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/

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.

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