Originally called the Volusia in 2001 (renamed Boulevard in 2005), the concept bike has delivered classic styling and/or aggro cruiser swagger to the price conscious ever since. Although these 2023 models share the name, they couldn’t be more different. Basically, one is meant for folks with oversized forearm tattoos while the other isn’t. We’ll explain.
First up, the Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S., also known as the Blacked Out Special Suzuki since 2014. It continues Suzuki’s 16-year tradition of bold styling and aggro curb presence. Featuring a ridiculously large DOHC 1,783cc liquid-cooled four-valve mill, it features 128 hp and 118 lb.-ft. of torque. The B.O.S.S. edition features blacked-out exhaust and trim to accurately reflect your management aspirations.
Officially, the bore and stroke measure 112 x 90.5mm. Unofficially, just imagine coffee cans in the cases. Helping to tame all this horsepower is the 764-pound curb weight, first in its class depending on the classmates. None of this matters to the desired demographic—it’s big, unsubtle, and meant to cause a scene even on the kickstand.
The $15,599 MSRP gets you in the party. Numbers-wise, this makes the $15,249 MSRP Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114 its direct nemesis. The Street Bob gives up 28 hp or so, but matches the all-important torque figure with 119 lb.-ft. The B.O.S.S. outweighs the Fat Bob 114 by 109 pounds and neither offers ABS or rider aids of any sort. So carry that weight with care.
Nothing has changed since 2022, including the oft-mentioned “nacelle.” A quick Google search reveals this term refers to the “streamlined housing or tank for something on the outside of an aircraft or motor vehicle.” In other words, the headlight bucket and plastics are the same. Cool word though. The polarizing design still does its job well. You either love it or you don’t.
The Boulevard C50 and C50T represent an altogether different proposition. First off, their MSRP comes in at $8,909 and $10,359, respectively. And they haven’t changed one iota since last year. Or probably a few years before that. The 805cc fuel-injected liquid-cooled 45-degree V-twin comes in at less than half the displacement of its B.O.S.S. brethren. In keeping with the metric cruiser ethos of being rider friendly, the generous frame and low 27.6-inch ride height is safely mated to 53 hp (or so) and 52 lb.-ft. of torque.
As befitting its classic concept, valanced fenders are matched to generous chrome, footboards, and an elevated passenger seat atop the rear fender. The link-type rear suspension creates the illusion of a hardtail and comes with seven preload settings. Shaft drive keeps things simple and relatively maintenance-free.
Only five wide-ratio gears move things along, though fifth gear is high enough for relaxed highway riding. The C50 is your in-town cruiser while the C50T gets you an adjustable windshield and lockable soft saddlebags. A 4.1-gallon tank bests the base Harley-Davidson 883 by nearly a gallon.
Speaking of The Motor Company, we could compare specs all day and change zero hearts and minds. The C50 and C50T are a value proposition, pure and simple. In 20 years, they’ve built a loyal base of riders who love what they ride, heritage be damned. If the Bar & Shield aren’t your thing, you’ll save thousands and see the exact same mountains and twisties as H-D riders.
And to be fair, you’d see the same roads aboard the 745cc V-twins of the Honda Shadow Aero ($7,799) or Shadow Phantom ($7,999 MSRP). Plus there’s the Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic ($8,999 MSRP) or the Vulcan 900 Classic LT ($9,999 MSRP), if you like windshields and proper touring. Whatever your flavor, going metric really adds up.
Ladies and gentlemen, your 2023 Boulevard lineup.
Another way to get ahead: the Suzuki M109R B.O.S.S. in Candy Daring Red. (Suzuki/)
The Suzuki C50T in Pearl Brilliant White. (Suzuki/)
The Suzuki C50, sans bags and windshield, in Solid Iron Gray. (Suzuki/)
The Suzuki C50, sans bags and windshield, in Candy Daring Red. (Suzuki/)
Recently, Honda revealed an advert for their upcoming participation in the Rose Parade, showing off several electric vehicles in the name of the zero-emissions theme, ‘Forever Determined.’
