Royal Enfield is climbing down the ladder and before you take this out of context, it means the Chennai-based bikemaker is working on smaller capacity motorcycles. There have been reports earlier that Enfield is working on a platform that supports an engine smaller than the current 350cc range, but nothing concrete came out until recently.
According to Autocar India, Royal Enfield is working on a 250cc platform which will utilise an engine sourced from CFMoto. As per the latest report, Enfield is in advanced discussions with the Chinese motorcycle giant to license the engine technology for its next-generation 250cc platform.
Codenamed V, this new platform will be Royal Enfield’s answer to meet India’s looming fuel efficiency mandates and the upcoming stringent Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) emission norms for two-wheelers. More importantly, this new project will help Enfield tap into the growing entry-premium motorcycle market and lay groundwork for its first hybrid motorcycle in the future.
Royal Enfield 250cc engine: Focus on economy
The new 250cc engine from CFMoto will comply with the current BS6 phase 2 standards as well as the upcoming CAFE norms which will demand an improvement in fleet-wide average. The report reveals that this engine is compact, fuel-efficient and critically developed with hybrid adaptability in mind.
This flexibility allows Royal Enfield to transition to mild-hybrid or full-hybrid configurations later this decade without the need for an expensive platform redesign. Although the engine will be derived from the CFMoto, Royal Enfield will retain its DNA with its signature modern classic design that the company is best known for. Further, underpinnings including the bike’s suspension and chassis will also be developed in-house by Royal Enfield.
The report further states that this is strictly a technical collaboration since no re-badged models or joint ventures from either brands will come out of this partnership. Royal Enfield isn’t leaving anything to chance. Senior executives from Royal Enfield responsible for product strategy and sourcing recently visited China, where they met with CFMoto and other technology suppliers during the recently-concluded Shanghai Motor Show.
Royal Enfield 250cc: Future hybrid engine
The primary objective of this visit was to explore advanced powertrains, hybrid systems, and electronics to support Royal Enfield’s ambitious lineup of internal combustion and electric vehicles (EVs). This signals Royal Enfield’s intent to leverage Asia’s advanced component ecosystem as it transitions to a tech-driven future.
The ‘V’ platform represents more than just a technological leap—it marks Royal Enfield’s strategic move to capture the rapidly expanding entry-premium motorcycle segment. Expected to be priced between Rs 1.25 lakh and 1.35 lakh (approximately USD 1,500–1,600, ex-showroom), the new 250cc models will be positioned below the Hunter 350, aiming at first-time premium buyers and commuters upgrading from 100–150cc bikes. Riders can anticipate classic Royal Enfield design cues complemented by modern features such as ABS, LED lighting, and digital instrumentation.
Royal Enfield plans to scale up production at its Chennai facility, achieving 85–90% localisation to maintain competitive costs and support India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative. This high level of localisation highlights the company’s focus on cost efficiency as it targets both domestic and international markets. The 250cc platform plays a key role in Royal Enfield’s bold ambition to double its annual production from 1 million to 2 million units by 2030.
