Royal Enfield has announced that its limited-edition Shotgun 650 X Rough Crafts has sold out globally, with the India allocation being booked within just three minutes of sales opening.
India allocation sold out in just three minutes
Only 100 examples were produced worldwide
More than 9,000 enthusiasts registered interest globally
Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 X Rough Crafts
It remains mechanically identical to the stock bike
Developed in collaboration with Taiwanese custom motorcycle builder Winston Yeh of Rough Crafts, the special edition was limited to just 100 individually numbered motorcycles worldwide. Royal Enfield says more than 9,000 enthusiasts from across the globe had registered their interest in purchasing one, underlining the demand for the exclusive model.
While the company has confirmed that the India allocation sold out in three minutes, only 25 models of the 100 motorcycles were earmarked for India.
The Shotgun 650 X Rough Crafts is based on the standard Shotgun 650 but receives a bespoke design inspired by Yeh’s custom build. Finished in a combination of Gloss Jet Black and Matte Stealth Black, the motorcycle gets hand-applied gold leaf stripes with subtle grey accents, a cast brass Rough Crafts collaboration badge and individually numbered fuel tanks. Other exclusive touches include black bar-end mirrors, quilted leather seats, contrast-cut alloy wheels and gold-coloured fork tubes.
Mechanically, it remains unchanged and continues to be powered by the familiar 648cc, parallel-twin, air/oil-cooled engine producing 47hp and 52.3Nm, paired with a six-speed gearbox.
Royal Enfield has outlined an ambitious manufacturing and international expansion plan following a strong Q1 FY27 performance, with capacity targeted at 2.45 million units per year by FY30 and a CKD assembly plant in Indonesia under active consideration. The announcements were made by Eicher Motors MD and Royal Enfield CEO B Govindarajan during the company’s Q1 FY27 investor call.
Royal Enfield to expand capacity from 1.5 million to 2.45 million units by FY30
Rs 1,225 crore approved for Phase 1 of new Andhra Pradesh greenfield plant
Indonesia CKD plant decision expected this quarter
Royal Enfield capacity expansion plans
Brownfield expansion at Cheyyar to take capacity to 2 million by FY28
Royal Enfield currently has an annual manufacturing capacity of around 1.5 million motorcycles across four production units in Cheyyar and Chennai in Tamil Nadu – up from 50 percent utilisation in FY20 to 90 percent in FY26. The first module of the brownfield expansion at Cheyyar is now operational, with daily production crossing 5,000 units. The remaining phases are expected to be completed by FY28, taking total capacity to 2 million units annually.
Beyond that, Eicher Motors’ board has approved an investment of Rs 1,225 crore for the first phase of a new greenfield manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh. This addition is expected to contribute a further 4.5 lakh units of annual capacity and bring Royal Enfield’s total manufacturing footprint to 2.45 million units by FY30. The combined brownfield and greenfield expansion represents a capacity increase of over 60 percent from current levels.
Indonesia CKD plant could be set up at faster pace due to low local content requirements
On the international front, Royal Enfield is actively evaluating a CKD assembly plant in Indonesia after finding that exports from its existing Thailand CKD plant are still subject to import quotas of around 10,000 units per year – despite the ASEAN trade framework. Govindarajan said the company had identified a local assembler in Indonesia and that a decision on setting up a CKD operation there was expected during the current quarter. He noted that Indonesia’s local content requirements are relatively low, which could allow a CKD facility to come online quickly. However, he cautioned that a luxury tax of around 140 percent would remain even with local assembly, and the key benefit being the removal of the import quota restriction.
Royal Enfield currently operates seven CKD assembly units across Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil (two units), Colombia, Nepal and Thailand, with a combined annual assembly capacity of 150,000 units. Indonesia would be the eighth. The company is also evaluating a CKD plant in Mexico following higher import tariffs there. Overseas revenue crossed Rs 1,000 crore for the first time in Q1 FY27, accounting for around 15 percent of total revenue, led by strong growth in Brazil and other Latin American markets.
Royal Enfield has said that internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles will remain central to its business even after the launch of its first Flying Flea electric motorcycle. The company detailed its long-term strategy in its latest annual report under a new framework called RE-BALANCE.
