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      Royal Enfield Classic 350 modified as a single seater cruiser – Details

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      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

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      Royal Enfield June 2020 Sales Break Up, Exports – Classic 350, Himalayan lead

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      On the Indian domestic market, Royal Enfield sold 36,510 units in June 2020 compared to 55,082 units back in June 2019
      Chennai-based motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield, like every other major automaker, has not been doing particularly well since COVID-19 hit India. In fact, the entire Indian automotive industry is making a slow recovery from the government’s near-two-month nationwide COVID-19 lockdown protocols, put into effect towards the end of March 2020.

      To strengthen business operations amid these challenging times, the company introduced its online booking page with attractive finance and EMI options. It has also started a doorstep service initiative dubbed Royal Enfield Service on Wheels (currently available only in Chennai). Service personnel coming under the programme are issued a Royal Enfield Bullet Trials 350, with custom-built toolkits and other essentials.
      Meanwhile, Royal Enfield is working on the next-gen ‘UCE 350’ range, starting with the Meteor 350 — replaces the phased-out BS4 Thunderbird and ThunderbirdX 350 siblings. The company discontinued its ‘UCE 500’ lineup ahead of BS6 emission norms due to low demand. At present, Royal Enfield has three model lines in its global portfolio: 350 (Bullet, Electra and Classic), Himalayan and 650 Twins.

      Royal Enfield June 2020 – Domestic Sales and Exports
      Royal Enfield Domestic Sales – June 2020
      In June 2020, Royal Enfield sold a total of 36,510 units in India as against 55,082 units back in June 2019. Among them, the Classic 350 topped the list at 22,699 units despite facing a sales decline of 32.82%. Entry-level offerings Bullet 350 and Electra 350 garnered 8,108 units (-18.92%) and 4,058 units (+50.63%) each last month. The Electra 350 is the only model which could garner positive sales figures.
      Royal Enfield’s proven adventure tourer, Himalayan hit 835 units and went through a sales drop of 31.73%. It will soon receive a strong rival in the form of Mahindra Two Wheelers’ Mojo 300 BS6. On the other hand, the parallel-twin 650 Twins (Interceptor and Continental GT) collectively marked 810 units and a 53.74% fall. The now-discontinued Thunderbird 350 line had marked 4,749 units last year.
      Royal Enfield Exports – June 2020
      In foreign markets, Indian-made Royal Enfield products are quite popular thanks to the supreme affordability they offer. The Royal Enfield Himalayan has already become a sought-after starter motorcycle for heavy offroading. Only 279 Himalayan units were shipped in June 2020. In comparison, 66.47% more made it to foreign markets last year.
      The Royal Enfield Classic 500 (not available on our market anymore) hit just 98 units last month as against 421 units in June 2019. The Thunderbird is still available for select export markets. It returned only 14 units in June 2020; still an improvement by 1 unit. Finally on the list comes the Classic 350 and Bullet 500 with a sales loss of almost 98%. More

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      RE Meteor 350 accessories spied – Flyscreen, guards, pannier mounts

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      Royal Enfield’s Meteor 350 is powered by the next-gen ‘UCE 350’ air-cooled single-cylinder engine
      Chennai-based motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield has been working on its next-gen ‘UCE 350’ lineup for quite some time. The Royal Enfield Meteor 350, the first one to get the upgraded power plant, was spotted testing on multiple occasions in production-ready formats. In fact, its rough pricing was also revealed from a recent leak of a beta configurator platform.
      Royal Enfield Next-gen ‘UCE 350’

      The upcoming Meteor 350 is essentially a replacement to the BS4 Thunderbird 350 and ThunderbirdX 350. The British-origin automaker discontinued its ‘UCE 500’ lineup well before the industry shifted to BS6 emission norms. As a final tribute to the decade-old model range, Royal Enfield had launched the limited-run Classic 500 Tribute Black (BS4). ‘500’ models were phased out due to poor demand.
      Royal Enfield is developing another motorcycle with the same power plant, supposedly dubbed ‘Hunter 350’. It was also spied a few times over the months. Meanwhile, certain sources suggest that Royal Enfield is planning to launch “something other than the Meteor 350” by the end of this month or early next month. There has not been an official statement on this yet.
      Royal Enfield Meteor 350
      Belt Ur Drive on Facebook has shared an interesting spy shot of the new Royal Enfield Meteor 350. It wears some additional factory-spec accessories such as a tall flyscreen or windscreen, crash guards, pannier mounts, broader footpegs, silver levers, etc. Notable standard features include 5×2-spoke alloy wheels, split seats, semi-digital instrument console (with Bluetooth connectivity), LED DRL, round LED taillamp and more.

