Test/photo: OA Isdahl/Royal Enfield
Royal Enfield is currently celebrating its 6th anniversary in Norway. Lazy Boyz took on the role of importer and dealer in 2019, and nobody knew at the time how popular this brand would actually become here at home. Nor did anyone imagine how much Royal Enfield would contribute to the ever-growing interest in the A2 class. Lazy Boyz has used the time well and has established a total of 10 service points around the country and these now take care of customers and bikes.
Royal Enfield is by no means the largest but landed in an honorable eighth place in the A2 segment in 2024. In these six years, Royal Enfield has further developed a relatively simple and reliable technology platform into something that is more modern, much cooler and much better. Both the model portfolio and the technology platform can compete with the best in terms of quality, driving performance and price, and the brand’s history actually goes back more than 125 years. The brand is firmly rooted in the classic genre and, due to its distinctiveness, strikes more and more motorcycle hearts. Below, we’ll take a quick journey to get to know the breadth, variety and diversity of the portfolio.
With a passion for the authentic motorcycle, and with young people and adults all over the world as its target audience, Royal Enfield is a brand to watch. It’s about cool, authentic and really charming motorcycles with lots of image that create a lot of driving pleasure and great experiences for riders of all ages. It’s all about style, quality and, not least, high reliability. In addition to its uniqueness, Royal Enfield has an unusually high social component, as people of all kinds come up to you about the motorcycles that the vast majority perceive as very cool. Many people remember Royal Enfield from some phase of their lives, and encounters with the brand in the new era are therefore nostalgic encounters that often involve emotions. The bikes act almost like a magnet for people, regardless of gender or age. This happens to a much greater extent and more often than I usually experience during tests of other brands.
Royal Enfield oozes identity and the models deliver in almost all areas that we can associate with driving pleasure, which is why they are gaining market share. You rarely find used bikes for sale on Finn.no, as the owners are generally very fond of their bikes and have owned them for a long time. Those that are sold are simply sold before they get as far as Finn.no, and they are sold quickly.
In the Royal Enfield portfolio we find 15 different A2 models produced for those who value the authentic motorcycle, simple mechanical precision, high quality, good driving characteristics and all at very competitive prices. Royal Enfield delivers engines with 20, 24, 40 and 47 hp respectively, not much, but more than enough to put a smile on your face and a lot of driving pleasure.
The design, technology, sound and driving characteristics are so charming that you almost have to be emotionally numb not to fall for it. By far my favorite is the Classic 350, which I can ride around for days with a big smile on my face and a feeling of happiness in my body. These bikes are by no means power bombs, they’re not made for snobs or riders who need to adorn themselves with phallic symbols, but they all have character, they’re strong, very comfortable and they have great handling. They are by far the most charming thing I drive and I absolutely adore the whole portfolio which technically just gets better and better.
The target group
Royal Enfield has the generalist as its target group and the brand caters to all age groups and social strata. The manufacturer is skilled at communicating who the Royal Enfield driver can be and uses a well-developed and modern website to create images or ideals that we can easily identify with. It communicates the classic design, technology, driving pleasure, image, feel-good and experiences that many people seek. The website includes cool model presentations, an online store, travel concepts, TV, podcasts and service concepts. They have a total of 15 models from 350 – 650 cubic meters. These are probably NOT motorcycles for specialists or powder junkies, but rather the bon vivant who wants to communicate their affinity for the classic and a cool image.
All of the 15 models have very good driving characteristics and are an experience to drive. I am personally fascinated by the authenticity and classicism, the mechanical precision, the power delivery, the feel-good components and not least the ability to create driving pleasure, which always makes me smile broadly. I simply fall in love every time I drive a
Royal Enfield and I am impressed by the way the manufacturer manages and develops its brand. At least it works for me.
The four engine platforms used today
Royal Enfield currently uses four engine platforms consisting of one- and two-cylinder engines, all of which, without exception, have character and deliver excellent performance even though they are not very big. The 350 engine is available on the Classic, Meteor, Bullet and HNTR (pronounced HUNTER but RE was not allowed to use the brand name due to an existing patent) These engines deliver around 20 hp and 27 Nm and push very well on bikes with such a low wet weight.
The 410/411 engines are supplied on Himalayan and Scram and deliver around 24 pretty spirited horsepower. More than enough to make the bikes feel fresh and, not least, fun to ride. The combination of low weight, outstanding ergonomics, good dampers, frame and swingarms with a fun steering geometry make these motorcycles popular and sought-after objects that sell quickly, both new and used.
Scram 411 is cool, stylish, but at the same time it’s pretty rough and tumble and has a huge range of uses. If you’re not a powder junky, this is more than enough to experience real driving pleasure on two wheels, for sure. CEAT tires have a wide range of uses and sit well on all types of surfaces, they are also durable.
