Royal Enfield Classic 500 Tribute Black Limited Edition Launch On February 10

The cult bikemaker has also announced that its 500cc range will be discontinued from the Indian market post-March 31, 2020

• The made-to-order Royal Enfield Classic 500 Tribute Black Limited Edition will be sold online only.
• Features ‘End of Build’ serial numbered plaque, quilted touring seats, brass highlights, and matte black colour.
• Mechanically, it remains the same as the standard Classic 500. 

Royal Enfield has announced the Classic 500 Tribute Black Limited Edition, which will be launched on February 10. This made-to-order motorcycle will only be sold online via Royal Enfield’s official website. 

The motorcycle is draped in matte black colour with an ‘End of Build’ serial numbered plaque brass on the side panel. It also gets a brass finish on the rims and hand-painted brass pinstripes for that exclusive look. For better comfort, Royal Enfield has equipped the motorcycle with a quilted premium touring seat as standard. 

Apart from these changes, the rest of the motorcycle remains the same as the standard Classic 500. We have contacted Royal Enfield regarding the price of the limited edition bike but are yet to hear from them. That said, expect the bike to command a marginal premium of around Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 over the standard model. The base Classic 500 retails at Rs 2,02,046 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The upcoming motorcycle is Royal Enfield’s way of paying its final tribute to the 500cc range. The company has formally announced that its entire 500cc motorcycles ranging from the Bullet and Thunderbird to the Classic families will be sold in India only until March 31, 2020, as they do not comply with the BS6 emission norms. However, existing owners will be able to get spare parts as their production will continue. Servicing will also be on. Moreover, the bike will continue to be sold in international markets.

Royal Enfield has not updated the 500cc range likely because it will drive the costs up too high and may get too close to the 650 twins that are themselves priced pretty competitively for what they offer. Royal Enfield will launch the 2020 new-generation range of motorcycles in the coming months. They are most likely to be priced between the 350cc range and the 650cc range. Here’s the brand’s press release:

Press Release:

THE LEGEND TAKES A CURTAIN CALL

The Royal Enfield Classic, Bullet and Thunderbird 500cc motorcycles to be available for retail in India, only till March 31, 2020

• Retails of 500cc motorcycles in global markets to continue
• The Classic 500 Tribute Black - A commemorative End of Production Limited Edition motorcycle to be available through an online sale on February 10, 2020.

31 January 2020: The Royal Enfield ‘Bullet Classic 500’ was launched over a decade ago, in 2008. Since then, the company’s hallmark UCE 500cc single-cylinder motorcycle has echoed Royal Eneld's tradition of the long stroke character, producing an unmistakable thump that has reverberated through the hearts of it’s riders. These 500cc motorcycles were the genesis of the Classic 350 as we know it today, and have been instrumental in Royal Enfield’s success across the world.

Announcing the end of production of the 500cc single-cylinder, long-stroke, unit construction engine motorcycles in India, Royal Enfield today announced an end-of-production, special series motorcycles, the Classic 500 Tribute Black Limited Edition. These motorcycles will be the the last in India to carry the iconic long-stroke single cylinder UCE 500cc engine and will be exclusively made to order in a limited production run. Each of the motorcycles will carry a hallmark commemorative ‘End of Build’ serial numbered plaque making it unique to its owner. These motorcycles will be made available through a limited time online sale on February 10, 2020 from 2:00 - 5:00pm. 

Registrations for the online sale will start today.

While the company will discontinue the retail sales of the present 500cc motorcycles in India on March 31, 2020, these motorcycles will continue to be available across all international markets. Service and spares will remain available for current owners across all dealerships in India.

The Royal Enfield Classic 500 Tribute Black Limited Edition motorcycles will bear the distinguished and iconic pin-striped just like the Classic 500s that were rolled out of the Royal Enfield Thiruvottiyur facility in 2009. For the first time, Royal Enfield will have a dual tone scheme on the fuel tank with fenders carrying glossy black and matt black. This unique all-black-livery and dual-toned shade adds a unique touch to the timeless aesthetics of the motorcycle. With an End of Builds Special Edition badge and a trendy all-black theme, the Classic 500 Tribute Black is an absolute collector’s edition.

Speaking about the announcement, Mr. Vinod Dasari, CEO of Royal Enfield said, “Since 2009 the Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycles have proudly set the stage for the middle-weight motorcycling segment in India. The Classic 500 in particular has garnered success for Royal Enfield across various international markets with its sublime retro-chic design and engaging ride experience. As we sign off the last of the Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycles, the Classic 500 Tribute Black is an opportunity for afficianadoes to own a piece of Royal Enfield and motorcycling history”

The launch of the 650 Twin motorcycles was an obvious progression for Royal Enfield and a natural upgrade option for millions of Royal Enfield owners. A higher powered twin cylinder motorcycle, with excellent road manners and a characterful engine, the Interceptor INT 650 and the Continental GT 650 instantly captured the imagination of motorcycling audiences across the world. Given their success and quick acceptance by global audiences, the 650 Twin motorcycles have become a natural upgrade option for Royal Enfielders progressing from 350cc or even for motorcyclists upgrading from 150cc or 200cc.

While the ‘Last of the 500’, the Classic 500 Tribute Black Limited Edition will go on sale online on February 10, Royal Enfield will continue to introduce motorcycles imbibed with the legacy of resilience, timeless appeal and distinctive build.