Royal Enfield has a new model slated for launch later this month – the Bullet Trials. A Bullet Trials was spotted testing in early December 2018, and later that month, images of the bike surfaced online. Now, in a teaser video, it has been revealed that the upcoming models will be launched on March 26, 2019, in Pune. It is believed that the bike will be available in two variants – the Bullet Trials 350 and the Bullet Trials 500. The teaser shows one of the two variants wading through a water crossing with the text “The most enduring tale in motorcycling” overlaid on the video
The Trials series draw heavy styling inspiration from the company’s trial bikes from the 1950s. The two new models are believed to use the same engine and gearbox as the ones on their Bullet range counterparts. 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.
Apart from the mechanicals, the tank and side panels, too, look identical to those on the Bullets. On closer inspection, you can see that the front and rear fenders are both, shorter and narrower, which suits the styling theme. The bikes is also equipped with a taller handlebar that features a cross brace similar to the one on the Interceptor 650. The bike seen in the video has the frame, swingarm, subframe, fender-stays and even the main stand in a bright red colour. The earlier leaked images also revealed a bike with an olive green colour on the aforementioned parts, which could be a distinguishing factor between the 350 and the 500.
The upcoming bikes are likely to be equipped 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, a pillion seat that mounts onto the rear section should be on offer. Keeping with the off-road-oriented theme, the bike is also seen with an upswept exhaust muffler. Whether the suspension has been tuned for this purpose, or if it offers longer travel, remains to be seen.
With the launch event set for the March 26-27, we’re just a couple weeks away from knowing the exact details on the bike and its pricing.
Azaman Chothia
