The Indian Giant: Royal Enfield - Claiming Crown Over Harley, BMW, and KTM?
Record-Breaking Sales: Royal Enfield Outshines Harley-Davidson, BMW Motorrad, and KTM in Global Market Share
India's mark in the motorcycle industry is undeniable. While it's easy to associate big-named manufacturers with motorcycle supremacy, such as Harley-Davidson, BMW, and KTM, they might take a backseat when it comes to revenue or sheer volume of motorcycles produced. Let's delve into the world of Royal Enfield, an Indian brand challenging the status quo.
According to industry standards, if we compare the total production of high-end motorcycles, Harley-Davidson and BMW lead the race. Japanese giants like Honda and Yamaha lead when we take into account the number of two-wheelers produced in its entirety, including scooters, mopeds, and smaller motorcycles.
However, when we narrow it down to mid-range motorcycles with engine capacities between 250cc-750cc, Royal Enfield soars high above the competition. By concentrating its efforts on this segment, the Indian brand outperforms others who hold massive production numbers due to their diverse portfolio that includes smaller engine vehicles. Kai Petermann, responsible for the brand's distribution in Germany, explains that Royal Enfield doesn't make 125cc or smaller engines, focusing exclusively on mid-range motorcycles.
In the last fiscal year, Royal Enfield produced an impressive one million units, marking a significant milestone. Their portfolio consists of four engine series – a 350cc single-cylinder, two air-cooled engines (440cc and 650cc), and a 450cc single-cylinder with liquid cooling. The newest addition to their roster is the liquid-cooled 450cc single-cylinder, available in the Himalayan adventure bike since 2023 and the Guerilla naked bike starting in 2023.
Royal Enfield - A Premium Brand Empowering India
Royal Enfield has been consistently growing and is recognized as a premium brand in its home market. The company's expansion isn't limited to India; it's gaining footing in Asia and the Western world as well. In 2022, the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) listed Royal Enfield among the top twelve motorcycle brands by volume, cementing its presence in Europe.
For 2025, Royal Enfield is focusing on fortifying its presence in the twin-cylinder segment, with the introduction of the Bear 650 scrambler and the Classic 650, a continuation of the brand’s tradition established in 1901. Their portfolio consists of twelve models available in various variants and colors, with prices ranging from €4,490 to €8,390.
The Future Ahead
To ensure long-term success in the German market, Royal Enfield is expanding its presence significantly by establishing its own German subsidiary, which will operate in the Freiburg area. According to Petermann, this move will improve customer service by offering more support, strengthening Royal Enfield's presence in Germany.
So, could it be possible that Royal Enfield, the Indian brand dabbling in mid-range motorcycles, has grown to be bigger than the traditionally loved brands like Harley-Davidson, BMW, or KTM? While direct comparisons might still favor competitors who have a broader product portfolio globally, Royal Enfield's concentration on the 350cc-650cc category has allowed it to claim a substantial share in the two-wheeler market.
- The mid-range motorcycles produced by Royal Enfield, particularly those with engine capacities between 250cc-750cc, outperform other brands like Harley-Davidson, BMW, and KTM in terms of sales.
- In 2022, Royal Enfield was listed among the top twelve motorcycle brands by volume by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), demonstrating its strong presence in Europe.
- With a focus on the 350cc-650cc category, Royal Enfield managed to produce an impressive one million units in the last fiscal year, marking a significant milestone in its growth.
- To further strengthen its position, Royal Enfield is expanding its presence in Germany by establishing its own subsidiary in the Freiburg area, aimed at improving customer service and support.
