Royal Enfield is currently focusing on the launch of brand's first adventure tourer, christened the Himayalan, which is expected in the first half of 2016. The company is reportedly also working with updates to the existing portfolio.
A report in Rushlane says the company is also planning to launch the Bullet Electra 500 in the second half of 2016. Royal Enfield currently sells the Bullet 350, Bullet 500 and Bullet Electra. The Bullet Electra is currently available with the 350cc engine. The new Bullet Electra 500 will be using the same engine 500cc engine that does the duty in the regular model. The difference between Bullet 500 and Bullet Electra 500 will be purely cosmetic. The report indicates the latter will come with chrome fenders, new colours, new tail light, new air filter box and different tyres.
The 499cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine develops 26.1bhp at 5,100rpm and 40.9Nm of torque at 3,800rpm, mated to five-speed transmission. The cycle parts will be shared from the Bullet 500 and will use a single downtube chassis with the engine as a stressed member. The motorcycle will be sold with telescopic front suspension with 130mm travel and twin-gas-charged shock absorbers with 80mm travel at the rear.
The Electra 500 is expected to cost more than the Bullet 500. The current Bullet Electra is powered by a 346cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine that generates 19.8bhp at 5,250rpm and 28Nm at 4,000 rpm.