Are Royal Enfield Releasing Too Many Bikes?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ส.ค. 2024
- In this episode I go in depth to discuss RE's latest release, the Guerilla 450, and whether it even feels like a Royal Enfield, as well as showing their release output from the last 8 years in a timeline to discuss whether they're releasing too many bikes at the moment.
Is it time for a breather? Are we getting release fatigue?
Thanks for watching, please like & subscribe to support me!
Music: Volleyball - Slide (@bonjourvolleyball)
Additional Footage - Royal Enfield & Royal Enfield Australia / N.Z channel.
Follow me on Instagram @_wesleyjames_ to see my Triumph T100 & Interceptor content.
00:00 Intro
00:25 Guerilla Announcement
00:59 Release Fatigue
01:46 The Timeline
03:48 Same Same, But Different
04:56 Shared Componentry
06:26 Upcoming R.E Releases
07:13 Outro
I think the entire point of the 450 line is to be Enfield's gateway into appealing to modern tastes with more modern machinery, while not touching the 350 and 650 lines, allowing them to keep hands on both sides of the niches. Unlike triumph which made the decision to completely go full premium, and change their 900 and 1200 bonneville series into liquid cooled modern machines, which consequently skyrocketed their prices, and made them lose that retro, air-cooled charm, Enfield chose to keep the 650s as faithful in feel as possible to the original. That being said, they know that they need to appeal to modern markets the same way triumph's modern motorcycles do, if they are to continue expanding as they desire. The 450 platform should serve as exactly that base, for more modern machinery, having their own niches for their target audience, without having to sacrifice the essence of the 350s and 650s charm. Imagine what a shock for the industry it would be, if Enfield suddenly announce that all their motorcycles would henceforth be liquid-cooled and dual overhead cam modern engines, just like triumph did back in the day. I think the decision to create a 450 lineup is perhaps the best decision enfield could have made for both modern and retro-aligned motorcyclists. But again, that's just my take :)
I think that might be the best comment I've received on this channel, well written and informative. Love it! I think I'm against the design of the Guerilla, it's not my style, and doesn't feel like a R.E per se.
RE have competing priorities. Emission regs mean we're unlikely to see a large capacity air-cooled single, which is why BSA and Royal Enfield are opting for liquid-cooled units. This fulfils the aspirations of the large non-Western youth market, who want a modern bike at a good price. The anglophone territory otoh, want a 1960s or 70s motorcycle with CNC engineering standards and electric start. I'm no expert, but air head engines running fast and hot are going to put out more hydrocarbons, so RE have to choke them or cool them. It's possible they could market an air-cooled V-twin or a bigger parallel twin, although I reckon the 650 might be as large as current standards allow. In a global content the money is in modern bikes, and we may have to settle for whatever retro variants are on offer.
This is what came to my mind where this video was playing. Also, IMO let wait for official release, Guerilla 450 might be best looking (not necessarily retro enough) bike from RE
As long as they can keep the quality up I say release as many styles as they can to appeal to as many rides as possible. More and more people are wanting smaller displacement bikes. They also aren't very popular in the States just yet. I'd love to see more of them on the road. They definitely bring a different style to the market that none of the "big" manufactures are doing.
I'm surprised they haven't taken off in the states as much as the rest of the world yet. They're incredibly popular here in N.Z. But yes I agree, their quality keeps getting better and better, and great value for money too
We need a 850 cc twin !
800cc Interceptor as they had the Prototype Interceptor 800cc Mk2b in 1970 & be nice to do that model updated as a new model.
Very excited and happy to see R.E doing this, after they did few bikes for 30+ years.
With design houses in INDIA + EUROPE (U.K) working on this new concept, and providing LOW COST & GOOD BIKES for the whole world. It is very imminent to do this for R. E from competition point of view. They were late to start, but they have got goin6 now. People can choose from a wider range of bikes. Great work.
