Happy 120th, Royal Enfield! With the company’s celebrations, the Indian multinational motorcycle manufacturers have given us an exclusive range of top-quality, limited edition helmets.
12 helmets have been created for the occasion – one for each decade of work that Royal Enfield has been giving the masses beautiful bikes to swing a leg over.
The first two are already on Royal Enfield’s official website, but they won’t be around long – Access to buy the first helmet will be opened in 1 day and 30 minutes from now, so be sure to go check them out!
RideApart states that each helmet’s availability will emerge in pairs for every week of 2021’s Q4 – the last showing up for the 24th of November.
As always, these limited edition helmets are all handmade – so if you’re not the type to let them get dusty on a shelf, you’re guaranteed a good lid for the can.
Here’s the Helmet Release Schedule (and year run-down) for a quick skim:
Helmet 1:
Representing 1900s
*Available within the next 24 hours*
Helmet 2:
Representing 1910s
*Available within the next 48 hours*
Helmet 3:
Representing 1920s
*Launching the 25th of October*
Helmet 4:
Representing 1930s
*Launching the 27th of October*
Helmet 5:
Representing 1940s
*Launching the 1st of November*
Helmet 6:
Representing 1950s
*Launching the 3rd of November*
Helmet 7:
Representing 1960s
*Launching the 8th of November*
Helmet 8:
Representing 1970s
*Launching the 10th of November*
Helmet 9:
Representing 1980s
*Launching the 15th of November*
Helmet 10:
Representing 1990s
*Launching the 17th of November*
Helmet 11:
Representing 2000s
*Launching the 22nd of November*
Helmet 12:
Representing 2010s
*Launching the 24th of November*
Make sure to stay posted for this – I personally can’t wait to see the helmets for Y2K.
Commemorating 120 years of building the motorcycling culture, Royal Enfield will mark 2021 with an ambitious expedition on the Royal Enfield Himalayan, to attempt to reach the geographic South Pole, from the Ross Ice Shelf via the Leverett Glacier.
Siddhartha Lal – Managing Director of Eicher Motors Ltd
“120 years is a long legacy for the brand, and we are very happy to have made it count. Over these years, we have created and nurtured a thriving culture of riding and exploration around the world. This pursuit of exploration has been a quintessential part of our DNA, and 90° South is another chapter in our series of extraordinary, epic motorcycling rides. In the past, rides like Himalayan Odyssey have paved the way for motorcycling adventure in the Himalayas and an epic expedition like this to the South Pole will further inspire people to become adventurers again. A test of endurance and perseverance for man and machine, this expedition is the first of its kind attempt to traverse the 770km long route to the South Pole on a motorcycle.”
An ode to all Enfielders who’ve dared to explore beyond the ordinary, 90° South will be an ambitious attempt to go where no motorcycle has gone before. To begin from Cape Town, South Africa, on 26 November 2021, the expedition will see two Royal Enfield riders – Santhosh Vijay Kumar (Lead – Rides & Community, Royal Enfield) and Dean Coxson (Senior Engineer- Product Development, Royal Enfield) attempting to reach the geographic South Pole, from the Ross Ice Shelf, via the Leverett Glacier, to the Amundsen-Scott Pole station.
To be conducted in close partnership with Arctic Trucks, 90° South will be attempted on two, purpose-built Royal Enfield Himalayans. Arctic Trucks, a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, are renowned for their deep expertise in the field and have covered over 350,000 kms on the Antarctic Plateau. They have supported and serviced several scientific expeditions and activities, as well as commercial and NGO expeditions in the past.
Launched in 2016, the Royal Enfield Himalayan is a simple, capable, go-anywhere motorcycle. Inspired from the experience of decades of riding in the Himalayas, and traversing thousands of kilometers of challenging terrain, the Royal Enfield Himalayan was built to be a versatile motorcycle that is capable on the road, as well as off the beaten track.
