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