Royal Enfield to Launch Three New Bikes in 2016

(Image courtesy: Praveen Sathaye)

Chennai-based Royal Enfield is quietly working on two new engine platforms which are in advanced stages of development, including a new parallel-twin engine.

Visordown has reported quoting a UK-based importer as saying that at least three new models will be launched in 2016, including a parallel-twin, possibly a 750cc.

The other engine, a 410cc single, will be used to power a scrambler-styled model as well as an upcoming adventure touring motorcycle, likely to be named ‘Himalayan’. The name ‘Royal Enfield Himalayan’ has already been applied for trademark by the iconic two wheeler manufacturer. It is likely to be the first motorcycle to be developed after legendary former Ducati designer Pierre Terblanche joined the Indian firm.

Clearly, Royal Enfield is not just going to rest on the success of its current product portfolio, with newer and fresher products already in the pipeline. In addition to Terblanche, the company has also roped in Triumph’s former project manager Simon Warburton as Head of Product Planning and Strategy, assembling a new team which is likely to look at RE’s new product line.

In line with developing a truly global team, in 2014, Royal Enfield announced several other key hires including Rod Copes, President, North America and more recently in January 2015, Rudratej Singh as President, Royal Enfield.

Royal Enfield posted its best ever yearly performance in calendar year 2014, recording its highest ever total income from operations at Rs 3031.2 crores - a whopping 78 per cent growth from Rs 1702.5 crores in CY 2013.

“Royal Enfield continues to grow at a phenomenal pace and this year we have achieved our best ever sales of over 300,000 units. In 2015, we plant to manufacture 45,000 units,” said Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director & CEO, Eicher Motors Limited, the parent company of Royal Enfield.

“Royal Enfield will be investing Rs 500 crore in 2015 towards product development, capex and other development areas,” he added.

Royal Enfield is already in the process of developing two new technology centers – one in Chennai and a smaller one in Leicestershire, UK. Both centers will be operational by the end of 2015 and Royal Enfield’s new product line will see a lot of initial design and development work at the Leicestershire technology center.