For this expedition, two Himalayans have been modified in-house, with functional upgrades to be able to navigate snow and ice to function under extreme conditions in Antarctica. The Himalayan was tested for this arduous and treacherous journey at the Langjokull glacier in Iceland, with an intention to mirror the conditions in Antarctica. Phase 1 of testing was held in September 2020 while phase 2 of testing concluded in July 2021
Minimal changes have been made to the motorcycle to make it ready for the terrain and weather conditions in Antarctica. For greater torque at the rear wheel, the main drive sprocket has been changed from a 15-teeth, to a 13-teeth unit. There is a tubeless wheel set-up with studded tyres that allows the tyres to run at very low pressures, and to increase floatation on soft snow, while also providing adequate traction on hard ice. The team has introduced a stronger alternator using rare earth magnets, so as to enable the motorcycle to produce more current and enable the team to run heated gear off the battery.
We’re all daydreaming of our next real adventure, ready to escape, and breathe the air of new places.
The team at Royal Enfield know this all to well, and are here to help you gear up the moment lockdowns and restrictions ease. Across the country, the Himalayan has proven itself to be one of the most versatile and capable motorcycles yet, and this is your chance to start planning your adventure.
The time has come to stop wishing, and start doing… That’s why until the 30th November, purchase a new Euro 4 or Euro 5 Himalayan and upgrade your adventure machine with the Genuine Royal Enfield Black Series Adventure Kit for an exclusive promotional price:
Black Series Adventure Kit (add for $1,290 – valued at $1,980)
Set of 26L Aluminium Panniers (black) Pannier Mounting Kit (black) Large Engine Guard (black) Adventure Hand Guard Kit Master Cylinder Guard (black) Oil Cooler Guard (black)
Forge your own path on the Royal Enfield Himalayan and go further than ever before.
Royal Enfield continue to go from strength to strength in Australia and it was the introduction of the twin-cylinder 650 Interceptor and Continental that effectively turned the brands somewhat antediluvian image into something more alluring to younger customers.
Royal Enfield have sold over 2500 of the 650 Twins in Australia since the model went on sale here a little over two years ago. In fact, demand is currently far outstripping supply, and there are hundreds of customers on waiting lists. Royal Enfield expects to reach 3000 sales before the end of 2021 if they can clear some of that backlog. That success is also being experienced across the ditch in New Zealand.
30-35 per cent of the sales are for the sportier styled Continental GT, but most customers, 65-70 per cent, plump for the more upright Interceptor.
An affordable price point, three-year warranty and attractive styling has made the models a big winner among new riders due to its LAMS certification and that the bikes lend themselves to individualisation.
There are also plenty of experienced riders that have been won over by the honest simplicity of the bikes.
Both 650s continue to be powered by the oversquare air-cooled SOHC parallel-twin that puts out 47 horsepower at 7250 rpm, and delivers peak torque of 52 Nm at an accessible 5250 rpm.Its gait has plenty of character and it feels larger than its 648 cc displacement might suggest.
A new soft pannier system for the 650 Twins is also expected to arrive in the coming weeks that will add more versatility to the models.
Royal Enfield also claim that quality improvements in regards to the seat stitching and overall fit and finish of the models has been made.
Vimal Sumbly, Business Head, Asia Pacific markets at Royal Enfield
“The launch of the 650 Twins marked a new chapter for Royal Enfield and for the mid-sized motorcycle segment. The global success of these motorcycles over the last couple of years has been phenomenal with the Interceptor growing the 500cc+ category by more than 4-times in India, and winning many accolades globally. In Australia, Twins 650 motorcycles have been doing extremely well and have over 2500 proud customers. Overall in the APAC region, the 650 Twins contribute to more than 50% of the volumes with the highest demand of the motorcycles in Thailand where the 650 Twins account for more than 65% of the volumes. The introduction of genuine motorcycle accessories (GMA) further enhanced the personalization possibilities and overall appeal of these motorcycles. With close to 10,000 happy customers, we believe that the newly introduced colourways on the Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650, along with unique customisation options will go a long way in bringing more enthusiasts into the brand fold.”
The 2022 colourways and their Australian ride away pricing is listed below. All models now score black rims and fork gaiters for 2022.
