[Craig McClure]

In addition to the customary HF Big Red Lift Coupon, The ROYAL ENFIELD CONTINENTAL was a feature article in MOTOR CYCLIST MAGAZINE this month. The article tone seemed more empathetic to the purpose & presence of the resurrected mid 60's Continental Café Racer. Continental & the other UCE engine Bullets were mentioned in what seemed a very complimentary way. It finally seems the American motorcycling press is taking Royal Enfield much more seriously than it has in the past. It is about time too.

[Arizoni]

I haven't seen the article but it's good to hear they are finally seeing the RE Continental for what it is.

I know it's difficult for them, after years of only writing positive things about all out performance crotch rockets and heavy weight cruisers.

The idea of a good looking, (relatively) light, responsive, fun to ride motorcycle seems to have been lost by them back in the '70's.

Hopefully some of the other writers will begin to find that riding a motorcycle like all of the RE models is enough fun to make up for their lower horsepower and lack of a Sirius Radio.

[Manatoc fox]

Craig, is there a link online to read it or do I have to go pick up a copy?

[Ducati Scotty]

What?!?!?  Americans have endorsed a motorcycle with an engine smaller than 1000cc that weighs less than a ton and doesn't even go 100mph?  Are you sure they don't have some European on staff writing these pieces?

Scott

[Portland Bullet]

There's not a bike out there that gets the kind of attention and comments as an RE - any old RE at that - while Americans keep buying the same over-priced, overweight, pre-canned wheels. Why? Because they are afraid of standing out from the crowd. Motorcycles riders afraid of showing independence and character. Someone will have to explain that one to me. smh 

[dginfw]

There's not a bike out there that gets the kind of attention and comments as an RE - any old RE at that - while Americans keep buying the same over-priced, overweight, pre-canned wheels. Why? Because they are afraid of standing out from the crowd. Motorcycles riders afraid of showing independence and character. Someone will have to explain that one to me. smh 

Because most people have to be told what is good looking, cool, or stylish.  How else can we explain the entire fashion industry? Here is an industry that every year tells sheeple what is 'in' this year so they can go buy it!
A small percentage of people know what they like without being told, and dont care about the opinions of others.

On an unrelated note,  this is a funny HD commercial parody: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=izzlN2zC8PU

[no bs]

motorcyclist's "verdict" is 4.5 stars out of 5: "a loveable machine but archaic in design and function". substitute a comma for the "but" and they might have gotten it right.

[Ducati Scotty]

"a loveable machine but archaic in design and function"

Probably describes a lot of us.

[Craig McClure]

Craig, is there a link online to read it or do I have to go pick up a copy?

If there is a link I don't know about it. I thought the HF Big Red Lift Coupon would be inducement enough to buy a copy. I filled out a magazine coupon & got a bundled year of MOTORCYCLIST & SPORT RIDER for only $7.95
  MOTORCYCLIST has an appreciation for the history of motorcycling & the staff remembers how much fun the older bikes provided, they Even led the "MotoGiro" Article with a picture of a Bultaco Metralla, which were exact factory replicas of the 250cc Isle of Man winner you could buy - I even had one.
  I find I have more in common with SPORT RIDERS than any other facet of popular motorcycling today. The equipment has certainly changed since I started many years ago, some seems pretty fashion/silly, but there is no denying the performance feats achieved. But like many other things, I find I like motorcycling the way it was, & for that a R.E. G5 Deluxe is just perfect.

[singhg5]

A nice introduction of Continental GT in the Motorcyclist magazine -

"First, the earth cooled, Then, God created an Enfield"  

It continues -

They say "A nod to motorcycling's finest hour"
We say "Can't argue with .... Hey ! Wait Up" 

[barenekd]

Yeah, had to stop and go back through the stack of unread magazines and read the article. They were reasonably nice, just kinda focusing on the slow shaky machine! Too bad they didn't mention the 70mpg though!
Bare

[Roeland]

Parked today next to a sportster - only the RE got attention? ....with the 535 conversion I also reckon pulling acceleration is on par?

[Norm]

Parked today next to a sportster - only the RE got attention? ....with the 535 conversion I also reckon pulling acceleration is on par?

Doubtful for a 535 single to out-accelerate an 883 twin.

[decker]

Here's the article.
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/features/2014_royal_enfield_continental_gt_first_ride/

[barenekd]

Doubtful for a 535 single to out-accelerate an 883 twin.

Maybe a 570 pound one! The twin will outshake the Enfield.
Bare