This Royal Enfield motorcycle seems to be sharing the frame and engine with the Meteor 350 and will likely be a different variant based on the same platform. It could be called the Hunter or the Roadster.
We have already reported to you about several motorcycles that Royal Enfield is preparing to launch in the next couple of years. The first among them to arrive will be the new Royal Enfield Meteor 350 which is essentially a replacement of the Thunderbird 350 family. But here we have a brand new spy shot of another new Royal Enfield motorcycle on the test. The motorcycle looks like an advanced prototype and the bodywork comes wrapped in heavy camouflage. While its still unclear about what this model is, what’s still identifiable is the engine on this motorcycle.
This Royal Enfield test mule seems to be powered by the same 350cc engine seen on the almost production-ready Royal Enfield Meteor 350. This motorcycle however seems to be a slightly more sportier version of the Meteor 350. It could be so that the Meteor 350 will be replacing the standard Thunderbird 350 while this new motorcycle could come as a replacement for the Thunderbird 350X. The Thunderbird 350X was a little sportier, more urban version of the standard Thunderbird. This test mule seems to have a similar approach and this could very well be a possibility.
Royal Enfield has patented several new names for use on its next generation motorcycles. We expect this new motorcycle to be either called the Hunter or the Roadster. The two other names that Royal Enfield has patented are Sherpa and the Flying Flea. The Sherpa name is expected to be used on an off-road, dual-sport motorcycle. Or it could even be a Scrambler. Meanwhile, the Flying Flea name is expected to be used for a new light-weight motorcycle (possibly a smaller version of the Himalayan) and it harks back to the original Flying Flea motorcycle which used to be para-dropped for use in the World War II.
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This new motorcycle also seems to share its frame with the Meteor 350 apart from the engine. This is a new double-cradle frame which will give the motorcycle more stability and agility. As for the engine, its a new 350cc, single-cylinder unit that will most likely come with overhead cams instead of a push-rod design as seen on the Bullet 350 and the Classic 350. That will make the engine more refined and its also expected to be counterbalanced. The engine will likely come mated to a slick-shifting 6-speed gearbox.
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In terms of design, this new motorcycle seems to be running on smaller 17- or 18-inch wheels which should make it pretty agile. Coupled with a low seat height, this motorcycle could be more accessible to new and less experienced riders. The motorcycle is slim and has a proper neo-roadster look. The upswept exhaust pipe is again a contemporary touch to the look of the motorcycle. Our best guess is that this is a different variant based on the same platform as the Meteor 350. We can’t wait till Royal Enfield sheds some light on all its upcoming motorcycles.
