Tag Archives: Royal Enfield Motorcycles

2024 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 and INT650 Review | First Look 

2024 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Apex Gray
2024 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 in Apex Gray

In addition to earlier news about the all-new 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650, the company has now released information and pricing on the 2024 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 and INT650, both of which receive upgrades and new colors for the same MSRP as the 2023 versions. Also included in the announcement is the price of the Shotgun 650. 

Related: 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 Review | First Look 

2024 Royal Enfield INT650 Barcelona Blue
2024 Royal Enfield INT650 in Barcelona Blue

“We’re excited to be bringing some updates to the Continental GT 650 and INT650 that make them more comfortable and stylish,” said Mark Wells, chief of design at Royal Enfield. “The new Twins have the same old-school cool factor that fans have come to expect, but with some more premium touches.” 

2024 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Slipstream Blue
2024 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 in Slipstream Blue

True to the Royal Enfield brand, the Continental GT 650 cafe racer and INT650 roadster feature retro-inspired aesthetics that lean on their 1960s origins. They’re both powered by an air/oil-cooled 648cc parallel-Twin that makes a claimed 46.4 hp at 6,250 rpm and 38.6 lb-ft of torque at 5,150 rpm and with electronic fuel injection – the same engine also found on the Shotgun 650 and Super Meteor 650. 

Related: 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 | First Ride Review 

2024 Royal Enfield INT650 Black Pearl
2024 Royal Enfield INT650 in Black Pearl

Both bikes also feature a Harris Performance steel-tubular frame. Up front is a telescopic fork, and suspension in the rear is provided by piggy-back gas-charged twin shocks with preload adjustability. Braking comes in the form of a 2-piston front caliper with a 320mm disc and a 1-piston rear calipeer with a 240mm disc, and ABS is standard. 

2024 Royal Enfield INT650 Cali Green
2024 Royal Enfield INT650 in Cali Green

Upgrades to the Continental GT 650 and INT650 include LED headlights, improved CEAT tires, and an improved seat design with foam-mesh material. Also included are new aluminum switch cubes, handlebar grips, and adjustable brake and clutch levers. 

2024 Royal Enfield INT650 Black Ray
2024 Royal Enfield INT650 in Black Ray

These two models also get six new color options for 2024, each with their own style and personality. The 2024 Continental GT 650 will be available in two blacked-out variants: Apex Gray and Slipstream Blue. The 2024 Royal Enfield INT650 will be available in two blacked-out variants and two with a traditional chrome finish. The blacked-out color options are Barcelona Blue and Black Ray, and the colors with chrome finish are Cali Green and Black Pearl. 

The 2024 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 has an MSRP of $6,349, and the 2024 Royal Enfield INT650 starts at $6,149. The 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 has an MSRP of $6,899. All three models are on sale now at Royal Enfield dealerships throughout North America. 

Visit the Royal Enfield website for more information. 

Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide 

The post 2024 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 and INT650 Review | First Look  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 Review | First Look

2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 in Stencil White
2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 in Stencil White

The Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 is a new model built on the brand’s 650 Twin platform that has a unique style and a focus on customization potential. This new bike began as a limited edition build at Motoverse 2023, and the production version Shotgun 650 will be launched across global markets in early 2024. 

2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 Sheetmetal Grey
2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 in Sheetmetal Grey

The Shotgun 650 features a “neo-retro” design that combines Royal Enfield’s heritage with a modern appeal.

“It is a retro-futuristic interpretation of what a factory custom motorcycle with thoroughbred Royal Enfield DNA would look like,” said Siddhartha Lal, managing director and CEO of Royal Enfield’s parent company, Eicher Motors Ltd. “A shape-shifting machine that defies categorization, both in form and in spirit, the Shotgun 650 is something absolutely new and different.” 

The Shotgun 650 is powered by the 648cc parallel-Twin also found in the INT650, Continental GT, and Super Meteor 650. In the Shotgun, the engine produces a claimed 46.4 hp at 7,250 rpm and 38.6 lb-ft of torque at 5,650 rpm. The bike is said to weigh 529 lb wet, and its solo floating seat has a height of 31.3 inches. Wheelbase is 57.7 inches, rake is 25.3 degrees, and trail is 4 inches. 

Related:

2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 Plasma Blue
2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 in Plasma Blue

Suspension on the Shotgun 650 is provided by a 41mm Showa Big Piston Fork with 4.7 inches of travel and a Showa twin shock rear suspension unit with 3.5 inches of travel and five-step preload adjustability. Braking comes in the form of single discs front (320mm) and rear (300mm) paired with twin-piston calipers, and ABS is standard. The bike rides on wide 18-inch front and 17-inch rear tubeless tires. 

2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 Green Drill
2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 in Green Drill

Brightening the way is an LED headlight, and the Shotgun 650 includes two round displays and includes the Tripper navigation system. The bike also comes with the new Royal Enfield Wingman in-app feature that allows the user to access the motorcycle’s live location, fuel and engine oil levels, service reminders, and more. Also included is a USB charging port. 