The image showed off an electric bike the brand’s simply christened ‘a Honda electric motorcycle’- odd, considering Honda doesn’t have any larger-capacity builds capable of thunder-juice (and doubly odd since the bike looked like some kind of CB500/CB750 Hornet).
A view of the electric bike mysteriously present on Honda’s Rose Parade advert. Media sourced from Motorcycle.com.
The brand’s move to promote a machine that’s not even been premiered yet has us thinking they’re about to go electric in a big kind of way – and now, we have further proof from Honda’s Racing Corporation.
“Honda has another critical mission to pursue in the area of motorsports – it is the realization of carbon neutrality,” explains Honda director and senior managing executive officer Shinji Aoyama in a report from RideApart.
A MotoGP Honda bike leaning into a twisty. Media sourced from HRC.
“Honda has already been conducting research and development of technologies for carbon neutrality while proactively leveraging the field of motorsports. From now onward, we will further enhance our initiatives to put such technologies into practical use in our racing activities.”
“Moreover, starting with motorcycles, we will explore possibilities of introducing electrified vehicles in actual races where we compete.”
A lineup of bikes present in Honda’s recent successes in competition. Media sourced from HRC’s Facebook page.
With other bike marques working advanced tech on the circuit to trickle down into production models, we’re curious to see what Honda’s next move is.
Stay tuned, drop a comment below letting us know what you think, and as always – stay safe on the twisties.
The Adventure Side Guards are made from durable powdercoated and e-coated steel and are designed to stand up to the most extreme abuse. The guards are part of National Cycle’s line of Extreme Adventure Gear (XAG) and offer off-road protection essential for adventure bikes.
They are also ideal for mounting supplemental lighting, adventure luggage, or your favorite bolt-on gadgets. Installation is simple and takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
The P4201 Adventure Side Guards are available in Black for $330.95.
Scenic U.S. Route 6 near Coudersport, Pennsylvania.
When I hear the first whispers of the siren’s call to hit the road, my desire to rumble off on a multiday trip slowly rises to a crescendo until I have no other choice but to pack my Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT and ride toward the horizon. On a motorcycle tour such as the one I recently took into the Pennsylvania Wilds on U.S. Route 6, the journey is as important as the destination, so I take time to explore along the way.
Regardless of the destination, the trip itself must satisfy my need for the pastoral – wild land, scenic roads, and the peaceful simplicity of small towns. Cruising U.S. Route 6 deep into the hinterlands of Pennsylvania fulfills all those criteria, making for a deeply enjoyable excursion.
Riding west on Pennsylvania’s famous Route 6, a designated scenic byway, takes you through the Endless Mountains region to the north-central part of the state, known as the Pennsylvania Wilds. This region is devoid of urban/suburban sprawl and comprises over 2 million acres of public land, 29 state parks, eight state forests, ample farmland, and hundreds of miles of rural roadways to ride.
A covered bridge highlights the greenery that graces PA Route 706.
Route 6 provides a diverse and scenic ride through Pennsylvania, but it also traverses the entire country from Provincetown, Massachusetts, to Bishop, California. Construction began in 1926, and it is now the second longest road in the country at 3,227 miles. Route 6 through Pennsylvania is like a wilderness path leading modern-day explorers on steel steeds deep into the Keystone State’s hinterlands, home to bear, deer, coyote, rattlesnake, fox, bald eagle, and elk.
I began my journey by crossing into Pennsylvania from New Jersey on the Milford Bridge over the majestic Delaware River. From Milford, Route 6 begins a rolling, curving climb from the river to the highlands. Throttling on the power, I flew through forests and past ponds until reaching the big enchilada – or locally, the “Big Lake” – Lake Wallenpaupack. Thirteen miles in length, with 52 miles of shoreline and 5,700 acres of surface area, it is the second largest lake within Pennsylvania’s borders. There are six public recreations areas and a wide array of accommodations, outdoor activities, dining, and shopping.
The clear waters of Lake Wallenpaupack.
Wanting to savor this moment – and location – I turned south at PA Route 507 into a parking area and stretched my legs by walking along the shoreline of Lake Wallenpaupack and atop the dam. Route 6 passes the base of the dam as it continues to Hawley, one of the typical turn-of-the-century small towns along this route.
