Royal Enfield is almost here with dual-channel ABS for their 346cc motorcycle lineup. A recent report in the automotive sector confirms that they are planning an official launch for the ABS-equipped Classic 350, Bullet 350, Thunderbird 350 and 350X on August 27, 2018. The report is enough to bring big smiles on the faces of prospective buyers, who may also love the idea of getting two limited edition shades for Classic series. Both the new shades are based on 500cc Squadron Blue and Desert Storm, further using black elements like the headlight ring, exhaust, engine bay and spoke wheels.
If launched according to this report, Royal Enfield will become the first brand to follow the ABS introduction plan of the Indian government and road ministry. They have a similar number of bikes in the 500cc segment, which may get ABS anytime due to their exclusive placement and smaller overall sales number. Royal Enfield Himalayan could be the last model to receive the safety-enhancing update. Indian market is clearly divided among two types of brands, one out of which is doing their best to introduce this feature and other waiting for the timeline to come closer before making any addition.
Bajaj Auto, TVS, Hero, Honda, and Suzuki have models with single and dual channel ABS as optional or standard in the country while Royal Enfield and Yamaha had no such benefit on their side. With RE planning this move in the coming days, Yamaha will be left alone in the non-ABS tribe for mass production bikes. Kawasaki Z250 is the only motorcycle above INR 2 lakh that is yet to receive ABS-equipped brakes in India. On the other hand, a bunch of bikes above INR 1 lakh are yet to get ABS as standard. Those without ABS will continue to be on sale till March 31, 2018.
Buyers would love to know that next fiscal will mark the beginning of standard ABS on bikes above 125cc displacement. This will mean an expected price hike for entire motorcycle range above Honda CB Shine SP.
