When you have a higher tech product like this engine labor is a factor but not a huge factor (RE is a union environment) and volumes are relatively low.
The R.E. factory in Chennai is Union? I find this both surprising and gratifiying. (Yes, I'm union too)!
From what I've seen and heard on here, (and other forums), and YouTube, the Bullet and Royal Enfield in general, enjoys a pride of distinction amongst its workers and Indian people overall. This is cool.
They'll continue to want to do it better. Design, implementation, assembly/construction, and distribution. Reward the workers, integrate them into the process, and the system perpetuates itself.
On the flip side, make sure your employees know they are involved in an "interim" situation, the company is looking for a buyer, (even a holding company), cut wages,
issue onerous memos, and promote from outside the firm, and see what you get.
Fact is, the costs of everything have been going up, over most of the globe. We all know this. And most of us know, you get what you pay for.
I don't know what R.E has into these things (Bullets) when they roll off assembly, but I know the transportation business, and what with freight expeditors, agents, stevedores (on both ends), ocean shipping, fuel surcharges, longshore services, and rail/truck distribution on arrival, it can add up to a lot. Oh yeah, don't forget Customs, insurance, and the importer/dealer mark-up.
I'm intending on buying a UCE, later if not sooner. I want to see if there will be some options on that "exhaust" pipe.
It'll still be cheaper than a new Sportster, and nobody has tagged the Bullet as a "girls' bike" either.
By the way, Perpich was a pretty good Guv., don'cha think?
Steve