It’s not everyday you see a motorcycle bill that makes you stop and think. A bill dated 1 February 1985, showing a Royal Enfield Bullet 350cc priced at ₹18,824.30 recently went viral online. The invoice was issued by the Madras Motors Ltd in Bangalore. Back then the bike was simply called the “Enfield Bullet 350cc”
A look back in time
In 1985, India’s motorcycle market was very different. Brands, features and road conditions were all modest. The Bullet stood out for its thump-sound, its strong build and its appeal among many riders and institutions. This particular model on the bill was the 350cc standard version. Even though the number looks small today, for its time it represented a major purchase for many. What stands out is how that ₹18,824 price sounds so tiny compared with today’s motorcycle prices. Yet back then, owning a Bullet was a big deal. A user on Instagram commented: “I have a 1984 February model priced at ₹16,100. Still my companion after more than 38 years.”
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From ₹18,824 to modern-day prices
Fast forward to now, and the Bullet 350 is priced at around ₹1.60 lakh (ex-showroom). Put that in perspective: over nearly four decades, the model has evolved, but the DNA of the bike remains recognised. The viral bill serves as a reminder of how quickly things change in the auto world. From ₹18,824.30 to over a lakh and a half! That’s almost a nine-fold increase (in nominal terms). Adjusted for inflation, costs would naturally be higher. However, the story is still poignant because it shows a shift not just in prices but in how motorcycles are viewed – from utility to lifestyle.
Why the viral buzz?
Why did this old bill catch so many eyeballs? First, nostalgia. The Bullet has a cult status in India, known as the “king of royal road thumpers”. Seeing the original price evokes memories of simpler times. Second, contrast. Another reader commented: “Same year my Father purchased TVS XL50 for Only 5k”. Another exclaimed: “How times change.” Third, it sparks reflection. When we see ₹18,824 in 1986, we ask: what was the earning power then? What did that amount buy in daily life? It prompts us to pause and compare economics of now and then.
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Editor’s Note
Rohit Khurana, Editor-in-Chief
That old bill for the Royal Enfield Bullet is more than just a number on a sheet. It’s a little piece of history. It tells us where the motorcycle industry was, and hints at how far we’ve come. For any bike lover, for anyone who’s ever owned a Bullet, this viral story is a small celebration of legacy. If you have a vintage bike or a bill from your early years of riding, it might be worth digging it out. Because sometimes, the story behind the numbers is more interesting than the numbers themselves
