ROYAL ENFIELD MOTORCYCLES

ART OF MOTORCYCLING

On the weekend of March 13th/14th, W+K Exp will host a two-day exhibition that celebrates The Art of Motorcycling. Motorcycle exhibits will range from the brand new Classic 500 to an exotic variety of customized Enfields from all over India...

ROYAL ENFIELD TOUR OF TIBET KICKED OFF

The 1st edition of the Royal Enfield Tour of Tibet shall be flagged off from Lucknow on the 12th of October 2013. There are numerous thoughts that come into one's mind when one thinks of Tibet, "The Roof of the World", "Where Eagles Dare" and many others. This September the first Royal Enfield ride to this mystical land will have 25 riders from across India will set off on this epic journey to Lhasa and back.

Royal Enfield Classic Desert Storm 500

The Classic Desert Storm comes to you with a “sand” paint scheme reminiscent of the war era, a time when Royal Enfield motorcycles proved their capabilities and battle worthiness by impeccable service to soldiers in harsh conditions of the desert

ROYAL ENFIELD BULLET CLASSIC REVIEW

It is a blend of post world war II motorcycle and gen next bike. Several things remained the same as a vintage motorcycle such as 'Roar of engine', deep and wide design of front and rear fender, covered headlamp, seating, fuel tank, silencer, spoke wheels, tail lamp and air filer box. , ...

Royal Enfield Classic Chrome 500 launched

The Royal Enfield Classic Chrome is based on the Classic 500 with a rather generous dose of chrome on it. Like the Classic 500, the new Classic Chrome retains the quintessential classic British styling of the 1950s: simple, harmonious, well proportioned."

Bullet C5 Military

The iconic Bullet has seen extended duty on several fronts and is now a prize for military enthusiasts and collectors the world over.

Royal Enfield Rider Mania 2010

The biggest biker bash in the country is courtesy Royal Enfield, and hundreds of zany Enfielders. Here's what the 2010 edition of the Royal Enfield Rider Mania was all about....

ROYAL ENFIELD LAUNCHES 'CONTINENTAL GT

Royal Enfield has finally launched the highly anticipated Continental GT in India with an on-road price of Rs 2.05 lakh on-road Delhi and Rs 2.14 lakh on-road Mumbai. The Continental GT is the same bike that Royal Enfield had displayed at the Auto Expo 2012 by the name of Café Racer.

'Handcrafted in Chennai'

Royal Enfield announces the release of a new ad film created and produced by Wieden+Kennedy, Delhi...

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

The all new Royal Enfield Thunderbird now with a powerful 500 cc engine, a 20 litre tank, digital meter console, LED tail lamps and in three striking shades of black gives a new definition to Highway cruising. ...

EnfieldMotorcycles.in is the blog for all Royal Enfield enthusiast where we live, breathe, and eat Royal Enfield Bullet . We not only keep you informed of the news about Royal Enfield originals, but also give custom bikes and historical bikes a lot of attention. You can also find with us the best Enfield related movies and crazy stunts etc. We are testing and reviewing new models of which a complete relief will be shown on our site. Finally, we have technical tips, for example, how to properly get engine through the winter.

Pic : Royal Enfield thunderbird twinspark 350cc

UPDATE : Royal Enfield have launched Thunderbird 500 cc variant at 2012 Delhi auto expo !!
CLICK HERE to see Thunderbird 500 cc Review specifications and price.
CLICK HERE to visit 2012 Delhi auto expo page.

Royal Enfield, forerunners in the manufacture of motorbikes is all set to launch their 500 cc variant of its Thunderbird cruiser bike with a UCE engine.

After speaking to Royal Enfield dealers in the DELHI NCR (National Capital Region) we found that a 500 cc UCE (Unit Construction Engine) with EFI (Electronic fuel injection) could find its way into the Thunderbird’s frame. Dealers from the NCR stated on condition of anonymity that a new Thunderbird may be launched soon and that it will likely sport the Classic’s 500cc UCE engine with EFI.

UCE powered Royal Enfield are in huge demand today. Bullet lovers are increasing day by day and so is the demand for UCE. But as always, Royal Enfield has manufacturing constraints, because of which it is not able to meet customer demands. UCE are not only more powerful but are also very reliable and economical than their compatriots. Gone are the days when a Royal Enfield motorcycle was considered as a bike which is high on maintenance.

