Analysts predict that at least a dozen motorcycles will rival Royal Enfield models by the close of this decade. Here's a look at some of the upcoming Royal Enfield competitors -
Upcoming Royal Enfield Competitors
Hero XPulse 200
The Hero XPulse 200 is about to become a more affordable alternative to the Royal Enfield Himalayan. To launch before the end of the current financial year, the XPulse will become the most affordable adventure touring motorcycle in the country. The Xpulse gets a tall windshield, a high-set front mudguard, spoke wheels, a raise exhaust end-can, and an engine bash plate, and dual-purpose knobby tires. The XPulse will get Bluetooth Smartphone connectivity and an under-seat USB port. Powering it will be a 200 cc oil-cooled, two-valve, single-cylinder engine that outputs 18 bhp and 17 Nm. The motor will come mated to a five-speed transmission.
Bajaj Dominar Adventure
In May 2018, Bajaj Auto Ltd registered the 'Adventure' name. It's said Bajaj will use this nameplate for an adventure-touring version of the Dominar 400 street-naked. The Bajaj Dominar Adventure will share its engine and many body panels with the Dominar 400. However, it will have a tall windscreen, luggage carrier, and a reworked suspension. The Bajaj Dominar Adventure should be more affordable than its arch-rival, the Royal Enfield Himalayan.
KTM 390 Adventure
Another one of the upcoming Royal Enfield competitors is the KTM 390 Adventure. Basically a Duke 390-based Royal Enfield Himalayan adversary, the Austrian motorcycle will get a re-tuned version of the 373.3cc engine that powers the donor motorcycle. The KTM 390 Adventure will get a long travel suspension, many new body panels, and a long-travel front suspension. It will even feature spoke-wheels and knobby tires. The 390 Adventure is likely to cost more than the Royal Enfield Himalayan.
Husqvarna Vitpilen 401
Husqvarna will commence its Indian innings with the launch of the Vitpilen 401 during the next financial year. This motorcycle shares its underpinnings with the KTM 390 Duke. It will be built at Bajaj Auto’s plant in Chakan, Pune. The Vitpilen 401 boasts cafe racer styling and a neo-retro design that should attract at least some of the Royal Enfield followers.
Husqvarna Svartpilen 401
Another neo-retro motorcycle that has the potential to leave a dent in the sales of Royal Enfield is the Svartpilen 401. Even this motorcycle borrows in plenty from the KTM 390 Duke. However, unlike the cafe racer style of the Vitpiilen, the Svartpilen is a scrambler-style model. Even this Husky will be built at Bajaj Auto's Chakan facility.
Jawa 350 OHC/Jawa all-new bike
Mahindra Two Wheelers via Classic Legends has the exclusive brand licensing agreement with Czech two-wheeler manufacturer for the Indian market. The company could either launch an all-new motorcycle or a derivation of the Jawa 350 OHC. It will become a direct rival to the Royal Enfield Bullet 350. Internationally, the Jawa 350 gets a 397cc engine from Chinese brand Shineray.
Benelli Imperiale 400
Another retro-style model among the upcoming Royal Enfield competitors is the Benelli Imperiale 400. The first motorcycle from the newly formed Benelli-Mahavir Group partnership will launch before the end of next year. It will rival the Royal Enfield Classic 350. Powering this motorcycle is a 373.5 cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, SOHC engine that outputs 19.7 PS and 28 Nm. It comes mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
Benelli Leoncino
The Benelli-Mahavir Group will launch the Leoncino 500 and the Leoncino 500 Trail to rival the Royal Enfield Classic 500 variants. The Leoncino made its world debut at the EICMA 2017. It features a 500 cc, parallel twin engine that produces 47 bhp and 45 Nm.
UM Motorcycles Scrambler
UM Motorcycles will eventually launch a new Scrambler motorcycle to take on the Himalayan. Powering it will be a 280 cc engine from the Renegade range of cruiser motorcycles.
