Analysis-Harley-Davidson, Triumph in first gear of challenge to Royal Enfield’s India reign

Published Jul 23, 2023 12:34AM ET
2/2 © Reuters. A Triumph Speed 400 bike is displayed in this handout image obtained by Reuters on July 18, 2023. Bajaj Auto Ltd /Handout via REUTERS 2/2
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By Indranil Sarkar and Aby Jose Koilparambil
BENGALURU (Reuters) – U.S. big-bike maker Harley-Davidson (NYSE: ) and British rival Triumph have revved up India’s premium motorcycle market with aggressively priced models that analysts said could dent the over half-century dominance of local champion Royal Enfield.
The duo surprised the industry this month by unveiling their cheapest models globally in the largest motorbike market by sales, where their expensive imports have long struggled for market share. This time, they are making the bikes in India with domestic partners to bring prices below 233,000 rupees ($2,841).