Royal Enfield motorcycles in India: can you pick out the differences?

This lovely picture of a Royal Enfield C5 motorcycle was sent by Ranjith, a Ph.D student at Tufts University in the U.S. He wrote:

"Hi. I am an avid follower your blog. My friend just bought a brand new C5 Royal Enfield and I thought I will point out an important difference between the 'Indian' Royal Enfield and the exported one: sari guard!"

He's referring to the screen on one side of the motorcycle, intended to protect the flowing clothes of Indian women, who ride side saddle, from the spokes. Note the little "foot stool" at the bottom of the sari guard for both feet.

These used to be available as an accessory from Royal Enfield USA, but I don't see them in their on-line catalog at the moment. I have heard that some jurisdictions in India actually require the sari guard as standard safety equipment. Perhaps that explains why it is fitted to this motorcycle, even though it has no passenger seat.

Even without the sari guard, this would be a very nice looking motorcycle. The gray color is not available in the U.S so far. It is available in India on the Bullet Classic 350.

I asked Ranjith if his friend's C5 had something else we miss here: a kick start lever. The U.S. C5 is electric start, only.

"It indeed does have a kicker," he replied, attaching another excellent photo as proof, and adding "I personally would never buy a Bullet without a kicker and frankly I am quite disappointed that the export models do not have one."

Perhaps the U.S. will eventually get the gray color and a kicker; or, at least, the sari guard!

Royal Enfield motorcycle for sale? How tough should your ad be?

Royal Enfield motorcycles are like any other motorcycles when it comes time to sell. You want to attract buyers who are sincerely interested, considerate and ready and willing to pay, in cash.

The best way to do that is to place an attractive, complete and honest ad illustrated with good pictures of the motorcycle. Some sellers also choose to lay down some firm rules.

"All payments must be made in cash," is probably a good rule. But some sellers don't stop there.

Here's what one advertiser added:

"If you want to test ride, please bring a helmet, motorcycle endorsed license (I will hold on to it while you ride) and something of equal or greater value for collateral, for example, the cost of the motorcycle in cash, your car keys etc. If you drop it, you buy it."

Too tough? At least he said "please."

My thought is this: the person who wants to look at the motorcycle has to contact you for your address anyway. Why not lay down the law at that point, on the telephone, when your voice can indicate your sincerity?

"I'm sorry," you could say, "but the house rules only allow test rides by people with motorcycle endorsements and you must wear your helmet. We can trade keys while you ride."

We all know that, either way, potential buyers may show up in a taxi with no license, no helmet and no cash. It doesn't help that so many guys think they have to dress like characters in Grand Theft Auto when they look at motorcycles.

Courtesy, on both sides, can go a long way toward establishing trust.

Wanted: Your 1959 Indian Trailblazer

Here's an unusual "wanted" ad for a rare Royal Enfield motorcycle:

"Searching for a 1959 Indian Trailblazer motorcycle. Made by Royal Enfield and 'badged' as an Indian. You'll know what I mean if you have one. CASH AWAITS. Serious only."

The ad appeared on CraigsList, in Nashville, Tenn.

I could think of only two reasons the advertiser would be looking for a specific year of a specific model of one of the rarest Royal Enfield models ever made — a model that didn't even bear the name Royal Enfield!

1. This was someone who had one 1959 Trailblazer and needed another for parts to restore it.

Or,

2. Here was someone who'd had a 1959 Trailblazer and was seeking to rekindle those memories.

It turned out to be the second reason. Here's the reply "Bobby" sent me:

"No, I don't mind telling you why I want a '59 model. You see, it was my FIRST large motorcycle and I got it from my brother-in-law. I was 16 years old and although I knew it was a 'badged over' Royal Enfield, it really didn't matter, it was MINE and I felt like 'Brando' when I was riding it.

"For a young boy that was raised in the country and didn't get to see a lot of the world, it was my 'imagination machine.' I am diligently seeking this brand and model and money will not be an object (within reason) if I can find the right bike.

"I have literally had countless Harleys and right now I have three ('05, '09 and a '65 Panhead) and the Indian holds the fondest spot in my heart. Thank you for your question."

How can you beat that? If you've got a 1959 Trailblazer that truly needs a good home, contact Bobby through the email address on his ad.

For sale by mother: Royal Enfield and the sidecar her son outgrew

It's surely the best reason I've heard for selling a Royal Enfield motorcycle and sidecar: "Being sold because the boy the mom bought the sidecar for no longer fits easily in it!"

