(...and why we will continue to buy them even though we know in our hearts that we can get a more reliable machine with better features and similar specs at the same price)
(TL;DR - This blog post is not a technical discussion about Royal Enfield. These are 5 emotional aspects that the brand owns effortlessly, which other big brands are trying hard to emulate.)
Ask any biker… It’s not just about the machine, it’s about how you feel when you are on it.
Royal Enfield, the iconic motorcycle brand from India, has been around for over a century. Despite facing criticism for their reliability and service issues, these motorcycles continue to be a popular choice among riders worldwide.
In this blog post, we will explore five reasons why Royal Enfield motorcycles are so popular despite these issues.
1. The Ultimate Modern Classic
Royal Enfield motorcycles are known for their rugged and classic design. They have a unique style that is instantly recognizable, with a distinctive thump (that can be heard in the Himalayan 400 as well) that sets them apart from other motorcycles. This classic design has been the hallmark of the brand for over a century and continues to attract riders who want to stand out from the crowd.
2. Brand Heritage
Royal Enfield is a brand with a rich heritage, dating back to the early 1900s. The brand has a storied history that is steeped in tradition and has played a significant role in shaping India's motorcycle culture. Royal Enfield has been a popular choice for riders worldwide, and the brand's heritage has helped create a sense of nostalgia and romanticism around the motorcycles.
(Image Source: Royal Enfield)
3. Customer Loyalty
Royal Enfield has built a strong community of riders who are loyal to the brand. They have created a sense of belonging among their customers, with many riders feeling like they are part of a larger family. The company has fostered this loyalty through their extensive rider community and events like the Royal Enfield Rider Mania. These events bring together Royal Enfield riders from all over the world to celebrate their shared passion for the brand.
(Image Source: AutoX)
4. Generational Appeal
Royal Enfield motorcycles have a generational appeal that has helped the brand grow over the years. The brand has been passed down from fathers and grandfathers to their children and grandchildren, creating a strong emotional connection between the brand and its customers. Younger generations want to own the same brand that their elders owned, and Royal Enfield has leveraged this appeal to create a loyal customer base.
(Image Source: The Answer Is Always Yes)
5. Affordable Price
Finally, Royal Enfield motorcycles are relatively affordable when compared to other motorcycles in their class. This affordability has made the brand accessible to a wider audience, especially in emerging markets like India. The company has also focused on offering entry-level variants for their newer models.
(Image Source: Energize)
In conclusion, Royal Enfield motorcycles continue to be popular despite their reliability and service issues. The rugged and macho aspect of the brand, along with its rich heritage, customer loyalty, generational appeal, and affordable price, has helped the brand grow over the years.
While the company needs to address its technical issues (which are not nearly as prevalent in their newer generation engines, as compared to the older ones), there is no denying the fact that Royal Enfield has a unique appeal that has attracted (and will continue to attract) riders worldwide.
If you want to argue with me online, here is my Instagram.
Yes... yes... I know I have not gone into any details about the reliability aspects of the brand. But Royal Enfield has greatly improved on this aspect in the last few years.
That being said, if you sell in such great numbers, then the reliability incidents will also seem disproportionately high. I have seen KTM, Bajaj, Jawa and Yezdi owners enraged over the quality of service from their respective brands. But since these brands sell a fraction of what Royal Enfield sells, so the overall quantum of the incidents is also lesser.
This might be an oversimplification, and I definitely need some more data to back it up, but this seems instinctively correct.
What do you think? Say it in the comments.