India’s iconic motorcycle brand Royal Enfield is set to undergo a major price realignment starting September 22, 2025, following the GST Council’s latest tax reform. The council has revised the Goods and Services Tax rates for two-wheelers, creating a split structure based on engine capacity. While motorcycles up to 350cc will benefit from a reduced GST rate of 18 percent, larger displacement bikes will now attract a steep 40 percent tax, up from the earlier 28 percent plus cess.
This move is expected to reshape buyer sentiment, impact sales volumes across segments, and redefine affordability in India’s mid-capacity motorcycle market.
Key Highlights From The GST Revision
- GST on motorcycles up to 350cc reduced from 28 percent to 18 percent
- GST on motorcycles above 350cc increased to 40 percent from the earlier 28 percent plus 3 percent cess
- Royal Enfield’s core models like Hunter 350, Classic 350, Meteor 350, Bullet 350, and Goan Classic 350 will become more affordable
- Premium models including Himalayan 450, Guerrilla 450, Scram 440, and the entire 650cc lineup will see price hikes
- The new rates will be effective from September 22, 2025
Bikes Getting Cheaper: A Boost For Mass-Market Buyers
Royal Enfield’s 349cc models, which account for nearly 87 percent of its total sales, will benefit significantly from the tax cut. These bikes are popular among urban commuters, first-time buyers, and enthusiasts seeking classic styling with manageable performance.
- Hunter 350: Current price ₹1,49,900 → Expected price ₹1,34,910 (reduction of ₹14,990)
- Classic 350: Current price ₹1,93,000 → Expected price ₹1,73,000 (reduction of ₹20,000)
- Meteor 350: Current price ₹2,05,191 → Expected price ₹1,85,191 (reduction of ₹20,000)
- Bullet 350: Current price ₹1,73,000 → Expected price ₹1,57,000 (reduction of ₹17,000)
- Goan Classic 350: Current price ₹2,35,000 → Expected price ₹2,11,500 (reduction of ₹23,500)
These reductions are expected to drive demand in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where affordability plays a key role in purchase decisions. Dealers anticipate a surge in bookings ahead of the festive season, especially for the Classic and Meteor variants.
Bikes Getting Costlier: Premium Segment Faces Headwinds
While the tax cut benefits entry-level and mid-range buyers, Royal Enfield’s premium offerings will become significantly more expensive. These models, often seen as aspirational purchases, now face a 40 percent GST rate, which could dampen demand in the adventure and cruiser segments.
- Himalayan 450: Current price ₹2,85,000 → Expected price ₹3,10,650 (increase of ₹25,650)
- Guerrilla 450: Current price ₹2,39,000 → Expected price ₹2,60,500 (increase of ₹21,510)
- Scram 440: Current price ₹2,08,000 → Expected price ₹2,26,700 (increase of ₹18,720)
- Super Meteor 650: Current price ₹3,73,000 → Expected price ₹4,17,000 (increase of ₹44,000)
- Interceptor 650, Continental GT 650, Shotgun 650, Interceptor Bear: All models expected to see hikes between ₹38,000 and ₹45,000
Industry experts warn that the higher tax burden could slow down growth in India’s mid-capacity motorcycle segment, which has been a key contributor to exports and brand equity.
Mixed Impact On Royal Enfield’s Strategy
The GST revision presents both opportunities and challenges for Royal Enfield. While the brand stands to gain from increased affordability in its high-volume 350cc segment, the price hike on larger bikes may require strategic recalibration.
- The company may consider absorbing part of the tax hike to protect demand for premium models
- Marketing efforts are likely to focus on the value proposition of 350cc bikes
- Export strategies may be revised to offset domestic headwinds in the 450cc and 650cc categories
- Royal Enfield has appealed for a uniform GST rate across all two-wheelers to avoid market distortion
Conclusion: A Tax Turn That Reshapes The Ride
The GST Council’s decision to bifurcate tax rates based on engine capacity is set to redefine pricing dynamics in India’s motorcycle market. For Royal Enfield, the move brings a clear boost to its mass-market offerings while posing challenges for its premium lineup. As the new rates take effect on September 22, buyers and dealers alike will recalibrate expectations—and the roads ahead may look very different.
Sources: Economic Times, India Today, RushLane
