It looks like there is a new Royal Enfield Classic in the offing. Photos of a significantly altered Royal Enfield Classic, with test number plates, was spotted testing in Chennai by Powerdrift. A quick glance at the photos outlines some interesting changes.
The changes apparent in the photo are very subtle, but significant. For starters, it suggests Royal Enfield is working with a new engine. The chain location has shifted from the right on the existing Classic with the unitary construction engine to the left on this bike. The brake disc with ABS has moved to the right at the rear. Even in the front the brake disc is on the right, while the fork mounting points appear different.
Other visible changes include the absence of a kick-starter suggesting, this may be a new engine with BS-VI compliance that Royal Enfield is working on. The swing arm appears to be different as well and so do some visible bits of the chassis.
Cosmetic changes include a new tail-lamp design, with a rounded base, compared to the block design on the current Classic series.
Royal Enfield has been updating its motorcycles to meet the new emission and safety norms. Its entire range now comes with dual-channel ABS and disc brakes. It has also switched to fuel-injection on its newer bikes to meet emission norms. It’s quite likely that the Classic series may get an entirely updated engine.
The company is also launching an off-road spec motorcycle called the Royal Enfield Trails based on the Classic. The Classic is Royal Enfield’s largest-selling motorcycle, clocking over 40,000 units a month. However, sales have slipped a bit in the past few months. It now faces significant competition from the likes of Jawa and Honda among others.
It’s not just the Royal Enfield Classic. Powerdrift’s Facebook page also has images of a Thunderbird X with the new layout like the Classic spotted testing. The chassis and engine changes are similar to the Classic.
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