Royal Enfield C5 has kick start in India

A Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500 (usually called the the C5 in the U.S.) shows off its kick start lever in this actual photograph out of India. This is not just artwork from a press kit: it's a photograph from the online journal WheelsUnplugged, "India's Leading Automotive News Source."

Royal Enfield C5s sold so far in the U.S. have had electric start only. The kick start lever is a feature of all other Royal Enfield models, and there was some concern that it was missing from Royal Enfield's top-of-the-line model. "You don't need it," seemed to be the attitude of company engineers, proud that they had created a reliable electric starter.

But, for the Indian home market at least, the kick starter is back. Will it come to the United States?