They're here: 650 twins at Royal Enfield of South Florida

Technician unpacks the new Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 twin at Royal Enfield of South Florida.

They're here! The new Royal Enfield 650 twins are at my local dealership, Royal Enfield of South Florida (and, hopefully, at your nearest dealer as well).

And, best of all, you can buy them.

"They've told us not to hoard them," owner George M. Marakas told me. (I'd asked if these first motorcycles would be too precious as demonstrators to let go.)

Unh-unh. Royal Enfield North America has promised that the supply chain will provide new twins as needed, he said.

If so, that will means that the fastest, most capable Royal Enfields in 50 years will sell at their very attractive Manufacturers Suggested Retail prices.

Sales Manager Jorge Gonzalez invited me to come see the new Royal Enfield twins at Royal Enfield of South Florida (K and G Cycles, in Florida City, Fla.) The first containers held one white Continental GT 650 cafe racer and one each of the orange, silver and red INT 650 Interceptors.

I was surprised to see so many Royal Enfields on the showroom floor.

Royal Enfield of South Florida is unusual in that Royal Enfield is its one brand and primary focus. Its technicians will know the new bikes and be able to service them, and the dealership will have computer access to parts supply, Gonzalez said.

Royal Enfield of South Florida is based at K and G Cycles, which Marakas founded in 2006 to offer motorcycle accessories and service. Its online store offers more than 500,000 accessory parts from more than 700 manufacturers, and wholesalers, according to the website.

"If you can't get it from K and G Cycles, it's probably going to be really hard to find," Marakas wrote on the website.

More Royal Enfield motorcycles in front of the dealership.

They became a Royal Enfield dealer in July, 2018. I was surprised at the number of Royal Enfields available to look at on the floor at the dealership. They even have a Pegasus, a rare special edition of the Classic 500 and one I personally never expected to see!

Their excitement about the new 650 twins, though, is great to see. They like what they hear about the motorcycles and can't wait to start developing accessories for them. In particular, they have a dynamometer, and a suspicion that the twins can be made — ahem — better than stock.

Marakas paid attention to the online Royal Enfield forums, he said, noticing that while owners really, really love their Royal Enfields, they "aren't shy" about talking about what needs to be improved.

Blue Classic 500 has Royal Enfield of South Florida's own lowering kit.

In response, the dealership developed its own rear lowering kit for the Classic 500, bringing it down for owners who want the lower stance.

Royal Enfield of South Florida is really pumped that the Miami area is the first stop of the eight-city roll-out of the new 650 twins, Saturday, May 11. Gonzalez will be there with the Royal Enfield North America travelling circus (RENA is bringing the motorcycles and organizing the food, drink and demo rides).

My visit was my first chance since the 650 twins launch in California to see the new Royal Enfields. The Continental GT emerging from its packaging looked even better than I remembered.

A small footnote: I was happy to see the motorcycle comes with a full-size headlight, instead of the slightly smaller lamp that used to be required in the United States. It looks better and undoubtedly casts more light.

Finally, a full-size headlamp for U.S.-spec Royal Enfields.
This one is on the new Continental GT 650.

I'm lucky, I know, to have a Royal Enfield dealership close to me.
Especially one that prides itself on service and parts.

Royal Enfield North America reaches 50 dealerships

Line-up of  new Royal Enfields in Milwaukee showroom.

Royal Enfield North America's dealer network grows to 50 with the addition of two more in Wisconsin — one of them the flagship Milwaukee showroom itself.

U.S. practice is that dealers, not distributors, sell motorcycles to the public. So, if you visited Royal Enfield North America's headquarters in Milwaukee's historic Third Ward you could look at new Royal Enfields, but you had to go elsewhere to buy one.

Now dealership services at that showroom and at Muskego, Wis. will be conducted by Indian Motorcycle of Metro Milwaukee.

"Sales have already commenced at the Muskego location, while the operation of the Third Ward location is expected to begin by the end of April," according to the press release.

The press release goes on to quote Rod Copes, president of Royal Enfield North America, and Rob Schopf, owner of Indian Motorcycle of Metro Milwaukee:

Rod Copes: “It’s been a concentrated effort to expand Royal Enfield’s presence in North America. Partnerships with excellent dealer operators are an important part of our strategy to grow our footprint.”

