Royal Enfield Woodsman EFI

Unveiled at the NEC Bike Show on 26th November, the Woodsman EFI is the latest UK-designed variant of Royal Enfield’s Bullet to be powered by the new fuel-injected unit construction engine and is new for 2010. Like the original Woodsman, which was produced by Royal Enfield between 1955 -’59 and sold in the USA under the Indian brand, it is a 499cc Bullet single with high bars and a raised exhaust. However, there the similarities end, because the new Woodsman also features a solo seat, handy mini luggage rack, rear set footrests and an alloy bash plate too.

Routed around the machine’s left side (standard exhausts run along the right side) the high level system is lighter than the original part and has been re-engineered to work in harmony with the engine management unit, allowing the engine to breathe more freely and creating the classic ‘British single’ exhaust note.

Introduced to comply with tough new European emissions regulations, the all-new 499cc engine retains bore and stroke of 84mm x 90mm, but with electronic fuel injection by Keihin of Japan and a 5-speed gearbox. This is operated via a 7-plate wet clutch, so it is both light and accurate. Power output is 28 BHP in standard form with 41.3 Nm of torque at 4000rpm and tested under Euro 3 conditions the engine returns just under 80 mpg, which means an impressive tank range of over 200 miles before switching to reserve.

Due in dealers' showrooms in the New Year, the Royal Enfield Woodsman EFI will sell for £4,699 on the road.

Contact 01386 700907 or visit http://www.royal-enfield.com/

ROYAL MINT - ENFIELD INVEST IN GROWTH

Royal Enfield has announced plans to invest $13.8 million in order to double its motorcycle manufacturing capacity.

"We have so far invested 650 million rupees in our Chennai plant and will invest a similar amount to raise capacity to 100,000 units a year from the current 50,000," Group Chairman Siddhartha Lal told Dow Jones Newswires.

The company, which currently sells between 4,500 and 5,000 motorcycles a month, expects to sell 50,000 motorcycles in 2009.

While domestic demand will swallow the majority of new production, export sales are predicted to account for an increased proportion of sales, according to Mr. Lal. "From 5% of our total sales now, we see overseas sales growing to 15% in the next four-five years."

New models, such as the Bullet Classic 500, benefit from improved reliability and modern components (e.g. electronic fuel injection), stimulating demand in overseas markets. Royal Enfield exported 1,700 motorcycles between January and September 2009, with the highest number going to the UK, USA and Germany.

Royal Enfield will be launching a new model, The Woodsman at the NEC Bike show (27th November – 6th December) and there will even be an opportunity to test ride one of their motorcycles powered by the new EFI engine.

Contact 01386 700907 or visit http://www.royal-enfield.com/

Photo - the new Classic 500 with a fuel-injected engine is spearheading Royal Enfield's export drive

Cafe cream for two

Royal Enfield Clubman EFI

Royal Enfield have given their café racer-inspired Clubman a welcome power boost and the option to carry a passenger too.

Powered by the lighter and more efficient new 500cc fuel injected unit construction engine, the Clubman now produces 28 hp, while also meeting tough Euro 3 emissions requirements. The distinctive upswept ‘Gold Star’ style silencer fitted to the right side, which is shorter and lighter than the standard part, has been re-engineered to work in harmony with the engine management unit, allowing the engine to breathe more freely and creating a classic exhaust note.

With its 4.5-gallon hand-polished aluminium tank, the Clubman immediately looks stylistically very different from the road version of the Electra, on which it is based, and this appearance is enhanced by the addition of ‘ace’ drop handlebars, rear-set footrests and a hand made fibreglass seat unit. The design team paid particular attention to ergonomics so that the riding position feels sportier, but does not sacrifice comfort or cramp the rider.

Another new feature for 2009 is the re-designed solo seat unit, which has a removable cowl that covers the pillion seat. This was produced in response to demand from customers who wanted to retain the Clubman’s sporty appearance but also required passenger-carrying capacity.