Royal Enfield will continue investing in new ICE motorcycles alongside EVs.
Brazil is now the company’s largest and fastest-growing international market.
In the company’s annual report, Eicher Motors Executive Chairman Siddhartha Lal said Royal Enfield is committed to building its electric future but will continue investing in petrol-powered motorcycles for as long as possible. The RE-BALANCE strategy focuses on balancing investments in ICE and EVs, improving customer experiences, driving profitable growth and advancing sustainability.
While the company acknowledged that changing consumer preferences and dependence on ICE motorcycles pose long-term business risks, it said it will address these through product innovation, stronger brand relevance and deeper engagement with younger customers.
Royal Enfield said the RE-BALANCE strategy will guide its gradual expansion into electric mobility while continuing to invest in its established ICE portfolio. Its EV ambitions will be led by the Flying Flea brand, and Royal Enfield says that Flying Flea is designed to complement, rather than replace, its existing ICE lineup.
The C6, which is the first model under the brand, was showcased across several cities before its launch in India alongside the opening of the first Flying Flea store in Bengaluru. The motorcycle is priced at Rs 2.79 lakh (ex-showroom Bengaluru) and with Battery as a service (BaaS), the price comes down to Rs 1.99 lakh.
The annual report also highlighted Royal Enfield’s continued global expansion. Brazil emerged as its largest and fastest-growing international market, while the company further strengthened its overseas manufacturing footprint with new assembly facilities in Bangladesh and Thailand.
Royal Enfield’s 500cc UCE engine powered several notable models, but after its discontinuation in 2020, nothing has quite filled that space. That is where the all-new Honda CB500 intends to slot in. The CB500 is powered by an all-new 501cc single-cylinder air/oil-cooled engine producing 27hp and 43.3Nm.
Honda is yet to reveal the motorcycle’s complete specifications, but we do know that the CB500 will feature a conventional telescopic fork, twin rear shock absorbers and disc brakes at both ends. The overall design draws inspiration from the familiar CB350, with classic styling cues including a round LED headlight, a ribbed single-piece seat and a large teardrop-shaped fuel tank. It is paired with modern features such as Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), a slipper clutch and an analogue-digital instrument console with Honda RoadSync connectivity.
While the prices haven’t been revealed yet, Honda will offer the CB500 in three variants: a standard alloy-wheel version, a cross-spoke tubeless-wheel variant and a range-topping cross-spoke tubeless variant with exclusive graphics.
There was a time when large-displacement, air-cooled single-cylinder motorcycles were a meaningful part of India’s motorcycle landscape. Royal Enfield’s 500cc UCE engine powered several notable models, but after it was discontinued in 2020, nothing has quite filled that space. That is where the all-new Honda CB500 intends to slot in. Unveiled earlier today, the CB500 is a 501cc air/oil-cooled single-cylinder motorcycle inspired by the legendary CB750, and it will be manufactured in India.
New 501cc air/oil-cooled single-cylinder engine produces 27hp and 43.3Nm
Will be manufactured in India; pricing yet to be announced
CB500 will be available in three variants
Honda CB500 details
Torque output comes close to the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
The CB500 is powered by an all-new 501cc air/oil-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 27hp and 43.3Nm. While the power output is modest, the torque figure is impressive, putting it remarkably close to the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, which produces 47.4hp and 52.3Nm from its much larger 648cc parallel-twin engine. The CB500 uses a five-speed gearbox.
Honda is yet to reveal the motorcycle’s complete specifications, but we do know that the CB500 will feature a conventional telescopic fork, twin rear shock absorbers and disc brakes at both ends. The overall design draws inspiration from the familiar CB350, with classic styling cues including a round LED headlight, a ribbed single-piece seat and a large teardrop-shaped fuel tank. It is paired with modern features such as Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), a slipper clutch, and an analogue-digital instrument console with Honda RoadSync connectivity.
Honda will offer the CB500 in three variants: a standard alloy-wheel version, a cross-spoke tubeless-wheel variant and a range-topping cross-spoke tubeless variant with exclusive graphics.
