ROYAL ENFIELD’S 125TH YEAR COMMEMORATED WITH UNVEILING OF A WORLD ORIGIN SITE PLAQUE IN REDDITCH

Richard Hammond and Redditch Mayor Susan Eacock perform unveiling Classic 650 125th Anniversary Limited Edition displayed with historic machines  Redditch, England: Date 23/06/2026: Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size motorcycle segment (250cc–750cc), has celebrated the brand's historic British roots in Redditch, England, with the installation of a ‘World Origin Site’ plaque, marking the legacy of Royal Enfield’s first factory location in this 125th anniversary year. The unveiling took place at the site of Royal Enfield’s Hunt End Works, on what is now known as Enfield Road, with motoring journalist and TV personality Richard Hammond joining Redditch Mayor Susan Eacock; flanked by members of the local community, Royal Enfield staff, Riders Club members and surviving workers from the original Redditch manufacturing plant. Commenting on the unveiling, Richard Hammond said   “My heart lies with two wheels, motorbikes are my private passion and as a local boy by birth, growing up nearby to this area, it's a great pleasure to mark this World Origin Site celebrating Royal Enfield; a longstanding, proud brand that rings with familiarity around the world and continues to honour the workers that laid the foundations here in Redditch.” Founder of World Origin Site, Martin Wilkie said: “It’s just a wall in Redditch today, but 125-years-ago, somebody did something that changed the world and we’re here to mark the exact spot.” Royal Enfield motorcycles from five generations lined Enfield Road, highlighting the brand’s title as the oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production, with a legacy spanning 125 years. From the modern ‘Project Origin’ replica of Royal Enfield’s first motorcycle, launched in 1901, to a fully restored first edition 1932 Bullet, the iconic model that began Royal Enfield’s journey to manufacturing in India and is still in production today. The 2026 Royal Enfield Classic 650 125th Anniversary Edition, was also displayed to represent a lineage that began with the first Royal Enfield motorcycle in 1901, spanning multiple generations and continents. The limited edition model, due on sale in Europe from August, is a meticulously crafted physical tribute to the brand’s enduring legacy. Embossed with a 125 Year crest in gold on classic red. This Special Edition employs an 'hypershift' paint application, the unique kaleidoscope-like paintwork highlights the fusion of heritage and celebration, the perfect tribute to Royal Enfield’s timeless, iconic, and evolving spirit. Royal Enfield has evolved into one of the world’s most iconic motorcycle brands, loved by generations of riders for its timeless design, authentic character, and philosophy of Pure Motorcycling. Today, the brand has a presence across 80+ countries, supported by a growing retail network of over 3,200 stores globally, seven international CKD assembly facilities, and vibrant riding communities around the world. Its portfolio spans 15 internal combustion engine motorcycles across Heritage, Cruiser, Roadster, Adventure, and Pure Sport categories, each reflecting the brand’s ability to blend heritage with modern relevance for riders across markets. More recently, Royal Enfield has also marked its entry into electric mobility with Flying Flea, its new city+ electric mobility brand, launching the Flying Flea C6.

Triumph Motorcycles is proud to announce a new partnership with Silverstone’s Bike Track Days, delivering an exclusive experience where Silverstone’s expert instructors showcase the full capability of Triumph’s latest high‑performance motorcycles on track.

This collaboration places Silverstone’s world‑class instructors at the heart of the experience, demonstrating the performance, precision, and engineering of Triumph’s newest models, including the Street Triple RX, Street Triple RS, Speed Triple RX, Speed Triple RS, and the flagship Speed Triple RR.

Rather than a traditional ride experience, each session is designed to highlight what these machines are capable of in the hands of professionals — offering customers a unique opportunity to witness elite riding techniques and the true potential of Triumph’s performance line‑up in their natural environment.

