Royal Enfield Classic 500
Maxabout Review
Classic Is Reborn!!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009Overview of Royal Enfield Classic - Avaialble in 350cc & 500cc
The Royal Enfield Bullet has for decades been the byword for rugged, refined cool and a bike handcrafted to perfection. The Bullet Classic was unveiled by Royal Enfield at Intermot exhibition in Germany. They have already launched this mouthwatering classic version of its legendary motorcycle abroad. Bullet Classic was first launched in Germany followed by European launch. But for India Royal Enfield has removed the "Bullet" tag from the name and it is going to be sold as "Royal Enfield Classic" for Indian Market. For India Royal Enfield has launched the Classic in two models - Classic 350 & Classic 500.
Update: Royal Enfield Launches New Variants of Classic 500
- Royal Enfield Classic 500 Chrome
- Royal Enfield Classic 500 Desert Storm
Royal Enfield India has launched new variants of Classic 500. One is the Classic Chrome 500 and second is the Classic Desert Storm 500. Both the variants are excatly same in terms of engine and other technical specifications. The Classic Chrome 500 features all-over chrome finish and Classic Desert Storm 500 is light brown in shade in matte finish. The Classic Chrome is priced at Rs. 1.65 lakhs (on-road Mumbai), which is Rs. 10000 more than the regular variant of Classic 500. The Classic Desert Storm is priced at Rs. 1.58 lakhs (on-road Mumbai), which is Rs. 3000 more than the regular variant of Classic 500. Both the variants are powered by a 499cc, single cylinder engine which generates maximum power of 27.2 Bhp at 5250 rpm and peak torque of 41.3 Nm at 4000 rpm. There is one more variant of Classic 500 which is known as Classic Military 500 but it will not be launched in India because green shade is reserved for Army only. The Classic 500 Chrome is available in two shades: Black and Royal Maroon. Classic 500 Desert Storm is available in only one shade: Light brown in matte finish. “Our customers have been demanding the Chrome model of Royal Enfield for quite some time now. Both Classic Chrome and Desert Storm are meant to bring more thrills to the customer,” the firm’s senior vice president (sales and marketing) Shaji Koshy said.
Unique Features of Royal Enfield Classic
- Wheels - New 18 inch wheels for better ride and handling. Pagani turn signals, Avon Speedmaster tyres. Improved for higher speeds, better handling.
- Headlamp & Tail Lamp - The headlight casing features the "Tiger Eye Lamps" for the bullet look. The headlamp is traditional but with a powerful halogen bulb to provide good illumination. Vintage tail lamp assembly features a classic design.
- Fuel Tank, Toolbox & Air Filter Box - Finely crafted tank with post war era graphics and thigh pads make for a vintage look. Hand-polished aluminum castings and hand-lined gas tank. Toolbox with classic design, Air filter box with classic styling.
- Instrument Cluster - Speedometer and Fuel warning indicator for the EFI system are integrated into the die-cast headlight casing. The speedometer features classic English font.
- Seat - Single saddle seat with springs provides maximum comfort for a luxurious and relaxing ride.
- Mudguards - Classic mudguards with stays for that authentic look. Features a deep and wide design for a splash free ride.
- Silencer - Aesthetically designed for short silencer for that 1950's look. Available as an optional accessory for off-road use only.
Looks & Styling of Royal Enfield Classic
The front number plate, the logo, that classic green colour and 1950s looks. Royal Enfield Classic really looks like a post World War II motorcycle. Royal Enfield has carefully tweaked the style of the Classic, but retains its retro roots. The round headlamps with his young guard, the analog valves, the individual semi with visible steel springs and deep-drawn fenders of the rear tire result in a successful combination of style elements of the’50s. The front and rear mudguards are almost of the same looks including the fuel tank and exhaust and headlight casing as well as the same single seat saddle.
Main Styling Elements Of Royal Enfield Classic
- Traditional looking front number plate
- Classic style round headlamp
- Visible steel springs
- Deep-drawn fenders of the rear tire
- 18" Spoke Wheels
- Fuel tank with post war graphics
- Thigh pads and single saddle seat with springs
- Body colored frame
Engine Options in Royal Enfield Classic
- Royal Enfield Classic 350 - 19.8 Bhp/28 Nm
- Royal Enfield Classic 500 - 27.2 Bhp/41.3 Nm
The Classic 500 is powered by a 499cc, single cylinder engine which generates maximum power of 27.2 Bhp at 5250 rpm and peak torque of 41.3 Nm at 4000 rpm. And the Classic 350 is powered by a 346cc engine from Thunderbird Twinspark which generates 19.8 Bhp of maximum power at 5250 rpm with 28 Nm of maximum torque. The reason to launch Classic with 346cc engine is that Royal Enfield dont want this bike to be popular only among the buyers who have budget of over 1.25 lakh rupees, the Classic 350 is cheaper which makes it very affordable as there is no change in terms of design and styling of both the models. What is really new in the Royal Enfield Classic has UCE (Unit Construction Engine).
In the Royal Enfield Classic's engine, the clutch and gearbox are situated outside, they are both integrated into the crankcase. Royal Enfield claims that the UCE construction gives the Classic less moving parts, less transmission loss and less maintenance issues. Royal Enfield Classic comes with contemporary features like electric start and 280mm Disc brake at the front with internal expanding drum brake at the rear. Additionally, the EFI engine is married to a 5-speed gearbox. Royal Enfield has dumped the traditional carburetor for a modern electronic fuel injection system on the new bike so as to facilitate better air-fuel mixture optimization, smoother operation, better power delivery over a wide range of altitudes, and cleaner emissions.
Main Technical Highlights of Royal Enfield Classic:
- 280mm Front Disc brake
- Internal Expanding Rear Drum Brake
- 5-speed Gearbox
- UCE (Unit Construction Engine)
- Electronic Fuel Injection System
- 27.2 Bhp of Maximum Power - for Classic 500
- 19.8 Bhp of Maximum Power - for Classic 350
- Peak Torque of 41.3 Nm - for Classic 500
- Peak Torque of 28 Nm - for Classic 350
Shades Available In Royal Enfield Classic
Royal Enfield launched the Bullet Classic in three shades in Germany & Europe - Red, Black & Green. In India Royal Enfield Classic has been launched in four shades.
Royal Enfield Classic 350 - Red, Black & Silver
Royal Enfield Classic 500 - Red, Black & Green
Green shade is not available in Classic 350 & Silver shade is not available in Classic 500.