Royal Enfield discontinues Bullet Electra?

Royal Enfield, the Chennai-based two-wheeler manufacturer, seems to have discontinued the Bullet Electra model in its portfolio. The model is no longer featured on the company's website.

Though there is no official clarification on the Bullet Electra's discontinuation, dealers say that they are clearing their existing stock. The website now shows only the Bullet 500 and the Bullet 350 in the Bullet family.

Profitability issues seem to be the reason for the company pulling the plug on the Bullet Electra. It is one of the most affordable Royal Enfield bikes. With the arrival and increase in demand of newer models, Royal Enfield might have decided to put a full stop on its production. Launched in the beginning of the last decade, the Bullet Electra is the key product that helped the company establish itself in the country after it was taken over by Eicher Motors. 

The Bullet Electra, an India-only model, is powered by a 346cc engine mated to five-speed gearbox. The models were equipped with electric start and TCI ignition at the end of the last decade, and attained the UCE engine in 2010.

Royal Enfield was said to be working on a Bullet Electra 500cc for India. The purported motorcycle was supposed to get 499cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine that develops 26.1bhp at 5,100rpm and 40.9Nm of torque at 3,800rpm, mated to five-speed transmission. With the discontinuation of the Electra models, this project may not see the light of the day.