there’s no easy solution to this question. From the conventional Bullet look to new age cruisers or even an adventure travelling motorcycle in the Himalayan, Royal Enfield has a huge variety of motorcycles on offer. For a few, it may be the ’60s British design, the air of mystery of a retro bike which has been in service for over half a century and for others, it could be a ‘do the whole lot’ motorbike; for the every day shuttle, for enjoyment driving and even for the occasional long distance trip.
there’s no denying that Royal Enfield bikes attract a cult following, be it the pro ‘Bullet lover’ or the novice for whom not anything else but a Royal Enfield could do. The motives for this following are many – from emblem loyalty, street presence and the go-anywhere, rock solid photo of Royal Enfield bikes. but which Royal Enfield suits your character and your necessities? We take a look at the modern-day Royal Enfield motorcycles on sale, and what every version gives, in phrases of overall performance, gas economy, and styling.
1. Royal Enfield Bullet 350
The critical Royal Enfield, the Bullet 350 nevertheless keeps the classic, age-vintage appears of the unique Nineteen Fifties Bullet, and it nonetheless instructions a devoted fan following. The Bullet 350 is best to be had in black with the traditional hand painted gold pin stripes at the tank and the Royal Enfield motif devoted to period-specific looks. A unmarried round headlight with the ‘classic’ pilot lighting fixtures within the identical casing, triangular aspect panels with toolkit storage and a traditional rear fender with subframe complete the length appearance of the Bullet.
The powerplant is a cutting-edge unit construction engine – which has a single unit housing the crank and the gearbox. in advance Bullets had separate housings for the gearbox and the crankcase. sure, purists may additionally leave out the proper-hand-side tools shift with neutral finder, contact breaker points ignition, as well as the deep throated thump from the old forged iron block. but the new UCE offers tremendous advantage – no oil leaks, more reliability and better gasoline economy too.
it is the closes to the antique Bullet, but modern in every way. The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 gives nostalgia and a bike with road presence and excellent trip exceptional. it’s no longer a hello-performance motorbike, and the engine would not like being revved, however in case you do not mind cruising at 80kmph or thereabouts, the Bullet 350 will make you glad. fuel financial system in the actual international is some thing among 35-40kmpl, relying on using style, site visitors and street conditions.
specifications
Engine: 346cc unmarried-cylinder, air-cooled, 4-stroke engine
most energy: 19.8bhp@5250rpm
most Torque: 28Nm@4000rpm
Gearbox: five-velocity consistent mesh
Chassis: unmarried downtube
front Suspension: Telescopic, 35mm forks, 130mm travel
Rear Suspension: dual shocks 5-step preload adjustable with 80mm journey
Kerb Weight: 180kg
2. Royal Enfield Bullet 500
The Royal Enfield Bullet 500 gives the identical iconic, undying design of the mythical Bullet, however gets a extra powerful heart – a 500cc unit construction engine with twinspark ignition. Visually, the Bullet 500 seems quite just like the Bullet 350 but the 500 is available in three unique sun shades – black, marsh grey and wooded area inexperienced. There are some minor modifications just like the ribbed seat, distinctive tyre tread sample and the inclusion of a front disc brake.
as the name indicates, the Bullet 500 gets a bump in displacement – powered by way of a UCE which displaces 499cc and is fed by means of a carburettor with throttle role sensor, in contrast to the fuel-injected traditional 500. The relaxation of the cycle components are just like the Bullet 350, however the 500 gets a 280mm the front disc brake and higher illumination, courtesy a powerful 55w halogen headlight. not like the Bullet 350, the Bullet 500 gets a barely smaller 18-inch rear wheel.
performance sensible, the Bullet 500 is a step up from its 350cc sibling, presenting better pull from low revs, because of the big torque the engine makes and better cruising velocity as well. whether or not driving solo, or maybe two-up, the Bullet 500 pulls cleanly, even inside the high mountains and on steep inclines. the five hundred will cruise luckily around 90kmph and could pass up to a top velocity of over 120kmph, but the engine doesn’t like being revved and preserving those speeds end up disturbing, the vibrations creep in and doesn’t make it a very quality enjoy. Ridden in its sweet spot and over long hours at the motorway, the Bullet 500 returns between 30-35kmpl.