Related: 2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan Review | First Ride 

Royal Enfield says the Shotgun 650 is designed to be a blank canvas on which the rider can inscribe their own personality and preferences. The bike features a modular design meant to encourage customization. A range of 31 Royal Enfield accessories are available from bar-end mirrors and a sculpted solo seat to contrast-cut billet rims. It can also be fitted with a passenger seat or luggage to fit the needs of the rider. 

2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 Stencil White

About the design of the Shotgun 650, Mark Wells, chief of design, said, “The story of Royal Enfield is one of customization. Our customers have been taking our motorcycles and personalizing them for decades. Looking to that rich creative culture for inspiration, we unleashed our designers to ideate in that same spirit of unfettered imagination.” 

2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 Sheetmetal Grey

Additionally, Royal Enfield has partnered with American apparel manufacturer Icon Motorsports for a line of motorcycle apparel for the Shotgun 650, and more details about this partnership are to be announced later. 

See all of Rider‘s Royal Enfield coverage here.

2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 Plasma Blue

The 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 will come in Stencil White, Plasma Blue, Green Drill, or Sheetmetal Grey. Pricing has not yet been announced. For more information, visit the Royal Enfield website

Check out more new/updated bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide 

The post 2024 Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 Review | First Look appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan Review | First Ride

2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan review
The 2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan has undergone a complete makeover, with a larger engine, a more robust chassis, and updated styling and featuures. (Photos courtesy Royal Enfield)

You can drink a Tecate in Tecate, you can take a bath in Bath, and you can wear a fez in Fez. One of most intriguing eponymous pairings a moto-loving person can imagine is riding a Royal Enfield Himalayan in the Himalayas. The popular adventure bike has gotten a complete makeover for 2024. The question is: Can the new version bring the Himalayan into the technological present and still retain the character and charisma of the original?

2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan review
The 2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan is more modern than its predecessor, yet it still retains its rugged and retro character.

Royal Enfield, the oldest global motorcycle brand in continuous production, launched the Himalayan in 2016, but we didn’t get our first ride on one until 2018.

Powered by an air-cooled 411cc Single, it has been a favorite of riders seeking a simple, versatile, and affordable motorcycle. Royal Enfield is a decidedly and intentionally retro manufacturer, so the company was meticulous, even plodding, in its development of an upgraded Himalayan. But the wait is over.

Related: BMW G 310 GS vs. Kawasaki Versys-X 300 vs. Royal Enfield Himalayan Comparison Review

2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan review
Where better to test the new Himalayan than in the Himalayas of northern India?

Royal Enfield Himalayan: What’s New

It is not hyperbole to say that everything about the 2024 Himalayan is new. Starting at the heart, the air-cooled 411cc Single has been replaced with a liquid-cooled 452cc Single with DOHC and 4 valves. The claimed 39.5 hp (up from a barely adequate 24) is reached at 8,000 rpm, and 29.5 lb-ft of torque (up from 24) arrives at 5,500 rpm. The new Himalayan’s entire power curve surpasses that of its predecessor, and the engine revs out farther.

2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan review
The Himalayan’s new engine is a major upgrade over its predecessor, with liquid cooling, more displacement, a big boost in horsepower, unit construction, and a new 6-speed gearbox.

The forward-canted cylinder is a visual and technological departure from the previous model’s vertical air-cooled powerplant. The engine is now a stressed member of the frame, and a new gearbox has six speeds instead of five and is part of the unit-construction, semi-dry sump engine case. Located under the fuel tank is a new airbox that provides a pleasing intake growl. Exhaust gasses run through an under-frame catalytic converter that also muffles sound, which allows for an attractively short silencer.

Related: 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Review | First Ride

Suspension and braking changes are just as substantial as those to the engine. The previous conventional 41mm fork has been replaced with a Showa cartridge-type inverted fork with 43mm tubes, and the rear shock is now a linkage type with adjustable preload. Suspension travel is 7.9 inches front and rear, keeping front travel the same but bumping up from 7.1 inches of previous rear travel.

2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan review
As a go-anywhere, do-anything adventure bike, the Himalayan has a large 21-inch front wheel, spoked rims, and generous ground clearance and suspension travel.

As before, the Himalayan rolls on spoked wheels with tube-type rims, 21-inch front (90/90-21) and 17-inch rear (140/80-17). Royal Enfield reps said certain up-spec models will be offered with tubeless spoked wheels, but details have not yet been finalized. There are still single disc brakes front and rear, but the 2-piston front caliper now squeezes a 320mm disc (up from 300) and the 1-piston rear caliper squeezes a 270mm disc (up from 240). ABS is standard and can be disabled at the rear wheel for off-road duty.

2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan review
The Himalayan’s round TFT display blends old-school style with modern functionality.

Front and center, the Himalayan has a new 4-inch TFT display that combines a multitude of innovative and modern features in a retro-style round gauge. It offers Bluetooth connectivity to a rider’s smartphone for music and navigation. The latter is powered by Google Maps and is the first of its kind for the display type and shape. On-the-fly toggling between screens is actuated by an easily accessible hand control. The Himalayan features LED lighting all around, and the tail lighting is innovatively integrated into both rear turnsignals. A USB-C port keeps a smartphone charged.

