[RE-Memphis]

It looks like Polaris of Memphis and Mikes Cycle in Waynesboro, TN won't be selling new Royal Enfield's any longer.

Both are still in business and will do service, etc.

I really love Mike's shop, and if anyone is doing a ride through I suggest a stop in. Big Ural & Enfield guy.

So what's my next closest Enfield shop? Suggestions?

Oh, and if anyone is looking for a side car Polaris of Memphis has a Inder sidecar for sale for a tic under 2,300.

[2bikebill]

The place (mainly a Morgan car dealership) I bought my G5 in 2010 has just stopped too. A shame, they were mad keen on promoting the bikes back then. I'm supposing it has something to do with Watsonian Squire no longer being the UK importers.
We do still have good old Hitchcocks for all our RE needs, thank goodness..

[REpozer]

It would be interesting to find out why dealers are opting out on selling RE's.

Wonder if it has something to do with long waits for bikes and spares?

[barenekd]

I'm sure most of them are getting out because they are not making any money off them. I would think that most of them are selling maybe 5 or 6 bikes a years. That probably doesn't even pay the flooring costs. The hassles of getting parts is also a problem.
It would take a very dedicated person who isn't hurting for money to maintain the dealership. Our Enfield dealerships are very special people,and need to be treated as well as we can. It's not an easy road to be on.
Bare

[Royalista]

It could also be something of the kind that happened in Europe.
Top brass has rearranged the import and dealer network. Thereby trusted and knowledgeable oldtimers have been passed by for newbies.

[Arizoni]

I see Victory BMW in Chandler, Az is no longer listed as a dealer too.

It looks like another Chandler dealer got on board but his site doesn't say anything about it.

http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/locator/dealers/usa/states/ARIZONA

[Joel-in-dallas]

I read royal enfield only imported roughly 600 motorcycles to the United States last year. Devide that by the number of dealerships and you have low volume per dealer. Add to that no advertising and a Bert unique product and you have a tough sell.

I order saddle bags, a set of crash Nara and saddle bag mounts when I got my motorycle. It's been over two weeks and only the saddle bags are in. That's a terrible wait and I know it's not the dealer. Those kinds of waits are terrible for business.

[RE-Memphis]

It's pretty clear  that a Royal Enfield Dealer has to be a sideline business to another successful enterprise.

At least for now.

When's the twin coming!

But.. for service and and customer care. Mikes Cycle hands down!

[hortoncode3]

It is frustrating that the dealer network in the USA sucks the big one.  How the heck do they intend to sell any of you can't even SEE one. Accessories are non existent except through a catalogue and even then you can't actually see or touch the product til it's in your hands. I want to see a kitted out bike...in a dealership. I want to hear an aftermarket pipe. Grrrr

[Joel-in-dallas]

Exports aren't core business for RE. But it seems like the success of the UCE based bikes has changed the company. I suspect the new factory will enable huge changes for RE. In a decade if they play it right they could be a very big player in the 350-650cc space worldwide.

To do that they need to up the capacity of everything. That means dealers need to be able to get parts and bikes fast. Also, they need to sell 2-3 motorcycles per month per dealer in the U.S. just to get things moving.

I know RE of Fort Worth moves more bikes than that. But other dealers in the US are moving 2-3 bikes a quarter on a good quarter. If you are moving 1 motorcycle a month, RE won't be a priority for their dealers. They will focus on where they are moving product, be it used bikes, victories, Triumphs etc.

The potential is there.

But RE is a niche product. If you don't ride one and just look at stats you might think its underpowered. I can't tell you how many friends thought I was *crazy* for not getting either a Harley-Davidson or a Honda.

But when I pull in somewhere and that thump sound is going and people see my G5 Standard in British Racing Green everything changes. The bike gets tons of attention and its really a beautiful machine.

If all you see is spec sheets and a little picture you dont get it.

I think RE is going to be big in another 5-10 years. At least I hope.

I love my RE. I'm in Chicago and I don't have the RE with me. I miss it.

