If you’re like me and still have a soft spot for the iconic “thump” of the older Royal Enfields, I noticed something today that is going to be a massive relief. We’ve all been hearing the horror stories about E20 fuel (petrol blended with 20% ethanol) and how it’s basically “poison” for older engines.
Well, Royal Enfield just did something unexpected: they’ve launched official E20 Conversion Kits for older BS3 and BS4 models. This is a major first for the Indian market—an OEM actually looking out for bikes that have been out of production for years.
The “Ethanol Problem” Solved
Modern fuel is getting greener, but that’s bad news for old-school rubber and metal. Ethanol is corrosive; it eats through vintage seals and can cause “rubber rot” in your fuel lines.
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The Solution: This official kit replaces vulnerable parts like tubes, seals, and O-rings.
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Compatibility: Specifically designed for carburetted Unit Construction Engine (UCE) models.
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The Models: If you own an older Classic 350, Bullet 350, or Thunderbird, this is for you.
Why it matters: Using E20 fuel in an unmodified old engine eventually leads to clogged fuel systems and corroded tanks. This kit is basically “health insurance” for your bike’s engine.
Better Performance (Seriously)
Interestingly, this isn’t just about protection. I’ve seen reports that installing these fresh, E20-compliant components can actually fix some of those annoying “old bike” quirks.
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The Fix: It can help resolve hard cold starts and erratic idling.
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Smoother Rides: If your bike stalls when you flick the throttle, the new seals might just fix that air-leak or pressure issue you didn’t know you had.
Why it matters: You’re getting a reliability upgrade along with the fuel compatibility. It makes your daily commute a lot less stressful.
Pricing and Availability
Royal Enfield is being surprisingly fair with the pricing here.
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Cost: The kit for BS4 models is priced at ₹1,700 (excl. labor).
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The 500cc Situation: While there isn’t a dedicated “500cc Kit,” many of the 350cc components are cross-compatible, so you can still protect your bigger thumper.
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Where to get it: Available at authorized RE service centers, though you might want to call ahead as demand is expected to be sky-high.
Why it matters: At ₹1,700, it’s significantly cheaper than replacing a ruined carburetor or a rusted-out fuel tank later down the line.
I’d highly recommend checking with your local dealer sooner rather than later. These kits are likely to fly off the shelves as more petrol pumps switch over to E20.
