Spring is sprung and it is six months since we unveiled the all-new fuel-injected Bullet Classic to the British public at the NEC Bike Show. Since then we have taken delivery of the first batch of these machines and launched them to the British press. Road tests have recently appeared in Motor Cycle News, Motorcycle Sport & Leisure and The Classic Motorcycle, to name a few, and all agree that the new Classic combines authentic period styling with an exciting new engine.

 

“Ten percent extra power might not sound like much but it’s certainly made a difference to the Bullet” writes Peter Henshaw in Motorcycle Sport & Leisure. “It feels more sprightly from take off, more responsive and revvy … it’s now fast enough to keep up with modern traffic, able to cruise at 60mph and even hold an indicated 70 without feeling as if it’s flat out.”

 

James Robinson of The Classic Motorcycle has a similar impression; “And, for the first time perhaps, the firm now has a machine that while still looking old actually performs how a ‘modern’ motorcycle is expected to and does.”

 

Our initial batch of black Classics sold out immediately – green and red machines have followed and are now finding their way into the dealer network, so contact your local dealer to see one up close and don’t forget that the new Bullet Classic doesn’t just look good, it sounds good too.

 

“It’s the sort of noise someone needs to put on YouTube for everyone to appreciate” commented Peter Henshaw. So we did. 

 

Fourth annual Royal Enfield Open Weekend 20th and 21st June 2009

Four years ago we decided to host an official Royal Enfield event at our factory in the Cotswolds. We felt that it would be nice to offer existing and potential customers an opportunity to see the complete model range and to take one out for a test ride, but nothing could have prepared us for the crowds that descended on Blockley that first year. Since then the Open Weekend has gone from strength to strength, with many of our dealers and bike clubs organising ride outs to visit.
Held at the historic Watsonian-Squire sidecar factory close to Stratford-on-Avon, 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 Open weekend (one for 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. Plus there will be IAM-escorted rides available on the new fuel-injected unit construction Classic and Electra models.

 

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.

Really important information about test rides

If you want to take a machine out for a test ride then you will need to bring both parts of your driving licence, a road legal crash helmet and adequate riding gear. Rides will be accompanied by IAM instructors and are allocated on a first come first served basis. Watsonian Squire Ltd reserve the right to refuse test rides to anyone without giving a reason, (which sounds tough but we have to say it).

 

Dirty Beast gets an Injection

We will be launching the new Trials bike in May. Powered by the same unit construction fuel injected engine as the Electra, the Trials EFI is designed to capture the sprit of the ‘unstoppable Bullet’ in a package that will be comfortable to ride on today’s roads. In addition to the new engine the Trials gets vintage pattern block tread tyres for 2009, as well as a mini luggage rack to which a pillion pad seat may be attached. Watch out for press tests in May/June and see it up close at the Open Weekend.