Winner of unique Hobgoblin

Midlander Paul Maullin is the lucky winner of a unique ‘Hobgoblin Bullet’ motorcycle, commissioned from Royal Enfield UK by the Wychwood Brewery for a free to enter prize draw that attracted more than 56,000 entries.  Based on the 500cc Royal Enfield Classic, the petrol tank, mudgaurds, tool boxes and forks were painted the same blue that is found on the labels of bottles of Hobgoblin ale and a large Hobgoblin graphic is laquered onto the tank too. The standard seat is replaced with a two-tone item. Paul (pictured left) travelled down to the brewery in the Cotswold town of Witney to collect the exclusive machine from Chris Keating (right), senior brand manager at the Wychwood Brewery.
For more information visit http://www.royal-enfield.com/.

Sing something single

Some people buy a motorcycle to move themselves from A to B, but when singer Songwriter Gray Hawke bought a Royal Enfield it moved him to write a song. Here's his story;

"I got a wonderful motorcycle earlier this year - a Royal Enfield Bullet 500efi DL. As with most truly life-changing experiences, it had to have a song. I'd written a lyric, found what I think is a really catchy chorus and got a rhythm and feel for the song nailed about a month ago, but I was really struggling to find a tune and structure for the verses".

"Anyway, I decided to give it another bash yesterday (27th May) and finally got something that worked. A bit quirky and asymetrical - also quite difficult to remember! As I was already planning to go to Commonfolk yesterday, I gave the new song a run out in front of an audience - the first time I've ever finished and performed a song on the same day".

"It went pretty well - a few very positive comments from audience members afterwards, even though it was obviously a bit rough. Definitely one to polish up".

A sample of Gray's song can be heard on his Myspace site.

Charity CD "A Place to Live" is now finished and available for sale at £7 inc £2 p&p / admin. The CD includes the track "Bullet".  To obtain a copy people should email Gray at grayhawke619@gmail.com with their name and dispatch address details. He'll then send their copy of the CD by first class post with instructions for making payment.

New dealer open day in Bristol

We are delighted to welcome Bath Road Motorcycles as the official Royal Enfield dealer for the historic city of Bristol. Located on the main A4 just south of the city centre (379-385 Bath Road,
Bristol BS4 3EU) they will be holding a celebrationary open day on Saturday 19th March, when visitors will have an opportunity to see the complete 2011 rangeof Royal Enfield motorcycles and talk to the manufacturer's representatives.  The new and eagerly anticipated Royal Enfield Fury 'flat-tracker' will also be available for test rides.  Call 0117 971 1447 for details.

Flat Track Day at the Ace Cafe

Royal Enfield's new flattrack inspired Fury was on show at London's famous Ace Cafe on Sunday 27th February 2011.   Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the 1971 release of the seminal film, "On Any Sunday" the new UK-exclusive bike joined a stunning display of flat trackers, together with the Evel Knievel "True Evel" tour truck, Shorttrack UK, and the RedMax Speed Shop.  Royal Enfield dealers are currently taking delivery of the Fury so look out for one in your area.,

Present from the past for the future

Royal Enfield's Electra EFI DL - directly descended from the original 1955 model

This is the Royal Enfield Electra EFI DL, the latest incarnation of the Bullet, which has been in continuous production since 1955 (or possibly earlier, depending on how you measure it).  At any rate, this machine has rolled out of the same factory that started making Enfield motorcycles in 1955.

Its frame, 19" wheels, headlight nacelle, black and chrome tank with hand painted gold pinstripes and rubber knee pads, and chrome mudguards are instantly recognisable as coming from the original Bullet and and authentic Avon Speedmaster tyres enhance the period appearance of this 500cc air cooled single cylinder motorcycle.

Park it up at any classic bike event and it will blend in seamlessly - even the exhaust note captures the essence of a classic British bike.  

But the engine is a thoroughly modern affair.  Just like its predecessor, The Electra's engine retains pushrod construction, with a bore of 84mm and 90mm stroke.  Which is why it sounds like a classic bike and delivers plently of torque (41.3 Nm of torque at 4000rpm, if you wondered).  However, fuel injection, unit construction, improved lubrication and 5-speed gearbox operated via a wet multiplate clutch, makes the Electra EFI a pleasure to ride.  Power is increased to 28 BHP and it is possible to use this to the max with complete reliability - meaning that cruising at motorway speeds and spritied riding along A-roads is achievable all day long. 

For more details visit http://www.royal-enfield.com/electradl.html

Billy Joel on a military style Bullet

 

Singer-songwriter Billy Joel has a well documented collection of British bikes and there are several images of him riding this army-spec Royal Enfield Bullet on the Splash website. 

Icicle works at Royal Enfield UK HQ

Royal Enfield's British distributor, Watsonian Squire, has been experiencing increased interest since one of their distinctive Bullet Classic sidecar outfits featured in the latest Harry Potter blockbuster.  So the team at the Cotswold factory wasn’t going to let a little bit of cold weather and a light dusting on snow interrupt their business.

 

In this photo General Manager Rob Jones can be seen checking that all icicles are neatly arranged and of regulation length.  

 

Staff at company HQ in the Costwolds had to battle through sub zero temperatures and up to 12" on snow to make it into work, but in spite of the exceptional conditions (the coldest winter since 1986) the company continued to function..