In 2023, Royal Enfild introduced an all-new 450 cc engine that delivers around 40 hp and 40 Nm, and this engine is currently being used on the new Himalayan and Guerrilla models that were launched in 2024, both of which are outstanding models that significantly enhance the brand and its applications. This was a really good engine and the new Himalayan model is significantly better than its predecessor, which is still very popular. The 450 engine has a new ECU that helps to improve throttle response, engine management and power output.
At the top of the engine throne we find the two-cylinder in-line engines of 650 cc. These engines are in many ways comparable to Triumph’s engines, apart from the fact that Triumphs are mostly in the A class. RE’s 650 engines are in the A2 class and therefore deliver a maximum of 47 hp and approximately 53 – 56 Nm, which is more than sufficient to deliver good and powerful thrust with outstanding results. The sound from these engines is almost euphoric and produces rich, deep and soft sexy tones, both under throttle and under braking with the engine, absolutely fantastic soundscapes that are fully on par with what Triumph delivers, and that with completely original exhaust systems. You’re not allowed to put anything in your ears while driving, you simply MUST listen to this and enjoy it like a concert.
Royal Enfield refers to these engines as “2 x capable” and that’s very well said because the term “1 x capable” can be applied just as naturally to the engines from this brand, they are just as impressive and capable.
This platform is used on the Super Meteor 650, Shotgun, Bear, Classic 650, Interceptor and Continental which is really worth a test drive. Everything is equally successful and works very well. This is a journey straight back to the classic and authentic motorcycle that offers real feel-good experiences, driving pleasure and buckets of image.
So on the engine front, Royal Enfield really does have a good portfolio, and there’s no doubt that RE continues its development work and shows year after year that it is certainly capable of continuing its development work. They just continue to surprise and without leaving their roots in their own DNA.
A LITTLE ABOUT SOMETHING FROM THE MODEL PORTFOLIO
Meteor 350 and Classic 350 – special, delightful and incredibly charming
The Classic 350 is one of the smallest and by far my favorite of the RE family, it’s by no means hefty, it’s small and light and just so incredibly charming. The little 350 engine produces deep, soothing and soulful hums that lay like a blanket of comfort over all the other good qualities of this motorcycle. Its size and low weight mean it’s easy to handle and not least to maneuver on the road. Both the Meteor and Classic models are very comfortable to ride and you won’t be stressed by the fact that the maximum speed is 100 to 110 km/h.
The Meteor 350 comes from the same family and has many of the same features, but is nevertheless quite different from the Classic 350, the differences are primarily linked to the seating position, the width of the handlebars, the position of the footpegs and the different center of gravity. Both of these models are superb motorcycles that are very well suited to finding peace and balance in life. They both have great handling and are as comfortable as they are fun, making rush hour traffic something to enjoy and look forward to every day. They are beautiful and they look like jewelry in an otherwise gray everyday life. Here you are in the very sweet spot of everything that has to do with feel-good. The Meteor 350 comes with a heel-gear solution which makes it all extra charming. Note that these are motorcycles that cost just over NOK 60,000 brand new! So you really get a lot for your money.
HNTR (pronounced hunter) an ingenious and typy everyday commuter
20 hp and 29 Nm may not sound like much, but once again Royal Enfield knows what it’s doing when it launches the HNTR 350. The HNTR is proof that motorcycles can be optimized and become fantastic riding machines even if less expensive components are used. Manufacturers with a lot of knowledge and experience manage to create more with the right combinations of design, ergonomics, steering geometry, balancing and power. It doesn’t all have to be big and heavy, on the contrary, and in this case
Royal Enfield has once again proved that “less is more”. This motorcycle is used in urban areas, preferably in cafe or city culture where the need is linked to mobility, image and customized everyday life where you are your own master. The power, style, sound and fun factor outweigh the price many times over and bring smiles and happiness every day. The handling and steering geometry are simply so fun that you intuitively seek out tight turns and terrain to experience the joy of turning with a light, sleek and very cool driving machine. If you own an HNTR, you may not need much else – you haven’t become a debt slave after all. If you find your own style of safety clothing and riding gear, you’ll quickly become the coolest dude on the street and strangers will come your way to chat about your motorcycle.
Scram 411/440
The Scram model was 411 cc when it was first launched, but due to EURO 5+ requirements, it has now been adjusted up to 440 cc to meet the emission requirements. This is a model that can be used for everything and everywhere, and you won’t have to look far for a touring companion. This is the bike for those who use their motorcycle for anything and everything, work trips, evening therapy or trips to the forest or mountains with a fishing rod, packed lunch and thermos. This bike thrives on gravel and is just as comfortable to ride standing up as sitting down. In short, a Scram can be used for absolutely everything, it’s lightweight, suitably sprightly and offers the rider a good sitting position. The design and image are unmistakable and everyone who rides the Scram will be thrilled.