Mostly a two-lane rural highway, Route 6 does have a few congested areas along the way, such as in Honesdale, but Honesdale to Waymart is smooth sailing – or riding. The mountains around Waymart are capped with humongous wind turbines, which are an impressive sight, but I prefer my mountains au naturale.
Scottish Belted Galloway cows are as tough as their native Scotland. They didn’t smile for the camera.
Past Mayfield, I left Route 6 and took PA Route 107 to avoid the major congestion around Clark Summit, reconnecting with Route 6 at Factoryville. From there I cruised through the countryside to Wyalusing, where my Vulcan climbed into the mountains with confidence.
At the summit, both Wyalusing Rocks and Marie Antoinette overlooks are must-stops. Wyalusing Rocks, located 500 feet above the Susquehanna River, was once used as a signaling point for the Iroquois Indians. The Marie Antoinette Overlook is named after the former Queen of France of “Let them eat cake” fame; supposedly she once planned to immigrate to this area.
The view from Marie Antoinette Overlook on Route 6.
The river, farmland, and hills unfolded before my eyes, embracing the blue horizon and making me think of Jimi Hendrix’s lyric “Excuse me while I kiss the sky.”
From Wyalusing Rocks, I weaved west with the sweet sound of the Vulcan pulsating in my ears and the cool, crisp air enveloping me. Mount Pisgah State Park is just 2 miles north of Route 6 at West Burlington. This 1,302-acre park has a lake, picnic area, swimming pool, and a scenic overlook of the Endless Mountains region. The park provides a nice stop for rest and a walkabout.
Continuing west on my asphalt “river of dreams” through small villages and the countryside, I eventually cruised into Wellsboro and the rider-friendly Sherwood Motel – my base for exploring more of the Wilds.
A lush farm along PA Route 706.
Wellsboro is a gateway to this rural region and a popular destination for riders exploring the area. It epitomizes small-town 19th-century America so much so that its streetlamps are still lit by gas. Settled in 1806, it was named in honor of Mary Wells, one of the original settlers. Restaurants, stores, and parks are within walking distance of motels. The first night, I had a tasty dinner at the Steak House Restaurant. Initially, I was a bit anxious about dining solo, but the staff was friendly and welcoming, which is typical of most hinterland Pennsylvanians.
The morning greeted me with a cool but sunny day – perfect riding weather. Firing up my Vulcan, I rolled south on PA Route 287 to PA Route 414 west. Route 414 is one of the prettiest rides in the entire state. This section through part of the Pine Creek Gorge area is rustic, with a few small communities and scattered homes.
The Lakeview Store near Sinnemahoning State Park on PA Route 872 makes for a perfect snack stop.
Over thousands of years, Pine Creek carved the 47-mile gorge also known as the PA Grand Canyon. The 62-mile Pine Creek Rail Trail is used for hiking, river travel, bicycling, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. Outside of the wilderness protected area, riders can cruise Route 414 as it slides along for miles next to Pine Creek.
Route 414 through Pine Creek Gorge crosses a one-lane steel-truss bridge.
Parking areas with comfort stations offer river and rail trail access. At the Blackwell Access area, I met a young couple from Maryland who were going to backpack into the surrounding wilderness. We talked a bit, and then I wished them luck and warned them to watch out for the timber rattlesnakes that live in the area. Each June there is an annual rattlesnake roundup festival throughout the region.
Riders stop at the Blockhouse Cafe.
Continuing my ride, I passed the quaint village of Cedar Run and weaved back and forth on bridges crossing Pine Creek. The roadway crawled up a mountainside presenting a great view. At the intersection with PA Route 44, I roared into the mountains of Tiadaghton State Forest. About 5 miles north of Haneyville, I turned west on Hyner Mountain Road heading toward Hyner Run and Hyner View state parks. With the sun on my face and the sweet mountain air filling my lungs, I was in rider heaven.
The narrow, winding road to the summit of Hyner View can be challenging, but the views are spectacular. Forested mountains roll toward the sky like a vast green sea, and below, PA Route 120 winds through the valley alongside the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.
