Tag Archives: Royal Enfield

Discount on first Tibet tours

Extreme Bike Tours is offering a 10% discount on its first tours of Tibet and Nepal, the Mt Everest base camp and the Forbidden City of Lhasa in 2020.

Riders will be aboard Royal Enfield Himalayan adventure motorcycles  which were tested in the Himalayas.

Royal Enfield Himalayan Sleet invests camo
Royal Enfield Himalayan

We toured Sri Lanka last year with Extreme Bike Tours and found them to be top value, professional and honest.

Company part-owner Ben Lloyd says there is already so much interest in their 15-day, 2277km tour that they have scheduled two tours next year from 5-20 September and 22 September to 6 October.

Their tours have a cap of 10 riders to keep them intimate and safe.

Prices are $US5895 (about $A8800) for riders, $US4950 ($A7350) for a pillion and $US695 ($A1000) for a single room.

If you book before the end of October 2019, they will take 10% off.

That’s good value as they stay in good quality hotels and all meals are included. In fact, everything but your flights, health insurance, alcohol and tips is included.

Tibet treasures

The tour starts in Kathmandu, Nepal, and climbs to 5220m to Mt Everest base camp and on to the spectacular Tibetan Plateau.

Tibet Lhasa
The Forbidden City of Lhasa

They even include free oxygen cylinders for those find the altitude hard going.

Despite the adventure, it’s still only rated at “intermediate” skill level, so there will be some rough riding involved.

Highlights of the tour include stunning mountain scenery, challenging roads, spectacular waterfalls, sacred caves, ancient monasteries and temples, and jaw-dropping views of Mt Everest from old Tingri if the weather is kind.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Ride away on classic motorcycles

If you are looking for some affordable, restored classics you can ride away, there are seven on the block at the upcoming Shannons Sydney Winter Auction on August 26 – most with ‘no reserve’.

The highlight for British motorcycle enthusiasts is a 1970 650cc Triumph Bonneville T120R (photo above), presented in restored condition and expected to sell in the $12,000-$16,000 range.

There are also two classic ‘intra-War’ BSA twin cylinder 500cc solos: ­a restored 1941 BSA WM20 and an unrestored, but complete 1946 M20. Each is expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ in the $7000-$10,000 range.

If you are looking for some affordable, restored classics you can ride away, there are seven on the block at the upcoming Shannons Sydney Winter Auction on August 26 – most with ‘no reserve’.
Unrestored 1943 BSA M20

As an alternative for British classic motorcycle enthusiasts, there is a single-cylinder, 125cc 1948 Royal Enfield ‘Flying Flea’ motorcycle. Presented in useable condition and offered with ‘no reserve’, it is expected to sell in the $4000-$6000 range.

If you are looking for some affordable, restored classics you can ride away, there are seven on the block at the upcoming Shannons Sydney Winter Auction on August 26 – most with ‘no reserve’.
Royal Enfield Flying Flea

There are two great Japanese 1980s dirt bikes: a 1980 80cc Suzuki RM80T and a mighty 600cc 1983 Honda XL600R –  both fresh from similar ground-up restorations and neither being used since completion.

If you are looking for some affordable, restored classics you can ride away, there are seven on the block at the upcoming Shannons Sydney Winter Auction on August 26 – most with ‘no reserve’.
Honda XL600R

Each is offered with ‘no reserve’, with the Suzuki expected to sell for $2000-$3000 and the Honda for $3000-$6000.

Japanese collectors may be interested in an unrestored example of Yamahas first road model – the 650cc XS-1. 

This original classic is in good rideable condition and expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ in the $9000-$13,000 range.

To view all Shannons August 26 Sydney Winter Auction lots, visit www.shannons.com.au

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Corbin seat for Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

Famous seat manufacturer Corbin has introduced a new seat to soften the hard ride of the new Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.

If the mark of a successful model is the number of aftermarket accessory companies that provide premium parts, Royal Enfield is on a winner with the new Interceptor and Continental GT 650.

Swedish premium suspension company Ohlins was the first with full suspension upgrades for the twins.

The FSK145 fork springs cost $A399 and the RE911 twin shocks are $A1129 or $A949 for the RE912.

They will be followed by full suspension for the 400cc Himalayan adventurer. Prices are expected to be $A399 for the FSK 144 forks and $A1395 for the RE 907 shocks.

American engine giant S&S Cycle has followed up with 750cc and 865cc big-bore kits, mufflers and various other parts for the twins. (See end of article for a full price list.)S&S Cycles big bore kit for Royal Enfield 650 camshaft-kit-royal-enfield-650

Corbin seatCorbin seat for Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

Now Corbin has joined the parts rush with a $US497 Gunfighter & Lady seat.

