Upcoming Royal Enfield parallel-twin cruiser spotted again: Top Five Highlights
Royal Enfield's upcoming range of motorcycles have been in the news very often lately, be it for their leaked images or details that have surfaced online. And we aren't just talking of the Royal Enfield Meteor 350, which is expected to arrive in the coming weeks, taking the recently launched Honda Highness CB 350 by its horns. This time it is about the company's upcoming cruiser motorcycle, which is believed to be a flagship offering that will be positioned above the Interceptor 650 and the GT 650 parallel twins. Here are our top five highlights of the motorcycle
While the upcoming Royal Enfield cruiser has been spotted earlier, it is this time that one can see more design details. To begin with, we quite like the muscular styling which reminds us of the Moto Guzzi California 1400, especially with the black alloy wheels. The design consists of a large headlight, upside-down forks (first for a Royal Enfield) and a nice tear drop-shaped fuel tank. We expect it to have a larger volume, for a higher overall touring range.
The instrumentation will be a twin-pod unit, with one pod being larger than the other. Looking at the leaked images of the Royal Enfield Meteor 350, we are hoping RE offers the latest in terms of connectivity with navigation on this as well, as shown in the Royal Enfield KX concept. The side panels and the rear fender design is in line with the overall theme. Also hosted on the rear fender is the compact taillight. The seat design looks like fits a single unit, which should be comfortable for longer saddle hours. Not too sure if the pillion seat will be as accommodating though, especially for larger occupants.
Interestingly, Royal Enfield has not gone too blingy with an overt use of chrome in the whole design, apart from on the obvious places such as on the twin-tail pipes and the instrumentation surround. Most of the design features a blackened theme that looks quite interesting to us.
Underpinnings of the Royal Enfield parallel-twin cruiserThe Royal Enfield cruiser could feature a twin-cradle tubular steel frame, of a different design compared to that of the Interceptor 650 and GT 650 parallel-twins.
This can also be seen with the design of the frame around the side panels. Further, as already mentioned, the RE Crusier will feature upside-down forks and gas-charged twin shock absorbers in the rear. We expect the ride quality to be much better and more plush as compared to the Classic 350 or any other RE cruiser so far. The riding ergonomics looks quite laid back with the wide handlebar and feet forward front pegs. Also, unlike the current crop of Royal Enfield motorcycles, the front disc is positioned on the right side of the motorcycle. It's a given that dual-channel ABS will be standard.
Engine of the Royal Enfield parallel-twin cruiser
Though there is no confirmation on the exact specifications of this engine, except that it will be a parallel-twin unit, we expect it to be an air-oil cooled 648cc unit from the Interceptor/GT 650. Considering that it will be a flagship offering, it is almost certain that the 650cc engine will be seen here unless REÂ surprises us with a totally new displacement figure. As it did with a 411cc Royal Enfield Himalayan. Look at the engine casing and you will realise it has distinct styling from that of the GT/Interceptor with prominent RE and Royal Enfield badging on both sides.
The state of tune of this motor could be altered to suit the cruiser characteristics, perhaps with a higher torque rating. This engine will come with a 6-speed gearbox, with a slipper clutch with assist function for fatigue-free shifts. What is not clear from the spied videos and pictures is if the power will be transmitted to the rear wheel via a chain or a belt drive. Also, the twin-pipes look like a sleeker version of the one on the RE GT parallel-twins.
Launch, price and availability of the Royal Enfield parallel-twin cruiserPresently, the 2020 BSVI compliant Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and the GT 650 are priced between Rs 2.60 lakh to Rs 2.80 lakh, ex-showroom. With its flagship positioning and also the premium equipment to go with it, the Royal Enfield cruiser could be a smidge over Rs 3 lakh, ex-showroom. We are already aware that the launch of the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is just around the corner, encashing on the festive season. The flagship RE cruiser is expected to arrive sometime early next year. Unless the company launches the motorcycle at the absolute end of 2020, which is unlikely.
Competition of the Royal Enfield parallel-twin cruiserIn the real sense, at that pricing, the Royal Enfield 650cc cruiser motorcycle will have no competition. However, if its cruiser form and supposed 650cc displacement are taken into consideration, the only other cruiser is the Kawasaki's middleweight cruiser, the Vulcan S. It is Kawasaki's first and only cruiser offering in the country, powered by a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke parallel twin 649cc motor that puts out 61PS at 7,500rpm and generates 62.4 Nm at 6,600rpm. These numbers do appear superior compared to that of RE's 650cc parallel-twin, but at the same time, the Vulcan S has been priced at Rs 5.79 lakh, ex-showroom, making the upcoming RE motorcycle a far more accessible middleweight cruiser in the country.
Let us know your thoughts and views on the upcoming Royal Enfield 650cc cruiser and if you can point out anything additional than the things mentioned above.
Also read,India-made Royal Enfield Himalayan BSVI priced at an equivalent of Rs 4.5 lakh in Philippines
Royal Enfield adds local assembly facility outside India in Argentina