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