Royal Enfield is the undisputed market leader in the 250cc-750cc displacement category in the two-wheeler segment. The manufacturer has three broad lineups of motorcycles— 350cc, 450cc and 650cc (not accounting for the outgoing 411cc in Scram 411). For the longest time, there has been chatter about the Chennai-based bikemaker broadening its horizon.
While it has expanded in terms of sheer volume and number of models in its portfolio, many believe that Enfield has a lot more potential to spread its wings across a wider segment of buyers. However, Enfield has always been tight-lipped about its projects.
Royal Enfield 250cc engine in works
A couple of years ago, there were rumours of Royal Enfield working on a 250cc platform, but those whispers died a silent death after a while. Now, a recent Autocar India report reveals that the project is indeed on and in the works. The report confirms Enfield developing a brand new 250cc engine platform for its future models. Although in discussion for years, this new 250cc platform was only recently greenlit.
Internally codenamed the V platform, this 250cc motor is expected to have a simple, straightforward construction to keep costs in check, since it will primarily focus on new affordable entry-level models. Technologically it is expected to be more in line with the 350cc air-cooled motors rather than the more modern liquid-cooled Sherpa 450.
Another interesting revelation mentioned in the report is the development of a hybrid technology with this new 250cc engine. Although this is merely an engineering exercise at the moment, the stricter emission standards going forward will make manufacturers think about newer technologies in powertrains.
That said, Royal Enfield is not completely averse to a 250cc motorcycle. Previously, the brand sold models like Clipper and Clipper Range powered by a 250cc single-cylinder motor in the 1950s and early 60s. This was later carried over to the original Continental and Continental GT with a more powerful tuning. The recent report further mentions that this new 250cc platform will take shape by 2026-27.
