Royal Enfield Classic 250 is expected to become a reality as the brand is planning to launch an affordable model that could help them with the drop in sales experienced from the last few months. The price tags of current RE range were earlier considered decent for the engine size before the implementation of different taxation rules and five-year mandatory insurance rule for motorcycles of 350cc-500cc category.
The smaller engine on the Classic 250 will result in a lower insurance value along with lower than ever starting price tag for a Royal Enfield motorcycle. The current-gen Classic 350 model starts from INR 1.53 lakh for the gloss black shade. Some time back, the on-road price tag was even lower than the current ex-showroom value of the 350cc Classic.
The focus of other brands on the INR 1-2 lakh segment further led to the downfall of RE as the entry of Jawa bikes further divided the fans into two different groups. Royal Enfield is also planning to spend some capital on the 350 new dealerships that will fall under the ‘Studio Format Stores’ section.
The brand has seen tremendous growth in the last decade but soon after the launch of ABS-equipped models, the jump in price by up to INR 15,000 made RE products feel overpriced and slightly less appealing. Even the accessory options never made the buyer feel comfortable with the change.
Royal Enfield CEO Vinod Dasari seems to bring some change to the operating style of the brand as RE was earlier known to keep a premium edge over regular brands. The Royal Enfield Classic 250 will be using a 250cc single cylinder engine and the motorcycle would rival Bajaj Avenger 220 in India, taking over the target audience willing to spend around INR 1.10-1.25 lakh.
However, the styling for their new Classic model will stay more or less similar to the iconic design of the current-gen Classic series. If keeping strict cost-cutting measures in mind, RE could even use plastic fenders for the upcoming entry-level motorcycle. Royal Enfield Classic 250 is expected to launch after 2-3 years with an ex-showroom price tag of around INR 1.30 lakh.
