Bullet Classic 500 and 350 motorcycles launched in India

Bullet Classic 500 EFI and Classic 350 have been launched by royal Enfield in India.  We had talked about this motorcycle quite a few months back, but missed out on it when the story broke.

New Bullet Classic photo: Drool!

The new motorcyclists come with the so-called Unitary Construction Engine and fuel injection-a first for Royal Enfield in India.  Unitary construction of the engine means that the engine and transmission, which their previously separate, have been combined into a single unit.

We have a few photos of the new Bullet Classic 500 CC motorcycle here.  Click this link for more photos of the Bullet Classic.

One major visible change is the introduction of 18 inch wheels. Many Bullet fans are not going to like that – however, those who have seen the Classic 500 and 350 report that it does not look bad at all.

Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500cc photo

The new 500 CC Bullet Classic produces 27.2 BHP at 5250 RPM and a maximum torque of 41.3 NM at 4,000 RPM.  The Bullet Classic 350 on the other hand produces 19.8 BHP at 5250 rpm and a maximum torque of 24 NM at 4000 RPM.  Apart from electronic fuel injection, the motorcycle also features electric start.

Usually, we dislike the public relations drivel that accompanies every vehicle launch in India.  However, there is no way we can disagree with Royal Enfield when they say that “blending yesteryear’s charm and today’s technology, the Classic is a tribute to the glorious machines of the past and is ready to roar into the future.”

The two new Bullet Classic motorcycles are not cheap, however.  The cheaper Bullet Classic 350 comes at a price of Rupees 98,800 ex-showroom Delhi while the more expensive Bullet Classic 500 EFI is priced at Rs. 124000 in Delhi.

The Bullet Classic motorcycle is score very highly on aesthetics with the look screaming retro.  If riding a motorcycle that has vintage looks while being modern is your thing, then the new motorcyclist will fit you perfectly.  The price of the motorcycle, however, places it just a little bit out of reach of the average motorcycle enthusiast in India.

The first Bullet motorcycle was produced in India in 1932.  However, we dare say that the latest Bullet Classic looks so retro that you mistake it for an immaculately preserved vintage motorcycle.

The 500 CC Bullet Classic has been selling reasonably well in European markets since 2008 October.  Ever since the launch of the motorcycle and the Cologne International motorcycle show in 2008, Indian Enfield enthusiasts have been waiting eagerly for the launch of the motorcycle in India.

During the launch of the Bullet Classic, the company said that it plans to expand production capacity to 100,000 units in the next three years from the current 50,000 units.  Royal Enfield has already invested Rs. 65 lakhs in the existing manufacturing facility.

The company expects that 90% of its sales would come from the domestic market in India, while the rest of its sales would come from exports to countries in Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.

It was also revealed that the company plans to phase out one of its models, the Machismo.