Royal Enfield launched the India-specific Classic 500 UCE fuel-injected model in 2009 without an O2 sensor(Lambda sensor). May be to keep the cost of motorcycle low since bike’s price is already above Rs. 1.30 lakh. But many people believe that the lack of an O2 sensor in the fuel-injected system caused issues. On the other hand , the UK and US-specific Classic 500 models are sold equipped with O2 sensors and there have been no issues with the fuel-injected systems on those models. With the Thunderbird 500 UCE hopefully, these issues along with fuel injection glitches will be solved by Royal Enfield.

The bike will likely be priced in the Rs.1.30-1.45 lakh range in order to ensure its price does not clash with their flagship model Classic 500.

The present Thunderbird 350 twin-spark is priced at roughly Rs.1.12 lakh while the Classic 500 comes at a price of Rs. 1.46 lakh. The Classic 500 is powered by a 4-stroke, air- cooled, single cylinder, OHC, SI engine with fuel injection. The 499 cc engine produces 27.2 bhp of maximum power at 5,250 rpm and 41.3 Nm of maximum torque at 4,000 rpm.

There are no official confirmations about the bikes launch yet. But according to some Royal Enfield dealers the launch in India is expected soon and all Motorcycle lovers have something to look forward to in the near future. Going by the history of Royal Enfield, this all new 500cc Thunderbird is definitely going to take the bike enthusiasts by storm.

UPDATE : Royal Enfield have launched Thunderbird 500 cc variant at 2012 Delhi auto expo !!
CLICK HERE to see Thunderbird 500 cc Review specifications and price.
CLICK HERE to visit 2012 Delhi auto expo page.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Imagine if Royal Enfield releaseded a sporty single 500cc for the European market.

The Bullet Sport Concept could look a little like this. The production version will become simpler in order to reduce the price, but fundamentally it could have the same shape.

The new engine is quite an improvement but this design might still be a bit of wishful thinking. It looks good, no doubt about that, and if you had a race series with only these bikes allowed, it could be a lot of fun. So, if you think about it that way, why not? Interesting.

Link: Oberdan Bezzi

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Dudes here I have a good news for all !! The long waited Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500 (also known as C5) is now available at CANTEEN STORES DEPARTMENT (csd). Royal Enfield classic 500 is priced attractively at Rs 1,22,905 ex-showroom Gurgaon (haryana). Royal Enfield motorcycle at a considerably lesser price is an opportunity you wouldn't want to miss.

Final price (on road) :

ex-showroom = Rs 1,22,905

Insurance = Rs 2,890

Road tax = Rs 6,728
TOTAL = Rs 1,32,523

Please note : CSD facilities are only for defence personnel (INDIA), if you are one of them click here for more details OR visit the nearest Royal Enfield dealer.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Royal Enfield is pleased to offer its range of bikes at a considerably lesser price. Now you can buy your Royal Enfield Motorcycle from any CSD Area Depot, anywhere in the country at CSD Price.

WHO CAN BOOK :

All commissioned officers / staff - either retired* or currently serving in the Indian Army, Navy or Air Force - can avail of this facility.

Some of the state governments provide sales Tax / VAT exemption / concession^* on the purchase of Royal Enfield motorcycles through CSD.

All you have to do is, select your favorite Royal Enfield model from the entire range of Registered Royal Enfield motorcycles and approach nearest CSD Area Depots for the necessary documentations & delivery of Bikes.

HOW TO BOOK YOUR ROYAL ENFIELD MOTORCYCLE AT ANY CSD AREA DEPOT :

You need to make a full payment by Demand Draft, as per the prevailing price along with the Indent for Purchase to the select area depot.

The Demand Draft should be in favor of "Canteen Stores Department Public Fund Account ( Main ), payable at the nearest CSD Area Depot. Once you deposit Demand Draft along with Indent for purchase with the Canteen Stores Department authorities, they will prepare a Supply Order in favor of Royal Enfield authorized dealer.

You have to submit supply order to the concerned Royal Enfield dealer for processing of the order, choose the bike of your choice.

For more details about CSD Area Depots you may log on to CSD website www.csdindia.com

MODELS AVAILABLE :

Royal Enfield classic 500

Royal Enfield classic 350

Royal Enfield bullet electra twinspark 350

Royal Enfield thunderbird twinspark 350

Royal Enfield bullet standard twinspark 350

If I ever made a list of things that I have to do before I leave god's green earth, then riding to Leh-Ladakh would be right at the top. Now I can't help but have a huge grin on my face as I put a tick off that item after participating in the Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey 2011.

