Royal Enfield’s Working On a Small Displacement Motorcycle…With CFMoto?

What happens when two up and coming moto giants join forces?

By: Enrico Punsalang

May 23, 2025 at 7:01am ET

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It’s not every day that two of the motorcycle world’s fastest-rising names start circling the same orbit, but here we are. Royal Enfield and CFMoto, each with their own unique flavor of success, are reportedly on the verge of a collaboration that could seriously shake up the small-displacement scene.

Let’s unpack that.

Royal Enfield has been on a roll lately. From its stronghold in India to growing traction across Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, the company has been building its reputation on simple, stylish, and affordable machines. Bikes like the Meteor, Hunter, and the new Shotgun have proven that timeless design still sells, especially when paired with solid engineering and price tags that don’t break the bank. Now, it looks like they’re ready to enter the 250cc segment, a market that’s bursting with potential thanks to new riders and city commuters.

And who better to talk engines with than CFMoto?

Who would've thought that a humble 250cc thumper would be so interesting?

Photo by: CFMoto

The Chinese brand has built a name for itself by delivering performance and value in equal measure. Its 250 NK and 300SR have earned fans across Asia and Europe, while the 250 CL-C—yes, the same retro-styled cruiser we talked about recently—shows they know how to do style as well. If reports are accurate, Royal Enfield is looking to license a 250cc engine from CFMoto that’s already compliant with India’s tough BS6 Phase 2 standards.

It’s also reportedly hybrid-ready, which makes it a smart long-term play in a country gearing up for even stricter fuel efficiency mandates.

Now here’s where things get interesting.

Will Royal Enfield build something entirely new around this engine, with its own frame, styling, and character? Or are we looking at a rebadged and reworked CFMoto, tweaked to reflect RE’s unmistakable aesthetic? Then again, maybe this collaboration goes both ways. Could CFMoto benefit from Royal Enfield’s retro know-how and apply it to future models? Think classic lines, minimalistic gauges, and that stripped-back charm that’s hard to fake.

Royal Enfield has a knack for making multiple platforms out of essentially one bike. This is likely to remain the case moving forward.

Whatever the case may be, this partnership has the potential to redefine the entry-level premium segment. With Royal Enfield aiming to double its production to 2 million bikes by 2030, a lightweight, fuel-efficient, and potentially hybrid-ready 250 is the kind of machine that could make a serious dent, not just in India, but globally.

What do you think?

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Comments

This isn’t just about checking boxes for emissions or pricing. It’s about two brands with momentum deciding to join forces, each bringing something the other doesn’t have. If they pull it off, we’re not just looking at a new motorcycle. We’re looking at a whole new chapter for both companies.

For fans of small bikes, daily commuters, or just smart, well-built machines, this story is far from over. And if we’re lucky, it’s only just beginning.