Sideburn's Royal Enfield bobber project

 

Read all about it on the Sideburn blog

Head for the hills on a Battle Green Bullet

We recently spent a day in the Penines/Lake District putting the new Battle Green Bullet through its paces.  It coped admirably with a wide variety of roads and conditions, covering well over 150 miles, from fast winding A-roads to 30mph crawls skirting the edge of Lake Windermere.  Top speed was more than adequate for dual carriageways and fuel consumption was pretty much spot on the factory's 80mpg figure.  It certainly blended in with the scenery!

Royal Enfield Open Weekend 25th and 26th June 2011

Royal Enfield UK will be throwing open their doors to welcome enthusiasts to their sixth annual open weekend on Saturday/Sunday 25th/26th June.

Held at the  historic Watsonian-Squire sidecar factory, located between the scenic Cotswold towns of Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Campden, the event has a reputation for a friendly 'village fête' atmosphere and attracts around two thousand people over the weekend.

The complete 2011 range of Royal Enfield motorcycles will be on display and test rides, accompanied by IAM riders, are available on all models over both days.  Places are allocated on a first come, first served basis, so visitors should arrive early to book a seat. Don't forget to bring a helmet, appropriate riding gear and driving licence.

Other attractions include an opportunity to browse the sidecar workshops, spare parts counter and a display of Royal Enfield branded casual clothing and accessories.  Freshly prepared food is available on site.

Motorcycle journalist and world traveller Gordon May returns to the event, as does 'master of ceremonies' Jim Reynolds, who will provide a running commentary along with technical talks and celebrity interviews.

Entry is free and everyone is welcome, whether they ride a Royal Enfield or not.  Prizes will be awarded on both days for the best machine, of any make, ridden to the event.

Details from Watsonian-Squire on 01386 700907 or at www.royal-enfield.com.

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.,