The Royal Enfield Electra EFI sells for £4,999 on the road and the price includes a 2-year warranty. For details call 01386 700907 or visit http://www.royal-enfield.com/

Bullet is Classic in Shooting Stars

The Royal Enfield Bullet Classic is the unlikely star of Vic Reeves' and Bob Mortimer's hit TV show, Shoting Stars.  In Episode 4 of the current BBC series the Bullet Classic appears in a spoof of The Hairy Bikers show, in which Reeves and Mortimer impersonate the motorcycling cooks.  Watch it again on the BBC iPlayer at  http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00lt2wx - the sketch starts just 8 minutes into the programme.

Royal appointment for 3X Motorcycles

Wimborne based 3X Motorcycles have added Royal Enfield to the other famous names on display at their Dorset showrooms. The company, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, stocks an unrivalled range of machines, from French scooters to Italian and Japanese superbikes, alongside British-built Triumph motorcycles.
“We have always favoured heritage brands at 3X, because we understand that for many riders motorcycling is more than just a mode of transport, so we’re delighted to have secured a Royal Enfield franchise,” explains 3X MD Richard Davies. “These middleweight bikes will complement and broaden our current portfolio. Apart from their classic British styling, the excellent fuel economy and low running costs of Royal Enfields adds to their unique appeal”.
Royal Enfield built their first motorcycle in 1901 and when UK manufacturing finally ceased in 1970 production continued at a satellite factory in India. Although these bikes appear unchanged from the British models of the 1950’s, modern Royal Enfields feature a brand new 500cc alloy engine with fuel injection, electric starters and disc brakes, providing significant improvements in both performance and reliability. All models from the 2009 line-up, including the Clubman café racer, will be stocked at 3X Motorcycles and full servicing facilities are provided together with parts and accessories.
Call 01202 810200 or visit http://www.3xmotorcycles.com/

Royal Enfield make better bike taxis

Enterprising French motorcycle taxi company TacoandClô have chosen to use Royal Enfields to transport their customers in preference to the Honda Goldwings more commonly used for that purpose. According to Claude Crampe, who runs the taxi firm in the Southern French city of Montpelier, his clients enjoy the retro style of the Royal Enfield as they are transported to the beach or airport. According to Moto magazine, taxi bikes have been successful in France as they cut journey times and customers can be transported door-to-door more easily than by car. Read the full story, in French, in Moto magazine.

New Royal Enfield casual clothing

Royal Enfield has expanded its range of genuine accessories to include casual clothing that is practical to wear for everyday use, oth on and off the bike. Produced in the UK exclusively for Royal Enfield, the first items to be introduced are a fleece and a bodywarmer and more lines are set to follow.
The fleece is made by Regatta, with and embroidered Royal Enfield logo over the left breast. Manufactured from 280 series anti-pill Symmetry® fleece, this proven garment will keep the wearer warm and stay looking good for a long time. There are two front zip pockets for convenience and an adjustable draw-cord at the hem to keep the wind out. In Available in blue or black with contrasting grey panels under arms, along upper body sides and at the collar, the fleece is produced in sizes S-XXL and sells for £29.95.
Based on a Kariban design and manufactured from soft touch nylon taslon material, the bodywarmer has an embroidered Royal Enfield logo in silver on the front and a printed reflective logo on the back. With polyester padding and a fleece lining this useful item will ensure the wearer stays snug. Two front and one chest zip pockets provide extra carrying capacity, with the extra benefit of an inside zip pocket for valuables and phone pocket too. The bodywarmer comes in sizes S-XXL in black/grey or blue/grey at £34.99.
Details from Watsonian-Squire on 01386 700907

