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      Royal Enfield 650 Twins owners get Welcome Kit – What’s inside?

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      Royal Enfield’s 650 Twins, Interceptor and Continental GT are quite popular in foreign markets thanks to their affordability
      Chennai-based motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield launched its modern-classic twin-cylinder middleweight ‘650 Twins’, Interceptor and Continental GT back in November 2018. It took almost a year’s time for the ~650cc motorcycles to reach Indian shores after their global debut at EICMA 2017. The British-origin brand has updated its range-toppers to BS6 emission norms. Ex-showroom prices start at roughly Rs 2.65 lakh and 2.80 lakh, respectively.

      Internationally, Royal Enfield’s 650 Twins have become quite popular due to the supreme affordability they offer compared to established entry-level middleweights. In June 2020, the Interceptor 650 even became the bestselling motorcycle in the UK.
      Furthermore, they are excellent platforms for customisations that can achieve a fair balance between form and function. We have shared several modified ‘650’ examples over the months.
      Royal Enfield Welcome Kit

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      In certain markets outside India, Royal Enfield offers a ‘Welcome Kit’ alongside its flagship products. Stuart Fillingham has shared what comes inside the box on his YouTube channel. Based in the UK, he rides a 2019MY Royal Enfield Interceptor 650. Stuart also owns a previous-gen Triumph Bonneville T120 — a modern classic which carried more than double the 650’s current asking price. He commented that he had received only a “tacky plastic dealership keyring” with the Bonnie.
      In comparison, Royal Enfield’s Welcome Kit is quite impressive considering the Interceptor 650’s UK pricing. The high-quality cardboard box (with a magnetic lid) welcomes with a premium Royal Enfield brass/leather keychain. Under it rests a bandana (face cover) with a coloured illustration of the 650 Twins (one on each side). Halfway into the box, there is a Royal Enfield pin badge that is supposed to go with the bandana. For hardcore ‘RE’ fans, the badge appears to be an interesting collectible.
      Finally comes a white Royal Enfield-branded mug wearing a generic text (in somewhat of a vintage theme) on one side and a rather odd “RIDE!” on the other. The two faces certainly do no complement each other. Nevertheless, it is a good addition.
      650 Twins – Specs
      Powering the Royal Enfield 650 Twins is a 648cc air/oil-cooled SOHC parallel-twin engine making 47bhp @ 7,100rpm and 52Nm @ 5,200rpm. This is coupled to a 6-speed transmission via a slipper clutch. In India, they have no direct rivals but several alternatives across premium single-cylinder and higher middleweight categories. Honda Motorcycle India plans to join the party after launching the CMX500 Rebel twin-cylinder cruiser. More

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      Royal Enfield Classic 500 modified as a 612cc, 40 hp Cafe Racer – 180 kmph top speed

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      The big block upgrade for the engine has resulted in significant increase in the power output
      We come across numerous examples of custom Royal Enfields on daily basis but once in a while, something exceptional pops up. We think, this Royal Enfield Vajra, a custom Classic 500 executed by Ludhiana-based Cycle City Customs is one such outlier which not only has its looks going for it but also has performance to back it up.
      The lustrous cafe racer

      Cycle City Customs transformed the Royal Enfield Classic 500 into a shiny and sporty cafe racer. The red finished chassis and custom saddle in combination with contrasting polished aluminium bodywork is an absolute head turner. The low-set clip-on handlebar, custom rear sub-frame and swing arm are aimed at offering an authentic cafe racer riding experience.
      The Royal Enfield Vajra also ditches its stock suspension in favor of a WP inverted telescopic front fork from a KTM and a rear monoshock. The 2012 Classic 500’s braking system has also replaced. The front end receives a larger disc while the rear drum brake has been ditched in favour of a disc unit with steel braided lines.