2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan review
The rider portion of the two-up seat is height adjustable, and a low seat is available as an accessory. The luggage rack is standard equipment.

The overall aesthetic of the bike was crafted to retain core design elements of the original while projecting a more modern look. The midsection is narrower, and the bike has a lower center of gravity. There is an easily adjustable dual-height seat (32.5/33.3 inches; an optional low seat adjusts from 31.7 to 32.5 inches), and a beefier handlebar is adjustable fore and aft in two positions.

2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan review
2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan in Hanle Black

The new model’s wheelbase is just over 2 inches longer than the original at 59.5 inches, and ground clearance is right at 9 inches. The redesigned fuel tank holds 4.5 gallons (up from 4.0), and Royal Enfield claims a range of more than 280 miles, which translates to about 62 mpg. The Himalayan is available in five colors inspired by its namesake region: Hanle Black, Kamet White, Kaza Brown, Slate Poppy Blue, and Slate Himalayan Salt.

2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan review
2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan in Kamet White
2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan review
2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan in Kaza Brown
2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan review
2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan in Slate Poppy Blue
2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan review
2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan in Slate Himalayan Salt

No adventure bike is complete without a few farkles, and the Himalayan accessory list includes handguards; a taller windscreen; touring mirrors; protectors for the engine, radiator, and headlight; aluminum panniers and top box; and a rally kit that includes a rally-style seat and tailsection and a higher aluminum exhaust can.

Related: 2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Review | First Ride

Royal Enfield Himalayan: Riding Impressions

Before I get into the nitty gritty, you must understand that riding in northern India is like a schizophrenic dance. When traffic is light and the tarmac is intact, it is a sweeping and graceful waltz. The ballroom is stunning in the shadows of the towering Himalayas. At other times, the dance is a frenetic mosh pit of activity with the soundtrack of blaring horns. Colorfully adorned and bedazzled commercial trucks use the tarmac dance floor in any lane they choose. Small-displacement motorcycles and scooters weave and maneuver, carrying passengers and payloads in clear excess of their design limits. Cows wander and sometimes sleep in the road as if they are fully aware of their spiritual significance in Indian culture. The “dance floor” is a constantly changing platform that varies from intact to fractured to nonexistent with no warning at all. This is exactly the dance for which the new Himalayan is designed.

Related: An India Motorcycle Trip from Head to Toe

2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan review
The roads in northern India are as unpredictable as the scenery is breathtaking.

After a briefing on how to handle riding in the region, our test ride took us up into the mountains on a crisp late October morning. The Himalayan proved to be an easy bike to adjust to. The controls are user-friendly, the shifting is precise, and response from the new throttle-by-wire is smooth and controllable. Braking, while not exemplary, was predictable, and the ABS performed well. Predictability was particularly important as I negotiated the ever-changing conditions of the northern Indian roadways.

2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan review
Siddhartha Lal (on the bike) is the managing director of Royal Enfield. He’s a diehard motorcycle enthusiast and is intimately involved in the development of each model. Here he consults with the team on the new Himalayan’s ergonomics.

The work that Royal Enfield engineers put into the new model’s ergonomics is obvious. The seating position is natural and neutral with a comfortable reach to the bar, and there is ample leg room to the footpegs. What impressed me most about the new ergos is how comfortable the bike feels in a standing position. I’m 6-foot-3 with a 34-inch inseam, and some smaller bikes force me into a semi-crouch when standing. As the conditions constantly changed on our ride, it was easy to shift around on the bike and stand over its narrow midsection.

Climbing to more than 10,000 feet in elevation, it was crucial to keep the 40-hp Single in the appropriate gear. Exiting a corner in a rev range that was even slightly too low required quick downshifting to find acceleration. To that end, the new slip/assist clutch made gear changes nearly seamless. When in the right gear, the engine performed remarkably well. I wonder what kind of performance boost the engine would realize at sea level.

2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan review
Weighing only 452 lb, the Himalayan is agile and confidence-inspiring on pavement.

Gear Up

The Himalayan is a very competent bike on pavement. The chassis is notably stiff in its new configuration with the engine as a stressed member. Cornering on the serpentine sections of Himalayan tarmac proved to be stable and confidence inspiring. I repeatedly dragged the pegs and felt comfortable doing so. Wind protection from the small screen was adequate, keeping some of the blast off my torso. However, I would opt for the accessory tall windscreen for touring.

2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan review
Even with our 6-foot-3 tester aboard, the Himalayan was comfortable for stand-up riding.

On our way into the mountains, I got intermittent hints about how the bike would handle off-road. There were many sections where the ravages of the Himalayan environment had washed away the pavement, leaving dusty and rocky stretches. I often encountered these sections at high speeds, and the bike handled the changes in footing admirably. In the villages, the bike’s predictability was crucial as I negotiated that aforementioned dance – braking, weaving, and accelerating through the traffic frenzy.

2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan review
The Himalayan is well-suited to off-road riding. It’s a tough little bike that’s ready for anything.

