While we are still swooning over the 650 twins by Royal Enfield, the company has plans to shock us even more. Latest spy images suggests what looks like a scrambler version of the Classic 500. We had already reported a long time back that Royal Enfield may be developing a new scrambler version of the retro-modern Classic, but there was no solid backing at that time.
However, we now have some spy shots that confirm the new. The bike was caught while it was being tested and is sporting Classic 500 logo on it. Take a look at the picture below to get an idea of what can probably be India’s first affordable production scrambler.
As quite evident from the picture, it is a Classic 500 turned wild. Talking of the changes, the spyshots reveal a high-set rear mudguard and a luggage carrier, which could probably be fitted with a pillion seat easily. The exhaust canister is upswept and the tyres seem to be knobby, on-off road units capable of handling dirt trails in addition to regular roads. The front suspension features fork gaiters and a brace, which is also lifted from the GT 650. At the front, the Scrambler gets a taller, wider handlebar. Disc brakes are present at both ends of the bike, similar to the Classic 500.
The rear tail lamp and turn indicator are also new. Another thing to note here is the seating position. Going by these pictures, it seems like the riding position has been relaxed and the rider seems to be sitting more comfortably. Apart from these changes, not much can be said about the bike as of now. However, in wake of the upcoming tight emission norms, the bike will come with a BSVI ready engine.
The scrambler version of the Classic 500 will also come equipped with ABS functionality as in coming time it will be mandatory for all bikes at or above 125 cc displacement to have one. Talking of the engine, the unit in the spyshot seems quite similar to the stock Classic 500. The 499cc, single-cylinder BS4-compliant engine on the Royal Enfield Classic 500 Churns out 27.2 Bhp of power and 41.3 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox. However, the engine will most probably be tweaked a bit on the scrambler to match the nature of the motorcycle.
Earlier in November, we were expecting Jawa to launch a scrambler as a part of its 3 bike lineup but that did not happen. India is yet to see an affordable scambler which people could buy without burning a hole in their pockets. There are some scrambler bikes in the market like the Ducati Scrambler but they all cost a bomb. The Himalayan was given a good response by the people and if done right, the scrambler can again make things right for Royal Enfield.