Royal Enfield 350cc bikes, such as the Classic 350 or Bullet 350, typically do not have radiators because they use an air-cooled engine design. Let me explain further.
The engine in these bikes relies on air-cooling rather than liquid cooling, which is what a radiator is used for. In an air-cooled engine, the engine block and cylinder head are designed with fins that help dissipate heat. These fins increase the surface area exposed to the air, allowing the engine to cool down effectively.
Air-cooled engines have been used in motorcycles for a long time and have several advantages. They tend to be simpler in design, lighter in weight, and more reliable since they have fewer components, such as radiators, water pumps, and coolant systems. They also provide a classic and nostalgic look, which aligns with Royal Enfield's retro styling.
They can be more prone to overheating compared to liquid-cooled engines. To compensate for this, Royal Enfield designs their engines with a conservative power output to ensure reliable performance and cooling under normal riding conditions.
In contrast, some larger Royal Enfield models, such as the Himalayan or the new Meteor 350, do come equipped with liquid-cooled engines and radiators. This is because these models may have higher power outputs or operate under more demanding conditions that require the enhanced cooling capabilities of a liquid-cooled system.
Ultimately, the decision to use air-cooling or liquid-cooling in a motorcycle depends on various factors, including the bike's intended purpose, power output, design preferences, and cost considerations.