Royal Enfield has launched the Classic 500 Pegasus Edition in India and has priced it at Rs. 2.40 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). The Pegasus edition uses the same 499 cc single-cylinder engine that produces 27.2 bhp and 41.3 Nm of peak torque, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The special edition motorcycle is limited to mere 250 units in India. The all-new Pegasus edition pays homage to the paratroopers in the British army who served in the World War II. It takes inspiration from the military RE motorcycle ' Flying Flea'. Just so you know, only 1000 units of the Classic 500 Pegasus edition will be made internationally. 

On the other hand, the standard Classic 500 is the elder sibling of Classic 350 which mimics styling of the former. For power generation the bike relies on a 499cc, single cylinder, 4-stroke Twinspark engine developing peak power output of 27.2bhp 5250rpm along with top torque of 41.3Nm at 4000rpm. The engine comes mated to a five-speed constant mesh gearbox. Suspension set up comprises of telescopic front forks and twin gas charged rear shock absorbers.

Slotted above the Classic 350 in RE’s line-up, the 500 Classic is styled on the lines of retro theme. As the name suggests, the bike features a 500cc engine producing decent power and torque output. The fuel injected engine comes mated to a constant mesh gearbox and gets telescopic front forks along with twin gas charged shock absorbers at rear.

Royal Enfield Classic 500 Looks

Nothing much has changed in terms of looks, the bike reminds of post war motorcycles as it wears the vintage design. Chrome is used amply on the body which makes the bike appear premium but at the same time seems to be slightly overused. The radical instrument cluster is similar to what we get to seen in rest of the REs. For that matter the head lamps, tail lamp, fuel tank, tool bar and even the seat have been worked upon around the vintage theme.

Royal Enfield Classic 500 Engine Specifications & Transmission

Power is drawn from a 499cc, single cylinder, 4-stroke Twinspark engine producing top power and torque of 27.2bhp at 5250rpm along with 41.3Nm of torque at 4000rpm. A five-speed constant mesh gearbox is synced to the engine.

Royal Enfield Classic 500 Features

The standard model lacks pillion seat, there is only a single seat for the rider. However the pillion seat can be availed as a part of accessories. The rounded headlamp cluster features ‘Tiger eye lamps’ which lends it bullet like stance, moreover the halogen bulbs produce ample light to guide riders during night. RE offers the vintage look silencer on the bike as an additional accessory. In tandem with the rest of the styling, the tail lamps too feature a classic design.

Royal Enfield Classic 500 Braking & Handling

Braking action is dependent on 280mm disc 2-piston calliper front and 153mm drum, single lead internal expanding rear brakes. Although the braking set up is robust but it fails to evolve due to heavy weight of the bike which is around 194kg (kerb weight). For the similar reason, handling too suffers, the heavy iron bike is quite tough to handle at the corners. The fuel tank features post war era graphics and there is a tool box too.

Royal Enfield Classic 500 Wheels & Tyres

90/90-19 and 120/80-18 tyres are fitted in front and rear respectively. The multiple spoke wheels lend good grip on the road and balance the bike well over potholes.

Royal Enfield Classic 500 Competition

Donning retro looks, Classic 500 deals with competitors in the segment such as UM Renegade Classic and UM Renegade Commando.

Pros:

Vintage styling

Cons:

High maintenance
Heavy weight

Upcoming Model is Scrambler 450