Once a fringe player in the domestic motorcycle market, Royal Enfield gave a run for money to its much celebrated Japanese counterpart Harley Davidson.
The Chennai-based Royal Enfield (RE) has sold over 3 lakh bikes in 2014 overtaking Harley's global sales of 2.67 lakh units.
Apart from the rise in domestic sales, Enfield's global sales also witnessed a good jump from 770 units, up from 424 units last year.
Now, the local bike company has global dreams and is trying every bid to expand its operations overseas.
Here are some factors that lead to swift escalation in the sales of Royal Enfield bikes:
1. Pocket Friendly
HD's least expensive model (Street 750) costs around Rs 5 lakhs in India while RE's most expensive bike (the Continental GT) is priced at Rs. 2 lakhs.
And as we know, Indians often keep affordability at the first point.
2. Mileage
Royal Enfield (continental GT) promises the fuel efficiency of 25 kilometer per litre as per manufacturer while overall in testing it is even more - 28 KMPL.
On the other hand, asking for good mileage from luxurious series of Harley Davidson is certainly too much to ask for.
3. Modifications
Royal Enfield bikes are easy and affordable to modify. You can give a ditch to big brands like Leo Vince, Yoshimura or Akrapovic and can make your bike look completely unique by dropping down just few bucks
In contrast, modification of HD bikes can easily cost you the price of a low power bike.
4. Performance
Royal Enfield scores high on performance part as well.
RE HD
0 - 60kmph 4.3 4.6
0 - 400m 12.01 13.69
5. Engine
Here is a comparison between the engines of both the devils for the tech-savvy pals:
Model Continent GT Street 750
Type Single Cylinder, 4 stroke, Air cooled Liquid-cooled, Revolution X™ V-Twin
Bore: 87mm 85 mm
Stroke 90 mm 66 mm
Displacement: 535 cc 749 cc
Max Power: 29.1 bhp @ 5100 rpm 47 bhp
In India, Royal Enfield continues to enjoy a cult status like no other. The brand has gone global and is changing its reputation while maintaining its roots. Though, novelty factor is something that the company needs to work upon, in order to meet the international benchmarks.
