Royal Enfield Why Is This Manufacturer Doing So well? Great Bikes for a Great Price

[@fuglbird]

0:50 No Bankrupt Pensioner, BSA did not release the new 650 Bear nor the 650 Classic. Royal Enfield did.

[@theodavies8754]

I had to leave it around there...

[@bankruptpensioner]

Sorry about that, I should have corrected it but only human 😂😂❤️

[@bankruptpensioner]

Thanks for looking for the first few seconds and apologies for the mistake 😂😂❤️👍

[@theodavies8754]

@bankruptpensioner good luck with your channel. Apologies for my total lack of commitment. I try to keep up in case I need to decide on another bike. My Harley is 26 and might get too heavy at some point.

[@kevindarkstar]

I did read somewhere that royal enfield sell more bikes in their home market in one month than triumph sells in a year worldwide 😊 so to say they are doing something right is an understatement 👍🏻

[@sidmallya7421]

Triumph is botuique bike company. Royal enfield is a engineering company under eicher motors

[@johnm2871]

Comes to something when we think a 7k basic bike is value for money, bike prices are for no reason absolutely overpriced

[@bankruptpensioner]

You're right, John. Especially when a 7K bike, which is a basic bike, in its country from manufacture, costs half the price. You would think, based on cleaner and environment and all that good stuff, the motorcycles were the way forward and therefore import taxes on these bikes would be lower to encourage people out of cars. Maybe that's just my vision.😆

[@markellott5620]

I've had two Royal Enfields. A Scram and the new 450 Himalayan. The Scram was good, but not quite the same quality in fit and finish as an equivalent Japanese machine, but good enough for the money. The Himalayan is in a different league. They have really upped their game without a significant price hike. They also have enough confidence in the product to provide a three year warranty.

[@johnharris7353]

Don't see much or anything about Scrams anymore.

[@markellott5620]

@@johnharris7353 They were an interim model. The last gasp of the old Himalayan. Not a bad little bike for what I wanted it for. The new 450 is better for my needs, so I traded.

[@michaelabernathy7013]

Own a '20 INT 650 and '21 Meteor 350. Love the bikes! The looks, ease of maintenance, reasonable prices count heavily. But mostly they are just a joy to ride! My long owned and much-loved light heavyweight Japanese cruisers are hardly ridden now. About 8000 miles each on the RE's. I feel a connection to RE's upper management too. They love and ride their bikes. If the Teal Classic 650 is as comfortable to ride as my Meteor, I'll be a 3 RE enthusiast and the Japanese bikes I own will be sold off.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Michael, Phil thanks for the comment. Lovely story on the bike you own. Recently, I've been looking on marketplace and found a Royal Enfield shotgun with less than 200 miles for sale at £5200 and only a couple of months old. I am very tempted. Royal Enfield motorcycles are lovely. Full of character. And a very good price. Whilst I have the Triumphs at the moment I am getting pulled towards the Royal Enfield market as it's what everybody can afford, based on the law of averages, et cetera.👍

[@johnrocker2986]

I am on my second RE and both have been excellent and the dealers were also excellent more than I can say about my two Triumphs.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Can't say better than that, John👍

[@MickHargreaves-g7r]

Totally agree Richard, great bikes for the money. Looking forward to seeing the 650 Classic at the show next week. When I owned an Interceptor, a woman fuelling her car rushed over to tell me how beautiful my motorcycle was! Never happened with my adventure bike.

[@maskedavenger2578]

@@MickHargreaves-g7r That’s because adventure bikes are not meant to look beautiful . They are not cat walk models , they are meant to look ugly , rugged & purposeful .

[@billumand]

@@maskedavenger2578interceptor is a city rider, not adventure. Old Himalayan was adventure… it does look 👌

[@maskedavenger2578]

@@billumand Intercepter is a 650 cc. twin road bike for city , town & country . I never said it was an adventure bike , but you can have a adventure on any bike including a moped or push bike . Both the new & old Himalayan like any specifically designed adventure bike is ugly , the newer model even more ugly in appearance . Buts that’s ok , as they were never intended to look pretty show queens , just utility A to B 2 wheeled vehicles .

[@0scartheCat]

& BTW the new Honda GB350s retro single for £4k will upset the applecart, & unless Triumph fixes/ recalls the Kill switch issue with the Speed 400's that's up the shoot too, mind you the switch gear on the Triumph Speed 400's looks like it was supplied by Palitoy...

