India has already achieved E20 petrol (20% ethanol blend fuel) in 2025. Now, the government has issued a draft notification proposing higher ethanol blends in petrol, including E85 and E100. Initially, these fuels will not replace petrol everywhere; instead, they will be introduced primarily with flex-fuel vehicles.

Most flex fuel cars and bikes are currently in their prototype stage, including the Royal Enfield Classic 350. One of its test mules with an ‘E85 fuel’ sticker on the tank was spotted in Chennai.

Visible Changes

Recent sighting suggests that Royal Enfield has started testing flex-fuel compatibility for its J-platform based motorcycles. Save for the E85 sticker, alloy wheels and new colour finish, the bike appears largely similar to the regular model.  

RE Classic 350 Engine & Features

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 comes equipped with a 349cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine, producing a maximum power of 20bhp and 27Nm of torque. Some of its key highlights include LED pilot lights, a circular headlight, LED indicators, taillamps, Tripper navigation pod and adjustable levers.

Variants & Prices

The bike lineup is currently available in four variants – Classic 350 Redditch, Classic 350 Halcyon, Classic 350 Heritage and Classic 350 Heritage Premium – priced at Rs 2,22,148, Rs 2,25,267, Rs 2,29,188 and Rs 2,34,125, respectively (all, ex-showroom).

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