Rob Schopf: “It is always a good day when you can  partner with a company like Royal Enfield that has such a rich history in motorcycling. Royal Enfield is an attractive option for all riders and is a perfect compliment to our current line-up.”

Find your closest dealer at the Royal Enfield North America website.

Royal Enfield lists top selling U.S. dealers for 2014

Royal Enfield adopted aggressive pricing, boosted sales in 2014.

Here are the top 15 U.S. Royal Enfield dealers, by sales, for 2014. Pat Canney, director of marketing for Classic Motorworks, announced them.

Note that there are many ties, and thus more than 15 dealers on the list.

"As it stands we more than doubled our sales in 2014 with a growing dealer network as well. We’re all very excited for what 2015 holds for Royal Enfield here in the U.S.," Canney wrote.

Is your dealer on the list?

1. Royal Enfield of Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas

2. Fremont Honda Kawasaki, Fremont, Calif.

3. Bodacious Bikes, San Antonio, Texas

4. Southern California Motorcycles, Brea, Calif.

5. National Powersports,  Pembroke, N.H.

6. Go Moto, Minneapolis, Minn.

7. Raceway Services, Salem, Ore.

8. House of Thunder, Miami, Fla.

9. Marks Motorsport, Enfield, Conn.

10. Detroit Iron, White Lake, Minn.

10. Route 66, Marina del Rey, Calif.

11. Heindl Engineering, Eaton, Ohio

12. Cyclehouse, Forked River, N.J.

12.  Rocket Motorcycles, San Diego, Calif.

13.  Gateway Cycles, Mount Sterling, Ky.

13.  LA Motorsports, Summerville, S.C.

13.  Winchester Motosports, Clear Brook, Va.

14.  Baxter Cycle, Marne, Iowa

15.  Gold Coast Motorsports, New Hyde Park, N.Y.

15.  Kiss Cycles, Pottstown, Pa.

15.  Poet Motorcycles, Helena, Mont.

15.  Strokers Dallas, Dallas, Texas

Royal Enfields are "all steel and paint," dealer says

Old-time hanging sign swings above a Royal Enfield G5.

In its ads, Royal Enfield dealer S-K Service in Hatley, Wis., uses one of the most succinct slogans for Royal Enfields I've ever read:

"All steel and paint."

I like it: it's simple and short, a modern equivalent of "Made Like a Gun."

S-K Service describes itself as "a classic, small town motorcycle shop with an old school flavor. Over 25 years in the same location, S-K Service has been 'a rider's destination.' We are an authorized new Royal Enfield motorcycle dealer."

Their website features an evocative photo of a Royal Enfield G5 posed beneath the traditional hanging sign once so familiar in small town America.

And take a look at this picture of a C5 Classic Chrome in Hatley:

How do we know we're in Wisconsin?

MotoGB is the new Royal Enfield distributor for the UK

MotoGB is the new UK distributor for Royal Enfield motorcycles.

In a press release charmingly datelined "Adlington, Chorley," Royal Enfield announced March 21 that Britain's MotoGB is the new Royal Enfield distributor for the United Kingdom.

MotoGB is the UK’s largest independent importer and distributor of motorcycles and scooters. This puts Royal Enfield alongside the two-wheeler importer's SYM, MV Agusta, Benelli, Daelim and Keeway brands. MotoGB is a family-owned company that also has some of its own retail outlets.

MotoGB is headquartered in Adlington, which turns out to be a small town in Lancashire, England, near the larger town of Chorley.

MotoGB takes over from sidecar builder Watsonian Squire as Royal Enfield importer and distributor for the UK. Watsonian Squire discontinued its connection with Royal Enfield recently to concentrate on other projects.

The separation from the old-time maker of sidecars (and builder of the Harry Potter Royal Enfield sidecar combinations) seemed a shame.

But, in its press release, Royal Enfield certainly sounded an appropriate note of nostalgia: "Royal Enfield is the oldest motorcycle company in continuous existence."

Commenting on the partnership with MotoGB, Shaji Koshy, senior vice president for sales and marketing, said, “The United Kingdom is a key market for Royal Enfield, apart from being the place of its origin. We are pleased to partner with MotoGB group for such a strategic market.”

