Royal Enfield Interceptor is lovely, but look before buying

Clean looking Royal Enfield Interceptor.

What appears to be "a very nice low miles 1969 Series II" Royal Enfield, for sale on eBay in Staten Island, N.Y., immediately caught the attention of the Yahoo Royal Enfield Interceptor Owners Group.

"That is perhaps the nicest British bike I have ever seen. Time to take out the second mortgage!!" was one initial comment.

But the conversation quickly turned to questions about whether the motorcycle can possibly be the "museum piece" the seller says it is.

According to the ad:

"What I got is a very nice 1967 Royal Enfield 750 Interceptor with 670 original miles. This bike is a museum piece and most of its life it sat in museums. The bike is all original and looks like brand new and if you are in the market for a Royal Enfield it cannot get any better."

That was enough to cause concern on the Yahoo message board about "the seller knowing so little about the bike that he doesn't know a Series II from a Series I."

Eventually, the seller added: "Sorry for the confusion. This bike is not a 1967. This is a 1969."

That correction didn't do much to restore confidence on the Yahoo discussion board.

"I know I may be talking rubbish but there appears to be some anomalies with this bike," one member began, gently.

"Speedo to the right, normally to the left, suggesting possibly other assembly anomalies.... Maybe it's just the speedo that's been through that number of miles?" guessed another.

Members examined the pictures and pointed to an inspection plug that stands proud of the primary cover, a missing "Made In England" decal on the front frame, and a seat they thought might be an aftermarket model or seat cover.

There was  that oil cooler — a 1970 feature — on a 1969 model. It could have been fit as an option.

Oil cooler and red silicone on motor raised questions.

More disturbing was what looked like a dab of red silicon between the head and barrel and much red silicon between the block and barrel. Silicon is disliked as a way to join those parts and, besides, why would a motorcycle with only 670 miles on it have had its engine apart?

The seller, Bert Fernandez, was kind enough to answer my questions about the Enfield at the phone number listed in his ad. He freely admits he is "not that familiar" with the Enfield, although he owns a motorcycle shop and collects motorcycles.

His information about the motorcycle comes from the previous owner, who is deceased. This is one of three motorcycles Bert says he bought from the man, and he is "absolutely" confident that it has only 670 miles. He says that it is "quite possible" that the motor has been apart, since motors may develop leaks even in museums. The Interceptor is "100 per cent original, that's what I've been told."

The Interceptor was in a Guggenheim museum show in the late '90s, he said. (The Guggenheim's famous "Art of the Motorcycle" exhibition was in 1998, and it made appearances around the country with various numbers of motorcycles included. I can't find a complete catalog online.) Anyway, the important thing is, it "looks brand new."

Some comments from the Yahoo message board agree:

"Everything is way too shiny and clean.  I doubt a new RE, still in the crate, would be as shiny!"

But...

"I would suggest an inspection is definitely warranted. It's not so much what has been spotted, as much as what has not been able to be inspected."

"As an AMCA field judge and an owner of seven Interceptors (five being '69 models) and having just restored two of them (1969 models) I can say with all certainty that this is a rebuild AND who knows how many miles are actually on it... It is fun to critique another's work."

And, the final word:

"Now, this bike may be worth every penny! Depends on the mechanicals. I just don't think it's original!"

The seller, an eBay member since 2004, has 100 per cent positive Feedback. The Interceptor is the only item he has for sale at the moment.

The Yahoo Royal Enfield Interceptor Owners Group is open to members only, but you can join here. Founded in November, 2001, it has 300 members and a very helpful separate website.

It's devoted to the made-in-Britain Royal Enfield Interceptor 750cc Series I and II. These powerful parallel twins were the final gasp for Royal Enfield in Britain. While members are pleased that India has carried on building Royal Enfield Bullets, they maintain the Interceptor is something special — more powerful and, in a way, more modern.

"This was the last of the Royal Enfields, not the Bullets that were from a 15-year-older stock, which India took as a starting point for their manufacturing," the website notes.