      Royal Enfield Meteor 350 alloys accessories spied by TeamBeltUrDrive
      It is based on the brand’s all-new ‘J’ (sub-500cc) architecture. Rumours tell that Royal Enfield has three more platforms for the future: P (twin-cylinder), K (higher middleweights) and Q (above 750cc). It is too early to make any speculations on the platforms’ potential products.
      Meteor 350 Specs
      At present, the BS6-compliant ‘UCE 350’ lineup employs a 346cc air-cooled fuel-injected single-cylinder engine good for about 20bhp and 28Nm — unimpressive numbers for the time and displacement. It follows an archaic tappet-valve arrangement while the Meteor 350’s next-gen ‘UCE 350’ mill (also air-cooled) gets OHC (Over Head Cam). For the same reason, we can expect a sharp increase in output. Transmission duties would be done by a 5-speed unit.
      Meteor 350 Pricing
      Royal Enfield would most likely launch the Meteor 350 by the end of this year unless the nation goes into another stage of COVID-19 lockdown protocols. Ex-showroom prices are expected to start at around Rs 1.75 lakh (Rs 10,000-15,000 over the BS4 Thunderbird 350). More

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      Royal Enfield Himalayan turbo – Power output increased from 24 hp to 50 hp

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      Dubbed ‘MJR Roach’, the Royal Enfield Himalayan turbo build makes twice the stock output
      Royal Enfield’s Himalayan dual-sport or adventure touring motorcycle is quite popular in major two-wheeler markets across the globe. Many foreign riders consider the Himayalan as an ideal and affordable starter bike for doing considerably hardcore offroading. In India, Royal Enfield has already updated it to BS6 emission norms at a starting price of Rs 1.86 lakh ex-showroom. The Royal Enfield Himalayan primarily rivals the KTM 390 Adventure, another excellent single-cylinder starter bike in the category.

      Over the months, we have shared quite a few interesting Himalayan builds from different parts of the world. While UK-based Cooperb Motorcycles introduced a host of optional extras for it, an Indonesian architect built a ‘rad’ tracker on a Himalayan chassis. There are a few noteworthy examples from our country as well.
      However, Royal Enfield Custom Crew, part of the brand’s Technical Centre in the UK has set a high benchmark in this regard. The team has turbocharged the Himalayan’s LS410 engine!

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      Dubbed ‘MJR Roach’, the Royal Enfield Himalayan turbo is modified from the ground up to support the extra output. It follows a ‘post-apocalyptic sci-fi military bike’ theme with scrambler DNA. One could argue that the mod is a bit overboard, but it takes in-depth knowledge and expertise to turbocharge a single-cylinder without compromising its existing usability.
      Project Basics
      Another interesting highlight of the MJR Roach is the source of its components. The team has apparently salvaged most of the parts from discarded motorcycles lying around at their workshop. In fact, the engine itself is a direct swap from a totalled Himalayan. The final result of all this is a rather weird-looking two-wheeler showcasing a complete shift from its original purpose. Yet we absolutely like the MJR Roach in its video game-inspired colour scheme.

      MJR Roach
      Main Highlights

      Key upgrades include USD MX forks, nylon-leather ‘gripper’ seat, fuel tank harness, extended single-sided swingarm and wheel assembly designed by Harris Performance (minds behind the 650 Twins); Continental TKC80 knobby tyres, quad-projector headlamp, Rental Fatbar handlebar, custom switchgear and of course, Garrett GT 125 turbocharger (just behind the monoshock). A boost gauge, external wastegate, screamer pipe and Goodridge plumbing are equipped alongside. The turbo setup is rated at 1 Bar (14.5psi).
      The Power Plant
      The 411cc oil-cooled SOHC single breaths through a K&N performance filter and employs an improved fuel pump, new regulator and lighter lithium-ion battery pack. Thanks to all these additions, the engine churns out more than double its stock output — about 50bhp peak. For reference, the current BS6 model makes 24bhp @ 6,500rpm and 32Nm @ 4,000rpm while mated to a 5-speed transmission. More

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      Royal Enfield service on wheels becomes operational in Chennai

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      Royal Enfield service on wheels

      The door-step service relies on specially equipped Royal Enfield motorcycles which will be available at every dealership soon
      In June 2020, Royal Enfield introduced service on wheels. The eponymous service operates through a fleet of service-ready bikes. Somewhat of a necessity in current times where movement is restricted, and folks are skeptical about being in public places. The process is a simple one, and supports current operational requirements.
      Royal Enfield Service on Wheels, a boon during lockdown

      Royal Enfield Service on Wheels depends on purpose-built bikes. The units are essential in carrying tools, equipment and spare parts, and are now fitted with necessary panniers to store all necessary tools and bits and bobs required. The service platform is designed to perform 90 percent of all typical service and repair requirements at the convenience of a customer. This is essentially a doorstep service. Service on Wheels’ bikes double up as RoadSide Assistance vehicles.

