A Royal Enfield Clubman lives its life inside a home

A Royal Enfield Clubman takes its place in a living room it never leaves.

The email began: "For five years I live in Warsaw, Poland, with a still brand new, never broken-in, Royal Enfield EFI Clubman in my living room."

Wojtek Turyk was not complaining, just explaining how this could happen.

"Got it from Midlands Royal Enfield, England," he wrote. "It was built from a Bullet Electra into a Clubman cafe racer by Watsonian Squire, a British manufacturer of motorcycle sidecars and trailers since 1912 and the (then) UK Royal Enfield distributor...

Cafe racer conversion was done by Watsonian Squire in the UK.

"The original Bullet Electra had... the seat replaced. Front fender and the gas tank are handmade from aluminum. The pegs were moved back to accommodate the more rear seating position. The classic ace handle bars with bar-end mirrors also are a replacement of the standard ones. The indicators are more proper. And, finally, the muffler is a handmade replica of the famed BSA Gold Star one. Supposedly it sounds as good, but I have not hear it yet!

Clubman keeps the nacelle but adds ace bars and bar end mirrors.

"The motorcycle was delivered in the wintertime, so instead of just sticking it in the garage, I thought I will put it into my apartment until the spring. Five years have gone and I am still more excited to have it with me here than riding it.

"In effect, for the first time since over 30 years I have stopped riding motorcycles. Yet, each spring I think I must take it out this time. However, at this point I am reluctant to ever start using it."

Wojtek explained in a subsequent email that his first "real motorcycle" was a 1957 BSA, a 500cc A7 twin.

Fender looks like it's on there to stay.

"The BSA was the best motorcycle I had owned before I bought the Royal Enfield," he wrote.

Later, nostalgia for a classic British motorcycle led him to get the reborn Triumph Bonneville, but this modern motorcycle turned out to be a "make believe classic. Besides the looks there was nothing classic about it, the engine modern, with a short stroke, and no thump to speak of."

He realized he wanted to go back to a motorcycle like the BSA. He spotted the Royal Enfield Clubman on the Internet and ordered it sight unseen.

Shiny tank is the core of the Clubman look.

"Buying it was a pure pleasure. Steve from Midlands Royal Enfield made it so. We still write sometimes and exchange the mutual passion for the brand. In fact, if I bring it out of my apartment and start it up this summer, I will like to take the machine back to where it came from, and visit Steve in England.

"I had never owned a Royal Enfield in the past. As far as cafe racers, It was always on my mind since my youth. My buddies and I in the '80s were dressing up like the Rockers in the '50s-'60s. Thus, the BSA...

"I was born in 1965, so not that old. Stopped riding because I was happy with the bike with me in the apartment and with the motorcycling all inside me, I think."

Who wouldn't be proud of this look?

It's a beautiful motorcycle and it would be fun to show if off. But Wojtek's story does not make me sad. He's obviously proud of his purchase and gets the pleasure he wants out of it.

My own Royal Enfield Bullet doesn't get the exercise it used to when I was a commuter. I miss putting on miles but I enjoy just knowing it's waiting there (in the garage!) whenever I want it.

A quiet evening at home with his Royal Enfields

Simon and his Royal Enfield spend "An Evening In."

My recent admission that I dream about the new Royal Enfield twin inspired Simon Taylor of the UK to chide me a bit:

"Hi David, you only dream about them (Royal Enfields, that is!)?"

His devotion to his Royal Enfields goes far beyond mine.

While my Bullet sleeps in its garage, Simon attached photos that show his Royal Enfield Meteor Minor much more at home — inside his home.

Simon, known as "Scaleyback" on a variety of Royal Enfield Internet forums, put a lot of work into the photos. I particularly liked the scene of man and motorcycle watching television, with their choice of beverages at hand.

"I've got wine, bottle opener and a glass, Kevin the Meteor Minor has oil, a spanner and funnel!

"P.S. My Bullet 'Tornado' is on the TV screen!"

Nothing like "A Warm Engine on a Cold Night."

Although one is left with "That Morning After Feeling."