Harry Potter movie makers show how to fly a Royal Enfield

In this video, Daniel Radcliffe (the actor who portrays Harry Potter) tells how much he has enjoyed riding in the sidecar of a Royal Enfield motorcycle during the making of the latest two movies.

He also tells how happy he is that he has a talented stunt double to dangle from the sidecar by one arm as it turns upside down in flight.

You'll be surprised at the distance Radcliffe says he himself has ridden in the Royal Enfield rig.

I first spotted this video on Jorge Pullin's blog, My Royal Enfields.

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2," the conclusion of the series, opens in theaters July 15. Here's the trailer.

Seeing the motorcycle Lawrence of Arabia rode to his death

Brough Superior SS100 motorcycle ridden by T.E. Lawrence to his death.

It has, according to one authority, Royal Enfield brakes. It is the Brough Superior motorcycle T.E. Lawrence was riding when he was fatally injured May 13, 1935.

It is on display, not much the worse for wear, under glass at the Imperial War Museum in London. My wife Bonnie and I came across it separately during our visit to the museum this month.

The museum had a full exhibit devoted to Lawrence of Arabia in 2005-'06. That only exists online now, but the Brough, privately owned, is on display. It is dramatically displayed. In fact, it looks almost regal through polished double doors.

Lawrence's Brough is dramatically, perhaps reverently, displayed.

Its link to military history is marginal, since Lawrence was a civilian by the time of his accident. He was a celebrity for his leadership in the World War I Arab revolt that threw the Ottoman Empire out of Arabia. In 1935, recently retired from the RAF, what he wanted to achieve now was fame as a great writer.

He rode the Brough that fine spring morning to send a telegram and post a parcel. On the way back he encountered two errand boys and clipped the wheel of one of their bicycles.

The resulting crash left Lawrence in a coma from which he did not awake. He was 46.

The Brough Superior is often called the Rolls Royce of motorcycles.

Brough (pronounced "Bruff") Superior motorcycles were famous in their own day as well, for quality and speed. That said, they were built largely of parts made by other companies (thus the Royal Enfield brakes) and assembled by George Brough.

Lawrence loved his, owning a total of seven in turn, and referring to each as "Boanerges" (Sons of Thunder). "The Road," his stirring account of racing his motorcycle against a fighter plane, can be read online.

Seeing his final machine in the Imperial War Museum, preserved like a reliquary in a cathedral, is a bit chilling.

Battle of Britain Spitfire and Focke Wulf duel in the sky inside the Imperial War Museum.

One of the reasons I go to museums is to see the real thing. Elsewhere in the Imperial War Museum is General Bernard Montgomery's personal M3 tank. The turret cannon barrel is a wooden dummy. Having no turret gun left Monty more room inside the tank for radio equipment.

A look into the empty turret of Monty's tank. The round floor of the turret
is at bottom; through the opening the tank's main gun is seen, mounted in its sponson.

 Interesting — but not quite so moving as seeing a relic of the world's most famous motorcycle accident.

The mighty Boanerges is not a timid man's motorcycle.

Royal Enfield night at the famed Ace Cafe in London

Ace Cafe London, a landmark for motorcyclists on London's North Circular Road.

"Brit Bike Night with Triumph and Royal Enfield Owners Clubs" is the second Wednesday of the month at the famous Ace Cafe, London.

My wife, Bonnie, made plans for us to be there Wednesday, May 11, the first day of our week-long holiday in London.

Ours was a pilgrimage of two Americans to a center of the cafe racing of the 1960s. The Ace was the place that set the still popular style for British motorcycles and motorcycling.

It was a "roadside pull-in," opened in 1938 to serve the motoring public. The Ace took a bomb hit during the Blitz but was rebuilt, becoming a favorite stop for the leather-clad Rockers who made cafe racing a legend. Its history is on view at the Ace, and on its website.

Second floor "museum" tells the story of the Ace and its times.

Rock'n'roll wasn't played on the radio at the time, so the only way to hear it was on the jukebox. Rockers would set a record playing and then dash off to race to an appointed spot and back before the record finished.

