Royal Enfield’s Sherpa FT Mk2 Model

• Sherpa FT Mk2 debut in the 2026 FIM series
• Based on Sherpa 452cc liquid-cooled road engine

Royal Enfield will be participating in the 2026 FIM Flat Track World Championship with the new Sherpa FT Mk2 model. The race machine can be termed at best as a competition motorcycle with its first outing planned in the opening round at Roden, Netherlands, on 9 May 2026. The motorcycle will be ridden by Gary Birtwistle, who is founder of Dirt Craft race school and a two-time national champion in flat track racing. The press note also mentioned ‘soon-to-be-launched’, but no details on which form.

The name Sherpa FT Mk2 is out, but not full engine specifications of the race motorcycle. Since the Sherpa name is for the 452cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine in the Himalayan 450 and Guerrilla 450, will see its 39bhp 40Nm bumped up. This engine makes a lot of sense for this series as a flat track motorcycle spends much of its time sideways, with the rider using throttle control to manage slide angle, traction and drive out of corners. A single-cylinder in this setting gives a direct feel at the throttle, keeps the package simpler and delivers the kind of low and mid-range response that helps a rider control the rear tyre on loose dirt.

The company’s entry itself in the 2026 FIM Flat Track World Championship is a great sign as the series has grown from six to ten rounds and will visit eight countries across two continents. We already know that engine is tough, now it’ll have to prove itself across a longer and tougher competition.