[hillntx]

If the dealers don't make the bike a priority, they aren't going to sell.  Michael Baker at Royal Enfield of Fort Worth did a great job his first year with the mark selling 60+ bikes (I don't remember the final number, maybe around 80).  He used internet sales, attended vintage bike rallies across the state, and sponsored events at his location to showcase the bikes; so it can be done.

With that said, the US isn't a prime market for the Royal Enfield because the power and performance don't meet the expectations of the American motorcycle consumer.  Regardless of how well the Royal Enfield is built and how reliable the UCE engine is compared with its predecessor, American riders typically want a bike with more power.  I think the plan I saw for Royal Enfield targeting emerging markets in Africa and South America is brilliant.  The gas prices are higher the roads are typically smaller and their are a lot of people that would appreciate the UCE 350 and 500s.

If RE brings out a twin, it might have a real chance in the US especially if gas prices continue to rise.  However, bang for the buck wise, Honda's new CB500F twin is listed in the $6,000+ range, has 44hp, a large dealer network, a reputation for reliability, and is available with ABS.  In a head to head comparison all Royal Enfield has in its favor is classic styling, which unfortunately doesn't appeal to every buyer and keeps it a niche market bike.

[RE-Memphis]

If the dealers don't make the bike a priority, they aren't going to sell.  Michael Baker at Royal Enfield of Fort Worth did a great job his first year with the mark selling 60+ bikes (I don't remember the final number, maybe around 80).  He used internet sales, attended vintage bike rallies across the state, and sponsored events at his location to showcase the bikes; so it can be done.

With that said, the US isn't a prime market for the Royal Enfield because the power and performance don't meet the expectations of the American motorcycle consumer.  Regardless of how well the Royal Enfield is built and how reliable the UCE engine is compared with its predecessor, American riders typically want a bike with more power.  I think the plan I saw for Royal Enfield targeting emerging markets in Africa and South America is brilliant.  The gas prices are higher the roads are typically smaller and their are a lot of people that would appreciate the UCE 350 and 500s.

If RE brings out a twin, it might have a real chance in the US especially if gas prices continue to rise.  However, bang for the buck wise, Honda's new CB500F twin is listed in the $6,000+ range, has 44hp, a large dealer network, a reputation for reliability, and is available with ABS.  In a head to head comparison all Royal Enfield has in its favor is classic styling, which unfortunately doesn't appeal to every buyer and keeps it a niche market bike.

All very true. In the meantime I'd like a shop less then 150 miles away dammit!

[Gypsyjon]

I read royal enfield only imported roughly 600 motorcycles to the United States last year. Devide that by the number of dealerships and you have low volume per dealer. Add to that no advertising and a Bert unique product and you have a tough sell.

I order saddle bags, a set of crash Nara and saddle bag mounts when I got my motorycle. It's been over two weeks and only the saddle bags are in. That's a terrible wait and I know it's not the dealer. Those kinds of waits are terrible for business.

Joel,...Son...2 weeks?? Calm down, I order saddle bag brackets 6 MONTHS ago ....they are said to be coming in soon..

[Joel-in-dallas]

I know two weeks isnt a long time to wait. But for the American consumer who is used to amazon it seems like a long while. But I know it will arrive soon.

[Gypsyjon]

Don't count on the  soon part 

[Alan LaRue]

With that said, the US isn't a prime market for the Royal Enfield because the power and performance don't meet the expectations of the American motorcycle consumer.  Regardless of how well the Royal Enfield is built and how reliable the UCE engine is compared with its predecessor, American riders typically want a bike with more power.  I think the plan I saw for Royal Enfield targeting emerging markets in Africa and South America is brilliant.  The gas prices are higher the roads are typically smaller and their are a lot of people that would appreciate the UCE 350 and 500s.

If RE brings out a twin, it might have a real chance in the US especially if gas prices continue to rise.  However, bang for the buck wise, Honda's new CB500F twin is listed in the $6,000+ range, has 44hp, a large dealer network, a reputation for reliability, and is available with ABS.  In a head to head comparison all Royal Enfield has in its favor is classic styling, which unfortunately doesn't appeal to every buyer and keeps it a niche market bike.