But that was then. The building became a tire shop in the 1980s. A cafe racing "reunion" there in 1994 fostered the hope of bringing back the Ace, and it reopened in September, 2001, thanks to the dedication of reunion founder Mark Wilsmore. I might be wrong, but I thought I caught a glimpse of him hard at work with the staff the night we visited. There's a picture and interview with him on the Bike EXIF site.

The Ace is not just a museum with a gift shop selling patches and t-shirts. It is a working restaurant, decorated throughout with the black-and-white checkerboard of racing flags.

Motorcycles share the stage with ketchup bottles at the Ace.

The crowd is not just old-timers like me. Most arrived on modern road rockets and Harley-esque Japanese cruisers.

"The Ace Cafe," Bonnie commented, "home of Star Wars motorcycles and Yamaha and Suzuki look-a-likes." Ouch.

The first vintage motorcycle to arrive was a Triumph. "Which one is it?" Bonnie asked, scanning the parking area.

"The one people are actually looking at," I replied. As I spoke, a woman took a picture of it.

It's a Royal Enfield Bullet with unit engine, from 1963!

Then a Royal Enfield rolled up, and I felt rewarded because it was a model I'd never seen except in photos: the 1963 Royal Enfield Bullet with its unit construction engine. That's right: long before there were  made-in-India UCE Royal Enfields, Britain built one, using the 350cc Crusader-style engine and four-speed transmission.

I bounded from the table hoping to talk to the owner. Turns out, he was just there for a meal and gave me only brisk approval to "Carry on!" with photos as he headed inside, helmet in hand.

1963 Bullet casquette, much different looking.

I happily shot pictures, hardly believing this compact little motorcycle with its clean engine-transmission combination was a Royal Enfield Bullet much older than my 1999 back home.

Shortly after, the second (and last!) Royal Enfield to appear showed up. This one was made-in-India and looked decidedly military, with real ammunition boxes for panniers. This owner was far more willing to talk.

Made-in-India Bullet looked more familiar to me, except for right-side shift.

He was especially enthusiastic about the ammo cans, which I agree were "beautifully made" and very sturdy. Although they weren't parked together, the two Royal Enfields were a study in differences: an old bike with a delicate modern look and a newer bike that looked like it had just rolled off a battlefield of World War II.

On the way out I mentioned to one of the staff that I'd come to the Ace for Royal Enfield night.

"You should have come Friday!" he said. "EVERYBODY was here!"

Should there be any doubt about Earth.

So, if you visit London, plan to see the Ace on a Friday night. It's easily reached on the Underground Bakerloo line to Stonebridge Park. Follow the cafe-racer cut-outs posted on fences 200 yards to the Ace.

Check out my complete album of pictures on Facebook and please "Like" it.

Royal Enfield C5 catches eye of artist who paints with photos

Royal Enfield C5 artwork started as multiple photographs.

A Royal Enfield C5 motorcycle so impressed an American artist visiting St. Bart's Island in the Caribbean that he chose to immortalize it using a technique that combines photography and painting.

He gives his name only as Dotorsid and he is an artist in Gatlinburg, Tenn.

"The Royal Enfield piece is one of my favorites I have done in a long time," he replied to my inquiry.

"It is processed in HDR from three exposures of it and I printed a 12x18 yesterday and it is quite impressive.

"My works begin in the camera but are worked over for many hours to get them to the place I feel good about, and that no one could just walk up to the same scene and click a shutter and get the same image.

"I did have a walk-in gallery here until the economy tanked out in the fall of 2008, so now most of my works are online and in a local coffee shop here.

"The Royal Enfield was originally three exposures (under, normal and over) of the bike as it sat outside a cafe on St. Barts Island. (The print was made by) taking the best aspects of all three exposures and processing it as HDR (High Dynamic Range) — a technique that works really well with metal subjects.

"The fine art prints are produced on a 24-inch Epson printer onto paper or canvas with an eight-color ink set.

"I only happened to capture that one view of the bike and mainly because I had never heard of Royal Enfield before. It wasn't until I was home several months later, and spent several hours preparing the image that I realized I should have taken a few more angles."