Steve Oliver, general manager of MotoGB was quoted as saying: “This is a real coup for us as Royal Enfield is the epitome of British motorcycling, both past and present."

So: appreciation for the past and confidence in the future. One expects nothing less from a place called Adlington, Chorley.

Used Royal Enfield motorcycles? Your dealer has them

U.S. dealers stocked with used Royal Enfields didn't exist a decade ago.

You lucky people. If you want a nice used Royal Enfield all you have to do is go down to your Royal Enfield dealer and pick one out.

A decade ago, anxious to buy a Royal Enfield Bullet, but hoping for a bargain,  I called the dealer here in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and asked if he had a used Bullet to sell.

I had only just learned that there was such a thing as a Royal Enfield Bullet, and I wanted one. I was disappointed by the response I got.

"There aren't many used ones around," the dealer said, "and the people who have them tend to hold onto them." The best he could do for me was to let me buy his display model, a left-over but still unused 1999 Bullet.

I began this blog in 2008, listing Royal Enfields for sale in the United States hoping to help people like me find the Royal Enfields of their dreams. But now I usually don't even bother listing used motorcycles for sale by dealers. Increasingly, you can assume they have some.

A case in point is this CraigsList ad by Royal Enfield of Fort Worth, Texas, which claims to be "the largest pre-owned Royal Enfield dealer in the U.S." The ad is illustrated with an impressive photo line-up of nearly new Royal Enfields listed at reasonable prices.

The ad says the dealer has more than 15 models in stock, along with two sidecar rigs.

Fort Worth dealer advertises this lovely used Bullet,
with some nice custom touches.

One of the Royal Enfields the Fort Worth dealer advertises is a new 2011 Battle Green C5 it describes as the "Deal of the Century." It has some mild "crate damage" and so is being offered at $5,400, less than you might pay for a used motorcycle.

Dealer says this new but blemished C5 is the "Deal of the Century."

I have no connection with this dealer and have never visited Fort Worth. But I think the ads show that times are changing.

Your Royal Enfield awaits.

1,000 Royal Enfields sold in one year? Rubbish!

Is it possible that 1,000 Royal Enfield motorcycles were sold by a Miami, Fla. dealer in 1947? That's the proud boast made by dealer R.S. Evans in this advertisement in The Miami News newspaper of Dec. 26, 1947.

More than 1,000 sold!

A thousand Royal Enfield motorcycles? In one year? In one corner of Florida? It seems incredible.

That's because it's not true.

I am indebted to blogger Jorge Pullin, reader Jeffrey Baker and Royal Enfield Owners Club president Graham Scarth for finding the truth.

Jorge and Jeffrey both spotted the important evidence in this other advertisement for R.S. Evans from The Miami News of Jan. 14, 1948:

Another proud claim.

Was R.S. Evans "The World's Largest Auto Dealer?"

"Looks like Mr. Evans was prone to much verbosity," Jeffrey wrote.

"He didn't mince words," Jorge noted.

Both Jorge and Jeffrey pointed out more information, at the bottom of this ad: With other locations in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, R.S. Evans probably could claim to serve the entire region's need for Royal Enfields.

Dealer had several locations and one Miami lot took up a whole block.

Both Jorge and Jeffrey also pointed out that this ad lists the address as 1600-1644 NE Second Ave., the whole block. I had guessed that the last old looking building still there might have been part of the dealership.

1622 NE Second Ave. dates from 1927, according to property records.

R.S. Evans quotes a price of $199 for a Royal Enfield. That appears to align with the price of the little two-stroke RE model, which cost 73 pounds (about the same) in England at the time, according to Jorge.

But the bottom line came in this message from Graham, of the REOC:

"In the immediate post war years, Royal Enfields for the U.S. all went to Whitehall in New York, who I assume was a distributor.

"A quick trawl of the database gives the following:

Imported to the U.S.	1946	1947
350cc Model G	52	101
500cc Model J	25	214
125cc Model RE		939
TOTAL (for 1947)		1,254

"None of the refurbished ex-WD machines appear to have gone to the U.S. and the 500 Twin was not yet in production. I think you are were right to 'rubbish' the advertisement claim, as the Florida dealer would have to have sold all of them!!!!"

