Royal Enfield working on 750cc engine for 2025 debut

Having raised the bar with the twin-cylinder Interceptor 650, Royal Enfield, the world's largest midsize motorcycle maker, is planning to stretch itself and get into the 750cc space in 2025. According to several people in the know, the company has begun work on the development of a new platform codenamed R – which will potentially churn out several avatars of a 750cc bike.

First off the mark is a project codenamed R2G – a 750cc Bobber motorcycle – being developed after taking critical feedback from various markets, including India, North America, Europe and the United Kingdom. The lead development is happening at its tech centre in Leicester, UK, and this is likely to be the biggest motorcycle in Royal Enfield’s portfolio for decades and will sit right at the top of its product lines.

The development happens at a time when global premium motorcycle makers Harley and Triumph are finally ready with their entry midsize motorcycles to challenge Royal Enfield on its home turf. Siddhartha Lal, MD of Eicher Motors, has always mentioned that the core focus of the company will be in the midsize motorcycles – ie, 350cc to 750cc range. This, in a way, completes the powertrain portfolios, currently ranging from 350cc to 650cc engines.

In terms of performance parameters, if the company creates anything big post 750cc, then it is most likely to be in an EV avatar, said people aware of the developments.

Sources say, the 750cc mill is an iteration of its twin-cylinder 650cc engine, designed to cater to especially for key international markets like North America and Europe where the bike may be positioned in the middle of large-sized premium motorcycles. The premise essentially is to offer an upgrade option to lakhs of 350cc bike owners around the emerging markets and offer an alternative to evolved market buyers from the house of Royal Enfield – which is capable yet more accessible.

Sources say for almost every engine node – be it 350, 450, 650 or 750 – the plan is to come out with multiple product offerings. While the Bobber 750 is the first on the list, there are several other ideas being explored.