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  • Royal Enfield Launches Mobile App – Classic, Bullet, Himalayan, 650 Twins

    Royal Enfield has introduced a new dedicated app for its customers which provides a number of functionalities
    The Chennai based bike maker, as of recently, is coming out with many customer centric conveniences to make their lives a little easy. Now, with the new app Royal Enfield consumers may avail of many services from the comfort of their home without having to step outside.
    Services Offered Though The App

    This New Mobile App caters to all– new, prospective as well as existing customers of Royal Enfield. Prospective buyers can purchase their new motorcycles by booking through the app. They can select a certain model with the preferred variant and colour options. The payment options are also integrated into the app. The bike can be collected from their selected nearby dealership with the final payment to be made at the showroom.
    The new app also gives people to register themselves for Royal Enfield rides and events. One can even save his/her rides and routes and share it with their peers. Bikers can also join their friends for rides or create their own rides and head out for an adventure. Apart from this, people can also book their servicing slots at a nearby service station as per their convenience and mention the issues they are facing with their motorcycles.

    Royal Enfield Mobile App screenshots
    Royal Enfield is also providing pick-up and drop facilities at the service stations. Also, the new app lets you surf through DIY guides that help you fix minor issues yourself and also help you get prepared for the next ride. In addition, the app also helps you contact roadside assistance in case of an emergency. All these services are provided so that the consumers need not have to visit the showrooms and service stations unnecessarily.
    Initial Reviews of RE App
    Some customers have found issues with this new Royal Enfield App. One star review by Ajay Sharma states – “A lot is wrong with this app. The development of the app is quite poor. It is confused in itself and the coding is misplaced. If you have decided to come up with an app, you have to ensure ease and user friendliness which is completely missing. The app misses to fulfill the basic purpose of service booking and purchase booking as it fails to provide the essentials required by a customer while doing either. Please look into it and get it fixed. Don’t let this app be a bloat on the legend RE.”

    Royal Enfield Mobile App screenshots
    To this, RE has replied, “Hi Ajay, thank you for sharing your experience with the Royal Enfield App. At the moment, the app has been launched with an initial set of features. However, we assure you we plan to keep adding new features over time.”
    Upcoming Bikes From Royal Enfield
    While social distancing has become the general norm for everyday life, this app will go a long way in providing hassle-free services to people in these trying times. Currently, Royal Enfield has five motorcycles under its product portfolio. These are Classic 350, Bullet 350, Himalayan, Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. The company is also preparing the launch for its upcoming bike- the Meteor 350 which is set to replace Thunderbird.
    The Meteor will be built upon a completely new architecture called the ‘J’ platform. Apart from this, the manufacturer, which traces its origin back to the UK, is planning to develop an all-new electric motorcycle. More

  • Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Launch In Sep 2020 – Exp Price Rs 1.65 Lakh

    An entirely new product and a replacement for Thunderbird 350, Royal Enfield Meteor 350 will launch next month
    The earlier plan to launch Meteor 350 in April has been shelved on account of the ongoing pandemic. Meteor 350 comes with entirely new bodywork, even though it retains the core character of a tourer.

    Launch of Meteor 350 will be an exciting moment for motorcycling enthusiasts who have been waiting for quite some time to see the next generation of Royal Enfield motorcycles. Some of the major changes that are easily noticeable include large front and rear fenders, new fuel tank with a redesigned fuel-filler cap and updated side panels. When viewed up close, the bike looks quite bulky.
    Other features that outline the motorcycle’s unique profile include updated headlamp, new alloys, new brake and clutch levers, longer split grab rails, asymmetrically mounted semi-digital instrument dial, and new tail light design. Meteor 350 makes a dominating stance with its blacked-out colour theme, as can be seen on the engine, exhaust and wheels.