Hyner View State Park overlooks the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.
I connected with Route 120 and continued west toward Renovo, once a thriving railroad company town of more than 4,000 people that has dwindled to a population of 1,228. Entering Renovo on Route 120, I stopped at a moving memorial for the soldiers who gave their lives protecting our country. A green battle tank that matches the lush grass and surrounding forest guards the memorial.
A Sherman tank guards Memorial Park off PA Route 120 in Renovo.
Route 120 heads west alongside the Susquehanna River and the railroad tracks enveloped by thousands of acres of state forests. This route west to Sinnemahoning is beautiful and one of most desolate areas I traveled through. I rode for miles without seeing another soul. It was the first time on the trip that I felt completely alone.
Wyalusing Rocks Overlook on U.S. Route 6 provides expansive views of the Susquehanna River.
People ask if I get lonely or nervous on solo trips, but I actually don’t. Whenever I pulled over for a photo or route check, people often stopped and asked me if I needed help. Sometimes they offered advice on the road conditions or suggested a scenic stop. It reminded me of Blanche Dubois’s line in A Streetcar Named Desire: “I’ve always relied on the kindness of strangers.”
At PA Route 872, I blasted north through Elk State Forest and stopped at George B. Stevenson Dam and Sinnemahong State Park’s wildlife viewing area. Unfortunately, I did not spot any elk. From there, I cruised north out of the mountainous area into lush hills and returned to Route 6 again at Lymansville.
Tubers enjoy the pristine waters of the Delaware River, one of the few major U.S. rivers with no dams.
Turning west, I followed Route 6 to Smethport, PA Route 59 west to Ormsby, and then south to Kinzua Bridge State Park, home to the Kinzua Sky Walk. The park’s namesake bridge was once known as the Viaduct, a railroad structure that spanned 2,053 feet across – and 301 feet above – the Kinzua Gorge. Partially destroyed by a tornado in 2003, what remained of the bridge was converted into a pedestrian walkway.
Visitors can now walk 600 feet out on the remaining support towers to enjoy sweeping views of the gorge and surrounding mountains, as well as a glass platform at the end of the walkway for breathtaking views down below. The Kinzua Sky Walk is an especially impressive place to enjoy fall colors.
The 600-foot-long Kinzua Sky Walk at Kinzua Bridge State Park is a popular destination for riders. Alas, motorcycle parking on the bridge is not allowed.
Cruising along Route 6, I made my way back to Wellsboro. There are three recommended stops along the way: Larry’s Sport Center in Galeton, which sells Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Suzuki motorcycles, and the Colton and Leonard Harrison state parks, both of which have impressive views of Pine Creek Canyon.
Back at the Sherwood Motel, I enjoyed a relaxing soak in the warm water of the pool. Afterwards, I had dinner in the lounge of the historic Penn-Wells Hotel, originally built in 1869. Conversing with the bartender and locals, I felt as comfortable as a regular.
The next day, I began my journey home heading south on Route 287 to Morris, but this time I went east on Route 414. And what a great ride it was – weaving and rolling through the countryside, passing farms and surrounded by the green hills on the horizon.
Riders leaving the summit of Hyner View State Park.
Rejoining Route 6 for a spell at Towanda, my Vulcan climbed back up the mountain by the Wyalusing Rocks Overlook, and then I rode PA Routes 409 and 706 through the Endless Mountains region to New Milford.
Somewhere along Route 706, I stopped on a downward sloped shoulder for a photo. As I dismounted, over the bike went. Within minutes, people stopped to help. We righted the bike, I thanked them, and then I continued my ride. I had once again relied on “the kindness of strangers,” and I will pay that kindness forward.
At New Milford, I took a series of pleasantly undulating state routes to Damascus, where I rested and watched Pennsylvanians enjoying the Delaware River. Crossing the bridge into New York, I rolled south on the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway (NY Route 97) toward Port Jervis, which offers expansive views of Pennsylvania and New York.
Along PA Route 872, the author’s Kawasaki Vulcan basks in the beauty of Mother Nature.