"Tornado" doubles as the household timepiece.

Marvelous as these photos are, you've just got to see Simon's video demonstration of the trafficators fitted to his Meteor Minor. Watch it all, and with the sound up!

A new look for RoyalEnfields.com blog

RoyalEnfields.com blog has a new look.

This blog about Royal Enfield motorcycles has a new look,

Thanks go to my daughter Erin, who had the blog title background redesigned to include mild-mannered me, a Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle, and the British flag.

Me because I am the author; the Bullet because it's a Royal Enfield; and the flag because Royal Enfields, made today by India, are still the closest thing to old-fashioned British motorcycles you can buy new.

I love the look. But there's another big change, too. The name of this blog is now RoyalEnfields.com, just like its web address. Easy to remember, I hope, for all you regular visitors.

Some people had taken to calling this "David Blasco's blog." I certainly don't mind, but that didn't make it any easier to find on the web. RoyalEnfields.com should get the job done.

Having trouble remembering what the blog looked like before the change? Here's an image, just for reference.

Yesterday's look.

Last built Royal Enfield Iron Barrel Bullet for sale as Classic Motorworks joins Royal Enfield of Fort Worth

The last-built Royal Enfield Iron Barrel Bullet in its shipping crate

The historic last Iron Barrel Royal Enfield Bullet is for sale on eBay as Kevin Mahoney, former U.S. distributor for Royal Enfield, moves the Classic Motorworks parts and accessories business to Royal Enfield of Fort Worth, Texas.

Classic Motorworks will work with Royal Enfield of Fort Worth, the largest Royal Enfield dealer in North America. Classic Motorworks has been the largest U.S. supplier of parts and accessories for Royal Enfield. It was based in Faribault, Minn.

In his eBay ad, Kevin explains the importance of the last Iron Barrel Bullet, and how he came to own it.

The Iron Barrel motor so familiar in Royal Enfield's long history.

"From 1999 'til 2015 I was the exclusive importer and distributor for Royal Enfield in the U.S.A. I knew that production of the iconic 500cc Bullet Iron Barrel was coming to an end and I called in a favor and arranged to purchase the last one off the line.

"I bought it because I love the Iron Barrels and knew the historical value of this bike. I have kept it in the original packing crate since 2008. We are moving our business to Texas and although it pains me to part with it, the time has come. It has been in a climate controlled warehouse and when I opened it a week or so ago it was in perfect condition...

The "Final Edition" models carried special graphics.

"This model was built as a special 'Final Edition' in February, 2008. At this time the Bullets were all handmade and each one may be slightly different from others, which is part of their charm...

"The nickname 'Iron Barrel' comes from the construction of the engine, which has a cast iron cylinder barrel with a steel liner."

Kevin notes that the motorcycle will come to its buyer in the packing crate. If the new owner intends to use it he will have to put on the front fender and wheel and do his own "dealer prep."

This one is for history: The final Iron Barrel VIN number!

The "Last Iron Barrel" bears the VIN number ME3FSV2258C521489.

The Classic Motorworks store will be revamped under the Royal Enfield of Fort Worth banner, according to the press release. New orders and inquiries about parts should go to Royal Enfield of Fort Worth at 888-415-8986.

The unmistakable nacelle of the long-lived Royal Enfield Bullet.

In the press release Michel Baker, the owner of Royal Enfield Fort Worth, said "that with both companies under one roof, customers will have access to older Royal Enfield parts and accessories including vintage models as well as parts and accessories for current and future Royal Enfield models."

Classic Motorworks will continue to be the U.S. supplier of Cozy sidecars, and the popular Classic Motorworks Community Forum will continue to be supported on line, the press release said.

World War II Royal Enfield is a Chinese Puzzle

What was a World War II Royal Enfield motorcycle doing in China in 1944?

It's probably every motorcyclist's dream to come across a vintage bike in a barn or even buried in a barn yard. Aside from its (possible) value, there's the fascination of wondering how the machine got there.

There's an intriguing mystery entitled "Chinese Puzzle" in the just released February/March issue of The Gun, magazine of the Royal Enfield Owners Club UK.

