Royal Enfield: A League of Its Own in India’s Mid-Size Motorcycle Market
Royal Enfield: Once again crushes the competition—but is there a chink in its armour?
Rajiv Bajaj, the MD of Bajaj Auto, once famously said,
If Royal Enfield is where the money is, then we have no choice but to rob that bank,
drawing a parallel to the famous bank robber Willie Sutton, highlighting Bajaj Auto's ambition to compete in the 400cc segment dominated by Royal Enfield.
If the February 2025 sales numbers are any indicator, Mr Bajaj hasn’t proven to be a great robber. With an astounding 86.59% share in the 350cc to 500cc motorcycle segment, the brand has firmly shut the door on any meaningful competition. While rivals scramble for relevance, Royal Enfield continues to ride ahead, dictating the pace of the industry.
Crushing the Competition
The 350cc to 500cc motorcycle segment saw a total of 88,296 units sold in February 2025, reflecting a healthy 15.04% year-on-year (YoY) growth. Out of this, Royal Enfield alone accounted for a staggering 76,470 units—an overwhelming 87% of the segment’s sales. No other brand even comes close to this level of market stranglehold.
Royal Enfield’s Top Performers
1. Classic 350 – The Evergreen Bestseller
Leading the pack, the Classic 350 continued its reign with 30,641 units sold, capturing 34.7% of the total segment. This represents an 8.23% YoY growth and a steady month-on-month (MoM) rise of 0.19%. Its blend of nostalgia and reliability makes it an all-time favorite.
2. Bullet 350 – The Underdog Turned Superstar
The Bullet 350 posted the highest YoY growth among Royal Enfield models, surging by an impressive 38.01% to 19,244 units. It also recorded a modest MoM growth of 0.42%, proving that this legacy model still has plenty of firepower.
3. Hunter 350 – The Rising Star
Aimed at younger riders, the Hunter 350 clocked 16,599 units in sales, marking a robust 36.93% YoY increase and an MoM jump of 4.3%. It’s quickly establishing itself as a modern favorite.
4. Meteor 350 – Hitting Rough Waters
Unlike its siblings, the Meteor 350 faced a slowdown, with sales dipping by 11.30% YoY and 13.93% MoM to 7,207 units. The model still has a loyal following, but shifting buyer preferences seem to be taking a toll.
5. Himalayan 450 – The Adventurer’s Choice
The Himalayan Adventure Series maintained its niche appeal, selling 2,158 units. Though it saw a 5.27% YoY decline, it remains the go-to option for off-road enthusiasts.
6. 650 Twins – Growing in Strength
The Interceptor and Continental GT 650 duo continued their strong performance, with a 39.23% YoY growth and 2,882 units sold.
7. New Entrants – Guerrilla 450 & Shotgun 650
Royal Enfield’s latest additions—the Guerrilla 450 and Shotgun 650—are starting to gain traction. The Guerrilla 450 recorded 621 units, while the Shotgun 650 sold 264 units in its debut month.
The Struggle of the Competition
While Royal Enfield continued to surge ahead, competitors struggled to keep pace:
• Triumph (Speed & Scrambler Range): Despite a remarkable 96.28% YoY growth, it managed just 3,641 units—still far behind Royal Enfield.
• Jawa/Yezdi: Sales fell by 12.74% YoY to 2,287 units, with an even steeper 16.93% MoM decline.
• Honda CB350 Series: While present in the segment, Honda’s offerings remain unable to challenge Royal Enfield’s supremacy in any significant way.
What Fuels Royal Enfield’s Unmatched Success?
1. A Diverse and Well-Positioned Portfolio
Royal Enfield has mastered the art of catering to every kind of rider. Whether it’s the nostalgia-driven Classic, the rugged Himalayan, or the urban-friendly Hunter, the lineup offers something for everyone.
2. Brand Legacy & Loyalty
Owning a Royal Enfield is more than just a purchase—it’s an emotional experience. With decades of heritage and a cult-like following, the brand enjoys unparalleled customer loyalty.
3. Smart Market Expansion
Rather than resting on past laurels, Royal Enfield continues to innovate. The launch of the Guerrilla 500 and Shotgun 650 signals its intent to solidify its position further.
4. A Widespread Dealer Network
Accessibility plays a huge role in Royal Enfield’s dominance. Its extensive dealership and service network ensure that even buyers in smaller towns can easily purchase and maintain their motorcycles.
What’s Next?
Royal Enfield isn’t slowing down. With new models in the pipeline and the possibility of venturing into electric motorcycles, the brand is poised to extend its lead even further. Competitors like Triumph-Bajaj and Jawa/Yezdi may be making an effort, but for now, Royal Enfield’s dominance remains unshaken.
If February 2025 proved anything, it’s that Royal Enfield isn’t just leading the mid-size motorcycle segment—it owns it. And as things stand, that’s unlikely to change anytime soon.