The Classic 500 has long been the quintessential tribute to the history of Anglo-Indian motorcycling that powered Royal Enfield into their second century of production.
Thus it is befitting that to signal the end of its production, a limited-edition Classic 500 Tribute Black special signs off this chapter, as Royal Enfield embarks on a new more modern volume of work as they enter their 120th year of production.
Pricing has been set at $8390 +ORC
While the modern winds of change are blowing, Royal Enfield remain dedicated to offer some of the most accessible platforms in motorcycling while increasing their footprint around the world with an increasing focus on customisation.
200 will be available in Australia and 40 in New Zealand.
Here in Australia Royal Enfield sales are increasing strongly and importers Urban Moto are reporting 50 per cent growth year on year and claim a top-five position in the mid-capacity segment of the Australian market. It is this mid-capacity market that the brand is overwhelmingly focussed on for the future.
Classic 500 Tribute Black comes with premium leather rider & pillion seats
The limited-edition Classic 500 Tribute Black is expected to arrive late this month, June 2021. 200 will be available in Australia and 40 in New Zealand.
Tribute Black is hand painted with the Royal Enfield pinstripes by the Kumar brothers, celebrating this long standing Royal Enfield build tradition.
Pricing has been set at $8390 +ORC which translates to $9590 Ride Away for those not just tucking one up away in the shed. NZ pricing is $9690 +ORC.
The hallmark UCE 500cc long-stroke engine is in an all-black livery.
A two-year warranty and roadside assistance program is provided to all Royal Enfield customers across AU/NZ.
Pre-orders will open commence at 5pm AEST, Wednesday 16th June, 2021 until 11.59pm Wednesday 23rd June, 2021. Click the image to secure your Classic 500 Tribute Black model.
In the summer of 2019, a young man named Jack Groves began his moto journey around the world – and it took a little longer than 80 days.
Disillusioned with the dream of a 9 to 5 job, Groves got his hands on a secondhand Royal Enfield Himalayan to defy all odds and travel the 35,000 miles around the orb we call home.
His route took him across Europe, through the Balkan Peninsula, and past Turkey, Asia, China, Southeast Asia, and Australia before flying to South America in January 2021.
The trip was no walk in the park. It required Groves to get used to riding in isolation, taking every precaution possible with the oncoming coronavirus as his travels took him through the Eastern Hemisphere.
The virus caught up with Groves in Cusco, South America, putting his travels to rest for a hefty 255 days. In a report from Dure Magazine, Jack recalls the incident.
“I contracted COVID-19 in early April which, at 3,400 meters (11154.86 ft) altitude, was pretty punchy – spent a month exploring the remote jungle of Manu National Park and the high sierra of the Asungate Massif, and the rest of my time was split between Cusco City and the nearby Sacred Valley of the Incas.”
Now, having returned this past Thursday to his home in Hertfordshire, Jack is officially the youngest motorist to circumnavigate the world – and as much as the memories will always live with him, even Groves will admit he is glad to be back.
“When you do spend this much time away, you start to start to really appreciate the small things in life, so you really start to appreciate the relationships in the family. Those are the one constants in life, so yeah – just spending time with them and not moving.”
Upon asking what his motivation was, Jack recalls how a good friend passed away before Christmas of 2018 – galvanizing him into action with the knowledge that there is no time better than the present.
Groves leaves us with a few words of wisdom, saying, “I’ll wrap this up with a few quotes that inspired me to get after my goals. Maybe they will work for you too”.
’20 years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, dream, discover.’ – Mark Twain
‘Life is measured in achievement, not in years alone.’ – Bruce McLaren.
‘No one gets out alive. Act accordingly.’ – Unknown.
Co-Founder, Guitarist, Songwriter and Lead Vocalist of one of “The Living End”, Melbourne’s Chris Cheney recently took up motorcycling and gained his licence at the ripe young age of 46.