After several hours of riding into the mountains, we were given the opportunity to hit the dirt. The conditions offered up sandy and rocky sections as well as some heavily rutted inclines. The updated suspension, stout frame, and 21-inch front wheel negotiated these conditions well. The front suspension felt more sorted than the rear, but I bottomed out the rear shock only once. Cranking up the rear preload a bit would have helped. The off-road capability of the bike is enhanced by the overall light feel and relaxed ergos. It felt stable and planted in the dirt even on the road-biased tires.

2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan review
At 10,000 feet in October, water crossings in the Himalayas are cold! The new Himalayan took them in stride.

Later in the day, I had the chance to ride some icy declines and limited water sections. Again, the Himalayan was up to the task. I felt fully in control of the bike on the slick sections, and switching off rear ABS negated any unsettling freewheeling sensation from the rear brake. All in all, the new Himalayan handled everything admirably. The bike was stable at speed on the tarmac, predictable in the dirt, and controllable on dodgy surfaces. What else can you ask of a lightweight ADV?

2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan review
The Himalayan has LED lighting all around.

If adventure bikes are the Swiss Army knives of the motorcycling world, then the light, versatile Himalayan resides comfortably in that pocket. The new model is a marked upgrade from its already popular predecessor. This is not a bike intended to wow your riding buddies with power numbers or cutting-edge technology. Rather, it’s a reliable, comfortable, competent all-around motorcycle available at a reasonable price (U.S. pricing is not yet available, but it shouldn’t be drastically higher than the $5,449 base price of the 2023 model). If the Himalayan can handle the extremity of the conditions in the region after which it is named, it should continue to be a popular choice worldwide.

2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan review
The 2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan in its element.

The answer to the question posed earlier is a resounding “yes” – the new Himalayan brings the model into the present and still emits its fair share of character and charisma.

Check out more new/updated bikes in Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle Buyers Guide

2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan Specifications

  • Base Price: N/A
  • Website: RoyalEnfield.com
  • Warranty: 3 yrs., unltd. miles w/ roadside assistance
  • Engine Type: Liquid-cooled Single, DOHC w/ 4 valves
  • Displacement: 452cc
  • Bore x Stroke: 84 × 81.5mm
  • Horsepower: 39.5 @ 8,000 rpm (factory claim)
  • Torque: 29.5 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm (factory claim)
  • Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated slip/assist wet clutch
  • Final Drive: Chain
  • Wheelbase: 59.4 in.
  • Rake/Trail: 26.5 degrees/5.0 in.
  • Seat Height: 32.5/33.3 in.
  • Wet Weight: 432 lb (factory claim w/ 90% fuel)
  • Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gal.
  • Fuel Consumption: 62 mpg (estimate)
  • Range: 280+ miles (factory claim)

The post 2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan Review | First Ride appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders: Seat Height 31-31.9 Inches 

2022 Kawasaki Z650RS review
The Kawasaki Z650RS has a 31.5-inch seat height. (Photo by Kevin Wing)

Choices for smaller, affordable motorcycles are growing, and that’s good news for riders looking for a fun bike that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re new to riding and want something easy to handle or an experienced rider looking for a lighter or shorter bike, you have more options now than ever when it comes to finding the best motorcycles for smaller riders!  

Below is Rider’s 2023 list of best motorcycles for smaller riders, an update of the popular post from 2019. This list includes motorcycles with seat heights between 31.0 and 31.9 inches with an MSRP of $17,000 or less.  

We’ve also curated lists of the best motorcycles with seat heights between 30.0 and 30.9 inches, as well as a list of the best motorcycles with seat heights below 30 inches

When possible, we’ve included a link to our test ride reviews so you can get a sense of how each bike performs in action. We’ve also included the 2022-2023 model year’s U.S. base MSRP (as of publication), seat height, and claimed wet or dry weight. On models with options to lower the seat height or suspension, we’ve listed the standard and lowered seat heights. You can also click on a model’s name to go to the manufacturer’s webpage for a full list of specifications and details.   

The models in this list are arranged by seat height, with the first model having the shortest seat height and the last model having the tallest seat height in the list. 


CFMOTO 450SS 

CFMOTO 450SS Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

CFMOTO 450SS 

$5,499 

31-inch seat 

370 lb 

Read our 2023 CFMOTO 450SS First Look Review 


Honda CBR500R 

Honda CBR500R Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Honda CBR500R 

$7,299 

31.1-inch seat 

423 lb 

Read our 2013 Honda CBR500R First Ride Review 


Honda CB500F 

Honda CB500F Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Honda CB500F 

$6,799 

31.1-inch seat 

416 lb 

Read our 2017 Honda CB500F First Ride Review 


Kawasaki Ninja 650 

Kawasaki Ninja 650 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Kawasaki Ninja 650 

$7,999 

31.1-inch seat 

419 lb 

Read our 2020 Kawasaki Ninja 650 Road Test Review 


Kawasaki Z650 

Kawasaki Z650 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Kawasaki Z650 

$7,749 

31.1-inch seat 

410 lb 

Read our 2017 Kawasaki Z650 First Ride Review 


Kawasaki W800 

Kawasaki W800 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Kawasaki W800 

$9,199 

31.1-inch seat 

496 lb 

Read our 2020 Kawasaki W800 First Look Review 


Royal Enfield Hunter 350 

Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Royal Enfield Hunter 350 

$3,999 

31.1-inch seat 

400 lb 

Read our 2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 First Ride Review 