Pricing is yet to be announced, but with local manufacturing confirmed, Honda is expected to price the CB500 competitively in the midsize retro segment, where it will likely rival and possibly undercut the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and the BSA Gold Star 650.
Both products are likely to be locally manufactured although the extent of localised components is not yet clear.
Rebel 300 and ADV 160 likely to be launched in India.
Competitive pricing expected considering that the models are under 350cc.
More new products could also be launched at the event.
Rebel 300 Cruiser
The Rebel nameplate is not entirely new to India. Honda had previously introduced the Rebel 500 in the country as a CBU model, pricing it at Rs 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom). However, its premium price tag made it out of reach for many.
With local manufacturing expected for the Rebel 300, Honda could position it at a much more accessible price point, making it a stronger rival to other popular bikes in the market like the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Meteor 350 and Bullet 350.
The Rebel 300 makes use of a 286cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine making around 30 hp and 27.5Nm. It has an accessible 690mm seat height and a kerb weight of 165kg. Currently, in many international markets, the 2027 model features Honda’s E-Clutch system. It remains to be seen if this E-clutch model makes its way here or whether they use a more affordable system to keep costs in check – something that Tsutsumu Otani, managing director, president & CEO of HMSI told us the company was exploring for the Indian market.
This is the same engine that is used in the Honda CB300R which used to be on sale in India. Given the fact that that bike’s price was reduced to Rs 2.19 lakh (ex-showroom prices) after the GST rate reduction, Honda could also price the new Rebel 300 quite aggressively.
ADV 160 Maxi-Scooter
We first broke the news that Honda would bring the ADV 160 to India over a year back and the vehicle is now finally ready for launch. The new ADV 160 will sit at the top of Honda’s scooter range in India. The adventure-style maxi-scooter will likely be aimed at buyers looking for a more premium and performance oriented alternative to conventional commuter scooters. Pricing will be crucial, and it remains to be seen how aggressively Honda positions it in the market. It will go up against the likes of the Yamaha Aerox (Rs 1.45 lakh to Rs 1.48 lakh ex-showroom) and the Hero Xoom 160 (Rs 1.43 lakh ex-showroom).
Internationally, this scooter uses a 157cc, liquid cooled, single-cylinder engine making 16hp and 14.7Nm. It has a seat height of 780mm, a kerb weight of 134kg and 27-litres of underseat storage. The scooter also features an adjustable windscreen and single-channel ABS as standard.
Other Product Launches
While the Rebel 300 and ADV 160 are expected to be the main launches, Honda is expected to have a few more surprises planned for tomorrow’s event. The company has been expanding its premium motorcycle portfolio in India, so additional product launches in that category could be on the cards as well as a third EV following the QC1 and Activa e.
Royal Enfield has crossed the 3 lakh quarterly sales mark for only the second time in its history, dispatching 3,01,174 units in Q1 FY27 (April-June 2026). This represents a 32 percent increase over the 2,28,779 units sold in the same period last year.
Royal Enfield sells 3,01,174 units in Q1 FY27, up 32 percent YoY
Holds an 85 percent share of the 350cc segment and 97 percent of the 500-800cc segment
Royal Enfield Q1 FY27 sales: What the numbers show
The Classic 350, Hunter 350, Meteor 350 and Bullet 350 account for 93 percent of Royal Enfield’s sales
The first time Royal Enfield crossed the 3 lakh mark was in October-December 2025, when it dispatched 3,00,426 units during the festive season. The brand’s dominance of the 350cc segment remains overwhelming. Of the 3,01,174 motorcycles sold in Q1 FY27, 2,80,136 units came from just four models – the Classic 350, Bullet 350, Hunter 350 and Meteor 350. This gave Royal Enfield an 85 percent share of the segment’s total sales of 3,27,697 units, which itself grew 49 percent year-on-year.
Bajaj Auto was a distant second with a 7 percent share (23,844 units), followed by Honda with 6 percent (18,248 units) and TVS with 2 percent (5,410 units).
In the 350-500cc segment, the Guerrilla 450 and Himalayan 450 together sold 9,883 units, up 25 percent year-on-year, giving Royal Enfield a 59 percent share of the segment’s 16,707-unit total. In the 500-800cc category, Royal Enfield sold 11,155 units, down 9 percent year-on-year, but still commanded a dominant 97 percent share.