Shawn, of Montgomery, N.Y., is selling a 2003 Royal Enfield Deluxe and sidecar with 1,600 "gentle" miles. Asking price is $5,000.

I asked her about the unusual reason for selling. She replied:

"Ronan (my son) has enjoyed the sidecar, but at 12, he's as big as me and is cramped in it.

"I've only had it for a couple years, and have loved it. I put about 1,000 miles on it, which is hard to do without rattling your fillings out! The Enfield is my fifth motorcycle; most of the others were Japanese.

"I must admit, it is fun and classic, but lacks the modern reliability of the Japanese bikes. If I had a set of English tools and could work on the bike myself, I'd keep it!"

Montgomery, N.Y. is west of the Hudson, near Interstate 84.

Shawn's ad notes that the Velorex sidecar alone sells for $4,000, so she considers the asking price a bargain.

The ad says "It was garaged most of its life and has had two owners. First owner was over 80 and kept spotless records. Second owner is female and has continued to keep excellent records.

"Special bike for the enthusiast; not your average motorcycle!"

Not your average mother, either. Ronan, you are a lucky guy.

A 2007 Royal Enfield for only $1,000? Maybe the seller is telling you something

Royal Enfield motorcycles come to the United States officially, through Royal Enfield USA and its dealers. Sometimes they come unofficially, imported privately by people trying to save a buck (they cost less in India) or make a buck (by selling them to you).

Eventually these private imports turn up on the used motorcycle market and I encounter them advertised for sale. I hesitate to list them on this blog, for fear of pointing buyers toward motorcycles that may have severe paperwork problems. Sometimes I do, if sellers appear to have obtained titles.

And, of course, I can't always tell from an ad who imported a motorcycle or whether it has papers or not.

Sometimes there is no doubt. There is an ad on CraigsList now that betrays the seller's firm desire to stay under the radar.

"Honda Classic" is the headline. But when you read the copy, you learn "THIS BIKE HAS NO TITLE...IT WAS IMPORTED FROM INDIA...ITS A 2007 ROYAL ENFIELD 400CC..."

The misleading headline certainly tells you this is a back alley deal. But there is more. The asking price, for a 2007 Royal Enfield, is only $1,000. That's quite a discount.

Would you buy a Rolex like this?

If you're very courageous, this bargain is for sale in Little Ferry, New Jersey. Here's a link to the ad.

Royal Enfield's California dealers to include some legendary shops

New Royal Enfield motorcycles becoming available in California is big news. It's interesting that some of the businesses chosen to represent Royal Enfield are already local legends in their home towns.

Case in point: there is a very complete interview with Art Guilfoil, co-owner of Doug Douglas Motorcycles on the Dealer News web site.

"There’s a sense of history that oozes from the 47-year-old shop that sits at the base of Southern California’s San Bernardino Mountains, in the city of the same name. It’s the thing that makes this Triumph and Royal Enfield shop feel more like a clubhouse and less like a dealership," according to writer Dennis Johnson.

You'll find a link to the complete Dealer News article on Jorge Pullin's blog, My Royal Enfields.

It's well worth reading. Not only do Guilfoil and co-owner Danny Manthis revere the history of their store, they've survived into the very difficult motorcycle market of today, and they have a plan to go forward.

This seems like a very good sign for Royal Enfield.

Californians really are interested in buying Royal Enfield motorcycles; I know

New Royal Enfield motorcycles go on sale in California this year, for the first time since they were made in Britain. It's a huge step forward for Royal Enfield in the United States, where the California market is not only huge but often sets the style for the rest of the nation.

I saw the effects overnight, right here on this blog. According to Google Analytics, more Californians now read this blog than residents of any other state. That's incredible, considering that, until last year, Californians who wanted a new Royal Enfield were just out of luck.

Obviously, if even my modest efforts are getting "hits," there is tremendous interest in Royal Enfield motorcycles in California.

Royal Enfied USA currently lists seven California motorcycle businesses that it plans to appoint as dealers.


