Heavily updated Royal Enfield Classic 350, 500 spied

UPDATE: Royal Enfield Bullet Trials 350, 500 launched, priced from Rs 1.62 lakh

An update for Royal Enfield’s popular Classic range has been a long time coming. Two images that have appeared online finally confirm that the company is working on the update, and also reveal many of mechanical and cosmetic changes the Royal Enfield Classic 350 and 500 will get.

While Royal Enfield has launched multiple new editions of the Classic models, none of them have featured any significant changes aside from unique colour schemes. One of the biggest mechanical changes to the Classic range only came recently in form of a rear disc brake and dual-channel ABS. The new pictures of the bike show that it is equipped with front and rear disc brakes on the right-hand side, instead of on the left like the current model. This change has resulted in the chain shifting over to the left from the right.

The motorcycle also has a more compact exhaust system, which could mean one of two things – Royal Enfield is either downsizing its gigantic exhaust to make the motorcycle more visually appealing or this could be the all-new BS-VI model that is running a reworked engine and exhaust setup.

While the rider’s leg is covering the area, it also looks like the new Classic will no longer feature kick-starter, but at this point it is only a guess. Royal Enfield also appears to have replaced the gas-charged twin shock absorbers for more classic-looking units.

The bike in the images continues to run the lengthy Classic fenders, though it has ditched the large tail-light and number housing for a sleeker unit. The tail-light could be a LED unit and also appears to have a new chrome bezel. Another cosmetic change is the redesigned rear seat that now has rounded edges. The grab rail also appears to be raised, which we expect has been done in order to make it more ergonomic.

Royal Enfield’s Classic 350 continues to be highest-seller but sales are on a steady decline. Back in February 2018, the Classic 350 had made it to the list of top 10 selling two-wheelers in India with 48,557 units. The same can’t be said about its sales figures in February 2019, where the company only managed to sell 37,862 units.