EFI engine injects interest at Royal Enfield Open Weekend

Interest in Royal Enfield’s new fuel injected unit construction engine drew an estimated 2000 visitors to the company’s Open weekend, held at the Watsonian-Squire factory on 20th/21st June. Existing and potential customers took an opportunity to take a free test ride on models from the 2009 line-up and, led by observers from the Gloucestershire IAM, the bikes were ridden a total of 1600 miles around the local Cotswold roads over both days.
Now in its fourth year, the event is a showcase for all aspects of Royal Enfield ownership, stimulating demand throughout the company's 50-strong dealer network. Alongside genuine accessories, the new collection of Royal Enfield casual clothing was launched and visitors could obtain live insurance quotes too. Specialist Royal Enfield tour operators Arden Motorcycles from the Cotswolds and Bike Astur from Spain were kept busy talking to people considering a holiday on two wheels.
In spite of the large numbers, the Open Weekend has retained its informal atmosphere; catering is provided by the Shipston-on-Stour Sea Scouts, (who cooked a choice of three curries in addition to more traditional hot food), locally produced ice creams were available and there was access to the Watsonian factory, where the bikes are prepared before despatch to dealers and sidecars are manufactured too. Jim Reynolds was master of ceremonies, interviewing many interesting people, including star guest, Stan Dibben, who won two world sidecar world championships in the 1950’s on Watsonian sidecar outfits.
Plenty of money was raised for worthwhile causes; Ian Aspey was promoting his charity ride from Lands End to John O’Groats, which he will be making on his Bullet Sixty-5 this September, and £275 was raised for the CJ Riders Fund by raffling a giant chocolate bar .
Details from Watsonian-Squire on 01386 700907 www.royal-enfield.com

Royal Enfield Trials bike gets new fuel injected engine for 2009

Royal Enfield have given their popular Trials model the new fuel-injected unit construction engine for 2009, along with some other new features too.
Inspired by Royal Enfield’s outstanding record of success in the International Six Days’ Trial, during the glory years for British riders between 1948-1953, the Trials is designed to capture the sprit of the ‘unstoppable Bullet’ in a package that will be comfortable to ride on today’s roads. Like the previous Trials model, the EFI version features braced ‘scrambles’ handlebars, alloy mudguards and matching bash plate, new tail light and solo seat. Updates for 2009 include vintage style block pattern trials tyres and a mini luggage rack, for which an optional pillion seat pad is available.
At the heart of the 2009 Trials machine is Royal Enfield’s new fuel injected unit construction engine. This is lighter and more efficient than the original motor, which had a separate gearbox, boosting power to 27.5 HP in standard form while meeting tough Euro 3 emissions requirements. As a result the upswept sports silencer fitted to the Trials bike, which is shorter and lighter than the standard part, has been re-engineered to work in harmony with the engine management unit, allowing the engine to breathe more freely. It features a heat shield too. The Trials EFI sells for £4499 OTR.
Contact 01386 700907

Royal Enfield Open Weekend 20th and 21st June 2009

Royal Enfield motorcycles have enjoyed consistent growth in the UK over the past decade and the full 2009 model range will be on show at their official Open Weekend on 20th/21st June. There will also be opportunities to test ride the new fuel-injected unit construction Classic and Electra models, accompanied by IAM instructors, but places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Held at the historic Watsonian-Squire sidecar factory in the scenic Cotswolds, there is plenty to see and do at this relaxed event, with the added attraction of free entry and parking.
Awards will be given for the best bike ridden to the event on each day (judged by Real Classic magazine) and all makes and models are welcome to enter. Jim Reynolds will be master of ceremonies over the weekend, providing a running commentary along with technical talks and celebrity interviews.
Other attractions include a sidecar factory walkabout, the famous food tent (serving excellent value freshly cooked food), live insurance quotes, spare parts counter and a chance to see the new collection of Royal Enfield branded casual clothing.
Money raised over the weekend will go towards the Midlands Air Ambulance.
Details from Watsonian-Squire on 01386 700907 or visit http://www.royal-enfield.com/openweekend.html

Billy Joel's Royal Enfield Cafe Racer

This eye-catching Electra-based cafe racer was built for Billy Joel by Mike at U.K. Motorsports LTD, Long Island's exclusive Enfield dealer. Joel, who is the sixth best-selling recording artist in the USA, is a keen motorcyclist.