As I rumbled back home through New Jersey, I could not help but relive this great Route 6 ride through the Pennsylvania Wilds. I knew the region, its roads, and many other delights would soon be calling me back.
The 2022 Harley-Davidson Low Rider S has a starting MSRP of $17,530. Gunship Gray will set you back an additional $450. (Harley-Davidson/)
Ups
H-D’s biggest engine, the Milwaukee-Eight 117
Traditional cruiser look, sound, and feel
Excellent clutch and throttle feel
Downs
Single rider only
Limited cornering clearance
Small/obscure instrumentation
The third version of Harley-Davidson’s Low Rider S features the same defining elements you’ve come to expect from the platform: T-bars, a headlight cowl, and solo seat. (Jeff Allen/)
Verdict
The Low Rider S is an excellent example of a modern Harley-Davidson Big Twin. It’s big and loud, but smooth and refined all at the same time.
Overview
The Low Rider S was introduced as an extension of the Dyna platform, then as a Softail in 2020. That initial Softail model has been refined and updated for 2022 without losing the muscular character and classic style that defined previous LR S models.
The Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine is well-tuned and strong. Ergonomics are somewhat tight for more relaxed rides, but great for shifting your weight around in corners—at least compared to other H-D models. Unfortunately, cornering clearance is still somewhat limited.
The S is a great example of the high level of fit and finish we expect from Harley-Davidson. Paint is smooth and shiny, cables and wires are all neatly tucked away, and there is no clutter, making it easy to focus on the bike’s overall form and performance.
The Low Rider S is a balance of style and performance, with style dictating the measure of performance allowed. (Jeff Allen/)
Updates for 2022
For 2022, Harley-Davidson equipped the Low Rider S with its biggest engine yet, upgrading from the Milwaukee-Eight 114 to the 117.
The ‘22 S now has a small digital dash system integrated into the handlebar riser, as well as a slightly taller monoshock that adds an inch of travel in the rear.
Pricing and Variants
The 2022 Low Rider S in Vivid Black starts at $17,530. Gunship Gray will set you back an additional $450.
Keep in mind that success in this space is about balancing performance with style, and each of these bikes bring a little something different to the table.
The Low Rider S has a bigger engine that puts out more power than any previous Low Rider. (Jeff Allen/)
Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Harley-Davidson’s 2022 Low Rider S is powered by the brand’s largest powerplant, the Milwaukee-Eight 117.
The engine is strong and loud with tons of torque available immediately from idle. But while it’s every bit a hot-rod engine, the powerplant feels surprisingly smooth and refined on the road.
“Initial power delivery is very smooth but there is plenty of power on tap throughout the running range,” Cycle World testers said in a first test on the bike. The 117 produces over 100 lb.-ft. of torque from 500 rpm after idle to 500 rpm before redline, peaking at 115 lb.-ft. at 3,200 rpm. The character of the M-8 does not change drastically with the increased size, but sounds more full. Also, power delivery feels similar; there’s just more of it.
Updated rear suspension has added 1.2 degrees of available lean angle, compared to the previous Low Rider S. (Jeff Allen/)
Chassis/Handling
The Low Rider S is built on a tubular steel frame with a 43mm inverted fork and a single rear shock. Updates for 2022 see a new, longer monoshock that adds a half inch of stroke and a full inch of travel.
“The fork had a different feel than the shock,” Cycle World commented during testing. “It was more plush and forgiving, but still maintained a nice firm feel while being pushed through a canyon or mountain road. The fork only felt too soft on hard brake application, which would bring about more dive than is preferred.”
Braking equipment remains unchanged from the previous Low Rider S model, with dual four-piston calipers on 300mm discs. (Jeff Allen/)
Brakes
Braking duties are handled by dual four-piston calipers on 300mm discs at the front and a single two-piston caliper on a 292mm disc in the rear.
Feel at the front brake lever is exceptional until you activate ABS, then it will push back with steady pulses as the system works to stop the bike. Rear brake feel is vague but present. In testing, the Low Rider S stopped from 60 mph in just over 135 feet, on par with the performance-oriented bikes like the Yamaha MT-09 SP or a Ducati Multistrada V4 S. An interesting comparison, sure, but it highlights the performance capabilities of the Low Rider S.