Having lived in Los Angeles for the past few years, Chris and family recently moved back to Melbourne where he just celebrated his 46th Birthday and wife Emma surprised him with a voucher to attain a Motorcycle Learner’s Permit, a long time dream of Chris’. We asked him a few questions about his motorcycle and motorcycling and here’s what he had to say:
What was your first Motorcycling experience?
“As far back as I can remember I always had an awareness and love for motorcycles. When My dad was in his 20’s he raced a 500 Manx Norton and travelled around Australia as well as Europe and Spain. He had given up racing long before he had kids but remained an enthusiast. We would travel to Mt Panorama every Easter to watch the motorbike races and they were some of the best memories growing up. The smell and deafening sound of the bikes hurtling around that mountain was incredibly exciting to watch. My hero was Roger Freeth and we always stayed at the same motel he did so I remember meeting him each year and we used to give him Easter eggs.”
Why did you choose the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650?
“I’ve always liked the look and sound of old motorcycles, particularly the British 50’s and 60’s style. Motorbikes that actually look and sound like motorbikes, not all plastic and polite. Once I decided to actually get a bike I test rode a couple of Enfields at Mid Life Cycles in Richmond and loved them. The interceptor and GT were right up my alley. I’m a big fan of vintage guitars and Amplifiers and the Enfields just have that same style and feel to me as an an old 1950’s Gretsch guitar. They’re beautifully made but they growl when they need to.”
The Living End rocking on a Royal Enfield
Why did you decide to get your Motorcycle licence at 46?
“Better late than never! I think because my dad had raced bikes and had seen first hand the danger attached he never encouraged me! I’ve always been interested in them though but I guess I just never got around to it until now. My wife bought me the 2 day license course and gave me the hand book and was like here you go, go and tick this off the bucket list.”
What are the plans for your Motorcycling future?
“It’s just a hobby really. I don’t plan on doing long distance travel trips. I like the idea that there’s a whole scene and lifestyle that goes with these bikes, particularly the Royal Enfields. There’s a really great community of like minded people who enjoy the craftsmanship and aesthetics of the cafe racer style.”
What is next for Chris Cheney and The Living End?
“The band is going great! We’re lucky to still be doing it and it blows me away that Scott and I started this band when we’re about 14 years old!! Despite not being able to play as much as we’d like due to restrictions etc We just started working on some new material when the pandemic hit so looking forward to getting back into that ASAP. I have a solo album that is getting geared up for release and I’ve been doing some touring with that which has been a blast.”
2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 in Supernova trim (Photo by Kevin Wing)
Check out our video review of the 2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350, an affordable, approachable cruiser with a base price of $4,399. It’s powered by an all-new 350cc air-cooled single that makes 18 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 18 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm at the rear wheel, as measured on Jett Tuning’s dyno.
To find a Royal Enfield dealer near you, visit royalenfield.com.
The Royal Enfield Himalayan is perhaps an unlikely focus for riders keen on extensively modifying their motorcycles but there is no doubt they are now a popular platform to customise/individualise.
A Royal Enfield Himalayan with a difference
Built by Tommy Thöring, who builds under the name of ‘Schlachtwerks’, ‘he describes his 2020 Himalayan as a ‘Classic Enduro’, but he just calls it #38, as it’s the 38th custom bike built by Schlachtwerks.
Plenty of hand-built components on Tommy’s bike and upgraded suspension via a YSS shock
Tommy uses #38 as his daily-rider, and to escape into the bush on weekends with a new found passion for riding the fire trails and tracks around the outskirts of Sydney and beyond, including a maiden sojourn to the Gold Coast Hinterland and Byron Bay.
Tommy’s Royal Enfield Himalayan
Originally from Frankfurt, Germany, Tommy now works with Surfside Motorcycle Garage in Brookvale, Sydney. Tommy describes Surfside M/C as a ‘Classic Motorcycle workshop’, one that actually builds bikes as well as selling and servicing them.
Tommy’s Royal Enfield Himalayan
Tommy’s inspiration for his bike stemmed from Enduro bikes of the 80’s.