It is made with Comfort Cell foam and accepts an adjustable removable passenger backrest ($US257).Corbin seat for Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

A simple setscrew on the rear of the backrest sets the angle without removing it from the seat. Support hardware is built inside the seat to keep a clean look without external brackets.

There is also a small, plastic four-litre top box ($US393) available for the backrest to store wets, gloves, water, maps, etc.

S&S parts

Here is the full list of S&S performance parts for the new Royal twins.

Part

Price (USD)

Price (INR – For Representation only)

Dynojet Power Commander V with Calibration

USD399.99

INR27,760

High-Flow Air Intake Eliminator Plate Kit

USD23.95

INR1,662

High-Flow Replacement Air Filter

USD59.95

INR4,161

High-Compression 11:1 Piston Kit

USD492.95

INR34,211

Stainless Muffler Set

USD641.95

INR44,552

Race only Stainless Muffler Set

USD474.95

INR32,962

Handlebar Adjuster Kit (INT 650)

USD69.95

INR4,855

Performance Clutch Kit

USD399.95

INR27,757

High-Performance Camshaft Kit with Shims

USD186.95

INR12,975

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

S&S big-bore kits for Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield is on a winner with its 650cc twins as American engine giant S&S Cycle has now added 750cc and 865cc big-bore kits.

This follows the recent announcement that premium Swedish suspension manufacturer Ohlins has developed suspension grades for the twins and the Himalayan.

S&S also have other performance parts for the new Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650.

They include clutch kits ($US399.95), mufflers ($US474.95) and handlebar adjuster kits ($US69.95).

But the biggest news is the 750cc big-bore kit at $US630.95 (about $A900) and 865cc kit ($US634.95).

S&S usually only make big-bore kits and performance gear for Harley-Davidson and Indian V-twins.

This is the first time the Wisconsin company has produced performance parts for any other specific motorcycle.

The company stress that the performance gear is for “closed-course competition use only”.

While they do not yet reveal power and torque output for the kits, they have released the following tech details.

750cc big-bore kit:

Stock

S&S 750 Kit

Bore X Stroke

78 x 67.8mm

83.5 x 67.8mm

Compression Ratio

9.5:1

11.0:1

865cc kit:

Stock

S&S 865 Kit

Bore X Stroke

78 x 67.8mm

90 x 67.8mm

Compression Ratio

9.5:1

11.0:1

The kits feature comprehensive engine upgrades including larger cylinders and pistons in addition to new head gasket.

Royal Enfield’s 648cc parallel twin produces 35kW (47hp) and 52Nm of torque. Output should increase about another 17kW to around 52kW.Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 arriving bore

Here is the full list of S&S performance parts for the new Royal twins.

Part

Price (USD)

Price (INR – For Representation only)

Dynojet Power Commander V with Calibration

USD399.99

INR27,760

High-Flow Air Intake Eliminator Plate Kit

USD23.95

INR1,662

High-Flow Replacement Air Filter

USD59.95

INR4,161

High-Compression 11:1 Piston Kit

USD492.95

INR34,211

Stainless Muffler Set

USD641.95

INR44,552

Race only Stainless Muffler Set

USD474.95

INR32,962

Handlebar Adjuster Kit (INT 650)

USD69.95

INR4,855

Performance Clutch Kit

USD399.95

INR27,757

High-Performance Camshaft Kit with Shims

USD186.95

INR12,975

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Öhlins develops Royal Enfield suspension

Premium Swedish suspension company Öhlins has developed special suspension for Royal Enfield motorcycles for the first time.

The first models to get the Öhlins adjustable shock absorbers and fork springs with adjustable pre-load caps are the new and very popular 650cc twin-cylinder Interceptor and Continental GT.

They will be followed by full suspension for the 400cc Himalayan adventurer.

When I tested the Interceptor and Continental GT, I found the standard American-made Gabriel shocks a little on the soft side for my 80kg frame.

I pumped up the rear preload to the fourth of five settings but it still managed to bottom out over some big bumps, bounced around at the rear and wobbled a little over mid-corner irregularities.

Ohlins developed on harsh roads

“Öhlins takes the bike to another level, especially for those that will ride pillion or push their bike to the limits,” says ASEAN Business Development Executive Dale Schmidtchen in Thailand.

“The suspension was developed this year here where the roads are similar in quality to roads in Australia.

“The rear shock option for the Himalayan will be a great option for resolving two concerns with owners.

“Access to the spring preload is very hard on this model, so Öhlins will offer a shock absorber with remote preload adjustment, which in turn allows the rider to quickly adjust for varying load weights and road conditions.

“With Öhlins suspension, firstly you now have the option to adjust spring and preload for varying rider, pillion and loaded equipment. This is not just a comfort feature, but also safety.

