Royal Enfield Removes Gear Indicator from 350cc Models Due to Supply Shortage

Royal Enfield is temporarily shipping its 350 cc bikes without gear position indicators due to rare earth material supply constraints. The company has issued a circular to dealers explaining the situation and confirming that affected bikes will be retrofitted once components are back in stock.

What's Affected

All Royal Enfield 350cc J Series motorcycles equipped with gear position indicators are currently being delivered without the feature. This includes models like the Meteor 350, Classic 350, Goan Classic 350, Bullet 350 and the Hunter 350. Other motorcycles in Royal Enfield's range remain unaffected at present.

Temporary Solution

Customers purchasing a new 350 cc Royal Enfield in the near future will receive their bikes without the gear shift indicator fitted. Once the component supply improves, the company will retrofit the system at no cost to owners. Royal Enfield has communicated this arrangement through an official circular sent to its dealer network.

Supply Chain Context

The rare earth material shortage has primarily impacted electric and hybrid vehicles, but these materials are also used in components like motor sensors found across the automotive industry.

Supply conditions have been gradually improving compared to a few months ago, suggesting Royal Enfield may not need to maintain this arrangement for an extended period. The brand appears to be the only two-wheeler manufacturer in India to have taken such a step so far.