[James.]

Just love these old vintage motorcycle images.
Still a similar image to the modern classic.

[NVDucati]

[NVDucati]

There was another ad that caught my eye because it boasted about the Royal Enfield "Automatic Neutral Finder".
I might be the last to know about this.
It is explained here: https://www.royalenfields.com/2017/06/in-praise-of-neutral-finder-on-four.html

[James.]

I had the neutral finder on this 2006 RE bullet 350cc.
Discontinued in 2010.Pity it was a good practical feature.

[Richard230]

I have been aware of that neutral finder since I first read the referenced Cycle World road test. But what are "optional cooling discs"?

[James.]

I have been aware of that neutral finder since I first read the referenced Cycle World road test. But what are "optional cooling discs"?

I am guessing this may have been a reference or description to the change from drum brakes to discs on the first disc brake bullets.

[Richard230]

I am guessing this may have been a reference or description to the change from drum brakes to discs on the first disc brake bullets.

Did RE have disc brakes available in 1966? if so, that would certainly be news to me. The first time I ever saw a production motorcycle with disc brakes was the 1969 Honda CB750. 

[Adrian II]

Optional Cooling Discs: I think that by that they mean the "bacon slicer" alloy trims fitted to the front brake drum as a cafe-racer accessory.



https://accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/20459

A.

[NVDucati]

I have been aware of that neutral finder since I first read the referenced Cycle World road test. But what are "optional cooling discs"?

[James.]

Did RE have disc brakes available in 1966? if so, that would certainly be news to me. The first time I ever saw a production motorcycle with disc brakes was the 1969 Honda CB750. 

The first disc brakes (front only)on a production bullet was 2009 according to wiki.

[Richard230]

Optional Cooling Discs: I think that by that they mean the "bacon slicer" alloy trims fitted to the front brake drum as a cafe-racer accessory.



https://accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/20459

A.

Now that makes sense. No doubt installing bolt-on discs to a brake drum is less expensive than manufacturing them with larger cooling fins. Plus, that allows the owner to make the wheel heavier for better road-hugging weight and gives them something extra to buy from the factory. A win-win. 

[Adrian II]

The first disc brakes (front only)on a production bullet was 2009 according to wiki.

Technically it was the Electra-X, 2004-8 as far as export models were concerned. First RE factory accessory disc brake kit was offered around 1991, the last home market 500 E/S Iron Barrel Bullets also had them as standard. Other Indian market 350s such as the AVL Thunderbird and Machismo (great name, huh?) were disc brake from 2004/5.

A.

[James.]

Old school.

[AzCal Retred]

@ #10: "Plus, that allows the owner to make the wheel heavier for better road-hugging weight and gives them something extra to buy from the factory. A win-win."

Yup, road hugging weight for sure. Maybe the holes are supposed to emit a shriek when "at great speed" like Stuka dive flaps, terrifying anyone you are overtaking?    I've always wondered about those bacon slicers...steel?...to radiate away heat? Copper plating the spokes would likely do a better job. I like BW's use of the "Holy Drum" 1950's hot rod technique myself.

[Bilgemaster]

Winnie: Queen of the Desert
More Info Here:  https://thevintagent.com/2022/01/20/winnie-queen-of-the-desert/