Kymco are getting adventurous in 2022, with the introduction of their DT X360 adventure crossover scooter to Australia.
Kymco DT X360 Scooter
Based on the Downtown 350i platform, Kymco say the DT X360 is capable of light off-road terrain thanks to its dual-purpose tyres. Other features on the DT X360 include the wider handlebar to assist in maximising leverage while the higher seating position (800mm) maximises rider visibility.
Kymco DT X360 Scooter
Compared to the Downtown 350i, the DT X360 also has a shorter wheelbase and isn’t as high or long. Other noteworthy features include traction control, keyless ignition, all-LED lighting, a full-colour LCD digital screen and two USB ports.
Kymco DT X360 Scooter
Underseat storage is roomy as well: enough to accommodate at least two helmets, and the retail price for the DT X360 is $8790 plus on-road costs, available in an orange and black livery.
Kymco DT X360 Scooter
The DT X360 produces power and torque figures of 28.4 hp (21.2 kW) and 30 Nm from the punchy 321 cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, four-valve single-cylinder engine. There’s an effective range of about 300km between fuel stops, care of a 12.5 litre tank.
Kymco DT X360 Scooter
Michael Poynton – Director of Kymco Australia
“There’s been plenty of interest around the DT X360, and for good reason with its wider remit than your normal scooter, and with all that outstanding Downtown DNA, the foundations for an excellent scooter are already there – but this time with the ability to take on a wider variety of terrain. Kymco’s engineering prowess is exceptional – and recently endorsed by Harley-Davidson’s electric motorcycle arm choosing the Taiwanese manufacturer as a strategic partner – and the DT X360 is yet another shining example of its ingenuity.”
Kymco DT X360 Scooter
The DT X360 is now on sale at Kymco scooter dealers nationally. To find your local Kymco dealer, visit www.kymco.com.au/dealers-scooter.
Kymco DT X360 Scooter
Kymco DT X360 adventure scooter specifications
Kymco DT X360
Engine
Liquid-cooled, four-valve, SOHC single-cylinder
Capacity
321 cc
Bore x stroke
75.3 mm x 72 mm
Compression ratio
10.7:1
Fuel system
EFI
Power
28.4 hp (21.2 kW) at 7250 rpm
Torque
30 Nm at 5750 rpm
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission
Clutch
Automatic
Frame
Steel tube
Front suspension
37mm fork, 110mm travel
Rear suspension
Twin shocks with preload adjustment, 108mm travel
Front brakes
260mm discs with three-piston floating calipers, Bosch ABS
Rear brake
240mm rear disc with twin-piston caliper, Bosch ABS
Pista scooters arriving in Oz from $2940 ride-away
Joining the scooter segment in Australia is the Pista 50 and Pista 125, with the latter arriving in both a carbed and EFI version, offering great value for those looking to get started on two wheels or riders who want a second bike to run around town on.
The Pista scooters will come in 50 cc two-stroke and 125 cc four-stroke versions
On sale through a robust network of more than 20 dealers Australia-wide and distributed by PS Importers, the Pista 50 and 125 scooters are sport-inspired and run LED lighting for a modern look.
Lighting is LED on all models
Sharp rideaway prices start at $2940 for the Pista 50 and $3740 and $4190 for the Pista 125 carburetted and EFI models respectively. All three LAMS-approved commuters complete with generous levels of standard equipment and a 12-month/30,000km warranty (including parts and labour).
The two-stroke Pista 50 cc is available for $2940 ride-away
For a limited time, the Pista 50 and 125 models come with a complementary topbox and mounting rack, representing up to $109 of free added value (excludes EFI model).
The Pista 125 cc will be available for $3740 (carb) and $4190 (EFI) ride-away
The Pista 50 is powered by a 50cc two-stroke single-cylinder engine, with 12-inch wheels, a low centre of gravity and a wet weight of just 93 kg for maximum agility and versatility. Being a 50cc moped, the Pista 50 can be ridden legally in Queensland and Western Australia on a regular driver’s license. 50cc models are also much cheaper to register in some states, in Victoria, for example, it is less than $150 to register a scooter under 60cc for 12 months, that’s less than a third of the price of registration for an electric scooter.