The bike was shown at the NYC Cycle Word Motorcycle show. For the full story visit http://community.oldbikebarn.com/blog/2009/01

Royal Enfield climbs the charts

Royal Enfield dealers from across the country gathered for their annual conference at Prescott, home to the famous hill climb track, where they celebrated the historic brand’s ninth consecutive year of sales growth in the UK.

Sales Director Ben Matthews announced that over 800 Royal Enfields were registered to UK owners in 2008, 31% more than in 2007, which in turn was 17% up on the previous year. During 2008 Royal Enfield comfortably outsold several other European heritage brands, including Moto Guzzi.

Awards were presented to the best-performing dealerships, won for the seventh year in a row by Haywards of Cambridge (above left). However, they had been given a close run for their money by Richardsons of Surrey and Midlands Royal Enfield, the latter scooping Best New Dealer (right). CG Chell of Stafford was Highly Commended for the largest increase in sales.

Dealers also had an opportunity to enjoy the spring sunshine and Cotswold roads with test rides on the new Bullet Classic 500, powered by the fuel-injected unit construction engine.

Watsonian Squire Support BEN

Watsonian Squire will make a donation to BEN for every Royal Enfield motorcycle they sell this year. A spokesperson for Watsonian Squire said,

“Royal Enfield UK are delighted to be supporting BEN by making a donation to the charity for every bike we sell. In these though times we recognise that it is more important than ever to look after those less fortunate than ourselves.”

Charles Davis, Director of Fundraising and Communications for BEN said of the scheme,

“Performance related giving schemes such as this are just one of the many easy ways to support BEN, the only charity dedicated to people in the motor industry past and present and their families. Donations such as this generous one from Royal Enfield allow us to continue giving the high standards of care and support that we are famous for. Our heartfelt thanks go to all involved.”

Find out more about BEN at http://www.ben.org.uk/

Across Britain by Bullet

On the 14th September Ian Aspey will be leaving Twyning in Gloucestershire to ride from Lands End to John o’Groats using only A and B roads. This is a round trip of approx 2,000 miles taking about 2 weeks to complete.

"I will be riding my Royal Enfield 500 bullet motor cycle" explains Ian. "This bike has hardly changed in design since the 1950’s and draws crowds of admirers. Last autumn whilst taking part in Enduro Himalaya on a similar bike, I met Dave the medic, a member of the Midlands Air Ambulance team and was impressed by the dedication and skill of these guys. I think the county air ambulance is a wonderful organisation and you never know when you might need them. As I am a photographer I made a DVD of the ride and fellow riders generously donated to the cause and raised a total of £700. I so enjoyed riding my Enfield in the Himalayas I’ve decided to continue fund raising by travelling from Land’s End to John O’Groats and hope to raise over £3,000. I also hope to meet up with some of the guys from the Himalays trip en route".

Ian would like to thank Watsonian Squire from Blockley and Gordon & Neil from Lucas Motorcycles Ross-on-Wye for help and servicing for this trip.

Accidents will always happen, so it is reassuring to know that across the Midlands and Welsh border region we have an Air Ambulance service available 7 days a week, 365 days a year, just in case. They receive no government or lottery money – in fact no public funding at all. The Charity needs to fundraise £5.6 million each year to support the work of the helicopter service.

To make a donation visit Ian's fundraising page at http://www.justgiving.com/ianaspey1

Midlands Royal Enfield 2ND GRAND OPEN DAY

Midlands Royal Enfield 2ND GRAND OPEN DAY inc. a 'RIDE-OUT' with 8 Times World Champion PHIL READ!