View Royal Enfield plans California dealers in a larger map

Here's the latest list, according to their website:

South Bay Triumph
2101 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Lomita, CA 90717
Phone: 310-784-7693

NoHo Scooters
5144 Vineland Ave.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
Phone: 818-761-3647

Performance Cycle
5201 Auburn Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95841
Phone: 916-344-7911

Doug Douglas Motorcycles
24769 E. 5th St.
San Bernardino, CA 92410
Phone: 909-884-4776

San Clemente Scooter
707 N. El Camino Real
San Clemente, CA 92672
Phone: 949-492-4360

Rocket Motorcycles
5171 Morena Pl.
San Diego, CA 92110
Phone: 619-276-2177

Munroe Motors
412 Valencia St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 415-626-3496

Wife want your Royal Enfield sold? Here's how you can keep it and her, too

I've made fun of men who run ads saying their wives are forcing them to sell their Royal Enfield motorcycle. That's just an excuse, I figured.

But it turns out some wives do want the motorcycle gone — and some guys have found a way to keep their bikes anyway.

When a CraigsList ad for a 2005 Royal Enfield Bullet appeared recently, listing rather a high price, it drew an unusual comment: Another guy placed an ad in reply! Here it is:

"Wow! $6,200 for a bike Kelly Blue Book lists for $2,770 retail and $1,870 trade-in. The bike was $4,800 retail, new.

"I had to go through the same thing. I picked up another bike and my wife said I had to sell one. So I showed her that I was trying to sell it, but no one was calling for it. ( I listed it for twice its value.) That's how I got to keep all four bikes. And if some fool wants to pay twice its value, great. If not, I get to keep all my toys.

"We know the bike he's listing sold for $4,800 new. He's just not ready to part with it."

Could it be that some guys could be that selfish, cowardly, conniving and low? What do you say, girls?

Think before you 'repair' a Royal Enfield

Note the hoses on each side of the carburetor.

Anxious to start riding, I wheeled out my 1999 Royal Enfield Bullet and kicked twice. Nothing.

Never a cause for alarm! Three kicks usually will do it but, just to add a bit of insurance, I reached down to turn on the enricher. Nothing like lots of gas to cause an explosion.

Doing so I noticed that the delicate rubber tube between the air filter box and the carburetor was badly torn. A gaping hole had developed. No doubt it had been ripped by the sharp edges of the hose clamps holding it in place.

No cause for concern! I have a box of hoses I've ordered over the years and even a stout hunk of radiator hose cut to length. One of these bits would soon have me on my way.

Unfortunately, it proved impossible to get any of the new hoses onto the air box outlet. Too tight.

No problem! I wheeled the Bullet into the garage and a few moments with a wrench had the air box off. Now I could really lean on it with all my weight. But the hose still wouldn't go on, no matter how I stretched it and pushed.

Not beaten yet! I called to the wife to start boiling water to soften the hose. We'll have this baby on the road in no time! A bit of a soak in a pot of boiling brew and — no — it still wouldn't go on.

Never say die! I pulled out a round file and began scratching away at the inside of the length of radiator hose. I would open it up a little bit to make it fit, I thought.

Much huffing and puffing later it was apparent that the radiator hose would never go onto the air cleaner outlet no matter how much I filed. Radiator hose is tough stuff and it had a long way to go before it would fit.

Now, I slowed down and started to think, which is what I should have done in the first place.

I finally realized that the hose bits weren't wide enough to go on the air box because they were made to connect the carburetor to the motor. A wider hose (which I didn't have) connects the carburetor to the air box.

Two sizes of hose! Of course. Probably has something to do with narrowing the air passageway to speed up the flow of the gas/air mixture into the engine. What genius these engineers have. But, now what?

The answer gently dawned: the air hose from carburetor to motor is absolutely critical since any air leak here thins out the mixture carefully produced by the carburetor.

But the air on its way into the carburetor from the air cleaner is nothing special. It's just air, and if it gets mixed with a little more air, that is no problem.

I ruefully realized that I probably could use a toilet paper tube for this connection; in fact, I was tempted to do so, just to show the Bullet how much I appreciate being the fool.

No. That would be wrong. It wouldn't be waterproof and there might be enough suction from the Bullet's mighty 500cc motor to collapse the cardboard.

I got out some black plastic tape and repaired the original hose. As I did so, I noticed that it had tape on it from the previous time I'd done this.

And we were off!

Royal Enfield Motorcycles blog hits landmark: now has 100 Followers

Followers Hank, Nadia and Leonard.

One hundred fans of Royal Enfield Motorcycles now officially "Follow" this blog, according to the little widget on this page. It is a proud moment.

I'd like to thank all my Followers for pushing this blog to this very special landmark. I am very happy that so many of you out there have taken a moment to express approval by hitting the "Follow" button.