Electric and kick start are featured on both the Pista 50 and 125
Both Pista 125 models up the ante with the force of a flexible 125cc four-stroke engine as well as 13-inch wheels and a combined braking system. Choose from the Pista 125, fuelled by a tried-and-true carburettor, or the Pista 125 EFI for punchier performance and optimum fuel efficiency.
The Pista dash
Standard Pista scooter equipment:
Contemporary, sporty styling
Generous underseat storage to accommodate an open-face helmet
LED lightning with daytime-running lights
Front disc brake
Blue backlit LCD/analogue dash with fuel gauge and clock
Sidestand with safety switch
Centrestand
Luggage hook
Convenience and backup of both electric and kickstart
A free top box is featured on the Pista 50 and Pista 125 carb’d models
The Pista 50 and 125 scooters are available in three colourways: White Edition/Blue, White Edition/Flame and White Edition/Carbon.
Pista 125
Genuine accessories include the choice of a 31-litre top case in either Matte black ($99) or Matte black with white insert ($109). A mounting rack is included.
CFMOTO Australia’s first fully faired sports bike, the 300SR, will be arriving in a new tri-colour colour scheme, featuring orange, blue and white livery for 2022, while retaining the ultra competitive $5790 Ride Away price point the successful model is famous for.
CFMOTO introduce new tri-colour 300SR for 2022
The striking new design joins Nebula Black and the traditional CFMOTO Turquoise Blue in the Australian line-up.
A current special offer sees customers receive a free CFMOTO helmet and jacket valued at $349 with every 300SR purchase until February 28, 2022 includes the new tri-colour variant.
CFMOTO 300SR in Turquoise Blue
The CFMOTO 300SR runs a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected single-cylinder as part of its LAMS package with linear power and torque curves – great for learners and commuters.
CFMOTO 300SR in Nebula Black
With impressive styling, an underslung exhaust, 780 mm seat height, 37mm upside-down forks, J. Juan brakes, Continental ABS, TFT display, LED lights, switchable ride modes and mobile phone connectivity, it is a very impressive package for the money and tips the scales at a light 165 kg.
For further information on the 300SR and promotion head to www.cfmoto.com.au or contact your CFMoto Dealer.
CFMOTO 300SR
2021 CFMOTO 300SR Specifications
2021 CFMoto 300SR Specifications
Engine
Single cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooled, 4-valve, DOHC with balance shaft
Kymco Australia are offering a national ride away promotion for the Agility RS125, which includes features like a phone holder, USB charging port and rear carrier rack.
Kymco Agility RS125 now available for $3290 ride-away
The promotion will run until March 31, 2022 and, during that period, the RS125 will retail for $3,290 ride away.
The Agility RS125 is powered by an efficient 125cc, air-cooled, four-stroke single-cylinder engine with a twist-and-go CVT automatic transmission to get you around town.
Kymco Agility RS125
It has a low seat height of 785mm, with plenty of room for a pillion passenger.
Front disc and rear drum brakes deliver increased stopping performance in all riding conditions, with telescopic fork and rear mono-shock provide stable handling.
Kymco Agility RS125 with front disc brake
An easy to use centre stand makes parking a breeze with a side-stand also fitted.
The headlight is a halogen, however indicators and rear light are all integrated into the bodywork.
The Kymco Agility RS125 includes a rear rack and underseat storage
The Kymco Agility RS125 being LAMS legal, makes for a perfect starting point, being a light, easy to manage machine, ideal for city and surburban conditions.
A phone holder and USB charging point are also standard on the Kymco Agility RS125
Available in black/white and black/green colour combinations, the LAMS-approved Agility RS125 is also supported by a three-year factory warranty. Contact your local Kymco dealer for more information.
Crafted with a combination of intelligent technologies and functional design, the TC was engineered to give you the most out of your riding experience. Free yourself with the TC Café Racer!**
Live in WA, SA or QLD?
If you live in WA, QLD or SA, you can legally ride the TC on your normal car licence! This is because the TC is classified as an LA category vehicle equivalent to a <50cc moped, and is restricted to not exceed the 50km/h speed limit. If you live in ACT, NSW, VIC, NT or TAS, you will need a motorcycle licence. However our entire electric range is LAMS approved, meaning they are the perfect platform to begin your riding journey.
For more information, visit your State Government/Road Laws website. Experience electric with Super SOCO!