      Completing the upgraded handling package is a set of Pirelli rubbers and aluminium spoke wheels. At 154 kg, Royal Enfield Vajra is a good 43 kg lighter than the stock bike and that should make a sea of difference when it comes to performance.
      Royal Enfield Vajra’s tweaked engine
      Speaking of performance, the Royal Enfield Vajra benefits from a comprehensive overhaul with performance parts sourced from Hitchcock Motorcycles UK. The 500 cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine receives a big block which increases the displacement to 612 cc. New gaskets, a K&N air filter, upgraded bearings and a high-compression Wossner piston and Dynojet PC5 plug-in ECU work together to pump out a healthy 40 hp. A quick shifter and custom exhaust have also been thrown in tune up the sporty quotient further.
      While 40 hp on a 154 kg motorcycle doesn’t sound path breaking in this era of KTM-dominated medium displacement segment, a stock Royal Enfield Classic 500 customer will find the Vajra very aptly named (translates to thunderbolt in Sanskrit). For comparison, the Classic 500 has 27.2 hp lugging a kerb weight of 197 kg. Cycle City Customs claims that the Vajra is capable of breaching a top-speed of 180 kmph!
      In short, the Royal Enfield Vajra is a consummate custom motorcycle which certainly looks the part and has top-notch mechanical components which, at least on paper, should offer a gratifying riding experience. More

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      Royal Enfield July 2020 Sales Decline 23% – Classic, Bullet, Himalayan Lead

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      Royal Enfield sales in July 2020 have declined YoY, but have grown MoM
      Sales in July has been various degrees of heartening for most manufacturers, where MoM performance is concerned. On the YoY front not all have been sable to curb sales decline to a single digit. Royal Enfield total sales for July 2020 is reported at 40,334 units at 26 percent sales decline, down from 54,185 units in July 2019. That’s a quarter in volumes lost.

      Of total sales, exports fell 52 percent to 2,409 units, down from 5,003 units sold a year earlier. Sales in June 2020 was reported at 36,510 units. At present, Royal Enfield sells the 350 (Bullet, Electra and Classic), Himalayan and 650 Twins overseas.
      In June 2020, Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 proved to be a bestseller in the UK in the above 125cc category. The motorcycle along with Himalayan has also dominated the naked style motorcycle segment in the UK for the last 12 months

      Royal Enfield July 2020 sales
      Of this, motorcycles upto 350cc capacity have always been the mainstay of Royal Enfield’s product portfolio. In July 2020, sales is reported at 36,384 units, at 19 percent sales decline, down from 45,041 units. Motorcycles of 500cc capacity and above make up the smaller sales segment for the brand. Sales fell 57 percent, down to 3,950 units from 9,144 units.
      Royal Enfield’s next-gen ‘UCE 350’ range will be spearheaded by the soon to be launched Meteor 350. A newbie that steps in, with the BS4 Thunderbird and ThunderbirdX 350 motorcycles phased out. It’s ‘UCE 500’ lineup has already been discontinued at the time BS6 compliancy was becoming a standard requirement. The decision stemmed from low demand. As such, the segment has been left dealing with a gaping hole in-house. RE continues to export some of their 500 cc motorcycles.
      YTD FY21 Royal Enfield sales
      YTD have been impacted by business inactivity all through April 2020, and a part of May 2020. YTD FY21 upto 350cc motorcycle sales fell 57 percent, down to 88,817 units, down from 2,08,074 units. Above 350cc motorcycles sales contracted to 8,786 units at 70 percent sales decline from 29,700 units sold in the same 4 months last year. Total sales contracted 59 percent to 97,603 units, down from 2,37,774 units. YTD FY21 exports have fallen by 67 percent, down to 4,739 units fro 14,162 units.
      In returning to business in the most sensible ways possible, Royal Enfield has started its ‘Service on Wheels’ platform with a 800 strong fleet. Though no details are available regarding which bikes make up the service fleet, apart of the fleet consists of BSIV Royal Enfield Bullet Trials Works units registered to dealerships.
      The purpose-built bikes are equipped to carry tools, equipment and spare parts incased in panniers for safe storage. Designed to perform 80 percent of all typical service and repair requirements, the doorstep service is adept at addressing current day safety protocols. In Pune, 22 ‘Service on Wheels’ motorcycles are already functional. Across Maharashtra that number is now pegged at 92, which is more than 10 percent of all service vehicles (800 units) in the fleet. More

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      Royal Enfield Classic 350 modified as a single seater cruiser – Details

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      Chakan-based Reddy Customs calls its unique Royal Enfield Classic 350 mod as Gangster
      Royal Enfield is almost ready with the next-gen ‘UCE 350’ single-cylinder range, which starts with the much-awaited Meteor 350. It is essentially a replacement to Royal Enfield’s phased-out BS4-compliant Thunderbird 350 and 350X siblings. The Chennai-based motorcycle manufacturer is working on another product called Hunter 350. Both motorcycles use the same power plant that supposedly features OHC (Overhead Cam) instead of the present tappet-valve arrangement.

