GST 2.0 Comes Into Effect: Royal Enfield Hunter, Bullet, and Classic Now Cost Less Than Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

 

The much-anticipated GST 2.0 reforms have officially come into effect in India, bringing sweeping changes to the taxation structure on two-wheelers. Among the biggest beneficiaries of this tax revamp are Royal Enfield motorcycles — iconic models like the Hunter, Bullet, and Classic have now become significantly more affordable.

In fact, in a surprising twist, these legendary motorcycles now cost less than Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max, sparking debates across social media and consumer forums about priorities, affordability, and lifestyle choices in modern India.

🚨 What Is GST 2.0?

• GST 2.0, implemented from September 2025, is the second phase of the Goods and Services Tax reform introduced by the Government of India.
  
  

• The new system introduces lower slabs for essential consumer goods and vehicles to encourage sales, boost the economy, and make transportation more affordable.
  
  

• For two-wheelers under 500cc, the GST rate has been slashed from 28% to just 12%, leading to massive price reductions across the market.
  
  

🏍️ Royal Enfield Prices After GST 2.0

Thanks to GST 2.0, Royal Enfield’s popular models have become cheaper than ever before.

🔹 Royal Enfield Hunter 350

• Old Price (ex-showroom): ₹1.75 lakh – ₹1.90 lakh
  
  

• New Price (ex-showroom): ₹1.35 lakh – ₹1.50 lakh
  
  

🔹 Royal Enfield Bullet 350

• Old Price (ex-showroom): ₹1.73 lakh – ₹1.97 lakh
  
  

• New Price (ex-showroom): ₹1.32 lakh – ₹1.48 lakh
  
  

🔹 Royal Enfield Classic 350

• Old Price (ex-showroom): ₹1.93 lakh – ₹2.25 lakh
  
  

• New Price (ex-showroom): ₹1.45 lakh – ₹1.68 lakh
  
  

📱 The iPhone 17 Pro Max Price Comparison

Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max, launched earlier this month, has created headlines for its premium pricing in India:

• iPhone 17 Pro Max (base model, 256 GB): ₹1.69 lakh
  
  

• iPhone 17 Pro Max (top model, 1 TB): ₹2.05 lakh
  
  

This means that the top variants of Royal Enfield Hunter, Bullet, and even the Classic now cost less than the base iPhone 17 Pro Max.

🌟 Social Media Buzz

The contrast between the price of a motorcycle and a smartphone has ignited conversations online:

• One user tweeted: “Only in India can you buy a Royal Enfield for less than an iPhone. Priorities, people!”
  
  

• Memes comparing the Bullet’s thump with the iPhone’s ringtone have gone viral.
  
  

• Automobile enthusiasts are hailing GST 2.0 as a game-changer that will boost youth interest in motorcycling.
  
  

📊 Why This Matters

1. Boost for Middle-Class Buyers:
   The reduced prices make premium bikes more accessible to young professionals and students.
   
   

2. Two-Wheeler Market Growth:
   Analysts predict a 15–20% jump in motorcycle sales over the next quarter, with Royal Enfield leading the pack.
   
   

3. Lifestyle Shift:
   The comparison with Apple highlights how consumer aspirations are changing — some will prefer the thrill of a motorcycle over the prestige of a smartphone, while others may still prioritize technology.
   
   

🏍️ Royal Enfield’s Strategy

Royal Enfield has already launched new financing schemes to attract buyers post-GST 2.0:

• Zero down payment for select models.
  
  

• Low EMI plans starting at ₹4,500/month.
  
  

• Special festival offers during Navratri and Diwali.
  
  

The company expects to double its monthly sales figures in the coming months.

🔍 Industry Expert Reactions

• Automobile Analysts: “GST 2.0 will democratize motorcycle ownership in India. Expect Royal Enfield to dominate Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.”
  
  

• Tech Analysts: “Apple’s premium positioning ensures loyal buyers, but the price comparisons may push many to rethink purchases.”
  
  

• Dealers: Report record footfalls in showrooms within 48 hours of GST 2.0’s rollout.
  
  

📈 Economic Impact

• Revenue Trade-Off: While GST 2.0 cuts immediate tax collection, the government expects higher volume sales to balance the equation.
  
  

• Job Creation: Increased motorcycle demand will boost production, indirectly creating new jobs in manufacturing and retail.
  
  

• Consumer Confidence: The reform signals the government’s focus on making aspirational products affordable.
  
  

📝 Conclusion

With GST 2.0 now in effect, India’s two-wheeler market has been given a massive boost. Royal Enfield’s Hunter, Bullet, and Classic are now cheaper than Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max, sparking a cultural debate about value, priorities, and lifestyle choices.

For young Indians, this may well be the best time to invest in their dream motorcycle. After all, as one viral meme put it:

👉 “Would you rather ride a Bullet or just click a photo of one on your iPhone?”