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.