Royal Enfield Working on 500cc Bullet Electra; Expected Launch in Mid 2016

Royal Enfield is currently working on the one-up version of its popular motorcycle Bullet Electra. Coming from the revered across the globe as it the oldest motorcycle brand that is still in continuous production, the bike will share the same design philosophy with its 350cc version and will be fitted with the same engine that does this duty on other 500cc models. The bike is expected to be launched in the country in mid-2016.

As of now Enfield has only Bullet 500 bike in the 500cc range and this will be the second offering from this maker for this segment. Though the bikes belong to the same segment the new Bullet Electra 500 will differ from Bullet 500 in numerous ways and will be inspired by the younger sibling of Bullet range. While the Bullet 500 comes with a plain and simple design, the more powerful Electra will receive chrome front and rear fenders, a different tail light along with more colour options. If the report at Rushlane is to be believed, the new Electra will also be getting a new air filter box and tyres.

Talking of mechanical details, the bike will be fitted with the same 499cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that comes mated to a five-speed transmission. The torquey motor generates a maximum power of 26.1bhp at 5,100rpm with a peak torque of 40.9Nm at 3,800rpm. The suspension duties will be carried out by telescopic forks up front and gas-charged, adjustable shock absorbers at the rear. The stopping power would be offered by 280mm disc brake with a twin-piston calliper at the front and 153mm drum brake at the rear that provides a decent bite.

Once launched, the Bullet Electra 500 would be placed above the Bullet 500 in terms of both, pricing as well as position. We expect the bike to come with a price tag of around Rs. 1.65 lac, which is around Rs. 10,000 more than the standard Bullet. The year 2016 will hopefully also witness the arrival of the company’s 410cc adventure tourer, Himalayan that is presently one of most anticipated motorcycles in the country. Stay tuned for more!