As we wait patiently for the new Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and the rumored Hunter, it appears that the company is already working on a follow-up model. A YouTuber shared a short clip of what looks like a new Enfield cruise ship being tested on the roads of India. The video shows what looks like a production version of the KX Concept bobber that Royal Enfield showed at EICMA in 2018.
Several factors point to a new model rather than just another Meteor or Hunter sighting. We already know that the Meteor will be a variation of the Classic and will use the same 350cc engine. The sighted cruiser, however, features a dual exhaust, similar to the Continental GT and Interceptor 650, suggesting that it potentially runs on the same twin 650 in parallel. This is a departure from the concept that was introduced with a V-twin.
The saddle and handlebars also look much lower with the rider sitting almost in front of the rear wheel rather than on top like on the Meteor. The rear suspension setup looks different, with the dual springs that attach the subframe to the swingarm positioned at a steeper angle, nearly 45 degrees. With a look at the right side of the bike, we can also see what a belt drive looks like, rather than a chain.
Perhaps even more interesting is the front suspension, which looks like an inverted fork. If this model goes into production, this would be Royal Enfield’s first USD suspension.
Other features include a round headlight, a small rear seat, and a round instrument cluster.
Shortly after introducing the KX, the company disappointed us all by saying that the bobber was just a small design exercise and that it had no real intention of producing the model. The manufacturer has since kept its word and confirmed that it would add a cruiser-inspired motorcycle to its lineup after all. Well folks, this could be it!
