Royal Enfield could be planning to launch a new quarter-litre motorcycle. According to reports, the new 250cc motorcycle is not likely to come with just a downsized engine but also be physically smaller and could be similar in size as the Hunter 350. The new motorcycle is also likely to be more affordable thanks to the small engine size.
Reports reveal that the company is already working on a new 250cc single-cylinder motor which is likely to be codenamed “V”. The brand’s approach of offering a smaller motorcycle could be due to the success of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. The introduction of the Hunter 350 has been fruitful for the brand as it widened the customer base, thanks to its approachable size and affordable price tag.
According to reports, the Royal Enfield 250cc motorcycle will come with a simple motor architecture. Reports reveal that the new 250cc platform has been under Royal Enfield’s consideration for quite sometime now. The motor architecture is likely to be simple to keep the costs in check and the production easy. Reports further reveal that technologically the engine is likely to be similar to the 350cc air-cooled motors that the company is currently producing. Furthermore, the engine is not likely to have any liquid-cooling which will increase its price, defeating its purpose. The new 250cc bike from Royal Enfield is likely to target younger audiences who want their first motorcycle to be a Royal Enfield.
Sources also say that the brand could be exploring a hybrid option with this new 250cc platform. However, this could only be an engineering exercise, and it may not come to production anytime soon. But, as emission norms get stricter in the near future, a hybrid powertrain may become mainstream soon, and if Royal Enfield develops a hybrid motor the brand could have a first mover advantage in the Indian market.
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