Royal Enfield Scram 440 Returns to Showrooms After Technical Setback

The Royal Enfield Scram 440 is back on sale, following a temporary pause in bookings and deliveries that caught many enthusiasts and dealers off guard. What started as a promising new addition to the brand's growing mid-capacity portfolio soon ran into a technical issue that forced Royal Enfield to halt dispatches just weeks after launch.

Introduced in January 2025, the Scram 440 was positioned as a more accessible and street-friendly alternative to the Himalayan 450. It featured a 443 cc air and oil-cooled engine that delivered 25.4 bhp and 34 Nm of torque. Combined with a six-speed gearbox, switchable ABS, and a scrambler-inspired design, the Scram 440 was meant to offer a versatile mix of urban practicality and weekend adventure.

Starting trouble that stalled momentum

In April, Royal Enfield suspended bookings after a batch of bikes experienced ignition issues. Owners reported that the motorcycle would occasionally refuse to start after being ridden and parked. In some instances, the bike stalled while idling and would not restart, causing inconvenience and, for a few, near-dangerous situations on the road.

Investigations revealed a faulty Woodruff key in the magneto assembly. This small but essential component aligns the crankshaft with the ignition system. When misaligned, it disrupted spark timing, preventing the engine from firing. Although only about two percent of the bikes were affected, the issue had the potential to grow if not corrected at the source.

Royal Enfield quickly recalled the affected units and paused all deliveries. The company updated the magneto assembly across existing stock and ensured the production line was equipped to avoid future errors. Dealerships were instructed to hold back new bookings until corrected units were ready.

Bookings reope

Now, with the problem resolved, bookings have officially resumed. Dealerships have confirmed that updated motorcycles are either already in stock or arriving shortly. Waiting periods vary depending on location, but most showrooms are offering deliveries within two to four weeks.

This relaunch is well timed. With the festive season approaching, Royal Enfield will be keen to regain momentum in a segment that is becoming increasingly competitive. The Scram 440 enters a market that includes the Hero Mavrick 440, Triumph Speed 400, and the Yezdi Scrambler. What sets it apart is its combination of a torquey air-cooled motor, clean design, and the brand’s familiar ride character.

Despite the setback, the Scram 440 remains a strategic product for Royal Enfield. It fills a gap between the retro-styled Classic 350 and the tall, more off-road-focused Himalayan. It appeals to younger riders looking for a more modern alternative with similar approachability but a fresh identity.

Weighing just under 200 kilograms and featuring alloy wheels, a wide seat, and upright ergonomics, the bike is well suited for city use with enough punch for highway cruising. At a price of around ₹2.15 lakh (ex-showroom), it strikes a balance between performance and everyday usability.

Royal Enfield will still need to reassure some buyers who are concerned about reliability. Online forums and social media carried posts from early owners who faced issues, and those impressions can linger even after a technical fix is in place. The company has not publicly announced a service campaign, but customers of the first batch have been contacted and their bikes updated.

Scram 440: The Future

This episode highlights the challenge of launching an all-new platform in a segment where expectations are rising quickly. Buyers today are not just seeking style or brand legacy. They expect well-tested products with minimal disruption after purchase.

Royal Enfield’s quick action has helped contain the issue, but it also shows how closely customers and dealers watch for product performance. The Scram 440 is back in the game, and early feedback on the updated units will be critical to restoring full confidence.

For now, the Scram 440 offers a compelling package for riders who want the feel of a classic Royal Enfield with the ease of modern engineering. The next few months will reveal whether the market agrees.