Royal Enfield is world’s oldest motorcycle manufacturer and is a popular brand in India and around the world. They are famous for their retro looking modern motorcycles that are apt for long distance cruising. One of the most selling model from the line up is the Bullet and Classic 350 motorcycle. Just like many other manufacturers, Royal Enfield is also planning to enter the electric vehicle space and they have already started the work as well. In the next two-three years, they are expected to introduce their first electric motorcycle in the market. Royal Enfield has not shared any information regarding the upcoming electric bike but, there are chances that the first electric bike would be based on the Classic 350 motorcycle. Here we even have a speculative render that shows what it might look like.
The image has been shared by Electricvehicleweb.in. The artist has imagined the popular Classic 350 motorcycle in an all electric avatar. The basic design of the motorcycle remains the same as the petrol version. It gets a retro looking design with round headlamps, tear drop design fuel tank, exposed rear fender and a single seat set up. At first, the bike looks like a normal Classic 350 but, there are several changes made to it.
Starting with the front, the headlamp has the round shape but, instead of a halogen bulb, it now offers a set of LED projector lamps with DRLs. As this is an electric model, it gets an electric blue shade of paint along with black. The engine has been completely removed and the space is now occupied by batteries and motor. Fuel tank is still retained as the fuel filler cap now acts as a point to connect the charging plug.
As this is an all-electric motorcycle, there is no need for gear and clutch levers. Both have been removed and the front and rear brakes are now available on the handle bar itself. With the addition of batteries and electric motor, the weight of the motorcycle will increase by a lot. RE will have to reinforce the chassis so that the bike can bear the weight. Another change in this new electric version is the way the power from motor is send to the rear wheels. Normally in a Classic 350, there is chain drive which runs from engine to the rear wheel.
In case of this electric version, RE might go for a belt drive as it generates very less noise in comparison to metal chains. The belt will be connected to the motor and will be sending all the power to rear wheels with minimum loss. Other than, these changes, the render also shows a new type of wheel on the motorcycle.
The wheel seen in the image is different from the regular alloy or spoke wheel. It looks like a unit specifically designed for electric vehicles to reduce the amount of drag. Royal Enfield recently launched their all-new Meteor motorcycle based on J platform. There is a possibility that the upcoming electric bike might use the same platform. Royal Enfield has taken things seriously and has also set up a new team for Research and Development.