2022 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Colours and Ride Away Prices
Rocker Red: $10,990
British Racing Green: $10,990
Dux Deluxe: $11,290
Ventura Storm: $11,290
Mr Clean: $11,590
2022 Royal Enfield Interceptor INT650 Colours and Ride Away Prices
One Ride brings together Royal Enfield riders across the globe
One of the world’s largest curated single-day rides, One Ride calls on Royal Enfield riders across the world to come out and ride as one, celebrating the camaraderie and brotherhood.
The 10th edition of One Ride will be organised across 35 countries on September 26 2021, with strict adherence to all COVID protocols.
While One Ride celebrates riders and their common passion and enthusiasm for riding a motorcycle, this year Royal Enfield is calling for the adoption of Responsible Travel practices by its riding community, in a bid to #LeaveEveryPlaceBetter. Towards this, a behaviour change campaign is being launched to sensitise and encourage riders to – carry their own waste back, support local communities and businesses, avoid single-use plastic during rides and maintain all COVID protocols.
Vimal Sumbly, Business Head, Asia Pacific markets at Royal Enfield
“Royal Enfield has always ensured sustainable riding practices with efforts towards positive impact on the local community. As part of its Social Mission, COVID support was offered in APAC markets through activities such as food distribution, relief fund, and awareness drives. In Thailand, Royal Enfield held a food distribution drive for the underprivileged local communities in Wat Sangwet and Pakkret, home for the children with disabilities situated in Bangkok and Nonthaburi province, while in Jakarta, Bandung and Bogor there was a free kitchen service for the homeless. In Australia, Royal Enfield worked with Food Bank Australia and distributed over 8000 food packages. We also organise many cause-led rides which spread awareness about locally relevant issues.
“This year, although COVID restrictions will prohibit group rides in Melbourne & Sydney, One Ride will still see motorcycling enthusiasts of all ages come together in other cities for a ride that is inclusive and fiercely unique. The camaraderie of thousands of Royal Enfield enthusiasts will be enlivened over the world as they gear up to participate in One Ride, while creating awareness around and focusing on adopting ‘Responsible Travel’ in a bid to #LeaveEveryPlaceBetter. To ensure riders safety, strict COVID protocols will be followed at all locations. All riders will be expected to wear a mask and will be encouraged to keep a safe distance from each other at all times.”
One Ride 2021 is being organized across more than 400 cities in India, and 35 countries globally including Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Korea, Japan, SIngapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Cambodia Argentina, Columbia, Spain, Mexico, Peru, Chile, United Kingdom, Ecuador, France, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Spain, Brazil, Dubai, France, Italy, and Germany among others. Enthusiasts can either join a ride or host a ride by visiting the official website.
Royal Enfield”s debut season in competition Flat Track racing with their 650s in Europe came to the perfect conclusion, after Gary Birtwhistle and Aussie Paul Young claimed five wins from five rounds of racing, wrapping up the title and runner up spots to boot.
This fifth and final round of the 2021 DTRA (Dirt Track Rider’s Association) season took place at the TT circuit at Greenfield Dirt Track, Lincolnshire. With an additional right-hand turn and a jump incorporated into the track, it was all to play for going into the final weekend of the season.
With Royal Enfield’s principal rider, Gary Birtwistle having his season cut short with a broken scaphoid bone in his wrist (after having won all of the first three races), it all came down to team-mate Paul Young to secure the Championship Crown for the Royal Enfield Team.
Relatively new to flat track, but with years of GP2 racing experience under his belt, Paul flew through the qualifying heats and found himself at the front of the grid heading into the final.
While being pushed hard all the way to the final lap, the chequered flag and the 2021 Championship Crown was destined to be claimed by Paul and Royal Enfield.
The result marked Royal Enfield’s first “factory” European Championship win since the legendary Johnny Brittain won the ACU Star at the National Trials Championship back in 1956. After a hiatus of 65 years, this marks an exciting new milestone for Royal Enfield as it further develops its footing in the world of competitive racing.
