Royal Enfield Classic 500, Bullet 500 Gets Rear Disc Brake, ABS (UK)

by Dhiyanesh Ravichandran · Published January 17, 2017 · Updated August 11, 2023

Indian launch of ABS-updated Royal Enfield Classic 500 and Bullet 500 bikes expected later this year.

Royal Enfield has launched the upgraded MY2017 Classic 500 and Bullet 500 models in UK. With a starting price of £3,999 (INR 3.28 lakhs) for the Bullet 500 and £4,899 (INR 4 lakhs) for the Classic 500 model, both the legendary bikes features 240 mm disc brake on rear wheel and dual-channel ABS technology. This is an approximate increase of around £700 (INR 57,000) comparing to the previous prices.

This is the first time RE is offering the essential braking technologies to the Classic and Bullet models. The ABS system consists of an ECU, individual sensors for both front and rear wheels, a solenoid valve, and a hydraulic pump. Being a dual-zone system, the wheels are modulated individually depending on the traction level. This would prevent locking up of wheels in case of a sudden braking, and reduces lifting up of the rear wheel due to uneven modulation.

Also Read: Royal Enfield Classic 350 ‘Redditch’ Edition Launched

It is likely that the company may introduce the ABS-equipped model range in the domestic market as well, in the months to come. The Government of India has made ABS or the combined braking system (CBS) mandatory for all two-wheelers in India, although the effective deadline is a little far away – April 2019.

The Royal Enfield’s entire line-up in UK is now ABS-equipped to meet the stringent safety norms. In fact, the UK-spec Classic and Bullet 500 are powered by a 500cc engine producing 41.3 Nm of torque with a fuel-injection system to meet Euro 4 emission standards, unlike the models offered in India. The bikes are manufactured at the company Chennai plant in India, and are imported to other EU markets including UK.

In addition, the RE Continental GT has also received major upgrades in UK including a fuel-injected 535 cc engine, efficient exhaust system, and disc brakes with dual-channal ABS braking.

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