Ergonomics on the FXLRS are tight and aggressive. Some taller riders complain about this seating position and would prefer forward controls. (Jeff Allen/)
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
Mid-mounted foot controls and a straight bar on high risers put the rider in an upright position with their feet below their knees. Some taller riders may find this cramped, but aggressive riders often prefer this stance to the more relaxed forward-control-equipped ergos.
This Low Rider S is premium and has some of the best equipment H-D has to offer, but the gauge right in the rider’s sight line is still the same old analog unit that’s been used for years. (Jeff Allen/)
Electronics
Things on the Low Rider S are kept intentionally analog. The gauge system is minimal and tucked into the handlebar riser. ABS comes standard, but there is no traction control.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Low Rider S comes with a two-year warranty.
Quality
Harley-Davidson sets a high standard for fit and finish, which is exemplified in the Low Rider S. Paint is smooth and high quality. Wires and hoses are neatly tucked out of the way. The S has a durable and permanent feel, while still feeling high-end.
Following the open speeches, Iris Kramer – former FIM Women’s Trial World Champion, Ruth Buscombe – Strategy Engineer Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN, Andrea Coleman – Founder and CEO of Two Wheels for Life, Midori Moriwaki – Founder and Team Principal MIE Racing, Alice Powell – British Racing Driver, Friné Velilla – MotoGP Media Manager at Dorna Sports, Carol Glenn – Clerk of the Course, Michael Laverty – Ex-MotoGP Rider, BT Comms, Team owner and Kiara Fontanesi – former FIM Women’s Motocross World Champion, Claire Johnson – Founder of Naked Warrior, Dr Dominic O’Dowd – FIM Doctor, Tim Nagle – Miller Insurance, Sports & Entertainment, Flavia Fernandes – Hankook Tire & Technology, Alice Menin – Team Manager Iron Dames took to the stage to talk about a full spectrum of topics related to progressing Women in Motorsports.
Enea Bastianini (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) took his third win of the season after forcing Francesco Bagnaia into a couple of uncharacteristic errors when leading, which saw the Ducati rider crack under the pressure crash out of contention on the 21st lap. It wasn’t all doom and gloom for the factory Ducatis, as Jack Miller crossed the line in P2 to take his second podium of the year, while Aleix Espargaro completed a hat-trick of consecutive top threes after withstanding some late pressure being applied by Championship leader and home favourite Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™).
Insta360 has just come out with a remote that you can use to help manage your 360-degree camera mid-scoot. They’re calling it the Insta360 GPS Action Remote – and she comes handy for multitasking riders like myself.
The news comes alongside the perks that she “utiliz[es] GLONASS, BD, and GPS networks in unison” (via ADVRider). She also is waterproof up to 5 meters, works via 5.0 Bluetooth (oo la la), and shows off up to 65 feet of range.
Insta360’s new GPS Action Remote – compatible with the X3, ONE RS and ONE R cameras. Media sourced from Insta360.
Dead zones? Not a problem.
Asking price? According to the article, we’re looking at $79.99 US – not a bad price, considering you now get GPS stats data embedded in your video with this little wristwatch-style guy.
“Simply import your footage after shooting into the app, then overlay stats like speed, elevation, and more onto your video in a tap,” concurs the report.
“These stats can add an extra punch to action footage and keep viewers engaged.”
Insta360’s new GPS Action Remote – compatible with the X3, ONE RS and ONE R cameras. Media sourced from Insta360.
A heads up in advance; the Insta360 GPS Action Remote will be able to work with the following models:
X3
ONE RS
ONE R
This means that, as of now, the ONE X2 isn’t on the list; that WILL change…though not in time for the action camera’s debut date, unfortunately.
Insta360’s new GPS Action Remote – compatible with the X3, ONE RS and ONE R cameras. Media sourced from Insta360.
What camera / recording device do you use on the road? Let us know in the comment below, and as always – stay safe on the twisties.
