Royal Enfield and ABS: Raising the Bar for Classic 350 and 500

When Royal Enfield introduced the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in the Classic 350 and Classic 500 models in 2019, it marked significant progress in bicycle safety. The addition of ABS to these models came just in time, especially after the 2021 update that brought about a new platform and additional features. However, many motorcyclists and enthusiasts have been buzzing about the potential for ABS to be installed in all the models within the Royal Enfield lineup.

History and Current Status

ABS was a notable addition to the Classic 350 and Classic 500 in 2019, which immediately enhanced the safety of these classic Indian bikes. In 2021, Royal Enfield rolled out significant updates to the Classic 350, including a new platform and additional features, thereby further cementing its status as a premier choice for riders. As of this writing, ABS remains optional or standard in certain variants but is not a feature across the entire line-up.

News and Rumors

The latest twist in this narrative came on August 30, 2018, when RE launched the Signals edition Classic 350 with ABS. Subsequently, there was a flurry of activity on automotive blogs and forums, with speculations about ABS being made available across the board. Many questioned if this would be a definitive step towards a fully equipped and safer Royal Enfield lineup. Some even speculated it would happen as early as August 27, 2018, just four days away from the launch of the Signals edition.

The Future of Royal Enfield

Despite these rumors, Royal Enfield seems to have excellent foresight in the product development lifecycle. It's well-aligned with the industry’s pace and customer's expectations. While not inconsequential, ABS is still seen as a significant leap for traditional Indian bikes. The main hurdle would be the cost implications for consumers. Royal Enfield has always been meticulously careful with pricing, knowing that every rider is concerned about the on-road price and fuel economy.

Competitive Landscape

Against this backdrop, Royal Enfield faces competition from various players. Two notable ones are UM motorcycles and Avengers. UM motorcycles, despite higher Horsepower (BHP), lacks in build quality and torque. On the other hand, Avengers is believed to offer tubeless tires and claims of higher fuel efficiency, yet suffers from poor service quality. Both these motorcycles lack ABS, making them significantly less safe and feature-deprived compared to their Royal Enfield counterparts.

Conclusion

While ABS has already been introduced in the Classic 350 and Classic 500, Royal Enfield has to navigate a fine balance between safety and affordability. For now, integrating ABS into the Classic lineup is a step in the right direction. However, meeting the high expectations of its customers and staying competitive in the market will require careful planning and execution. As Royal Enfield continues to evolve, the integration of ABS will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping its future and the overall riding experience for its riders.