Royal Enfield has been hitting it out of the park in recent years with their new models. However, some more big hitters are coming, especially with EICMA just around the corner.

In this blog, we will be running through what we think is next for Royal Enfield including all of the rumours and speculation we’ve heard about along the way from the past few months…

So without further ado - let’s get into it, shall we?

Credit: Royal Enfield

Kicking off the blog today we have the Himalayan 450, a revolutionary model from Royal Enfield as it looks set to include a water-cooled engine. Yes, you heard that right, Royal Enfield (the classic air-cooled firm) is upping their game with a new water-cooled motor.

So far, we know that the Himilayan is going to pack a 451.65cc single cylinder, thumping out 39.5bhp at 8000 rpm. We also know that a bigger engine is going to demand blogger dimensions coming equipped with a length of 2245mm, 55mm up from the 411, a 45mm longer wheelbase at 1510mm, and a 12mm width increase up to 852mm.

The spy shots spotted so far of the Himaylan show off a beefier-looking Himalayan that still captures the rugged look of its predecessor, but ushers in new spec with USD forks, new crash protection, an LED headlight, and a TFT dash. I think it is fair to say that the new design of the 450 is still quintessentially Royal Enfield but with a modernised take on the more classically styled 411.

Finally, when it comes to the price, speculation in India thus far puts it in around the £3,000 mark. However, with the new 411’s price tag sitting at £4,699, I think the 450 will more likely sit around the £5,200 to £6,000 mark.

Credit: CycleMedia

Rolling onto the second rumour currently doing the rounds - the Hunter 450!

Similar to the tale of the Himalayan 411, the Hunter 350 is a fantastic bike in its own right, and we thoroughly enjoyed having it in for test this year. Still, we motorcyclists have a power-hungry proclivity and Royal Enfield is delivering it to us in the form of the Hunter 450.

It’s expected that the Hunter 450 will house the same 451.65cc single seen in the upcoming Himalayan 450, so power figures will be in that same 40bhp ballpark, likely tuned to suit the roadster chassis. However, when comparing it against the 350’s 20bhp, this will be a great improvement and will see the Hunter poising itself to take on the highly anticipated Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X. If Royal Enfield price this right, it really could be a game changer.

Spy shots seen so far see a sturdy machine with 17” wheels and standard telescopic forks, keeping it in line with the 350’s retro styling. It also shows off some side pannier racks, bringing some practicality for the commuter or long tourer. I think one of my favourite things about the 450 is how much more aggressive it looks compared to the 350.

Onto pricing, and when you take into consideration that the Hunter 350 is priced at £3,899, and the new Triumph Speed 400’s confirmed price of £4,995, I think Royal Enfield will do what they do best and price the Hunter 450 extremely competitively. I reckon it’s going to come in at around £4,700 with the launch projected to be in late 2023.

Credit: RideApart

Moving on swiftly to the next rumoured model from Royal Enfield is an all-new scrambler set to use the popular 650 air-cooled twin engine.

Joining Royal Enfield’s 650 lineup is believed to be the Sherpa 650, a scrambler with an engine spec similar to the Interceptor, Continental, and Super Meteor 650. The Sherpa will come equipped with a parallel twin engine, cranking out around 46bhp and 52nM of peak torque.

I love the idea of this big Scram, and it looks super cool in the spy shots with spoked wheels, a single-sided exhaust, a bash plate, a bigger mudguard, a headlight grill, and no doubt a whole host of accessories to go with it. You can see the Interceptor lying beneath but the idea is there, and it looks great in my opinion.

When it comes to updates, we think the Sherpa is due to receive a new subframe, upside-down forks, and new rear springs to cope with the lumps and bumps of scrambling.

Next up is pricing, and typically the 650 siblings have ranged from £6000 to over £7000, so I think it’s tough to judge exactly where this Sherpa will place itself amongst the flock. However, my guess is that it’ll be about £6,700 - but I guess we’ll have to wait and see!

Credit: Motorcycle News

Onto the fourth rumour and admittedly it’s probably one of my favourite ones - I introduce you to the Shotgun 650!

The Shotgun 650 is due to be a wicked bobber, entering the 650 lineup alongside the Sherpa. Following the success of the Super Meteor, it is fully expected this Shotgun will share many foundations with its cruiser brethren, whilst offering that true bobber appeal.

We saw an early incarnation of this bike when the SG650 concept was unveiled by Royal Enfield back in 2021 at EICMA. It came as the result of a challenge set to their own design team by chief of design Mark Wells. In my opinion, I think the concept really looked badass, but spy shots show something a little more toned down, still cool, but definitely not as lavish.

Onto the engine, and once again this 650 is set to use the parallel twin engine, producing 46bhp and 52nm of torque. And whilst this motor is by no means a brand new introduction, the headlight casing, upside-down forks, and floating single saddle will be.

Whilst almost all of these spy shots show a black bike and one very similar to its cubic centimeter cousins, the Shotgun will be a darker, grittier option for those who like the performance of the Super Meteor, but want an alternative riding position, and style.

Lastly, when it comes to pricing, the Shotgun 650 will likely sit in line with the Super Meteor at £6,699, potentially more depending on your budget as I can see dozens of accessories becoming available for this model - and if you want my predictions I’m calling it in at £6,900, likely to be launched in 2024.

Credit: RideApart

So now all of the big hitters are out of the way, we now have time to discuss something perhaps a little more controversial…

I decided to squeeze this in last as it’s not everyone’s cup of tea but, Royal Enfield has confirmed they are working on electric models. I know a lot of people hate even the mention of the E word, but this could be interesting coming from a heritage company such as Enfield.

Whilst I can’t imagine an electric Royal Enfield being very performance-based, I can see them offering up an economical, classically stylish option for those who like the idea of electric, but hate the futuristic, plastic, transformer-esque machines that have a footing in the market already. I think it’s safe to say we won’t see something available to consumers till at least 2025, which is music to many people's ears I’m fully aware!

So there you have it, I hope you enjoyed my rundown on what I think is next for Royal Enfield.

Now, I do realise that I’ve missed a lot of rumours out, so let’s get a discussion going in the comments, tell me what you know!

Last but not least, with all of this excitement about new and upcoming bikes, if you are in need of motorcycle insurance, make sure to get a motorcycle insurance quote direct with Lexham!