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  • Royal Enfield 650 GT Modified Custom Sidecar Looks Absolutely Stunning

    Powering this modified Royal Enfield 650 GT sidecar, is the same 650cc parallel twin engine which dishes out 47 bhp and 52 Nm
    Motorcycles with sidecars are quite fascinating to look at and are functionally relevant as well. These have a history dating back to more than a century and were used extensively during World War I and II. Sidecar customization projects are quite popular and we have seen some really interesting creations over the years. In a recent project, Walter Harrius from Cuxhaven, Germany has added an elegant, retro-styled sidecar to his Royal Enfield Continental GT 650.
    Sidecar customization details

    For this project, the owner has used parts sourced from other motorcycles. For example, the end pipes come from a Triumph 1200. The wheel for the sidecar comes from a Harley whereas the brakes are taken from a Yamaha bike. Talking about the structure of the sidecar, it has been custom built by the owner himself using arches and pipes.
    Duna sidecar
    The key highlight of this customization project is the Duna sidecar that has been painted in the same colour shades as that of GT 650 Black Magic colour variant. The Black Magic theme has golden strips on a glossy black fuel tank, which can also be seen on the Duna sidecar. The nose of the sidecar sports a metallic shade, which is the same as can be seen on the engine, exhaust, front fender and headlamp casing of Royal Enfield Continental GT 650.

    It is worth noting that Duna sidecars were originally offered with motorcycles produced by Hungarian manufacturer Pannonia in the mid twentieth century. As the sidecars were manufactured at a facility located along the Danube river, they were given the name ‘Duna’. These sidecars came with a futuristic design and had a unique rocked shaped nose.
    While earlier versions were built using steel, the need to reduce weight prompted the manufacturer to use aluminium at a later stage. These gorgeous sidecars were relegated to history books in 1975 when Pannonia went out of production.

    Interiors of this customized Duna sidecar come with a quilted design seat in black and beige colour theme. This enhances the overall look and feel of the sidecar. Together, the GT 650 and the sidecar come across as a seamless unit. It looks like a factory-fitted sidecar and there’s hardly anything that feels out of place.
    Smooth run at fast speeds
    The owner said that the project was not that difficult even though there were some challenges along the way. He has already tested his three-wheeled creation and it runs quite well. He was able to achieve a top speed of 140 km/h in 5th gear. The owner also said that the sidecar is completely detachable. It takes just around ten minutes to remove the sidecar and go solo again on the Conti GT 650. More

  • Royal Enfield Himalayan, 650 Twins rolls out of New Argentina Plant

    The Royal Enfield assembly plant in Argentina will roll out Himalayan, Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650 for now
    In what could be considered as an important step towards its goal of achieving global leadership in medium displacement segment, Royal Enfield has announced the setting up on its first overseas assembly plant. Located in Campana, Bueons Aires, Argentina, the new assembly line will be of strategic importance for the brand’s Latin American operations.
    Royal Enfield in Latin America

    Latin America, especially Argentina, is an important medium displacement motorcycle market. The Indian retro-classic motorcycle brand established a partnership with Grupo Simpa to distribute its products in Argentina starting from 2018. The brand now has 5 exclusive stores across the country and 31 across Latin America.
    This is in addition to 40 other touch points in the region. The new assembly plant has also been set up in association with the same partner. The plant was recently inaugurated in the presence of Argentinian president Alberto Fernandes. Below is the video shared by Royal Enfield Argentina.
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    As of now, Royal Enfield’s Argentinian assembly plant will source CKD kits from its Chennai facilities and will be rolling out the Himalayan, Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650 models. We expect the facility to also assemble next generation models including the upcoming Meteor 350 and KX concept-based 650 cc cruiser in due course.
    Global expansion plans
    Speaking about the new assembly plant in Argentina, Royal Enfield’s CEO Vinod Dasari stated that the company has expanded its retain presence to 60 countries in the recent years and is planning to establish production footprint in key Asia-Pacific and South American markets. The new plant is first of these.
    Royal Enfield Argentina
    With local assembly, the brand can take advantage of tax benefits and would be able to price its products competitively. The Latin American market is important for the brand to achieve global leadership in middleweight segment. The CEO stated that the response from Argentina has been very encouraging since inception.
    Proportion of export market
    For a company with global aspirations, Royal Enfield still has a lot of territory to cover. For now, the brand operates 660 dealerships across the world of which 82 are exclusive stores. Over 90% of Royal Enfield’s total sales comes from the domestic market but the 650 Twins have are getting increasingly popular in international markets.
    With aggressive expansion and overseas CKD assembly plants, the company is planning to grow its export operations in the coming years. The next Royal Enfield CKD assembly plant is expected to come up in South East Asia, from Thailand. In fact, RE had announced the setting up of Thailand plant in 2019, and it was to go operational sometime earlier this year. But due to unknown reasons, that has been delayed, and the Thailand RE plant is now expected to produce RE motorcycles from 2021. More

  • Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Engine Specs Leak – Power increases, Torque decreases

    The Royal Enfield Meteor 350 will employ a new 350cc motor under the ‘UCE350’ range – Likely mated to 5-speed transmission unit
    Motorcycle enthusiasts have been eagerly and patiently waiting for the Meteor 350 for a very long time. Sources tell us that the launch is expected to take place on 22nd Sep. Ahead of launch, Youtube Channel Rider Lal has managed to reveal interesting new details about the motorcycle.
    Engine

    Meteor 350 will replace the Thunderbird 350 and Thunderbird 350X in the Chennai-based bike maker’s portfolio. The motorcycle is built upon a completely new platform codenamed ‘J1D’. Meteor will be the first of the new ‘UCE350’ range which will employ a completely new 350cc air-cooled motor which is set to be more efficient. The new generation Classic 350 is also being developed under this range.
    As per the leaked image, this new BS6 350cc engine of Meteor 350 will deliver 20.2 bhp and 27 Nm of torque. This when compared to the existing BS6 350cc engine of Classic 350, is about 0.4 bhp more, but 1 Nm less. Current Classic 350 BS6 which is on sale in India, delivers 19.8 bhp and 28 Nm torque. Do note that the current Classic 350 UCE engine is based on the older push-rod tech, while the new Meteor 350 UCE engine is based on the SOHC setup.
    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Engine Specs
    Speaking about transmission, it is most likely a 5 speed unit. The leaked image states that the new transmission offers smooth gear shifts. Just like the engine, the clutch and transmission system is also newly developed. It has less number of parts and linkages – resulting in better clutch life and reduced friction.
    Variants & Features
    From the images leaked earlier, we know that Meteor 350 will be available in three variants- Fireball, Stellar and Supernova. Each variant will feature its unique set of components which distinguish them apart. The base Fireball trim will feature a coloured rim tape, body graphics with decals, single colour fuel tank and blacked-out components.

    The mid-spec Stellar variant will sport chrome finish on handlebars, premium badges, body-coloured components and a backrest for the pillion. On the hand, the top-end, Supernova trim will offer a premium seat upholstery, machined alloy wheels, chrome on indicators, a dual-tone colour scheme and a windscreen. Also, standard features such as inbuilt turn-by-turn navigation called ‘Tripper Navigation’ and semi-digital twin-pod instrument cluster will be offered across the range.
    Meteor 350 will be the most feature loaded RE motorcycle ever. Other features include bluetooth enabled turn by turn navigation system, USB charger for charging your devices on the go.
    Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Riding Stance
    Along with the actual motorcycle, miniature scale models will also go on sale later this month, as official merchandise. Leaked images give a clear visual understanding as to how the bike would actually look like. There will be a total of seven colours on offer across the range- Fireball Red, Fireball Yellow, Stellar Matte Black, Stellar Red Metallic, Stellar Blue Metallic, Supernova Blue dual-tone, Supernova Brown dual-tone.
    Royal Enfield will be using Ceat / Ace tyres for Meteor 350. The front and rear tyres will measure 100/90-19 and 140/70-17, respectively. Fuel tank capacity is 15 liters. Prices of the bike are expected to start from around Rs 1.65 lakh (ex-showroom). More

  • New Royal Enfield Thunderbird 650 imagined as Next Gen Cruiser

    Royal Enfield will be launching a new cruiser motorcycle next year – Probably called as Thunderbird 650
    Following the launch of Royal Enfield’s 650cc twins, it’s been a wait to see what the next 650cc offering would be. A sighting last week revealed a cruiser with twin exhausts, one placed on either side. This signalled end of wait. For those awaiting a 650cc cruiser, the wait isn’t going to be too long as the bike looks in form.

