Royal Enfield Sherpa FT MK2 breaks cover for 2026 flat track world championship

Royal Enfield has introduced the Sherpa FT MK2, a new flat track racing motorcycle, for the 2026 FIM Flat Track World Championship. This marks the company's entry into the global flat track racing scene with a purpose-built machine based on its Sherpa 450 platform.

Key Highlights

• Royal Enfield Sherpa FT MK2 will race in 2026 FIM Flat Track World Championship
• The bike uses a 452cc liquid-cooled engine from the Sherpa 450 platform
• Gary Birtwistle, two-time British flat track champion, will ride the Sherpa FT MK2
• Weight-saving features include a smaller fuel tank and carbon fibre components
• Royal Enfield plans more models on the Sherpa 450 platform, including a scrambler version

Royal Enfield’s Racing Ambitions

The Sherpa FT MK2 will compete in the 2026 FIM Flat Track World Championship, a nine-round series. The season opener is set for May 9, 2026, in Roden, Netherlands. The championship will conclude in Argentina at the end of October 2026. Royal Enfield has selected Gary Birtwistle, a two-time British flat track champion and founder of Dirt Craft Race School, to ride the Sherpa FT MK2.

The Sherpa FT MK2 is derived from the Guerrilla 450 and shares the Sherpa 450 platform. Royal Enfield has already launched two motorcycles with its new 452cc liquid-cooled engine: the Himalayan 450 and Guerrilla 450. The company plans to expand this platform with more models, possibly including the Continental GT-R 450 and Scram 450.

Technical Features and Design

The Sherpa FT MK2 features several updates over its predecessor, the FT450 (MK1). The MK1 used wire-spoke wheels and the standard fuel tank from the Guerrilla 450. In contrast, the MK2 has alloy wheels and a redesigned, purpose-built fuel tank. The new model also sports updated paintwork and a new exhaust system.

The motorcycle uses the same 452cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine as the Himalayan 450 and Guerrilla 450. However, the engine is likely re-tuned to deliver more power and torque, tailored to the needs of flat-track racing and the new exhaust system.

Royal Enfield has implemented weight-saving measures on the Sherpa FT MK2. These include a smaller fuel tank, removal of the headlight and front assembly, elimination of ABS and the entire front disc brake assembly, and reduced bodywork. The bike appears to use carbon fibre for the swingarm and body panels. Flat track-specific features include large side and front number plates.

Future Developments

Royal Enfield may develop a production version of the Sherpa FT MK2, based on the Guerrilla 450, to compete with models like the Triumph Tracker 400. The company is also working on a scrambler version, codenamed K2K, which could launch in 2027 under the name Scram 450.

CarBike 360 Says

With the Sherpa FT MK2, Royal Enfield continues to sharpen its motorsport ambitions on the global stage. Built with a clear focus on performance and racing dynamics, the new machine reflects the brand’s evolving engineering prowess. As the 2026 Flat Track World Championship approaches, the Sherpa FT MK2 could play a key role in strengthening Royal Enfield’s competitive edge.