New 350cc-700cc+ Royal Enfield Motorcycles in the Making: A recent report claims that Royal Enfield is working on a brand-new strategy to take competition right to the doorsteps of Harley-Davidson and Triumph Motorcycles. They are dividing the product range into the J, P, Q, and K platform.
The J segment will handle the most-selling 350cc-500cc single cylinder platform, waiting for a complete overhaul from last few years. Royal Enfield is expected to launch an updated version of 346cc and 499cc bikes with modern technology and redesign of certain elements, same as Harley did with most of the bikes in their lineup. The exact time-frame for this change is not available but, test mules with modern technology were recently spotted in India (Know More).
The codename P fits both Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650, leaving buyers with an option of twin-cylinder large displacement in the price segment of a sporty 300cc bike. Platform Q is expected to rival entry-level Harley bikes like Street 750 and Street Rod. The comparison will require a tuned version of their present engine or something bigger with more emphasis on torque than peak power.
Still, undercutting these Street series bikes by INR 1 lakh will be their preference. No example from this segment has been spotted till date from the brand while many reports hint that a more purpose-built motorcycle on the Interceptor frame will do the needful.
The K platform is expected to rival premium Bonneville series from Triumph, using a 700cc+ engine (most probably closer to 900cc for right competition) and set of premium components. The price range for this motorcycle is expected to fall in line with present Harley entry level bikes, offering more torque to ensure that buyers don’t give them a miss. The RE Bobber 838 fits this description with ease. Royal Enfield is currently retailing 346cc, 411cc, 499cc, and 650cc engines in India.