Royal Enfields sold fast in old Miami, ad claims

1947 advertisement from The Miami News newspaper.

More than 1,000 Royal Enfield motorcycles sold in 1947 by a firm in Miami, Florida!

That's the claim in an advertisement in The Miami News newspaper of Dec. 26, 1947. It reads:

"Royal Enfield English built motorcycles, $199. Complete — in Miami Over 1,000 of these excellent machines have been sold by R.S. Evans in the past year! 1600 NE 2nd Ave."

Is that even possible? Could Miami, in 1947, have absorbed so many motorcycles of any make? The population of the entire county of Dade was only 315,000 in 1945. So that would be one Royal Enfield for every 315 men, women and children. All sold within a year!

Perhaps R.S. Evans counted motorcycles it distributed to other dealers in the region or to the rest of the country. Or, maybe the ad just exaggerated its sales success.

According to the ad, all this business went on from 1600 NE Second Ave. Adopting the technique used by blogger Jorge Pullin at his excellent My Royal Enfields blog, let's take a look at the Google street view.

Building at that address now was built in 1950.

Hmmm. At that address today there is a small, modern looking office building with a loading dock and fenced parking area behind it. Property records say it was built in 1950.

But here is another, much older photo to examine, from the book "Miami: The Magic City," by Seth H. Bramson. This 2007 picture book of historical photos has this image, bearing this caption:

The Royal Enfield dealer would be just across the street
from the building at top right with three stories of balconies.

"In the edge of the picture on the right is a Miami trolley, and the Clayton Battery and Engineering Company building is clearly seen right in the center. Behind Clayton is R.S. Evans Reo Cars. The Evans name is still a household Miami name, as his son, L.P., still has several Miami automobile dealerships."

This photo may be from the early 1930s, since Reo was out of the car business after 1936. Miami's trolley cars ended operations in 1940.

If the battery company is the building "clearly seen" at center, then R.S. Evans is one of the buildings partially hidden behind it, farther up the block. This entire side of Second Avenue in the foreground, including the battery company building, is today an unattractive multistory parking garage.

On the right side of the avenue, however, the distinctive four-story building with the three stories of balconies is still present. It is directly opposite 1600 NE Second Ave., the little office building seen in the Google view.

Long building (tinted yellow) would be just beyond the Royal Enfield dealer.

Seen on the left side of the avenue in the old photo is a long two-story building that stretches the entire width of the city block. It is still present and looking its age — according to property records it was built in 1927. It is at 1622 NE Second Ave.

The address we want would be closer to the camera. But maybe the advertisement fudged the address, rounding it off to make the location simpler to remember. If so, it could be that the motorcycles were contained in that long building. At 22,638 square feet (according to property records) it could have held hundreds of them.

The long building as it looks from the front today.
Enfield dealer would have been to the left.

One piece of evidence against this possibility: faintly visible at the top of the long building today is the residual evidence of large letters, reading "(illegible) LAND COMPANY."

Very likely, whatever building R.S. Evans used to sell motorcycles in 1947 is gone.

The name R.S. Evans turns up only once in records I can find. A businessman of that name was posthumously inducted into the Dade County Tennis Hall of Fame in 1988 for his role as a sponsor of top junior tennis players.

The son's L.P. Evans Motors, Inc. is described in corporate records as having started in 1926 — it was ultimately absorbed by AutoNation Inc.

What kinds of Royal Enfield motorcycles was R.S. Evans selling, in 1947? Presumably the $199 price was for the least expensive of them, the two-cycle Flying Flea, and not typical of all models.

Dayton Motorcycle Club sponsors ride to aid Royal Enfield dealership that burned

KRW Cycles, the motorcycle shop and Royal Enfield dealership destroyed by fire last month, will benefit from a special ride Saturday, Oct. 23 at the Dayton Motorcycle Club in Dayton, Ohio.

The benefit ride will start at noon and goes until it's over, according to James Reed, of Covington, Ohio, an open-A national enduro championship winner, who listed KRW as one of his sponsors.

"There will be a woods loop set up, and the moto track for everyone to ride and have a good time, some good food and some live music to finish out the day. Primitive camping is available."

Owned by the Bapaille family, KRW Cycles was burned out of the Phillipsburg, Ohio building where it had done business for 42 years. Destruction was complete. There was no insurance.

