Royal Enfield has ambitious plans for the Indian two-wheeler market. The Chennai-based bikemaker is reportedly considering a new 250cc platform for its future models, and now this project has received official approval. Codenamed the V platform, the new architecture will be used for the upcoming Royal Enfield 250cc bikes and will have a “simple, straightforward” design to keep manufacturing costs in check. It’s likely to come with an air-cooled setup similar to RE’s 350cc motor.
The first Royal Enfield 250cc bike is reported to arrive in 2026-27. It will be an entry-level model aimed at appealing to a younger customer base. It will be more affordable than RE’s existing cheapest bike – the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 – which is priced from Rs 1.50 lakh onwards. The new 250cc RE bike is estimated to cost nearly Rs 1.25 lakh (ex-showroom). Details on the upcoming Royal Enfield 250cc bike and the new V platform are scant at this point in time.
Talking about Royal Enfield’s future plans, the company intends to launch six new motorcycles in the current financial year. These models will span four different displacement categories – Goan Classic 350, Classic 350 Bobber, Scram 440, Guerrilla 450, and two new 650cc bikes – Classic 650 and Interceptor Bear 650. The Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 is slated to launch on 17th July 2024. The bike shares its platform with the RE Himalayan but has some different components, including a conventional telescopic fork at the front with lower travel than the Himalayan.
The RE Guerrilla 450 will use the 450cc, liquid-cooled Sherpa engine with a 6-speed gearbox. The motor produces a peak power of 40bhp and 40Nm of torque. It has a TFT display with navigation and phone connectivity. Some of its other key highlights include a sleeker tank, a round LED headlight, a split grab handle, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a single-piece seat.