Day 1, the Odyssey is flagged off from India Gate and the journey of more than 2500kms started from a place of immense historic value to the country. As we commenced the ‘Testing, Tiring and Tempting’ journey to the land of the lama, the sight of 73 Royal Enfields riding in formation in my bike’s rear view mirror brought a rush of feelings to my heart - a heady mix of excitement, eagerness and adventure.

The road to Chandigarh was a long, boring stretch of tarmac extending as far as your eyes could see and in fact even beyond that. But I believe that this was what worked in my favour as frankly I am not much of a Bulleteer, having barely ridden a Royal Enfield a few times in the city. The road to Chandigarh gave me an opportunity to get acquainted with the bike and figure out what she was capable of.

For me, the actual journey started on the day we rode from Chandigarh to Manali. The road was curvy and topped with silky smooth tar, with the river Beas flowing along the left hand side of the road. As much as people hated the ride from Chandigarh to Manali, mainly for the fact that it rained, I on the other hand loved every minute spent on the bike. Though the heavy rainfall ensured that I was left with utterly soaked gloves, wrinkled and blackened hands, the entire route till Manali was fun with a capital ‘F’. To sum it up in a word, PERFECT!

The next stop was Keylong. It was the first day that Sachin Chavan, from Royal Enfield said ‘today is going to be your toughest day of the Odyssey’, of course at that point in time we didn’t know that these words would be become the mantra of the morning briefing in the days to come. On the road to the first re-group of the day we didn’t encounter many hurdles, but as we came closer to Rohtang pass, our difficulties multiplied in no time. With muck almost as high as the foot peg, it was becoming increasingly difficult to ride, and to add to that, traffic! The couple of kilometers of the mucky road caused greater damage to a lot of bikes than on the entire trip - snapped clutch cables, burnt clutch plates and all sorts of trouble. Before entering Keylong we refueled at a pump near Tandi, the last fuelling pump before Leh.

Keylong to Sarcu, was the most strenuous and physically testing ride of the Odyssey. By the end of the day, Sachin’s earlier words really rung true. The ride for the first 40kms, till Darcha, was comfortable as compared to the remaining 90kms of the day. After the regroup at Darcha, we came across a massive water crossing where a lot of us got stuck for a good 2-3 minutes in ice cold water. Even throttling hard and trying to move the bike back and forth didn’t help at all. Finally, we were left with no option other than have two or three guys pushing each bike until it cleared the crossing, at the end of which my legs were almost frozen and completely numb. This was where the advice my colleagues had given me before setting off on the ride of keeping a spare pair of gloves and socks really paid off. With no idea about just how many of such excruciating crossings lay ahead, a quick change to dry socks was just the thing I needed to lift my spirits and keep riding. A few more crossings led us to our second regroup at Bharatpur where hot glasses of water and bowls of hot soup were just the things needed to lift the soggy atmosphere.

Sarchu introduced a lot of riders to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), enough to give the doctor a good workout running from camp to camp attending to all the ailing. The altitude didn’t spare me either. The day after we reached Sarchu, we were to ride a distance of 250kms across the More planes to reach Leh. That was one morning when I didn’t feel like getting onto the bike, thanks to a terrible attack of nausea and dizziness. Popping a couple of pills and forcing down breakfast down didn’t help much either. I was almost tempted to load the bike in the truck and go in the safety car, but I thought better of it. Once on the bike though, all the sickness and queasiness suddenly vanished, and we were off to Leh.

Riding through the More planes was an experience that can be described with just one word – beautiful. With huge mountains all around you and a single stretch of a long straight tarmac through them it is simply a road where you set yourself in cruise mode and look at the hill-scapes all around. And with no other vehicle around you for miles, the feeling is one of vast solitude. Beyond the More planes was the ride through Gata loops and the younger sibling of Khardung La, Tanglang La – the second highest motorable road in the world, eventually leading to Leh.