What does it mean?

If you're a blogger, Following this blog adds Royal Enfield Motorcycles to your reading list of blogs you Follow. Plus, anyone who looks at your profile sees that you Follow this blog and they might consider taking a look at it.

Beyond that, it means... err... probably not so much.

Among my 100 Followers are me, my wife (twice, under two different handles), both my daughters and my father. Thanks family!

P.A. Aneesh of India is my 100th Follower. No. 99 was Desiree Ketteringham, of Tennessee, the subject of a post about her Royal Enfield Military motorcycle.

Of the other Followers, at least two are from the United Kingdom, one is from Canada, one from Ireland, one from Indonesia and only 24 or so are definitely from the United States.

The truly humbling statistic is that at least 34 of the 100 are, or appear to be (you can't always tell for sure), residents of India.

Since I live in the U.S. and am really only familiar with Royal Enfields and conditions here, it is flattering that people with far more exposure to India's motorcycle think this blog is worth reading.

Fellow blogger Jorge Pullin (of My Royal Enfields) and Chris Bartlett (Her Majesty's Thunder) are Followers.

My friend, screenwriter and wit Douglas Kalajian (the Armenian Kitchen) is a Follower. Malcolm Fisher (Midland Bullet Riders) is a Follower.

Children's book author and illustrator Ralph Masiello (Ralph Masiello's Labyrinth) Follows this blog. He's currently blogging about his Honda CB750 project.

Most Followers are men, and motorcyclists. But there are surprises. Take Nadia.

She's based in New York City and you can hear her sing on her Something From Nothing blog. Ah, you think, she just follows all the blogs she can, to plug her career. No, according to her profile, Royal Enfield Motorcycles is one of the few blogs she Follows.

Most Followers don't provide much profile information about themselves, but Indians, in particular, may brighten their profiles with a personal note. Tikati, for instance explains himself this way: "Rock star? Let's see how I make that happen..."

American Shannon T. Baker (who blogs at Backroads Buddha) gives a thorough profile description:

"Ever seen the T-Shirt that says I have the body of a god... Unfortunately it's Buddha? Well that shirt fits me, so to speak. In fact before she bought me the shirt, my daughter introduced me to one of her friends as 'my Dad, Buddha.' Potbelly, bald head and all I love exploring the back roads on my H-D Sportster Iron and sharing some of those adventures and discoveries with you. Hope you enjoy."

I'd like to echo that: I hope my Followers continue to enjoy Royal Enfield Motorcycles.

Royal Enfield is ugly, needs paint and leaks, but seller says you're still bound to like it

Telling people your Royal Enfield motorcycle leaks oil might not be the best way to sell it. But here's an ad by Nick, who not only poses his motorcycle over oil-spotted cardboard, he boasts about it:

"Leaks oil, needs a paint job, dirty, ugly and a blast to ride. you will get many people to ask you what it is. It has been a great first bike and I want something bigger."

And that's not all. He continues, adding insult to injury:

"Please read up on these bikes, they are not without faults — they require a lot of maintenance and day to day checks, to ensure that they will run good. Don't bother looking at it if you want something low maintenance.

"The shifting is another story, it is very... different; you have to learn how the bike will let you shift."

You have to admire the honesty, but there's something more here, too. It's a notion that motorcycles can look good even when they look like they earn their keep.

This one is a 2002 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 ES in Dublin, Ohio, with 6,800 miles, four-speed transmission, 500cc single-cylinder engine. Leather spring bobber style seat, flat black paint, Sparto aftermarket tail light, aftermarket turn signals. Nick is asking $1,800.

"I have been driving it to work 30 miles round trip every day; it has been nice," he says. Good for him.

Royal Enfield Flying Flea or BSA Bantam? Gordon May chooses BSA for next trip

Gordon May's BSA Bantam

Possibly the world's most famous Royal Enfield traveler, Gordon May, plans to ride from the United Kingdom to Egypt and back this spring. But he won't be on a Royal Enfield.

The adventurer who captured the world's attention by riding his 1953 Royal Enfield Bullet Overland to India plans to make his next trip aboard a 1952 BSA Bantam.

Does he have a fever?

I wrote Gordon to ask if he had considered doing the trip on a Royal Enfield, perhaps the similar (in displacement) Royal Enfield Flying Flea.

"I have owned a Flying Flea," he replied. "It would never be able to carry the weight."

