and 42 Bobber perfectly encapsulate this with a 1,485 mm wheelbase. If RE Bobber 350 gets the 1,390 mm wheelbase, which is same as seen on Classic 350, it could come off as a regular Classic 350 with an aftermarket exhaust and handlebar.
Jawa Bobber price is Rs. 2,09,187 (ex-sh). RE Classic 350 Bobber prices are expected to be in a similar range. Launch is expected later this year. Upon launch it will rival Jawa Bobber and Perak, which offers a more performant engine (30.2 bhp and 32.7 Nm), liquid-cooling setup, 6-speed gearbox, fatter rear tyres and that quintessential Bobber look, among others.
Source: Bike - rushlane.com