    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Test Mule
    Powering Meteor 350 is the new overhead camshaft (OHC) engine, which will also power the next generation of other Royal Enfield 350 cc motorcycles. Existing 350 cc RE motorcycles are powered by a 346 cc single-cylinder engine that utilizes the tappet-valve system. This is quite outdated and has lived its useful life.
    Engine
    RE’s new 350 cc engine is BS6 compliant and comes with fuel injection (FI) system. Meteor’s engine details are yet to be revealed, but power and torque is expected to be close to that of existing 350 cc engine. For records, the BS4 350 cc engine outputs 19.8 bhp of max power and 28 Nm of max torque. Engine is mated to a 5-speed transmission.
    Meteor 350 utilizes the new modular J platform, which seems to have a tubular frame configuration like its predecessor. Other components that have been carried forward include telescopic front forks and twin gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear. Braking duties are performed by disc brakes at both ends. It is likely that Meteor 350 will be offered with dual-channel ABS as standard.
    With its new platform and next-gen engine, Meteor 350 will have improved ride dynamics. As compared to its predecessor, Meteor 350 will be lighter, powerful, and more responsive. It will allow faster acceleration, have less vibration and come with improved braking capability.
    Users can also expect comfortable rides, as the motorcycle comes with broad seats and a relaxed riding stance. With the BS6 upgrade and other new features, Meteor 350 is expected to be priced a bit higher than Thunderbird 350. Expect prices to be in the region of Rs 1.65 lakhs, ex-sh. More

  • Royal Enfield July 2020 Sales Data, Exports – Classic, Bullet, Himalayan

    Royal Enfield says that demand for their motorcycles is on the rise, but there are constraints due to breaks in supply chain
    Even though footfall is increasing at dealerships, most two-wheeler manufacturers continue to report negative YoY growth. The situation was the same in July for most manufacturers including Royal Enfield. The company sold a total of 37,925 units in July, which is YoY loss of –22.89%. Royal Enfield sales during the same period last year was 49,182 units.
    Royal Enfield domestic sales

    Talking about sales performance of individual products, Classic 350 continues to the bread and butter of Royal Enfield. In July, a total of 25,534 units were sold, resulting in YoY loss of -13.26%. A total of 29,439 units of Classic 350 were sold during the corresponding period last year. Classic 350 was among the first Royal Enfield bikes to get BS6 update.
    The company is currently testing the next-gen Classic 350, which is expected to be launched during the festive season. New Classic 350 will have a range of upgrades such as all-new platform, refreshed exteriors, and semi-digital instrument cluster.

    Royal Enfield Domestic Sales July 2020
    Next in the list is Bullet 350 with 7,112 units sold in July. YoY sales are down -18.06%, as compared to 8,680 units sold in July last year. Bullet 350 was upgraded to BS6 in March. Apart from the engine, it did not have any other major updates. At third place is Electra 350 with 3,742 units sold in July. YoY sales have almost doubled in comparison to 1,943 units sold in July last year. Electra is the only motorcycle to register positive growth in July 2020.
    The enticing 650 twins take the fourth place with 1,058 units sold in July. YoY sales have more than halved, as compared to 2,225 units sold in July last year.
    The highly capable off-roader Himalayan is placed at fifth place with 479 units sold in July. Himalayan YoY sales have dropped by -70.41%, as compared to 1,619 units sold in July last year. It appears that off-roading has taken a backseat in the times of Covid-19. Royal Enfield motorcycles that did not even open their account in July include Thunderbird 350, Bullet 500, Classic 500, and Thunderbird 500.
    Royal Enfield Exports