Thanks for your comment. I'm happy they're expanding the range, don't get me wrong. But I feel they're releasing too many at the moment. I like the idea of 1 bike (maybe 2) a year. I'd be keen to see new colourways for the Classic 350 for instance instead of constant new bikes...
@@wesleyjames. Wow great and just expectation, maybe R.E guys have to hear you or rather think for future plans with your good thoughts.
I think what they’re trying to do is, they are giving all the body type options for their 3 displacements: 350, 450, 650. You just have to pick one engine according to your taste and one body type according to your comfort. Hope this helps the audience to make decisions while buying. 👍🏻
Thanks bud
That being said, I am dying to see a 500 platform revival, everything in the market seems to be screaming an opportunity in the faces of RE, and they would be stupid to not capitalise on a market they defined. This could even be used as a platform to revive the retro Himalayan as a Himalayan 500, to give the old Himi boys something to cheer about, while still being a meaningful upgrade.
Someone needs to get you a job at R.E, some great ideas!
Yes i totally agree with your words.. These concurrent releases of bikes removes the wow factor from this brand and there are less updates on the detailing as well
Thanks for the comment, I agree. I've been waiting for a Classic 350 colour update for example for 3 years but we keep getting more models instead.
Hey Wesley, interesting thoughts on the Guerrilla. The more I think about it, the Guerrilla seems mostly aimed at the Indian and Asia market, where you’d imagine it would do quite well. I don’t mind that RE are using the same engine / switchgear / clocks etc on different bikes, my main issue is similar to yours, they seem to have gone away from what has made them successful, classically style bikes. Im not sure of numbers, but don’t think the Scram sold all that well here in Australia, even though design wise it was a step up from the original Himalayan. I really think at first glance the Guerrilla is a bit of a step backwards for RE. Keep up the great work.
I agree, I think the Guerrilla is an unnecessary step backwards. The Scram never sold well in N.Z either, gathering dust on the showroom floors. Maybe the new proposed Classic 650 will rekindle our love for their legacy again...? I'm not sure if it's solely aimed at the Indian market, considering the launch event is in Barcelona and they're using celebrity endorsement (Guy Martin) to gain western hype for the launch.
Good point, it does feel like chucking stuff at the wall and seeing what sticks... I bought a meteor 350 but did have issues with getting warranty parts, only the oil temp sensor and the speedo, but I had to wait for many many months for the sensor fix and am still waiting for the speedo fix. I bought early in 2022. It made me worry that if something more serious happened then it would take forever to fix under warranty. I'd prefer if they'd get that right first before new models. Also I'd like to see the GT/Interceptor updated to super meteor and shotgun spec rather than keep releasing new and ignoring these.
I agree, I feel a lot of their existing range (that work really well in the market still) have been neglected, and could use better refinement. Love the analogy of chucking stuff at the wall haha!
Hi memory serves that Harley-davidson often release several new models on a yearly basis, the difference is no one buys them. Royal Enfield is scaring the crap out of the competition.
@@davidcoleman4941 very true, I don’t really pay attention to anything happening in Harley land. They need some serious overhaul in their marketing and the way they are presented to new riders
A lot of people are waiting for the Classic 650, to create a long-legged version of the very popular Classic 350. However, it's hard to see a twin cylinder motor having the same charm, especially one that has come to be identified with other models, even if the trappings are classically inspired. Royal Enfield have also adopted strange styling cues. For example the Shotgun seems like a good bike ruined by bizarre paint schemes and an afterthought exhaust. The Scram 411 arrived on the back of Himalayan popularity, and briefly shone before being deleted, and the Super Meteor has been let down by harsh suspension and a compromised power unit (at least for a serious cruiser). None of them are bad bikes, but if you're going to have a styling exercise on otherwise very similar motorcycles, the details have to be spot on and currently they miss the target.
@@borderlands6606 I agree with everything you said, in fact I think you summed it up better than I did! I think the Shotgun would have been much better suited in classic styling like the Triumph Bobber, instead of the (somewhat dated) graphics it came wrapped in. I guess that leaves plenty room for customisation, but you may as well be shelling out for a Triumph.