Artwork of other motor vehicles on Doctorsid's website includes Corvette, Ford, Studebaker, Pontiac and a bunch of trucks. He seems to prefer vintage vehicles, either in pristine or in well used condition.

His full profile describes an artist with exceptional photographic and technical experiences — but it doesn't tell you his full name!

It does provide this additional description of his technique:

"While all of my images do begin as 'photographs' they are not photographic prints. Many of the images have been painted over or drawn over and digitally combined with the original photograph to produce an effect that makes the image hard to distinguish between a painting or photograph."

The print of the Royal Enfield is advertised on CraigsList for $25. It is also available on canvas, and in larger sizes. See Doctorsid's website www.blackbearartgallery.com for details or call 865-809-2284.

Should I buy a Royal Enfield? Here's Jay Leno's answer

Royal Enfield's new motorcycles left Jay Leno "a lot more impressed than I thought I was going to be." Leno takes a G5 Deluxe for a spin on this week's edition of Jay Leno's Garage.

Leno, host of the "Tonight Show" and probably America's best known car nut, compliments the bike for lack of vibration, no "false neutrals" in the five-speed transmission, all-metal construction, classic looks and outstanding gasoline mileage.

He notes that you "won't be the fastest thing on the road" if you buy one, but he takes the Royal Enfield on a California expressway with no apparent problem.

Leno calls on Royal Enfield USA President Kevin Mahoney to answer questions about price points for different models, and enthuses about the availability of sidecars.

His program is probably the new American standard for answering the question "what is a Royal Enfield?"

And, yes, Leno bought one for himself.

It looks like a Royal Enfield but it's 'only' a Suzuki

Suzuki TU250X has the looks of a classic British motorcycle.

It looks like a Royal Enfield!

That's the claim to fame made for a 2009 Suzuki TU250X, for sale on CraigsList in Apopka, Fla.

To be fair, the seller also claims that it looks like a Ural — which it doesn't. But, regardless, his reference to Royal Enfield is obviously meant to flatter.

The Suzuki TU250X looks just fine. Fans of Royal Enfields have pointed out before that it would be well worth consideration, if you must buy Japanese.

Despite its looks, the little 250cc single is more likely to be a "singer" than a Royal Enfield-style "thumper." It's also likely to be reliable, easy on gas and maybe even faster than a 500cc Royal Enfield.

I suppose reliability, economy and practical speed are the price you pay when you buy a Japanese motorcycle. Having been there (on a Honda 250) I wouldn't have it.

Look at it this way: You are never going to see an ad for a Royal Enfield that promises "It looks just like a Suzuki TU250X."

Royal Enfield Ensign gave the Flying Flea some style

Is this the world's most sophisticated Flying Flea?

UPDATE: Reader Mark Mumford adds this information: "The Polychromatic Beech is the top-of-the-range  color for '53-'55 machines. I have a '53 500 Bullet accurately restored in this color and a '53 700 Meteor which a previous owner has hand painted a charming sludge brown. (I like it like this; it is a very original motorcycle but the dreadful paint means I'm not afraid to ride it all year round!) Anyway, I digress. The catalog pictures at this time show black painted headlights but I think these images were created for publicity material (as graphic art or photos) at the pre-production stage. Base (default) color for Lucas products was black but special finishes were applied for specific manufacturers and I've certainly seen plenty of Enfields with color matched headlights but very few in black. I tend to the opinion that the color would normally be carried through. I had thought that only the Meteor and 500 Bullet were Poly Beech (which looks rather brown unless under bright light) in the '53-'55 period so you've shown me something new!"

Here's another Royal Enfield motorcycle in the United States, advertised with very little indication what its pedigree might be.

Jason in Calabasas, Calif. wrote that he was considering purchasing a Royal Enfield on eBay, and wanted to know "if this is even a real Enfield and, if it is, is this a fair price for this particular model?"

He attached a link to the ad, for a "Royal Enfield 150" with 9,600 miles, for sale in Pomona, Calif. for $2,150.

The seller told us only that it is a "1954 Royal Enfield 150cc with saddle bag. Great condition, used to run when I put it in storage two years ago, clean title, army green, all decals original."