“Dynamic ground clearance will be improved, as well as stability through corners. And last but not least, with most of a bikes braking control being a by-product of the compression stroke of the forks, this will allow for better braking, especially over bumps.

Öhlins has not yet released prices, but say they will be a “surprise”.

They come in either black or yellow with interchangeable springs.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Will Royal Enfield Bobber be a Meteor?

Royal Enfield has trademarked the name Meteor which could be the name for their upcoming bobber.

The Bobber 838 Concept KX made its world debut at the EICMA last year in November 2018, but there has been no more information since. 

Royal Enfield KX Concept bobber meteor
KX Concept

Now that Royal Enfield’s parent company, Eicher Motors, has applied for the European trademark rights for the name Royal Enfield Meteor, the rumour mill has been running hot.

The trademarked application was made in February but has only recently been published.

Some predict Meteor will be the name for the Bobber and others say it could be another variation on the very popular 650cc twins.

Meteor history

Perhaps there is some clue in the history of the name as the company built a 500cc Meteor Minor and a 700cc Super Meteor.

Both were twins, which is no clue as the Bobber 838 is a V-twin and the 650cc Interceptor and Continental GT are parallel twins.

Mind you, the Super Meteor was replaced by the Interceptor in 1962.

But the hottest speculation is that the name will be used for the bobber models which is expected to be unveiled at the EICMA show in Milan this November.

The Bobber Concept KX prototype soft-tail pays homage to the company’s 1938 1140cc V-twin with its old-style girder-type forks.

Royal Enfield KX Concept bobber meteor
KX 1140

However, it has modern tech such as twin ByBre (cheaper Brembo version) brake discs, LED headlight, all-digital circular instrument pod (like the Ducati Scrambler) and an airbox that is part of the frame.

It is believed the engine will be mated to a six-speed transmission.

We reckon it looks pretty cool with styling very similar to the popular Indian Scout, right down to the dual right-right-side pipes and brown solo seat!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Royal Enfield Twins sales boom

Boom sales of the new Royal Enfield 650cc twins are morphing the traditional Indian motorcycle manufacturer from a small-capacity bike company into a mid-capacity manufacturer.

After years of record growth, the company has now reported several months of declining sales.

However, the decrease is only in the 350cc models which had previously made up more than 90% of their global sales, mostly within India.

RE sales last month dropped 17% with the 350s down 21%, their 500s up 21% and the 650s increasing by 140%.

With the introduction last year of the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650, the make-up of the company is certainly changing.

Aussie boom

Australian importer Urban Moto Imports reports a similar boom trend here since the new twins arrived early this year.

Marketing Manager Mal Jarrett says the twins are “setting sales records and gaining awards around the globe faster than any other model in the history of the marque”. 

“Surprisingly, the demand for the Classic 500 hasn’t really changed, in fact if anything it has increased, but the Classic 350 sales have dropped slightly, which was to be expected,” he says.

“Supply (of the twins) is now levelling out depending on the colour combination required. Most back orders have now been filled.

“The uptake of the model has exceeded all expectations.

“We were quietly confident that the new 650 Twins were going to eclipse anything that we have seen with sales in the past, but even the most optimistic amongst us couldn’t have predicted just how successful the models’ introduction would be.”

Twins ride-away pricing

Interceptor 650Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 arriving

  • $9790 (solid colours — orange, black and silver);
  • $9990 two-tone (orange, white and gold pinstripe; red, black and white pinstripe);
  • $10,290 chrome tank.

Continental GTRoyal Enfield Interceptor 650 arriving

  • $9990 (pale blue, black with gold GT stripes);
  • $10,190 (two-tone black/silver with yellow pinstripe, white with silver and blue stripe);
  • $10,490 (chrome).

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Royal Enfield faces new Trials ahead

Royal Enfield is facing trialling times with a new CEO, plans to build an assembly factory in Thailand and the launch of Trials versions of its 350cc and 500cc Bullet.

Bullet Trials

While the new Trials bikes could hardly be used for trials riding, they do show a slightly more off-road emphasis, although they have avoided the usual trendy scrambler styling.

Instead, they get a single pipe that rises at a 45-degree angle, headlight grille, slightly knobby rubber, solo seat, rear rack, bash plate and a side plate.

They come with chrome tanks in a day-glo red and an olive green.

The Trials versions look pretty cool and should be able to tackle some dirtier roads.

Not that gnarly tracks have ever stumped the RE thumpers.Royal Enfield Trials

Many tours are conducted up the Himalayan mountains on these bikes and I did a trip around Sri Lanka last year that included some rough dirt tracks with ease on a Classic 500.

There is no word yet on when or whether they will be available in Australia, but they shouldn’t cost any more than the current crop.