Riders were more than happy to reach Leh mainly for the fact that the following day was dedicated to rest and repair, which the riders and the bikes were in desperate need of. After the rest day, the participants were all set to ride across the highest motorable road in the world - Khardung La. Khardung La ended up being an extremely ceremonious place, with riders happily clicking photos with much gusto and celebrating the successful completion of half the Odyssey. On the other side of Khardung La, camping at Nubra was completely relaxing. With a stream flowing right next to our tent and the quite surrounding amplifying the sound of flowing water we all wished for a few more days to stay at the place. But alas it was a time bound trip. On our way back to Leh from Nubra, we encountered snowfall at South Pulu clubbed with traffic.

The Odyssey is not just about riding to the Himalayas, there is more to it than that. It’s about learning to ride on different terrain, learning from your mistakes and others’, learning how to master the art of riding in the ghats and ofcourse savoring the beauty of Himalayas while you ride. To sum it up in a few words, a quote from the CEO of Royal Enfield, Mr. Venki Padmanabhan, which would perfectly describe the Odyssey “If you go to the Odyssey as a boy, you will return a man; if you go as a man, you will return a sage, and if you go as a sage, surprisingly you will return as a boy”.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Whenever a new Royal Enfield rolls out of the factory, for the audience outside the ‘Bullet’ cult, it’s just another iteration of the same old thumpers that the world has gotten used to seeing in the last few decades.

Today we are going to find out which motorcycle is right for You. Below are some points which might help you buy your dream bike -

Engine : Royal enfield classic 500 cc comes with Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, OHV, SI Engine, Aircooled, fuel injected engine where as royal enfield classic 350 cc comes with Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, OHV, SI Engine, Aircooled, Twinspark engine.

Fuel System : classic 500 comes loaded with most technologically advanced Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) manufactured by kehien, japan (also used by honda motors) whereas classic 350 cc comes with old (but tested) carburetor technology.

Carburetor ? The goal of a carburetor is to mix just the right amount of petrol with air so that the engine runs properly. If there is not enough fuel mixed with the air, the engine "runs lean" and either will not run or potentially damages the engine. If there is too much fuel mixed with the air, the engine "runs rich" and either will not run (it floods), runs very smoky, runs poorly (bogs down, stalls easily), or at the very least wastes fuel. The carb is in charge of getting the mixture just right.

EFI ? The EFI system replaces the carburetor and is actually a much simpler device. It consists of an injector unit, a throttle body, a computer, and several sensors. The sensors relay information to the computer which then tells the injector device how much fuel to put into the cylinder and the throttle body how much air to insert at any given time. This allows the bike to create bike a perfect, predictable mixture. The sensors measure the engine temperature, oxygen in the exhaust stream, crankshaft position, manifold pressure, and throttle position. These sensors feed data to the computer and it, in turn, controls the precise air-fuel mixture. The result is more reliability, better driveability, improved fuel economy, lower maintenance, and a cleaner-running engine.

Maximum power : The 500 cc model produces 41.3 Nm of pure torque and 27.2 bhp, lending the bike a feel best understood when experienced. The sense of power you derive from “The Monster” is absolutely unbelievable. On the other hand classic 350 twinspark engine churns a maximum power of 19.8 bhp at 5250 rpm while it generates peak torque of 28Nm at 4000 rpm. Both bikes are provided with five speed gearbox with left side gear shift. The gearbox follows 1-N-2-3-4-5 pattern. Both the variants have self and kick start option.

Ignition system : classic 500 comes with electronic ignition whereas classic 350 comes with digital tci system.

Dimensions : The overall length, height and width of Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500cc are 2130mm, 1050mm and 800mm respectively while Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 350cc length is 2150mm, height 1080mm and width is 800mm. The wheelbase(1370mm), saddle height (800mm) and ground clearance (140mm) are same in both the machines.

Tyres : The Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500cc and 350cc sports bigger tyres with multi spoke rims. Both the tyres, rear and front, are zapper type (manufactured by MRF india) that reduce the chances of skidding. The specifications of the front and rear tyres are 90X90-19 and 120X80-18 respectively. Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 350cc has front tyre of 3.25-19 and the rear tyre is 110X90-18. Only the rear tyre is a zapper. Wheelbase for the both the machines is same that is 1370mm.

Available Colors options : The siblings are available in three attractive body colours. Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500cc comes in red, black and sky blue (strangely called green color by company) while Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 350cc is available in red, black and silver shades. It means that red and black shades are common whereas sky blue/green shade is a standard colour for Classic 500cc. Silver comes in only Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 350cc. In both the new products, body colour is there on front and rear fender, fuel tank, mask, air filter box and utility box. Engine, silencer, rear fork, rear view mirrors and legguard are in chrome for both motorcycles. But hey there is a catch, royal enfield classic 500 has body colored chassis whereas The smaller twin of the Classic 500cc has simple black colored chassis !!