His Overland to Egypt web site contains pictures of the little Bantam almost invisible beneath the gear he will have to carry. An initial attempt in 2009 had him climbing mountains in first gear, and ended with a major engine failure in northeastern Italy.

The new departure date, with a completely rebuilt motor, is April 27.

Gordon's switch from Royal Enfield to BSA was on my mind when an ad appeared on eBay in the United Kingdom offering a sweet looking 1952 Royal Enfield RE2 (Flying Flea).

1952 RE2 (Flying Flea)

It's the same year as Gordon May's BSA Bantam! What's more, the seller closes his ad with this:

"Final opinionated word, it's much nicer than a Bantam!"

I wrote to the seller, asking "WHY is the RE better? Could you explain? Keep in mind I'm a Yank who has never seen either."

Arthur graciously replied:

"Not really wanting to turn my listing into a forum, but the engine is a very interesting one with well cast casings — pressure die cast I think. They are well designed with smooth lines, excellent bearing strength.

"The rest of the bike has good features; throttle cable through handlebars etc. for neatness. I think I have a mag write up comparing the two somewhere; if I find it I will let you know its issue, and of course give it to the winning bidder.

"Plus, best bit, it's based on the original RE Flea which you could chuck out of an aeroplane; not many Bantams suffered that fate."

Ad for Royal Enfield Indian basket casegives good look at what's for sale

What may be a 1955 Royal Enfield made Indian is for sale on CraigsList in Miami, Florida. Asking price is $3,300.

The motorcycle is a basket case, but the sale includes so many parts (including an extra motor and the frame of yet another motorcycle) that the price might be a bargain.

In particular, I am fascinated by what appear to be very interesting looking period fiberglass luggage. Truly from the rocket era.

"This Indian has been in the family for years and it's time to let it go," the seller writes. "All in parts. Extra 700cc motor, extra tank, and many extras...

"We have a receipt that it is a 1955 but we are not sure. It can be a 1955-1959. We took many photos so you can see for yourself. You are welcome to call." The ad includes the seller's phone numbers.

This seller did a spectacular job embedding photos into his ad to give you big, clear pictures of the parts he has. It's worth a look even if you're not in the market for a project.

Wisconsin dealer unpacks 2010 C5s,says new Royal Enfields are beauties

A Royal Enfield dealer in Wisconsin just received its 2010 C5 motorcycles. It posted some interesting pictures showing the unpacking process.

S-K Service is the Royal Enfield dealer in Hatley, Wis. Hatley is in Central Wisconsin, just east of Wausau. Lots of "blue" roads in the neighborhood must make for great motorcycling.

"2010Royal Enfield C5's are in!!!" S-K's CraigsList ad enthuses. "We have received our first two 2010 Royal Enfield C5's: one red/creme, one blue/creme. Come and see these fuel injected beauties."

Here's how S-K describes itself on its web site:

"S-K Service is far from the glossy, high pressure, corporate sales machines passed off today as 'motorcycle shops.' S-K service has operated from the same location in Hatley, Wisconsin since 1984 by owner, mechanic and AMA pro level flat track racer Steve Kasten.

"S-K Service is owned and staffed by lifelong motorcycle enthusiasts; not corporate salesmen. We've been there and done that. Steve also has a fine collection of several significant Japanese and European models from the 1970s, '80s and '90s awaiting display in an anticipated museum."

S-K Service at 100 Clark St., Hatley is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10-to-2 on Saturday and is closed Sunday. Telephone is (715) 446-2225.

Royal Enfield California dealershipalready drawing attention to the C5

California is a great state for motorcyclists and it is going to be great for Royal Enfield. You can just feel it.

"Took the C5 to the Rock Store today," the new Royal Enfield of Los Angeles dealership reported, on its Facebook fan page. "Created quite a buzz while there. Some thought it was a restored classic. Another rider showed up on an old style Bullet 500."

For more than a decade, you could buy a new Royal Enfield anywhere in the United States except California. Now, thanks to the new Unit Constructed Engine and fuel injection, Royal Enfields are going to be available for sale there soon. The state's great coast and canyon roads will make a terrific setting for the Last Great British Motorcycle (from India).

The Rock Store is a pretty nice backdrop, itself. It calls itself the most famous motorcycle stop in Southern California and says it has been featured in many commercials, films, music videos, television productions and magazine photos. According to its web site:

"Ed and Vern (Veronica) moved to Southern California from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania after World War II. They stumbled across this building, made entirely out of volcanic rock, which had been a stagecoach stop in the 1910s. They purchased this 'Rock Store,' in 1961, and created a small town grocery store out of it...