But it's interesting that Honda thinks there's a market for a 500 now. Suzuki (GS500) and Kawasaki (Ninja 500) only pulled out of the 500 market a couple of years ago.

[barenekd]

But after the economy hit bottom and the gas prices hit the top, small bikes are becoming de regueur again. Look how the 250 Hondas and 300 Kawasakis are selling! Although the Honda 500 looks pretty nice, they are definitely low end duffer bikes. I don't think I'd want one! I'd rather have the 300 Kawasaki.
Bare

[Ducati Scotty]

The Honda 500s are definitely built to a price point but looked pretty clean when I saw them up close.  You can see they saved money on the suspension and the rest of the bike is pretty basic, but it didn't look cheap.  I am glad to see that someone is offering something between a 250 entry bike and a 600 sport bike.  The GS500 was always a very basic bike, air cooled twin with not much special.  The Ninja 500 was a great little bike but the styling was surely dated.

Scott

[Gypsyjon]

I do not understand why RE does not run a few ads in big cities, let the folks know they exist. My guess an ad in maybe Creative Loafing or something like that in ATL would help exposure thus sales.

Surely ads in LA and Frisco would do the same.

[Ducati Scotty]

+1.  Just put a cheap ad in the local hipster newspapers and the cities would be crawling with them!

[Alan LaRue]

+1.  Just put a cheap ad in the local hipster newspapers and the cities would be crawling with them!

They could replace the scooters in Austin! Austin is so funky, anyway, and you see so many motorcycles from the 70s being used as everyday rides, you'd think people starting to have a little more money to spend would be good prospects for Royal Enfield.

[Gypsyjon]

They could replace the scooters in Austin! Austin is so funky, anyway, and you see so many motorcycles from the 70s being used as everyday rides, you'd think people starting to have a little more money to spend would be good prospects for Royal Enfield.

I totally agree. Wonder why Kevin doesn't ask RE for some co-op ad money and get the word out. I bet places like Austin, Frisco, LA etc would be hot beds for this kind of bike.

[rvcycleguy]

That would "Keep Austin Weird" 

[REpozer]

When is the last time you went to a RE dealer and saw a bunch of RE motorcycles siting there? I bet it doesn't happen much.
My guess is if you really advertised ,there would  be allot of disappointed people waiting for their RE to show up from India.
I have been to 2 shops this year, never saw more then 3 bikes at a time, and that was a from a shop that sold over 30 a year.

[Arizoni]

The BMW dealer I mentioned had 5 RE's sitting in the showroom and one outside the front door the last time I went there.
I should add the 5 RE's were sitting in a showroom that was packed with new BMW's of all models and I got the feeling they were there more to urge the prospective buyer to get a BMW than to actually sell a RE.
I say this because one of their salesmen wanted me to see his nifty new Beemers and didn't say a word about the RE's.  To give him the benefit of doubt, I'm sure he noticed that I rode up on my RE G5.

[RE-Memphis]

Well good news about the former Enfie shop out in Waynesboro. Not being able to help me with the warranty issue (thrown guide bolt in the front caliper) Mike made a new one on his lathe and is sending it by mail. I'll be back on the road this weekend.

That's customer service worth having. They may not sell Enfie's any longer but they'll get my business for service. 

[benknrobbers]

Talking to my dealer in El Dorado Springs MO, He didn't come out and say it flat out but it was hinted at that he was thinking about getting out of the enfie business, just because of a general lack of interest in the bikes.  While I was sitting there they sold a Polaris ranger and a Victory. People looked at Mowgli smiled and kept looking at bigger bikes. That truly is the problem in America. Enfields are a great conversation piece, but a bike with a top speed of 80 (wound out) are not widely appreciated when the traffic flow of most interstates and a lot of highways run about that fast. I accepted that my enfield is a bit underpowered compared to everything on the road, but that's because I have a 6 mile commute, 0 traffic, and a 40 mph top speed limit. The draw that I can see for the bike to the common person other than style is that it's a hell of a lot cooler than a smart car or a moped and gets amazing gas mileage. 