Mileage / Average / Fuel Economy : As far as fuel efficiency is concerned, the younger sibling of Classic bikes scores over the elder. Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500cc gives, according to local brand showroom of RE, 32-35 kmpl of mileage with electronic fuel injection system while Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 350cc is supposed to give 40-45 kmpl of fuel economy. Low fuel efficiency of Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500cc is mainly due to higher engine capacity of the bike. On the other hand, Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 350cc gives more mileage on account of unit construction engine and lower engine capacity as compared to Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500cc.

Pick up and acceleration : Both The bikes, Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500cc and Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 350cc, comes loaded with unit construction engine and the mill is designed for better performance and comfort. The pick-up and acceleration are upgraded in the new machines as against the predecessors. The top speed of Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500cc is 130 kmph and classic 350cc has a top speed of 120 kmph. Yeah i know what you are thinking !! Why go for classic 500cc ? (when it is just 10 kmph faster than classic 350cc ) Higher capacity helps in a much relaxed ride, advantage of higher cursing speeds, you have on tap power for over takes and torque for lugging luggage. If fuel efficiency is not an issue the 500 makes
more sense and is also a more fun bike.

On Road Control and handling : For active and passive safety, enough tools are there in Royal Enfield Bullet Classic bikes. To name a few, front disc brake and gas filled shock absorbers are fitted in the new machines. As the bike is blessed with widest wheelbase, balance while driving and grip on road would be awesome. Under the rider's seat, Roll over Sensor is fitted that works in a case of accident or skidding (only on classic 500). The Roll over Sensor will switch off ignition and cut off fuel supply that will prevent the motorcycle from moving suddenly if it is in gear.

Design &amp; Build Quality : On the first glance, Royal Enfield Classic 500cc looks like it is original Bullet from 1950’s, it’s that similar! But when you come closer, you will see that it is a blend between vintage motorcycle and modern generation bike. Both classic 500cc and classic 350cc share same design over sized mudguards, “teardrop” tank, single saddle seat and covered headlamp.There was even a new logo of Royal Enfield on the top of the fuel tank – Cannon with words imprinted “Made like a gun”. Some other details that I like, are vintage- looking springs used for suspension and riding seat. Just like from 1950’s, and this classic look is timeless. Especially I like the old-school taillight looks; it has a round shape which makes it look historical, really great touch. Chromed parts look impressive – shiny and polished.

Brakes &amp; Suspension : both classic 500cc and classic 350cc are equipped with Single 280mm disc with 2 piston calipers is used for a front brake. It provides motorcycle with incredible stopping power, and the brake lever is highly responsive. For the rear brakes there is 152mm drum brake (internal expansion type). Altogether, stopping power is fine, despite the usual drum brake at the rear. Even with such power, motorcycle can be stopped easily, and quite effortlessly. The brakes are reliable and safe – they will not fail when you need them the most. Both bikes are blessed with rear gas filled shock absorbers and telescopic fork at the front. Jerks and jolts will be disappeared with these forks when riding the beast. The rear fork can be adjusted for different kind of routes. The riding experience on the Classic would be a memorable one with advanced disc brake and gas filled fork. (Front suspension use telescopic forks with hydraulic damping – stroke 130mm. Rear suspension is swing arm with shock absorbers, gas filled)

Starter motor : the classic 500cc comes with 0.9 KW electric starter motor manufactured by DENSO (a very well known brand) on the other hand classic 350cc comes with local brand (local here means manufactured by some indian / desi company)

Weight : classic 500cc has a kerb weight of 187 kg (with 90% fuel &amp; oil) whereas classic 350cc is on a bit lighter side with 182 kg (90% fuel &amp; oil).

Price : Classic 500cc is almost 28% more expensive than classic 350cc. Classic 500cc is priced at whopping Rs 1,50,000 on road new Delhi and classic 350cc is priced at Rs 1,18,000 on road new Delhi.

Conclusion :

Go for classic 500cc if-

You don't mind spending 28 % premium for classic 500cc.

you are going to use the bike mostly for "real motorcycle touring"

You like that extra torque that the classic 500cc generates (big plus point in touring, especially when you are traveling with baggage and pillion in ghat sections)

You are looking for a modern bike (EFI and all that stuff) with a tinge of classic-ness to it.

