Why Bike Makers Eye Royal Enfield Pie

Hero, Bajaj, Yamaha and TVS work on taking market share from Royal Enfield.

- NEVIN JOHN

ROYAL ENFIELD has been luring motorbike enthusiasts with its muffled thud for almost three decades. Now, rival bike makers have also realised the importance of the premium lifestyle 350-400cc segment where Enfield has had an unchallenged run.

In a quick move, Hero MotoCorp entered into an alliance with Harley Davidson to launch the iconic U.S. motorcycle in early July, at a price fine-tuned for the Indian market. Close on its heels, Bajaj Auto unveiled British motorcycle manufacturer Triumph’s two 400cc models. Yamaha India plans to roll out its first set of 300cc bikes, R3 and MT03, this year. TVS is also working on 225cc-350cc bikes.