      Royal Enfield service on wheels
      With service appointments at dealerships restricted owing to physical distancing requirements, such appointments need to be pre-booked so they can be rescheduled. This is a dependable system that safeguards the health of service personnel, and visiting customers. With overcrowding not an option, and service personnel needing to maintain physical distancing when at work, the number of bikes accepted for service is now regulated as per slot availability.
      How does RE Service on Wheels work?
      So as to not delay regular service appointments owing to space limitation at dealerships now, ‘Service on Wheels’ works as an effective stand-in. These specially fitted Royal Enfield Bullet Trials are available at all RE service centres starting from July 2020. The convenience played out from the Aravinduja Motors team that carried out a first 500 kms service requirement for a fleet of Bullet 350 bikes that were recently delivered to Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue service.

      Royal Enfield service on wheels
      The new mode of ops meant the bikes didn’t need to be individually taken to the service centre, in essence saving essential time. The special consignment bikes are outfitted with a megaphone, and special red lights, along with a strong carrier setup. The front visor is special fitment and has ‘Fire’ slapped across it.

      With bikes requiring rather little place when stationary, the service vehicle will be easy to park at a range of places effectively turning the area into a short-term repair centre. This particular service vehicle is a BSIV Royal Enfield Bullet Trials Works Replica 350 registered to the dealership, and outfitted to function as self contained mobile service unit. Authorized Royal Enfield technicians tend to service tickets while adhering to current safety related guidelines. Customers can choose E-payment options for a contactless service experience. More

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      Royal Enfield extended warranty launched for BS4 and BS6 motorcycles

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      BS4 Royal Enfield models are eligible for an extended warranty of up to 4 years or 50,000km if they are less than 22 months old
      Chennai-based motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield has introduced extended warranty programmes for both its BS6 and phased-out BS4 models. Dubbed ‘Royal Enfield Secure’, the scheme is even available for ‘UCE 500’ models (discontinued in BS4 format) as well. The programme was launched rather silently since the company has not shared any details regarding it on the official Royal Enfield website.

      With this move, the usual worries associated with ageing Royal Enfield products could take a rest to a good extent. However, BS4 models coming under the Royal Enfield Secure should be less than 22 months old. Interested customers can extend the standard pack of 2 years or 30,000km up to 4 years or 50,000km, within 60 days of the former’s end date.
      It is mandatory that customers tick Royal Enfield’s preventive maintenance schedules or services in order to be eligible for the extended warranty schemes. The condition is applicable to both BS6 and BS4 products. Below is a brief summary of Royal Enfield’s new ‘Secure’ extended warranty programme:

      Royal Enfield extended warranty for BS4 motorcycles
      Starting with BS4 ‘UCE 350’ models, customers can extend their existing warranty benefits in one of three stages: up to 2 months, 3-12 months and 13-22 months. Rates stand at Rs 2,150, Rs 2,299 and Rs 2,549, respectively. Meanwhile, rates for BS4 ‘UCE 500’ models (in the same stages) are set at Rs 2,650, Rs 2,799 and Rs 3,149, respectively.
      Royal Enfield Secure schemes stay common for both BS6 ‘UCE 350’ models and Himalayan BS6. Within six months of sale, prices start from Rs 1,599 as against Rs 1,899 after six months. Only customers who avail the extended four-year warranty are eligible for a five-year package. There is also an ‘EW + RSA’ (Extended Warranty + Roadside Assistance) option starting at Rs 3,799, for a five-year term. The highest rate is marked at Rs 4,599.

      Royal Enfield extended warranty for BS6 motorcycles

      Coming to Royal Enfield’s premium ‘650 Twins’ (Interceptor and Continental GT), the extended warranty programme starts at Rs 2,299 from a period within six months from date of purchase and goes up to Rs 6,999 for EW + RSA (up to five years) if opted after six months from buying. Despite being the highest rates under Royal Enfield Secure, the options are quite reasonable for a parallel-twin middleweight motorcycle.
      Royal Enfield is almost ready with the next-gen ‘UCE 350’ lineup that starts with the Meteor 350. It will be followed by another model dubbed Hunter. Either model is supposedly based on the same J1D platform. More

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      Royal Enfield Bullet, Classic, Himalayan, 650 Twins – Cambodia launch price Rs 3.83 L to Rs 4.83 L

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      Royal Enfield had made its entry into Cambodia – with an aim to strengthen their position in the APAC region
      TF Motors is the official distributor in the country. The first flagship store finds an address in Russian Federation Boulevard, Phnom Penh. This is the most populated city in the country, and also the capital of Cambodia.

