Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum
General Discussion => Royal Enfield News => Topic started by: cyrusb on December 11, 2007, 02:44:59 am
-
Has everyone seen this writeup and TV commercial about the new engine? http://www.vicky.in/straightfrmtheheart/pictorial-preview-of-royal-enfield-thunderbird-twinspark/t
-
Has everyone seen this writeup and TV commercial about the new engine? http://www.vicky.in/straightfrmtheheart/pictorial-preview-of-royal-enfield-thunderbird-twinspark/t
Looks like your link is bad.
Truncated after ...twinspark/t ?
Matt
-
Just did it and it works just fine. When you get there look at the columns on the right for the re listings. There are some pretty funny write ups from Indian journalists, telling you not to taunt the hayabusa's.
-
I found the 500 AVL Machismo review, but nothing about the new unit EFi.
-
http://www.vicky.in/straightfrmtheheart/pictorial-preview-of-royal-enfield-thunderbird-twinspark If this dont work, go to left column and select "the silent grabber" at the bottom is a bunch of re stories that lead you there.
-
Yeah that works, I cant tell if a link works until its too late and posted, Make sure you see the commercial BIZZARE!
-
So the U.C.E. is alraedy available in 350cc form in India? Carburated too......very interesting. Sure is ugly in Thunderbird form though and no doubt we'll be forced to have that fuel injection bollocks here in the U.S, thanks to the wankers in the suits! GET A REAL JOB GUYS! Seeing a carburated version must give some hope to the tinkerers/wrench wallahs though. Maybe you'll actually be able to tune/modify it (gasp!!)
-
This link mentions Enfield studying the possibility of a large capacity twin for export -
http://www.vicky.in/straightfrmtheheart/royal-enfield-fuel-injection-engine/
-
Looks a lot like a nice little Honda to me......Dew.
-
I have to agree there Dew, but I suspect that that's what is going to be thrust upon us, with no real (classic) alternative availble in the not too distant future. I think a lot depends on the domestic (India) demand for the classic Enfield motor, though I fear that the bike is viewed from a less nostalgic, rather more utilitarian viewpoint over ther. It seems the writing is not only on the wall, but covering it for what most enthusiats see as a real Enfield. I guess I had better snap on e up when I can afford to, or maybe that BSA I'vwe always promised myself.
-
There is a fair amount of disinformation in the articles cited. UCE is not available in India yet, It will be manufactured starting this Jan. Probably not for domestic consumption at first. Cast Iron Bullets are already dead in Europe including the UK, Lean-burn Only for this year in the IJK, some UCE's in other European countries, but they are UCE's stuffed into an Electra, The "Neo Classic" as it is known around the factory (the new very retro bike) is supposed to be ready for homologation by this fall. These schedules rarely work out to be accurate. Cast Iron Bullet available in US through 2008 (or until we run out - for those that are thinking about one = better get it now I'm not kidding, don't say you weren't warned). Production will stop this spring in India of the cast iron Bullet. We have bought ahead, but not for long. Twin cylinder is a figment of someones imagination. Sure they think about it at the factory, but it is about as far off as the odds of me getting bedded by Angelina Jolie. Could it happen - yes, will it happen - maybe, when.... no one knows, trust me there is NO research active at this time. Lastly the engine will be totally repairable at home, except for diagnosing the FI, which rarely gos wrong anyhow. Sensors go bad and it is very helpful to have the correct tool, but as always where there is a will there is a way.
Conclusion
Don't get your underwear in a bunch (I think this may be a uniquely American saying), the people at RE are not fools and good things will happen to those that wait. To be sure it won't be the cast iron engine, but I think at the end of the day things will be fine.
-
Living in India, I endorse most of what Kevin says. RE India is now run by a pretty savvy marketer, who knows that the company has to retain its distinct identity to survive. Remember that in India, this has been pretty easy to do,,,the mass market companies that make millions of bikes a year, make pretty insipid commuter bikes for fuel economy and low price. The largest bike is 225 cc, 90% are 100-125 cc. They will now start importing bikes above 800cc, below that, they are not allowed to import - so for us folks the largest bike currently available is the 500 cc Bullet.
