Royal Enfield 350cc bobber in the works

Royal Enfield is all set to expand its hugely successful J-platform of 350cc motorcycles, and the latest development is that we will see a single-seat bobber model join the fray. This new motorcycle will arrive after the upcoming J-platform Bullet 350, which has already been spotted testing a number of times.

Like the Bullet, this bobber is technically listed as a variant of the Classic 350, indicating that it will share many of its underpinnings with RE’s bestseller. The form factor will differ considerably, though. While the Bullet will essentially be a Classic with a single-piece seat and other cosmetic tweaks, the bobber will sport a single-seat layout with a cantilevered rider’s seat.

The handlebar looks like it will raise arms and eyebrows simultaneously, with a rather tall design that looks almost like the ape-hanger handlebars you see on some custom motorcycles. With only a silhouette image to go on, there isn’t a whole lot else we can tell you about the motorcycle, but what is visible are wire-spoke wheels, a flat, long exhaust pipe, and what seems to be a small hood over the headlight, like you get on the Classic. The tail lamp seems to sport a different shape to that of the Classic, and RE will certainly do its bit to differentiate this bike and give it a unique identity.

More conclusions can be drawn on the basis of the family that this bobber will be a part of. We know that it will be powered by the 349cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine that does duty in the rest of the J-platform models, so you can expect a characterful, torque-y and smooth motor. Royal Enfield has been quite conservative as far as tweaking this engine goes, with most models featuring the same state of tune, albeit with slightly altered fuel and ignition maps. Output levels should be in the range of 20hp and 27Nm.

This model hasn’t yet been spotted testing on public roads, but once it does arrive, it will take on the likes of the Jawa Perak and Jawa 42 Bobber, both of which are priced around the Rs 2 lakh mark (ex-showroom).