Royal Enfield Bullet, a Bad-Ass Indian-Made Motorcycle

royal-e-01India probably isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of high-quality motorcycles, but this mentality has changed among bikers and critics thanks to the Royal Enfield Bullet (see image to the right). This classic model is one of the world's longest running motorcycles that's still in production. While it's always been a popular choice among Indian residents, the Royal Enfield Bullet has since spread into other countries and territories, with nearly 175,000 units sold last year.

The Royal Enfield Bullet was originally produced by the British-based motorcycle company Royal Enfield. Production began in 1931 out of the company's factory in West Midlands. However, the Indian-based company, Royal Enfield Motors, purchased rights to the Bullet. Although there was a short period when production temporarily stopped in the mid 1940s, it's continued ever since.

So, what's the secret to the Royal Enfield Bullet's success? For starters, it possesses a natural vintage/classic style that's simply not found in most other modern-day motorcycles. While them mechanics and engine components have changed throughout the years, the overall body style and design remains relatively the same. Some people compare the modern-day Bullet to a vintage Harley-Davidson, as they both feature a similar shape and style.

Of course, there's plenty of power packed in the Royal Enfield Bullet, as well, which is another reason why so many bikers are eager to own one. The latest model features an all-aluminum 500 cc UCE fuel-injected engine along with an integrated five-speed gearbox. This offers the best combination of power along without sacrificing weight, as the switch from cast-iron engines to aluminum significantly reduced its overall weight.

The Royal Enfield Bullet comes with a price tag of just $2,000. This offers residents an affordable way to commute without spending a fortune on a Harley-Davidson. Harleys are currently edging their way into the Indian marketplace, but the cost of a Harley is far more than the Bullet.

With that said, there's still a growing demand for Harleys in India. Harley-Davidson just recently began selling their motorcycles in India (2010), but the future is looking bright for the company. "Before we came, if there was any passion among motorcyclists at all, it was among Royal Enfield owners. People underestimated the market, thinking that, at our level, sales would be fewer than 800 bikes a year across the country," said Harley-Davidson director Anoop Prakash.

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