With the growing popularity of Royal Enfield motorcycles in Brazil, which is predicted to soon be the second largest market for the bikes after India, the company recently announced the opening of a new CKD – or complete knock down – assembly facility in Manaus. With a CKD facility, the manufacturer ships the parts for a vehicle either from a single origin country or various countries, and the vehicle is reassembled in another country. Brazil represents the fourth such CKD assembly facility for Royal Enfield. For more information, read the press release below from Royal Enfield.
With plans to provide local assembly of all motorcycles in the Royal Enfield lineup, including the INT650 (pictured), the modern facility will cater to growing demand in Brazil.
MILWAUKEE –Royal Enfield began a new chapter Dec. 9 on its journey in the Americas region, specifically in Brazil, with the commencement of operations of its new CKD (complete knock down) assembly facility. This is a significant step forward in Royal Enfield’s plans in LatAm and reiterates the brand’s commitment to the region, as Brazil is a strong market for Royal Enfield. Located in Manaus, capital of Amazonas state, the new facility is the fourth Royal Enfield CKD assembly unit across the world – following Thailand, Colombia, and Argentina – in addition to its state-of-the-art manufacturing and ancillary facilities located in India.
With an assembly capacity of more than 15,000 units per year, the local assembly unit in Manaus is a modern facility that will cater to growing demand in the country. The facility will engage in local assembly of the entire lineup of Royal Enfield motorcycles, including the Classic 350, the Meteor 350, the Himalayan, and the 650 twin motorcycles, Continental GT and the INT. With this setup, Royal Enfield can now ensure seamless and quicker delivery timelines for motorcycles in Brazil.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new facility, Royal Enfield CEO B Govindarajan said Royal Enfield has been working extensively to grow the middleweight motorcycling segment globally.
The Manaus, Amazonas, facility is the third motorcycle assembly unit in the Americas region, and fourth across the world, outside of India.
“With markets like the Americas region, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific growing significantly, it has been our strategic intent to be closer to these markets and grow the business,” Govindarajan said. “We commenced on this journey a couple of years ago and have set up strategic assembly facilities in Thailand, and in Argentina and Colombia in LatAm. Brazil has been a very strong market for Royal Enfield, and is soon poised to be the single largest market for us outside of India.”
Royal Enfield CEO B Govindarajan cuts the ribbon at the all-new CKD assembly facility located in Manaus, capital of Amazonas state in Brazil.
Govindarajan said Royal Enfield has seen growth of more than 100% since 2019 in Brazil.
“We are very happy to launch our fourth CKD facility globally here in Brazil,” he said. “This is testament to our commitment to the region and the market potential, and to our growing community of riding enthusiasts in the market. We are confident that this facility will help us grow the mid-segment market here in Brazil while enabling us to efficiently cater to the growing demand.”
Brazil has been a critical market for Royal Enfield since the brand’s market foray in 2017. Having made significant strides in the country and across the entire Americas Region, Royal Enfield is now among the top five players in the midsize motorcycle segment in markets such as Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico and North America. With a burgeoning consumer base and a significant retail network in the region, the new local assembly unit will be a critical boost for business growth in the LatAm Region.
Four different men riding for four different factories have clinched the last four MotoGP™ World Championships
MotoGP™ in 2022 was clearly dominated by one factory: Ducati. The bullets from Bologna managed finally stood atop of the motorcycling world thanks to Francesco Bagnaia’s remarkable turnaround. But that wasn’t all. From Rookie of the Year, to the Constructors’ title, Team’s title, independent rider and team’s titles and, of course, the MotoGP™ World Championship.
However, one successful season in MotoGP™ guarantees you absolutely nothing in the following year. The direction of the wind can change in the blink of an eye, and here’s the proof. Over the past four years, we’ve seen four different men riding for four different factories take the top prize.
