[muezler]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDG6FE6-zzo

I have to say, that "Shotgun" model looks very intriguing.
Hope that new models will hit international sales somwhere 2022.

[axman88]

I'm seeing strong indications that the new "J" engine ( Meteor OHC 350) version of the Classic 350 will be released very soon.

https://www.zigwheels.com/news-features/news/2021-royal-enfield-classic-350-spotted-at-dealer-yard-ready-for-launch/42250/
https://www.timesnownews.com/auto/bike-news/article/new-royal-enfield-classic-350-india-launch-soon/772038

I'd like to predict that it will be before the next Diwali, which is just a few months away.

The UCE Classic 350 has, quite some time ago, overtaken the legacy Bullet 350, as Royal Enfield's biggest seller, even though the Bullet is about 20% cheaper.  In fact, very close to 1 out of every 2 Royal Enfields sold, worldwide, is a Classic 350.  This fact alone, in my opinion, makes this upcoming product release very important for Royal Enfield.  Based on how the Indian market reacted to the introduction of EFI a dozen years ago, I anticipate some grumblings and rumblings as RE makes the switch.

Will they retire the UCE in favor of the more advanced "J"?  Or will they offer both, perhaps charging a premium for one over the other?  If I ran the circus, I'd offer the "J" version initially at parity, costwise, then start raising the price of the UCE version, slowly at first, then precipitously.  If RE's engineers have earned their salaries, the OHC version, despite being improved, is also cheaper to produce than the venerable pushrod engine.

[AzCal Retred]

Looks like the "standard" has arrived, finally. Likely a "GT" will follow? Mostly tank, bars & fenders engineering, hopefully with "proper" foot peg placement! Can you tell yet if the new Classic frame is actually different than the Meteor?

[axman88]

Can you tell yet if the new Classic frame is actually different than the Meteor?

I haven't seen a proper picture yet.  Some reports say "new double cradle" frame.  I would suppose very similar to the Meteors, but differing in placement of various weld tabs to accommodate differing saddles, mudguards, pegs, and probably silencer.  One report says the new Classic 350 is expected in July, so, by September, we should find out exactly what it is going to be.

There's also supposed to be another machine in the works, a 350 "Scrambler", that is said to be smaller and sportier than the Meteor, but possessing the same "J" 350 OHC, engine.

I'm a 2nd hand vehicle guy, so, none of this really applies to me, but it's a fun diversion.  I don't anticipate the 350s ever being plentiful enough in this part of the country to actually find one used.  3 out of 4 machines locally, are HDs, Milwaukee is an hour and half away.  A coworker asked me a few months ago, if a Buell 500 was a good first bike for his kid.  His kid is 10.

[Carlsberg Wordsworth]

Classic 350 looks ready to go according to here:

https://www.rideapart.com/news/522645/2021-royal-enfield-classic350-production-ready/

Looks the same frame? with some polishy bits. Shame about the LCD on the casquette imo.

I'd have the ignition moved to the side like a Rebel 500 (off the top of my head), a rev counter,Tripper unit and a Meteor speedo in it. I think that would look pretty smart.

[AzCal Retred]

650 Sherpa - 21"/18"? wire wheels, fun mountain road footage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TipjhdjqoMA

[axman88]

It's very nearly, almost official, it's coming, not long to wait now, much anticipated, ......

The new OHC "J" Classic 350 ....    https://www.rushlane.com/amp/new-royal-enfield-classic-350-launch-date-31st-aug-12407960.html

But what about that 650 twin cruiser with the cast wheels, when is that going to be pre-pre-announced?

[zimmemr]

I'll skip the cruiser but the 650 Sherpa and the 350 Classic are on the short list for sure.

[AzCal Retred]

Maybe a 250 "Hunter" too...??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J3tCmjmAHs

350 Hunter
https://www.cartoq.com/royal-enfield-hunter-350-spotted-ahead-of-launch-will-rival-honda-cb350-rs/

[Adrian II]

See? You don't have to lose the looks of the engine by plastering it in black paint. Chrome rims would be nice too.

A.

[axman88]

I'll skip the cruiser but the 650 Sherpa and the 350 Classic are on the short list for sure.

That 650 Sherpa is just speculation at this point, a combination of long ago suggestions that RE might develop a 650 adventurer tourer, and their more recent copywriting of the "Sherpa" name.  Recently we've seen suggestions that a 650 adventurer tourer project has been initiated by the RE UK tech center, but there's been no images, no official press, and no official connection of the Sherpa name to the project.

We have seen pictures of machines on the road of the following types:
          -  Classic 350
          -  Cruiser 650
          -  Classic  650
          -  Roadster 350
 
And there's some anticipation of a Scrambler 411, although I don't think we've seen any pictures of a running machine yet.

I'd guess that all these machines would be out before that big adventurer tourer.

This article summarizes the situation pretty well:   https://www.cartoq.com/royal-enfield-himalayan-650cc-close-to-reveal-says-uk-press-report/ 

[AzCal Retred]

"Rumbler" 500: https://www.royalenfield.com/id/id/motorcycles/rumbler500/
20L tank; that's almost 6 gallons, or very near a 500 mile range...!

https://www.financialexpress.com/auto/bike-news/top-5-royal-enfield-bikes-in-india-next-gen-2021-classic-350-himalayan-650-interceptor-350-shotgun-scram-launch-date-upcoming/2291010/

[axman88]

"Rumbler" 500: https://www.royalenfield.com/id/id/motorcycles/rumbler500/
20L tank; that's almost 6 gallons, or very near a 500 mile range...!

The Rumbler is not up and coming, it's out and going, it's the old Thunderbird 500, that continues to be sold in those markets that don't require BS6 or Euro 5, (and who want it, i.e. not the US).  Rushlane was carrying the TB500 as a separate line in the monthly sales breakout up until March 2021, but showing zero units sold for some time.  If RE is selling them, and counting them, they must be counting them as Classic 500s, or Bullet 500s.

20L is a lot closer to 5 than 6, and EFI bikes aren't supposed to touch the last .75 liter, for fear of overheating the fuel pump, but that's still 4.5 usable US gallons.  RE claimed 70 mpg for the 500s, and it is attainable, but Fuelly reports an average economy closer to 63.  300 miles is still excellent range for a motorcycle.

The rumbling turtle might even beat his hare riding buddies to their 300 mile destination, if those other guys spend more than 1/2 an hour at their fuel stop, and keep their cruising speed down to 75 mph. 

I'd have to wear a catheter, if I planned to win that race.

[GSS]

It looks like the new classic based on the meteor platform is coming soon.  I received a RENA survey on my meteor purchase experience and there was a teaser video link to something coming September 1st….fuzzy images sure looked like a new Classic 350. It would be more fun if it were a 650!

[AzCal Retred]

Classic 650 rendering, IAB, Feb 2018:
reprised by Bullet Guru - Jan 2020 ; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgA4Pn2K5S4
"True Fact", Twitter, May 2019
IAB March 2021...drinking their own Kool-Ade?
Looks pretty in any event...