Royal Enfield has announced that its 500cc single-cylinder Classic and Bullet engine, originally launched in 2009, will be retired from production during the first quarter of this year.
For over a decade the company’s hallmark 500cc engine has embraced Royal Enfield’s long stroke engine tradition, producing the unmistakable ‘Royal Enfield thump’ that has reverberated through the hearts of its riders. Royal Enfield says the 500cc engine and the motorcycles it has powered – the Royal Enfield Classic and Bullet 500 – have been instrumental in its accelerated growth and success across the world.
Before ending production, Royal Enfield will release a special limited-edition series of motorcycles, 1000 of which will be available to the European market from May – to be christened the Classic 500 Tribute Black.
These motorcycles will have a commemorative ‘End of Build’ serial-numbered plaque, as well as a number of special motorcycle accessories and additional merchandise.
These Classic 500 Tribute Black motorcycles will carry distinguished hand-painted pin-striped tank details, just like the Classic 500s that were originally rolled out of the Royal Enfield Thiruvottiyur facility in 2009. Furthermore, for the first time in Royal Enfield’s production history, these limited-edition motorcycles will have a dual-tone paint scheme, with fenders and fuel tanks carrying both glossy and matt black finishes.
Vinod Dasari, CEO of Royal Enfield, said: “Since 2009 the Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycles have proudly set the stage for the middle-weight motorcycling segment. The Classic 500 in particular has garnered success for Royal Enfield across various international markets with its sublime retro-chic design and engaging ride experience. As we sign off the last of the Royal Enfield 500cc motorcycles, the Classic 500 Tribute Black is an opportunity for afficionados to own a piece of Royal Enfield and motorcycling history.”
The launch of the multi award-winning 650 Twin motorcycles, the Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650, was an obvious progression for Royal Enfield to build upon the success of the 500cc engine.
While Royal Enfield will discontinue further production of its present 500cc engine for the domestic Indian market, Classic and Bullet 500 motorcycles will continue to be available for retail across European markets during 2020. Service and spares parts will also remain available for current owners throughout Royal Enfield’s dealerships network.