Royal Enfield consistently uses tires from a brand called CEAT and personally, I’m more than happy with this brand of which it produces many millions. These tires sit like a ball on both gravel and asphalt and handle wet surfaces very well. They are also durable. The Stram 411/440 is one of the best all-rounders Royal Enfield has in its portfolio and the model is very well adapted to Norwegian conditions. Like its siblings, it’s certainly not first out of the traffic lights, but if you need to satisfy that gene, you’d better find a plastic rocket from another brand. You’ll get a new bike for around 80,000 kroner, or a newer used one for around 50,000, if you can find one that’s used at all. This is a case where you get an incredible amount of motorcycle and driving pleasure per dollar invested.
Himalayan 450
The Himalayan 450 or “Himmy” as it is referred to, was launched early in the season in 2024 and the model represents the second generation Himalayan that was first launched in 2015. The Himalayan 450 represents the entry-level generation of the adventure segment, but “make no mistake”, the model is something completely different and much much more than that. Motoring journalists around the world are praising the model, describing it as much more capable than can be expected from a model costing around 90,000 kroner. The Himalayan loves to do dirty work and easily competes with KTM, Yamaha, BMW and Honda in the mud. Many experienced riders “sizzle” down to Himalayan when they think the 12-1300 cubic meters are too big, heavy and not least expensive. I repeat, driving pleasure has no correlation with price, size and weight, at least not if you want an all-rounder that you can use for everything or a lot.
The Himalayan 450 is nothing less than a long-legged riding machine that eats up poor surfaces and if you keep your eyes on it, you can float through the corners without fear of bumps ruining your turn. Steering geometry, ergonomics and balancing are simply top notch and the bike is a joy to ride. The 40 hp and approx. 40 Nm engine delivers much better than expected and in combination with the riding characteristics, the Himalayan can be compared with and match far more expensive adventure bikes. The new TFT instrument is both stylish and functional and helps to enhance the experience of style and quality. This is the bike for the discovery-seeking rider, the one who needs a motorcycle that can do it all and who really wants to ride on gravel or off-road. Itchy Boots used this model for a long time and was clear that she was very happy with it, which says a lot. “Technically and operationally, the Himmy´n is simply very capable. A good engine, a good frame and dampers and, not least, a design that works really well in the adventure world. The model has what its competitors in the same class and segment don’t have, and in a short time it has achieved star status among very experienced drivers.
Guerrilla 450
Launched a little later in 2024, the Guerrilla is built on the same engine platform as the Himalayan. However, this is a completely different bike that I would describe as a classic naked bike with a handful of scrambler genes, it is lower (780 mm), has a shorter wheelbase than the Himalayan (1440 mm), 17 inch wheels front and rear, a rather fierce steering angle and a wide handlebar, the same spherical TFT instrument used on the Himalayan. The Guerrilla may not impress visually, but the model really overpowers with top-class cornering and handling. The Guerrilla is simply fun to drive and, with its modest 40 hp, has a sky-high fun factor. It weighs only 185 kg wet and with the single-cylinder engine, the design can be kept sleek and functional. Guerrilla is a bike for those who want to make everyday life a breeze, and the model certainly has great long-distance capabilities too. Don’t let the horsepower numbers fool you, with its lower weight, sleeker design and fun steering geometry you’ll be able to maintain higher cornering speeds and have more fun. The low seat height makes it accessible and usable for many drivers. Price, just under 73,000 SEK, it’s almost too good to be true.
Super Meteor 650
Royal Enfield is firmly rooted in its own history, which it has plenty of with more than 125 years in operation. The Super Meteor was produced in the fifties but was relaunched in a slightly different form as a cruiser in 2023. The new generation has a design and shape like a piece of jewelry and is equipped with an engine that takes the breath away from any bon vivant operating on two wheels. Ergonomically, this is one of the best things you can sit on and you’ll quickly lose touch with your own sense of time and place. Weight and power delivery are right in the sweet spot of happiness and well-being, and the driving experience is accompanied by a sickly sweet sound from the range-turner. The throttle response is gorgeous, the engine brake sings long, sweet arias that you’ll enjoy too. The 19-inch front wheel brings peace, serenity and a heavenly flow to your ride and the wide handlebar makes you feel like the world’s coolest driver. This is just a great motorcycle, once again at a great price. Royal Enfilet has a great design, so tasteful color options aren’t a problem, you’re sure to find something you like. The low seat height of
739 mm makes the Super Meteor accessible and not least manageable for absolutely everyone, and with a wet weight of 241 kg it is one of the lightest in the cruiser segment. The range of applications for the Super Meteor is as wide and comfortable as it is versatile, and if you want something that is cool, comfortable to drive and makes great sounds, then the Super Meteor is the thing.
