Spy Pics: Royal Enfield Classic 350 Flex Fuel Spotted Testing- Running On E85

A Royal Enfield Classic 350 test mule sporting an 'E85 Fuel' sticker on its tank has been spotted testing on public roads in Chennai by Rushlane. The sighting comes days after the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) released draft rules proposing E85 and E100 as officially recognised fuel standards in India.

Royal Enfield is no stranger to flex-fuel development. The Classic 350 Flex Fuel concept was first showcased at the 2024 Bharat Mobility Expo and the test mule seen now appears to be that concept moving closer to production.

The test unit is visually near-identical to the current Classic 350 on sale. Two differences stand out: an unreleased colour shade and alloy wheels in place of the standard wire-spoke setup.

The handwritten 'E85 Fuel' marking on the tank is the key tell. Beyond those details, design, stance, and mechanical layout remain unchanged, suggesting the focus is on fuel system compatibility and not a major redesign.

Royal Enfield Classic 350 Flex Fuel - Platform Implications

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 with alloy wheels is currently priced at Rs 2,16,582 (ex-showroom). A flex-fuel variant is expected to cost quite a bit more when it launches, thanks to the complexity of the fuel system, though a launch date depends on when the government formally enforces the new fuel regulations.

The Classic 350's J-Series engine is shared with the Meteor 350, Hunter 350, and Bullet 350. A flex-fuel upgrade on the Classic 350 could, by extension, prepare that entire platform for E85 compliance.

MoRTH, under Nitin Gadkari, has flagged a long-term shift away from petrol and diesel toward biofuels. Several manufacturers have already moved. Honda launched the CB300F Flex Fuel in October 2024 at Rs 1.7 lakh and Bajaj showcased the Pulsar NS160 on E100 in September 2024. On the four-wheeler side of the market, Suzuki unveiled a Fronx E85 prototype late last year and Toyota showcased an Innova Flex Fuel Hybrid back in 2023.

Royal Enfield's Classic 350 test mule slots into that same wave of preparation. The firm is getting products ready before regulations arrive, not after.