[@bankruptpensioner]

The GB350 look fantastic - and has the reassurance of Honda behind it. I am very tempted in 2025 to go get one for the channel

[@vincesacca5025]

I like your reviews of motorcycles since I found you and I have subscribed to your shows. You have a warm charm about you, and I feel I am going to get a honest review without the secret handshake. Your title Bankrupt Pensioner is a little bit of a puzzle for me, but I like it. Your view of Royal Enfield bikes is right on with mine. And hundreds of thousands of people agree with you as proof of their sales. I have made a lot of positive comments about them as I watch many shows on motorcycles every night. Their main sales RE are based on Quality, finish, dependability and a warranty that says you can put your Trust in us. One thing they're doing for sure is building a Brand Loyalty. Friend Vince.

[@richardw1043]

Nah the Hunter's selling pretty well worldwide, attracting bikers in their 20s. It's the Super Meteor that's surprisingly not selling as well as I thought. I've got a SM, upgrading from a Himalayan 411. I love the look and feel of the bike but I'm barely getting to 300km for one tank. For a highway cruiser I was kinda hoping more mileage. With the rear suspension issues as well, I'm thinking of downgrading to the Meteor or wait for the Bear 650.

[@bankruptpensioner]

That's reassuring to know, that Richard, the hunter is a great bike but I don't see many of them on the road of the UK which is so sad. I thought my hunter was great for riding around and enjoying a pillion rider with its 26 or thereabouts horsepower. The super meteor looks great. And will be tempted to buy one.👍

[@Howard1776]

Other channels have raised the difficulty in comparing Uk prices with US ones. The US quoting price often does not include significant federal and local taxes which can add 25%+ to the price so US & UK prices for imported bikes are probably comparable.

[@0scartheCat]

why don't you do a pillion experience review on the RE Guerilla 450 like you did for the Hunter350 , it could be quite interesting as nobody has done it yet..

[@bankruptpensioner]

good idea - I shall have to see if the local dealer will let me play 😆

[@logangodofcandy]

In US, the tag price is not the price we pay. We have state, federal, and local taxes after the fact, plus dealer fees. Add $1k - $2k to any US price tag. Suddenly the Triumph 400s and REs aren't that cheap, depending on the dealer

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Logan, I didn't realise it was that expensive to get the tag sorted in the US. That is really interesting. Wow, thanks for letting us know about this.👍

[@RobertDodge]

Yes the RE's are cheap new and are selling very well the downside to this is residual values are just as low so those buying need to consider this when buying just in case they decide to sell their REs reasonably soon if they decide they are not powerful enough.

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

Are they the only volume manufacturer gaining sales right now? What l've noticed about RE's is their appeal to Joe public, a line of bikes at the seaside & a lone Interceptor, that's the only bike non-bikers stop and look at.

[@himydad1499]

Simple, nostalgia is very attractive for a lot of people. RE is the king of nostalgia. Combine that with quality and an affordable price and you have your answer.

[@bankruptpensioner]

That is absolutely true, nostalgia is a wonderful thing and often opens the wallet😆

[@Bigbaldybear]

Love the new channel emblem(?) Richard 😁👍

[@bankruptpensioner]

Thanks ever so much, Scott. All I need to do now is grow and moustache.😆

[@Bigbaldybear]

@@bankruptpensioner 😁

[@larrywade9041]

You hit the nail on the head Richard. Cheers!!! Illinois

[@bankruptpensioner]

I have found your missing messages Larry :)

[@larrywade9041]

@@bankruptpensioner where were they?where did they go? probable the you tube channel had them

[@hsg288]

Re are doing well ! purely because of the price point and quality build , would be interested to know what the residual value is when trading in for another RE , on a 3 year old bike .

[@bankruptpensioner]

Great point raised here let's see what happens after three years👍

[@ianhalliwell8604]

If their both Indian I wonder why RE make such a success of their marketing and BSA are the polar opposite. The new RE 650 classic is nice but rather weighty for my old bones.

[@billumand]

BSA has an engineering problem, not a marketing problem. The engineering hurts their marketing.

[@ianhalliwell8604]

Cutting the price after 1 year by 2 grand isn't a good look weather that's down to engineering or marketing it's just very poor.

[@kevindarkstar]

12:44 simply answer, they understand that there is a need to provide basis affordable motorcycles for the masses 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Nostrildomus]

R.E. is on top of practicality , they know it . . . T/C/E

[@mikehurley5052]

Your intro says BSA have just launched a 650 bear, i think not, haha.

[@geraldscott4302]

The new 650 Classic is beautiful. Especially that teal colored one. Bright shiny paint, lots of bright shiny aluminum and chrome. No disgusting flat black anywhere. I want one. But pretty much everything else RE makes is just flat black garbage. As someone who has owned a number of real vintage British bikes, not a SINGLE one of them were flat black.