Triumph are set to release a learner legal but fully featured adventure machine on to the Australian market during the first quarter of 2022.
2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660
The new Triumph Tiger Sport 660 pumps out 80 horsepower in overseas markets, but in Australia Triumph have chosen to only offer a LAMS variant tuned specifically to meet our learner requirements. That means 56 horsepower at 8750 rpm from the 660 cc triple, and 62 Nm at 6250 rpm. The wet weight with a full 17.2-litre fuel tank is 206 kg.
2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660
It might be learner legal but it is still a fairly high-spec machine in other areas and, as such, will be priced from $14,690 Ride Away.
2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660
Showa provides the suspension, which has 150 mm of travel at both ends. The monoshock offers hydraulically assisted pre-load adjustment, while the 41 mm forks are of the SFF specification.
2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660
Ground clearance figures have not been quoted in the press material we have been supplied but it does look modest, and something more akin to a CB500X Honda or DL650 V-Strom, rather than a more hard-core Tenere 700. Rolling on five-spoke cast alloy 17-inch rims the Tiger Sport 660 would be classified at the soft-roader end of the adventure-touring spectrum.
2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660
Nissin provide the stoppers, twin-piston calipers and a pair of 310 mm discs up front and a 255 mm disc at the rear, backed by switchable ABS. Two riding modes are offered, Road and Rain, which tailor the throttle response and mapping of the traction control intervention to the conditions at hand.
2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660
There are plenty of creature comforts, with a comfortable stepped seat at a height of 835 mm for the rider. An optional low seat drops that further to 810 mm. Other nice touches include an adjustable windscreen, slip-assist clutch, smartly integrated pannier mounts for the optional luggage system and full LED lighting throughout.
2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660
A nicely finished TFT screen can provide navigation and phone functionality when paired with the optional My Triumph connectivity system.
2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660
A two-way quick-shifter, heated grips, USB charging point and tyre pressure monitoring are all available as optional extras.
2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660
The optional luggage system is extensive with colour-matched panniers with a combined capacity of 57-litres and a 47-litre top-box capable of swallowing two full-face helmets.
2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660
Riders can choose between three colour schemes: the contemporary Lucerne Blue and Sapphire Black, the vibrant Korosi Red and Graphite with distinctive sporty graphics, or a minimalist Graphite and Black option. It’s a handsome looking machine in any of those hues.
2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660
At an almost 15k price point it might be a hard sell in the LAMS category, but it is likely to prove the most comfortable grown up touring option in the learner legal segment. And for some, that will make it well worth the asking price.
2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660
2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660 Specifications
2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660 Specifications
Type
660cc Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder, 240° firing order
Bore / Stoke
74.04 mm x 51.1 mm
Compression
11.95:1
LAMS maximum power
56.3 PS / 55.5 hp (41.5 kW) at 8750 rpm
LAMS maximum torque
62 Nm at 6250 rpm
Final Drive
X-ring chain
Clutch
Wet, multi-plate, slip & assist
Gearbox
Six-speed
Frame
Tubular steel perimeter frame
Swingarm
Twin-sided, fabricated steel
Front Wheel
Cast aluminium, 17 x 3.5-inch
Rear Wheel
Cast aluminium, 17 x 5.5-inch
Front Tyre
120/70 ZR 17 (58W)
Rear Tyre
180/55 ZR 17 (73W)
Front Suspension
Showa 41mm upside down separate function cartridge forks, 150mm wheel travel
Having recently relishing the chance to throw a leg over the amazing value 650NK (review here), I had no hesitation when the opportunity arose to test the touring version – CFMOTO’s 650GT. This is essentially the full fairing version of that NK, it remains LAMS certified and very learner friendly.
CFMoto’s 650 GT is the touring variant of their popular LAMS mid-capacity machines
We get different styling (from Kiska again), which isn’t as hard edged as the naked version and I must admit looks pretty good from some angles, while the front ¾ in particular grew on me. It’s obviously been designed for and with panniers in mind and looks good with them fitted in the pics I’ve seen – however my test bike didn’t have luggage. The pannier set-up is available for $900.95 including brackets.
The 650GT shares the 650 cc parallel-twin engine with the NK, putting out an identical 41.5 kW (55 hp) of power and 62 Nm of torque. The tune feels the same to me and to be honest there’s no reason to change it.