In depth: King Bagnaia reveals key to his historic comeback 11/11/2022
The 2022 MotoGP™ World Champion talks about his stunning season and explains how his sensational comeback was possible
2019: Marc Marquez and Honda
Marquez’s sixth and most recent MotoGP™ crown was arguably his most impressive. Bringing to an end a run of five straight premier class titles, the Spanish executed an almost perfect season. Just one DNF at his beloved Austin was the only blot on his copybook as he walked away with 18 podiums, including 12 victories, across the 19 rounds. A whirlwind three years following that has seen the eight-time World Champion undergo four surgeries on the right humerus he broke at the opening round of the 2020 campaign. Now, finally able to ride the bike how he wants, all eyes are on HRC to see if they can produce a motorcycle good enough to compete for the Championship.
MotoGP™ Thai GP recap: Marquez makes it super 8 in Buriram 06/10/2019
The Repsol Honda rider secured the 2019 MotoGP™ World Championship title after an epic last lap battle with Fabio Quartararo
2020: Joan Mir and Suzuki
With the Repsol Honda man on the sidelines, opportunity knocked for the next generation. Fabio Quartararo took the early lead with a double victory at Jerez. However, inconsistencies crept in and his title tilt faded. To the contrary, Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Joan Mir was defined by his consistency. He jumped to the top of the standings following a fifth podium finish of the season at the Aragon GP. Then, thanks to a long-awaited maiden MotoGP™ victory in Valencia a week prior, Mir had his moment in the spotlight. In just his second year, he joined an elite list of premier class title winners for Suzuki.
M1R: Every second of Joan Mir’s Championship celebrations 15/11/2020
Enjoy all of the emotion and ecstasy as the Suzuki man clinches the premier class World Championship at the Valencia Grand Prix
2021: Fabio Quartararo and Yamaha
2021 was finally the year where the stars would align for Fabio Quartararo. After showcasing his talents throughout 2019 and 2020, he finally showed the consistency needed to be a World Champion. Five victories and five further podiums saw him to start the Emilia Romagna GP with a first match point of his young career. In a dramatic conclusion to the World Championship, Quartararo battled through from the fifth row to take fourth but the major moment came when Bagnaia succumbed to mounting pressure from Marquez. The Italian crashed and the Frenchman passed him in the gravel trap to the knowledge he had done it: a first premier class title and Yamaha’s first since Jorge Lorenzo in 2015.
How Quartararo’s crowning moment was heard around the world 27/10/2021
Relive the thrilling finale to the Emilia Romagna GP and how broadcasters from across the globe reacted to the incredible drama
2022: Francesco Bagnaia and Ducati
Everything pointed to the fact that Quartararo would once again be MotoGP™ World Champion following the opening half of 2022. He held a 34 point lead over surprise package Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing), with his 2021 rival Francesco Bagnaia 91 points adrift and seemingly out of contention. However, the Italian arrived refreshed after the summer break and managed to recover all of the lost ground. 7 victories and 10 podiums in total saw Bagnaia cash in on Quartararo’s setbacks. At the final round of the year, Bagnaia wrapped up the title and made history by becoming the first Italian rider to win the premier class World Championship with an Italian motorcycle since Giacomo Agostini and his MV Agusta in 1972.
What’s to come in 2023?
Will the streak continue? Will Aprilia or KTM be celebrating their greatest-ever two-wheeled success by the end of November 2023? You would have to say the Noale factory is the more likely of the two after competing for the World Championship in 2022. 8 podiums were achieved between Espargaro and his teammate Maverick Viñales, then add into the mix the five-time MotoGP™ race winner Miguel Oliveira and hot prospect Raul Fernandez in the new RNF squad, and Aprilia will be quietly confident of competing for top honours.
Guidotti reveals KTM winter work that has rivals worried 11/11/2022
Juggling a mix of experience and newcomers at the Austrian marque, the KTM boss reflects on the Valencia Test
But KTM will also be dreaming big. Having Brad Binder in their corner is a hugely important factor with the South African showing time and time again in 2022 why he’s regarded as one of the most talented riders on the grid. Plus, you can add in the experienced duo of Jack Miller and Pol Espargaro, who join the factory KTM and GASGAS outfits. There’s no doubt that the Austrians will feel if the RC16 can make the step forward it looks set to take, they can stun quite a few in the paddock in 2023.
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