Will the Royal Enfield 450 Scrambler cannibalize its Hunter 350 sales?

The arrival of the Royal Enfield Scrambler 450 has sparked debate over whether it will hurt sales of the Hunter 350, which has been a huge hit of late. The two bikes are aimed at urban riders, who want a stylish, nimble motorcycle for city commuting and weekend jaunts. The Scrambler 450 packs more power and features, but it’s also more expensive. As a result, market positioning, brand strategy and consumer preferences in the mid-capacity segment have been discussed. Others say the Scrambler 450 will bring in a different, more experienced rider base, while some argue it will entice a potential Hunter buyer to stretch their budget. Much of the debate comes down to what incremental performance and features the Scrambler 450 might deliver, and is the extra perceived value worth it versus the lower prices and simplicity of the Hunter 350. But it also asks questions about Royal Enfield's long term strategy to keep its product mix distinct yet balanced.