Recently, a leaked document confirmed that a scrambler style motorcycle based on Royal Enfield's 650 platform will be launched soon, as Royal Enfield is looking to expand its 650 cc portfolio. The motorcycle has been spotted testing in a near production-ready form too, but a new report suggests that the 650 cc scrambler will be called ‘Sherpa 650’. The motorcycle was first rumoured to be called the Scram 650 - similar to the Scram 411 - but it seems like Royal Enfield may be resorting to a different nomenclature. This could also mean that the upcoming 450 cc scrambler may also be called the Sherpa 450, as it resembles the 650 cc scrambler spotted testing more than the Scram 411.
Also Read: New Spy Shots Of Royal Enfield Scram 650 Emerge, Revealing A Host Of Details
The test unit spotted of the Royal Enfield Sherpa 650 - as we are calling it now - had an LED headlight unit similar to the Super Meteor 650 which recently made its debut at EICMA. The motorcycle also sported an LED tail light with round turn indicators, which were identical to the Hunter 350 Metro. The Sherpa 650 on test sported RE's 648 cc twin-cylinder engine which belts out 47 bhp at 7,250 rpm and peak torque output of 52.3 Nm at 5,650 rpm in the other models, and we think that it's likely that the figures won't change for this motorcycle.
Also Read: Royal Enfield Working On 350 cc And 650 cc Bobber Motorcycles
However, the motorcycle sported a new two-in-one exhaust as opposed to the dual exhausts on the other 650 models, which may result in the engine having a different character than in the likes of the Interceptor, Continental GT & Super Meteor. Just like we saw different exhaust systems on RE's three 350 cc models - the Meteor 350, Classic 350 & Hunter 350 - Royal Enfield may employ different exhaust systems for its 650 other models too, which could be the differentiating factor in how they ride. We already saw a new dual exhaust on the Super Meteor 650, and this one could be the latest in the line up.
Also Read: Royal Enfield 650 cc Adventure Motorcycle In The Works
Other differentiating factors also include a new pair of dual purpose tyres. The tyres wrap around a set of 17-inch spoked rims, which suggest that the bike may not feature tubeless tyres. There is also a possibility though, that some variants may feature alloy wheels & tubeless tyres, just like we saw on the Hunter. The Sherpa 650 test mule also sported a single pod instrument cluster like on the Hunter Metro. Whether RE uses the same unit or changes it before launch is still unknown. The motorcycle also sported a flat, scrambler-style seat, while some other details like the fuel tank, handlebar, and the chassis were very reminiscent of the Interceptor 650. The suspension layout is entirely new though, with a new set of springs on the back and USD forks up front.
Also Read: An Electric Royal Enfield ADV Is In The Works, But It May Be A While Away
While the launch timeline of the Royal Enfield Sherpa 650 is still unknown, the fact that the motorcycle was in near production form on the test suggests that the launch may not be all that while away. We expect the motorcycle to be launched sometime in the second half of 2023 or early 2024, and it could be priced somewhere between the Interceptor 650 & Super Meteor 650 - around Rs. 3.2-3.3 lakh (Ex-Showroom).
Image Source: 91Wheels