Suzuki GSX250R 

2023 Suzuki GSX250R ABS in Metallic Diamond Red and Pearl Nebular Black

Suzuki GSX250R 

$4,999 

31.1-inch seat 

399 lb 

Read our 2023 Suzuki GSX250R First Look Review 


Triumph Bonneville T100 

Triumph Bonneville T100 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Triumph Bonneville T100 

$10,995 

31.1-inch seat 

503 lb 

Read our 2017 Triumph Bonneville T100 First Look Review 


Triumph Bonneville T120 

Triumph Bonneville T120 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Triumph Bonneville T120 

$12,695 

31.1-inch seat 

520 lb 

Read our 2022 Triumph Bonneville T120 First Look Review 


Triumph Scrambler 900 

Triumph Scrambler 900 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Triumph Scrambler 900 

$11,495 

31.1-inch seat 

492 lb 

Read our 2022 Triumph Scrambler 900 First Look Review 


Yamaha TW200 

Yamaha TW200 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Yamaha TW200 

$4,899 

31.1-inch seat 

278 lb 

Read our 2017 Yamaha TW200 First Ride Review 


CFMOTO 300NK 

CFMOTO 300NK Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

CFMOTO 300NK 

$4,199 

31.2-inch seat 

333 lb 

Read our 2022 CFMOTO 300NK First Ride Review 


Royal Enfield Scram 411 

Royal Enfield Scram Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Royal Enfield Scram 411 

$5,099 

31.3-inch seat 

408 lb 

Read our 2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411 First Ride Review 


CFMOTO 700CL-X 

CFMOTO 700CL-X Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

CFMOTO 700CL-X 

$6,799 

31.5-inch seat 

432 lb 

Read our 2022 CFMOTO 700CL-X Road Test Review 


CFMOTO 700CL-X Sport 

CFMOTO 700CL-X Sport

CFMOTO 700CL-X Sport 

$7,199 

31.5-inch seat 

432 lb 

Read our 2022 CFMOTO 700CL-X Sport First Ride Review 


Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition 

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition 

$9,699 

31.5-inch seat 

415 lb 

Read our 2023 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition First Look Review 


Kawasaki Z900 

Kawasaki Z900RS Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Kawasaki Z900 

$9,399 

31.5-inch seat 

468 lb 

Read our 2017 Kawasaki Ninja Z900 ABS First Ride Review 


Kawasaki Z650RS 

Kawasaki Z650RS Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Kawasaki Z650RS 

$9,099 

31.5-inch seat 

412 lb 

Read our 2022 Kawasaki Z650RS First Ride Review 


Royal Enfield Himalayan 

Royal Enfield Himalayan Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Royal Enfield Himalayan 

$5,449 

31.5-inch seat 

439 lb 

Read our 2022 Royal Enfield Himalayan First Ride Review 


Honda CB300R 

Honda CB300R Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Honda CB300R 

$5,049 

31.6-inch seat 

316 lb 

Read our 2019 Honda CB300R First Ride Review 


Honda NC750X DCT 

Honda NC750X Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Honda NC750X DCT 

$9,399 

31.6-inch seat 

493 lb 

Read our 2018 Honda NC750X Road Test Review 


BMW R nineT 

BMW R nineT Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

BMW R nineT 

$15,945 

31.7-inch seat 

487 lb 

Read our 2021 BMW R nineT First Look Review 


BMW R nineT Pure 

BMW R nineT Pure Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

BMW R nineT Pure 

$10,995 

31.7-inch seat 

483 lb 

Read our 2017 BMW R nineT Pure Road Test Review 


Kawasaki Z125 PRO 

Kawasaki Z125 PRO Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Kawasaki Z125 PRO 

$3,399 

31.7-inch seat 

225 lb 

Read our 2017 Kawasaki Z125 PRO First Ride Review 


Royal Enfield Classic 350 

Royal Enfield Classic 350 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Royal Enfield Classic 350 

$4,699 

31.7-inch seat 

430 lb 

Read our 2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 First Ride Review 


Royal Enfield INT650 

Royal Enfield INT 650 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Royal Enfield INT650 

$6,149 

31.7-inch seat 

445 lb 

Read our 2019 Royal Enfield INT650 Road Test Review 


Royal Enfield Continental GT 

Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Royal Enfield Continental GT 

$6,349 

31.7-inch seat 

445 lb 

Read our 2019 Royal Enfield Continental GT Road Test Review 


Triumph Trident 660 

Triumph Trident 660 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Triumph Trident 660 

$8,595 

31.7-inch seat 

417 lb 

Read our 2021 Triumph Trident 660 First Look Review 


Yamaha MT-07 

Yamaha MT-07 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Yamaha MT-07 

$8,199 

31.7-inch seat 

406 lb 

Read our 2021 Yamaha MT-07 Road Test Review 


Zero S 

Zero S Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Zero S 

$12,995 

31.8-inch seat 

313 lb 

Read our 2022 Zero S First Look Review 


Ducati SuperSport 950 

Ducati SuperSport 950 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Ducati SuperSport 950 