Even the above 800cc permissions have just come in, the imports are still to start and will be very small numbers, very few can afford the cost or the fuel. And there are really no roads to run these bikes on, to be honest. But soon the mass makers will go up the capacity in the 400-600 cc range where there is now a lot of interest. And then RE India will have its first real challenge to maintain a niche for itself.
All of that - if RE is successful in meeting that challenge- should also be of benefit to RE fans globally, I'd think.
But for sure, I am going to buy myself a RE 350 cc cast iron engined, right shifting, 4 speed, front drum brake machine in black, before that gets stopped here in India. Somehow, I don't see that stopping for a long time though!
-
And I forgot to add to the spec - carburetted and with CB ignition!
-
I cannot imagine India modernised. Scary thought - a trip without riding in an Ambassador - unthinkable... Or no cast Iron Bullets... What is happening to the world.
-
I can see that you know India well! When and for how long were you here?
-
I have traveled in India long and often, from the mid 60s through '94.
-
...(the new very retro bike)... and good things will happen to those that wait...
I believe...Oh How I BELIEVE!
OK, you keep dropping the hints and have got our attention.
We need some spy photos.
Let's take up a collection and send GreenMachine over there to do some reconnoitering for us.
Let's make this the forum to publish the first photos of that new (old) bad boy.
Who'll set up the PayPal account to collect his travel expenses?
Matt
-
Thumper: Keep me out of it..Aren't u at work???????
-
Sure they think about it at the factory, but it is about as far off as the odds of me getting bedded by Angelina Jolie. Could it happen - yes, will it happen - maybe, when.... no one knows,
Well you never know, you have a birthday coming up don't you? ;)
-
couple of things; looks like they may be using new injection molding techniques like the Japanese. The molded aluminum casings etc. were toy motorcycle looking, very Chinesey.
When I saw French versions of the bike, well and good - at least it looked polished, but this one just looks cheap.
-
If you are looking for a cast iron engine even in India, better get it now. They are going to discontinue production for all markets including India this spring ( at least as of now).
As for spy photos, good luck. When I was at the factory this past Fall they have the bike housed in a very secure development lab. Frankly I have been going to the factory for 10 years and didn't know this set of rooms even existed. I wanted to take a picture in the office of the development guys and they wouldn't let me. Bear in mind this was no where near the bikes and I am a trusted soul there. This whole thing really surprised me. Usually everything there is open and transparent. I think they have done the right thing though so that they can introduce the new models when they are good and ready.
The CEO at REM is widely regarded at a marketing genius in Indian motorcycle circles and time will tell how the new stuff is received. There undoubtedly will be split opinions about them which is as it should be. I look forward to some spirited debate here. It will make for great conversations over a mug or two of the good stuff.
-
Thumper: Keep me out of it..Aren't u at work???????
Yes, I'm at work. Always!
Well we need one of you guys that's been in India enough to slide in unobtrusively and snap a photo or two.
How about a forum member that lives there today --- Any volunteers?
-
Well this presents a whole new problem for me. Do I ramp up my timeline for purchase so I can snap up an Iron engine from the last year of production, or hold out for the mysterious "Neo-Classic". Having both will simply be out of the question, from a monetary and spousal view :)
-
If it were me (heck it is me) I would snap up one of the last iron engine Bullets now. Then later if I liked the new Bullet I would sell the old one and get a new one. The old Bullet is real and right in front of us. The new Bullet is not real until it is sitting in your dealers showroom and that may be a while. Think of all the stuff the wife could hold over your head while you are waiting. Better strike while the iron is hot!!
-
That new Twinspark looks like a Honda Rebel 250. Psuedo Chopper with plastic engine. In a more classic frame with classic body work, and a polished alloy engine - it would be a whole different thing.
JLR, I did snap up one of the remaining iron engined bikes. And that was before I had seen this new one by Mattel. Put the new LB with EFI in a classic chassis and you've got something. But I'm sure RE knows that already.
-
RE 1: That is about what I was thinking. Knowing me I would be hesitant to ever part with it due being an final production year (in theory). Just hope I can still find one close (ha ha) to home when I can afford to. Thinking Rolla Mo. trip is in my future...unless I can luck out one in Tulsa area. I have time to plan as cash is short and dreams are long.