Tommy’s Royal Enfield Himalayan
Custom aluminium wheels: aluminium hubs with 1,85×21″ and 2,15×18″ (tyres 90/90-21 &120/90-18)
Royal Enfield touring bar
MotoGadget mini speedo
Classic Enduro headlight unit
SW hand built aluminium front mudguard
SW hand built aluminium rear guard
SW taillight
Modified Royal Enfield touring seat and flat rack
SW stainless steel exhaust
Carb re-jetted
YSS rear shock
Weight with full tank: 160.5 kg
Tommy’s Royal Enfield Himalayan
Find out what makes Tommy tick, and why he made his move from Germany to Australia.
Looking for Christmas gift ideas? Check out the Royal Enfield apparel and Benelli apparel ranges, featuring protective gear like the Clymer Jacket or Benelli KV-03 Helmet, Street Ready T-Shirt for casual wear, Garrison Facemask, or splash out and buy someone a Royal Enfield Classic – in a 1:12 scale model that is!
Check out the websites linked or head into your local Royal Enfield or Benelli dealer for more information or the full range.
Clymer Jacket – $269.95 RRP (Black)
The Clymer Jacket celebrates the versatility of the mythical Interceptor. A classic field jacket at first glance, look closer and you’ll find a full suite of motorcycle safety features. Plus when the Puffer winter jacket is attached to the loops inside the Clymer, you get a truly all-season ecosystem, perfect for the all-season rider.
The outer shell is made from abrasion resistant 100 per cent heavy duty cotton twill fabric, with CE Level 1 protectors at shoulders and elbows. A high density impact absorbent EVA foam back protector is joined by genuine Cordura panels on elbows for reinforced slide protection.
Clymer Jacket
A water resistant coating keeps you dry in light drizzles, as do waterproof zippered vents, which let you modulate the ventilation as required. This is compatible with the Puffer winter jacket (sold separately) and also has four pockets, genuine YKK Zippers and Royal Enfield metal branding on chest plus miniature motorcycle on arm.
Street Ready T-Shirt Peach – $25.95 RRP
Stylish, comfortable and ride ready is the motto of the Street Ready T-Shirt. The design takes from the realities of roads known only to a rider.
Street Ready T-Shirt Peach
The Street Ready T-Shirt in Peach is regular fit, with a crewneck and is 100 per cent cotton, 190 GSM. The single jersey includes a leather patch, with branding at the back and there’s helmet badging on the sleeves.
Garrison Facemask Tri-Pack – $59.95 RRP
Extend safety beyond the saddle with Garrison face protection mask. Treated with Viral Off Polygiene technology, this face mask is anti-microbial, anti-pollution, anti-dust, and anti-odor. Crafted with three layers of premium fabric for comfort and has a wide face coverage for better protection. This pack includes three different designs of facemask
Garrison Facemask Tri-Pack
These are a universal fit, with soft elastic and are reusable for up to 30 washes, and are designed to minimise eye-wear fogging up, like glasses or sunglasses. The set of three includes three different designs.
Royal Enfield Classic 500 1:12 Scale Model – $54.95 RRP
The Royal Enfield Classic 500 Desert Storm is inspired by the valour of the men in uniform serving in the deserts. This 1:12 scale model is an official replica of the iconic Classic Desert Storm. The 3D scale model is diecast metal with plastic parts, including steerable handlebar; free rolling wheels; working rear suspension and side stand; and measures 17.5cm (L) x 6.5cm (B) x 10.5 (H); weighing just 250 gm.
Royal Enfield Classic 500 model
This product is suitable for the age group of 8+ years. Not suitable for children under the age of 36 months due to the danger of swallowing small parts. Choking hazard!
Benelli KV-03 Helmet Red – $175.95 RRP
The Benelli KV-03 full face helmet is available in red, with an ABS thermoplastic resin shell, aerodynamic outer shell design, anti-scratch visor and anti-UV inner sunglasses, in sizes Medium, Large and XL.
Benelli’s Coper-Tex Jacket in black/red features a detachable zip-out thermal, cell phone pocket, drop pocket and inside chest pocket, with YKK zippers, custom adjusters at waist, neoprene soft collar and is a unisex, cropped fit.