The runs full fairings and an adjustable screen, bringing dry weight up to 213 kg
It shares the same user-friendly low 795 mm seat height too, but gets extra weather protection, a larger 19-litre tank and more generous seating which does add a few kilos, tipping the scales at 213 kg dry.
That weight does take the performance edge off ever so slightly compared to the NK, which CFMOTO claim weighs in at 193 kg, but I still found myself developing plenty of grins.
An additional 20kg of weight over the NK does impact performance
It’s actually a pretty bloody good thing – and the extra fuel capacity and consumption will take you comfortably past the 300 km mark, so it ticks the mile hauler box too.
Ssurprisingly, I felt the suspension (which is also shared between the two), was better suited to this version. That little bit of extra weight taking what I felt was a little too firm on the NK into a much better all around proposition. It still struggles a bit with major hits, but felt noticeably more composed than its naked sibling.
Suspension on the 650 GT felt more sorted, which may play into the tall bars and upright seating position
That could also have been helped by the slightly more upright riding position due to the higher bars, which translates into a particularly comfortable ride. The seat is plenty comfortable too and offers a little more room to move around, while the pillion seat is also a much more practical set-up than the NK.
On the go, it’s got some cornering ability and I was pleasantly surprised at how well balanced the 650 GT felt at full lean. The bike tips in quite well and holds a line better than it ought to. I was easily able to get it to the edge of the tyre and the GT felt perfectly composed doing so.
The CFMoto 650 GT feels well balanced at full lean
Sure, you have to wring the neck of the little twin to get anything like a genuinely sporty performance out of it – and one uphill section on the photo shoot reminded me that it’s no stump puller. But it’s totally fit for purpose and not pretending to be something it’s not.
Around the four to five grand rpm mark it is perfectly happy, in fact I’d say the sweet spot is somewhere between four and eight thousand revs.
Gear ratios are well sorted on the CFMoto 650 GT, with good throttle feel
There’s no need to go any higher and the gear ratios are nicely spaced to keep you well within that zone too. The fuelling is fine and it has the same good throttle feel as its NK sibling.
That same hilly section on the photo shoot proved that the stoppers were pretty faultless. Dual 300 mm discs are found up front with twin piston calipers and a single 240 mm out the back – both ends coming with ABS.
Dual wave rotors and two-piston calipers are found on the front on the CFMoto 650 GT
Good lever feel, good power. I must have done 40 hard stops in fairly quick succession at either end of that section of road while snapper Rob clambered around getting the shots. Down one end it was a proper hard stop, downhill from third gear to standstill. They work just fine.
I prefer this version’s wet multi-plate clutch over the NK too. While it’s not a slipper clutch, it has a noticeably better take up and overall feel. And let’s face it, you just don’t need a slipper clutch on a 650 cc twin.
A tool-less height adjustable screen is also found on the 650 GT.
The front end is completely restyled with generous wind protection and a nice tool-less height adjustable screen that works well to provide a wind protection bubble. Despite having a different headlight setup compared to the NK, I found the headlights just as underdone.
The perimeter of the low beam was very well defined but too short and high beam didn’t have all that much power. In fact the glare of the nice LCD dash was overpowering until I found the brightness adjuster button, after which it was much better. That dash – also shared with the NK, is a ripper too. Clear and bright, easy to read, job done.
The CFMoto 650 GTs LCD dash
So it turns out that the headlights are really my only niggle on the GT. I found I preferred pretty much everything else about it over the NK. And I quite liked the NK!
But here’s the best part – the price. $8,490 ride-away, or $8,690 ride-away in states where new vehicles need 12 months rego. It’s frankly ridiculous. LAMS friendly bikes don’t come any better for that price and I’d comfortably wager that this is the best bang for your buck in the segment. Have I ever mentioned that riders have it pretty good right now..?
Priced between $8,490 and $8,690 ride-away the CFMoto 650 GT is unbeleivable value
So if this type of bike is on your consideration list, you should have no hesitation in checking the CFMoto 650 GT out.
Why I like the CFMoto 650 GT:
The value factor is off the charts.
Improves on the already good NK in almost every way.
Surprisingly good through the corners.
I’d like the CFMoto 650 GT even more if…
Headlights could be better, especially low beam.
Umm?