A New Standard in Rider Development

Each session is led by Silverstone instructors, whose expertise allows them to fully showcase the agility, power, and advanced technology of Triumph motorcycles on track. Through live demonstrations, guided laps, and technical insight, customers gain a deeper understanding of how these bikes perform at the highest level.

• Street Triple RX — razor‑sharp agility with track‑focused precision
• Street Triple RS — the ultimate expression of middleweight performance
• Speed Triple RX — aggressive power with everyday rideability
• Speed Triple RS — Triumph’s most powerful naked sports machine
• Speed Triple RR — a modern café racer with superbike‑level performance

Engineering Meets Expertise

This partnership brings together Triumph’s class‑leading engineering and Silverstone’s elite instructor team, creating a platform where performance is not just described, but demonstrated.

Silverstone’s instructors, with decades of racing and coaching experience, provide expert commentary and insight throughout each session — helping customers understand how advanced chassis dynamics, braking systems, and power delivery come together on track.

A Partnership Built on Performance

This programme reinforces Triumph’s commitment to showcasing its motorcycles exactly where they belong — on the track, at speed, under expert control. By placing instructors at the centre of the experience, customers are given a rare and authentic view of what these motorcycles are truly capable of when ridden to their full potential.

Availability

Sessions will be available throughout the season at Silverstone, please search “Silverstone bike track days” for booking details.

For more information, please visit https://www.silverstone.co.uk/track-and-testing/bike-track-days

 

 

The sound of a two-stroke engine is unmistakable—the characteristic crackle of a chainsaw in the forest, the rumble of a boat engine on a lake, the shrill whine of a scooter on a city street. Simple, lightweight, and powerful, two-stroke engines are still widely used wherever compact size, low weight, and high specific power are critical. 

Two-stroke oils represent a special category of lubricants that requires a fundamentally different approach compared to conventional engine oils, explains Juri Sudheimer, founder of Mannol Oil for a two-stroke engine must dissolve in gasoline, pass through the combustion chamber, lubricate all components, and burn as cleanly as possible without leaving deposits. This may sound simple, but behind that apparent simplicity lie years of research and a complex multicomponent formulation comprising base oils and specialized functional additives

Juri Sudheimer: Why Two-Stroke Oil Is the Most Complex Formula in the Motorcycle Segment

“Over more than 30 years in the industry, I have seen how requirements for two-stroke oils have evolved. In the 1990s, it was sufficient for the oil simply to lubricate. Today, environmental standards demand minimal smoke, clean combustion, and protection of aquatic environments for marine engines—while maintaining excellent lubricating performance.”

A two-stroke (2T) engine differs from a four-stroke engine by its simple and lightweight design (no valves and therefore no bulky and complex valve train), high specific power (two power strokes per crankshaft revolution), but also higher fuel consumption, increased noise and smoke, and the requirement to premix oil with gasoline for lubrication. Thanks to their compact size and low weight, two-stroke engines are commonly used in:

· Light motorcycles (scooters, mopeds, mokicks) and older motorcycles (rarely used in new motorcycles today);

· Outboard marine engines;

· Snowmobiles and light ATVs;

· Handheld and garden equipment (chainsaws, trimmers, lawn mowers, cultivators, etc.).

Because these oils must dissolve in gasoline (two-stroke diesel engines do exist but are extremely rare), their composition differs fundamentally from that of conventional engine oils. In addition, two-stroke oils are always dyed so that the user can clearly distinguish between pure gasoline and the ready fuel–oil mixture

Requirements for Two-Stroke Gasoline Engine Oils

· The oil must burn cleanly, leaving minimal ash and carbon deposits;

· The oil must dissolve well in fuel without impairing fuel properties;

· The oil must provide good anti-wear, lubricating, and anti-corrosion properties, with viscosity suited to climate and operating conditions;

· For marine applications, the oil must minimize water pollution and be harmless to aquatic life.

