Royal Enfield working on a new retro looking motorcycle with 450cc capacity
Royal Enfield appears to be expanding its 450cc lineup with a new sportier model based on the recently launched Guerrilla 450. This potential development could see the introduction of a retro-inspired café racer, further broadening the company’s offerings in the mid-sized motorcycle segment.
The Guerrilla 450 is the second motorcycle to utilise Royal Enfield’s 450cc Sherpa engine, following the Himalayan 450. Now, the company is reportedly considering a sportbike variant that could bring a different flavour to its 450cc portfolio. Mark Wells, Chief of Design at Royal Enfield, has hinted at the viability of such a model, noting that “a sportbike based on the Guerrilla 450 could work really well.”
However, it is important to temper expectations. If Royal Enfield proceeds with this project, the resulting motorcycle is unlikely to be a pure racing machine with aggressive supersport styling. Instead, the brand could draw inspiration from its existing models like the Continental GT 650, potentially aiming for a blend of classic and contemporary design elements.
Should this café racer materialise, it might feature a neo-retro design with a semi-fairing, tail cowl and 17-inch wheels equipped with sportier tyres. The motorcycle could adopt a more aggressive stance with low-set clip-on handlebars and rear-set footpegs, offering a sportier riding posture compared to the current Guerrilla 450.
Mechanical changes to the 452cc liquid-cooled engine are not anticipated but there could be adjustments to the final drive, possibly through different sprocket sizes, to tailor the bike’s performance characteristics. However, these are speculative at this stage and any concrete developments will likely take time to surface.
A 450cc Royal Enfield café racer could resonate well in international markets, particularly in Europe, where there is a strong appetite for retro-styled motorcycles. By leveraging the appeal of classic designs with modern engineering, Royal Enfield could strengthen its position in the global market.
While details remain scarce and timelines uncertain, the prospect of a 450cc sportbike from Royal Enfield is generating interest. If the project moves forward, it would add another dimension to the company’s expanding 450cc lineup, offering enthusiasts a stylish and engaging new option.