    Based on the spy video, a digital render has now been created, which gives a decent idea as to what this upcoming RE 650cc cruiser would look like. Expected to be launched next year, it could be christened as Thunderbird 650.
    Speaking about the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 650 cruiser – The low slung 650cc cruiser being tested seats two. Rider seat being a proper low seater, and a fairly small and plain pillion seat, positioned higher. Royal Enfield’s twin-cyl cruiser features a USD front fork, and rear twin shock absorbers. Front forks are a first for the manufacturer. Below is a short video, credit to Karthick Jay.
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    The test unit is a work in black and an all too familiar gold pinstripe, which runs along the rear cowl, side panel, and fuel tank. In fact, the test unit misses out on any additional chrome bits with casings, cowls, and wheel alloys finished in black. The chrome parallel exhausts finish in a straight line.
    Considering a departure in the twin rear shock setup, and side metal frame, the swingarm setup too could be different but that’s difficult to tell at this moment. While there’s plenty of new bits, there’s much that characterises it as a Royal Enfield, starting with the round headlight up front.
    All light units appear to be round. Rear red light is encased in a silver bezel mounted on the cowl, rear round orange blinkers/indicators extend outward with the frame affixed on the cowl, and front indicator lights too maintain shape. The twin-cyl engine set-up appears to have the cooling mount placed up front.
    The test mule is fitted with a saree guard/left rear guard, which is mandated, and instrument cluster unit features a big round unit flanked by what appears to be a smaller round unit. This is the same unit which has been recently spotted on the Meteor 350. It comes with analog speedo, digital MID with Bluetooth connectivity that will offer turn by turn navigation.
    Being a 650cc offering, the cruiser shares more than an engine with the 650cc twins. This includes a single disc in the front, and rear with dual ABS. The chain drive sits on the left of the rear wheel, and disc brake setup on the right.
    There’s no official update about launch. While road testing cycles take months, this being a tried and tested engine guarantees a shorter testing phase. But if we were to guess, launch of RE Thunderbird 650 could take place by Diwali 2021. when a launch will be scheduled. Expect prices to be in the Rs 3.5 to 4 lakh range – making it the most expensive Royal Enfield motorcycle till date.
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  • Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Official Scale Models Merchandise Leak

    The upcoming Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is built upon a completely new platform and will be powered by a new 350cc engine
    Anticipation for the much-awaited Meteor 350 from Royal Enfield grows higher and higher with each day passing as it gets nearer to launch. Till now, the Chennai-based bike manufacturer hasn’t revealed much about its upcoming cruiser neither has it officially released its images.

    However, a series of spied images and videos have been doing rounds on the internet for a very long time. Recently, the brochures of the upcoming bike got leaked and we got some insights on the details. With the launch around the corner, we have received another set of exclusive images that might suggest what the final production-spec model would actually look like.
    The images we have received are of scaled miniature models of the actual production-spec which is expected to go on sale from 20th of September. Along with the new bike, RE will also launch miniature scale models of Meteor 350 as official merchandise. These leaked images reveal a lot more details about the upcoming cruiser bike. As we all know, the Meteor 350 is set to replace the outgoing Thunderbird 350 and Thunderbird 350X.

    Powertrain & Transmission
    The Meteor 350 will sit on an all-new platform codenamed ‘J1D’ which is set to underpin future models from Royal Enfield. It will be powered by a new 350cc powertrain which might have an OHC (Over Head Cam) setup. The current 350cc motor in Classic 350 and Bullet produces 20 bhp and 28 Nm of peak torque. The new unit is said to generate an output similar to its predecessor. This engine will be coupled with a 5-speed gearbox.
    Coming to the images shown here, they give a clear idea as to what the final product might be. These scaled miniature models will be sold as Royal Enfield merchandise alongside the actual bike. The pictures clearly show the low saddle height for the rider as seen in a cruiser.
    Variants & Features

    As reported earlier, the new Meteor 350 will be offered in three variants- Fireball, Stellar and top of the line Supernova. All three are visually distinctive from each other. The base Fireball variant will carry all blacked out components, a coloured rim tape in the alloys, graphics with decal and a single colour fuel tank. Meanwhile, the Stellar variant will have body-coloured components, chrome finish on handlebars and a backrest.
    On the other hand, the Supernova variant will sport machined alloy wheels, premium seats, windscreen and chrome indicators. All three variants also offer some common features such as a semi-digital Dual pod instrument cluster and inbuilt turn-by-turn navigation called ‘Tripper Navigation’.
    Expected Price

    The new Royal Enfield Meteor 350 will employ a new instrument device that displays a lot more information such as tripmeter, odometer, gear, low-battery, drive modes, ABS MIL and many more. The Meteor is set to undergo the launch later this month and is expected to be priced around Rs 1.65 lakh (ex-showroom). More

  • Royal Enfield August 2020 Sales 50k – Thanks to Classic 350, Bullet

    With most manufacturers able to post MoM sales growth, overall 2020 August sales looks better than the month prior
    Road Enfield reports domestic sales decline of 2 percent, down to 47,571 units from 48,752 units sold in August 2019. Exports too fell. Down by 38 percent, exports contracted to 2,573 units from 4,152 units. Total sales decline is reported at 5 percent, down at 50,144 units from 52,904 units.

