This is not the first time the upcoming Royal Enfield Bullet Trials has made news – earlier this month, it was spotted testing in India. At the time, we assumed this would be a new scrambler variant of the Classic model. However, that is not the case. Leaked images and details have revealed that the upcoming Royal Enfield model draws heavy inspiration from the company’s trial bikes from the 1950s.
While modern day trial bikes are extremely lightweight and slim, that wasn’t the case in the fifties and sixties. The trial bikes of that time had basic modifications. HNP 331 – aka the famous works trials Royal Enfield 350cc Bullet – won more than 50 championships. It is believed that the upcoming models will be available in two variants – the Bullet Trials 350 and the Bullet Trials 500.
At first glance, the Trials look similar to the motorcycle they are based on. Both have the same tank, side panels and stance as the Bullet/Classic. Look little closer and you will notice the new front and rear fenders are both, shorter and narrower, which suits the styling theme. The bikes also sport a taller handlebar that features a cross brace similar to the one on the Interceptor 650. Speaking of the Interceptor, the tail-light and turn indicator units also appear to be the same ones seen on the new 650 twins. In the pictures, the frame, swingarm, subframe, fender-stays and even the main stand can be seen in a bright red or olive green colour.
The company has also equipped the bikes with chunky off-road oriented tyres. Replacing the rear seat on this variant of the Royal Enfield, is what appears to be a luggage rack. However, we assume it can also be used as a mount for the pillion seat. Keeping with the Trials theme, the bike also features an upswept exhaust muffler. Whether the suspension has been tuned for this purpose, or if it offers longer travel, remains to be seen.
Both new Trials variants will most likely use the same engine and gearbox as the standard Bullet range. On the Bullet 350, the 346cc motor makes 19.8hp and 28Nm of torque, while on the Bullet 500, the 499cc motor produces 27.2hp and 41.3Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to the same 5-speed gearbox.
In 2009, Royal Enfield had launched a similar Trials-inspired motorcycle in the United Kingdom. This bike was based on the Electra that was sold in India. While we didn’t get that motorcycle, we expect this model to be launched in India sometime in 2019.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