New CEO

Royal Enfield CEO Siddhartha Lal trials
Siddhartha Lal

Parent company Eicher Motors has announced the appointment of Vinod K. Dasari as the Chief Executive Officer of Royal Enfield to take over from Siddhartha Lal who will continue as the Managing Director of Eicher Motors Ltd.

Siddhartha says the new CEO will lead the company “into its next phase of evolution to a global brand”.

Vinod has been CEO and Managing Director of Ashok Leyland since 2011 and also served as President of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers and President of Automotive Research Association of India.

“Vinod is a proven leader who combines business vision and people skills. He has been a catalyst in reviving the fortunes of his previous company and re-shaping the dynamics of a hitherto slow-moving industry,” Siddhartha says.

Thai plant

Thailand Triumph factory trials
Thailand Triumph factory

Royal Enfield also recently announced it would build an assembly plant in Thailand to cater for rising demand in the domestic market.

There is no confirmation that the bikes will be exported to other countries, but it has also not been ruled out.

Thailand has become the new automotive powerhouse.

It is now the largest automotive manufacturer in South East Asia and the 12th in the world, thanks to protective tariffs, corporate tax breaks and a central location wth several ports for export.

In 2015, Thailand made 1.8 motorcycles, with domestic sales of 1.6 million and exports of 350,000 units.

Australia gets 80% of the Triumph range, Ducati Scramblers and some small- and medium-capacity Japanese bikes and scooters from Thailand.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Royal Enfield Updates 2019 Himalayan With ABS, New Color

2019 Royal Enfield Himalayan
2019 Royal Enfield Himalayan in limited-edition Sleet color (shown with optional accessories). Photo courtesy Royal Enfield.

Royal Enfield has announced that its Himalayan ADV model will come standard with ABS for 2019, and it will also be available in a new, limited-edition color: Sleet. It will continue to be available in the Snow and Granite colors as well.

Pricing for the 2019 Himalayan with ABS is $4,749.

Read our First Ride Review aboard the 2018 Himalayan here.

All of Royal Enfield’s current 2019 lineup also include standard ABS:

  • Classic 500 Military – Battle Green, Desert Storm and Squadron Blue – $5,699
  • Classic Standard – Black and Lagoon – $5,599
  • Classic Chrome – Black, Green and Graphite – $5,799
  • Classic – Gun Metal Gray – $5,699
  • Classic – Stealth – $5,799

For more information, see your dealer or visit royalenfield.com.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

The Outlier’s Guild Motorcycle Show Returns To Downtown Los Angeles

The Outlier’s Guild Custom Motorcycle Show was a success in its third year in downtown Los Angeles, drawing large crowds of motorcycle enthusiasts. The show featured a drool-worthy collection of café racer, bobber, classic, tracker, scrambler, modern classic, and brat-style bikes along with full custom builds from a wide array of builders, and an eye-opening collection of motorcycle-inspired art.

The OG Moto Show brings together more than a hundred of the top custom builders from across the States as well as featuring the artwork of many top motorcycle artists and photographers including Heidi Zumbrun and Captain Tom along with a wall of custom-painted Bell helmets. The show was founded by John Pangilinan, Stan Chen, Jay LaRossa of Lossa Engineering, and Ralph Holguin of RMD Garage. Their goal was to create a unique experience, in the heart of Southern California, with its combination of motorcycles and artwork as well as some motorcycle-themed tableaus.

A wide range of builders were featured with industry stars including Shinya Kimura of Chabott Engineering, Maxwell Hazan of Hazan Motorworks, and Woolie’s Workshop of Deus Ex Machina. Mitsuhiro Kiyonaga of Kiyo’s Garage, Dustin Kott of Kott Motorcycles, and Roland Sands also showcased their latest creations.

New to the show this year was Shirley of Issara Labs, who had a shiny chrome custom Moto Guzzi, and Ava Wolff of Gray Wolff Motors, who showed a custom XT600 tracker build for Tobacco Motorwear. On top of these custom bikes, the 2019 Kawasaki W800 Café was revealed and Royal Enfield brought its all-new parallel-twin-powered machines, including the INT650 and Continental GT along with the Himalayan adventure bike.

On top of the bikes and artwork, the OG Moto Market included vendors like gear makers Stellar Moto Brand and Aether Apparel and food trucks and a beer garden. The Aether setup was exceptionally elaborate with a storefront integrated into a renovated Airstream trailer. There was also an area where The Mighty Motor, a creative agency based out of LA that specializes in curating creative that shapes motorcycle culture, put on interactive talks with some of the builders about their creation while displaying the motorcycle on a stage. Onlookers got a chance to hear the builders talk about their projects firsthand.

Once again, the Outlier’s Guild Custom Motorcycle Show didn’t disappoint for locals looking for a cool space to ogle motorcycles, have some libations, and get inspired for the next project in their garage.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com