    Royal Enfield Exports July 2020
    Exports have turned out to be even worse for Royal Enfield in July in percentage terms. A total of 2,409 units were exported, which is YoY loss of -51.85%. A total of 5,003 units were exported during the same period last year.
    As compared to domestic sales, the exports list of RE motorcycles is almost upside down. Leading the pack in July is 650 twins with 1,274 units sent overseas. Export numbers have more than halved, as compared to 2,570 units exported in July last year.
    Next is Himalayan, which seems to be doing much better in international markets. One key reason could be its affordable pricing. A total of 825 Himalayan motorcycles were exported in July, as compared to 910 units in July last year. YoY loss stands at -9.34%.
    Other RE motorcycles in the list include Classic 500 (213 units), Classic 350 (41), Thunderbird 350 (40), Bullet 500 (15), and Electra 350 (1). Motorcycles with zero exports include Bullet 350 and Thunderbird 500.
    No
    Royal Enfield Domestic
    Jul-20
    Jul-19
    Diff
    %
    1
    Classic 350
    25,534
    29,439
    -3,905
    -13.26
    2
    Bullet 350
    7,112
    8,680
    -1,568
    -18.06
    3
    Electra 350
    3,742
    1,943
    1,799
    92.59
    4
    650 Twins
    1,058
    2,225
    -1,167
    -52.45
    5
    Himalayan
    479
    1,619
    -1,140
    -70.41
    6
    Thunderbird 350
    0
    4,471
    -4,471
    -100.00
    7
    Bullet 500
    0
    94
    -94
    -100.00
    8
    Classic 500
    0
    627
    -627
    -100.00
    9
    Thunderbird 500
    0
    84
    -84
    -100.00

    Total
    37,925
    49,182
    -11,257
    -22.89
     
     
     
     
     
     
    No
    Royal Enfield Exports
    Jul-20
    Jul-19
    Diff
    %
    1
    650 Twins
    1,274
    2,570
    -1,296
    -50.43
    2
    Himalayan
    825
    910
    -85
    -9.34
    3
    Classic 500
    213
    533
    -320
    -60.04
    4
    Classic 350
    41
    488
    -447
    -91.60
    5
    Thunderbird 350
    40
    18
    22
    122.22
    6
    Bullet 500
    15
    484
    -469
    -96.90
    7
    Electra 350
    1
    0
    1

    8
    Bullet 350
    0
    0
    0

    9
    Thunderbird 500
    0
    0
    0


    Total
    2,409
    5,003
    -2,594
    -51.85 More

  • Royal Enfield 650 Owner Explains Mods Done Worth Rs 3 Lakhs

    Owner of a RE 650 Conti GT has spent more almost the same amount of money on modification, as he spent on buying the motorcycle
    Launched in November 2018, Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 have gained wide popularity in the country and in overseas markets as well. The 650 twins are currently the most affordable twin cylinder motorcycle available in India. Although the bikes are near-perfect in terms of design and performance, there’s always room for enhancements.

    That’s exactly what YouTuber Ashwin Singh Takiar had in mind when he started a new customization project on his Continental GT 650. Below is the video that details all the changes and upgrades carried out on the motorcycle.
    Key modifications
    Ashwin’s primary objective was to enhance the retro flavour of Continental GT 650. In its stock version, the bike features a mix of retro and contemporary design. At the front, various parts have been removed and replaced with either custom designed units or parts sourced from other motorcycles. These include the handlebar, clutch assembly, brake lever, headlamp, and instrument cluster. The headlamp is a used unit from Harley-Davidson whereas the analogue meter has been sourced locally. Front suspension is of KTM Duke 390.

    [embedded content]

    The front mudguard has been replaced with a custom built unit, which is shorter than the stock unit. Stock tyres have been replaced at both ends with Pirelli MT 60 RS at the front and Metzeler tyres at the rear. Wheels get a golden coat on the spokes and black coat on the rim. The callipers are also done in gold. This creates a regal look for the bike. Overall also, the bike’s core theme is primarily a combo of black and gold.
    Some radical changes
    It has been clearly mentioned in the video that this modification project is aimed at creating a show bike. This is why certain modifications may not be street legal. For example, the exhaust muffler has been removed and the exhaust pipe has been cut to achieve the drag pipe look. The pipe then gets an exhaust wrap to give it a classy appeal. The modified exhaust meets emission norms, as the catalytic converter is fitted inside the pipe. However, its significantly loud exhaust note is likely to get you ‘challaned’ by traffic police officials.
    Other key changes include blacked out engine and other cycle parts, addition of bash plate, chopped down chassis, and removal of rear mudguard. In terms of performance, the engine’s ECU has been tweaked to deliver 8 bhp more power.
    According to the modifier, this project has been going on for nearly 1.5 years. The bike has passed through various technicians and modifiers and it is still a work-in-progress. Total cost till date is almost Rs 3 lakh which includes Rs 37k labour charges. The modifier has assured that the final version will be showcased shortly in his garage and YouTube channel. More

  • Royal Enfield electric motorcycle prototypes are ready – Launch by 2022 ?