[@basilwatson1]

ps; My daily driver is a 80s Royal enfield 350 bullet iron barreled Just took it off the road for a refresh over the winter So Im sorry royal enfield , when this bike dies ,,then I might buy a new one

[@bankruptpensioner]

That's the way to do it basil. That's where you get your value for money when you keep it that long and keep it running. Well done.👍

[@nicholasjarrold8649]

Morning Richard as I said to you I was interested in a T120 bonnie for a winter bike as well as a few others but now I’m looking and probably getting a RE Guerilla I know it’s on a 450 but for around £5000 over half the price just for a winter bike is the most sensible way to go and I do love the look of the guerilla and as well made as triumph although as a winter hack it will not go out once the salt has gone down and it will do 70 mph which is plenty for winter speeds and any time of year really and I save £5000 to add some nice bits to the guerilla and my triumph rocket 3gt win win I say what you think and the rocket stays covered over winter in garage bye for now

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Nicholas, my T 120 isn't going in the garage for the winter. Don't want to get too much salt on it. I suspect the Royal Enfield gorilla is going to be a great bike for the winter. Light and manoeuverable and more than fast enough and it's a great price and it looks brilliant.

[@maskedavenger2578]

I reckon RE are producing too many models . They need to sort out any issues on the ones they already have . There is already a glut of unsold RE being discounted in an effort to get them flogged . They already got too many models using the same engine lump. If they really had to bring out a new model 650 , it should of been a big 650 single thumper . That teal green is too shiny & tacky , it needs to be a more Matt finish. The only RE bikes I like or would consider owning are the Himalayan 411 , the 350 classic & Gorilla . Also not into modern Triumphs not even the fake Bonnies , much prefer the proper old school ones they had more elegance, as did the proper Tigers . I reckon most motorcycle manufactures will end up getting their bikes knocked up in India, China or Vietnam in order to compete . The likes of Triumph , BWW & Ducati are well over priced & over laden in idiot proofing tech, to attract nerds . Never needed or used a sat nav or ioochi. gizmo in my life. Riders who need such gubbins in order to find their way about & back home again , are a liability to themselves & other road users, & shouldn’t be allowed out without supervision . 😎👍

[@maskedavenger2578]

@@chrro466 This is why I tend to buy Hondas or Suzukis , I never had one let me down in over 50 years of owning or riding them . Always had issues when choosing non Japanese brands , although If I were to choose another non Japanese brand , it would likely be one with an RE badge on it .

[@fuglbird]

The Royal Enfields are market leaders in India because of their low price. You tell us that they double the price in the UK and still sell well. They increase the price further in the EU and the selling stops. The show rooms here are filled with 3 year old models. At the current price they cannot compete with proper Japanese motorcycles.

[@logangodofcandy]

I'm not familiar with all the Japanese bikes selling for $5k like, at all

[@bankruptpensioner]

We shall have to wait and see how the GB350 sells in the UK. Can't wait for it to come to the marketplace in the UK.👍

[@paulwelch4373]

Scram 411 could get you to the Alps. Better suspension than the new scrambler.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Paul, the scram 411 is a wonderful machine and it will go anywhere. Especially to the Alps. All you Gotta do is take your time and enjoy the ride which the 411 will give.👍

[@IndigoJo]

The other day I saw a comparison of the KTM 390 Adventure and the Honda CB500X, and the KTM came out better. I commented that they weren't really comparable because of different engine types and sizes; the comparable bikes to the KTM were the Triumph Speed (or Scrambler) 400 and the Enfield Guerrilla or Himalayan 450. He curtly told me Enfield were a joke and didn't even compare. I thought that was harsh but didn't push it as he'd clearly made up his mind. FWIW, I think they've let the Guerrilla down with such a small fuel tank. I suspect they're doing well because they're simple and easy to maintain yourself, while the likes of Honda expect you to bring it to the dealership for pretty much anything. Honda's manual for some of their recent models is extremely slim; their bikes also look pretty ugly, with a front that looks like the face of a cartoon monster, and there are serious question marks about their build quality though their engines are said to still be top notch. It says a lot that they've just released a bike that looks like a rebadged Enfield. As for why it's much cheaper in India, I guess it's because a lot of things are cheaper there, including labour, and Indian bike dealers have Indian costs, while getting them to the UK costs money, and maintaining a British dealership network means paying British wages.

[@IndigoJo]

@@chrro466 What's an MZ?

[@shardlake]

RE are far from the top seller in India or Globally - Hero/Bajaj/TVS to name a few, and no one can beat Honda which outsells everything. RE make some fine looking bikes. Be interesting to see how well the GB350S does now it is finally being sold in Europe.

[@Geekontourwheels]

Yes but RE does have Honda worried - The GB is completely benchmarked on the Classic 350!