[REdmonton]

You guys are showing your age. Hipsters don't read magazines. Probably the best bang for your buck on the hipster end would be on Facebook (though it is getting to be considered lame, and hipsters are not using it as much), Twitter (a cool Vine clip would work), Instagram, and Tumblr. There would then be links to YouTube videos. A strong social media presence is an important marketing piece for boutique products.

[hortoncode3]

I think that the folks that smile at RE and then move along just don't get it, and probably should move along. My bike is my pride, even when it's being a bitch. I love this bike and have owned dozens...all Japanese. Admittedly, engineering wise they've been better, even the old ones..but for smiles to the mile they'll never beat my G5. It was the first bike i ever bought brand new. Probably the last too.
FYI...when this bike was designed, Interstates were just coming around...funny thing though..people got from point A to point B just fine without em..
The one thing I really appreciate about RE is the fact it's no Zinggg-Splat!. I have never enjoyed scenery more than riding a slower bike!

[ToesNose]

Hey all it's been a long while since I've been around on the RE forums 

Since I've returned from India to the states I wound up with a Suzuki LS650 thumper, put my SeaDoo up for sale and had a guy offer to trade for it. Great bike but cruisers aren't my style, so I started hunting for an RE again only to find that two of the dealers I was corresponding with around here before leaving India no longer sell RE's  .   The closest dealer now is 71 miles away which isn't too bad, but it's a scooter dealer who just recently started carrying RE's       I think I may have to make the extra 134 mile pilgrimage to the next nearest dealer    HEH.

[hortoncode3]

RE needs to (a) stretch the line out a bit and (b) stop selling at scooter dealers. Although, that may be a great transition bike for a scooter owner so who am I to say, I guess. Selling 600 bikes a year in the US seems hardly worth the effort..and it shows because RE hasn't put any effort into it at all. The dealer network is invisible, and the communication from the US office stinks. I still await word on my defective gas tank...but I love my bike with her used and beat C5 tank on her G5 frame! Hey..at least it holds gas instead of pissing it on my shoe..!

[Ducati Scotty]

You can't force a dealer to take on a brand they don't want, and some dealers have non-compete clauses.  Ducati has been moving all their dealerships to just Ducati.  I'm not sure what the logic is but I'm sure they're thinking it will boost sales.  Seems Harley has done this forever so there's probably something to it. 

The RE is a niche bike and getting it in next to a bunch of Japanese bikes in a large volume dealer may be tough.  I've found that scooter shops have some of the most avid and enthusiastic riders as both customers and riders.  This seems to be where bikes like the Enfield, Ural, and all the smaller Chinese/Taiwanese makes get sold.  Love it or hate it, it is what it is.  In a sense it's a good fit, scooter riders are usually looking for something a bit different too and, at least for now, that's the REs niche. 

I'd say other bikes fall into this category too.  MV Augusta and Moto Guzzi, though well know, sell relatively few bikes in the States and have their problems with parts supply and service availability.  You can get your Ford F150 serviced anywhere and parts are always available.  If you drive a Citreon 2CV things are different.

Scott

[Royalista]

Ahoy. I have a thirty year young 2cv! And no, you don't take that to a regular car dealer. They wouldn't have a clue. 

[Ducati Scotty]

Love those cars!  Mechanically unique in so many ways.  There are a few in town where I live.

Scott

[Craig McClure]

I've had no problem maintaining my 2010 G5 deluxe myself, but I'm an old motorcycle hand.  I have also had good luck shopping for parts on Ebay & got a few from India. I can also improvise-found a superior air filter (for a big lawnmower) at O'reily Auto Parts.
  You will eventually learn how to do everything yourself. some years ago I bought a Non Running URAL in Tucson Arizona, trailered it back to Las Cruces NM, where I lived. Got it running in about a week, bought a Ural Hack, set the whole thing up, Then rode it to do everything when ever the weather permitted. It was sunny a lot, & I rode it 5 years with out a problem. Nearest dealers were Texas & Fla.  No sweat!

[ToesNose]

My issue isn't with me maintaining it, it's with getting a quality dealer prep/set up before I drive it home all that distance