Royal Enfield: A Timeless Legacy Meets Urban Evolution

Founded in 1901 in Redditch, England, Royal Enfield holds the distinction of being one of the oldest motorcycle brands in the world that is still in continuous production. From building motorcycles for the British Army during wartime to shaping post-war motorcycling culture, Royal Enfield’s journey is steeped in engineering heritage and timeless design.

Though its operations in the UK ceased in 1970, the brand was reborn on Indian soil. Manufacturing began in 1955 under a partnership with Madras Motors and later became part of Eicher Motors. Since then, Royal Enfield has transformed into a global icon rooted in tradition yet responsive to evolving rider needs.

Today, Royal Enfield dominates the premium motorcycle segment in India — bikes with engine displacements of 350cc and above — commanding an estimated 85-90% market share. This leadership is driven by its iconic models, distinct thump, and legacy appeal, all delivered at accessible price points.

Internationally, Royal Enfield continues to scale rapidly. The brand holds about 7% market share in the 250cc–750cc segment in the Americas, and between 8–10% across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. Markets like Thailand, Brazil, and the UK have shown especially robust growth.

But Royal Enfield is more than just a motorcycle manufacturer — it has cultivated a passionate global community of riders and cultural enthusiasts. Signature events like Rider Mania, Himalayan Odyssey, and One Ride celebrate the spirit of exploration, freedom, and heritage riding that the brand embodies.

In recent years, new models such as the Royal Enfield Himalayan and Interceptor 650 have enhanced the brand’s credibility as a maker of affordable, dependable, and versatile motorcycles for a wide range of riders — from seasoned adventurers to city commuters.

The 2025 Hunter 350: A New Chapter in Urban Riding

Among the most successful additions to Royal Enfield’s stable is the Hunter 350, a compact, retro-inspired roadster built for the modern urban rider. First launched in August 2022, the Hunter quickly became a global bestseller, especially resonating with younger riders in metropolitan areas.

Now, Royal Enfield has announced a major upgrade to this model: the 2025 Hunter 350. With over 500,000 units sold globally, the Hunter has carved a strong niche for itself as the brand’s most agile and accessible motorcycle — a machine that balances style, performance, and affordability.

The 2025 version introduces several key enhancements tailored to today’s urban riding demands. These include:

– A new LED headlamp for better visibility and a modern aesthetic
– Fast charging capability, catering to connected lifestyles
– An assist and slip clutch, making it the first 350cc RE to feature this technology
– Ergonomic improvements for a more comfortable ride
– A fresh palette of colours inspired by global cities: Rio White, Tokyo Black, London Red, among others

According to Mohit Dhar Jayal, Chief Brand Officer at Royal Enfield, the Hunter was born from conversations with young riders who loved the Royal Enfield soul — its torque, tactile feel, and vintage charm — but needed a more nimble, urban-friendly bike.

“The Hunter resembles a single-shot espresso — the essence of Royal Enfield in its purest form,” Jayal said.

Prices for the updated model vary based on design editions:
– The Hunter Factory Black is priced at Rs 1,49,900
– The Dapper Rio White and Dapper Grey editions cost Rs 1,76,750
– The Rebel Tokyo Black, Rebel Blue, and London Red are priced at Rs 1,81,750

These pricing tiers reflect different combinations of finishes, paint schemes, and feature inclusions, giving buyers flexible options that cater to personal style and budget.

HunterHood: A Culture, Not Just a Motorcycle

To support the launch of the updated Hunter, Royal Enfield rolled out HunterHood — a new cultural movement and event platform that celebrates the intersection of motorcycles and modern urban culture.

In April 2025, the first HunterHood festivals were held simultaneously in Mumbai and New Delhi, drawing large crowds of artists, musicians, bikers, skaters, and youth creatives. The events featured live performances by popular Indian rap artists like Ikka, Dhanji, and Shah Rule, alongside graffiti art, BMX shows, dance battles, and other immersive street culture experiences.

HunterHood is part of Royal Enfield’s broader mission to not only sell motorcycles but built lifestyle ecosystems around them. The platform supports pop culture and street communities, aligning the brand closely with the energy and expression of modern youth.

Jayal explained, “When we launched the Hunter, we also partnered with a new wave of culture creators — artists, musicians, homegrown brands — who resonated with the Hunter’s spirit. The response was overwhelming: over 500,000 people joined the Hunter tribe.”

Collaborations with Cultural Icons

Building on that momentum, Royal Enfield has struck exclusive partnerships with leading streetwear and youth culture brands. For instance:

– A second collaboration with Farak, the edgy fashion label known for its bold statements and creative expression. In 2024, the two brands launched a limited-edition apparel collection titled *Art of Motorcycling Y3K.
– A new tie-up with Gully Labs, an emerging Indian sneaker brand that reflects the vibrancy of India’s street culture.

These partnerships underscore Royal Enfield’s evolving brand strategy — one that views motorcycles not just as machines but as conduits for personal identity, creativity, and cultural participation.

A Future Driven by Passion and Community

With the 2025 Hunter and the launch of HunterHood, Royal Enfield has once again demonstrated its ability to stay rooted in its heritage while innovating for the next generation. By fusing engineering excellence with cultural insight, the brand is redefining what it means to be a motorcycle company in the 21st century.

Whether through a classic ride in the Himalayas or a pop-up event in a bustling city, Royal Enfield continues to inspire riders to explore, connect, and express themselves — on two wheels and beyond.

Author: Janvi Joshi