specifications
Engine: 499cc, unmarried-cylinder, air-cooled four-stroke engine
most energy: 26.1bhp@5100rpm
most Torque: 40.9Nm@3800rpm
Gearbox: five-speed constant mesh
Chassis: unmarried downtube
front Suspension: Telescopic front forks, 130mm journey
Rear Suspension: fuel charged twin shocks, 80mm journey
Kerb Weight: 193kg
3. Royal Enfield Bullet Electra
The Royal Enfield Bullet Electra is a Bullet 350 with a few cosmetic tweaks and minor improvements. The silhouette is unmistakably Bullet, however the Electra gets delivered chrome, within the front and rear fenders and the embossed Royal Enfield on the fuel tank. The traditional hand-painted pin striping is given a leave out, as is the tank motif. The taillight is distinctive as properly, and the Bullet Electra is to be had in four distinctive shades – silver, black, blue and crimson. each wheels on the Bullet Electra are 19-inch spoked wheels.
The Bullet Electra’s engine is similar to that of the Bullet 350, and performance is extra or much less comparable. The Electra although is marginally heavier, however that doesn’t translate to any sizeable change in performance. The Bullet Electra offers correct ride best and gas financial system degrees from 35-40kmpl, relying on specific riding situations. Ridden flat out, the Bullet Electra will publish a pinnacle speed of 120kmph, however it is happiest cruising at round 80kmph. The Electra is for the Bullet lover who dreams more chrome and additionally comes with an optional front disk brake.
specifications:
Engine: 346cc unmarried-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke engine
maximum power: 19.8bhp@5250rpm
most Torque: 28Nm@4000rpm
Gearbox: five-speed regular mesh
Chassis: single downtube
the front Suspension: Telescopic, 35mm forks, 130mm tour
Rear Suspension: dual shocks five-step preload adjustable with 80mm travel
Kerb Weight: 187kg
4. Royal Enfield classic 350
The most famous and maximum promoting Royal Enfield is the conventional 350; a bike which follows the same silhouette of the Bullet, but receives a nip and tuck, with redesigned fenders, new taillight segment, non-compulsory upswept exhaust and a break up seat, with a sprung rider’s seat. The rear wheel length is an 18-incher while the front retains the 19-inch rim of the Bullet.
The hardware stays the equal – the 350cc UCE which powers the Bullet 350, Bullet Electra and the Thunderbird 350, however the conventional 350 receives a front disc brake – the identical 280mm disc that is available on the Bullet Electra. overall performance is greater or less just like the alternative 350cc Royal Enfield bikes on provide, but what differentiates the conventional 350 is a greater flamboyant design – present day, but retaining the retro lines and to be had in as many as six specific shades. The classic 350 returns real-global gasoline efficiency figures of round 35-40kmpl relying on using and street conditions.
this is for the unfashionable fans – with split seats, with the choice of disposing of the rear seat and flashy colorations, but keeping the easy design of the authentic.
specifications
Engine: 346cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, 4-stroke engine
most power: 19.8bhp@5250rpm
maximum Torque: 28Nm@4000rpm
Gearbox: 5-pace regular mesh
Chassis: unmarried downtube
front Suspension: Telescopic, 35mm forks, 130mm tour
Rear Suspension: dual shocks 5-step preload adjustable with 80mm journey
Kerb Weight: 187kg
five. Royal Enfield traditional 500
The Royal Enfield classic 500 has near equal seems of the conventional 350, following the undying Bullet silhouette, but with a few cosmetic adjustments. Visually, the simplest distinction among the classic 350 and the classic 500 are on the take hold of and brake levers; at the same time as the conventional 350 receives all-black levers, the five hundred receives buffed, chrome finished levers. And of route, the conventional 500 is to be had in awesome paint schemes, and with numerous iterations, just like the traditional barren region storm, classic Squadron Blue and conventional Chrome, the closing one with extra chrome remedy at the body.
