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      Royal Enfield 650 Owner Explains Mods Done Worth Rs 3 Lakhs

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      Owner of a RE 650 Conti GT has spent more almost the same amount of money on modification, as he spent on buying the motorcycle
      Launched in November 2018, Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 have gained wide popularity in the country and in overseas markets as well. The 650 twins are currently the most affordable twin cylinder motorcycle available in India. Although the bikes are near-perfect in terms of design and performance, there’s always room for enhancements.

      That’s exactly what YouTuber Ashwin Singh Takiar had in mind when he started a new customization project on his Continental GT 650. Below is the video that details all the changes and upgrades carried out on the motorcycle.
      Key modifications
      Ashwin’s primary objective was to enhance the retro flavour of Continental GT 650. In its stock version, the bike features a mix of retro and contemporary design. At the front, various parts have been removed and replaced with either custom designed units or parts sourced from other motorcycles. These include the handlebar, clutch assembly, brake lever, headlamp, and instrument cluster. The headlamp is a used unit from Harley-Davidson whereas the analogue meter has been sourced locally. Front suspension is of KTM Duke 390.

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      The front mudguard has been replaced with a custom built unit, which is shorter than the stock unit. Stock tyres have been replaced at both ends with Pirelli MT 60 RS at the front and Metzeler tyres at the rear. Wheels get a golden coat on the spokes and black coat on the rim. The callipers are also done in gold. This creates a regal look for the bike. Overall also, the bike’s core theme is primarily a combo of black and gold.
      Some radical changes
      It has been clearly mentioned in the video that this modification project is aimed at creating a show bike. This is why certain modifications may not be street legal. For example, the exhaust muffler has been removed and the exhaust pipe has been cut to achieve the drag pipe look. The pipe then gets an exhaust wrap to give it a classy appeal. The modified exhaust meets emission norms, as the catalytic converter is fitted inside the pipe. However, its significantly loud exhaust note is likely to get you ‘challaned’ by traffic police officials.
      Other key changes include blacked out engine and other cycle parts, addition of bash plate, chopped down chassis, and removal of rear mudguard. In terms of performance, the engine’s ECU has been tweaked to deliver 8 bhp more power.
      According to the modifier, this project has been going on for nearly 1.5 years. The bike has passed through various technicians and modifiers and it is still a work-in-progress. Total cost till date is almost Rs 3 lakh which includes Rs 37k labour charges. The modifier has assured that the final version will be showcased shortly in his garage and YouTube channel. More

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      Royal Enfield electric motorcycle prototypes are ready – Launch by 2022 ?

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      Royal Enfield reveals that it has developed several EV prototypes by a newly formed dedicated team
      Across global automotive industries, EVs or Electric Vehicles are clearly the next big thing. The Indian government is also encouraging EV startups and emission-free alternatives in the passenger vehicle segment. Choices are very narrow at the moment but major automakers are investing a lot into new EV platforms, especially for the affordable category.

      Presently, there are only three desirable EVs among four-wheelers: Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona. Mahindra’s eXUV300 or XUV300 Electric will join the party very soon. It was only recently that the Delhi Government announced substantial incentives for electric vehicles.
      Under ‘Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy’, newly registered EVs are eligible for a price cut of Rs 10,000 for each kWh battery capacity (highest applicable price deduction: Rs 1.50 lakh).

      Image for reference
      It appears that two-wheelers, particularly scooters, offer the best platforms to develop electric powertrains that can meet or surpass the potential and desirability of conventional petrol examples. Performance-focused electric motorcycles might not be as ‘engaging’ or ‘fun’ as an ICE alternative coming in the same price bracket, at least in the foreseeable future. Yet mainstream motorcycle makers are betting big on EVs.
      Royal Enfield’s EV plans
      Royal Enfield confirms that it has been developing electric prototypes for quite some time. In fact, the Chennai-based motorcycle manufacturer has even formed a dedicated team to analyse market demands and trends in order to target the final emission-free product(s) at the right customer base.
      Vinod Dasari, CEO of Royal Enfield, told Moneycontrol that the company has major plans for all-electric motorcycles. He states that when it comes to electric vehicles, the question is not whether such mobility would come but ‘when’. ”Electric is something we take very seriously,” shares Vinod Dasari.
      Meanwhile, Royal Enfield is almost ready with the next-gen ‘UCE 350’ models, starting with the much-awaited Meteor 350 (Thunderbird 350 replacement). The company had discontinued its ‘UCE 500’ lineup ahead of BS6 emission norms due to poor demand and stiffer competition.
      We have shared a few all-electric Royal Enfield builds in the past such as Hound Electric’s E-Bullet and Electric Classic Cars’ Photon. As a fitting alternative, an unofficial Jawa EV render has also made its way to social media. It is worth mentioning that Classic Legends (parent company of Jawa Motorcycles) is working on an all-new electric motorcycle under ‘Yezdi’ brand. It would take at least two years or so for both Royal Enfield and Jawa Motorcycles to launch their first tailpipe-free model line. More

