Royal Enfield Classic

Mumbai-based Maratha Motorcycles’ Asura build is unlike the usual kind of Royal Enfield mods
Chennai-based motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield discontinued its ‘UCE 500’ single-cylinder range ahead of BS6 emission norms. Rising competition and reduced demand were the key reasons for phasing out the decade-old air-cooled single-cylinder chassis. Furthermore, the British-origin brand’s highly desirable 650 Twins, Interceptor and Continental GT were available at a reasonable price jump over the ‘500’ models.
Royal Enfield Asura

Mumbai-based bike builders Maratha Motorcycles has taken a rather unique approach whilst creating the Asura (based on a BS4 Royal Enfield ‘UCE 500’ chassis). Maratha Motorcycles states that the “sports cruiser” is inspired by a “Transformers beast”; quite possibly a Decepticon. The final result may not impress everyone but one cannot deny that it stands different from the usuals.
Notable design and styling elements include custom LED headlamp and tail lamp setups, LED fog lamps, sculpted 20-litre fuel tank, USD front forks, rear monoshock suspension, drag handlebar, bar-end mirrors, single-sided swingarm, belt-drive and several revamped styling bits.

Maratha Motorcycles’ Asura project is finished in a satin gold shade (against a gloss black theme). It rides on 120/70ZR (F) and 240/45ZRA (R) tyres shod on black alloy wheels. The diamond-outlet exhaust system was made completely in-house at Maratha Motorcycles.
Royal Enfield ‘500’ Specs
In its final format, the Royal Enfield ‘UCE 500’ line was powered by BS4-compliant 499cc air-cooled FI single-cylinder engine good for 27.2bhp @ 5,250rpm and 41.3Nm @ 4,000rpm. Transmission duties were done by a 5-speed unit. A stock Royal Enfield Classic 500 weighs roughly 196kg and has a fuel tank capacity of 13.5 litres. ‘UCE 500’ models might never make a return even in OHC format like the upcoming new-gen ‘UCE 350’.
As a worthy tribute, Royal Enfield had introduced the limited-run ‘Classic 500 Tribute Black’ in BS4 format itself. It carried some exclusive styling bits and an ‘End of Build’ serial number plaque. Royal Enfield was able to find a decent number of takers via its dedicated online sales page. Meanwhile, the company is almost ready with its next-gen ‘UCE 350’ lineup that starts with the Meteor 350 (Thunderbird 350/350X replacement).
Hardcore Royal Enfield fans still find charm in the ‘500’ range, especially the Classic 500. Owing to this, the motorcycle sees considerable demand in the used market. It has also become a platform for motorcycle builders to test out their creativity. However, Royal Enfield’s single-cylinder range cannot achieve the form-function balance associated with 650 Twin mods. The entry-level parallel-twin middleweight siblings have become really popular in foreign markets due to their value for money. More

The big block upgrade for the engine has resulted in significant increase in the power output
We come across numerous examples of custom Royal Enfields on daily basis but once in a while, something exceptional pops up. We think, this Royal Enfield Vajra, a custom Classic 500 executed by Ludhiana-based Cycle City Customs is one such outlier which not only has its looks going for it but also has performance to back it up.
The lustrous cafe racer

Cycle City Customs transformed the Royal Enfield Classic 500 into a shiny and sporty cafe racer. The red finished chassis and custom saddle in combination with contrasting polished aluminium bodywork is an absolute head turner. The low-set clip-on handlebar, custom rear sub-frame and swing arm are aimed at offering an authentic cafe racer riding experience.
The Royal Enfield Vajra also ditches its stock suspension in favor of a WP inverted telescopic front fork from a KTM and a rear monoshock. The 2012 Classic 500’s braking system has also replaced. The front end receives a larger disc while the rear drum brake has been ditched in favour of a disc unit with steel braided lines.

Completing the upgraded handling package is a set of Pirelli rubbers and aluminium spoke wheels. At 154 kg, Royal Enfield Vajra is a good 43 kg lighter than the stock bike and that should make a sea of difference when it comes to performance.
Royal Enfield Vajra’s tweaked engine
Speaking of performance, the Royal Enfield Vajra benefits from a comprehensive overhaul with performance parts sourced from Hitchcock Motorcycles UK. The 500 cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine receives a big block which increases the displacement to 612 cc. New gaskets, a K&N air filter, upgraded bearings and a high-compression Wossner piston and Dynojet PC5 plug-in ECU work together to pump out a healthy 40 hp. A quick shifter and custom exhaust have also been thrown in tune up the sporty quotient further.
While 40 hp on a 154 kg motorcycle doesn’t sound path breaking in this era of KTM-dominated medium displacement segment, a stock Royal Enfield Classic 500 customer will find the Vajra very aptly named (translates to thunderbolt in Sanskrit). For comparison, the Classic 500 has 27.2 hp lugging a kerb weight of 197 kg. Cycle City Customs claims that the Vajra is capable of breaching a top-speed of 180 kmph!
In short, the Royal Enfield Vajra is a consummate custom motorcycle which certainly looks the part and has top-notch mechanical components which, at least on paper, should offer a gratifying riding experience. More

Chakan-based Reddy Customs calls its unique Royal Enfield Classic 350 mod as Gangster
Royal Enfield is almost ready with the next-gen ‘UCE 350’ single-cylinder range, which starts with the much-awaited Meteor 350. It is essentially a replacement to Royal Enfield’s phased-out BS4-compliant Thunderbird 350 and 350X siblings. The Chennai-based motorcycle manufacturer is working on another product called Hunter 350. Both motorcycles use the same power plant that supposedly features OHC (Overhead Cam) instead of the present tappet-valve arrangement.

Royal Enfield initially planned to launch the next-gen ‘UCE 350’ lineup around the time when India shifted to BS6 emission norms. However, various hiccups made the brand update the existing ‘350’ models to BS6 specifications. On the other hand, the higher ‘UCE 500’ models were discontinued in BS4 format due to poor demand. They are still manufactured for exports. The Classic 350 continues to be the bestseller in Royal Enfield’s domestic portfolio.
Over the months, we have shared multiple modified Classic 350 examples. Unlike the range-topping ‘650 Twins’, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 (or any other ‘UCE 350’ model) may not be the best option to attain a decent balance between enhanced looks and healthy performance.
Single Seater RE Mod

Chakan-based automotive customisation company Reddy Customs has created an interesting neo-retro motorcycle over a Classic 350 BS4. Dubbed ‘Gangster’, the modification follows a gloss black/orange theme alongside silver accents. Both fenders have been chopped and upgraded with custom elements. Its single-seat layout bends well with the fuel tank that packs a pair of extended shrouds.
Handlebars, switchgear, mirrors, instrument console, front forks, front spoke wheel, rear suspension and of course, the engine, are some of the few bits remaining stock. The rear wheel and tyre are bigger and wider. It is easily one of the main highlights of the Reddy Customs’ Gangster.

The exhaust system is a cut short unit which seemingly makes a lot of noise (may not be everyone’s favourite note). Other details include a full-LED headlamp with DRL, neatly concealed LED turn signals, custom visors, redesigned battery and filter boxes, tall sump guard, contrast seat stitching, etc. The motorcycle gets disc brakes (familiar units) as well.
Specs
In BS6 format, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 churns out about 20bhp and 28Nm from a 346cc air-cooled single-cylinder with fuel injection. BS4 models (like the one you see here) came with a carburettor. Output figures remain somewhat identical in both instances and transmission duties are done by a 5-speed unit. One can expect a considerable bump in output in the next-gen OHC ‘UCE 350’ models. More