Royal Enfield USA unveils new model: C5 Special

Royal Enfield USA's top-of-the-line Bullet Classic 500 now comes as a bigger motorcycle, the C5 Special. You may need a magnifying glass to see the difference in photographs, but you'll feel the difference in your bottom.

The difference to your bottom line is likely to be only about $100.

For that you get a larger, 19-inch front wheel (as opposed to two 18-inch wheels on the C5 Classic), a somewhat different riding position and a straight front fork as opposed to the offset fork on the C5 Classic. The fork is the same length as before, but with different geometry.

The C5 Special will be available in all 50 states.

According to a notice that went out to U.S. Royal Enfield dealers last week, the C5 Special will appeal to larger riders who find the C5 Classic smallish but prefer its styling to the B5 and G5, which use the 19-inch front wheel.

The new fork and larger front wheel will give a more cruiser like feel on the highway. The C5 Classic will remain the choice for those who want maximum handling.

It is made in India and exported around the world. A bike that costs around Rs 1,20,000 (or around USD 2600) sells for almost the double the amount. Yes, bikers around the world seem to love it and that is the reason why Royal Enfield is all set to launch the Bullet Classic C5 Special in the US market for around US $ 6350. The company will also sell another variant, the Bullet G5 for around US $ 5995.

The new C5 Special will be available in all C5 colors except the Red Chrome.
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Hero MotoCorp in Talks on Possible Ducati Acquisition.

Just a couple of weeks ago, we had informed you that Iconic Italian motorcycle maker Ducati is up for sale , possibly considering Volkswagen and BMW as potential suitors. Then a week ago, up pops Hero MotoCorp in a deal with Erik Buell Racing, showing they have intentions beyond the small displacement motorcycles they're currently known for. Now, in what has to be one of the more surprising developments in all of this, word is out that Hero MotoCorp is talking to bankers about a possible acquisition of Ducati. Wow! I guess they really are trying to expand into another market.

"We’ve been seen as a utility-bike maker, fuel-efficient bikes, and somebody who’s at the lower level of the market, who’s more small-town and rural-market focused," said Munjal. "So our ambition is to become one of the biggest global two- wheeler players and to do that, you cannot only be in one small segment"

This may be very preliminary and no one is going to be talking about it outside the boardrooms where the discussions are taking place, but what is becoming clear is many more buyers may be getting into this game than everyone initially thought.

Ducati currently sells a range of motorcycles in India including the Ducati Monster, the Ducati Hypermotard, the Ducati 848, the Ducati 1098 and the Ducati Diavel. Ducati sells over 40,000 motorcycles across the globe and has been in existence for over  86 years. Bologna headquartered Ducati has had a series of owners in the past. Meanwhile, here is official word regarding this development from Andrea Bonomi, Invest industrial’s chairman,

Ducati is now a perfect company but the further growth it requires needs the support of a world-class industrial partner. This year, we will work towards that partner. A handful of industrial groups in Asia, Europe and the US were interested in Ducati

 Let's see, a company manufacturing motorcycles in Italy, with its largest market in the USA and owned by a company in India. Would it be any different if they were owned by a company in Germany? Does any of this even matter any more? Hero MotoCorp certainly wouldn't be the first name to pop up when you think of a Ducati sale, but it does make you wonder who else may be interested in the Italian manufacturer.
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Hero Motocorp Partners up with Erik Buell Racing

Hero MotoCorp, the world's largest two-wheeler maker, will buy a minority stake in US motorcycle firm Erik Buell Racing (EBR) for an undisclosed amount.

"We have a flexible free-flowing pact with EBR, which would be developed into a equity partnership," Hero MotoCorp MD and CEO Pawan Munjal said. The move is aimed at securing uninterrupted technological support from the US racing motorcycle maker once associated with iconic brand Harley-Davidson.

After Hero parted ways with Japanese major Honda, its partner for 27 years, last year, industry watchers had identified lack of cutting-edge technology as the biggest challenge for the Indian firm to hold on to its leadership position in the market. Hero had last week announced a technology tie-up with EBR, its first partnership after splitting with Honda.