Headlights were the one area of criticism on CFMoto’s 650 GT
2021 CFMOTO 650 GT Specifications
Engine
Two cylinder, inline four-stroke, eight-valve, DOHC with counter balance
Capacity
649.3 cc
Bore & Stroke
83 x 60 mm
Compression Ratio
11.3:1
Fuel System
Bosch EFI
Max Power Output
41.5 kW @ 9,500rpm (LAMS)
Max Torque
62 NM @ 7,000rpm
Gearbox
Six-speed
Clutch
Multiplate wet
Frame
Tubular steel diamond frame employing engine as fully-stressed member
The new model is fitted with a full power ECU and comes with ADR compliance so can be fully road registered in all states. A free Off-Road Competition Kit is also offered for owners who wish to set up their WR250F to ride on closed courses.
Australia’s most popular 250 cc enduro bike has undergone a significant revamp for 2022 with camshaft and cylinder head changes, new frame, better brakes and a smoother running engine are the headline changes for the new model year.
New YZ250F-spec exhaust cam for better drive and new YZ250F-spec intake port shape increases volume for improved flow rate and power delivery
Development input by a range of Aussie enduro riders and continual updates based on the hugely successful YZ250F MX weapon are the reasons why the WR250F has performed so strongly here in Australia.
The WR250F was once a fairly laid back trail bike, but in recent years the model has taken on a distinctly sharper edge, largely to counter the increased level of competition from European machinery that continued to push the envelope of engine performance. Thus, today’s WR250F is more about blasting through the bush, rather than plodding through the bush, Yamaha have you covered there with the WR250R.
New engine balancer reduces vibration and improves drive at low to mid-range. New gearbox cam shift design for smoother gear shifting
By using the current model YZ250F as a starting point, Yamaha’s experienced development team – including Kiwi race team manager and Yamaha legend Josh Coppins – claim they have come up with an enduro weapon that turns, stops and goes better than ever before.
New Control Filled aluminium frame based on YZ250F and tuned for off-road riding.
Sporting a new aluminium bilateral beam frame, more power with a smoother delivery, slicker gear shifts and stronger braking, the MY22 is improved in all the major areas.
Industry-leading KYB speed-sensitive dual chamber forks and rear shock with revised settings to suit MY22 chassis
The MY22 WR450F continues with the radical updates received in 2021 that gave the bike a lighter, more balanced feel with easier to control power delivery.
New front brake 270mm rotor with 16% increased surface without any extra weight Larger front caliper pistons – 22.65 mm to 25.4 mm – with 30% increased rigidity
The 2022 Yamaha WR250F will be available in Australia for $14,899 Ride Away in Team Yamaha Blue from this December, 2021.
New multi-function meter with integral fuel and engine warning lights. Also features odometer, tripmeters, clock, timer and accumulated fuel consumption meter indicator
2022 Yamaha WR250F at a glance
New YZ250F-spec exhaust cam for better drive
New YZ250F-spec intake port shape increases volume for improved flow rate and power delivery
New YZ250F-spec throttle body joint improves power delivery
Improved cam chain tensioner design
New engine balancer reduces vibration and improves drive at low to mid-range.
New gearbox cam shift design for smoother gear shifting
New Control Filled aluminium frame based on YZ250F and tuned for off-road riding
New engine brackets tuned specifically for MY22 WR250F
Industry-leading KYB speed-sensitive dual chamber forks and rear shock with revised settings to suit MY22 chassis
New YZ250F-spec footpegs, bars, holders and front axle with sealed bearing front wheel
New Dunlop Geomax E91 tyres with new profile, overall weight saving and better performance over a wide range of conditions. Front 90/90-21 and rear 140/80-18 sizes
New multi-function meter with integral fuel and engine warning lights. Also features odometer, tripmeters, clock, timer and accumulated fuel consumption meter indicator
New stronger chain guide bracket
New front brake 270mm rotor with 16% increased surface without any extra weight
Larger front caliper pistons – 22.65 mm to 25.4 mm – with 30% increased rigidity
New front brake pads with 25% increased surface area
New exhaust heat guard design to avoid snagging
New stronger muffler bracket
The 2022 Yamaha WR250F In More Detail
The new model’s liquid-cooled, four-stroke, electric start engine features an all-new cylinder head with a larger and improved intake port shape and new exhaust camshaft profile straight from the MXGP dominant YZ250F.