You are okay with lower fuel efficiency figures (20 % less than classic 350cc)

you are a true motorcycle lover and a royal enfield fan !!

Go for classic 350cc if -

You are expecting a higher fuel efficiency.

you want a value for money deal.

your usage pattern is more on daily city commuting and occasional Highway rides, then classic 350cc makes more sense

you are looking for no nonsense motorcycle. Since it doesn't have complex efi system which means less headache (if by chance efi system fails).

you want a cheaper alternative to classic 500cc (looks) .

you are fond of tried and tested engine (same thundebird's 350cc uce engine)

Saturday, August 20, 2011

If you fancy riding on one of the most unique on routes that few ever ride on, country roads, sand dunes, hills, jungles, highways as good as landing strips, a dry salt lake and all with little or no traffic. Then there’s the border road where yours will be the only vehicle passing through the famous 1971 battle sites. And we pay homage to a temple devoted to a Royal Enfield Bullet. The ride will coincide with the Marwar Festival at Jodhpur.

The tour of Rajasthan is a motorcycle odyssey organized by Royal Enfield. Royal Enfield will organize the entire motorcycle tour ranging from your stay at the various campsites during the tour to having a back up vehicle for the entire journey with the necessary spares.

In order to participate, all you need to do is click here.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

"I choose when I am not a sheep. Signed: the sheep" is the new promo ad for Royal McQueen in Bologna. now that's what i call a real funny advertisement !!

Monday, August 15, 2011

Based on the popular and well proven Electra, now with the all new unit construction fuel-injected engine, this is classic motorcycling with a modern twist. The Electra EFI looks and sounds like a classic British single, but with a significant performance boost, excellent fuel economy and significantly reduced exhaust emissions.

The Deluxe version of the Electra features a chrome tank, matching chrome mudguards, hand painted pin stripes on the side panels and classic pattern Avon Speedmaster tyres. This gives the fuel-injected Electra the classic Bullet look of the 1950’s but with modern performance and reliability.

The Bullet Electra is a classic motorcycle, simplistic in design with a new, robust and reliable unit construction engine. Comfort takes a front seat with gas filled shock absorbers and a sub frame.

FEATURES:

· 280mm front disc brake for reliable stopping power

· Gas filled rear shocks for a smooth ride

· Electric and kick-start options

· Halogen headlight for a clearer view

Available now in red, black, blue and sliver.

Engine- 2/5

Royal Enfield have tried hard to meet new Euro 3 emission laws without ruining the feel of their classic 500cc single, and it's worked. The all-new unit-construction lump is fuel-injected yet still feels like an Enfield, mostly because it still has the 84mm bore, 90mm stroke and heavy crank of the old Electra. It may be made in India but it's a traditional British push-rod single. Rubber strips between fins are there to reduce engine noise, but sat on top of you're still treated to a nice classic sound that should endear the bike to old-fashioned purists. It's still a lazy little engine, but it accelerates slightly quicker than the old model and has a touch more top end too.

Ride and Handling- 2/5

The brakes aren't up to much, with a single disc on the front and a drum brake (how quaint) on the back, so it's a good thing the engine's only packing 27.3 bhp. It's relatively comfy, until you get up to speed and the vibes start to kick in. It's definitely not a bike for long journeys or sustained top speed. Compared to the competition, like the Kawasaki W650 or the Triumph Bonneville, handling and suspension lack quality.

Equipment- 1/5

One look at the pictures should tell you that there's no on-board computer or digital tyre-pressure sensors here! The Enfiled aims to recreate biking from a simpler time. 2 wheels and an engine are about all you get for your money, but if you're here reading this and considering one of these bikes, that probably forms a big part of the appeal.

Quality and Reliability- 2/5

Reliability with Enfield's is patchy at best, with poor electrics. They’re very easy to work on though and there's nothing that can’t be put right with a little patience and a Haynes manual. Finish is poor and goes off quickly if not cared for. These bikes are built in India so if you're used to Japanese standards of build quality, you could be in for a shock.

Fuel economy - 4/5

Enfield claim 87mph for the Electra EFI, so with today's fuel prices it could make alot fo sense as a cheap commuter. These bikes are so simple servicing can be done at home- in fact it's probably a big part of the fun for alot of owners. The cost for a new one is very low and used bikes can be picked up at rock bottom prices.