What 2T Oil Is Really Made Of: A Conflict of Component Interests

Based on these requirements, two-stroke oils typically consist of:

· Base oil (mineral, semi-synthetic, or synthetic): approx. 50%;

· Polyisobutylene (PIB): approx. 15%;

· Solvent: approx. 10%;

· Additive package: approx. 5%.

Each component plays both positive and negative roles in the formulation, yet all are essential

Base Oil (according to Infineum):

· Improves lubricity by forming an oil film of sufficient thickness and strength;

· Increases smoke;

· Promotes exhaust system blockage due to deposits;

· Contributes to deposits and cleanliness issues.

Polyisobutylene (PIB):

· Burns cleanly with minimal deposits;

· Reduces smoke and carbon formation;

· Lowers the risk of exhaust system blockage;

· Improves lubricity and cold-start performance;

· Increases production cost.   

Solvent:

· Improves oil–fuel miscibility, especially at low temperatures;

· Enhances fluidity of the fuel–oil mixture;

· Burns cleanly;

· Reduces smoke and deposits;

· Reduces lubricating ability.

Additives:

· Improve engine cleanliness;

· Can hinder complete combustion;

· May increase smoke;

· Can contribute to exhaust deposits;

· Increase overall cost.

As you can see, nothing about two-stroke oil formulation is straightforward.

“Developing a two-stroke oil is a constant search for compromise,” emphasizes Juri Sudheimer. “More base oil improves lubrication but increases smoke and deposits. More PIB reduces smoke but raises cost. More solvent improves miscibility but reduces lubricity. Every formulation is a balance between conflicting requirements.”

The Formula Compromise

“Our laboratory in Klaipeda is equipped with modern facilities for testing two-stroke oils. We test fuel miscibility at different temperatures, measure smoke on dedicated test rigs, and analyze deposit formation on real engines. Every formulation undergoes an extensive cycle of laboratory and engine testing before entering production.”

Standards and Classifications for Two-Stroke Oils

To regulate oil quality, a number of international standards and classifications have been developed. For two-stroke oils, these include standards from American Petroleum Institute (API), Japanese Automotive Standards Organization (JASO), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) with its TC-W3 marine standard. Thailand also has its own certification system: TISI (Thai Industrial Standards Institute).

Many categories have been discontinued; the active ones include:

· API TC – for highly loaded two-stroke engines (200–500 cc). Includes tests for ring sticking, pre-ignition, and cylinder scuffing. Not applicable to outboard engines.

JASO considered API TC insufficiently precise, as oils meeting only this standard could produce excessive smoke and emissions. Therefore, JASO introduced its own categories:

· JASO FB – requirements for lubricity, detergency, and exhaust emissions;

· JASO FC – stricter detergency and smoke limits than FB;

· JASO FD – same as FC, but with even stricter detergency requirements.

All categories are tested on the same engines, with quality levels assigned based on defined threshold values. Results are published relative to the high-performance reference oil JATRE 1.

In the mid-1990s, European testing revealed that JASO FC no longer met the needs of European two-stroke engines. New long-duration tests were introduced, including a 3-hour Honda Dio test to assess piston cleanliness and detergency. These procedures were developed by CEC working groups with European engine and lubricant manufacturers.

ISO currently classifies two-stroke oils into three categories:

· ISO-L-EGB – JASO FB + piston cleanliness test;

· ISO-L-EGC – JASO FC + piston cleanliness test;

· ISO-L-EGD – JASO FC + piston cleanliness and detergency tests.

Why Certification Is Expensive—but Essential

“Developing oils that comply with international JASO and ISO standards required major investments in R&D and test equipment,” says Juri Sudheimer. “Since 2004, we have invested over €90 million in production development, a significant portion of which went into laboratories for two-stroke oil testing.”

How to Choose the Right Two-Stroke Oil

The main rule: follow the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations. Operating manuals specify required standards and fuel–oil mixing ratios.