    • 150 Shares129 Views

      Royal Enfield Thunderbird Modified into a 3 Wheeler – With Reverse Gear

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      Owner of a brand new Royal Enfield Thunderbird motorcycle has modified his motorcycle
      Bike modification projects are quite diverse, but most have common goals such as cosmetic enhancements, functional improvements and/or performance upgrades. However, sometimes we do get to see some entirely radical ideas that are both surprising and delightful. This is exactly the case with this new bike modification project, wherein a Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500X has been transformed into a trike.

      Carried out by Jaggi Customs, the modification project has turned out to be absolutely flawless. The final product looks like a factory produced trike, as all the components fit seamlessly. Nothing seems out of place, even though some major modifications have been carried out towards the rear of the motorcycle.
      Reverse gear module
      On first glance, this might seem like an easy modification project. However, a closer look will reveal that this modification project is a lot more than just adding a third tire to convert a motorcycle into a trike. In terms of functionality, one important addition is the reverse gear that allows the trike to move in reverse. For this, the bike modifier has installed a customized reversing system at the rear of the motorcycle.

      The reverse gear module developed by Jaggi Customs is a one-of-its kind system and can be used on other Royal Enfield motorcycles as well. Motorcycles of other brands can also be fitted with this system. Although we don’t yet know how exactly it works, the demonstration in the video clearly shows that the reverse gear works flawlessly. The bike modifier has already filed a patent for their reverse gear system, which is expected to be approved soon.
      To engage the reverse gear, the user just has to pull a lever. After this, the bike starts moving backwards when the accelerator is pressed. All other functions remain the same, except that the bike starts moving backwards when the reverse gear lever is engaged. To disengage, the user just needs to put the level in its original position.
      Other customizations

      In this project, most of the rear section of Thunderbird has been overhauled. Stock tyre and swingarm have been removed and replaced with two car tyres connected by an axle. Some components that have been retained include the stock suspension, fender, disc brakes and tail lamp. At the front, floorboards have been added on both sides for added comfort. The rest of the bike remains the same and there are no changes to the engine or other cycle parts.
      This project took around 4-5 months to complete. While the modified Thunderbird trike can be used for off-roading, it can also prove helpful for people with disabilities or old folks. Handling has improved significantly, as the trike does not require to be put on a stand.

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    • 125 Shares99 Views

      Royal Enfield Classic 500 modified to look like a Transformer

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      Mumbai-based Maratha Motorcycles’ Asura build is unlike the usual kind of Royal Enfield mods
      Chennai-based motorcycle manufacturer Royal Enfield discontinued its ‘UCE 500’ single-cylinder range ahead of BS6 emission norms. Rising competition and reduced demand were the key reasons for phasing out the decade-old air-cooled single-cylinder chassis. Furthermore, the British-origin brand’s highly desirable 650 Twins, Interceptor and Continental GT were available at a reasonable price jump over the ‘500’ models.
      Royal Enfield Asura

      Mumbai-based bike builders Maratha Motorcycles has taken a rather unique approach whilst creating the Asura (based on a BS4 Royal Enfield ‘UCE 500’ chassis). Maratha Motorcycles states that the “sports cruiser” is inspired by a “Transformers beast”; quite possibly a Decepticon. The final result may not impress everyone but one cannot deny that it stands different from the usuals.
      Notable design and styling elements include custom LED headlamp and tail lamp setups, LED fog lamps, sculpted 20-litre fuel tank, USD front forks, rear monoshock suspension, drag handlebar, bar-end mirrors, single-sided swingarm, belt-drive and several revamped styling bits.