At its current Q1 run rate, Royal Enfield is on track to cross 12 lakh annual domestic sales for the first time in FY27, comfortably surpassing its FY26 record of 11,07,343 units.
India completed the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol in April last year, making it the standard grade of petrol sold at fuel stations across the country. E20 contains 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent petrol, replacing the lower ethanol blends that were sold previously.
The transition has raised several questions among vehicle owners about compatibility, fuel efficiency, maintenance, warranties and long-term reliability. We separate the facts from the misconceptions and answer the key questions around E20.
1. What is E20 petrol and why has India switched to it?
E20 is fuel blended with 20 percent ethanol and 80 percent petrol. Ethanol is a biofuel produced from agricultural feedstocks such as sugarcane, maize and surplus food grains. India introduced the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme in 2003 with E5 petrol, and while the blended percentage kept varying for a while, it was eventually increased to E10 before completing the nationwide rollout of E20 in 2025, five years ahead of the planned implementation. According to the government, the programme aims to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, improve energy security, lower emissions and create an additional market for agricultural produce.
2. Can I use E20 fuel in my car or bike?
New petrol cars and two-wheelers sold in India today are compatible with E20 petrol. Under the government’s roadmap, vehicle manufacturers were required to make new petrol models manufactured from April 2023 compatible with E20.
Vehicles manufactured before April 2023 were designed for lower ethanol blends, so compatibility may vary depending on the model and year of manufacturing. However, some brands state that they had E20 material compliance before 2023, for a list click here.
3. How do I know if my car is E20 compatible?
The easiest way is to check your vehicle’s fuel flap or the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer’s authorised dealership. As part of the government’s E20 roadmap, manufacturers progressively introduced E20-compatible petrol vehicles from 2023 onwards. However, compatibility can vary depending on the model and year of manufacture, so owners should not assume that every petrol vehicle is fully E20-compatible.
4. Can E20 damage older engines or fuel-system components?
Concerns about E20 mainly relate to older vehicles that were not originally designed for higher ethanol blends. While ethanol has not been found to significantly directly affect metal fuel-system components, prolonged exposure to E20 can accelerate wear in some older rubber and plastic parts such as fuel hoses, seals, O-rings, gaskets and certain fuel pipes if they are made from materials that are not ethanol compatible.
Before approving E20, ARAI tested metals, elastomers and plastics commonly used in fuel systems. The study found no significant corrosion of metal components, but certain rubber compounds and plastics used in older vehicles showed greater deterioration than with E10 fuel. These findings prompted manufacturers to use ethanol-compatible materials in newer vehicles. Thus, owners of older vehicles should keep up with regular servicing and follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, increasing the inspection frequency if damage is suspected.
5. Does E20 reduce fuel efficiency?
Yes. E20 fuel generally returns lower fuel efficiency than petrol with a lower ethanol content because ethanol contains less energy than petrol. The exact reduction varies depending on the vehicle, engine and calibration.
E20 vs E10 mileage test results
Creta N Line
Dzire (BS 6)
Polo GT TSI
Dzire (BS 4)
Registration year
2024
2024
2017
2016
Average speed
17.8kph
20.25kph
18.0
19.3
Kpl on E20
10.59
14.24
9.13
9.8
Kpl on E10
12.12
14.81
9.63
11.19
Kpl variance
1.53
0.57
0.50
1.39
% variance
-12.62
-3.84
-5.19
-12.42
ARAI estimates a fuel efficiency drop of 1-6 percent with E20, while some manufacturers put it closer to 7-8 percent. In Autocar India’s real-world testing, both newer E20-compatible cars and older pre-E20 vehicles recorded a measurable drop in mileage when compared with an equivalent E10 blend. Among the newer cars, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire recorded a 3.8 percent drop, while the Hyundai Creta N Line saw a 12.6 percent decline.
Among older BS4-era cars, the Volkswagen Polo GT TSI posted a 5.2 percent drop, while the older Maruti Suzuki Dzire recorded a mileage drop of 12.4 percent.