    In July 2020, Royal Enfield reported total sales at 40,334 units. While exports have not gained in a MoM comparison, domestic sales improved 25.43 percent from 37,925 units sold in July 2020.
    It’s easy to see how much of a sigh of relief August 2020 sales brings considering FY21 YTD sales decline stands at 48 percent. Domestic sales for the last 5 months has contracted to 1,40,435 units, down from 2,72,364 units. Exports for the period have shrunk 60 percent, down at 7,312 units from 18,434 units.
    Royal Enfield Aug 2020 Sales
    Total sales decline is reported at 49 percent, down to 1,47,747 units from 2,90,798 units in the same five months last year. What’s lost in Q1 FT21 isn’t likely to be recovered by year end, but a gradual recovery would bode well.
    Since business restarted in May 2020 in passed manner, monthly performance continues to improve. While recovery for FY21 is a difficult ask, there’s no doubt that Q2 reports will look remarkably better than Q1 reports. A boost is expected on account of the ongoing festive season, an identified period during which time buying activity increases.
    As the month same to a close Royal Enfield announced single day sales across Kerala at a 1,000 units owing to Onam. With festivity to continue over the next couple of weeks, sales through September 2020 is a space to watch out for. This is all the more exciting for RE owing to the launch of Meteor 350.
    Meteor 350 launch
    Royal Enfield is geared up for multiple launches, the first of which happens to be Meteor 350. BS6 mandate and transition meant the Thunderbird 350cc variants are no longer sold. Royal Enfield Meteor, a 350cc segment entrant is queued for launch in September 2020. Available in three variants – Fireball, Stellar and Supernova, feature variances define each. Considering Royal Enfield created the 350cc segment, and has over the years refined, and defined it, a new launch is always exciting. Looking at current sales trends, a new offering will help further strengthen recovery.
    Currently, Royal Enfield is testing other new bikes too. This includes one that may be known as Hunter or Sherpa, a replacement for Classic 350cc, and a 650cc cruiser. The brand is keen not just in reclaiming lost market share but also improving its exports as it continues to establish its reputation in the mid-segment market. More

  • 2021 Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser on Video – Spotter shares New Details

    Does the new Royal Enfield 650cc cruiser come with belt drive? New images reveal more information
    First ever spy shots of the all new Royal Enfield 650cc cruiser are now all over the internet. All thanks to biker and automotive enthusiast, Karthick Jay, who spotted the upcoming RE on the Perungalatur to Tambaram highway, which is about 30 kms from the Royal Enfield manufacturing plant in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

    We all knew this was coming – the twin engine’d RE cruiser. It was only a matter of time, and now thanks to Karthick, we have a better idea about the bike and its launch timeline. From the spy shots, it is clear that this is a pre-production test mule, which is not very far from production ready. From this, one can expect the new Royal Enfield Cruiser 650cc to be launched by Diwali 2021.
    Belt Drive or Chain Drive
    From the spy video which was revealed last week, it was not clear whether the motorcycle has a chain drive or a belt drive. Many fans had the confusion over this. But with the latest spy images shared by Karthick, it is now clear that this RE cruiser has chain drive and not belt drive. Take a look at the video below.
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    As can be seen in the video above, what was mistaken for to be a belt drive, is in fact the disc brake. This is also the setup which is seen on board the 650 Twins – Interceptor and Continental. Both these RE bikes come with chain drive, which is on the left side of the rear wheel, while the disc brake setup is on the right side of the wheel. The new 2021 Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser also has a similar setup.
    First Impressions
    In his youtube video, Karthick has tried answering some questions fans have had regarding the bike. Speaking about performance, he answered, “from what I have noticed the engine was so smooth just like continental the bike looked more like bobber version , I believe it’s the same 650 cc engine from the continental twins… The sound wasn’t so roaring it was just so smooth but so quick… It was chain drive … ”
    “Am not really sure about the suspension but as I said early it wasn’t a usual RE it was so quick and so responsive to throttle no sound but just gone. The bike comes with dual channel abs system and the cooling system is just like in the continental twins can see the liquid cooling radiator… Also the first bike from RE with upside down forks…”
    USD Forks
    Many fans have been waiting for RE with USD forks. Finally this will be answered, with the upcoming Cruiser 650. This will also be the first time we will see a Royal Enfield motorcycle with USD forks in the front. Disc brake setup is same as 650 Twins, single disc in the front and rear with dual ABS.
    Front tyre looks bigger than the rear. This will help the RE Cruiser 650 look longer and bigger than it actually is. Rear tyre is fatter than the ones we have seen on 650 Twins, which gets 130 section tyre. From the video, it looks like this will be the longest and biggest RE bike made till date, as far as the dimensions are concerned. The rider position is low slung, with footrest in forward position. This will help riders feet to stay away from the hot 650cc engine.
    The video also gives us a glimpse at the instrument cluster. For now, it seems like carrying the same unit, which will be seen in the upcoming Meteor 350. This unit comes with analog as well as digital display. There is also bluetooth compatibility, for turn by turn navigation.
    Expected to be launched next year, this new 650cc RE Cruiser will be priced higher than the 650 Twins, which are available in the range of Rs 2.65 lakhs to Rs 3 lakhs ex-sh. 2021 Royal Enfield 650cc Cruiser prices could be in the range of Rs 3.5 lakhs to Rs 4 lakhs. More