"Among the attractions are the rustic settings, celebrity sightings, hundreds of bikes to look at, poker runs, and of course the food and drinks. The Rock Store is most popular for their hefty breakfasts, BBQ Tri-tip Sandwiches, Teriyaki Chicken Sandwiches, Homemade Chili and Soups, and who can forget those ice cold beverages?"

The Rock Store is at 30354 Mulholland Hwy., Cornell, California.

California dealer will sell Royal Enfields

Royal Enfield motorcycles are on display in California at last. An Internet savy Royal Enfield dealer in North Hollywood, Calif. is spreading the news.

Mike Frankovich, owner of NoHo Scooters, announced on Facebook, Twitter, and CraigsList that his store is now also Royal Enfield Of Los Angeles.

Located at 5144 Vineland Ave., the dealership is decorated in a Hollywood movie theme, complete with King Kong climbing the Empire State Building.

It's showtime for Royal Enfield, too, now that the motorcycles will be legal for sale new in California. The "new fuel efficient, environmentally friendly fuel-injected motor means that new Enfields will finally be available in the Golden State," the dealership notes in its ad on CraigsList.

"The bikes are not CARB legal yet. They are in the middle of testing. We expect to be able to sell them in April. Right now we are just taking deposits," Frankovich said.

"My first experience with Royal Enfield was back in the late '90s," Frankovich remembers. "I met the then West Coast rep for Cosmopolitan Motors, who was the distributor at the time. I told him that they would sell in California, but they had no plans to get them through CARB.

"Since opening the shop in 2002 I have contacted the distributor every time I heard a rumor that they were getting into California.

"The retro motorcycle scene is huge in California right now. It's definitely an appeal. There is a limited supply of vintage motorcycles, and they are not getting any newer. People want the old style bike without the headache, and we can offer it with EFI, a disc brake, and a factory warranty.

"I can see customers coming from all over Los Angeles. Most of our scooter sales are from the Hollywood, Silverlake, Echo Park, and Los Feliz areas. I can see this being the case with the Royal Enfield sales.

"We actually have some scooter customers that are interested in a Royal Enfield. Most scooters we sell are retro style, so the mentality is the same.

"Plus like scooterists, Royal Enfield riders are interested in getting there at their own pace with some style. These are not testosterone fueled sport bikes."

Frankovich has a wide collection of motorcycles himself. "In 2000 I bought a new Kawasaki W650, which was California legal. I do own some classic Japanese motorcycles, like a 1985 RZ350, a 1973 CL350, a 1975 CB400F, and a 1965 Trail 90... We do have a 1998 Enfield with 29 miles in the shop."

If you're in the area, stop by and see the new Royal Enfields, but wait until after noon on Sundays — I visited before they were really open and so only got a few pictures. Telephone at the dealership is (818) 761-3647.

New Royal Enfield execs want you to ride

Ron Greene will bring the Royal Enfield Rider Experience
to Daytona Bike Week March 3-6.

Two former Piaggio executives join Classic Motorworks, the U.S. importer of Royal Enfield motorcycles. Ron Greene is vice president of sales and Bill Stone is director of marketing and dealer development.

Classic Motorworks President Kevin Mahoney called this "a stroke of good luck for us... We have been able to hire two of the powersports industry’s top executives: Between them, they have over 75 years of experience with the finest motorcycle companies in the world. Both of these gentlemen have also been long-time Royal Enfield owners and enthusiasts. I have known them both for many years and could not be more delighted or proud that they have joined our team."

I reached Ron Greene at his office in Springfield, Mass., the historic home of Indian motorcycles. Born in Springfield, he said "I came home in the sidecar of a '47 Indian." His father worked in the Indian factory from 1947-'53.

Greene said he has spent 42 years in the motorcycle industry, with Kawasaki, Triumph, Harley-Davidson and Piaggio.

He ran the Aprilia Adventure Ride while at Piaggio. Instead of a short demo ride at a motorcycle show, participants paid for an experience that was an hour and a half long, included lunch, and they left with t-shirts, hats and decals to remember it by.

Greene will bring this knowledge to the Royal Enfield Rider Experience during Daytona Bike Week. This free but still "quality ride" will be based at the Royal Enfield of Daytona dealership, Scooter Superstore, on U.S. 1 in Ormond Beach, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and until noon Saturday March 3-6.