Basic selection guidelines:

· Motorcycles (scooters, mopeds): JASO FB/FC/FD;

· Garden equipment: oils with enhanced thermal stability;

· Outboard engines: NMMA TC-W3;

· Snowmobiles: oils with low-temperature additives.

Important: Never use conventional engine oil in a two-stroke engine. It does not dissolve in gasoline, does not burn cleanly, and can cause rapid deposit formation, ring sticking, and serious engine damage.

Mannol Philosophy: Specialization for Every Application

“Two-stroke oils may seem simple, but that simplicity is deceptive,” concludes Juri Sudheimer. “Behind every canister are years of research, hundreds of tests, and meticulous component selection. Oil for a scooter differs from oil for a chainsaw; oil for a boat engine differs from oil for a snowmobile.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Indian Motorcycle has announced a cooperation agreement with Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde, offering the renowned manufacturer’s range of electronically adjustable exhaust systems through official Indian Motorcycle dealers across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Giving Indian Motorcycle riders another option to add even more character to their ride, with Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde’s range of exhausts, each electronically adjustable system embodies three distinct personalities: the Dr. Jekill mode, the Dynamic mode and the Mr. Hyde mode, allowing the rider to switch between three street-legal sound modes to match their mood or the riding environment. 

Crafted and developed from more than 25 years of innovation, with state-of-the-art engineering and purpose-built for each Indian Motorcycle model, Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde exhausts deliver iconic sound, premium quality, and the peace of mind that, with full European type approval, Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde exhausts comply with European laws, and are ECE, EG-BE and TÜV approved.

The agreement ensures fast product delivery direct from Dr, Jekill & Mr. Hyde, provides full dealer training and technical support, and covers the full Indian Motorcycle range, supporting current models from 2014 onwards and future model introductions.

Indian Motorcycle model lineups from 2026 range that can be equipped with Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde include the Indian Scout, the Indian Chief, and the PowerPlus Baggers and Tourers.

The Indian Scout is a cornerstone of the Indian Motorcycle family and is its most successful platform, powered by the liquid-cooled 1,250 cc SpeedPlus V-Twin. Drawn to its iconic design, over 90% of Scout buyers are new to the brand, and with its lightweight, nimble handling and low seat height, nearly a quarter of all Indian Scout buyers are new to riding. The Scout Sixty expands on this accessibility by offering its timeless American style and legendary combination of balance and control with a 999cc capacity SpeedPlus engine and a more attainable price point. The Indian Scout range now covers eight models in two engine capacities, from the accessible Scout Sixty Bobber through to the highest-performing Scout ever produced, the 101 Scout.

For those looking for the beautiful mechanical simplicity of a large capacity air-cooled V-Twin in a beautiful steel frame, the Indian Chief lineup features models that harken back to golden eras in American motorcycling. From the stripped-back Chief Dark Horse to the long-distance capability of the Super Chief, to the 1940s style of the Chief Vintage, there’s a Chief to suit the personal aesthetic and riding style of anyone looking for a big V-Twin cruiser. Powering all Indian Chief models is the formidable Thunderstroke 116 (1890cc) engine, the last big, air-cooled V-Twin available, delivering a substantial 156 Nm of torque.

Indian Motorcycle’s PowerPlus family features the Chieftain PowerPlus and Challenger Baggers, and the Roadmaster PowerPlus and Pursuit Tourers, which redefine the American V-Twin riding experience, featuring distinctive American style, next-generation performance, rider-centric technology, and comfort to go the distance. Each model is powered by the PowerPlus 112 (1834 cc), a high-revving, liquid-cooled V-Twin with overhead cams and 4 valves per cylinder, that delivers both high horsepower (122 hp) and high torque (181.4 Nm). A unique combination that delivers an unmatched ride, optimising acceleration across the entire rev range to take American V-Twin performance to an entirely new level.

For more information on Indian Motorcycle, please visit IndianMotorcycle.eu and follow along on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. For more information on Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde, please visit JekillandHyde.com and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.