Classic 350 BS6 launch may be on time but its next generation model may now come a lot later than the earlier expectation. Similar story for other 350s as well..
India is leapfrogging to Bharat Stage VI emission norms on 1st April 2020, from the current Bharat Stage IV regulations. This is a big change and it is particularly difficult for retro motorcycle makers to upgrade considering that they are reliant on old-school technology.
Hence, it was expected that Royal Enfield will take this opportunity to comprehensively upgrade its motorcycle lineup to the next generation. There have been test mules that have been spotted on the roads featuring exhaustive changes – clearly suggesting that the bread and butter 350cc engine may be ditched for something new.
However, a new report at Autocar suggests that this new-gen 350 range may not be ready by the March 2020 deadline. Plus Royal Enfield may want to be extra cautious after the Himalayan fiasco. It says that these motorcycles may only get launch ready by mid-2020, at the earliest. And quite obviously, RE can not afford discontinuing its bread and butter models for a few months.
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The report claims that in place, as a makeshift arrangement, Royal Enfield, is upgrading its existing 350cc UCE engine to the new BS6 emissions, which may necessitate use of fuel injection and other measures. If this goes true, we may see the existing motorcycles for a little longer with the new-generation coming in probably by the end of next year or even later.
Source – Autocar
