After a dazzling debut at EICMA 2022 and Rider Mania 2022, the Super Meteor 650 is landing on our YouTube Channel.
Join us for the premiere of our all-new thoroughbred cruiser on January 16, 2023 at 07:30 PM India Standard Time.
Visit: https://www.royalenfield.com/
WATCH IT LIVE
by Swaraj Baggonkar from https://www.moneycontrol.com
Royal Enfield will have the highest number of launches this year: CEO Vinod Dasari
This year, Royal Enfield is ready to introduce more models annually than ever before as the niche bike maker looks to further strengthen its iron grip on the middleweight motorcycle segment
The Eicher Motors-controlled company that specialises in building bikes with engine sizes of 350cc to 650cc, currently, has its order backlog full. This can keep its factories running for the next 2-3 months without any new bookings.
Speaking to analysts, Vinod Dasari, CEO, Royal Enfield, said: “We have a very exciting (product) pipeline. This year will probably see the highest number of new models that is ever seen from Royal Enfield in a year. And that is just the beginning of the pipeline.”
Over the last few months, Royal Enfield launched the Meteor 350 and the new Himalayan, besides offering new colours on the 650 twins – Continental GT and Interceptor. Dasari did not provide details on the models that can be expected from Royal Enfield.
“We will continue to have one new model every quarter. Because there is a delay due to COVID right now, I don’t think we will squeeze everything in but there are some very big models coming in. We are very excited about it. We will have to do all the marketing and market preparedness for that,” Dasari added.
While sales of the 650 twins in India nearly halved to 10,256 units in FY21, largely due to COVID-19 disruption, Royal Enfield believes that there is space for more 650cc products.
“Yes, there is a need to think about every platform. Not just the Twins, but Himalayan, Meteor and Classic. So we should think about every platform on how we can meet other kinds of customer requirements,” Dasari added.
The pandemic disrupted the supply chain network of the automotive industry, leading to shortages and delay of critical parts with parts manufacturers dealing with high absenteeism on the shop floor. Shortage of semiconductors, which started in Q3FY21, is still impacting output.
Royal Enfield production has also taken a hit, dropping to half of its peak output during the first two months of FY22. From 80,000 units a month, Royal Enfield sold an average of 40,000 units a month between April and May. The company, however, has an order backlog of 2-3 months.
“New model launch development takes 3-5 years depending on the complexity of the vehicle. So, the models are ready, I want to be able to have a clear visibility of the supply chain so I can launch it in enough quantity and not be short of supply. So, we may delay the launch by a month or so but I don’t see any massive changes because of that,” Dasari added.
Royal Enfield New Motorcycle Launches Will Be Highest This Year – CEO
by Arun Prakash from https://www.rushlane.com
In Dasari’s own words, “This year will probably see the highest number of new models that are ever seen from Royal Enfield in a year”.
Although Covid-19 has led to disruptions of operations at many levels, Royal Enfield is still confident to launch multiple new models in FY2022
Even if the company does not receive any new bookings, it has enough backlog orders to clear which will keep the assembly line moving for at least the next 2-3 months.
Late last year, the Chennai-based bikemaker announced that henceforth it will be launching as many four models (new and upgraded) every year which meant one new launch every quarter.
Future RE models
Since November last year, Royal Enfield has launched one brand new model in the form of Meteor 350 and updated three others including Himalayan, Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650. The brand’s next big-ticket launch is expected to be the new-gen Classic 350 which will be based on the J architecture as Meteor. Along with this, the company has planned a couple of 650cc models including a cruiser and a classic roadster.
The manufacturer is also reportedly developing a new scrambler based on the same 650cc parallel-twin chassis. The company recently filed a trademark for the same called ‘Scram’.
Another crucial new model slated to launch in the coming few months is the new roadster which goes by the name ‘Hunter’ and is expected to take on Honda CB350 H’Ness. According to Dasari, all these models are ready to be launched as they have already been in development for 3-5 years.
from https://www.financialexpress.com
Royal Enfield recalls Meteor 350, Classic & Bullet bikes sold.
The company states that the defect was discovered during routine internal testing and the issue has been clearly identified and isolated to specific batches of material.
Royal Enfield has announced a recall of three models in seven countries over a defect discovered in one of the parts. The defect is in the ignition coil that can cause misfiring, reduced vehicle performance, or rarely an electric short circuit. The three motorcycle models include the Meteor 350, Classic and Bullet. While the company is recalling Meteor 350 units built between December 2020 and April 2021, the Classic and Bullet units produced between January and April 2021 have been recalled.