The results also showed that there is no single figure applicable to every vehicle. Factors such as engine calibration and compression ratio all influence fuel efficiency, meaning some vehicles adapt better to E20 than others.
6. Does E20 improve performance or reduce emissions?
Octane rating test results
Fuel type
RON result
Regular E20 petrol
98.2 RON
XP95
98.8 RON
Yes, but not in a way that most motorists are likely to notice. E20 has a higher-octane rating than regular petrol, which improves resistance to engine knocking and can benefit engines designed to take advantage of higher-octane fuel.
The government says E20 aims to lower emissions by replacing a portion of petrol with domestically produced ethanol which is a renewable fuel. For most motorists, however, the most noticeable effect of switching to E20 is likely to be a small drop in mileage rather than a change in vehicle performance.
7. Is E20’s water contamination issue a real problem?
Image credit – Rushlane
Ethanol is hygroscopic, meaning it has the capability to absorb moisture. As a result, E20 is more susceptible to water contamination if excess moisture enters the fuel during storage or handling. In severe cases, this can lead to phase separation, where the ethanol and water separate from the petrol, affecting fuel quality.
Some petrol pump operators have raised concerns that existing underground storage tanks, particularly during the monsoon or in coastal areas, could be more prone to moisture ingress, increasing the risk of phase separation. However, the government and the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) says that there is no evidence linking E20 itself to widespread fuel contamination or vehicle failures.
8. Will using E20 affect my vehicle’s warranty?
For most owners, no. Vehicle manufacturers have said that using E20 petrol will not affect the warranty of their vehicles, and valid warranties will continue to be honoured. The government, SIAM and several manufacturers have stated that vehicles continue to be covered under their standard warranty terms when fuelled with E20, for a full list click here. SIAM has also said that OEMs will honour the warranty committed to customers for E20 usage, and that insurance claims will remain unaffected.
9. Why isn’t E20 petrol cheaper than regular petrol?
Although E20 contains 20 percent ethanol, it is not cheaper than regular petrol because ethanol currently costs more to procure and blend than petrol under prevailing market conditions. The cost of ethanol procurement, tax, transportation, blending and distribution offsets any potential saving from replacing a portion of petrol with domestically produced ethanol.
Any savings from lower crude oil imports are realised at the national level rather than by consumers through lower pump prices.
10. Why can’t I still buy E10 or pure petrol?
Because by policy E20 is now India’s standard petrol. Following the nationwide rollout of the Ethanol Blending Programme, oil companies have standardised regular petrol and premium 95-octane petrol to an E20 blend. Maintaining parallel supplies of E10 and E20 would require separate storage, transportation and dispensing infrastructure, making nationwide distribution significantly more complex.
As a result, motorists can no longer choose between E10 and E20 at regular fuel stations. The only exception is 100-octane petrol, such as IndianOil XP100 and HP Power100, which remains effectively ethanol-free because it is a niche fuel sold in limited volumes. For most vehicle owners, however, E20 is now the only petrol available.
11. Is the government planning to increase ethanol blending beyond E20?
Not yet, but the groundwork has begun. While the government has said no decision has been taken to mandate petrol with more than 20 percent ethanol, it has begun preparing the regulatory framework for higher blends.
In May 2026, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) notified fuel quality standards for E22, E25, E27 and E30 petrol, indicating that the government is laying the groundwork for future adoption. It has also proposed recognising E85 and E100 fuels under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.
Separately, the government has tasked the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) with studying the impact of E25 petrol on existing E10- and E20-compatible vehicles, including its effect on fuel efficiency, durability, emissions and engine performance under long-term use.
However, any move beyond E20 will require extensive testing and consultation with vehicle manufacturers, fuel companies and research agencies to assess engine durability, emissions and fuel-system compatibility before it is introduced.
12. What should owners of older cars do now?
If your vehicle is not certified as E20-compatible, it does not necessarily mean it will experience immediate problems. However, owners should follow the manufacturer’s guidance, keep up with regular servicing and replace worn fuel-system components as required. It would also be prudent to increase the frequency of inspection of your vehicles fuel system to ensure there is no corrosive damage and catch it before it gets acute.
If you own a classic car, an older imported vehicle or a high-performance model designed for lower ethanol blends, using ethanol-free 100-octane petrol may be worth considering.