-
You are lucky to have two dealers not too far from SE Kansas. I think the one in El DoradoSprings, MO was a dealer of the year once. I bought mine from Ron's Cycleland in Tulsa. Great bunch of guys, IMHO, but not your slick dealership type of place. More old time motorcycle shop. Of course you can't go wrong in Rolla with Slam D.
RE 1: That is about what I was thinking. Knowing me I would be hesitant to ever part with it due being an final production year (in theory). Just hope I can still find one close (ha ha) to home when I can afford to. Thinking Rolla Mo. trip is in my future...unless I can luck out one in Tulsa area. I have time to plan as cash is short and dreams are long.
-
Leonard: Thanks for the info. I thought I had seen where you had gotten yours at Ron's. I need to take the time to make a trip to Tulsa and check it out. Wife thinks I need a dirtbike to learn on (and I tend to agree after reading alot of posts here). Never ridden before. Fortunatly I have access to her father and brothers that ride alot.
Eventually I hope we can link up and ride RE's. I've been to Salina only a couple of times, I rather enjoyed the drive once I got past Wichita. Had a friend that was going to a flight school there I believe.
-
DON'T RELY ON YOUR RELATIVES TO TEACH YOU HOW TO RIDE!!!
Go to a state sponsored safety training course. They are inexpensive and they provide the bike. You will learn things to keep yourself alive that no relative can ever teach you. You will be much better rider if you so this. Also most states will give you your motorcycle endorsement if you pass the course.
-
JLR,
I couldn't agree with Kevin more. I'm sure your in-laws are competant riders but sometimes that doesn't translate to teaching. Check out the Motorcycle Safety Foundation at http://www.msf-usa.org/. It looks like there are a couple of classes down your way.
Give me a shout if you ever get up this way, I'd be glad to show you my Bullet and should I get to the SE part of the state I'll let you know.
--Leonard
-
Kevin---Sound advice. I'll use them as a sounding board more than for instruction. I've already looked and I beleive one of my local Community Colleges offers a course, sometime. I'll do some more investigating via the link Leonard so kindly provided.
Leonard---Thanks for the offer and the link. Hopefully i can take you up on it sometime. Sometime warm that is...
-
Thanks again for the link Leonard. That is indeed the same course I had previously looked into for ICC.
-
I have never regretted taking the MSF course. I had ridden a lot back in my younger years, mostly racing and playing in the dirt but not so much on the street. So when I started looking at motorcycles again after 30 years of not riding I thought I'd better take a course to see if I still had it. I felt really confident afterwards and bought the Bullet straight away.
The MSF course isn't some rinkadink ,pay your money and you get your license either. Out of the 12 that started, 2 flunked out. One was an older women with no experience and the other was a 20 something young guy with no experience. They both dumped their bikes during the course and just couldn't seem to get the hang of using both feet and both hands at the same time.
Sorry to babble on but as you might have surmised I'm an old codger and want to get even older so I have a keen interest in staying upright. Sign up for the course soon cause they fill up quickly.
Good Luck,
Leonard
Thanks again for the link Leonard. That is indeed the same course I had previously looked into for ICC.
-
I took one in Washington for each of my rides - 2 wheel and 3 wheel, on both of them, people didn't show up for the next day, or left crying. It most definitely is not a waste - they taught me things I did not know, and I have ridden all my life.
-
I took two coourses. One when I was 16 becuase I had a bike as a first vehicle instead of a car (never owned four wheels till I was in the Air Force). The next one was while I was in the Air Force. I was in Arizona, and a car seemed like such a waste. I enjoyed both courses, but I think I learned the most from growing up on dirt bikes. Mastering body english and unpredictable terrain is a great teacher.
-
Luoma---I think a small Honda CB is in my future. Big enough I can learn on and still have fun,and small enough yet that my 9 year old can grow into handling soon. Very soon if he keeps sprouting... :)
Leonard---Two hands and two feet...all at same time? I tried sitting behind the drums when I was still playing bass, very akward :P
Dirtbike first...and some ATV experince will help with steer/brake/clutch/shift thought processing.
Never fear...I have no intention of running right out and buying something to off myself on without some education and practice. Although I am starting to feel like should run right out and buy it before they vanish ;D
-
Thumper, Quit stirring up apathy and stay at work. Did you see the site admin actually hollered at us using capital letters. Stir some more dude......Give me an iron engine anytime............dg.....................lol