The company will open a new plant in Thailand within the next 12 months. This new plant will build motorcycles for Vietnam, Malaysia, China, and other countries in the region. This year saw Harley retreat from India, and Royal Enfield has seen sales grow 88 percent across the region. It wants to keep the growth going, and sees domination in Asia as one way to help do that.
“People are buying Royal Enfield machines based upon their ease of use, their simple design and their classic vintage styling,” said Scott Lukaitis, a motorsports consultant, to the BBC.
According to the report, the brand also plans to launch a new bike per quarter for the next three to five years. This likely means the motorcycle manufacturer will make the most of its 650cc and 350cc platforms. It could also mean that Royal Enfield has a new platform in the works with a new engine.
COVID-19 could actually work in Royal Enfield’s favor, too. “The general consensus is fear of infection may shift people away from shared transport to individual mobility. Hence, the cheapest mode for rural areas is the motorcycle,” said Vivek Vaidya, a transport expert at consultants Frost & Sullivan.
Things are looking bright for Royal Enfield, and it will be interesting to see where this company goes in the future. Right now, things are truly looking up.
3.99% PA* COMPARISON RATE BULLET 500 TRIALS WORKS REPLICA
There’s no question that 2020 has been a trialling time for many people around the country. With restrictions slowly easing, there has never been a better time to jump on a motorcycle and truly start appreciating the outdoors… what better way to do that than on a Royal Enfield?
That’s why the team at Royal Enfield Australia have announced that for a limited time only, you can take advantage of a super low finance rate on the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Trials Works Replica!
“Made Like A Gun” and backed by two years warranty with premium roadside assistance, the legendary LAMS approved Bullet Trials 500 Works Replica is now even better value than ever before.
TRIBUTE TO A LEGEND
Inspired by Johnny Brittain’s champion Bullet and the Royal Enfield Factory Team’s tremendous success at the International Six Days’ Trials, the Bullet 500 Trials Works Replica pays homage to a motorcycling legend…
Offer valid until November 30 2020, or while stocks last.
Royal Enfield has a new bike coming soon. It’s called the Meteor 350 and it should be an important bike for the brand and one that will help it to stay a dominant force in India.
The motorcycle was originally set for an April 2020 release date, but then COVID-19 happened, and well, that didn’t happen. Then there was a lot of discussion about when the motorcycle would actually debut. Now, according to The Times of India, the bike will be unveiled on November 6.
This bike will be available in three different trim levels: Fireball, Stellar, and Supernova. Fancy names. It will be interesting to see what’s on each bike. I assume as you climb the trim ladder, the level of options and features will go up.
The powertrain isn’t totally clear at this time. That said, I’m sure it will be a BS6 compliant and have a 350cc displacement or close to that. It will also be a single cylinder. Power figures are unknown but I’d expect around 20 hp and maybe 20 lb-ft of torque. We will all find out the good details on November 6. That is, unless something else crazy happens.
Recently, I noted Royal Enfield’s rise and its goals for the future. As a part of that, the company wants to attract customers through racing. It started with Flat Track Racing. Now it’s on to road racing.
Professional road racer and current BTR flat track participant Melissa Paris will be a mentor for the company’s new road racing program. With help from Royal Enfield Americas’ Head of Marketing Breeann Poland, and racer/journalist Anne Roberts, Paris will select the company’s first BTR road race participant roster.
“Building upon the success of the initial BUILD TRAIN RACE program, we decided to carry the momentum into the road racing segment,” said Poland. “This is a unique opportunity for women interested in getting into road racing and to make a name for themselves in a national racing program. Working with a world-class racer like Melissa Paris is not an opportunity that comes along often. The ladies will also be some of the first people to road race the Continental GT 650 platform, so the motorcycling world will be watching.”
Royal Enfield will select only four women for the roster. Here’s the video questionnaire. the entry period opened on October 14, 2020, and runs through December 1.
