Royal Enfield Developing Multiple New Motorcycles

The lineup could include bikes like the Meteor, 2020 Classic and a Roadster 

• Royal Enfield’s future plans were revealed in a webinar.
• The brand could also take a shot at the electric space in the future. 
• Royal Enfield sells around 10,000 bikes per year in Europe alone.

We’ve already seen a number of Royal Enfield test mules doing their rounds on Indian roads in the past year or so. Most of these bikes could be based on the manufacturer’s new ‘J’ platform. Now, Royal Enfield has revealed its future plans which include 14 new bikes for the global market. According to Siddhartha Lal, Royal Enfield’s Managing Director, the brand has been debt-free for about 14 years, which puts it in a strong position to invest in the company’s future despite the current crisis. 

The brand currently caters to both domestic and international markets. While it hasn’t been doing so well in India, the company has managed to rake in a decent amount of sales overseas. To put things into perspective, the manufacturer sells around 10,000 bikes per year through 400 dealerships based in Europe alone. Interestingly, 75 per cent of those numbers come from the Himalayan and the new 650 twins. Expanding its portfolio could give the company more opportunities to tap into different markets.  

Simon Warburton, Royal Enfield’s Head of Product Development, said, "We’re not struggling for ideas. In fact, we have many. It’s just a case of finding the time to do them all." While details are scarce, we do have a fair idea of what most of these bikes could be. Read on to find out.

2020 Classic 350:

We’ve already seen a ton of spy shots of the upcoming Classic 350 based on the new ‘J’ platform. While it retains the original silhouette, the bike gets a number of cosmetic updates to help it look more modern. This includes a new engine, styling updates, new seat option, new headlight and tail light along with a number of touring accessories. It’s expected to be offered in two variants. You can read all about the bike here. 

Meteor: 

We already know that Royal Enfield will soon be launching the Meteor 350 in India to replace the Thunderbird 350. It features a brand new engine, revised ergonomics, a new digital console, new switchgear, design tweaks along with some additional features. Here’s what it looks like and how much it costs. Expect the manufacturer to offer a base variant which could sport spoked wheels.

Roadster:

Royal Enfield is also planning on targeting the roadster segment to take on the likes of the Jawa Forty-Two and the upcoming bike from Triumph-Bajaj.. The Royal Enfield roadster is styled to look more youthful while retaining its classic appeal. It features a wider single-piece seat, flatter handlebars, new footpeg position, a new rear subframe, chopped fenders, an upswept exhaust and a digital instrument console. Here’s a complete lowdown on the bike. This too could be offered in two variants. 

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More capable Himalayan:

Royal Enfield may introduce a more hardcore version of the Himalayan in the foreseeable future. Be think, the ADV could pack a retuned 411cc mill, or possibly feature revised gearing for better offroad usability. Apart from this, the bike could shed some weight compared to the existing Himalayan, thereby improving its offroad dynamics.

650 twins: 

The classic bike maker could also look at expanding its 650cc range by introducing additional variants. Earlier, the brand introduced the idea of having either of the bikes with alloy wheels which would enable the use of tubeless tyres. These bikes already have a number of accessories that could make them either more comfortable or touring compliant. Taking this into account, we think both the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 could be available in a road-spec and sports version in the near future.