Based on what the pictures show, and the little reference material I have on hand, I replied that this looks like a Royal Enfield, alright: the 148cc Ensign two-stroke, and the model year even looks correct, 1954, which is when the tank badges appeared, replacing a simpler earlier design.

This motorcycle was an outgrowth of the wartime Flying Flea, famously dropped by parachute in World War II. It had a bigger motor, a real front suspension (instead of rubber bands) and even a crude rear suspension (undamped springs).

While these were big improvements, this model does lack the crude, military appeal of the earlier Flea. It's almost civilized.

I don't see test figures for a 1954, but a similar 1956 Ensign had a top speed of 51 mph. That's pretty slow, for American roads.

The speedometer would have been an optional extra.

The correct color for 1954 was something called "polychromatic beech." That may be the color we see here, but my book says the headlight should be black, whereas this one is body color; so maybe this motorcycle has been repainted or my book is wrong. This was the first year for chrome plated wheel rims, and we see them here.

The 1954 had the advantage of a bigger tank, but it did not have the improved brakes that came along in 1955. A bulb horn would have been standard equipment, and this motorcycle would look fantastic with one of those, in my opinion.

Is the asking price fair? What do you readers say?

Great Royal Enfield photos have a special appeal

Chain link is rarely a photographer's friend, but it's a nice touch here.

The photographs of Tonight Show host Jay Leno taking delivery of his new Royal Enfield motorcycle April 30 were sharp and professional. I was delighted when Royal Enfield President Kevin Mahoney shared a bunch of them with me.

Only as I captioned the pictures for this blog did I notice the credit line and realize the photographer was Kevin's son, Taylor Mahoney.

What to leave in, what to leave out? All the right choices.

Included in the bunch were some terrific portraits of the Royal Enfield motorcycles present that day: Leno's own and two others there for filming of an episode of Jay Leno's Garage. They're on this page now, for your enjoyment.

His website, Taylor Mahoney Photography, showcases Tayor's other photography. I asked him to tell me a little about himself:

Jeans are as iconic as Royal Enfields; rarely seen with two aboard.

"I am 25 years old and a recent graduate of Northern Arizona University. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Photojournalism, but love producing highly commercial images as well. I am currently based in Flagstaff, Ariz. and love to travel and go on adventures. In 2008 I traveled around Europe and shot extensively for three months on just about $3,000 (which is next to nothing if you do the math per day and consider basic living expenses). Currently, I make a monthly excursion to different national parks with other creative friends to make photos, videos and have a good time.

Taylor Mahoney.

"I have been shooting regularly for close to a decade and absolutely love everything about photography. From the creative to the technical, photography, like no other medium requires both left and right brain thinking to be successful. I love this challenge. Although I started in black and white film, I shoot mostly digital these days. However, I often still carry a film body with me too; just can’t get over my addiction to the smell of photo fixer I guess.

Could you say "Royal Enfield motorcycle" more simply?

"For the last two years I have been studying photography at Northern Arizona University: Photojournalism with Peter Schwepker and studio photography with Sam Minkler; both are well known and award winning photographers in their respective fields, and also major sources of personal inspiration.

"This experience has really allowed me to hone my craft and understanding of the medium. The lessons taught by these professors are invaluable and will not soon be forgotten as I leave the university to pursue my photography in the professional realm."

The headlight and pilot lights are the stars here; even Jay Leno is looking.

Taylor's pictures from Leno's garage are particularly impressive because it is difficult to get great shots in a garage, even one as special as Jay Leno's. Backgrounds are cluttered and artificial lighting, which seems normal to human eyes, gives film and digital cameras spasms. Daylight, if there is any, daggers in like a spotlight.

Sometimes the biggest problem is lack of inspiration. As a photo assignment editor for The Miami Herald, I more than once sent a photographer out on this mission: "Need picture of car guy. He'll stand in front of a car for you." Inspired yet?

Executing something simple like that, yet making it look special, is a real skill. My favorite shot from Taylor's whole Jay Leno shoot is this picture of his father, standing in front of Jay Leno's Chrysler Turbine.