$14,595 

31.9-inch seat 

405 lb (dry) 


Honda CBR650R 

Honda CBR650R Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Honda CBR650R 

$9,899 

31.9-inch seat 

445 lb 

Read our 2023 Honda CBR650R First Look Review 


Honda CB650R 

Honda CB650R Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Honda CB650R 

$9,399 

31.9-inch seat 

445 lb 

Read our 2023 Honda CB650R First Look Review 


Suzuki GSX-R750 

Suzuki GSX-R750 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Suzuki GSX-R750 

$12,849 

31.9-inch seat 

419 lb 

Read our 2023 Suzuki GSX-R750 First Look Review 


Suzuki GSX-R600 

Suzuki GSX-R600 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Suzuki GSX-R600 

$11,699 

31.9-inch seat 

412 lb 

Read our 2023 Suzuki GSX-R600 First Look Review 


Suzuki GSX-S1000 

Suzuki GSX-S1000 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Suzuki GSX-S1000 

$11,499 

31.9-inch seat 

472 lb 

Read our 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000 Road Test Review 


Suzuki GSX-S1000GT 

Suzuki GSX-S1000GT Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Suzuki GSX-S1000GT 

$13,349 

31.9-inch seat 

498 lb 

Read our 2022 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT Road Test Review 


Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ 

Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ 

$14,099 

31.9-inch seat 

498 lb 

Read our 2023 Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+ First Look Review 


Suzuki GSX-8S 

Suzuki GSX-8S Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Suzuki GSX-8S 

$8,849 

31.9-inch seat 

445 lb 

Read our 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S First Ride Review 


Triumph Speed Twin 1200 

Triumph Speed Twin 12000 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Triumph Speed Twin 1200 

$12,895 

31.9-inch seat 

476 lb 

Read our 2023 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 First Look Review 


Yamaha XSR900 

Yamaha XSR900 Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Yamaha XSR900 

$10,199 

31.9-inch seat 

425 lb 

Read our 2022 Yamaha XSR900 First Ride Review 


Yamaha Tracer 9 GT 

Yamaha Tracer 9 GT Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders

Yamaha Tracer 9 GT 

$14,999 

32.5-inch seat (optional low seat of 31.9 inches) 

485 lb 

Read our 2021 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT Long-Term Review 

The post Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders: Seat Height 31-31.9 Inches  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 | First Ride Review 

2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350
New to the Royal Enfield lineup is the 2023 Hunter 350, a light, affordable roadster designed to navigate the city streets. (Photos by Brandon Bunch and Josh Shipps)

The Royal Enfield Hunter 350 is an urban prowler, designed to explore the concrete jungle with grace and agility. We tested this new roadster in and around San Diego to see if it truly excels in the city as intended and if it has enough mojo to keep pace out of town as well. 

Royal Enfield has been in continuous production since 1901, and the brand excels in the small- to mid-sized motorcycle segment. It also excels in honoring its British heritage with a classic-meets-modern aesthetic, making for motorcycles that catch your eye and take you back to simpler times.  

2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350
The Hunter 350 might be small for American standards, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a blast to ride.

While Royal Enfields are plentiful in India, where the bikes are produced and smaller-displacement bikes are the norm rather than the exception, the brand has been making strong headway in North America the past few years as well. Ron Luttrell, VP of sales and dealer development, reported that Royal Enfield has seen a 317% growth in U.S. sales since 2019 and that they’ve recently reached their goal of 10,000 units sold in North America. Not too shabby. With the introduction of the Hunter 350, it’s clear Royal Enfield is looking to hold onto that forward momentum. 

2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350
Royal Enfield is known for its retro-inspired aesthetic, and the Hunter 350 fits that brand image with an added shot of youthful energy.

Next-Gen Geometry 

Royal Enfield’s Hunter 350 shares the same 349cc J-series Single as the Classic 350 and Meteor 350. When we tested the 2021 Meteor 350, the engine put out 18 hp and 18 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheel on Jett Tuning’s dyno. While the engine has been tuned for relaxed urban riding, what truly makes the Hunter 350 stand apart from its stablemates is its chassis geometry. With a shorter wheelbase and a steeper rake, as well as a lower curb weight, the Hunter provides a more accessible, nimble riding experience than what you might find on the Classic or the Meteor. That, coupled with an attractive and youthful styling, will allow the Hunter 350 to attract and fill the needs of a different rider demographic. 

Related: 2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 | First Ride Review

Related: 2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 | Road Test Review

2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350
A shorter wheelbase, steeper rake, and smaller wheels make the Hunter 350 feel right at home in urban environments.

At the U.S. press launch in San Diego, the Hunter’s MSRP, which had been kept hush-hush until that moment, was revealed. The bike will start at $3,999, with some color options adding $200. When the price went up on the big screen, the journalists expressed their surprise, followed by applause. This low price, coupled with the bike’s youthful style and smaller size, is sure to bring in new and young riders. 

