Royal Enfield`s Tour of Bhutan to begin in May

"Kusuzangpo"
That's how people greet one another in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. Royal Enfield is going international and for the first time in their road trips to the Tour of Bhutan which starts in May 2012.

Bhutan is sandwiched between India and China in the eastern Himalayas at elevations ranging from 180 to 7,500 meters. With an area of 47,000 square kilometers, Bhutan is roughly the same size as Switzerland. The kingdom has around 650,000 inhabitants, of which around 50,000 live in the capital Thimphu. Bhutan is mainly Buddhist, a small Hindu population of Nepali immigrants lives in the south of the country.
You get to ride across the border on the yet another mesmerising, adventurous and challenging ride with your Royal Enfield motorcycle on the Royal Enfield Tour of Bhutan.

The ride begins from the tea gardens of West Bengal in Bagdogra ride through the Landlocked Indian state nestled in the Himalayas- Sikkim and ride in to the untouched kingdom of Bhutan.If twists and turns are your thing then this is the right place for you since the average number of bends per kilometre being ten !!


Riding a motorcycle in Bhutan is different.

Straight roads hardly exist, and there are an average of 10 curves per kilometer. The roads are quite empty, and the capital city of Thimphu doesn't even have a traffic light! The  motorcycle tour of Bhutan will take you along small mountain roads in varying conditions, and the ride never gets boring – beautiful landscapes soon cure us of the urge to ride hard. Kick back and savor the pure joy of cruising on our Bullet motorcycles at a relaxed 30 to 70 kph.

Bhutan bike tour is structured to allow enough time to get to know the countryside and the residents of the villages along the roads.

The trip is only for Royal Enfield owners and will span across 10 days starting from May 5. For registrations, email to tourofbhutan@royalenfield.com or login to www.royalenfield.com for further details.
 So what are you waiting for?

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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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Royal Enfield plans launches, capacity ramp up

After a record sales year in 2011, iconic Bullet manufacturer Royal Enfield Motors intends to ramp up its production capacity further due to strong order book amid long waiting periods. The company also has a strong pipeline of new launches that it plans to roll out beginning second quarter of the present calendar year.

The company, part of Eicher Motors, recorded a volume growth of 42 per cent at 74,626 units in 2011 and also achieved its target of monthly production and sales of 7,000 bikes by the end of calendar year 2011. With demand continuing to outpace supply with waiting periods of over six months, the company intends to ramp up the production capacity to over 8,500 units a month by the end of 2012. “Our intent is to grow well above 90,000 units in the present calendar year,” Venki Padmanabhan, CEO, Royal Enfield Motors told Financial Chronicle.

With increasing demand from several locations across the country, Royal Enfield has also embarked on widening its reach and improving after sales services. “We have added new dealers in poorly represented markets as most of our customers have to drive over 100 kms for good service support. Last year, we crossed over 200 dealers across India. All the new dealers are investing heavily in sales and service infrastructure (service bays), and we have set up two repair technician training facilities in Chennai and Chandigarh for equipping the dealer’s staff in servicing the new Bullets sporting our new engine platform (unit construction engine) besides older iron barrel motorcycles. We have also increased our spare parts supply to the market considerably, he said.

In addition to production and dealer ramp up, the company is also charting new launches beginning middle of this year. It will launch its Thunderbird 500 motorcycle, which was showcased at the Auto Expo, in May or June. With this, it hopes to strengthen the brand position further in leisure motorcycling in the country. The next launch is that of the Cafe Racer and is expected during the first quarter of next year. “In our opinion the reintroduction of a classic racer is a new segment in India and response of its preview at the Auto Show was overwhelming,” said Padmanabhan.

“Exports will be a key focus area with significant ramp up visible from 2014-15 onwards and their contribution is expected to grow over 10 per cent from the present six per cent.
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Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 to be launched in the first half of 2012 !

Royal Enfield, which is known for its masculinity, is said  to be working on the release of 500cc Thunderbird . Royal Enfield’s solitary launch for 2012 will be the Thunderbird 500, a motorcycle that wowed show goers at the Indian Auto Expo by literally being the showstopper at the Royal Enfield pavilion.

The Thunderbird 500 has been perhaps one of the most anticipated offering from the Royal Enfield stable considering that the Thunderbird 350 has been doing yeoman service for the last ten years. The Thunderbird has built for itself a reputation of being a comfortable touring motorcycle and is often the first choice amongst the Royal Enfield models for touring enthusiasts. The Thunderbird has earned itself the reputation of a capable highway tourer and established itself firmly in the cruiser market. The Thunderbird broke away from the mould of Royal Enfield’s traditional motorcycles and redefined a new lineup. In that direction, the new Thunderbird has come as fresh motorcycle.



Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500cc Price in India:

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500cc is expected to be priced around Rs 1.6 – 1.9 lakh.

Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500cc is expected to be released  in the first half of 2012. Though there are no official confirmations from the company, it is believed that the price and launch date will be the same as mentioned.

With bullet lovers increasing gradually for its style and engine, the new Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500cc is expected to get a warm welcome among the bike lovers.  The bike is said to be featured with Classic’s 500cc UCE engine with EFI.The fuel injected, twin spark 500cc unit construction engine produces a peak power of 27.2 Bhp and delivers a prodigious peak torque of 41.3 Nm. The engine is mated to a five speed gearbox and uses maintenance free hydraulic tappets.


Fast Facts About Thunderbird 500 :

- It now comes loaded with a 500cc Unit Construction Engine (UCE).


- Night time visibility has been the biggest challenge faced by most motorcyclists while cruising on the high hence the new headlight with a 55w projector lamp for its low beam and a 55W halogen bulb for the high  beam addresses that issue. The lighting is at its brightest with the high beam on, working in combination with the projector lamp giving ample spread and penetration on the road.


- The ergonomics are now oriented to the cruiser character of the motorcycle. The seat has been completely redesigned to suit the new foot pegs position. The handle bar too has received changes for better reach and ergonomics.


- Stopping power has been aided with the addition of a disc brake at the rear. The braking system is supplied by Bybre, a fully owned subsidiary of Brembo.

For latest news and previews about Royal Enfield Click Here

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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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SUPERCHARGED DIESEL ROYAL ENFIELD - ONE THAT DIDN'T MAKE IT INTO PRODUCTION

Royal Enfields with Hatz diesel engines were sold in the UK by Charnville Classics of Coalville. In Ireland, Derek Rynhart of Rynhart Research and Development decided to supercharge the engine. Gordon May was able to ride one of the supercharged bikes and it efortlessly got to 70mph, some feat for a 350 diesel.

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Royal Enfield's long waiting periods to get shorter in 2012.

Royal Enfield fans smitten by the very retro looking Classic 500, often are having to stare at waiting periods running up to ten months. Frustrated, many of these potential customers even junk their plans of buying the Royal Enfield Classic 350/500 because of this inordinately long waiting period.

Royal Enfield has, for long been a niche player in the motorcycle market and was thence totally under prepared to deal with the huge demand that played out with the launch of it’s latest range of reliable and fuel efficient UCE engined, retro motorcycle models.Finally things seem to be moving at Royal Enfield, with the firm now planning to up production to 100,000 units a year in 2012.

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ROYAL ENFIELD TO CONDUCT DO-IT-YOURSELF CUSTOMER TRAINING INITIATIVE ON THE 25TH OF FEBRUARY, 2012!

In a pioneering move of sorts, Royal Enfield is connecting to its customers in a very unique way, by teaching them to carry out small repairs and maintenance of their Royal Enfield motorcycles. On the 25th of February, 2012, Royal Enfield will conduct th Do-It-Yourself customer training program at its Old Madras Road Service Training Institute, Chennai. Through this workshop, Royal Enfield will train customers to carry out regular maintenance and small repairs that they might encounter in the middle of the road or elsewhere, especially while on long tours.




The best part about this initiative is that Royal Enfield is organizing this workshop absolutely free of cost for existing Royal Enfield customers, for whom this workshop is currently open for. Interested participants will have to make their own arrangements  for travel to Chennai and accommodation for the 1 day workshop.

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Royal Enfield might launch Bullet 1000cc and 750cc.

One of the best bike producing brands in India, Royal Enfield is ready to launch its heavy powered 1000cc and 750cc motorcycles in India by this year. Currently they only produce two motorcycles of 350cc and 500cc with different variants. Bullet 350cc and 500cc has been the favorites of several bikes in India as well as abroad due to its heavy and strong look as well as great power and handling abilities. These currently available bullet models cost around Rs.1Lakh to 1.5 lakhs but the upcoming powerful bikes are gonna be priced well around Rs.5 to 7 lakhs. If you need more power, its obvious that you will have to spend more money as well.

Royal Enfield has said that they will be launching bikes by second half 2012. As of now they are designing the motorcycle, so that it suits well with a heavy cc engine. These bikes are going to be manufactured in India only. One of the main reasons for bullet going into higher capacity bikes is that several other companies have launched powerful bikes and many people do buy them. And thus they planned to come into the game by launching higher capacity bikes and compete with brands like BMW, Suzuki, Harley Davidson, etc. And people would go for Royal Enfiled bikes as they know it from the beginning and being manufactured in India, it would be easy to get parts and get it serviced as well. Even price of parts would be lesser than other brands available in India.

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