While I'm also finding the avellane of new models a bit tiring, there is a case for introducing different models around the same engine. As I found out with my Interceptor, just by changing the handlebars, I got a different bike lol. The only thing I'm looking out for is perhaps a Classic 650.
Yes, agreed. I think they just need to reign it in a bit and let the audience have a breather.But in terms of design, I'm not a fan of the Guerilla at all. Each to their own though. Thanks for the subscribe!
Good for customers to have plenty of options. RE have only 10 models. Let them create as much new bikes as they want. It's a good thing.
@@mrigankad 10 is a good number of bikes. Now they need to adapt / evoke those 10, instead of piling on new models every few months
@@wesleyjames. That's true. But, RE makes their bikes especially for the India market where it sells the most. RE bikes are good, cheap and reliable. And they are getting better each day. So they r expanding their wings in terms of no. of models as it's a huge market with a variety of needs. Also riders are more adventurous than ever and RE knows how to sell their bikes. Unlike Triumph in India, who have 18-20 models to sell and yet only a handful are accessible for the mass with limited servicing options. So what RE is doing is good for the customers.
Funny I remember people complaining that re is too slow to release new models and now they complain they are too fast 😅
I guess it's hard to make everyone happy aye!
Some good points Wesley. I agree it would be great to see a well engineered big single 500 or 600 that could achieve higher road speeds. Is a new classic 650 a classic 650 when it's a twin ? I don't believe so. The thing that put me off another enfield was the service intervals. For a country where you can do over 10000k a year, enfield should be focusing on longer engine service with reliability rather than new bikes that need 5000 k services . 👍
Thanks for the comment Ian, yes I think the true "Classic" of the line up is the 350 & 500. For me the service intervals would rack up quickly when I lived back in Auckland, as I would commute 50+ Km a day. I believe they may have increased them this year, I need to double check :)
I did 9800km in 15months on my Interceptor & agree about needing longer service intervals.Also agree that RE gave released to many models.The Scram,Hunter should of not been released as the Supermeteor was needed as a forward control model & Shotgun for mid controls & Bullet 350 was a good idea too.They've saturated their stable & Scram,Hunter should of been put on the back burner or India only bikes.I loved my Interceptor & was out on it all the time & done alot of miles on it & took it on well used gravel roads which it handled well not so much deep loose stuff but rather save more & getter a better bike with higher service intervals.On Trident 🔱 now & did 5500kms in a year.2 bikes be good to keep kms down but Rego costs are ridiculous here in NZ 🇳🇿 $525 & National Party putting it up another $50🤯🤬 puts you off owning multiple bikes.You can go the put one on hold route over winter to save cash & months on Rego but you still got Insurance costs which are expensive here too.Even a 50cc Scooter 🛵 cost $400 a year🤯🤬. They'd be better off charging $200 per vehicle & they'd make more money rather than $525 for bike over 601cc & $125 for a car & over 1 million cars here,feels like persecution.BSA is in NZ 🇳🇿 now & has high service intervals & is a big single & low cost bike.Ducati just released the 659 & 698 big single & the most powerful single in the modern era but not a modern classic.
@@ruahinesrider I like your idea of the Scram & Hunter being released in India only, I really think they felt rushed and will be discontinued in the near future. Yes, bike registration and insurance is going through the roof. Making the appeal for a 450cc (Himalayan or CF Moto) very appealing. My insurance payments for my T100 were burning a hole in my pocket every fortnight!
@@wesleyjames. Bike Rego is Ridiculous in NZ 🇳🇿.About 8-9yrs ago they put Bike Rego up to $803 a year🤯🤬& there was a big public outcry & protest ride to the beehive.