      Maratha Motorcycles’ Asura project is finished in a satin gold shade (against a gloss black theme). It rides on 120/70ZR (F) and 240/45ZRA (R) tyres shod on black alloy wheels. The diamond-outlet exhaust system was made completely in-house at Maratha Motorcycles.
      Royal Enfield ‘500’ Specs
      In its final format, the Royal Enfield ‘UCE 500’ line was powered by BS4-compliant 499cc air-cooled FI single-cylinder engine good for 27.2bhp @ 5,250rpm and 41.3Nm @ 4,000rpm. Transmission duties were done by a 5-speed unit. A stock Royal Enfield Classic 500 weighs roughly 196kg and has a fuel tank capacity of 13.5 litres. ‘UCE 500’ models might never make a return even in OHC format like the upcoming new-gen ‘UCE 350’.
      As a worthy tribute, Royal Enfield had introduced the limited-run ‘Classic 500 Tribute Black’ in BS4 format itself. It carried some exclusive styling bits and an ‘End of Build’ serial number plaque. Royal Enfield was able to find a decent number of takers via its dedicated online sales page. Meanwhile, the company is almost ready with its next-gen ‘UCE 350’ lineup that starts with the Meteor 350 (Thunderbird 350/350X replacement).
      Hardcore Royal Enfield fans still find charm in the ‘500’ range, especially the Classic 500. Owing to this, the motorcycle sees considerable demand in the used market. It has also become a platform for motorcycle builders to test out their creativity. However, Royal Enfield’s single-cylinder range cannot achieve the form-function balance associated with 650 Twin mods. The entry-level parallel-twin middleweight siblings have become really popular in foreign markets due to their value for money. More

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      Royal Enfield Classic 350 modified electric motorcycle from Kerala

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      Kerala-based automotive components manufacturer Hound Electric calls its all-electric Royal Enfield, E-Bullet
      The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is easily the most popular choice in the Chennai-based motorcycle manufacturer’s ‘UCE 350’ single-cylinder lineup. Earlier this year, it was updated to BS6 emission norms with prices starting at Rs 1.67 lakh ex-showroom. This is a hike of roughly Rs 14,000 over its phased-out BS4 counterpart.

      Meanwhile, Royal Enfield is almost ready with the next-gen air-cooled ‘UCE 350’ range. The portfolio starts with the much-awaited Meteor 350 (Thunderbird 350/350X replacement. Royal Enfield had discontinued its ‘UCE 500’ lineup towards the end of BS4 era due to poor demand and rising competition. Furthermore, the highly desirable 650 Twins were available at a reasonable price jump. Potential customers could not find logic in buying a ‘500’ rather than paying extra and riding home a ‘650’ parallel-twin.
      Unlike the current BS6 ‘UCE 350’ lineup, the next avatar supposedly packs an OHC (Over Head Cam) setup. Performance figures should see a significant bump and one can expect a much more refined riding experience.
      E-Bullet by Hound Electric

      While the wider majority of Royal Enfield enthusiasts eagerly wait for the next ‘350’, Kerala-based automotive components manufacturer Hound Electric has given a BS4-era Classic 350 an electric twist. Dubbed E-Bullet, the idea came from Hound Electric’s CEO, Paul Alex. Interns D Harikrishnan and Mustafa assisted him in the Royal Enfield EV project.
      Work started almost a year ago. The initial plan was to make an all-electric Hero Splendor. However, the motor and battery configuration could not fit in the budget commuter motorcycle’s small tubular double-cradle chassis, without substantial alteration. The donor Classic 350 (built using factory parts over a frame sourced from a local scrapyard) provided enough room. Hound Electric states that it was almost a direct powertrain swap, minus a few additional fabrications.
      Specs & Cost

      Hound Electric’s E-Bullet project employs a 10kW or 13.41bhp ‘AGNI 119’ PMDC motor (10kg) coupled to a 4.32kWh battery pack (32kg) from CALB. Peak torque stands at 30Nm while its top speed is claimed to be around 100km/h. The e-motorcycle, with a kerb weight of almost 166kg, can run for 70-80km on a full charge.
      Total build cost hit only about Rs 35,000 since Hound Electric already had the electric components. The E-Bullet might not sport the best packaging (there is literally a box underneath the stock fuel tank) but aims to be a good example of retrofitting an emission-free powertrain in a motorcycle. UK-based Electric Classic Cars has done something similar with the ‘Royal Enfield Photon‘ despite being way more expensive.
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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