KRW Cycles was one of the very early Royal Enfield dealerships of the modern era. Among the loses was a Royal Enfield being built for a speed record attempt at Bonneville.

The Dayton Motorcycle Club was founded in 1910, making it one of the oldest clubs in the country, according to its website.

"Its purpose is to help promote the sport of motorcycling, defend and protect the rights of motorcyclists and lend a helping hand to motorcyclists whenever possible."

The club holds poker runs for road riders and motocross races for dirt riders. It is at 3515 Stony Hollow Road, Dayton. The phone number is 937-263-9321.

A separate fund has been set up for KRW at the Fifth Third Bank to help KRW Cycles. To donate, make your check out to KRW Cycles, put the word "Donation" in the memo line and mail it to:

Fifth Third Bank
1 S. Main Street
Drop 332911
Dayton, Ohio 45402
Attention: Anne Roesch

Fund aims to help Royal Enfield dealer KRW

I just got off the phone with Tom Bapaille, a member of the family whose Royal Enfield dealership, KRW Cycles, was destroyed by fire Sept. 5.

"Now I see why people like these guys," I told my wife. "What a nice guy he is."

"There's the lead to your story," she replied: "Now I see why people like these guys."

KRW Cycles had been in their building in Phillipsburg, Ohio, for 42 years. It was a tough cement building, "like a bunker," Tom Bapaille said.

With the economy what it is, they decided to take a chance and go without insurance.

But the fire department reportedly had trouble with the hoses, and the intense fire melted steel supports, bringing down the roof. Destruction was total.

"Have you been able to rescue anything from the fire?" I asked.

"Ahhh," Tom replied, "every time I turn a corner, I break into tears."

Among the losses was a Royal Enfield Tom's son Kirk was building with an eye on a run at Bonneville.

"He's quite an engine builder, Kirk is, so naturally it had all the best stuff in it," Tom said. "And there were all the special tools Kirk made, pictures at races..."

Like his brother Tony, who talked to me earlier, Tom was surprised by the support they are getting from customers, friends, neighbors "and people we'd never met, people all across the country."

In video of the fire, two men sadly embrace and then walk away. It's terrifically sad.

Will KRW rebuild? Maybe, if the authorities approve use of the existing site and floor, Tom said. "It's in their hands now."

There is a fund to help out. I reached Anne Roesch at Fifth Third Bank in Dayton, Ohio, who confirmed it.

Make your check out to KRW Cycles, put the word "Donation" in the memo line, and mail it to:

Fifth Third Bank
1 S. Main Street
Drop 332911
Dayton, Ohio 45402
Attention: Anne Roesch

Royal Enfield dealer and his mother star in reality TV show on truTV

Royal Enfield dealer Rick Fairless is the owner of Strokers Dallas, a combination Texas motorcycle shop, tattoo parlor and biker bar. He and his 71-year-old mother are the stars of "Ma's Roadhouse," a riotous (and raunchy) "reality" television show.

The third episode appears tonight at 9 on truTV (the new name for Court TV). The show features Rick's taste in over-the-top choppers, his wife, daughter, and plenty of babes in bikinis.

Look closely and you might spot a Royal Enfield motorcycle.

"Last week we got a bit of visual exposure and will get more as the series moves on," Royal Enfield USA President Kevin Mahoney told me. "Not big, but something. He is a real character and a nice guy. I have been there and can vouch for the reality of the show."

Here's truTV's summary of the show:

"Despite the family squabbles and demanding clients, Rick manages to oversee a shop that, on a weekly basis, creates and modifies stunning, one-of-a-kind choppers, ape hangers, and bikes. Whether it's family drama, a ticking deadline to trick out a six-figure motorcycle, or a huge party to throw, there is always something going on at Strokers, and Rick is always there to make it happen."

Tonight's episode: "It’s the day of the Strokers Ink Anniversary bash, and Rick discovers evidence that a tattoo artist he once fired is now trying to steal his customers. To complicate matters, a health inspector pops in for a surprise visit, prompting a confrontation with Ma. To prevent the place from being shut down, Rick recruits Strokers poster girl, Debbie to smooth things over."

It's not supposed to be Masterpiece Theater, OK?

You can read more at the websites for truTV website Strokers.

