Not every motorcycle company is slowing down, Royal Enfield is set to invest almost $14 million dollars to expand manufacturing capacity in their Chennai plant, raising capacity from the current 50,000 units a year to 100,000.
The company, which currently sells between 4,500 and 5,000 motorcycles a month, expects to sell 50,000 motorcycles in 2009, Mr. Lal said.
“From 5% of our total sales now, we see overseas sales growing to 15% in the next four-five years,” said Mr. Lal, who is also managing director of Eicher Motors.
Royal Enfield has exported 1,700 motorcycles between January and September 2009.
The company launched a new 500cc Royal Enfield Classic C5 this year which is available in the U.S. and also offers a 350cc Classic in overseas markets.
Link: Wall Street Journal [subscription required]
WRXr says
Go Royal Enfield!!
Tin Man 2 says
Please bear in mind that this is the New Enfield, Unit Construction and modern ignition, higher quality build with very nice Hand Painted Pin Striping. I went to Ck out this bike 2 weeks ago and was very inpressed. Enfield is to India what HD is to the US, the favorite marque and an asperational machine for the Indian people. To be growing sales in this economy shows the need for more standard single cylinder bikes,like we have been asking for in this country.
Jim says
I took a test ride of the fuelie model in September and had a great time. The seat is horrible (too soft) and the handlebars are at an odd angle but it was fun. This would be a great around town or winding country road bike, think riding in the Appalachians. Light torquey, though it runs out of power at about 70.
Phoebe says
I’ve seen the new REs in person and they seem very nice. Plus, I can fit on one well. If they had a bit more power, I would own one as my daily ride. I’ll probably end up buying one one day and making a nice little cafe racer out of it.
James Bowman says
A former coworker had one and they are very nice looking bikes, I serously considered buying it from him. He has many makes and models, as its a hobby with him and he really enjoyed his R Enfield.
pabsyboots says
i love this on so many levels, if its very affordable and very reliable its a winner
Mehul Kamdar says
Enfields are nice bikes which are decent for riding on city roads as long as you keep off the expressways. But the marque has had some problems in India with the accessories being of less then good quality – sometimes. Hopefully, the new investments would help the company improve their overall quality. That said, the export bikes have always been much better than what Enfield clients in India get.
Hopefully, this is a sign that other motorcycle manufacturers would also see better times – we are supposed to be coming out of a recession if what we hear in the news is true.
todd says
hopefully this means they will be coming to California finally. So many promises…
-todd
ted says
I can’t understand why they don’t work up a bigger bike for the North American market along the lines of the “Musket”…a 750 interceptor size…thats a bike that would sell!
That’s an R.E. I would buy. I guess the company is mostly run by no vision type bean counters.
Paulinator says
Hmm, Gee? I really like the priveteer venture of the Musket, but why would the feds allow an equivalent to that product into the country without a reciprocal guarentee for Harley (883 versus 750)? Ted, I’m not a bean counter, but I certainly do not want my kids to become “bean-eaters” for lack of other financial options.
Jon says
I have a 2007 Bullet with the older “iron” engine-separate trans,kick and electric start,points and condenser ignition. I like it fine as a back road fun bike. I believe I read somewhere that the new FI version will be selling in California. And I love the Musket!! Its a work of art. I wish nothing but the best to the Royal Enfield line. And may parts still be available for my iron version many years from now.
jon in Puyallup, Wa. USA
Scott Digital says
I understand and love that Enfield’s are so popular. My company Cleveland CycleWerks is gaining some good traction with our 250cc motorcycles. We currently have a 200cc and 250cc single. Our next launch is a Cafe Racer with a 250cc single, and a 250cc V-Twin. We have been working on a very efficient 500cc single.
I am a young guy, and I can not stand billet barge bullshit. My company has a new/old school mentality. Less is more. Our bikes are capable of 80 MPH, and cruise easily at 65 MPH. They are cool, affordable and ridable. Did I mention nearly 80MPG. What the next generation of riders wants is affordability without all the baggage of a 5 year loan. Check out our site, you guys might like some of the bikes my company is going into production with. Peace
Scott Colosimo
ClevelandCycleWerks.com