      Royal Enfield initially planned to launch the next-gen ‘UCE 350’ lineup around the time when India shifted to BS6 emission norms. However, various hiccups made the brand update the existing ‘350’ models to BS6 specifications. On the other hand, the higher ‘UCE 500’ models were discontinued in BS4 format due to poor demand. They are still manufactured for exports. The Classic 350 continues to be the bestseller in Royal Enfield’s domestic portfolio.
      Over the months, we have shared multiple modified Classic 350 examples. Unlike the range-topping ‘650 Twins’, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 (or any other ‘UCE 350’ model) may not be the best option to attain a decent balance between enhanced looks and healthy performance.
      Single Seater RE Mod

      Chakan-based automotive customisation company Reddy Customs has created an interesting neo-retro motorcycle over a Classic 350 BS4. Dubbed ‘Gangster’, the modification follows a gloss black/orange theme alongside silver accents. Both fenders have been chopped and upgraded with custom elements. Its single-seat layout bends well with the fuel tank that packs a pair of extended shrouds.
      Handlebars, switchgear, mirrors, instrument console, front forks, front spoke wheel, rear suspension and of course, the engine, are some of the few bits remaining stock. The rear wheel and tyre are bigger and wider. It is easily one of the main highlights of the Reddy Customs’ Gangster.

      The exhaust system is a cut short unit which seemingly makes a lot of noise (may not be everyone’s favourite note). Other details include a full-LED headlamp with DRL, neatly concealed LED turn signals, custom visors, redesigned battery and filter boxes, tall sump guard, contrast seat stitching, etc. The motorcycle gets disc brakes (familiar units) as well.
      Specs
      In BS6 format, the Royal Enfield Classic 350 churns out about 20bhp and 28Nm from a 346cc air-cooled single-cylinder with fuel injection. BS4 models (like the one you see here) came with a carburettor. Output figures remain somewhat identical in both instances and transmission duties are done by a 5-speed unit. One can expect a considerable bump in output in the next-gen OHC ‘UCE 350’ models. More

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      Royal Enfield June 2020 Sales Break Up, Exports – Classic 350, Himalayan lead

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      On the Indian domestic market, Royal Enfield sold 36,510 units in June 2020 compared to 55,082 units back in June 2019
      Chennai-based motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield, like every other major automaker, has not been doing particularly well since COVID-19 hit India. In fact, the entire Indian automotive industry is making a slow recovery from the government’s near-two-month nationwide COVID-19 lockdown protocols, put into effect towards the end of March 2020.

      To strengthen business operations amid these challenging times, the company introduced its online booking page with attractive finance and EMI options. It has also started a doorstep service initiative dubbed Royal Enfield Service on Wheels (currently available only in Chennai). Service personnel coming under the programme are issued a Royal Enfield Bullet Trials 350, with custom-built toolkits and other essentials.
      Meanwhile, Royal Enfield is working on the next-gen ‘UCE 350’ range, starting with the Meteor 350 — replaces the phased-out BS4 Thunderbird and ThunderbirdX 350 siblings. The company discontinued its ‘UCE 500’ lineup ahead of BS6 emission norms due to low demand. At present, Royal Enfield has three model lines in its global portfolio: 350 (Bullet, Electra and Classic), Himalayan and 650 Twins.

      Royal Enfield June 2020 – Domestic Sales and Exports
      Royal Enfield Domestic Sales – June 2020
      In June 2020, Royal Enfield sold a total of 36,510 units in India as against 55,082 units back in June 2019. Among them, the Classic 350 topped the list at 22,699 units despite facing a sales decline of 32.82%. Entry-level offerings Bullet 350 and Electra 350 garnered 8,108 units (-18.92%) and 4,058 units (+50.63%) each last month. The Electra 350 is the only model which could garner positive sales figures.
      Royal Enfield’s proven adventure tourer, Himalayan hit 835 units and went through a sales drop of 31.73%. It will soon receive a strong rival in the form of Mahindra Two Wheelers’ Mojo 300 BS6. On the other hand, the parallel-twin 650 Twins (Interceptor and Continental GT) collectively marked 810 units and a 53.74% fall. The now-discontinued Thunderbird 350 line had marked 4,749 units last year.
      Royal Enfield Exports – June 2020
      In foreign markets, Indian-made Royal Enfield products are quite popular thanks to the supreme affordability they offer. The Royal Enfield Himalayan has already become a sought-after starter motorcycle for heavy offroading. Only 279 Himalayan units were shipped in June 2020. In comparison, 66.47% more made it to foreign markets last year.
      The Royal Enfield Classic 500 (not available on our market anymore) hit just 98 units last month as against 421 units in June 2019. The Thunderbird is still available for select export markets. It returned only 14 units in June 2020; still an improvement by 1 unit. Finally on the list comes the Classic 350 and Bullet 500 with a sales loss of almost 98%. More