Our first Motorcycle of the Year was awarded to the 1990 BMW K1, and for the past 31 years we’ve limited contenders to current model-year motorcycles that are new or significantly updated. In recent years, however, production timing and model-year designations have become more fluid.
And then there’s the economic shutdown last year caused by the pandemic, which disrupted the global supply chain for everything from toilet paper to semiconductors. Some manufacturers were forced to delay the release of certain models, while others skipped the 2021 model year altogether.
We’ve posted announcements of new/updated 2022 models as early as January of this year. And so far, we’ve ridden 2022 motorcycles from BMW, Honda, Indian, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha. To give all makes and models a fair shake during the calendar year when they are released and most relevant, eligible contenders for this year’s MOTY include any new/updated motorcycle released since last year’s award that are available for testing.
There were plenty of motorcycles to consider, and we’ve narrowed them down to 10 contenders and one winner. Without further ado…
THE CONTENDERS
1) BMW R 18 B/Transcontinental
BMW entered the traditional cruiser segment in 2021 with the standard R 18 and windshield-and-saddlebags-equipped R 18 Classic, built around the 1,802cc “Big Boxer.” The 2022 R 18 B “Bagger” and R 18 Transcontinental are touring-ready with a batwing-style fairing, infotainment system, hard saddlebags, and a passenger seat, and the TC adds a top trunk with a passenger backrest.
Yes, pigs – or more accurately, hogs – can fly. The Motor Company shook up the hyper-competitive ADV segment when it introduced the 2021 Pan America 1250/Special. Powered by a 150-horsepower V-Twin and fully equipped with all the latest bells and whistles, it proved itself to be highly capable on- and off-road, and the optional Adaptive Ride Height is its killer app.
Honda’s GL1800 won Rider’s MOTY when it debuted in 2001 and again when it was thoroughly overhauled in 2018. Updates for 2021 may seem minor, but they make all the difference when it comes to the two-up touring the Wing was designed for. The larger trunk holds more stuff, the improved passenger accommodations are appreciated, and the audio and styling updates add refinement.
The all-new Rebel 1100 is the sort of cruiser only Honda could make. It has styling like its smaller Rebel 300/500 siblings, a powerful engine adapted from the Africa Twin CRF1100L (including an optional 6-speed automatic Dual Clutch Transmission), ride modes and other electronics, well-damped suspension, good cornering clearance, modest weight, and a base price of just $9,299 (add $700 for DCT).
The KLR is dead, long live the KLR! After a two-year absence, Kawasaki’s legendary dual-sport returns for 2022 with fuel injection (at last!), optional ABS, and other updates aimed at improving reliability, comfort, stability, load capacity, and user-friendliness. It remains one of the best deals on two wheels with a base price of $6,699.
KTM’s street-oriented 790 Adventure and off-road-ready 790 Adventure R shared Rider’s 2019 MOTY. Just two years later, the folks in Mattighofen kicked it up a notch with a larger, more powerful engine from the 890 Duke R, chassis updates, and tweaks to the suspension, brakes, and electronics, all of which contribute to the 890 Adventure R’s all-terrain capability.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the original Chief, Indian revamped its entire Chief lineup, with six models that strike a balance between old-school style and new-school technology. Powered by the Thunderstroke 116 V-Twin, the all-new Super Chief Limited has a quick-release windscreen, saddlebags, a two-up seat, ABS, and a Ride Command-equipped display.
Yes, the Meteor 350’s air-/oil-cooled Single makes just 18 horsepower and 18 lb-ft of torque. But rarely have we encountered a motorcycle that offers so much substance for so little money. In top-spec Supernova trim, the Meteor comes with ABS, turn-by-turn navigation, a two-up seat with a passenger backrest, a windshield, and a two-tone paint scheme for just $4,599.
The former winner of the late-’90s top-speed wars got its first major update since 2008. Thanks to more grunt in the midrange, the Hayabusa’s updated 187-horsepower 1,340cc inline-Four helps it accelerate faster than ever before. Refined and reworked from nose to tail, the ’Busa has more aerodynamic bodywork, a full suite of IMU-enabled electronics, and much more.