The new model is fitted with a full power ECU and comes with ADR compliance so can be fully road registered in all states. A free Off-Road Competition Kit is also offered for owners who wish to set up their WR250F to ride on closed courses.
These mods, along with other refinements like revised engine balancer and gear shift cam help to produce stronger mid to top-end power and increased peak power, while retaining strong low-end torque.
Tuned specifically for the 2022 WR250F, the updated lightweight aluminium, bilateral beam frame and new engine mounts have been redesigned with all-new flex characteristics to improve bump absorption, traction, and cornering performance.
Rear shock with revised settings to suit MY22 chassis
Settings on the industry-leading, fully adjustable KYB coil spring-type fork with enhanced speed-sensitive damping have been revised to suit the new machine and off-road conditions. And the link-type rear suspension features a KYB shock with revised damping characteristics to match the updated chassis.
Industry-leading KYB speed-sensitive dual chamber forks and
Other chassis components such as the top triple clamp, handlebar mounts, and front axle have also been redesigned to complement the new frame – and like the frame these changes are based on the winning YZ250F.
New Dunlop Geomax EN91 ISDE-winning tyres have been specified for improved performance over a wide variety of terrain.
New front brake pads with 25% increased surface area
Improved braking performance is achieved with a newly engineered lighter front brake caliper with larger surface area brake pads and redesigned front 270 mm disc. A new speed sensor ring sends information to an all-new user-friendly multifunction meter that houses both engine and low fuel warning lights.
New front brake 270mm rotor with 16% increased surface without any extra weight – Larger front caliper pistons – 22.65 mm to 25.4 mm – with 30% increased rigidity
Riders can adjust their engine performance straight from their smartphone using the onboard wireless connectivity through the free of charge Yamaha Power Tuner app. Once settings are dialled-in, you can choose between two user-defined ECU maps on the fly via the handlebar mounted dual-mode engine map switch.
Yamaha Power Tuner app
Features such as electric start, advanced fuel injection and a front-positioned intake with rear-positioned exhaust layout delivers the widest spread of power while maintaining reliable performance and balance for excellent mass-centralisation.
New engine balancer reduces vibration and improves drive at low to mid-range. New gearbox cam shift design for smoother gear shifting
When combined with a lightweight, sharp-handing chassis and industry leading suspension package, the new WR250F continues to offer the fastest way across tight and technical terrain while also providing the widest smile possible.
$14,899 inc GST ride away
The new model is fitted with a full power ECU and comes with ADR compliance so can be fully road registered in all states. A free Off-Road Competition Kit is also offered for owners who wish to set up their WR250F to ride on closed courses. The WR250F is also LAMS compliant for new riders.
Australian off-road kit (include)
All WR250F AND WR450Fs come with full ADR compliance and so can be road registered to ride in Australian state forests where permitted. Each bike also comes with a free off-road kit for closed course competition use which includes:
Lightweight LED tail light/and licence plate holder
Kymco have just launched their ‘I Like it’ campaign offering the Like 125 scooter for just $3,290 ride-away in Pearl White with colour matched top-box, compared to the usual price of $3,090 plus on-road costs.
Kymco Like 125 currently on special until November
The Kymco Like family are known for bulletproof engineering, practicality and an exceptional price point, making for an ideal commuter.
The Like 150 S was recently added to the family roster with the same core principles, but it’s the Like 125 currently available with this special offer.
The $3,290 ride away pricing is valid until November 30, 2021, with a normal retail price of $3,090 plus on-road costs. The Like 125 is only available in Pearl White for the promotional price, but also comes in Black and Bright Red at normal pricing.
Royal Enfield have now revealed their all-new Classic 350, featuring the same powerplant found in the recently launched Meteor 350, a 349 cc air-cooled single-cylinder with fuel injection. This move brings their 350 range up to date across the board.
Royal Enfield take the cover off their new Classic 350 range
Performance now reaches 20.2 horsepower peaking at 6500 rpm, while 27 Nm of torque peaks lower in the rev range at 4000 rpm. The five-speed gearbox has been revised for smoother shifting.
That’s not hugely different to the earlier Rumbler 350 looking at the spec’ sheet, with a little bit more power at the expense of a smidge of torque.
