2018 EICMA: Royal Enfield Concept KX

Royal Enfield fans the world over will be hoping the Concept KX revealed at this year's EICMA motorcycle show in Milan is a sign of things to come for the rapidly expanding brand.

Teased in the lead-up to the event, many had the machine pegged as a bobber, but what was revealed in Italy this week is something far more eye-catching.

Touted at the time as a luxury machine, the 1930s KX was powered by an 1140cc side-valve V-twin complete with wire wheels, a girder-style front end and a sprung seat.

The newly revealed concept stays true to the original design though with a thoroughly modern interpretation, and the result is unlike any Royal Enfield we've seen since its 1990 collaboration with current owners, Eicher Motors.

Royal Enfield has released scant details regarding the bike but, according to a stamp on the crankcase, it's powered by an 838cc V-twin engine.

Employing a single-sided swingarm and the engine as a fully stressed member of the largely hidden tubular-steel chassis, it makes the engine, retro-styled dual exhausts and the successful reinterpretation of the girder front-end the design heroes. There's a cantilever solo saddle and a snug-fitting rare fender to complete the look.

The firm says it has no plans to bring the bike to market, instead saying it was more of an exercise to see what the company is capable of. However, given the Concept KX's level of finish and the piles of positive feedback it has received, we're tipping it's a hint at what we can expect from the Indian powerhouse in the years to come.