      Vimal Sumbly, Royal Enfield’s Head of Business – APAC markets said, “Royal Enfield has become a very important player in the global mid-size motorcycle market by re-inventing this space with motorcycles that are evocative, engaging and great fun to ride. We are delighted to be formally entering Cambodia, which happens to be one of the key motorcycling destinations for avid motorcyclists around the world. Together with TF Motors , we are going to build a bigger, more exciting motorcycle community in Cambodia.”
      Operations in Cambodia begin with a lineup of 5 bikes with mix of single-cylinder or twin-cylinder engines. The 2020 product portfolio pricing for Cambodia is as follows – Bullet 500 for $5,099 (Rs 3.83 lakh), Classic 500 range for $5,314 (Rs 4 lakh) to $5,529 (Rs 4.15 lakh), Himalayan (411cc) for $4,883 (Rs 3.67 lakh), Interceptor 650 in the range of $6,000 (Rs 4.51 lakh) to $6,215 (Rs 4.67 lakh), and Continental GT 650 Cafe racer in the range of $6,215 (Rs 4.67 lakh) to $6,431 (Rs 4.83 lakh).

      Royal Enfield Cambodia
      Royal Enfield is clear about its mid-size bike focus in the 250cc to 750cc range. The manufacturer is also maximising value proposition of the Himalayan, and 650cc twins, and is keen on exports. This is also a business opportunity that only Royal Enfield can benefit from at present owing to its 650cc twins, which makes the manufacturer the only Indian company that’s exporting 500cc+ segment bikes.
      Royal Enfield has in recent months seen market share in segments decline, largely due to the pandemic. The company is focused on future plans and has been working on new motorcycles. Transition from BSIV to BSVI put viability of some bike lines in production in question. While the Classic, Bullet and Thunderbird 500cc motorcycles are no longer in sale in India since the start of the FY, exports continue.
      RE 500cc segment sales volume doesn’t match its 350cc segment dominance in domestic market. All along the company has focused on improving its bike exports, and that has been reflected in sales with the 650cc bikes faring well. The auto manufacturer also operates a Thailand assembly plant.

      For now, competition in the mid-segment is lower owing to the limited number of bikes in the segment. Market dynamics sees Royal Enfield’s USP standing in good stead, with the 650 twins are poised as a feasible export pick, as well as a choice of upgrade for those looking for a bigger bike in the domestic market. Geared to launch Royal Enfield Meteor 350 in India soon, which will take the reins from the Thunderbird. More

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      RE Interceptor 650 becomes bestselling motorcycle in UK (June 2020)

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      UK-spec Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
      Royal Enfield sold 196 Interceptor 650 units in the UK last month and became second only to Honda’s PCX 125 scooter

      Chennai-based motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield launched the 650 Twins, Interceptor and Continental GT back in 2018 at a compelling price point. Either classic middleweight motorcycle was updated to BS6 emission norms earlier this year, with ex-showroom prices standing at Rs 2.65 lakh and 2.80 lakh, respectively.
      With the 650 Twins, Royal Enfield has made a strong statement in new markets across the world. Besides regular buyers, Royal Enfield’s parallel-twin range is also considered as an efficient yet accessible platform for customisation. We have shared multiple custom examples of the 650 Twins (especially the Interceptor 650) that strike an optimal balance between form and function. Certain builds that are not the most practical (such as the Royal Enfield Kamala) have set a high benchmark for attention to detail.
      One of the main selling points of Royal Enfield’s twin-cylinder portfolio is the extreme value for money offered in comparison to a popular European or Japanese alternative coming in the middleweight category. If we take the UK market, Royal Enfield (originally a British brand) has received good response for the Interceptor right from the start.

      Indian-spec BS6 variant gets minor cosmetic tweaks
      In fact, the modern classic has become the top-selling motorcycle in the United Kingdom as of June 2020. Last year, the title went to BMW Motorrad’s R 1250 GS litre-class adventure motorcycle which hit 188 units. This also gives an insight into how European two-wheeler markets are different from ours — which is dominated by mass-volume products.
      At a sales figure of 196 units (a fraction of its Indian sales), the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 also became the second-bestselling two-wheeler in the UK, losing the first position to Honda’s popular scooter offering, PCX 125 (445 units sold in May 2020). Meanwhile, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) had showcased its all-electric variant earlier this year.

      Both the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 are powered by a 648cc SOHC air/oil-cooled twin-cylinder engine good for 47bhp @ 7,100rpm and 52Nm @ 5,200rpm. This is mated to a 6-speed transmission via a slipper clutch. They have no direct rivals on the Indian market thanks to such brilliant pricing. However, HMSI is planning to launch the Honda CMX500 Rebel twin-cylinder cruiser in the near future.
      Royal Enfield is actively working on the next-gen ‘UCE 350’ single-cylinder range that starts with the Meteor 350 (replacement to the Thunderbird and ThunderbirdX), followed by the Hunter. Both models occasionally reach the internet in test mule formats via random spy shots. The company discontinued its ‘UCE 500’ line ahead of BS6 emission norms. More