Royal Enfield Introduces E20 Conversion Kits for Old Classic 350, Bullet 350

Royal Enfield has quietly introduced E20 retrofit conversion kits for select old models. This conversion kit is available exclusively at authorised company service centres and is compatible only with BS3 and BS4 Unit Construction Engine (UCE) 350 cc carbureted models including Classic 350, Bullet 350, and Thunderbird 350.

The new conversion kit will address concerns of compatibility with E20 (20 percent ethanol-blended) fuel. On connecting with local Royal Enfield service centre in New Delhi, Acko Drive learnt that this kit is priced at ₹3,000 with an additional ₹300 service charge for installation of this kit. Royal Enfield is yet to officially release any notification regarding the launch of this E20 retrofit kit.

The higher ethanol content in modern fuel can accelerate the deterioration of rubber parts and certain metal components in these motorcycles. The new E20 conversion kit comes with more ethanol-resistant components like O-rings, tubes, gaskets, fuel lines and seals. The older rubber and metal parts in the BS3 and BS4 models with carburettors can wear faster on extensive use of E20 fuel which might eventually cause leaks or blockages over time.

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Royal Enfield hasn’t introduced any such E20 retrofit kit for other models including models powered by the 500 cc, 650 cc, 410 cc, or even the new J-series 350 cc engine that comes with a fuel injection system. If you’re someone who owns an older 350 cc UCE model like the Classic, Bullet or Thunderbird 350, contact your nearest Royal Enfield service centre and check the availability of this E20 conversion kit. 

While the kit is expected to improve long-term reliability when running on E20, it is unlikely to fully restore fuel efficiency to pre-ethanol-blend levels.