The next-generation Royal Enfield Bullet 350 has been spotted testing, powered by the 349cc J-platform engine currently seen in the Meteor 350 and Classic 350. The Bullet is the only remaining model in RE's line-up that’s still powered by the older 346cc UCE engine, and an update has been on the cards for some time now. These spy photos of the updated motorcycle confirm the imminent arrival of the J-platform Bullet, which should feature output figures that are similar, if not identical, to those of the Meteor’s and Classic’s 20.4hp and 27Nm.
Next-gen Bullet 350 gets J-platform engine
Ergonomics appear similar to Classic 350
In addition to bringing in the smooth new motor, this update will also see an upgrade to the Bullet’s underpinnings, with the new split, double-cradle chassis that's also a characteristic of RE's J-platform. As was the case with the previous generation, the Bullet will be a very similar motorcycle to the Classic 350, with this test mule sporting many identical elements. Much of the bodywork is the same as the Classic's, and the switchgear seems to be carried over too. Even the ergonomics should be nearly the same, if not identical – the foot pegs appear to be in exactly the same location as on the Classic, and the handlebar seems very similar too. The one noteworthy difference is the seat – the Bullet gets a stepped single-piece unit, in contrast to the Classic's split design. The other sign that this is the Bullet and not the Classic is the missing hood over the headlight, and the final difference to the Classic is that this Bullet gets a rear drum brake, and therefore, single-channel ABS.
If history is anything to go by, the Bullet will sit a good deal below the Classic in RE's line-up, but you can expect a small step-up from its current price range. It currently sits between Rs 1.48 lakh and Rs 1.63 lakh (ex-showroom), but the lower part of that range is occupied by the more affordable kick-start-only variants, which the new J-platform machine will not feature. All versions will feature an electric starter as standard, so you can expect prices around the Rs 1.7 lakh mark. The rumour mill suggests that the upcoming Hunter 350 will be the most affordable model in Royal Enfield's line-up, likely to sit below the updated Bullet, at around the Rs 1.5 lakh mark.