In a press statement, Royal Enfield states that the defect was discovered during routine internal testing and the issue has been clearly identified and isolated to specific batches of material sourced from an external supplier.
The recall has been initiated as a precautionary measure, the statement continues adding that the issue is rare and does not impact all motorcycles manufactured during the mentioned period.
Is your motorcycle affected?
Close to 2,36,966 motorcycles of the Classic, Bullet and Meteor models will be recalled. As mentioned above, only those manufactured and sold between December 2020 and April 2021 for the Meteor, and between January and April 2021 for the Classic and Bullet.
The recall will be applicable to Meteor, Classic and Bullet motorcycles sold in India, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia.
What to do?
The company states that only an estimated 10 percent of motorcycles will require replacement of the part. All recalled units will undergo inspection and if required, the defective part will be replaced.
Royal Enfield service teams, and/or local dealerships will reach out to consumers whose motorcycle Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) number falls within the manufacturing period mentioned. Consumers can also proactively reach out to their local Royal Enfield Workshops or call Royal Enfield to verify.
METEOR 350 TO ARRIVE AT NORTH AMERICAN DEALERS
349cc single-cylinder Meteor set to arrive at dealers in May
Milwaukee, Wis (Wednesday, April 6, 2021) — The Royal Enfield Meteor 350, announced in late 2020, is set to debut at Royal Enfield dealerships across North America. Drawing on Royal Enfield’s rich history, the middleweight Meteor revives the iconic name given to its predecessor, which was released in the 1950s. The Meteor 350 pricing will begin at $4,399 for the Fireball.
The Meteor 350 is a new design built from the ground up, created by designers and engineers based at Royal Enfield’s two state-of-the-art technical centers, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and Bruntingthorpe, UK. With a fuel-injected 349cc air-oil-cooled single-cylinder engine, the Meteor generates 20.2 bhp and 19 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Designed with a balancer shaft, the new platform gives a smooth and well-mannered riding experience, while retaining Royal Enfield’s “thump.” The Meteor 350 also features a twin downtube spline frame, a seat height of 30.1 inches and a curb weight of 421 pounds, making it an approachable and fun motorcycle for nearly any rider.
“The Meteor 350 is a perfect balance of fun and style for any rider,” said Breeann Poland, Marketing and Communications Lead-Americas. “Riders will have the opportunity to choose the Meteor 350 in three model trims: the Fireball, the Stellar and the Supernova, each with its own unique personality and styling. The Meteor displays Royal Enfield’s commitment to our global position as the leader in the middleweight segment, offering a diverse lineup of motorcycles to all riders.”
The Meteor 350 will be available in seven color variations. The Fireball will be available with blacked-out trim pieces and pinstripe wheels, while the Meteor 350 Stellar will offer a passenger backrest. The Supernova will offer both a windscreen and a passenger backrest. A constant-mesh five-speed gearbox and multi-plate wet clutch handle shifting duties and deliver a smooth, linear feel to the rider. The Meteor 350’s 19-inch front alloy wheel features a 100/90-19 57P CEAT tubeless tire, while the rear is equipped with a 17-inch 140/70-17 66P CEAT tubeless tire. The Meteor 350 comes standard with telescopic 41mm front forks and twin emulsion adjustable rear shocks, with six-step preload settings to adjust ride characteristics.
Making its debut on the Meteor 350 is the new TBT (Turn-By-Turn) navigation pod, known as the Royal Enfield Tripper, a navigation display device for real-time directions, built within the Google Maps Platform. The Tripper displays the best route to reach a destination using Google Maps’ navigation. Paired via the Royal Enfield App to the rider’s smartphone, the Tripper is simplicity itself, clearly and efficiently giving the required level of information whilst remaining unintrusive.
A full line of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories will be available to further customize the Meteor 350 depending on the rider’s preferences, including parts such as windscreens, backrests, larger foot pegs and more.
The Meteor 350 is set to arrive at dealerships in May. For more information, visit your local Royal Enfield dealer or www.royalenfield.com.
Royal Enfield invites you to the launch of the all-new Meteor 350. Please join Krishnan Ramaswamy, President of Royal Enfield Americas, and Breeann Poland, Head of Marketing & Communication Royal Enfield Americas, as they introduce you to the newest motorcycle in the Royal Enfield North American lineup.