13. Can I convert my vehicle to run on E20 fuel?
Yes, but official upgrade programmes are currently limited and while a few manufacturers, like Royal Enfield and Maruti Suzuki, had mentioned a plan for these earlier, they don’t have much to say for now. In a recent government press conference that aimed to quell the E20 backlash, Maruti stated that the kits are for R&D purpose only.
Theoretically, it’s possible to replace critical components susceptible to E20 damage with those designed to handle the fuel – especially if your vehicle is still in production – and if you feel the need to, you can go ahead and have parts like fuel lines, fuel pump and gaskets replaced but by your authorised workshops only.
So, should you be worried about E20 petrol?
Not worried, but alert. Modern petrol cars and bikes designed or updated for E20 are engineered to run on the fuel without major issues, and extensive testing by the government, research agencies and manufacturers found no evidence of widespread reliability concerns.That said, E20 is not without trade-offs. Most motorists should expect a small reduction in fuel efficiency.
For owners of older vehicles, it would be wise to pay closer attention to fuel-system maintenance.
Royal Enfield’s 350cc J-platform is the thumping heart behind a significant part of the company’s sales. To put things into perspective, Royal Enfield sold over a million motorcycles between April 2025 and February 2026. Of those 10.07 lakh units, 9.31 lakh – or 92 percent – came from its 350cc range.
These bikes – the Classic 350, Hunter 350, Meteor 350, Bullet 350 and Goan Classic 350 – need no introduction. While they’re all based on the same platform, they differ in design, purpose and the riding experience they offer. If you’re in the market for one, this guide should help you figure out which suits you best.
Royal Enfield 350cc platform details
All five bikes share the same engine with identical output figures.
All five motorcycles are powered by the same 349cc, single-cylinder, air/oil-cooled engine producing 20.2hp at 6,100rpm and 27Nm at 4,000rpm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Over the past few months, Royal Enfield has rolled out a slip-and-assist clutch across most of the range. The Hunter 350, Meteor 350, Goan Classic 350 and Classic 350 have all received it, leaving the Bullet 350 as the only model yet to get the update.
The main chassis architecture is also shared across the lineup, comprising a twin-downtube frame suspended by conventional telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear. However, each model features its own suspension tuning and ergonomics.
Royal Enfield Hunter 350
Royal Enfield Hunter 350 price starts at Rs 1.38 lakh.
The Hunter 350 is Royal Enfield’s most affordable and lightest 350, designed as a neo-retro roadster that feels most at home in the city. With a kerb weight of 181kg, it’s at least 10kg lighter than its siblings, making it easier to handle and more manageable in traffic. A slip-and-assist clutch, along with revised rear springs and seat foam introduced as part of a 2025 update, also make it more comfortable and easier to ride in urban conditions.
The Hunter range has since expanded with a new Base Premium variant at Rs 1.51 lakh, which slots between the entry-level Base at Rs 1.38 lakh and the higher variants. It adds alloy wheels with tubeless tyres and a more powerful headlight over the base model, while retaining single-channel ABS and a rear drum brake. Two new colour options – Moonshot White and Mumbai Yellow – have also been introduced on the top variant, which is now priced at Rs 1.71 lakh. If you’re looking for a lightweight, city-friendly Royal Enfield, the Hunter 350 is arguably your best pick.
Royal Enfield Meteor 350 price starts at Rs 1.91 lakh.
The Meteor 350 is Royal Enfield’s cruiser in the 350cc range, featuring forward-set footpegs and an accessible 765mm seat height. It now comes with Tripper navigation, LED headlights, LED turn indicators and a slip-and-assist clutch as standard across all variants. At 191kg, it’s on the heavier side, but we’ve found that its weight is well managed and doesn’t make the bike difficult to ride or manoeuvre.
The Meteor 350 is available in multiple variants with either alloy or wire-spoke wheels, with prices ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 2.21 lakh for the Supernova Black.
Royal Enfield Bullet 350 price starts at Rs 1.62 lakh.