Kevin Mahoney and a very special car but the elements that make this picture special would have worked with a Chevy.

Pictures here are all Copyrighted by Taylor Mahoney.

Quick, officer, Follow this Royal Enfield blog!

This blog, Royal Enfield Motorcycles, is hovering at 199 "Followers on Google" as I write this, and may surpass 200 before I finish typing. Royal Enfield Motorcycles began publishing in July, 2008, and reached 100 Followers in April, 2010.

What's it mean?

For one thing, it may mean that Google is way behind Facebook in the battle of Social Media. My RoyalEnfields.com Facebook page has, at this writing, almost 500 people who have joined up by "Liking" the page. I've been on Facebook only since July, 2010.

If you're a member of Facebook, PLEASE go to my Facebook page now and "Like" it.

Go ahead. I'll wait.

Now that you're back, please note that Following this blog, by simply clicking on the "Follow" button in the widget in the sidebar at right, has some advantages for you.

For one, you will be able to read this blog conveniently in Google Reader or on your Blogspot Dashboard. Just as interesting, you will see who ELSE is reading this blog and be able to click through to see what they're up to.

There you will learn that among my Followers is HD Classe, who is in construction in Hagersten, Sweden

Of himself, he writes:

är en man.med nostalgiska tillbakablickar, gillar allt om bilar mc flygplan,och radio

Google translates that as: "is a man.med nostalgic flashbacks, like everything about cars mc aircraft, and radio."

You can see what he's up to at HD Classes Blogg, which is All nostalgi,och andra kul grejer, meaning, "full of nostalgia and other fun stuff." That includes pictures of Royal Enfields, other motorcycles, pin-ups and Elvis.

HD Classes Blogg.

As for the Social Media wars, Google explains that "Following" a blog like Royal Enfield Motorcycles is just a version of using Google Friend Connect. Ever heard of it? Well, no one has made a movie about its inventor yet, but Google is pretty high on Google Friend Connect:

"Google is not just about search anymore," the company writes. "It’s about social connections and finding community on the Web."

Once you Follow this blog, you'll be able to see who else you know is Following and send them messages.  You can meet new friends as well. Even if your dance card is full, please become a Follower. It will encourage me to keep writing this blog.

Welcome to my community: Please Follow this blog.

Royal Enfield C5 voted Bike of the Month on cycle website

Jeff Griffen and his Royal Enfield honored on CycleFish.

UPDATE —A note from Ron Schaefer (a.k.a. Lucky), founder of CycleFish: "Thank you so much for the mention of CycleFish in the article about Jeff’s Royal Enfield winning our Bike of the Month. I actually have always been a fan of the Royal Enfield myself, and was really glad to see Jeff take the win. As mentioned our site does have a large number of Harley riders, but we are working hard to let every rider know they are welcome on our site — which by the way has over 15,000 members, not 2,200.  We are trying to set ourselves apart from many of the 'biker' networks out there by providing a more friendly place where everyone can feel comfortable, as well as valuable resources for the entire riding community. I also took note of your comment regarding the posting of complete articles from other sources.  I really didn’t intend on stealing anything from anyone, but just reposted very select articles that I thought would be of interest to the entire motorcycle community – always giving credit to the original author and publisher. But I can see your point that they would want the readers to visit their publication, and will take your suggestion of summarizing with a link to the full article. Thank you again for the mention, and keep on doing what you do to let the world know about this great iconic piece of motorcycle history!"

 A Royal Enfield motorcycle is "bike of the month" for April on the CycleFish website. Jeff Griffen, of California, emailed me that his 2011 Royal Enfield C5 was the popular choice.

"The site has over 2,200 guys on it, most are Harley riders. My bike went up against 15 other bikes and I did very well in the voting getting twice as many votes as the guy that came in second.  Looks like even the hardcore old guys like the classics," he wrote.

Jeff goes by the handle "Teotwawki" on the CycleFish forum, which lists him as 56 and his occupation as "computers."

"Glad you like the bike," he replied to a forum member who congratulated him on his victory. "I think some of the old British styles are coming back into fashion but I got it because it is just plain fun to ride."