Longtime Royal Enfield dealership KRW destroyed by fire; riders rally to help

WDTN TV coverage shows fire completely destroying Royal Enfield dealer KRW Cycles in Phillipsburg, Ohio, Sept. 5.

The family owned business served southeastern Ohio from that building for 41 years and was one of the earliest Royal Enfield dealerships in modern times. It has offered the brand since the mid-1990s.

It is too early to tell if KRW can reopen, Tony Bapaille said Tuesday. "Right now we're just trying to recover whatever we can."

Tony, his brother Thomas, and Tom's son Kirk run KRW. They've earned a reputation for straight dealing and the loyalty of off-road riders in the region, some of whom they've sponsored in competition.

Tony confirmed a report that there was no insurance coverage.

"It was a cement building," he said. "Who would have thought...?"

Video shot by onlookers and posted on YouTube shows the building completely aflame before firefighters begin a seemingly feeble spray of water.

"The fire melted steel roof beams and they gave way," Tony said.

Wiped out along with the building were motorcycles, including those of customers, race cars, memorabilia and family photos.

What survived was a legacy of customer service.

"If there is an upside to this whole thing, it's that so many people have offered to help. People we haven't seen for a long time have stopped in or called. It's heartwarming," Tony said.

"It's like one said: you guys have made a lot of friends down through the years. You're a small dealership that caters to people. Not a mall dealership kind of place. Shops like yours are few and far between in this day and age."

Customers have stepped forward to help. This notice is posted on the off-road riders web site HareScrambleTalk:

"The benefit ride for KRW Cycles will be at The Dayton Motorcycle Club in October, most likely Oct. 23, but it still has to be decided at the club meeting... There will be a woods loop set up, and the moto track for everyone to ride and have a good time, some good food and some live music to finish out the day. Primitive camping is available. Spread the word to all your friends and come out to have some fun and help out some friends that have helped out so many racers and riders over the years."

A fund to help KRW meet its obligations was to be set up at Fifth Third Bank in Dayton, Ohio. I am still working to confirm that.

Royal Enfield dealership searches for a BBQ hostess as hot as the bike

A Royal Enfield dealership is advertising for a "BBQ Hostess IMMEDIATE POSITION," and you get the feeling they're looking to spice up the store.

"Looking for a BBQ Hostess as hot as our bike. If you’ve got the look, a flirtatious attitude and can run a BBQ we’ve got a cool gig for you," the ad says. "We’re seeking a girl who can serve up hamburgers and hot dogs with a fun attitude and a great smile."

No doubt the dealership just wants to provide an alternative to Hooters and give guys a chance to look over all the great motorcycles, while they eat.

Maybe you don't associate barbecue and babes with Royal Enfield, but this store also carries the big cruiser brands that do fit the stereotype.

I was surprised to find out what the job pays: "$20/per hour ($100 every Saturday) PLUS tips."

The ad seems really excited about that: "an easy $100 bucks PLUS tips," it crows.

It doesn't sound like that much money for five hours over a hot grill. But, then again, there are no deductions for a dental plan to preserve that "great smile."

Applicants were encouraged to "send photos and resume."

Royal Enfield Interceptor, $750 (in 1964)

Ogden, Utah is a long way from Redditch, England, but if you wanted a used Royal Enfield motorcycle in 1964 there were some pretty good deals at Carey's Cycle Center in Riverdale.

According to the ad above, spotted in an old issue of the Ogden newspaper, 1963 Royal Enfields were selling by cubic capacity. Just $750 for the 750cc model (which could only have been the then brand new Interceptor).

Hard to find any $750 Interceptors these days, but Carey's is still around. According to the website, Careys Cycle (they dropped the apostrophe) was started in 1957 by Paul and Joyce Carey.

"Through the good and bad they have managed to be around for 52 Years. Through the years they have had such lines as: Triumph, BSA, Norton, Rickman, Bultaco,and Harley-Davidson. In 1963 they took on Yamaha (third dealer in the U.S.) and still do have that line.

"Paul and Joyce have retired and their daughter and son-in-law run the business now, Brad and Caron Boswell."

One additional note. U.S. dollars in 1964 were worth far more than they are today. One on-line calculator I found translated that $750 to well over $5,000 in today's dollars.