Performance hasn’t changed much from the outgoing Rumbler 350 on paper
A primary balancer shaft reduces vibrations, which are a noticeable characteristic of the older Royal Enfields. This will be a welcome change that should help attract new riders.
The chassis is also new, with a stiffer design aimed to offer better cornering confidence, as well as improved stability.
Chassis updates promise better stability and cornering confidence
Likewise the suspension is updated for better comfort. Revisions to the brakes have Royal Enfield claiming a more confidence inspiring braking performance.
Ergonomics are promised to be improved. This includes a wider seat with soft-foam cushion padding, new handlebars and other tweaks which haven’t been specifically noted.
The seat has been updated for better comfort, with ergos tweaked
Another new feature is an analogue dash with LCD info panel, as well as a USB charging point, while a turn-by-turn navigation pod is available from the accessories department. That’s part of an extensive accessory catalogue designed to allow riders to personalise their Classic 350 in various ways, with easy bolt-on mods.
There’s a big range of genuine accessories also available
The Royal Enfield range also features a three-year warranty in Australia, ensuring plenty of peace of mind for riders.
Where the new Meteor 350 offers a modernised take on the 350 platform, the Classic, as the name suggests looks to be incorporating the updates, while retaining the styling and feel of a classic machine that has made Royal Enfield prove so popular and led to a major resurgence for the brand in recent years.
The Classic 350 won’t be for the rev heads out there, but for those after an authentic, stylish retro machine
It looks like this latest 350 may extend that appeal further, but the focus still seems to be on classic authenticity rather than performance even if we’re now seeing EFI, a trait shared with the 500.
For those looking at something more performance orientated with a sporty edge, the Royal Enfield 650 twins will no doubt remain the go-to choice, however it’s hard to argue with the popularity of the singles.
Royal Enfield Classic 350 Chrome Red
The new Classic 350 will come in five variants, with 11 colour-ways in total, ensuring there’s a bike to suit almost any rider. These include the Classic Chrome, which as the name suggests features chromed guards, two-tone tank and an unpainted engine.
Royal Enfield Classic 350 Dark ‘Stealth Black’
The Classic Dark options on the other hand, run a more subdued colour scheme in either Stealth Black or Gunmetal Grey, with blacked out engine and stand out for being the only models with cast wheels, compared to the spoked items fitted on all other variants.
Armed forces inspired Classic Signals in Desert Sand
The Classic Signals bikes come in either Desert Sand or Marsh Grey, recalling Royal Enfield’s armed forces ties, offering a post-war style theme, including specific decals on the tank.
The Redditch versions will come in Redditch Grey or Redditch Sage Green, with blacked out components, except the engines.
Classic 350 Redditch Grey
The Halycon models will be available in Gray, Green or Black, all of which are gloss paint, and also run unpainted engines.
Classic 350 Halycon Grey
Here’s what Siddhartha Lal had to say about the latest iteration of the Royal Enfield 350.
Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director of Eicher Motors Ltd.
“The Classic 350 launched in 2008, was a modern and capable motorcycle that symbolized the timeless post-war styling from the heydays of the British motorcycle industry. Its captivating design language and simplicity coupled with dependability, catapulted the Classic to global popularity, and it went on to redefine the middleweight (250-750cc) motorcycle segment. Through our history, we have been consistent in our pursuit to build timeless, classic, beautiful motorcycles that are great fun to ride, and the new Classic 350 does just that. The all-new Classic 350 beautifully combines this quintessential, timeless design with an absolutely modern and refined ride experience. Built ground-up, on our modern J-series engine, with an all-new chassis, the Classic 350 offers a tremendously refined and impeccable ride experience that almost feels like riding again for the first time. We’ve paid great attention to every aspect of the motorcycle, right from its stunning look, to the perfection in parts and the touchpoints, to its impeccable riding performance. The supremely well calibrated engine is super smooth, intuitively responsive and engaging, and has that gorgeous growl on acceleration. The all-new chassis inspires enormous confidence while handling and is especially well-mannered in tight traffic situations and around twisty corners. The Classic is by far the most comfortable motorcycle to ride, with plush seating and suspension, and great ergonomics. The motorcycle is, without a doubt, class-leading, and feels incredibly refined and enjoyable to ride. We are confident that the incredibly refined all-new Classic 350 will once again redefine the mid-size motorcycle space globally.”
