Motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield looks set to acquire a 250 cc engine from CFMoto for potential use in future models.
Royal Enfield to Introduce Affordable 250 cc Model with Externally Sourced Engine
Royal Enfield, the iconic British motorcycle manufacturer, is set to launch a new 250 cc model at an affordable price point, undercutting the Royal Enfield Hunter 350. According to reports, the official announcement for this new model is expected by the end of the first quarter of FY26.
This will be the first time Royal Enfield has sourced an engine externally for one of its models, with the new engine coming from Chinese manufacturer CFMoto. The engine will be designed and tuned to maintain Royal Enfield's signature DNA, but it remains uncertain how well CFMoto's engine will align with the brand's unique characteristics.
The new engine will be part of a new 'V' platform, which is expected to double Royal Enfield's annual production from 1 million to 2 million units. The frame, suspension, and overall design will be designed by Royal Enfield at its Chennai Highway Road facility.
The exploration of mild and full hybrid configurations for the new engine is due to the stringent BSVI Phase 2 emission standard and the upcoming Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE). This move is in line with Royal Enfield's commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
The new 250 cc engine will be used in Royal Enfield's new entry-level model, which will slot below the Hunter 350. Until now, all of Royal Enfield's engines, including the 350 cc, 450 cc, 650 cc, and the upcoming 750 cc engine, have been manufactured in-house by the brand.
The launch timeline for the new 250 cc model is still undetermined, but it is expected to be competitive in terms of pricing and performance. With this new model, Royal Enfield is aiming to attract a wider audience and solidify its position as a leading motorcycle manufacturer in the Indian market.
It is worth noting that the 250-cc engine related to Royal Enfield's planned collaboration with CFMoto is not explicitly named in the search results. Royal Enfield is known for developing its own engines such as the Sherpa 450 engine for their 450cc model; no specific third-party manufacturer for a 250cc motor in a collaboration context is mentioned in the provided sources.
This move by Royal Enfield is a significant step towards adapting to the changing market dynamics and regulatory requirements. As the motorcycle industry evolves, it will be interesting to see how Royal Enfield's new 250 cc model performs and how it is received by the public.