The Bullet is arguably the quintessential Royal Enfield, most faithfully embodying the brand’s core identity. Decades on, it continues to carry distinctive design elements like the single seat and iconic silhouette, although the latest iteration has grown increasingly similar to the Classic 350. The Bullet 350 is also now the only model in Royal Enfield’s 350cc lineup yet to receive a slip-and-assist clutch.
In terms of the riding experience, the Bullet 350 feels very similar to the Classic. The key differences lie in its slightly taller handlebar, which offers a more upright riding position, and a seat with extra padding for improved comfort. The base variant features a single-tone paint scheme, single-channel ABS and generous chrome detailing, while the top-spec version gets dual-channel ABS along with a blacked-out engine and exhaust. It is priced at Rs 2.10 lakh.
Royal Enfield Classic 350 price starts at Rs 1.81 lakh.
The Classic remains Royal Enfield’s bestselling and most important motorcycle. It is also the latest model to receive a slip-and-assist clutch and a faster USB Type-C charging port, although both features are exclusive to the dual-channel ABS variants. The base single-channel Redditch Red continues unchanged at Rs 1.87 lakh. Two colour options – Halcyon Black and Jodhpur Blue – have also been discontinued.
It offers a neutral, upright riding position with handlebars within easy reach and footpegs positioned directly beneath the rider. Its 19-inch front and 18-inch rear wheel combination makes it slightly less nimble than the Hunter and Meteor, both of which use smaller wheels. Prices for the Classic 350 range go up to Rs 2.24 lakh.
Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350 price starts at Rs 2.18 lakh.
Simply put, the Goan Classic 350 is a custom-styled motorcycle you can buy straight from the showroom. With its ape-hanger handlebars and bobber-inspired design, it’s easily the most distinctive – and the most expensive – bike in the 350cc lineup.
Compared to the standard Classic 350, the Goan Classic sits lower with a 750mm seat height, features forward-set footpegs borrowed from the Meteor, and uses tall mini ape-hanger handlebars that completely transform the riding experience. Other standout styling elements include a 16-inch rear wheel and white-wall tyres mounted on tubeless wire-spoke rims. Fit and finish are also a step above the rest of the lineup, with details such as the premium metal switch cubes borrowed from Royal Enfield’s 650cc models. The Goan Classic is available in four colour schemes: Purple Haze and Shack Black are priced at Rs 2.25 lakh, while Trip Teal and Rave Red cost Rs 2.28 lakh.
Royal Enfield has updated the Classic 350 for 2026. The changes aren’t extensive, but they bring the retro roadster in line with most of the brand’s 350cc lineup. Here’s everything you need to know.
1) What’s new on the 2026 Royal Enfield Classic 350?
The biggest update is the addition of an assist and slipper clutch, which reduces clutch lever effort and smoothens downshifts. The Classic 350 also gets a USB Type-C charging port. However, these features are available only on the dual-channel ABS variants, while the entry-level Redditch Red variant continues unchanged.
2) Does the 2026 Classic 350 get any mechanical changes?
No. The Classic 350 continues with the same 349cc, air/oil-cooled, single-cylinder J-series engine that develops 20.2hp and 27Nm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. There are no changes to the chassis, suspension or braking hardware either.
3) Which variants get the assist and slipper clutch?
The assist and slipper clutch is offered on all dual-channel ABS variants of the Classic 350. The entry-level Redditch Red, which comes with single-channel ABS, does not receive the new clutch or the USB Type-C charging port and remains unchanged.
4) Has Royal Enfield discontinued any Classic 350 colour options?
Yes. Royal Enfield has discontinued the Madras Red and Medallion Bronze colour schemes as part of the update.
5) How much does the 2026 Royal Enfield Classic 350 cost?
The Redditch Red variant continues to be priced at Rs 1.87 lakh (ex-showroom, Chennai). Prices for the updated dual-channel ABS variants start at Rs 1.95 lakh (ex-showroom, Chennai), reflecting the addition of the new features.
6) How does the updated Classic 350 fit into Royal Enfield’s lineup?
With this update, the Classic 350 joins the Meteor 350, Hunter 350, Goan Classic 350 and Guerrilla 450 in offering an assist and slipper clutch. The Bullet 350 is now the only Royal Enfield motorcycle based on the J-platform that does not feature the updated clutch.
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