Every once in a while my job can be pretty cool; ok who am I kidding, it's cool every day. But then there are the days when a couple of the editors call you and say “we really need your help in taking care of the Royal Enfield for a few days” and all you can do is struggle to keep your composure, “well, ok, if you REALLY need me to I GUESS I can help out!”
So, with a little coordination for a rendezvous, there I was with the Overland Journal Royal Enfield begging me to go out and play!
I quickly learned a few Royal Enfield lessons:
1- The steering lock is down along the side just behind the forks.
2- After unlocking the steering the key should be removed before straightening or turning the front end.
3- Skilled old-school locksmith key makers, the ones without automated machines, are hard to find but invaluable. Support your local key makers so they'll always be around when you need them!
4- The Royal Enfield Bullet has a low rpm, low performance engine with a rev limiter. If you hop on and try to ride it like your 650 dual sport it will stumble all over the place and leave you scratching your head thinking there is a major engine problem.
5- Riding this bike will make you SMILE!
I've never ridden this style of bike before and the first few miles honestly made me giggle! I was cruising down the road laughing out loud inside my helmet. With the big round headlight and fender leading the way the bike itself feels small which adds to the sensation of just holding on as it rumbles down the road.
Once you get the hang of the rev limiter, which kicks in at 5,500 rpm, you learn to short shift and keep the low rpm engine happy. (Thanks Gabor for explaining things!) Its top end is about 65mph comfortably in 5th gear however I've been told you can take it to 75 before the rev limiter kicks in and it's papers claim a top speed of 83mph. But this bike is not about top end speed; it's about enjoying the ride and exploring. Cruise around 30-50mph and you feel like James Dean. Go over a few bumps and you feel like an old World War II motorcycle soldier in hot pursuit!
And, here is a pick of the elusive Arizona Motorcycle Man FROM OUTER SPACE! (read that last part with an echo.)
Brian
So, with a little coordination for a rendezvous, there I was with the Overland Journal Royal Enfield begging me to go out and play!
I quickly learned a few Royal Enfield lessons:
1- The steering lock is down along the side just behind the forks.
2- After unlocking the steering the key should be removed before straightening or turning the front end.
3- Skilled old-school locksmith key makers, the ones without automated machines, are hard to find but invaluable. Support your local key makers so they'll always be around when you need them!
4- The Royal Enfield Bullet has a low rpm, low performance engine with a rev limiter. If you hop on and try to ride it like your 650 dual sport it will stumble all over the place and leave you scratching your head thinking there is a major engine problem.
5- Riding this bike will make you SMILE!
I've never ridden this style of bike before and the first few miles honestly made me giggle! I was cruising down the road laughing out loud inside my helmet. With the big round headlight and fender leading the way the bike itself feels small which adds to the sensation of just holding on as it rumbles down the road.
Once you get the hang of the rev limiter, which kicks in at 5,500 rpm, you learn to short shift and keep the low rpm engine happy. (Thanks Gabor for explaining things!) Its top end is about 65mph comfortably in 5th gear however I've been told you can take it to 75 before the rev limiter kicks in and it's papers claim a top speed of 83mph. But this bike is not about top end speed; it's about enjoying the ride and exploring. Cruise around 30-50mph and you feel like James Dean. Go over a few bumps and you feel like an old World War II motorcycle soldier in hot pursuit!
And, here is a pick of the elusive Arizona Motorcycle Man FROM OUTER SPACE! (read that last part with an echo.)
Brian
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