People doing burnouts on steps outside Beehive & people staying in tents ⛺.Put on by NZ 🇳🇿 Bike Rider magazine.After a day or 2 the Minister of Transport walked out to abuse & reduced price to $525 per bike 🤯🤬 still way to much.They justified increases because it takes longer to heal in health system which is free & paid by ACC.The problem with that theory is in NZ 🇳🇿 85% of bike accidents are caused by cars,trucks etc so in my opinion the cost should be spread across all vehicles like $200 each & they'd make more money & be cheaper for people who own a bike & a car😉.I wouldn't mind spending $200 on car Rego it use to be $212 anyway years ago & they reduced it for cars but bikes went up😲🤯 & pay $200 for bike instead of $725 a year it should be $400 a year & way more cars on road & they'd still make more money.
@@wesleyjames. The way I see it if you have to pay $400 for a 50cc Scooter 🛵 & you want a 601cc bike may as well just pay $525 for bike over $601cc.Bikes under 500cc should only be $200-$250max a year & bikes between 50cc-250cc should only be $100.
500cc-900cc $250-$350 & 900cc up
$300-$400max.
A 50cc-125cc Scooter 🛵 & bikes should really only be about $50max
a year & use to be cheap to encourage more people to commute to work cause they're cheap to run & should be cheap to Rego & less pollution as well.
Nice video, I don't really think the Guerilla 450 is for me either, I think R.E should stickwith their modern classic output
Agreed, time will tell which direction the brand follows
It’s a choice if you don’t like the Himalayan
yes they have loads of cash from their 350 lineup sales and now they are in experimenting stage where with each engine they have 4-5 launches planned so you see guerilla450,bear650, bullet 650, classic 650, Goan 350 are all lined up for next year
I have said it earlier, and, I say it avain , Eicher Motorcycles need the following sequence of Engine capacities with variations in Engine configuration, firing / ECU tune, and, gearing - 350, 500, and, 750 (parallel or other format of a twin cylinder Engine).
Indians have traditionally been, and are still largely commuting-only riders, do you feel this is RE's attempt to introduce different styles of riding to the subcontinent? With riders like CS Santosh, and the recent Rally 2 winner Harith both showing how accessible MX and adventure riding can be, I feel as though RE is just setting their base for bigger and more powerful models in the future.
Totally agree about Release Fatigue 😅
I really like what they've done (and I think everyone agrees) with the new Himmy 450, they're breaking new ground for the Indian and global market. I'm just not vibing the neo retro aesthetic of the Guerilla, and think they need to slow down on release frequency... Hope you're well bro!
The more models the better! RE is just making up for lost time due to RE india having basically ONE model from the '50s to 2016, not counting the Lightning or T-Bird which are still Bullets. I think it's exciting and I'm counting the days until the Guerrilla is unveiled
You're definitely right in the fact they're making up for lost time! I'm happy with the amount of models, just unsure about the rate at which they're currently releasing them. Buyers and dealerships are struggling to keep up!
@@wesleyjames. Yes I already have a Meteor but if I was buying a RE for the first time it would drive me crazy trying to wait to choose
Yes, very confusing. I like the look of Himalayan 411 and Scram 411...but of course, not enough HP. I have seen photos on the internet of both these bikes with a Guerrilla 450 engine (not the Sherpa, but what looks to be maybe a bored-out 411 engine). I don't know if this is a prank or is RE really thinking of doing this. I'm fed up and ready to go buy the Triumph Scrambler 400.
I've ridden the Scrambler 400x, it's a great bike. Have you not considered the Himalayan 450?
Most people are only going to have one of these bikes, so the sharing of platforms/components etc doesnt matter so much. I bought a shotgun 650. I. Was on the fence about the interceptor for years but the shotgun was the one that brought me over to RE.
I dunno of theres too many bikes, but they are fulling out the line up more than i would have expected. Contrary to the RE sales pitch, the Guerrilla looks to me to be the most generic and looking bike they have released so far and it wouldnt appeal to me at all
Got to say i get a bit lost trying to sort out the difference between all these models. BSA on the other hand have just one bike and have had now for a few years, where are the twins they were famous for they seem, unlike RE to be missing a trick or two.
@@ianhalliwell8604 I’m desperate to get my hands on a BSA for a test ride, they teased a scrambler version which I think would sell like hot cakes
Wish they brought the bullet 500 back.