The essential exchange is within the engine – the conventional 500 receives a more effective fuel-injected 500cc engine, which offers dollops of torque from very low revs. pointless to say, the classic 500 gives greater tractability and pulling strength, specifically in mountain climbing inclines with luggage, regardless of a pillion on board. In phrases of performance, the conventional 500 is capable of hitting a pinnacle speed of around 130kmph, however is happiest cruising across the 90kmph mark. The conventional 500 additionally gets marginally extra electricity and torque than the Bullet 500. like several Royal Enfields, the classic 500’s engine additionally would not like being revved. some thing above triple digit speeds, the traditional 500 arms out vibrations on the handlebars, footpegs and the engine doesn’t like being revved at high speeds for lengthy.
The more power and further torque make it a superb journeying bike and it provides gas financial system of among 30-35kmpl, with worst fuel economic system happening to round 25kmpl in excessive-altitude situations and in difficult terrain. For those looking for extra grunt, whether or not in-gear acceleration or in the high mountains, the conventional 500 gives more overall performance and greater driving pride, but on the price of low gas economy.
specifications
Engine: 499cc unmarried-cylinder, four-stroke engine, dual-spark
maximum strength: 27.2bhp@5250rpm
maximum Torque: 41.3Nm@4000rpm
Gearbox: 5-speed regular mesh
Chassis: unmarried downtube
front Suspension: Telescopic, 35mm forks, 130mm journey
Rear Suspension: twin shocks five-step preload adjustable with 80mm travel
Kerb Weight: 190kg
6. Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350
The Thunderbird 350 is the entry-stage cruiser from the Royal Enfield stable. For cruiser fanatics, the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 offers conventional cruiser styling, and is the primary Royal Enfield which turned into advertised as a true cruiser-journey motorcycle all rolled into one. The engine is still similar to the traditional 350, but the Thunderbird gets extra capabilities; a 20-litre tank for prolonged variety, a virtual meter console, break up seats with removable rear seat which may be used as a baggage provider and an LED taillight.
The Thunderbird 350 is powered by the familiar 350cc engine and is fed thru a carburettor. like any Royal Enfield motorcycles, trip exceptional is its biggest power, and the Thunderbird 350 also sails through all varieties of bumps, avenue undulations and terrain. yes, it’s similarly at home within the city jungle, at some point of the day by day go back and forth as well as the occasional long trip. The bike cruises regularly at round 90kmph and offers a comfy using posture for those lengthy hours inside the dual carriageway. The most effective thing lacking – is the greater torque the Thunderbird 500 affords, and the gasoline injection. but for that, you need to shell out extra. top speed is around the 120kmph mark and fuel economic system levels from whatever among 35-40kmpl. If you like the cruiser-ish looks and extra capabilities of the Thunderbird 350, pass for it, however for some more grunt, test the Thunderbird 500.
specifications
Engine: 346cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke engine
most electricity: 19.8bhp@5250rpm
maximum Torque: 28Nm@4000rpm
Gearbox: five-velocity constant mesh
Chassis: single downtube
front Suspension: Telescopic, 35mm forks, 130mm travel
Rear Suspension: dual shocks five-step preload adjustable with 80mm journey
Kerb Weight: 192kg
7. Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500
The Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 is the bigger, greater effective sibling within the Thunderbird duo. bigger would not imply in size, it’s same to the Thunderbird 350, but the engine gets the 500cc powerplant and it receives electronic gasoline injection. Many Thunderbird owners use their bikes for the most component in the town, and if this is the number one usage region, then it’s far higher to stick with the 350, often because it gives better gas economy.
