Royal Enfield has confirmed to introduce dual-channel ABS variants of its complete range before the end of this year. The company has already launched the ABS models of Royal Enfield Classic 500 Stealth Black and the Himalayan, while more models will get ABS eventually. Here’s a list of upcoming ABS equipped Royal Enfield motorcycles to launch in India in the coming months with timelines.
Royal Enfield Classic Range
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is the best-selling product from the Chennai-based bikemaker, with average monthly sales of 50,000 units for the last seven months. The company launched the Classic 350 Signals Edition, which is the first RE bike to get ABS as an option.
However, Royal Enfield is set to introduce ABS in the entire Classic 350 range by the April 2019 deadline. This will also include special-edition models like the 'Classic 350 Redditch Edition'. While the Royal Enfield Classic 500 Stealth Black is currently the only 500 cc variant to get ABS, the company will update the entire Classic 500 line-up with ABS, closer to the April 2019 deadline.
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 sources power from a 346 cc, two-valve, single-cylinder engine that is capable of producing 19.8 bhp of maximum power at 5,250 rpm along with a peak torque of 28 Nm at 4,000 rpm, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. On the other hand, the Classic 500 range employs a 499 cc, single-cylinder mill that produces 27.2 bhp of power at 5,250 rpm and 41.3 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm, coupled to a 5-speed transmission.
Royal Enfield Thunderbird Range
The Royal Enfield Thunderbird range will also get ABS variants in the coming weeks. Royal Enfield President - Rudratej Singh (Rudy) has confirmed that the Thunderbird 500 range is all set to get an ABS variant this month (most likely the Thunderbird 500X).
The Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 range will also get ABS variants by the end of this year, while the entire Thunderbird line-up will be ABS equipped by April 2019.
Similar to the Classic range, the Royal Enfield Thunderbird range is available with two engine options. The Thunderbird 350 uses a 346 cc, single-cylinder motor that pumps out a maximum power of 19.8 bhp at 5,250 rpm and a peak torque of 28 Nm at 4,000 rpm.
On the other hand, the Thunderbird 500 range sources power from a 499 cc, single-cylinder, two-valve motor that generates a maximum power of 27.2 bhp at 5,250 rpm and a peak torque of 41.3 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Both the engines are mated to a 5-speed transmission.
Royal Enfield Bullet Range
The Royal Enfield Bullet range consists of Bullet 350, Bullet ES and the Bullet 500. Of these, the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 will be the first model to get ABS, while the entire line-up will be compliant with the upcoming safety norms from 1 April 2019. The introduction of ABS will increase prices of the Bullet range by around INR 12,000.
The standard Royal Enfield Bullet 350 is a barebones model with drum brakes at both the ends and a kick starter system. While the introduction of ABS will strip the bike of its old-world charm, the added safety net will be a welcome addition.
Royal Enfield 650 Twins
The Royal Enfield 650 twins will be the first RE bikes to feature ABS as a standard fitment at launch. The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650 are confirmed to launch in India by the end of the year. The 650 twins’ international media rides are set to take place between 22-28 September in California, USA.
While the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 is a café racer, the Interceptor 650 is a neo-classic roadster. The GT 650 features an aggressive riding posture with the long tear-drop fuel tank, clip-on handlebars, rear set foot-pegs and a single seat. On the other hand, the Interceptor 650 gets relaxed ergonomics with the raised handlebar, comfortable seat and centre set foot-pegs. The Interceptor 650 comes with a round fuel tank.
The 650 twins employ an all-new 648 cc, parallel twin-cylinder, 8-valve oil cooled motor that is tuned to churn out 47 bhp of maximum power at 7,100 rpm along with a peak torque of 52 Nm at 5,250 rpm. The engine is mated to a newly developed 6-speed transmission, while a slip and assist clutch is standard. The Royal Enfield 650 twins are likely to be priced in the vicinity of INR 3 lakh (ex-showroom).
