Royal Enfield KX Bobber gets single-sided swingarm & smartphone connectivity [Video]
After creating a stir in the middleweight segment with the aggressively priced Interceptor INT 650 and the Continental GT 650, Royal Enfield is preparing to offer a bobber style motorcycle that will compete against the likes of the Harley-Davidson Street and the Kawasaki Vulcan.
Also read: Royal Enfield Interceptor INT 650 vs. KTM 390 Duke drag race [Video]
Christened the KX Bobber, the bike was unveiled in the concept form at the 2018 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. Having already shared the details about the KX Bobber Concept here is a walkaround of the machine.
The video captures the concept motorcycle from different angles and brings closer details like the ByBre source braking system, and the full LED headlight with LED DRL.
Behind the LED headlamp is a single-pod, full-digital instrument console that displays the speedometer in the centre and the tachometer on the top. Above the speedometer is the gear position indicator. The bottom part of the screen is the most exciting bit. Below the digital clock and the odometer are three icons that reveal the smart features on the KX Bobber Concept. The first icon shows that the digital display will feature Navigation system to give turn-by-turn directions – a feature that we have seen on the KTM 390 Duke in the sub-500cc segment and premium performance motorcycles like the Ducati Multistrada 1260. The second and third icons are for WiFi network and Bluetooth thus revealing smartphone integration capabilities to control features such as call and music.
The video gives a close look at the switchgear, something we had not seen previously, revealing the unique ‘engine kill’ switch. The switchgear is mounted on a flat, single-piece handlebar that will perform the steering duties. Following the handle is a tank that features asymmetrically mounted filler cap. The green coloured fuel tank features a contrasting black paint which is complemented by golden stripes.
The tan leather, rider-only saddle adds a retro look while a monoshock suspension gives the concept a modern look. But what makes it premium and exotic is a single-sided swingarm, and we really hope that feature is retained in the production spec.
Also read: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 ABS launched in India, priced at INR 1.54 lakh
Readers would know that the Concept KX Bobber concept takes inspiration from the Royal Enfield Model KX, a 1,140cc, v-twin bobber, which was first introduced in 1936. The concept, however, featured a new 838cc engine. The 838cc, V-twin motor has been developed in the UK in collaboration with Polaris Industries. The motorcycle uses a Harris Performance-developed chassis.