There's plenty of good condition second hand Bullet 500's selling for cheap out there ;)
When they are launching new classic 350 chrome colour ?
Your favorite colour in class 350?
@@Kalakaar9691that would be cool to see a new 350 colour range. Especially a new Chrome with blue for example. I think my favourite 350 is the black and chrome bullet
They may do away with air cooled motorcycles soon.. so 450 platform is the future for many other reasons too.. sweat spot between 350 (providing actual sales volumes) and 650 (which is already saturated and sales have come down).. also 450 will possibly help to meet Euro 7 (BS 7 norms)
That's a good point. In hindsight, a Classic 450 might not be a bad thing going forward.
They feel in love with 💰🤩💰.
You're not wrong there!
I think the 411 models will be discontinued soon, there is no real reason now for the scram and regular himalayan with the new models
Definitely, the Scram's days are numbered...
I have been hoping for a RE single powerful enough for N American roads, in fact for the 442 in road trim
Do you like the Guerillas overall design? Or would you prefer the 442 in a modern classic?
I understand the point that your making, let them go if they make mistakes let them
Its time for 865cc Interceptor.
Bro whatever you said was all pros not cons because same engine and same components means lower cost and parts availability for a long time. And releasing 4 bikes a year means you are getting more options and not everyone likes classic bikes youngsters need more modern retro of the orginal classic so they make classic as well as modern at an affordable price.
@@enchantingstayskodai You have a good point there buddy!
Yes they are, i bought scram 2022, £4699, price dropped by £1000 within a year my scram now worth less than £2000, service costs then changed to valve check every 6 months at RE dealers, at a cost of around £200, if i want warranty to be valid, so i think i have been ripped off and i certainly won't buy a RE again.
@@paulyarwood7818 Sorry to hear that. I think the scram was a rushed release that shouldn’t have happened. If they knew the 450 was in development at the time
They can't really release any engine, other than single and twins due to regulations. There is a market for straight four carbureted, bare bones neo retro bikes with the late 90s style, sadly this is never going to happen, even tho bikes like the Bandit and Hornet are still hugely popular second hand. It's a sad state of affairs, we have 3 ton SUVs with special emissions loopholes, but we can't have motorcycles that barely register in the grand scale of pollution.
Amen brother!
Agreed, but luckily us garage tinkers have found ways to get around the engine restrictions! ;)
RE makesthe most of their engines & models & definitely to many models.Shouldn't of bothered with Scram,Hunter & just done Supermeteor,Bullet,Shotgun.
Totally agreed... I think the Shotgun was rushed too imo
@@wesleyjames. I hope the next 650 bike is more Interceptor weight & not Shotgun weight especially if there's a Classic.
This is just a 2nd model with that engine ! 😂
I realise that, but the video was more about the frequency they're releasing bikes, not necessarily the Guerilla itself
You're not entirely wrong, but it's probably due to the marketing structure in India, and you don't have to understand it... I certainly can't figure it out 🤜🤛
I'll never buy a 20hp 350. That would be impractical/dangerous here in US
@@johnharris7353 I guess if you lived near county lanes, and wanted a bike for around town it could be useful?
is royal enfield famous in your couuntry ????
@@vasuki2908 Very
Too many bikes 😅
They don't have enough. They don't even have a 1000cc bike.
So you don't want them to release more bikes 😅
Thanks for your comment, I have no issue with the amount of bikes they have released to date, just the frequency at which they're doing so ;)
Don't buy them then.
Too many too much, losing interest because of it 😏
I thought it was just me!
Exactly what is your problem with choice. RE want as much of the market as possible, they're not in the business of pleasing you. Get over yourself 😅
@@davespruce4362 Each to their own. Sorry if I offended you, but let me reiterate 2 points. The first is that I don’t think the design looks akin to other bikes in their lineup. Therefore, I’m asking the audience whether you like it or not. I don’t. Secondly, I feel RE are releasing too many bikes, less is more.