By buying a stake, Hero can have a higher say in the US marquee firm and use the partnership to get a foothold in overseas markets. As we turn global, which is our long cherished aim, EBR is a strategic fit that will help us gain traction in overseas markets," Munjal said.

He refused to give the financial details of the deal . The overseas investment ,likely to happen early next fiscal, will be a step forward for the cash-rich company in its effort to get out of the shadow of Honda, which has become one of its toughest rivals in the domestic market after the March split.


Hero sells over six million twowheelers every year in India where it holds 56% market share. Under the joint-venture agreement with Honda, Munjals-owned Hero was restrained from exporting vehicles.

"We would look forward to have both technological alliance and partnership with Hero Moto-Corp in the future," EBR chief promoter Erik Buell said, adding, "A marriage would lead to huge synergies in the long-term." EBR has an annual capacity of 15,000 units. Hero has not ruled out more such partnerships.

"We are open to all options as we move into being a diversified automotive company," Munjal had said last week. While Hero was restrained from tapping foreign markets, other Indian two-wheeler makers, such as Bajaj Auto, have made successful forays overseas. Bajaj, which started as a minority shareholder in Austria's KTM, is now its biggest overseas investor with 40% stake.

After the collapse of the Honda JV, Hero has started setting up sales and distribution channels cross Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia for its motorcycles and scooters.

The Munjal-family that owns 52% stake in the company plans to increase its exposure to overseas market which it wasn't allowed until 2010 by Honda that operates 28 motorcycle production bases in 21 countries (as of April 2011) globally.

Hero is largely India based entity with over 98% of its sales limited to the domestic market. The ownership in the American company is expected to enable Hero to develop fresh technology and churn out new products faster as it compete with its erstwhile ally Honda amongst others.
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ROYAL ENFIELD GETS A MAKEOVER: REBORN IN TEXAS, RICK FAIRLESS STYLE

Born in UK, brought up in India, mesmerizing the world. One word for all these, Royal Enfield. It is a legacy in itself and out of the many breath-taking models we are concerned with the one that kills, BULLET.
Proud of being the longest motorcycle production of all time, it has admirers and fans around the world. Enfield has to work hard on a very tight routine just to suffice its demand all over this planet. Within the pocket and some major remodelling, including a twin spark unit construction engine on all models, and the flagship 500cc model that flaunts an EFI, it has rekindled the interest from European and US markets.
Seeing the potential of Enfield’s market, Strokers Dallas has bagged this opportunity. Boss Rick Fairless sees a lot of sense in customizing the factory bikes, and takes a personal initiative for this one. His mission “to make the coolest royal Enfield on this planet” and going by the outcome of his teams efforts, mission accomplished.

 

 

 

 


A 2011 C5, 500cc Bullet Model was chosen for the transformation. First to go were the wheels, 17” stock wheels replaced by taller Ride Wright 21” spoke wheels dressed in Metzeler. Then came the front end and to modify it, Vince Doll of RednecK engineering was called upon for one of his customary mono-spring front ends. Though, I have doubts if it is strong enough. For Fine tuning the appearance, EFI was moved to under seat, without any effect on its performance.

A polishing treatment was ordered for the rough engine case, as Rick saw it fitting. While it took time rear section was said goodbye, new fender fabricated and an installation of a pair of taillight at the end of each strut. Gas tank from Paughco fitted with crime scene Gas Cap. A stainless steel seat, engraved and left bare. Rick thought it was enough, for the bar hopping task this bullet will be performing. Controls, grips & pegs from Ford Stell, bars from Flanders, risers from Victory and shocks by Fournales.

Everything that one would want in a mean machine, assembled and beautified. Dressed in candy green and gold paint, pictured by Gary Queen and Mike Cissell from OSC, it is enough to get some hearts beating. Rick is all praise for his team, GM Gene Slater, Ford Stell & Derek Tollenar, a team that has never failed in his vision.

If you hear a loud throbbing, beastly bike sound, mostly heard in the mornings in an Indian neighbourhood, don’t confuse. It’s still where you slept last night, but it’s the bullet passing by.
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