Greene said he is aiming to provide an "enjoyable time". It will be a 30-35 mph ride, perhaps 45 minutes long.

Just as important, participants will to talk to people who live and breathe Royal Enfield and love the bikes, and get to share the enthusiasm.

Greene is certainly one of those. He has five Royal Enfield motorcycles, including one with a sidecar that has 6,000 miles on it.

"I've put a lot of miles on them," he said

"I have the first '99 in the U.S. Bought it in 2001 from a dealership (for another brand). The dealership couldn't get it running. I put it in my truck not running and got it going."

He said he ridden motorcycles across the U.S. three times, once as one of the riders on a Kawasaki Voyager Boston-to-Los Angeles speed test. He was a Six-Days Trials rider for the U.S. in 1973 and 1975.

"I figure I'm closing in on a quarter-million miles," he said, adding that he has owned 150 different motorcycles.

"Motorcycles have been a way of life for me. I've met a lot of nice people and had a lot of fun."

He was a U.S. Navy submariner and diver, raced boats with his father and has a son (who builds custom Harley-Davidsons) and two grandchildren. Playing hockey runs in the family. Greene proudly notes that his grand kids are carrying on that tradition. Greene's hobby is radio controlled model helicopters.

At work at Royal Enfield he has been calling every dealer asking how long they've been a dealer, how many units they stock and sell, whether they have parts, have a Royal Enfield sign and what Royal Enfield can do to help them.

"I just got the greatest compliment you can get from a dealer," he said. "He called and said, 'Ron, this is the most fun bike I have ever ridden.' That's what you want to hear, because we are not in the arena of racing against the best suspension, beating Ducati, the techno stuff.

"We're winning our own race. We're not the fastest bike; we don't need to be."

Greene hopes 100 people will be able to enjoy the Royal Enfield Rider Experience over the four days at Daytona. Although there will be a Royal Enfield booth at the convention center motorcycle show, participants will need to go to the Scooter Superstore in Ormond Beach to register for the rides. It's OK to go directly to the dealership to sign up.

Those who show the most interest by showing up prepared will ride, Greene said. Requirements:

• 21 years of age.
• DOT approved helmet (yes, even though Florida doesn't require it).
• Long pants and sleeves.
• Motorcycle endorsement on license; you can not ride on a permit.
• Eye protection advised (sunglasses OK).
• Gloves are always a good idea.
• No open toed shoes; shoes that project the ankles preferred.

Address is 1459 North U.S. Highway 1, Ormond Beach. Call (386) 671-1977 for directions.

Royal Enfields prefer the slow way there

A road in Sicily, 2009

Is the Royal Enfield motorcycle more "mainstream" in Europe than in the United States?

I agreed with a statement by the U.S. importer, Kevin Mahoney, that it is. Reader Oriste helpfully provided registration figures to show that Royal Enfields are still very much in the minority of motorcycles in Europe. Their numbers are actually amazingly small.

But I wasn't thinking of numbers, when I made my comment that the Royal Enfield is not "mainstream" in the U.S.

I was thinking of how difficult it would be for me to ride any great distance here in Florida without being forced to get on a high-speed road. In my mind's eye, Europe is different. Perhaps because I have only been a tourist in Europe, I have only experienced its lovely little roads, avoiding the highways (I took the train when I was in a hurry).

Even on those lovely little roads, traffic, especially motorcycles, moved fast and I pulled aside often to avoid holding everyone up. But it was nothing like Interstate 75 across the Everglades, where speed limits are never observed and some drivers are on mental autopilot.

I-75 would be terrifying on a Royal Enfield, and I have never attempted it. Too many American roads are like that. To be "mainstream" here means being able to cruise for hours in a row at 75 mph. Even then, you would be the slowest vehicle on the road, continually watching your rear view mirror.

Am I wrong that Europe provides more unhurried venues, where Royal Enfield speeds are common? Where villages come up more often, providing a chance to slow down and cool off?

Maybe I just have not looked hard enough for alternatives to I-75.

Royal Enfield oil cooler: do you need it?

The web site Indian Cars Bikes does a road test of two AVL engined Royal Enfield motorcycles, promising "real world data" on the benefits of the oil cooler fitted to one of the bikes.

"Cooler oil naturally equates to a cooler, happier and more importantly a longer lasting engine which does not lose its consistency/power-torque output at higher temperatures," the authors write.

