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ASHWIN M BORKAR 2437614 <[Link]@[Link]>
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Introduction & Warm-Up
I: Thank you for agreeing to this interview. Before we start, could you tell me a little about
yourself?
R: Sure. I’m 27 years old, working as a software engineer in Bengaluru. I’ve been passionate
about motorcycles since college. I recently bought a Royal Enfield Classic 350 about three
months ago, and it’s my first premium two-wheeler.
Purchase Motivation & Problem Recognition
I: What made you start thinking about buying a new bike?
R: I had been riding a 125cc commuter bike for the past five years, and it was starting to
show its age. Frequent repairs, low power on highways, and discomfort during long rides
made me realize I needed something better. Plus, my work-from-office routine started
recently, so I wanted a bike that made my daily commute enjoyable.
I: Why a premium motorcycle, not just another commuter bike?
R: I wanted a machine that I could proudly own for the next 5–7 years, something that’s not
just functional but also aspirational. A commuter bike felt too basic — I wanted a bike that
represents my personality, gives me confidence, and is powerful enough for weekend road
trips.
Information Search & Research
I: How did you start researching?
R: I did a mix of internal and external search. Internally, I remembered my friends’
experiences with their bikes and what they used to say about Royal Enfield. Externally, I
spent hours on YouTube watching comparison videos between Royal Enfield Classic 350,
Honda CB350, Jawa, and Meteor. I also read blogs, Reddit threads, and visited a couple of
showrooms to test ride different bikes.
I: Did you consider other brands seriously?
R: Yes, Honda CB350 and Jawa were my close contenders. Honda is known for reliability
and refinement, while Jawa has a similar retro appeal. But Royal Enfield’s road presence,
sound, and heritage ultimately pulled me towards it.
Evaluation of Alternatives
I: How did you compare them?
R: I created a small checklist — price, mileage, after-sales network, comfort, and of course,
how I felt riding each bike. On paper, Honda scored better in refinement, but when I sat on
the Classic 350, the thump and riding posture felt perfect. I realized I would be happier
riding this every day even if it meant a slightly higher EMI.
Decision & Purchase
I: How did you finalize the decision?
R: After the test ride, I was almost 90% convinced. I just went home and calculated EMI
affordability. Once I knew I could comfortably manage the payments, I booked the bike the
next weekend.
I: How was the buying experience?
R: It was mostly smooth. The staff was very helpful and explained everything clearly. The
only negative part was the waiting period — I had to wait nearly 4 weeks after booking. I
called them twice a week because I was so eager to get it.
Marketing & Promotion Influence (4Ps)
I: Did Royal Enfield’s advertisements or promotions influence you?
R: Yes, definitely. Their ads showing bikers going on road trips and exploring mountains
really resonated with me. It felt like they were selling a lifestyle, not just a bike. I wanted to
be part of that culture.
I: What about pricing? Did you find it fair?
R: Yes, it’s priced at a premium compared to some competitors, but I think you get what you
pay for — the build quality, community, and resale value justify it. EMI options made it
easier too.
Waiting Period & Emotional Build-Up
I: How did you feel during the waiting period?
R: Oh, it was honestly the hardest part! After booking, I was counting days. Every time I got
a message from the dealership, my heart would race thinking ‘Is it delivery day?’ I even
visited the showroom twice during that period just to see display bikes and feel motivated.
It felt like being a kid waiting for a birthday gift. It also gave me time to buy riding gear — I
got a helmet, gloves, and a jacket — so by the time my bike arrived, I was ready for my first
long ride.
Post-Purchase Experience
I: How has your experience been after buying?
R: Amazing. I ride to work daily, and every Sunday we plan small breakfast rides. I joined a
Royal Enfield riders’ club, and last month we went to Nandi Hills with 25 bikes — that
feeling is unmatched. People actually turn their heads when we pass.
I: Any disappointments?
R: The waiting period could have been shorter, and the service appointment slots get filled
quickly. But apart from that, I’m very happy.
Psychological & Social Influences
I: Did family or friends influence your decision?
R: Yes, a lot. My friends already owned Royal Enfields, so they gave me confidence about
reliability and service. My parents were initially concerned about the bike being heavy, but
when they saw how excited I was, they supported my decision.
I: Did social media or peer groups play a role?
R: Yes, I kept seeing Instagram reels of riders on Classic 350s, and it definitely kept the
desire alive. Peer influence was strong because almost everyone in my group said “Go for
it, it’s worth it.”
First Ride & Emotional Impact
I: How did riding the bike for the first time make you feel?
R: Oh, that was a special day! The delivery ceremony itself was nice — they decorated the
bike, gave me chocolates, and took a photo. When I took it out of the showroom, I felt
goosebumps. The sound, the smoothness of the ride, and the way people were looking at
the bike — it felt surreal. I called my best friend immediately and we went for a 50 km ride
the same day. It’s one of my favorite memories.
Heuristics, Biases & Emotional Triggers
I: Looking back, do you think your decision was rational or emotional?
R: I’d say it was a mix of both. Rationally, I checked my finances, calculated EMI, compared
specs. But emotionally, I was already sold on Royal Enfield the moment I heard the engine
sound. Seeing so many REs on the road (availability bias) and hearing positive feedback
(social proof) made me feel this was the natural choice.
Lifestyle & Social Life Impact
I: Has owning this bike changed your social life?
R: Absolutely. I’ve made new friends through the riders’ club. Before, my weekends were
mostly lazy or I just stayed home. Now, my Sundays start at 5 AM because we go on rides.
I’ve discovered new breakfast spots, scenic routes, and even started planning a long ride to
Coorg. People at work have also noticed — they often ask me about the bike and some
even plan to join me for rides.
I: How do you see yourself as a Royal Enfield owner?
R: I feel like I’m part of a bigger community now. There’s a sense of pride and belonging
when I park next to other Royal Enfields and we nod at each other. It feels like being part of
a club even if we’ve never met. It’s more than just transport — it’s part of my identity now.
Reflection & Future Outlook
I: Do you think this purchase has changed how you make other decisions?
R: Yes. I think I have become more structured in how I approach big purchases. For
example, I plan to buy a good DSLR camera next year, and I’ve already started saving. I
learned that doing research and comparing options calmly helps avoid regret. But I also
learned to trust my gut feeling — sometimes the emotional satisfaction is more important
than saving a few thousand rupees.
I: If you had to buy again today, would you still choose this bike?
R: Absolutely. In fact, now I feel even more loyal to the brand. If I upgrade in a few years, I
might even consider a Meteor or Himalayan because Royal Enfield has earned my trust.
I: Any suggestions for the company?
R: Yes — reduce delivery waiting time or at least keep customers engaged with updates.
Maybe introduce doorstep pickup and drop service for maintenance. Also, conduct free
rider safety workshops for first-time RE owners — that would build even more goodwill.
I: How do you feel about this purchase overall?
R: Honestly, this was more than a purchase — it was a dream fulfilled. Earlier biking was
just a necessity, now it’s something I look forward to every weekend. Even my dad now asks
me to take him for evening rides. My cousin has started saving for a Hunter 350 because he
loves my bike. So, it has impacted not just me but my family too. It’s one of the best
decisions I’ve made.
✅ Estimated Duration: ~40 minutes with natural pauses.
✅ Appendix-Ready: You can copy-paste this entire transcript into your report’s appendix
and attach your audio link.
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