Designed to be equally capable on- and off-road, Yamaha’s middleweight adventure bike is powered by a liquid-cooled, 689cc CP2 parallel-Twin and has a durable tubular-steel frame, adjustable long-travel suspension, switchable ABS, and spoked wheels in 21-inch front/18-inch rear sizes. Contributor Arden Kysely liked the T7 so much, he bought our test bike from Yamaha.
For the better part of the past decade, the adventure bike segment has been the darling of the motorcycle industry, growing while other segments have been flat or declining and siphoning off R&D resources. With some adventure bikes making 150 horsepower or more, traditional sport-tourers have been all but neglected. Stalwarts such as the Honda ST1300, Kawasaki Concours 14, and Yamaha FJR1300 haven’t been updated in years.
That’s what makes the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT such a breath of fresh air. At less than 500 pounds fully fueled, it’s much easier to handle than the 600-plus-pound S-T bikes on the market. And with a claimed 115 horsepower on tap, there are few motorcycles that will leave it behind.
We first tested the bike that would evolve into the Tracer 9 GT when Yamaha introduced the FJ-09 for 2015. At its heart was the liquid-cooled 847cc CP3 Triple from the FZ-09 – an absolute ripper of a motor. It had an ADV-ish upright seating position and wind-blocking handguards but rolled on 17-inch wheels with sport-touring rubber, while its windscreen, centerstand, and optional 22-liter saddlebags added touring capability. The FJ-09 was light and fun to ride, but it was held back by fueling issues, poorly damped suspension, and weak brakes.
Yamaha did its homework and gave its middleweight sport-tourer an overhaul for 2019, renaming it the Tracer 900 GT in the process. Updates included better throttle response, a longer swingarm for more stability, higher-quality suspension, a new TFT color display, and a larger, one-hand-adjustable windscreen. The saddlebags were made standard as were other features, such as cruise control, heated grips, and a quickshifter.
Two years later, Yamaha went even further. For 2021, the new Tracer 9 GT gets the larger 890cc CP3 Triple from the MT-09, which is lighter, more fuel efficient, and more powerful. An all-new lightweight aluminum frame is made using a controlled-fill diecast process that reduces mass and increases rigidity. A new aluminum swingarm is longer and stronger, and a new steel subframe increases load capacity to 425 pounds and allows an accessory top trunk to be mounted along with the larger 30-liter saddlebags. New spinforged wheels reduce unsprung weight, and they’re shod with grippy Bridgestone Battlax T32 GT sport-touring tires.
In addition to updated throttle response modes and all-new KYB semi-active suspension, the Tracer 9 GT now has a 6-axis IMU that enables a suite of electronic rider aids adapted from the YZF-R1, including lean-angle-sensitive traction control, ABS, slide control, and lift control. It also has full LED lighting (including cornering lights) and a new dual-screen TFT display. The rider/passenger seats have been upgraded, and the rider’s ergonomics are adjustable.
We had an opportunity to test the Tracer 9 GT just before the MOTY polls closed, and it swept the field. Thanks to steady evolution and improvement over three generations, Yamaha has demonstrated just how good a modern sport-tourer can be, especially for riders who value agility over couch-like luxury. Performance, sophistication, comfort, versatility, load/luggage capacity – the Tracer checks all the right boxes and leaves nothing on the table.
Congratulations to Yamaha for the Tracer 9 GT, Rider’s 2021 Motorcycle of the Year!
A new and improved generation of the Royal Enfield Himalayan will arrive in Australian dealerships next week.
Some of the changes include engine improvements that help it achieve Euro5 certification while improved suspension, instrumentation and luggage capacity help lift the dynamic ability of the machine a few notches.
Unfortunately the price has also gone up with importers stating that freight costs have multiplied due to the global pandemic. This is well-known and across the board I have had people mention to me that many industries are reporting a fivefold increase in shipping charges, along with massive delays and logistical dramas along the way.The price rise has been around $500 with the new Himalayan starting at $8190 Ride Away in base colours while the Rock Red or Lake Blue colourways attract a $200 price premium while the Granite Black or Pine Green models will retail for $8590 Ride Away.
