Royal Enfield seen testing Classic 350 Flex Fuel in April 2026. So, is Classic 349cc engine will now run on 85% ethanol? To know this continue reading.
Here is big update by Royal Enfield, the brand seen testing an E85 compatible Classic 350 in Chennai and spy shot clearly shows “E85 Fuel” label on fuel tank. This New model will continue with same 349cc engine and holds same output 20.2 hp and 27 Nm. But the twist is modification of this engine to make it run on 85% ethanol. As per all sources and media reports, there is no change in design, features, or other things. That means, the main focus of Royal Enfield Classic 350 Update is upgrades in E85 Ethanol with Internal Engine and fuel system.
Royal Enfield Classic 350 E85 Ethanol Upgrade
Well, the biggest upgrade coming in New Classic 350 by Royal Enfield is inside the engine, not outside. And motive behind this upgrade is to make bike to use cleaner fuel and reduce petrol dependency in India. This E85 Ethanol burns cleaner and is locally produce in India which means you get lower pollution and zero fuel imports. So, this is the most futuristic upgrade with lots of fuel benefits.
Engine & Fuel Efficiency Upgrade
This is almost clear to everyone that the upgrade is mainly in engine but what really it is. The Classic 350 runs on same single cylinder, 4 stroke, air-oil cooled, and 349cc engine but tuning with E85 fuel makes it different. And this known to everyone that ethanol gives less energy per litre and the engine will consume slightly more fuel.
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But the better combustion and higher octane will going to balance performance. So, this means the Royal Enfield’s E85 Ethanol Upgrade will likely to give same power with adjusting fuel flow and efficiency for ethanol use. The most likely mileage after E85 Ethanol upgrade is 30+ kmpl.
Classic 350 E85 Ethanol Other Upgrades
After seeing the viral spied images, lots of auto experts started predicting what changes or updates are coming in this bike. Well, the most changes but the upgrade in engine confirm some other upgrade. The most likely upgrade you can see in stronger fuel pipes, better sealing parts, and corrosion-resistant materials.
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And reason behind these upgrades is ethanol fuel may damage regular parts which are used in current model. You may also see new Fuel injectors and ECU settings to support E85. Other than fuel changes, the most likely upgrades are new colour, alloy wheels, few but changes in design & material, and pricing of the bike.
Launch & Price
Well, the E85 version of the Royal Enfield Classic 350 is first notice during road testing at Chennai in April 2026. Right now the model is on testing and no official launch update is reveal. As per reports, the model will likely to launch after approval of new ethanol fuel rules by government. So, bike enthusiast can see this model by 2027.
The current Classic 350 is priced between ₹1.85 to ₹2.57 lakh (ex-showroom). And this new version with E85 Ethanol may come with higher cost due to upgrade in fuel system parts and stronger materials. As per sources, the hike in price with ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 is most expected to seen. Still, the bike will be value for money as ethanol fuel is cheaper which means you get bike with almost similar power but with low running cost.
This Royal Enfield Classic 350 E85 Version is smart future focus upgrade. What make it more special is same engine, output, and almost same design with cleaner fuel. The Classic 350 E85 Version will have great impact with specialty of lower running costs and strong long term practicality. Ethanol availability all over India is just little concern but long riding capability and decent power make it more attractive.