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

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