A new Royal Enfield is on the way… but which model is being launched?

Royal Enfield has confirmed it will launch a brand-new model next month but has only gone as far as revealing what its codename is.

Dubbed JID, the new motorcycle is slated to be unveiled in April, but while there are clues as to what the new model is likely to be, it remains unconfirmed exactly what it is and whether it will be for Indian markets only or be sold internationally.

The model anticipated by most is the successor to the Thunderbird after a number of undisguised prototype models were spotted across Indian highways - including these credited to Autocar India - in the last few weeks similar in size and style.

The model is tipped to wear the Meteor nameplate and be equipped with Royal Enfield’s 250cc single-cylinder air-cooled mill, though the firm has found renewed success on the back of its new 350 and 650 Twins ranges, especially around the world.

However, while many expect it to be a new Thunderbird, it isn’t the only unknown Royal Enfield model that has popped up in spy shots, with a smaller version of its Himalayan ADV bike also spotted by eagle-eyed enthusiasts.

Moreover, Royal Enfield has been busily registering trademarks on a handful of names suggesting any one of these models are the JID – Meteor, Flying Flea, Roadster and Hunter. The Sherpa is expected to be used on the smaller 250cc Himalayan.

A new ‘Thunderbird’ would be pitched directly at the Jawa Forty Two and would be charged with bolstering Royal Enfield’s fortunes at home after its international growth was offset by lethargic sales in India.