Shotgun 650
Shotgun was launched as a complement to the Super Meteor 650 and is built on the same engine platform. However, Shotgun is something different with a shorter wheelbase, tighter steering angle and 17 inch wheel set and a fun modular seat concept that allows you to switch between single or double seating. Very cool. Ergonomically, it’s designed for you to sit in balance with your footpegs directly underneath you, making it easier and more comfortable to turn. With a shorter wheelbase and a slightly steeper steering angle, the Shotgun is also a lot of fun to drive. This model has a lot to offer but is probably developed for the slightly discerning and design-conscious driver who is a little more concerned with their own image. Mechanically perfect and well balanced as it is, you will experience the bike’s capacities as important mental contributions to perceived joy of life and wonderful riding experiences. Shotgun is simply awesome and has well-functioning and good components, this is about design, image, mechanical precision and a lot of riding pleasure.
Classic 650 – another highlight
In the introduction, I said that the Classic 350 is a small, lightweight and very charming star, albeit with some limitations in terms of power. That doesn’t matter at all, because this is all about urban mobility and feelgood. But this year, almost the same model with the large 650 cubic meter engine platform is coming. The bike arrives in April and is visually perhaps one of the most beautiful and coolest in the entire portfolio. With in-depth knowledge of the technology platform, the features and the entire portfolio, I can predict a new success with a high degree of certainty and I can hardly wait to ride it. The Classic 650 is already being praised by the international motoring press who have ridden the bike. When you add the characteristics and sound of the 650 engine to a slightly enlarged version of the Classic 350, it just has to be good. I’m personally very enthusiastic about both the Super Meteor and Shotgun, but the international press says that this is by far the best of the three. We look forward to finding out. But there’s not much doubt that much or everything has been done right here.
Continental 650 and Interceptor 650
Launched at the annual Milan Motorcycle Show (EICMA) in 2018, these two models represent the cafe segment in two different ways. The Interceptor 650 is perhaps the most classic, with a wide and upright handlebar and seating position, while the Continental 650 comes with a clip-on handlebar, representing the classic racing culture of the 1970s. Both are incredibly cool and stylish, and not least significantly lighter and slimmer than the Supermeteor 650, Shotgun and Classic 650, which all weigh significantly more. The biggest difference between them is the seating position, other technical data is fairly similar. They have the same steering angle, wheel sizes (actually 18 inches), seat height of a comfortable 790 mm, a nice wet weight of 178 kg with a similar damper and brake setup. The sound of these engines is just fantastic and very reminiscent of the very best from the Triumph camp. A deep, embalming tenor bass that makes you forget the world around you exists, my goodness what a sound (ps: with original exhaust). So here you have, according to taste, the choice between the classic cafe style or the racing image that for many is very attractive. Really cool image pumps that are very competitively priced and deliver buckets of euphoric driving pleasure.
The icing on the cake – Bear 650 coming in April/May
If this large portfolio is not enough, Royal Enfield is currently launching the all-new BEAR 650. This is another project with a clear link to the brand’s history. The Bear 650 is named after a 16-year-old rookie who was late to the start of the legendary “Big Bear run” in California in the 1960s and won the whole thing with a scrambler. And that’s exactly what the Bear 650 is, a scrambler. The familiar 648cc parallel twin engine has been pimped up a touch to deliver in a slightly different register, the bike has been given longer and better and more powerful (43mm) shock absorbers from Showa and fortunately a 19/17 inch combination on the front and rear wheels respectively, taking a renewed and larger portfolio further into a new and exciting era. Fortunately, RE uses the TFT instrument Himalayan 450. Royal Enfield has fortunately got the wet weight down to 216 kg, which is important and necessary for the competition. Interest in the scrambler segment has grown in recent years and this will be a great and very competitive addition to the entire range of scramblers available in Norway,
Summary about Royal Enfield
As you can see, Royal Enfield has one of the market’s largest A2 portfolios and there is even great variation within the class. Royal Enfield works purposefully and very systematically with design, innovation and technology development, and they succeed. Royal Enfield is skilled at communication and therefore succeeds in getting us as customers to identify with the products. The technology is simple, reliable, charming and, not least, fun and, as previously mentioned, the bikes consistently have very good driving characteristics and capacities. This hits the Norwegian rider very well, at least those who are realistic enough to be aware of their own needs and realize their own limitations (read – understand that there is not necessarily any real connection between crazy prices and effects and what you as an ordinary rider are actually able to exploit). When you also manage to deliver reliability and great driving experiences at competitive prices, then you’re well on your way. So, unless you need a phallic symbol to maintain a bought-in image, maybe it’s worth trying some of this portfolio?
