SPIED: Royal Enfield’s New Bobber Flaunts Fresh Components [Exhaust Note Inside]

Feb 14, 2024

The bobber will become Royal Enfield's fifth motorcycle based on its J-series platform

Some motorcycle manufacturers keep their business behind closed doors, while others prefer to test future products out in the real world. Royal Enfield belongs to the latter club, which, as a result, gives us a barrage of test mule sightings to dissect. The latest example of this comes from RE’s home turf (India) where the bikemaker’s upcoming 350cc bobber has been spotted testing. While we’ve already gotten a look at the motorcycle earlier, the new sighting gives us a much closer look and even includes the exhaust note. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.

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Take a look at the Royal Enfield’s 350cc cruiser lineup, and you’d find properly retro motorcycles. Yes, the Meteor 350 might appear modern (with its punchy colors and blacked-out mechanicals), but it still lacks typically modern elements. On the contrary, the upcoming 350cc bobber promises to be a perfect blend of modern and retro.

The modern touch comes from the all-LED headlight (identical to the 2023 Continental and INT 650) flanked by clear-lens LED turn signals. While these are never-seen-before bits on the company’s 350cc lineup, we also spot an LED tail lamp reminiscent of the Meteor. This is partnered by a dual-tone engine (silver-black) and blacked-out exhaust system (header plus muffler).

What about the retro bits? Well, the list is even longer. All the above-mentioned lights are circular and boast chrome bezels, alongside a Classic 350-like chrome-finished cap for the headlight. You also get extended, curvy fenders at both ends, considerably different from the Classic or Meteor. Our favorite element, however, is the set of wheels. Though these appear normal spoke-equipped hoops, a closer look reveals white walls inspired by vintage cruisers. It’s a rarity in these modern times, only available on exclusive motorcycles like the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Highway King.

The new sighting gives us a good look at the bobber’s ergonomics. Your hands now grab an apehanger instead of a conventional handlebar, while you’re seated on a floating saddle (like you should on a bobber). Interestingly, the test mule seen here also has a floating pillion seat–a bit out of the box, since such motorcycles don’t have rear saddles in the first place. There’s a chance the other saddle could be sold as an accessory, along with pillion footrests and grab rails.

Once aboard, you’re greeted by a semi-digital instrument cluster–revealed for the first time in these shots. The setup comes directly from the Classic 350 and has a chrome bezel to keep things old-school. Information-wise, the LCD inset will show two trip meters, time, fuel gauge, odometer, and a small service reminder. We can also spot space for RE’s Tripper Navigation pod right beside the cluster and rotary switchgear, directly from the Classic.

Under the new guise, the bobber hides Royal Enfield’s trusted 349cc, single-cylinder thumper found on the Hunter 350 and Classic 350. With 20 horsepower and 20 pound-feet, the mill promises an easy-going ride suited to the city (occasionally for the freeway). We don’t expect any notable changes in the output or engine tune on the bobber.

But there is a key difference in another place — the exhaust. The spy shots show an all-new exhaust system for the bobber that ends in a slash-cut muffler–another first for RE’s 350cc lineup. It not only looks better but also produces a sharper note many enthusiasts will like. In fact, we believe the bobber might become the best-sounding 350cc Royal Enfield out there.

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Like the engine, the cycle parts seem to come from the Classic as well. There’s a double cradle chassis underneath, suspended on telescopic forks and dual shock absorbers. You also get 19/18-inch spoke wheels, clamped by 300 mm and 270 mm disc brakes fore and aft, respectively.

So what could the bobber be called, and when will it arrive? Well, Indian sources suggest the bobber could go by the name Shotgun 350. The company had trademarked the name in several markets, so it makes a lot of sense. Plus, there’s already a Bullet 350 coming soon.

As for its launch, the bobber will likely be part of Royal Enfield’s lineup for MY24. So a late 2023 or early 2024 unveiling is probable. Once out, we don’t expect it to reach American shores imminently, as the company takes its own sweet time to bring its new offerings here. After all, the Hunter 350 came eight-nine months after its global debut, while the new 650s are still not here.

Punya is an avid motorcyclist who's always up for a ride to the canyons or the racetrack. He insists his riding skills are better than his writing skills, even though he's worked with some world-renowned automotive websites.