Royal Enfield Sherpa – What is it? » News MotorOctane

Many of you may have heard about Royal Enfield Sherpa. Is it a bike with a new design and engine? Will there be a new off-road focused ADV product? Or is it a name that is just trademarked by the company that they will never use? In this story, we’ll explain the Sherpa, but first, let’s refresh our memory about Royal Enfield past and present. The bike manufacturer has made many different types of bikes in the past and has kept the motorcycle sales formula simple yet brilliant. The range features post-war British models with modern technology plus adventure bikes (Himalaya) to cater for the burgeoning touring segment. The most modern bikes in their range are a cafe racer (Continental GT) and a classic looking retro interceptor.

Royal Enfield has always charmed the commuter segment in India where buyers wanted something better than the dismal Japanese or Indian options at hand. Buyers are happy to pay the extra money too. The bikes with a lasting and unforgettable image. So what will we expect Sherpa to be? When it will come? Find out below.

Royal Enfield Sherpa Expectations

The trademarked name – Sherpa is not new. The Royal Enfield Sherpa was manufactured in the mid-1960s as a 173cc commuter motorcycle. The Sherpa was sold as a safe and economical motorcycle. The company claimed that the motorcycle could reach around 90 km/h. It was powered by a 173cc, two-stroke, single-cylinder engine mated to a 4-speed gearbox and multi-plate clutch. Sounds like an honest and simple bike. So maybe that’s what Royal Enfield is trying to do here. A bike for the masses. A bike that will satisfy the Indian buyer’s need for style, comfort, mileage and most importantly doesn’t break the bank.

The Sherpa, as speculated, could be a new range of bikes made to cater to the sub-Rs 1 lakh segment. If reports are to be believed, a 250cc engine mated to a 5-speed gearbox will be the centerpiece on the short wheelbase bike. The design will be retro and typical Royal Enfield. From a large metal tank, round headlight and spoked wheels – we shouldn’t expect anything less.

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Price and competition

Before we talk about all that, this might be one of those bikes that never sees the light of day. But we certainly hope this happens. A lightweight 250cc commuter bike from Royal Enfield, priced between Rs 85,000 to Rs 90,000, will be a great deal for budget buyers.

It will enter a segment full of heroes, Yamaha, Bajaj, KTMs etc. Royal Enfield might also give us another bike using this platform and a name they recently registered – Hunter, a Himalayan dirt kid.

Now, that would be something that adds to India’s newfound appetite for two-wheeler off-roading.