Helping to offset the price rise is Royal Enfield’s three year 30,000 kilometre warranty and roadside assistance program along with the addition of the ‘Tripper’ navigation system driven by Google Maps.
This is a simple but effective system whereby a small LCD display on the bars takes navigation cues from your phone via Bluetooth and then presents the next instruction by way of an arrow and countdown to turn.
The ABS system is now dual-channel and the rear intervention can be switched off when the rider desires.
The 21-inch front rim gives the Himalayan great stability on rough surfaces and Royal Enfield claim the machine is rugged enough to be ‘built for all roads, built for no roads.’
220 mm of ground clearance is about as generous as it gets when it comes to learner legal adventure bikes in Australia and that the Himalayan manages to achieve that, along with 180 mm of suspension travel at the rear, 200 mm at the front, while retaining a low 800 mm seat height is pretty impressive.
Royal Enfield claim the seat is now much more comfortable for the long haul while the luggage capacity has been improved along with a much improved rear carrier rack that is fitted as standard. The windshield is also claimed to be improved.
The Indian brand has also been on a mission to raise their quality control standards in recent times and these changes have paid dividends across their range as they seek to extend their global footprint. That is obviously working as Royal Enfield is the biggest selling brand of 250 to 750cc motorcycles in the world.
Locally almost 2000 customers have taken home a Himalayan here in Australia and the model makes up 20 per cent of the brand’s sales in our region. While official sales figures are not released, Royal Enfield claim to be the fifth biggest selling brand of mid-capacity road motorcycles in Australia.
2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan (Euro5) Specifications
Single Cylinder, 4 stroke, Air cooled, SOHC, Fuel Injection
Displacement 411cc
Bore x Stroke 78 mm x 86 mm
Compression Ratio 9.5:1
Maximum Power 24.3 bhp @ 6500 rpm
Maximum Torque 32 Nm @ 4250 rpm
Ignition system Digital electronic ignition
Clutch Wet, multi-plate
Gearbox 5 Speed Constant Mesh
Lubrication Wet sump
Fuel supply Electronic fuel injection
Engine start Electric
Chassis Type Half-duplex split cradle frame
Front suspension Telescopic, 41 mm forks, 200 mm travel
Rear suspension Monoshock with linkage, 180 mm wheel travel
Wheelbase 1465 mm
Ground Clearance 220 mm
Length 2190 mm
Width 840 mm
Height 1370 mm (Fly Screen Top)
Seat Height 800 mm
Weight in running order 199 kg
Fuel Capacity 15+/- 0.5 lts
Front tyre 90/90 – 21” Rear tyre 120/90 – 17”
Front brakes 300 mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper
Rear brakes 240 mm disc, single piston floating caliper
ABS Dual Channel ABS (Switchable to Single Channel ABS – Rear Wheel ABS Control Deactivation)
“Tripper “ Navigation LCD Cluster with Compass
Centre & side stand
Engine Guard
Luggage Rack
Tool Kit
Pricing $8190 to $8590 ride away
Warranty – Three years, 30,000 kilometres and three-years roadside assist
The Meteor represents that eternal essence of riding, the spirit of the cruise; with classic contours & timeless design cues, it is an easy thoroughbred cruiser, ready for the open highway and for meeting the challenges of urban commute with equal ease.
The Meteor Touring Kit is perfect for when you’re cruising around town, or chasing the sun all the way along the coast.
Royal Enfield have already been dipping their peg in Flat Track racing around the world and have run schools in both Europe and the USA for riders to get a taste for some sideways action.
In some big news for Aussie enthusiasts, the Aussie importer for Royal Enfield, Urban Moto Imports, are gearing up to run a series of ‘Flat Track Slide Schools’ here in Australia.
The timeline and venues are still being locked in but the plans are well advanced and the details are expected to be announce soon.