    Royal Enfield reveals that it has developed several EV prototypes by a newly formed dedicated team
    Across global automotive industries, EVs or Electric Vehicles are clearly the next big thing. The Indian government is also encouraging EV startups and emission-free alternatives in the passenger vehicle segment. Choices are very narrow at the moment but major automakers are investing a lot into new EV platforms, especially for the affordable category.

    Presently, there are only three desirable EVs among four-wheelers: Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona. Mahindra’s eXUV300 or XUV300 Electric will join the party very soon. It was only recently that the Delhi Government announced substantial incentives for electric vehicles.
    Under ‘Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy’, newly registered EVs are eligible for a price cut of Rs 10,000 for each kWh battery capacity (highest applicable price deduction: Rs 1.50 lakh).

    Image for reference
    It appears that two-wheelers, particularly scooters, offer the best platforms to develop electric powertrains that can meet or surpass the potential and desirability of conventional petrol examples. Performance-focused electric motorcycles might not be as ‘engaging’ or ‘fun’ as an ICE alternative coming in the same price bracket, at least in the foreseeable future. Yet mainstream motorcycle makers are betting big on EVs.
    Royal Enfield’s EV plans
    Royal Enfield confirms that it has been developing electric prototypes for quite some time. In fact, the Chennai-based motorcycle manufacturer has even formed a dedicated team to analyse market demands and trends in order to target the final emission-free product(s) at the right customer base.
    Vinod Dasari, CEO of Royal Enfield, told Moneycontrol that the company has major plans for all-electric motorcycles. He states that when it comes to electric vehicles, the question is not whether such mobility would come but ‘when’. ”Electric is something we take very seriously,” shares Vinod Dasari.
    Meanwhile, Royal Enfield is almost ready with the next-gen ‘UCE 350’ models, starting with the much-awaited Meteor 350 (Thunderbird 350 replacement). The company had discontinued its ‘UCE 500’ lineup ahead of BS6 emission norms due to poor demand and stiffer competition.
    We have shared a few all-electric Royal Enfield builds in the past such as Hound Electric’s E-Bullet and Electric Classic Cars’ Photon. As a fitting alternative, an unofficial Jawa EV render has also made its way to social media. It is worth mentioning that Classic Legends (parent company of Jawa Motorcycles) is working on an all-new electric motorcycle under ‘Yezdi’ brand. It would take at least two years or so for both Royal Enfield and Jawa Motorcycles to launch their first tailpipe-free model line. More

  • Royal Enfield Thunderbird Modified into a 3 Wheeler – With Reverse Gear

    Owner of a brand new Royal Enfield Thunderbird motorcycle has modified his motorcycle
    Bike modification projects are quite diverse, but most have common goals such as cosmetic enhancements, functional improvements and/or performance upgrades. However, sometimes we do get to see some entirely radical ideas that are both surprising and delightful. This is exactly the case with this new bike modification project, wherein a Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X has been transformed into a trike.

    Carried out by Jaggi Customs, the modification project has turned out to be absolutely flawless. The final product looks like a factory produced trike, as all the components fit seamlessly. Nothing seems out of place, even though some major modifications have been carried out towards the rear of the motorcycle.
    Reverse gear module
    On first glance, this might seem like an easy modification project. However, a closer look will reveal that this modification project is a lot more than just adding a third tire to convert a motorcycle into a trike. In terms of functionality, one important addition is the reverse gear that allows the trike to move in reverse. For this, the bike modifier has installed a customized reversing system at the rear of the motorcycle.

