I have been cogitating on this thread for some time.
Granted, the Classic 500 Bullet has a following and it is steeped in traditional 50's era motorcycles.
Be grateful that one manufacturer, guided by a culture less bent on high technology, kept the traditional, "everyman's" bike alive.
That said, where would Royal Enfield be if it had not fallen to the Japanese invasion?
Would the marque have developed newer models incorporating new technology? Of course!
The reason the classic Bullet survived was that it had a built-in home market. Now that the world has re-discovered Royal Enfield I think it behooves them to fit-in with the world market. If the world needs less emissions and all the other manufacturers are following suit, why not RE?
Do not we wish them well in their endeavors? Or are we just being selfish, wanting to hang onto our precious 50's motorcycle?
As I hear it, the traditional Bullet is still being made for awhile, and parts will be available for a long time. Enjoy what is and try to be enthusiastic about a new version.
Personally, I love the opportunity to own a new/old bike in my 2006 500ES Classic. It's a kick. And I live in a rural enough environment where the bike works well.
But I want to venture farther and wider and I do not like any of the Japanese offerings. They are way too over powered and space-agey for me. I rather like the looks of the Moto Guzzi California. Affording one is another issue.
Now if Royal Enfield makes a new "Model G" (or J, or whatever) with a modern engine with agreeable performance, why begrudge that? Have your cake and eat it too. Maybe we could refer to it as the new 1956 model??
Okay, Kevin, your turn. Sneak us some pics of this retro model that will "knock your socks off", so that those that are being dragged into the 21st century, kicking and screaming, will sit up and be encouraged that all is not lost.
-Jesse in P.A.