The number of color options is also sure to please riders on the hunt for a motorcycle that fits their style. The Dapper White, Dapper Ash, and Dapper Grey will be priced at the lower $3,999, while the two-toned Rebel Black, Rebel Blue, and Rebel Red colorways retail for $4,199. All six color options were available for our test ride, and I immediately claimed the Rebel Red before anyone else could take it. 

2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350
A wide range of colorways is always appreciated, and the different logo styles on the tanks add another touch of individuality.

Swinging a leg over the bike in the hotel parking lot, I immediately felt at ease. The upright seating position was comfy, and the contoured seat was plush but supportive. With a 31.1-inch seat height, the Hunter 350 had me tip-toeing, but I was the only journalist at the launch who couldn’t flat-foot on it (I’m 5-foot-1). Even with my short legs, I had no trouble reaching everything I needed to reach. 

Related: 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 | First Ride Review

The uncluttered and simple design added to the at-ease feel of the motorcycle. A single round digital and analog instrument display was easy to read and didn’t offer too many options or information to distract me from the simple joy of riding. There’s something to be said for having a customizable display with all the bells and whistles, but sometimes those things get in the way of a pure motorcycling experience.  

2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350
The Hunter 350 is powered by Royal Enfield’s 349cc Single, producing 18 hp and 18 lb-ft of torque. It’s the same engine found in the Classic 350 and Meteor 350.

After getting acquainted with our mounts, we rolled out onto the street, and that’s when the real fun began. 

Good Times 

We started the first half of the day riding through San Diego, from neighborhoods to downtown, including shop-lined streets and beach-side roads. I have never ridden a motorcycle that feels so at home in the city. This motorcycle made me feel like I was much better at slow-speed turns than I am. It’s small enough to squeeze into tight spaces and wheel around without trouble.  

2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350
The agility of the Hunter 350 was a treat through the streets of San Diego.

The maneuverability of this bike is mostly due to its chassis geometry, something Royal Enfield said it put a lot of effort into getting just right for this type of riding environment. The Hunter has a 25-degree rake and a wheelbase of just 53.9 inches using 17-inch front and rear wheels. It’s lighter than the other Royal Enfield models with the 350 engine, with a claimed curb weight of 400 lb (the Meteor 350 and Classic 350 have curb weights of 421 lb and 430 lb, respectively). All of these characteristics give the Hunter an agility that took stress out of riding through busy city streets. 

2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350
Royal Enfield worked hard to find the perfect balance between price, maneuverability, and stylish looks.

The Hunter’s styling certainly belongs in the retro-inspired Royal Enfield family, but it looks like the cool teenage cousin who just flew in from the city for a family holiday, the one all the other kids are jealous of. The bike has a youthful character, in both riding experience and personality, that will make anyone feel young again. 

2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350
The seating, handlebar, and foot peg positions were all a comfortable fit for my smaller stature.

Related: 2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411 | First Ride Review

For braking, the Hunter 350 comes with a 300mm disc with a twin piston ByBre caliper up front, a 270mm disc with a single piston ByBre caliper in the rear, and ABS. I found braking power to be dialed in well for the sudden and frequent stopping of city riding. The suspension consists of a nonadjustable 41mm fork with 5.1 inches of travel and dual rear shocks with six-step adjustable preload and 4.8 inches of travel. The suspension also felt well-suited for its intended purpose. None of these components are state-of-the-art, but they did their job well for a bike with a price tag of about $4K, which is all I could ask of them. 

2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350
After a great lunch in Barrio Logan, we got out of town to see how the Hunter 350 handled faster speeds and curvier roads.

Far and Wide 

After experiencing how well-suited the Hunter 350 is to an urban environment, I was curious to find out if it could hold its own outside of town. Would that slow-speed agility affect the bike’s stability at higher speeds? To my delight, there was no compromise to be found. On the twisty roads up Otay Mountain, we pushed the Hunter 350 to its limit.  

2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350
As comfortable as the Hunter 350 is in an urban environment, it can hold its own on open roads as well.

There’s something exciting about experiencing the full range of a motorcycle’s capabilities, from a slow roll around traffic to a full-out dash through the hills. Royal Enfield hit the sweet spot between granting the Hunter enough power to keep up with highway speeds while maintaining the bike’s tight stance and agility. 

2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350
Without ride modes, a customizable display, and other distractions, a ride on the Hunter 350 takes me back to simpler times.

GEAR UP

That being said, if you’re commuting on the interstate every day, this might not be the ideal ride for you. With a top speed of about 75 mph, we were riding full-out on the freeway to get back to the hotel. The Hunter 350 held that speed smoothly and comfortably, but it would be preferable to have a little power on reserve in case I need to dart away from a dangerous situation, and the Hunter 350 didn’t have that. But I appreciated how steadily it could hold its top speed without feeling too stressed or overworked. 

2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350
Leaving the Hunter 350 in 4th gear gave me enough power to keep up with 70-mph traffic. The 5th gear is more suited to casual cruising.