For the ones in search of to move out on the motorway frequently, the 500 makes extra feel, the extra torque allows climb inclines, despite a pillion on board, and the 500cc engine gives a slightly better cruising velocity as well. The EFI helps in excessive altitude terrain and universal the Thunderbird 500 gives greater pull and energy. but if rate is a constraint, and gasoline economic system a worry, it is better to stick to the Thunderbird 350. For the entirety else, the marginal strength increment and the extra torque sincerely helps.
specs
Engine: 499cc unmarried-cylinder, air-cooled, 4-stroke engine
maximum electricity: 27.2bhp@5250rpm
most Torque: forty one.3m@4000rpm
Gearbox: 5-speed steady mesh
Chassis: single downtube
the front Suspension: Telescopic, 41mm forks, 130mm tour
Rear Suspension: twin shocks five-step preload adjustable with 80mm tour
Kerb Weight: 195kg
8. Royal Enfield Continental GT
The Continental GT is the café racer in the Royal Enfield strong. It offers a ’60s café racer layout paying homage to an technology in which café racers have been quite the trend in Europe. The engine is likewise a stroked out version of the 500cc UCE, and the Continental GT gets a displacement bump to 535cc, the biggest displacing engine on any Royal Enfield on sale proper now.
It looks superb, and the bump in displacement with the slight increase in energy and torque does make it barely faster than every other Royal Enfield 500, however the problem of the vibrations from the engine is ever-gift. needless to mention, the Continental GT might also appearance the part of the period café racer, and the double cradle chassis also aids in making it an awesome handler, however the nature of the engine stays the equal. It does not like being revved and is happiest at round 100kmph. The jump in displacement also approach the Conti GT is more thirsty so, fuel economy is rated at whatever between 25-32kmpl.
specifications
Engine: 535cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, 4-stroke engine
most power: 29.1bhp@5100rpm
most Torque: 44Nm@4000rpm
Gearbox: five-velocity regular mesh
Chassis: single downtube
the front Suspension: Telescopic, 41mm forks, 110mm travel
Rear Suspension: twin shocks 5-step preload adjustable with 80mm tour
Kerb Weight: 184kg
9. Royal Enfield Himalayan
that is the newest from the Royal Enfield stable and it breaks new ground – pretty actually. The Himalayan is the primary motive-built journey tourer from Royal Enfield and its improvement is truely borne out of some thing Royal Enfield proprietors were doing with their motorcycles for pretty someday now. almost each Royal Enfield proprietor desires to go on an extended experience – whether it’s miles from metropolis to city, kingdom to nation, and some even wander on a pilgrimage of sorts to the highest roads in the global in the Himalayas.
And so, the Himalayan was born; to cruise highways and absorb relative consolation those who are seeking to explore and thirst for adventure. The Himalayan receives an all-new 411cc engine, referred to as the LS, or lengthy Stroke 410. it’s nevertheless air-cooled, but receives an oil cooler and a counterbalance for extra refinement. The engine nevertheless feels vibey at high revs and the Himalayan is happiest cruising at round 90kmph.
however the Himalayan also gets equipment which gives it its ‘pass anywhere’ persona. long travel suspension, high floor clearance and a monoshock rear shock with lengthy journey (the first mono surprise on any Royal Enfield) provide it brilliant versatility, to take on all varieties of terrain when the street ends. For the journey seeker, the Himalayan is the precise Royal Enfield, it is got cozy ergonomics and ride excellent, or even has a seat that is at ease for the pillion. It just misses out on high-pace cruising functionality. Revved difficult, the Himalayan shows a top velocity of over 130kmph, but the engine feels pressured out and the vibrations start at high revs. but wherein the tarmac ends, there may be no different motorcycle in India which comes close to the Himalayan. As an low cost adventure tourer, the Himalayan nevertheless is the exceptional bet.
specs
Engine: 411cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke engine
maximum electricity: 24.4bhp@6500rpm
maximum Torque: 32Nm@4000-4500rpm
Gearbox: five-velocity constant mesh
Chassis: single downtube
the front Suspension: Telescopic, 41mm forks, 200mm journey
Rear Suspension: Monoshock with linkage, 180mm tour
Kerb Weight: 182kg