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      RE Meteor 350 accessories spied – Flyscreen, guards, pannier mounts

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      Royal Enfield’s Meteor 350 is powered by the next-gen ‘UCE 350’ air-cooled single-cylinder engine
      Chennai-based motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield has been working on its next-gen ‘UCE 350’ lineup for quite some time. The Royal Enfield Meteor 350, the first one to get the upgraded power plant, was spotted testing on multiple occasions in production-ready formats. In fact, its rough pricing was also revealed from a recent leak of a beta configurator platform.
      Royal Enfield Next-gen ‘UCE 350’

      The upcoming Meteor 350 is essentially a replacement to the BS4 Thunderbird 350 and ThunderbirdX 350. The British-origin automaker discontinued its ‘UCE 500’ lineup well before the industry shifted to BS6 emission norms. As a final tribute to the decade-old model range, Royal Enfield had launched the limited-run Classic 500 Tribute Black (BS4). ‘500’ models were phased out due to poor demand.
      Royal Enfield is developing another motorcycle with the same power plant, supposedly dubbed ‘Hunter 350’. It was also spied a few times over the months. Meanwhile, certain sources suggest that Royal Enfield is planning to launch “something other than the Meteor 350” by the end of this month or early next month. There has not been an official statement on this yet.
      Royal Enfield Meteor 350
      Belt Ur Drive on Facebook has shared an interesting spy shot of the new Royal Enfield Meteor 350. It wears some additional factory-spec accessories such as a tall flyscreen or windscreen, crash guards, pannier mounts, broader footpegs, silver levers, etc. Notable standard features include 5×2-spoke alloy wheels, split seats, semi-digital instrument console (with Bluetooth connectivity), LED DRL, round LED taillamp and more.

      Royal Enfield Meteor 350 alloys accessories spied by TeamBeltUrDrive
      It is based on the brand’s all-new ‘J’ (sub-500cc) architecture. Rumours tell that Royal Enfield has three more platforms for the future: P (twin-cylinder), K (higher middleweights) and Q (above 750cc). It is too early to make any speculations on the platforms’ potential products.
      Meteor 350 Specs
      At present, the BS6-compliant ‘UCE 350’ lineup employs a 346cc air-cooled fuel-injected single-cylinder engine good for about 20bhp and 28Nm — unimpressive numbers for the time and displacement. It follows an archaic tappet-valve arrangement while the Meteor 350’s next-gen ‘UCE 350’ mill (also air-cooled) gets OHC (Over Head Cam). For the same reason, we can expect a sharp increase in output. Transmission duties would be done by a 5-speed unit.
      Meteor 350 Pricing
      Royal Enfield would most likely launch the Meteor 350 by the end of this year unless the nation goes into another stage of COVID-19 lockdown protocols. Ex-showroom prices are expected to start at around Rs 1.75 lakh (Rs 10,000-15,000 over the BS4 Thunderbird 350). More

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      Royal Enfield Himalayan turbo – Power output increased from 24 hp to 50 hp

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      Dubbed ‘MJR Roach’, the Royal Enfield Himalayan turbo build makes twice the stock output
      Royal Enfield’s Himalayan dual-sport or adventure touring motorcycle is quite popular in major two-wheeler markets across the globe. Many foreign riders consider the Himayalan as an ideal and affordable starter bike for doing considerably hardcore offroading. In India, Royal Enfield has already updated it to BS6 emission norms at a starting price of Rs 1.86 lakh ex-showroom. The Royal Enfield Himalayan primarily rivals the KTM 390 Adventure, another excellent single-cylinder starter bike in the category.

