The vintage Bullet motorcycle enthusiasts can now bank on a company-backed outlet to buy the old thumpers or even other out-of-production models from the Royal Enfield stable.

No longer will hobbyists have to scrounge around grimy scrap yards for spares, haggle at greasy workshops and keep their fingers crossed, while dealing with middlemen in the hope of landing a decent deal.

Royal Enfield has launched the first of a chain of Vintage Stores in Chennai to support customers trade up for a modern variant, sell pre-owned motorcycles of the company’s brands and, if needed, refurbish the old workhorse.

At the formal opening of the Royal Enfield Vintage Store today, Shaji Koshy, Head, India Business, Royal Enfield, a unit of Eicher Motors, said the company will roll out at least 10 such stores across the country in the coming months. The company has designed the format and standardised processes for the chain which will be operated by the local dealers but conform to Royal Enfield’s standards. The iconic motorcycle manufacturer hopes to tap into this opportunity that has so far been the preserve of the grey market.

On the roads there are over 3 million Royal Enfield motorcycles including the iconic Bullet, some of pre-war vintage, diesel engine versions, quaint models such as the moped Mofa and the 200-CC Crusader.

The old vehicles will be spruced up, company-certified with ownership papers updated and sold to those keen on vintage models. The Vintage Store will also restore vehicles for enthusiasts who may want to retain their old workhorses.

The advantage for the customers is that the system and processes are standardised and backed by Royal Enfield, he said.

The Vintage Store offers a plush environment, and also sells Royal Enfield branded accessories such as helmets, jackets, T-shirts and trinkets like key chains and badges.

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