This interactive launch will take place on April 6 at 2 PM CST. Mark Wells, Head of Product Strategy & Rich Rawlins, Head of Genuine Motorcycle Accessories will join Krishnan and Breeann to discuss the development & design of the Meteor along with details regarding pricing and availability. During this time, information regarding Royal Enfield’s business objectives & brand direction in North America will be shared as well.
Royal Enfield is celebrating 120 years of pure motorcycling & with that comes all new initiatives & programs for 2021. You won’t want to miss out on this announcement!
Date: April 6th, 2021
Time: 2:00 PM CST
by Arun Prakash from https://www.rushlane.com
Royal Enfield is looking to strengthen its position by expanding its portfolio both in domestic as well as overseas markets
Royal Enfield recently launched its cruiser motorcycle Meteor 350 after a long and arduous wait. The bike had been highly anticipated for almost a year now and since its launch has mostly received positive responses from different quarters. However, Royal Enfield will not be limiting itself with this launch.
The Chennai-based bikemaker is looking to expand its portfolio – both domestic and international – by introducing as many 28 new models, in the next seven years. Starting with the Meteor 350, which was recently launched, the next bike planned for launch is the new gen Classic 350 in next quarter. This is expected to be followed by new gen Bullet 350, Electra 350, Cruiser 650, Himalayan 650, Classic Electric etc.
Royal Enfield Future Plans
Speaking to PTI on Royal Enfield’s future plans, CEO Vinod K Dasari said that the company has got a product plan for the next seven years or so. He added that the brand is looking to launch a new product every quarter which means that at least 28 new bikes will be launched in the next seven years. This is to strengthen its position in the domestic as well as international markets.
Royal Enfield recently set up a new manufacturing facility in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires which became the company’s first overseas production base outside India. The company is also looking to set up a new manufacturing facility in Thailand in the next 6-12 months followed by one in Brazil in the future.
He further goes on to add that all these new motorcycles will play in the mid-segment, i.e., 250cc-750cc displacement. Dasari did not divulge any details regarding the investment required for the upcoming models but said that the company will spend “several hundred crores on new products, new technologies like electric vehicles, digital solutions and so on”. Yes, an all electric Royal Enfield based on the Classic platform is due for launch in 2023.
Dasari further elaborates that the company has enough production capacity for the next 2-3 years and, therefore, a significant amount of its investments will be flown towards development of new technology including digital solutions, enhancements and new products including EVs; and global expansion.
Royal Enfield’s Growth Prospects This Year
When questioned about the brand’s growth prospects in the domestic market in the current fiscal year, Dasari said this year has to be seen on a month-on-month basis. The first four to five months businesses were seriously affected due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus and the subsequent nationwide lockdown.
However, now the company has achieved booking levels better than pre-Covid levels. He claims that even though Royal Enfield has received bookings for more than one month, it has inventory in the pipeline left to suffice 15-20 days.
Meteor 350
Royal Enfield, primarily known for its mid-segment displacement motorcycles, has been in the news very often lately due to the launch of Meteor 350. It is offered in three variants- Fireball, Stellar and Supernova and has been priced at Rs 1.75 lakh for the base variant and Rs 1.90 lakh for the top-spec variant. (Both prices are ex-showroom).
ROYAL ENFIELD LAUNCHES THE ALL-NEW CRUISER, THE METEOR 350
The iconic cruiser returns in the modern era with select model trims to be released in the Americas in Spring 2021
Milwaukee, Wis (Wednesday, November 11th, 2020) – Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size motorcycle segment (250cc-750cc), recently announced the launch of its all-new cruiser, the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 in India and will be available in select model trims in the Americas in 2021. The new Meteor 350 adds another chapter to Royal Enfield’s legacy of producing beloved mid-sized motorcycles.
The Meteor 350 inherits its name from the iconic Royal Enfield motorcycle of the 1950’s. Launched at the end of 1952, the Meteor was a respected touring motorcycle with a reputation that has stood the test of time. The new Royal Enfield Meteor 350 cruiser, carries Royal Enfield’s signature styling but with many modern improvements, and is set to be an equally outstanding machine for our times.
Designed and developed by the talented teams of designers and engineers based at Royal Enfield’s two state-of-the-art technical centers, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and Bruntingthorpe, UK, the Meteor 350 is an undeniably attractive motorcycle. The development and refinement such as the mechanical components, fittings and finish has yielded a truly top-class, modern motorcycle, while retaining the Meteor 350’s Royal Enfield DNA. With a fuel injected, 349cc air-oil cooled single-cylinder engine, the Meteor generates 20.2 bhp and 19 ft-lbs of torque at 4000 rpm. Designed with a balancer shaft, the new platform gives a smooth and well-mannered ride experience, while great care has been taken to retain that essential Royal Enfield ‘thump’.