      Over the months, we have shared quite a few interesting Himalayan builds from different parts of the world. While UK-based Cooperb Motorcycles introduced a host of optional extras for it, an Indonesian architect built a ‘rad’ tracker on a Himalayan chassis. There are a few noteworthy examples from our country as well.
      However, Royal Enfield Custom Crew, part of the brand’s Technical Centre in the UK has set a high benchmark in this regard. The team has turbocharged the Himalayan’s LS410 engine!

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      Dubbed ‘MJR Roach’, the Royal Enfield Himalayan turbo is modified from the ground up to support the extra output. It follows a ‘post-apocalyptic sci-fi military bike’ theme with scrambler DNA. One could argue that the mod is a bit overboard, but it takes in-depth knowledge and expertise to turbocharge a single-cylinder without compromising its existing usability.
      Project Basics
      Another interesting highlight of the MJR Roach is the source of its components. The team has apparently salvaged most of the parts from discarded motorcycles lying around at their workshop. In fact, the engine itself is a direct swap from a totalled Himalayan. The final result of all this is a rather weird-looking two-wheeler showcasing a complete shift from its original purpose. Yet we absolutely like the MJR Roach in its video game-inspired colour scheme.

      MJR Roach
      Main Highlights

      Key upgrades include USD MX forks, nylon-leather ‘gripper’ seat, fuel tank harness, extended single-sided swingarm and wheel assembly designed by Harris Performance (minds behind the 650 Twins); Continental TKC80 knobby tyres, quad-projector headlamp, Rental Fatbar handlebar, custom switchgear and of course, Garrett GT 125 turbocharger (just behind the monoshock). A boost gauge, external wastegate, screamer pipe and Goodridge plumbing are equipped alongside. The turbo setup is rated at 1 Bar (14.5psi).
      The Power Plant
      The 411cc oil-cooled SOHC single breaths through a K&N performance filter and employs an improved fuel pump, new regulator and lighter lithium-ion battery pack. Thanks to all these additions, the engine churns out more than double its stock output — about 50bhp peak. For reference, the current BS6 model makes 24bhp @ 6,500rpm and 32Nm @ 4,000rpm while mated to a 5-speed transmission. More

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      Royal Enfield service on wheels becomes operational in Chennai

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      Royal Enfield service on wheels

      The door-step service relies on specially equipped Royal Enfield motorcycles which will be available at every dealership soon
      In June 2020, Royal Enfield introduced service on wheels. The eponymous service operates through a fleet of service-ready bikes. Somewhat of a necessity in current times where movement is restricted, and folks are skeptical about being in public places. The process is a simple one, and supports current operational requirements.
      Royal Enfield Service on Wheels, a boon during lockdown

      Royal Enfield Service on Wheels depends on purpose-built bikes. The units are essential in carrying tools, equipment and spare parts, and are now fitted with necessary panniers to store all necessary tools and bits and bobs required. The service platform is designed to perform 90 percent of all typical service and repair requirements at the convenience of a customer. This is essentially a doorstep service. Service on Wheels’ bikes double up as RoadSide Assistance vehicles.

      Royal Enfield service on wheels
      With service appointments at dealerships restricted owing to physical distancing requirements, such appointments need to be pre-booked so they can be rescheduled. This is a dependable system that safeguards the health of service personnel, and visiting customers. With overcrowding not an option, and service personnel needing to maintain physical distancing when at work, the number of bikes accepted for service is now regulated as per slot availability.
      How does RE Service on Wheels work?
      So as to not delay regular service appointments owing to space limitation at dealerships now, ‘Service on Wheels’ works as an effective stand-in. These specially fitted Royal Enfield Bullet Trials are available at all RE service centres starting from July 2020. The convenience played out from the Aravinduja Motors team that carried out a first 500 kms service requirement for a fleet of Bullet 350 bikes that were recently delivered to Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue service.

      Royal Enfield service on wheels
      The new mode of ops meant the bikes didn’t need to be individually taken to the service centre, in essence saving essential time. The special consignment bikes are outfitted with a megaphone, and special red lights, along with a strong carrier setup. The front visor is special fitment and has ‘Fire’ slapped across it.

      With bikes requiring rather little place when stationary, the service vehicle will be easy to park at a range of places effectively turning the area into a short-term repair centre. This particular service vehicle is a BSIV Royal Enfield Bullet Trials Works Replica 350 registered to the dealership, and outfitted to function as self contained mobile service unit. Authorized Royal Enfield technicians tend to service tickets while adhering to current safety related guidelines. Customers can choose E-payment options for a contactless service experience. More