The test was carried out at noon in Pune, India. The outdoor temperature was 76 degrees Fahrenheit. The two bikes were run up to 40 mph and their temperatures taken. The article does not say how long the motors ran or how far the motorcycles traveled or over what terrain.

The motorcycles were not identical. The one with the oil cooler had a K&N filter and Goldstar-style muffler and had been rejetted to suit. It was filled with synthetic oil.

Oil cooler is installed neatly.

The motorcycle without the oil cooler was stock, except for rejetting, presumably just to correct the typically too-lean factory settings. It was filled with regular motor oil.

The authors of the article spent several paragraphs justifying the test results.

Neither the synthetic oil nor the more free-flowing systems of the modified motorcycle would cause it to run naturally cooler, they argue. The authors acknowledge that such changes are often touted as contributing to cooler running, but they discount any such benefit.

They did note that the Royal Enfield with the oil cooler had been parked in the sun prior to the test, while the stock bike was in shade. This could not have been very important, but the fact that they bother to mention it is interesting.

Perhaps they felt that things were indeed otherwise stacked in favor of the modified motorcycle.

"So, there, we have the comprehensive test results of the oil cooler, boosting engine cooling by almost 24 per cent," they conclude.

No doubt the oil cooler did its job and presumably produced measurable cooling. Probably that would be an advantage or a safeguard on a motorcycle run hard. But it would take a far more rigorous test (to destruction, presumably) to prove it.

I would sooner use the cheaper and time proven technique to cool off my Royal Enfield: just slow down.

Royal Enfields teach lessons to travelers

Encounters with Royal Enfield motorcycles are something many visitors seem to experience in India. Their stories often emphasize how these peculiar motorcycles end up teaching them something about themselves, about India and about its people.

A Royal Adventure by traveler Tucker Bradford is typical of these, but his gentle story telling ability makes it special as well. He tells it on his blog, Forge over. The blog name, he explains, is a nautical term for pressing on, regardless.

In that spirit he and his father visited India in 2009 and rented Royal Enfield motorcycles.

Bradford is an American who lives in the San Francisco Bay area. He went to India to attend the TEDIndia conference. TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is a U.S private nonprofit foundation devoted to "ideas worth spreading." Speakers deemed to have good ideas are allotted no more than 18 minutes to make their points, and the lectures hit the Internet on social media.

Bradford provides links to those, but the story of his experience with Royal Enfield Bullets is on his blog. Here's a brief excerpt:

Just past the top of the first hill, I had discovered that my bike had no hand brakes. I didn’t fully appreciate the gravity of this until I stalled out on a hill and was forced to brace the bike’s peg against my shin in order to keep it from rolling away from me while I kickstarted it. I wasn’t going to let a little thing like brakes stop me, so I waved my dad on, and we headed off in a thoroughly futile search for fuel.

We were retracing a stretch of road for what felt like the third time when my dad’s bike stalled out on him. Try as he might he could not get the engine to start. After 10 or so minutes someone from the crowd (who had been watching with unmasked glee) stepped forward to reteach us how to kickstart the bikes. This was the first indication I had that everyone in Karala seems to know how to fix and ride a Royal Enfield.

Disappointed, we decided to head back to the hotel and demand a Hero Honda. We almost made it too when (wait for it) … dad ran out of gas. We talked for a moment or two and decided to ditch his bike and head back to the hotel on my bike. At that moment an onlooker (Bali Ali) came bounding over to our rescue.

“What’s wrong,” he asked.

“No gas,” we said

“Why not just take some from one tank and put it in the other,” he rejoined.

Dad and I looked blankly.

“Here, park it on my side and I’ll help you.”

Bali headed into his work-in-progress shop (he and his buddies were building it when we arrived) and came out with some Chai.

“Want some tea?” he offered. I accepted only to find out that he had just offered me the tea that he was about to drink. “I’ll share with my friend, you share with your dad.”

The tea was awesome, and it was sweetened with the wholehearted generosity that Bali exuded. He grabbed an empty water bottle, and while I drank tea, proceeded to pop off the fuel line and drain about a half liter of gas into it. We poured that into our tank, finished the tea, chatted for a few more minutes and then as we were preparing to say goodbye, the guys who rented us the bikes showed up.

Was this cosmic synchronicity or did they get tipped off? We’ll never know. After we went down our laundry list of problems and they tightened the brakes up, we headed off to the petrol station in their wake.

The story continues on Bradford's blog.