Jeff's note was my introduction to CycleFish, which describes itself as "a website created by bikers for bikers. If you are tired of searching for a website that contains everything a biker needs, then look no further."

The number of sites devoted to chatting and messaging about motorcycles exceeds my ability to absorb information. But I was impressed by the Motorcycle Event Calendar and the Motorcycle News links on CycleFish. The calendar is surprisingly complete, listing several rides and events I didn't know about right here in my home state.

Even if far away, some of the other events listed are fascinating. Here we learn of the San Diego, Calif. "School Girl Run," which invites women to wear (presumably) revealing school girl outfits and promises a "school girl bike wash, school girl go-go dancers, beer chug and vendors!" It's June 14 if you're in the neighborhood and your sixth-grade tartan skirt still fits.

A more serious note is offered by the Motorcycle News link, which contains valuable updates on recent motorcycle industry and government activities.

As an old newspaper man I have only one complaint with this otherwise valuable resource: Whatever automated program is used to hijack the news items pulls the complete stories into CycleFish, with only a "Source" link at the bottom crediting the organization that did the original reporting. That's not fair and, if it becomes standard Internet practice, it will eventually kill off organizations that pay reporters to do their jobs.

A better solution would be for CycleFish to offer only a summary (the first paragraph, perhaps) of each story, with a link that sends the reader to the original site for the meat of the article.

Jay Leno learns what's to like about Royal Enfield

Jay Leno sizes up a Royal Enfield C5.
(Photo by Taylor Mahoney)

Royal Enfield motorcycles will appear in an upcoming episode of Jay Leno's Garage. Leno sampled various Royal Enfield models and took delivery of his own new G5 Deluxe Saturday at his fabled California "garage" of rare and collectible motor vehicles.

Royal Enfield USA President Kevin Mahoney describes the experience of meeting Leno and explaining Royal Enfields on camera.

"We filmed a segment of Jay Leno's Garage this past weekend in Burbank. It was really a lot of fun. Leno is really a nice, easy-to-deal-with guy. There were two things happening with the shoot.

"The main thing was a piece about the Royal Enfield. It included a static overview of the bike by Jay with me helping out when asked. He then rode the bike with a helmet mic and gave a riding review. He told me afterwards that he was surprised at how well the bike rode, including on the freeway.

Leno tries a Cozy sidecar for size. Kevin Mahoney answers questions.
(Photo by Taylor Mahoney)

"The second part was pictures of him taking delivery of his new G5 Deluxe from Mike Frankovich of NoHo Scooters (Royal Enfield Los Angeles). This was the model he really wanted and Mike provided it.

"We spent the better part of the day at his shop watching him do other segments as well as ours. We were free to wander his collection which takes up several buildings. Most every vehicle is ready to drive, fresh battery, gas etc. He drives them all on a regular basis.

"We had lunch with him and generally had a grand time."

Having America's best known motor head ride a Royal Enfield is obviously a tremendous coup. His endorsement may not sell any motorcycles, but his attention to the brand probably will cut down on how often you're asked, at a stoplight, "A Royal Enfield? What's that?"

Leno took delivery of his very own Royal Enfield G5 Deluxe.
(Photo by Taylor Mahoney)

Royal Enfield G5 Deluxe joins Jay Leno's collection

Royal Enfield G5 Deluxe.

Royal Enfield Los Angles delivered a Royal Enfield G5 Deluxe to Jay Leno Saturday. See the picture on their Facebook page.

The comic, famous for his collection of hot and historic cars and motorcycles (including a Brough Superior) claims on his Leno's Garage website that he rides what he buys:

"First and foremost, the garage is not a museum. Jay makes his purchases not as museum pieces, but because he enjoys driving the cars and motorcycles… all of them! From Stanley Steamers to Duesenbergs to McLarens, Jay and his collection are fixtures in the Southern California area and can often be spotted out for weekend rides – and the occasional breakdown on the side of the road. Stanley Steamers may be fun to drive, but 1906 technology isn't the most reliable in the world."