The recent announcement of GST rate cuts in India has significantly reduced the prices of Royal Enfield motorcycles. As a result, the cost of a Royal Enfield 350cc bike is now comparable to the price of a top-end Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in four storage variants, ranging from 256GB to 2TB, with prices starting from Rs 1,49,900 and going up to Rs 2,29,900 for the 2TB variant.
In contrast, the Royal Enfield 350cc motorcycles, including the Bullet 350, Classic 350, and Hunter 350, start from Rs 1,37,000 and go up to Rs 2,15,000 (ex-showroom). After accounting for additional charges like road tax, registration fee, and insurance premium, buyers can still get these motorcycles for an on-the-road (OTR) price of less than Rs 2,29,900, except for some top-spec variants.
The reduction in GST rates has led to a decrease in the ex-showroom price of motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 350cc, which are now in the 18% slab, down from the previous 28% bracket. The Royal Enfield Hunter 350, Bullet 350, and Classic 350 all employ the same engine, which develops 20.2bhp and 27Nm, and are mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
On the other hand, the iPhone 17 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch Pro Motion Display OLED panel with a brightness of 3000 nits, an anti-reflective coating, and an LTPO panel. The camera module has a primary 48MP OIS primary sensor, a secondary 48MP ultrawide sensor, and a third 48MP telephoto sensor, along with an 18MP selfie shooter. The phone is powered by the Apple A19 Pro silicon chipset, which has a 6-core structure and a 5-core GPU.
The comparison between the two raises questions about which one offers better value for money. While the iPhone 17 Pro Max is a high-end smartphone with advanced features, the Royal Enfield 350cc motorcycles offer a unique experience and a more affordable price point. Ultimately, the decision comes down to individual preferences and needs. However, with the reduced prices of Royal Enfield motorcycles, buyers may want to consider whether a top-end iPhone is worth the same cost as a brand-new bike.