SUNDAY MAY 17TH from 10.00am.

Guest of Honour this year is none other than 8 times World Motorcycle Champion PHIL READ. In addition to being on hand to talk about his illustrious career with Norton, MV Agusta and Yamaha, Phil has agreed to lead a 1 hour 'RIDE-OUT' where anyone is welcome to join Phil on his Road Test of the new EFI Royal Enfield Electra Clubman. This will cover about 50 miles on brilliant open roads with a stop for Tea and a chat. Other attractions include:

VINTAGE MCC. DISPLAY.
OWNERS CLUB STAND.
ROAD TESTS OF THE NEW EFI ROYAL ENFIELDS.
CHARITY RAFFLE OF MOTORCYCLE GOODIES.
WHEEL BUILDING DEMONSTRATIONS.
CLASSIC RACING MACHINES.
ROYAL ENFIELD UK FACTORY DISPLAY.
HOT FOOD WAGON.

Al items except Food, Drinks and Raffle are entirely free of charge. For more information visit http://www.midlandsroyalenfield.com/

Record sales for Royal Enfield as bike market stalls

Sales of the Royal Enfield Bullet grew by nearly 30% last year, bucking the national trend which saw motorcycle registrations fall by 3.4%. This is the ninth successive annual growth for the Bullet, which has been in continuous production for over 50 years, and overshadows the company’s impressive 15% rise in UK sales during 2007.

“Motorcycling is predominantly a leisure activity these days and the classic styling and low running costs of the Royal Enfield make it an attractive proposition at times when money is tight,” explains Ben Matthews, UK Sales Director for Royal Enfield.

Tough new Euro 3 emissions regulations mean that the 350cc and 500cc Bullet models, powered by the original 4-speed iron-barrelled engine, could no longer be sold in the UK after December 2008 and demand proved strong as customers took advantage of the final chance to purchase a brand new bike that has remained virtually unchanged over the past half century.

This year all new Royal Enfield motorcycles sold in Europe will be powered by the new 500cc unit construction fuel injected engine. Its modern design is more powerful, producing 41.3 Nm of torque at 4000rpm, but the pushrod construction, with a bore of 84mm and 90mm stroke, still delivers an authentic-feeling ‘British Single’ experience.

Prices for the Royal Enfield Bullet start at £3,999 on the road for the new Electra EFI.

Royal Enfield and CIA Insurance team up

RUGBY based motorcycle insurance specialist CIA Insurance have been selected to provide the official Royal Enfield Motorcycle Insurance scheme, offering fantastic insurance policies, savings and service to owners of the poplar bikes.

Royal Enfield has been producing top quality British motorcycles since 1901 and bringing CIA Insurance on board means it can offer its loyal customer base extra benefits.

When you take out Royal Enfield insurance not only do you get a great deal on your policy but it will include many fantastic benefits such as free legal club membership, 24x7 claims line and 12 months recovery service for free.

Eliot Blundell, Director of CIA Insurance said: “CIA Insurance has 15-years of motorcycling experience whereas Royal Enfield has over 100-years. It is a very well known and respected brand which we are delighted to be working with. The bikes are beautiful and we are very pleased to be able to offer Royal Enfield customers such a good deal.”

Ben Matthews, Sales Director of Royal Enfield said: “We are very excited to be in partnership with CIA insurance and are looking forward to working with a bike friendly company that has a can-do attitude. We’re delighted that CIA Insurance can offer extra benefits to our customers.”

There are a lot of exciting things afoot at Royal Enfield and the New Year will see the launch of the new Bullet 500 Classic model, which CIA Insurance will be able to cover.

CIA Insurance has over 15 years experience in the motorcycle insurance market and guarantees to beat 9 out of 10 bike insurance quotes. For cheap motorbike insurance call on 0844-888-8575 and speak to experienced sales staff that will get you the best cheap bike insurance on the market.