Brian Barr tells of riding across China in 1990 with friend Geoff. I won't spoil the wonderful story but, along the way, Geoff acquires a very used but still operating Royal Enfield Model WD/CO.

Brian's question is "how did it end up in China?" Is it possible the military machine, delivered by Royal Enfield to the War Office in 1944, was sent as military assistance to Chiang Kai-shek?

Could be. But surely you can imagine something more interesting, combining danger, adventure, romance and, of course, the Royal Enfield. You should write a novel about it.

Over the years novelists have contacted me for advice regarding a Royal Enfield motorcycle they want to use in their stories.

The late mystery novelist Paul Sussman kindly included an acknowledgement for me in his final book, "The Labyrinth of Osiris." I hadn't done much except put him in touch with blogger Jorge Pullin who provided information about the Royal Enfield Model J that plays a role in the book.

On another occasion a romance novelist contacted me to ask if a Royal Enfield Flying Flea, discovered long abandoned in a tunnel, would be a logical vehicle for an escape by her hero and heroine.

I had to point out that the Flying Flea was a single-seater, could not have outrun any pursuers unless they were on foot, and that any gasoline in the long neglected motorcycle would have evaporated over time.

It would be exciting to find a World War II motorcycle in an old tunnel. But you couldn't realistically expect it to start.

So, what is the best fictional explanation for the "Chinese Puzzle" posed by Brian Barr? Leave your suggestions in the comments below.

More photos of 2017 Dania Beach Vintage Motorcycle Show

Big 1948 Douglas boxer twin carried authority.

A good vintage motorcycle show is always a learning experience for me. The 2017 Dania Beach Vintage Motorcycle Show Jan. 28 was my chance to see some of the fabled old motorcycles only seen previously in books.

Douglas carried its carburetors right down at the business level.

Looking at the big 1948 Douglas Mark 1 entered by Doug Wothke of Punta Gorda, Fla. I realized that it has dual carburetors. I was surprised to see them mounted right on the low barrels of the boxer twin motor. This worked?!

Patina you can't beat on this vintage Douglas.

1970 Velocette Thruxton had a nose anyone would love.

The 1970 Velocette Thruxton of Rogelio Bello, of Miami featured a sculpted fairing enclosing the headlight. The real surprise for me was the "owner's club" badge on the oil tank. It was mounted on a piece of metal mesh. Was that supposed to provide cooling? I wonder.

...but what's this way back on the oil tank?

Completely unknown to me was the French 1948 Alcyon 18, a 125cc motorcycle described as a "prototype, a one-year motorcycle" entered by Peter Kisgen of Pompano Beach, Fla.

French Alcyon 18 was a one-year model.

...but looked more powerful than its 125cc might justify.

And its silencer was a sight to behold.

A nearby placard detailed the restoration of the 1969 Norton Ranger 750 shown by Bill Tracy of Coral Springs, Fla. A touching note: having restored it he took the Norton to local Brit bike mechanic Wes Scott, who had owned it for 26 years. Wes had the honor of starting it.

1969 Norton Ranger 750.

What wonders to my wandering eyes did appear...

Hitchcocks Motorcycles purchases Royal Enfield history

Royal Enfield factory work books, open to first page to show Part No. 1, dating back to 1906.

The technical history of Royal Enfield motorcycles in Britain all the way back to "Part No. 1" is now in the hands of a UK firm dedicated to keeping vintage Royal Enfields on the road and supplied with parts.

After 15 years of negotiations, Hitchcocks Motorcycles has purchased the Royal Enfield documents and drawings — tens of thousands in all — originally compiled by the factories in Redditch and Bradford-on-Avon.

Van loads of documents are now at Hitchcocks Motorcycles, the firm that has become the leading outlet for vintage Royal Enfield parts.

"The amount of documentation initially produced by Royal Enfield was unbelievable and it's even more astonishing that so much has survived after all this time," Allan Hitchcock said in a press release today.

The materials had been in the hands of David Holder, whose father Matt acquired the materials after Enfield Precision Engineers, last remnant of Royal Enfield production in Britain, closed in 1971. The Holder family business was using the technical drawings to produce spare parts, but other documentation remained in storage.