Model History-

1949: The Bullet goes into production at the British Royal Enfield company.

2002: First electric start Bullet introduced.

2004: Bullet Electra X introduced along with conventional left foot gear shift/right foot brake set-up.

2008: Electra EFI model released with fuel-injected and all-new unit construction engine

Other Versions-

Bullet Trials: Alloy mudguards, wide bars, a solo seat, different sub-frame, alloy bash plate, enduro-style tyres and upswept exhaust.

Bullet Electra Sportsman: Rear sets, clip-ons add up to a saucy café racer style.

Bullet Classic: Has a chrome-sided tank and matching chrome mudguards. There’s a Classic Solo, too, with a single seat and luggage rack.

overall verdict- 3/5

This new version of the Enfield Electra may look the same, and to be fair in alot of ways that count it is, but in fact it features an all new unit construction engine with fuel-injection, dragging it kicking and screaming into this century to meet Euro 3 emission laws. This is a motorcycle with alot of charisma- a throwback from a bygone era. It's endearingly different to modern bikes, which can be a positive thing if you're looking for something different. Warm to it's character and you'll have a massive grin on your face as you thud gently around the back lanes. But you can't help getting the feeling that motorcycles have advanced for a reason, and maybe some things should stay in the past...

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions
Engine	Single Cylinder, 4 Stroke, OHV, SI Engine, Air cooled, and Fuel Injection
Displacement	499 CC
Bore x Stroke	84 mm x 90 mm
Maximum Power	20.3KW, 28bhp @ 5250 rpm
Maximum Torque	41.3 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Transmission	5-speed gearbox with left foot gear change
Ignition	Electronic Ignition
Ground Clearance	140 mm
Width	800 mm
Wheel Base	1370 mm
Length	2160 mm
Height	1050 mm
Seat Height/ Saddle Height	820 mm
Tyres
Front	90 x 90 – 19"
Rear	100 x 90 – 19"
Electricals
Electrical System	12 Volts - DC
Head lamp	60 W / 55 W, HALOGEN
Battery	14 AH
Tail Lamp	21/5 W
E-Start Starter Motor	0.9 KW, DENSO
Brakes
Front	Hydraulic Disc Brake (Disc dia 280mm)
Rear	Foot Operated 153 mm Single Lead Internal Expanding
Maximum Speed
Speed	130 Kmph
Suspension
Front	Telescopic, Hydraulic Damping, Stroke 130 mm
Rear	Swing Arm With Gas Shock Absorbers, Stroke 80 mm
Vehicle
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.5 litres/2L reserve (21 litres Clubman)
Compression Ratio	8.5 : 1
Air Cleaner	Paper Element
Engine Oil Grade / Qty	15W 50 API, SL Grade JASO MA
Weight(Kerb)	187 Kg (with 90% fuel & oil)

credit : motorcycles .com

Saturday, August 13, 2011

ROYAL ENFIELD MOTORCYCLES

ART OF MOTORCYCLING

ROYAL ENFIELD TOUR OF TIBET KICKED OFF

Royal Enfield Classic Desert Storm 500

ROYAL ENFIELD BULLET CLASSIC REVIEW

Royal Enfield Classic Chrome 500 launched

Bullet C5 Military

Royal Enfield Rider Mania 2010

ROYAL ENFIELD LAUNCHES 'CONTINENTAL GT

'Handcrafted in Chennai'

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500

classic 500 review

Cleaning your Royal Enfield

EFI Made Easy

Royal Enfield Bullet-The Indian Cult ?

Coming Soon : Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark 500 cc !!

Royal Enfield Bullet Sport concept

Royal Enfield classic 500 now available in csd at affordable price !!

How to book / purchase Royal Enfield Motorcyle through CANTEEN STORES DEPARTMENT (csd)

Report and Pics : Royal Enfield Himalayan Odyssey 2011

Comparo : Royal Enfiled classic 500 vs Royal Enfiled classic 350?

Royal Enfield Tour of Rajasthan 2011 registration opens

Royal Enfield funny advertisement featuring sheep !!

Royal Enfield Electra EFI road test / review / technical specification / price

Other Versions-

overall verdict- 3/5

Show your Love for Royal Enfield !!

classic 500 review

Cleaning your Royal Enfield

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