A few days ago, we told you Royal Enfield had an assortment of 350-450cc motorcycles incoming in the next couple of months. Now, the Indian giant has confirmed one of these–the new Royal Enfield Bullet–for August 30, 2023. This marks the ‘Bullet’ nameplate’s 92-year-long continuous production (first started by Royal Enfield UK in 1931, then by Royal Enfield India in 1955).
The New Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Will Boast Plenty Of Retro Charm
The confirmation comes via a ‘Block Your Date’ invite. Though it doesn’t tell you much, the short video shows Royal Enfield’s old 3D emblem, signaling a retro motorcycle. This emblem is from RE’s yesteryears and has remained absent on its new bikes for some time now. So the new Bullet is the perfect opportunity–one the bikemaker isn’t letting slide.
Besides the emblem, the Bullet will carry forward its old-school design. A round bulb-type headlight, chunky single-piece seat, and a curvy fuel tank will all be present, alongside spoke wheels. Oh, and don’t forget, plenty of chrome treatment (on the exhaust, headlight nacelle, handlebar). Yes, all of it will create an aesthetic similar to the Classic 350, but the subtle differences (seat, emblems, nacelle, fenders) will give the Bullet an identity of its own.
The New Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Will Feature An Updated Engine
The crown jewel for the new Bullet will be its updated powerhouse. It will bid adieu to its UCE-series 350cc mill in favor of Royal Enfield’s new J-series 350cc engine (same as the new Classic 350, Meteor 350, and Hunter 350). It produces 20 horsepower and 20 pound-feet, all available quite low in the rev range. It was one of our favorite aspects when we lived with the Hunter 350 for a few days.
Like the powerhouse, the new Bullet will adopt an updated double-cradle chassis, the same one the new Classic 350 got. It’ll rely on telescopic forks (with retro covers) and dual shock absorbers, in addition to 19/19-inch (F/R) spoke wheels. Expect the suspension to have different settings to match the new mill and chassis, while the wheels will continue to house a front disc and rear drum brake as standard. We could see a rear disc brake for the top-of-the-line variant, though.
The New Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Will Cost Less Than The Classic 350
Prior to 2022, the Bullet 350 served as the most affordable Royal Enfield motorcycle you could buy. But now, that duty lies in the hands of the Hunter. So the updated Bullet will be priced between the Hunter and Classic, more towards the latter. Therefore, expect it to cost around $4,400 ($300 shy of the Classic and $400 more than the Hunter). Its timeline for an American launch remains unclear for now, but stay tuned to TopSpeed for any future revelations. Till then, what do you think of the Bullet? Would you consider buying it?