Royal Enfield readying an all-new 400cc single cylinder engine

Royal Enfield has been in the news for a long time now, all thanks to the new Continental GT – a motorcycle which has proved to be a revelation for many rival brands. The company, which has steadily introduced a range of models in the mid-size motorcycle segment in India, is now said to be working on a new 400cc engine single cylinder engine.

Using its existing air-cooled 346cc engine as a base, Royal Enfield will develop this upcoming new engine. The existing 346cc engine powers the popular Classic 350 and the Bullet 350 here in the Indian market.

According to the report, an industry expert linked with the development stated that Royal Enfield is working on a slightly bigger displacement engine than the existing 346cc unit. The brand is making substantial modifications in the form of enhanced dimensions which requires rework on connecting rods, crankshafts and other crucial areas relating to the existing 346cc platform.  

The new 400cc engine is expected to generate considerably more power than the existing 346cc unit which produces nearly 20bhp. The 535cc engine powering the Continental GT, on the other hand, produces 29bhp. This new engine, then, is likely to be rated at anywhere between 22bhp and 24bhp. 

As for the pricing, Royal Enfield is reportedly looking to sell the new 400cc range in the price bracket of Rs 1-1.5 lakh (on-road). However, given the fact that the old ‎499cc classic (AVL) engine was rebored to 535cc for the Continental GT, there's a very good chance that Royal Enfiel might give a similar treatment to the 346cc engine which could eventually power a smaller displacement Continental GT. If that happens, the brand will have a nearly full range of mid-size motorcycles comprising of 350cc, 400cc and 500cc models.