Royal Enfield is now just days away
from launching its BS-VI range. The upcoming BS-VI compliant Royal Enfield
Classic 350 has started reaching showrooms. The new motorcycle bears several
cosmetic changes and a greener powertrain.
One of the biggest mysteries of the
year is whether Royal Enfield will update the present Unit Construction Engine
(UCE) or build a brand new, modern powertrain. At present, the UCE engine uses
pushrods to drive the intake and exhaust valves. The Chennai-based manufacturer
may introduce a more modern power unit with overhead cams. Hawk-eyed readers
will remember that the Himalayan houses the company’s first engine with an
overhead cam.
In its present state, the Royal
Enfield Classic 350 is powered by a 346 cc single-cylinder mill producing 20.07
PS of power and 28 Nm of torque. Using a SOHC (single overhead cam) layout may
also help in extracting a little more juice from the engine. Cosmetic changes
to the BS-VI Royal Enfield Classic 350 includes an updated headlamp (also a
halogen unit), updated tail section, restyled side body panel and new fuel
tank. Also new on the BS-VI version will be a semi-digital instrumentation
console and the stickers on the fuel tank.
The spy shot also showcases the 2020
Royal Enfield Classic with textured seat covers which are available as an
accessory for the old model. Also, the powertrain bears a black finish instead
of the chrome setup seen the standard BS-VI Classic. However, the same has been
seen on the single-channel ABS version launched last month.
Royal Enfield may offer the new
Classic 350 with a front disc brake and rear drum brake setup to keep costs
under check. The company is also expected to discontinue the 500 cc variant of
the Classic (also Bullet and Thunderbird). Sales of the 500 cc variants have been
falling ever since the company introduced the 650 Twins. There are even rumours
that Royal Enfield may introduce a slightly bigger 400 cc engine in place of
the old pushrod 350.
