Royal Enfield has hiked prices for some of its most popular motorcycles. The Classic 350 retro roadster and the 650cc twins have both become more expensive, though not by much.
At its launch in September last year, the Classic 350 was priced from Rs 1.84 lakh, with the bike subsequently receiving a price hike that increased its starting price to Rs 1.87 lakh. The latest hike in prices has taken the entry-level Redditch version’s price up to Rs 1.90 lakh. The top-end Chrome variant will set you back by Rs 2.21 lakh, which is around Rs 6,000 higher than its launch price as well.
The company's 650cc twins – the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 – have also become a little more expensive in the recent past. But, even after this latest round of hikes, both continue to be excellent value for money propositions. The increment is a little under Rs 3,000 in the case of the more affordable colour options, while the most expensive colour scheme is now costlier by around Rs 5,000. The end result is that the Interceptor now ranges between Rs 2.88 lakh-3.15 lakh, while its sportier sibling is priced between Rs 3.06 lakh-3.32 lakh.
There are no changes to any of the motorcycles, and while RE hasn't declared any official reason for the increase, it is most likely down to the semiconductor shortage, which, in turn, has increased input costs. So severely hit is the brand, that it has taken its Tripper navigation pod off the standard fitment list for the Meteor and Himalayan, and is now offering it only as an optional accessory. The Classic 350 also continues to have the pod as an optional accessory, but the pod itself is currently sold out on RE's website.
Despite the adversities, though, the Chennai-based manufacturer continues chugging along, registering strong sales figures and working on a number of upcoming motorcycles, including the 650cc cruiser models, the updated J-platform Bullet 350, and, of course, the eagerly anticipated Himalayan 450.
All prices ex-showroom, Delhi
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
