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[JaimeC]

https://www.cycleworld.com/story/bikes/royal-enfield-electric/

[Richard230]

Don't hold your breath before that happens. They started building bikes just like my Royal Enfield Bullet in 1952 which hasn't changed much since then. Royal Enfield has a customer base a lot more conservative than H-D and they don't like change. 

[wavelet]

Don't hold your breath before that happens. They started building bikes just like my Royal Enfield Bullet in 1952 which hasn't changed much since then. Royal Enfield has a customer base a lot more conservative than H-D and they don't like change. 

India is probably the only country where EV motorcycles (lower-powered ones, to be sure, but not moped class -- more like 350-500cc class) will likely become significant long before they have an appreciable number of EV cars. It's the world's largest moto market (22M units/year, vs. ~4M cars/year).

RE has actually developed several new models the last few years, as well as several electric prototypes, and their CEO is on record 2.5 years ago saying they'll have electric models within a couple of years. Their local market came close to a 2025 ban on ICE <=150cc class machines, and they need electrics to expand.
No telling whether that happens,  but they're well positioned for it.

[Crissa]

Royal Enfield has a customer base?

-Crissa

[shayan]

Royal Enfield has a customer base?

-Crissa

From what i know of/remember it has a big following in India. Many of the folks who go riding up the Himalayas are mostly Royal Enfield riders! It is known for its capability to tackle rough terrain, but not exactly off roading though.

[princec]

RE manufactures close to a million motorcycles every year...

Cas

[Richard230]

RE manufactures close to a million motorcycles every year...

Cas

At least they did until this year. The word is that the factory is operating at about 30% capacity due to pandemic safety restrictions.

[BigPoppa]

Although I am nowhere near an expert on these things, given the specs of current electric motorcycles like Zero’s SR/* line and the Energicas, I could see a lower spec electric fitting within Enfield’s current lineup. An Enfield electric motorcycle with a top speed of about 75mph and a city range of about 120 miles seems like it would be doable with a smaller battery pack and not a lot of weight when compared to other street oriented electric motorcycles.

I definitely want to see what the eventually bring to market. As the say, competition is good and will only serve to drive the electric motorcycle further forward in regards to more affordable models.

[wavelet]

Although I am nowhere near an expert on these things, given the specs of current electric motorcycles like Zero’s SR/* line and the Energicas, I could see a lower spec electric fitting within Enfield’s current lineup. An Enfield electric motorcycle with a top speed of about 75mph and a city range of about 120 miles seems like it would be doable with a smaller battery pack and not a lot of weight when compared to other street oriented electric motorcycles.

I definitely want to see what the eventually bring to market. As the say, competition is good and will only serve to drive the electric motorcycle further forward in regards to more affordable models.

There are several 125cc ICE-equivalent e-motorcycles on the market, primarily aimed at commuting, (e.g., the Evoke Urban Classic/Urban S which have specs very much like what you mention; they're selling in Europe & Australia, although I don't think they're in the US yet.)

[wavelet]

RE manufactures close to a million motorcycles every year...

Cas

At least they did until this year. The word is that the factory is operating at about 30% capacity due to pandemic safety restrictions.

That's long since improved. They do have supply chain issues, but the sales decrease from last to this FY was 15-20%, which isn't bad compared to most automotive manufacturers. They've moved to double shifts in some plants to try and fill the backlog.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/topic/covid-impact-on-royal-enfield

(No, I'm not any kind of professional analyst of the Indian market    ; however, I'm following this since I think the chances are we'll be seeing a 500-600cc-class decent-priced electric bike  with decent range from RE half a decade at least before we see one from any of the Big4 Japanese or European manufacturers.)

[wavelet]

Royal Enfield has a customer base?

-Crissa

From what i know of/remember it has a big following in India. Many of the folks who go riding up the Himalayas are mostly Royal Enfield riders! It is known for its capability to tackle rough terrain, but not exactly off roading though.

There are lots of places where motorcycles are primary means of transportation, not hobbytime toys, and not just India.
While RE bikes need a lot of ongoing maintenance, there are places where that's more than balanced by the fact that anyone with a minimum of tools & mechanical aptitude can repair them easily.

[Richard230]

Royal Enfield has a customer base?

-Crissa

From what i know of/remember it has a big following in India. Many of the folks who go riding up the Himalayas are mostly Royal Enfield riders! It is known for its capability to tackle rough terrain, but not exactly off roading though.

There are lots of places where motorcycles are primary means of transportation, not hobbytime toys, and not just India.
While RE bikes need a lot of ongoing maintenance, there are places where that's more than balanced by the fact that anyone with a minimum of tools & mechanical aptitude can repair them easily.

You mean like this:      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8L_pT2SttI&feature=youtu.be

[DonTom]

There are lots of places where motorcycles are primary means of transportation, not hobbytime toys, and not just India.

Such as in Vietnam.


-Don-  Reno, NV

[Crissa]

Yeah, that's how I use my S   I don't even have a road that goes over 65 here.  Tho I don't go far, it can pass people with ease, which is nice, i gotta say.

-Crissa

[Richard230]

One thing electric motorcycle are really good at is getting a hole-shot on cars when you filter to the front of the line at traffic signals.