The Meteor 350’s twin downtube spline frame has been designed to inspire confidence in any riding condition. Its low seat height and centre of gravity in combination with its inherent strength and rigidity results in the optimal motorcycle for the urban rider. Sure-footed handling and luxurious comfort are aided by 41mm forks with 130mm of travel and twin tube emulsion shock absorbers with 6-step adjustable preload at the rear. The footpegs are forward-mounted, with a heel and toe gearshift.
The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 will be available in three trims − the Fireball, the Stellar and the Supernova. All editions are fitted with alloy wheels and tubeless tires are standard, giving riders convenience and peace of mind, especially on long journeys. For added comfort a 100/90 – 19 tire is used on the front and a 140/70 – 17 at the rear. Braking components are the strongest on a Royal Enfield single to date, with 300mm front and 270mm rear discs and dual-channel ABS.
The Meteor 350’s head and tail lights combine the clean, contemporary look of LEDs with the efficiency and timeless appeal of a well-sorted Halogen headlamp. Uncluttered handlebar controls and switchgear are premium quality, with rotary power and lighting switches giving a gentle nod to the past.
The Meteor 350 will be available at dealerships in North America in Spring 2021.
#Missoutonnothing #RoyalEnfield #PureMotorcycling #RidePure
For more information on Royal Enfield North America, please visit www.RoyalEnfield.com/us/en/, www.Instagram.com/
by Arun Prakash from https://www.rushlane.com
Meteor 350 is the latest offering from Chennai-based manufacturer; and will replace Thunder 350 and Thunderbird 350X
Motorcycle enthusiasts who were patiently awaiting launch of the new Meteor 350 would have to hold on a bit longer. Royal Enfield has now postponed the launch of Meteor 350 to next month.
Technically, the launch has not been postponed – as Royal Enfield never really announced a launch date for Meteor 350 officially. It was the reports via leaked images, sources and brochures, which confirmed that launch of Meteor 350 was to take place later this month. But now same sources state that launch has been postponed indefinitely.
The reason for this postponement of launch is yet unknown. But it is likely, the reason is due to the upcoming Honda Cruiser. In the last few days, Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India has announced that they will be launching a new cruiser motorcycle on the 30th of Sep. They have also released a teaser, which includes the exhaust note of this new motorcycle.
It has been years, where Honda has talked about entering the sub 500cc cruiser segment, to take on Royal Enfield. As of now, in the 350-500cc segment, it is Royal Enfield which enjoys monopoly with over 85% market share. Will Honda finally give India a fitting rival to Royal Enfield motorcycles on 30th Sep?
The teasers indicate that the upcoming Honda motorcycle is either the Rebel 300 or Rebel 500 or something which is based on them. In either case, one thing is confirmed that this new motorcycle is going to be a direct rival to a Royal Enfield motorcycle in India. The question now remains is, which RE motorcycle will be targeted by this new Honda cruiser, and what will be its price.
With Honda Cruiser launch date so near, it is possible that RE would want to wait and see what is Honda actually going to launch and in what price segment. And this could be the reason why launch date of Meteor 350 has been postponed (unofficially).
Meteor 350 Engine
Meteor 350 is built upon the new J1D platform and will draw its power from a new 349cc single-cylinder air-cooled motor. This unit is capable of producing 20.2 bhp and is 27 Nm of torque. This is 0.4 bhp more and 1 Nm less than the previous generation 350cc engine.
The new generation Classic 350 is expected to be the next motorcycle under this range. The transmission is likely to be a 5-speed gearbox however this new gearbox is said to offer far smoother gear shifts. Similarly, the clutch is also newly developed with less number of linkages and components- resulting in a better clutch life.
Features on offer
As far as features are concerned, the Meteor 350 will be equipped with a semi-digital and semi-analog instrument cluster. It also comes with a USB charging point which enables the riders to charge their phones and action cameras, thus becoming a handy touring option. The TFT screen reads out important details of trip metre, service reminder, odometer, etc. It gets a round-shaped halogen headlamp which is circled by a ring of LED DRL.
Extended features include inbuilt turn-by-turn navigation called ‘Tripper Navigation’ and Bluetooth connectivity. The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is likely to be priced from Rs 1.65 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards.
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