"Just how comprehensive the collection of factory documents is may be gauged from the fact that the ledger-records of drawings dates from approximately 1906, with Part number 1!" the press release enthuses.

It adds:

"The technical drawings, to be used in-house, give Hitchcocks Motorcycles access to the original specifications of virtually the entire range of Royal Enfield motorcycle components — not to overlook Royal Enfield pedal cycles, stationary engines, generators, military equipment, and lawnmowers! The drawings will add greatly to our ability to continue the policy of reproducing parts for the Royal Enfield range of motorcycles, especially parts that may have been unavailable for many years."

Some of the better sorted technical drawings. There are about 40,000.

"This acquisition means that Hitchcocks Motorcycles now own a virtually full set of Royal Enfield factory technical drawings, dating from the late 1906 to 1971, when the factory ceased motorcycle production. Hitchcocks have also acquired the twin engine dispatch records, detailing the movement of these engines from the Bradford-on-Avon factory to the Redditch factory, for final assembly into complete motorcycles; the sanction-and-build records, covering all Royal Enfield motorcycles, including those made for Madras Motors; and a treasure of factory internal documents, together with the rights passed down from Enfield Precision Engineers."

Records including those for 350cc Bullets for Madras.

Finally, the release notes: "The technical drawings not only have this obvious practical application but many have a high aesthetic value. The 'arrangement' drawings, of complete motorcycles and major components, are works of art in their own right."

Dispatch books, including Constellation and Super Meteor models.

Royal Enfield Model DC motorcycle is rarer than I knew

Royal Enfield Model DC is so little known that they had to make up a name for it.

The graceful little Royal Enfield "Model DC" I spotted at the Dania Beach Vintage Motorcycle Show last Saturday is a far rarer motorcycle than I realized.

Lucky for me that Graham Scarth, chairman of the Royal Enfield Owners Club UK, does know something about the Model DC and this very example in particular. He has been in contact with the owner and has tracked down additional information about the little known machine.

Here's what Graham told me:

"This bike is one of Enfield’s second go at a lightweight 350cc machine, albeit not cataloged at all...

"It is a 'bored and stroked' version of the 1939 Model D side valve 250, which, along with overhead valve Model S/SF had a separate oil tank sandwiched in between the engine and gearbox.

"A number of these machines were 'conscripted' into Australian military service and are recorded in the Australian War Memorial Archives. We do not think it was ever sold on the UK market, and have no idea how many were built as the factory records have not survived.

Side-valve motor looks small, but it's a 350cc.

"We also do not know the official factory designation, so the DC moniker was agreed upon by our WD (War Department) machine specialist Jan Vandevelde and myself to avoid confusion with the (standard) 350 Model C with oil compartment in crankcase."

Owner Bob Losik of Boynton Beach told me in an email that his little Royal Enfield appears to have been restored, perhaps in the 1990s. Bob has dealt with restorations enough to sense when something has been altered, and this Royal Enfield looks essentially original to him.

That's particularly interesting because it suggests that his Model DC was meant to be a civilian motorcycle.

Jan told Bob that he believes that the Royal Enfield Model DC was the progeny of a prototype lightweight military motorcycle Royal Enfield offered the British Army before Dunkirk. It was essentially a 250cc sized motorcycle with a 350cc motor.

The Army rejected that design. But someone at the factory must have liked it because apparently some very small number of these little motorcycles were made anyway. Having seen photos of Bob's Model DC, Jan's theory is that these were meant to be civilian motorcycles, without the prototype's modifications for the military.

He thinks the few DCs made by the fall of France were swept up by the war effort, but, as oddballs, they were shipped off to Australia to help with the war effort there. They became military motorcycles after all.

The British Army would take vast numbers of military Royal Enfield motorcycles during the war but for the civilian Model DC, the outbreak of the war apparently brought down the curtain. After the war, with so many surplus WD motorcycles to refurbish and offer the public there was no need to bring back the little Model DC.

All of which makes Bob's example rare indeed.