Royal Enfield has been surfing on a wave of success lately, and it’s pretty easy to see why.
The brand has struck a chord with riders all over the world, thanks to its stylish and retro-inspired bikes that are priced pretty damn competitively, too. In 2024 alone, the company released quite the selection of new models that added to its already impressive lineup, including the sporty Shotgun 650 and the versatile Guerrilla 450—both of which I had the pleasure of testing.
The Shotgun 650 was nothing short of impressive with its torquey twin-cylinder engine and retro-cool vibe. In fact, it’s a bike that changed my perception of cruisers. Meanwhile, the Guerrilla 450 surprised me with how capable it was on a tight and technical circuit. So yeah, these bikes are proof of Royal Enfield’s knack for blending simplicity with performance.
And it’s not just me who’s impressed, as RideApart Executive Editor, Jonathon Klein has become nothing short of a Royal Enfield Himalayan simp. In fact, the Himalayan was his pick for the 2024 RideApart Editor’s Choice Awards. And it’s easy to see why, as the Himmy’s a bike that’s become a benchmark for adventure enthusiasts, and one that throws all the stigma of adventure riding out the window: it’s simple, no-frills, accessible, and hella capable.
But the general good vibes surrounding Royal Enfield aren’t confined to us. The brand’s reputation for producing high-quality, approachable motorcycles resonates all over the world. And the numbers back it up. According to a report by Motorcycles Data, in 2024 alone, Royal Enfield sold a whopping 944,000 motorcycles, marking a 4.7-percent increase from the previous year. It was quite a step forward, and it even earned RE the rank of 10th largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.
Diving into the data a little bit more, it’s obvious that its home country of India remains the core of Royal Enfield’s success. But growth in other key markets has also played a major role. For instance, Latin America and Brazil posted 14 percent gains, while Southeast Asia contributed 7.3 percent, and Western Europe added 3.1 percent to the year’s total sales.
If we go back in time not too long ago, it would have seemed unheard of that a brand like Royal Enfield would grow this much and at this rate. Back in 2015, the company sold just north of 300,000 bikes. In just 10 years, it managed to triple this number. And that’s by no means a mean feat. With the one-million milestone more than likely to be hit in 2025, the company is well and truly on a quest for world domination.
And while Royal Enfield is best known for its retro-inspired machines, it’s not all just about heritage, either. RE has its sights set on the future, working on cutting-edge technologies and EVs like the Flying Flea, developed in collaboration with Qualcomm. So yeah, if 2024 was anything to go by, it’s that the brand’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
Source: Motorcycles Data