[@shardlake]

@@Geekontourwheels Agreed, great for competition, which is good for the customers :)

[@johnharris7353]

Sorry I'm u subbing from any bloggers where the most prominent item I'm looking at is a damn cellphone or tablet-like thing or screen .

[@mum-0217]

Richard, I think you sound very tempted to trade out the 400x for the Royal Enfield. What a superb Xmas present that would make? 🎅

[@bankruptpensioner]

Tempted to the wrong word. And I don't want to let go over the 400. That means it could be a third bike in the collection. Bank manager is going crazy.😆. I do like the Royal Enfield classic 650, I really do. It looks the part. Now you've got me thinking again I'll not be sleeping tonight.😆

[@DaveOasist]

Just brought the new Guerrilla 450 and what a great bike for £5050.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Well done Dave, you've picked a great bike and I know you're going to have a great time on that. A great choice.👍

[@DaveOasist]

@@bankruptpensioner Thank you mate 😁

[@seancarter8006]

So you start this video with "BSA have recently released the new Bear 650 & the Classic 650" ....dont you watch yr videos before posting them?!? 😂😂😂😂

[@bankruptpensioner]

Sorry, I didn’t pick that one up 😂😂 apologies all round but we are Human 👍👍❤️

[@stevegresty4181]

Don't think they did.........

[@electrobob1]

IMO the Hunter looks like a modern bike but performance wise it is just a tad underperforming. A Classic350 looks very dated and performs decent taking into account it's appearance despite similar power output. Because of this, when riding my RedChrome350, traffic at highways are very friendly and thumbs up acting polite like riding a chopper at 60mph. However the Hunter driver may feel more impatience and perhaps anger... I guess for a Hunter reviewers state it is underpowered while it's appearance make it look it is a decent commuter. Fortunately RE upgraded the Scram411 to 440 to make it a proper european commuter. Love the Classic350 RedChrome. Perhaps the chrome and mirror polished engine gives me so many greetings and joy speed isn't an issue. More than any other bike the Classic is about the ride and not the destination. The Classic650 is a different animal. It looks retro but to me the design looks a bit off, sound is dissapoining and without fairing at 70mph it is as uncomfortable as a 350. However for the 20hp critics there is an alternative. The Shotgun650 looks more cohesive than the classic650

[@Roastbeef01]

Opening line BSA ?????

[@bankruptpensioner]

Apologies again 😂😂❤️

[@SkysaxonDragonslayer]

Great looking and driving bikes for a reasonable amount of money - that’s RE! I wanted a Classic 350, because it would forfill all my needs, but couldn’t sell my Sportster 1200 for a reasonable price and my RE dealer doesn’t do trade ins at all… So I keep it and ride it as well as my daily commuter a Honda PCX 125… Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

There are no longer "reasonable prices" for a seller, the market has crashed. If you want another bike you've got to accept that or keep it.

[@SkysaxonDragonslayer]

@ If a price is reasonable / acceptable for me is just a decision I have to make and nobody else! As I said I keep the bike, so no reason for you to comment on this!!!

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

@@SkysaxonDragonslayer l'll comment on what l like thank you.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Hi Sky, yes the classic 350 is a lovely looking bike and with some 26 hp, It's great on the road. And it's amazing how this amount of power lets you look at what's at the side of the road rather than the slab of concrete in front of you. A great relaxing ride.

[@michaelpopelka1483]

Looks are subjective, and imo the RE 650 Classic is not a very good looking retro compared to the Triumph Bonneville line though the prices are vastly superior.

[@bankruptpensioner]

Absolutely agree with you, Michael, everything subjective and as they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Both the Bonneville and the classic are wonderful looking bikes in their own right.👍

[@electrobob1]

Maybe it's me, but bike engines designed like end fase anorexia are not very appealing giving a revive on retro bikes. Engine looks does matter to me and I guess for many others Specs do not tell character. Kr, Guzzi Griso1200V8 and Classic350 owner.

[@PNH63]

Buy cheap buy twice, very underpowered, looks subjective, second hand value, can’t give it away.

[@ianhalliwell8604]

That's the GoldStar your talking about, is it ?

[@markgoscinski3509]

Well I've found from experience of having a ducati , the depreciation is enough to buy a decent cf moto, benelli, R.E. , and probably have as much fun and use as the Ducati

[@markellott5620]

@@markgoscinski3509 Yes, all bikes depreciate heavily in the early years of ownership. If it cost less to buy, you use less. As for these bikes being cheap - they are good value for money and last well.

[@jonathanmanhorn]

You know nothing

[@mauricemidgley2862]

Not my experience. You apparently haven't looked closely at the newer models