    The reverse gear module developed by Jaggi Customs is a one-of-its kind system and can be used on other Royal Enfield motorcycles as well. Motorcycles of other brands can also be fitted with this system. Although we don’t yet know how exactly it works, the demonstration in the video clearly shows that the reverse gear works flawlessly. The bike modifier has already filed a patent for their reverse gear system, which is expected to be approved soon.
    To engage the reverse gear, the user just has to pull a lever. After this, the bike starts moving backwards when the accelerator is pressed. All other functions remain the same, except that the bike starts moving backwards when the reverse gear lever is engaged. To disengage, the user just needs to put the level in its original position.
    Other customizations

    In this project, most of the rear section of Thunderbird has been overhauled. Stock tyre and swingarm have been removed and replaced with two car tyres connected by an axle. Some components that have been retained include the stock suspension, fender, disc brakes and tail lamp. At the front, floorboards have been added on both sides for added comfort. The rest of the bike remains the same and there are no changes to the engine or other cycle parts.
    This project took around 4-5 months to complete. While the modified Thunderbird trike can be used for off-roading, it can also prove helpful for people with disabilities or old folks. Handling has improved significantly, as the trike does not require to be put on a stand.

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  • Royal Enfield Classic 500 modified to look like a Transformer

    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

  • Royal Enfield Classic 350 modified electric motorcycle from Kerala

    Kerala-based automotive components manufacturer Hound Electric calls its all-electric Royal Enfield, E-Bullet
    The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is easily the most popular choice in the Chennai-based motorcycle manufacturer’s ‘UCE 350’ single-cylinder lineup. Earlier this year, it was updated to BS6 emission norms with prices starting at Rs 1.67 lakh ex-showroom. This is a hike of roughly Rs 14,000 over its phased-out BS4 counterpart.

    Meanwhile, Royal Enfield is almost ready with the next-gen air-cooled ‘UCE 350’ range. The portfolio starts with the much-awaited Meteor 350 (Thunderbird 350/350X replacement. Royal Enfield had discontinued its ‘UCE 500’ lineup towards the end of BS4 era due to poor demand and rising competition. Furthermore, the highly desirable 650 Twins were available at a reasonable price jump. Potential customers could not find logic in buying a ‘500’ rather than paying extra and riding home a ‘650’ parallel-twin.
    Unlike the current BS6 ‘UCE 350’ lineup, the next avatar supposedly packs an OHC (Over Head Cam) setup. Performance figures should see a significant bump and one can expect a much more refined riding experience.
    E-Bullet by Hound Electric

    While the wider majority of Royal Enfield enthusiasts eagerly wait for the next ‘350’, Kerala-based automotive components manufacturer Hound Electric has given a BS4-era Classic 350 an electric twist. Dubbed E-Bullet, the idea came from Hound Electric’s CEO, Paul Alex. Interns D Harikrishnan and Mustafa assisted him in the Royal Enfield EV project.
    Work started almost a year ago. The initial plan was to make an all-electric Hero Splendor. However, the motor and battery configuration could not fit in the budget commuter motorcycle’s small tubular double-cradle chassis, without substantial alteration. The donor Classic 350 (built using factory parts over a frame sourced from a local scrapyard) provided enough room. Hound Electric states that it was almost a direct powertrain swap, minus a few additional fabrications.
    Specs & Cost

    Hound Electric’s E-Bullet project employs a 10kW or 13.41bhp ‘AGNI 119’ PMDC motor (10kg) coupled to a 4.32kWh battery pack (32kg) from CALB. Peak torque stands at 30Nm while its top speed is claimed to be around 100km/h. The e-motorcycle, with a kerb weight of almost 166kg, can run for 70-80km on a full charge.
    Total build cost hit only about Rs 35,000 since Hound Electric already had the electric components. The E-Bullet might not sport the best packaging (there is literally a box underneath the stock fuel tank) but aims to be a good example of retrofitting an emission-free powertrain in a motorcycle. UK-based Electric Classic Cars has done something similar with the ‘Royal Enfield Photon‘ despite being way more expensive.
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