All Good Things… 

All too soon, our riding day had come to an end. A testament to the Hunter 350 is that, after a full day of riding on a variety of roads, I was ready to keep going. Taller riders might feel fatigued more quickly by the Hunter’s smaller stature, but this model fit me so well and was so stress-free to ride that I saw no reason to get off it. If it weren’t for my rumbling stomach calling for the taco bar and the fact that I’d be completely lost in San Diego without a guide, I’d have been tempted to roll right on past the hotel’s parking lot and keep going. 

2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350
The stress-free handling of the Hunter 350 had me ready to keep riding at the end of the day.

This proabably isn’t the motorcycle that your Harley-or-nothing leather-clad uncle is going to buy, but for riders looking for a fun, agile, and affordable option, the Hunter 350 hits the nail on the head. I love to see more affordable motorcycles entering the market, and I believe this is an option that will make owning a motorcycle and experiencing the rides we all love a little more attainable for a new generation of motorcyclists. 

2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350
The Hunter 350’s affordable price, easy handling, and retro-meets-modern styling is an attractive package for both new and experienced riders.

2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Specs 

Base Price: $3,999 

Website: RoyalEnfield.com 

Warranty: 3 yrs., unltd. miles w/ roadside assistance 

Engine Type: Air/oil-cooled Single, SOHC w/ 2 valves 

Displacement: 349cc 

Bore x Stroke: 72.0 x 85.8mm 

Horsepower: 18.0 @ 6,200 rpm (rear-wheel dyno, 2021 Meteor 350) 

Torque: 18.2 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm (rear-wheel dyno, 2021 Meteor 350) 

Transmission: 5-speed, cable-actuated wet clutch 

Final Drive: Chain 

Wheelbase: 53.9 inches 

Rake/Trail: 25 degrees/3.7 in. 

Seat Height: 31.1 in. 

Wet Weight: 400 lb (factory claim w/ 90% fuel) 

Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gal. 

The post 2023 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 | First Ride Review  first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders: Seat Heights 30-30.9 Inches 

2022 Motorcycle of the Year Honda Navi
2022 Honda Navi. Photo by Drew Ruiz.

Walking into a dealership as a shorter rider, or as someone who just wants a smaller ride, can feel a little limiting. You stroll by impressive and imposing machines that you might admire but don’t want to fight with as your main bike. You might find one or two models off in the back that are a comfortable fit, but you’re disappointed that there aren’t any more options to choose from. Luckily, options for smaller motorcycles are growing, and we’ve compiled those options into two Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders list.  

In our first Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders post, we focused on bikes with seat heights under 30 inches. That seat height limit meant almost all the models on that list were cruisers, and while we certainly enjoy cruisin’, we like a little variety too. With this second Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders post, we’re excited to include some sportbikes, minimotos, and an ADV. And while the seat heights may be taller than on the first list, many of the models on this list weigh and cost less than the shorter-seated cruisers. 

This list consists of motorcycles with a seat height between 30.0 and 30.9 inches. When possible, we’ve included a link to our test ride review, so you can get a sense of how each bike performs in action. We’ve also included the 2022/23 model year’s U.S. base MSRP (as of publication), claimed wet weight, and seat height. On models with options to lower the seat height or suspension, we’ve listed the standard and lowered seat heights. You can also click on a model’s name to go to the manufacturer’s webpage for a full list of specifications and details.   

The models in this list are arranged by seat height, with the first model having the shortest seat height and the last model having the tallest seat height in the list. 


Honda Grom 

Best Motorcycles Honda Grom

Honda Grom 

$3,499  

30.0-inch seat  

223 lb 

Read our 2022 Honda Grom First Ride Review 


Honda Navi 

Best Motorcycles Honda Navi

Honda Navi 

$1,807  

30.0-inch seat  

234 lb 

Read our 2022 Honda Navi First Ride Review 


Royal Enfield Meteor 350 

Best Motorcycles Royal Enfield Meteor 350

Royal Enfield Meteor 350 

$4,899 

30.1-inch seat  

421 lb 

Read our 2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Road Test Review 


Triumph Speed Twin 900 

Best Motorcycles Triumph Speed Twin 900

Triumph Speed Twin 900 

$9,895 

30.1-inch seat  

476 lb

Read our 2019 Triumph Street Twin (former name) First Ride Review


BMW G 310 R 

Best Motorcycles BMW G 310 R

BMW G 310 R 

$4,995 

30.9-inch seat (optional lower seat to 30.3 inches) 

362 lb  

Read our 2018 BMW G 310 R First Ride Review 


BMW F 900 R 

Best Motorcycles BMW F 900 R

BMW F 900 R 

$8,995 

32-inch seat (optional lower seat to 31.1 inches and lower suspension to 30.3 inches) 

465 lb  

Read our 2020 BMW F 900 R and F 900 XR Road Test Review 


BMW F 750 GS 

Best Motorcycles BMW F 750 GS

BMW F 750 GS 

$9,995 

32.1-inch seat (optional lower seat to 31.1 inches and lower suspension to 30.3 inches) 

493 lb  

Read our 2019 BMW F 850 GS and F 750 GS Road Test Review 


Ducati Monster Plus 

Best Motorcycles Ducati Monster Plus

Ducati Monster Plus 

$12,995 

32.3-inch seat (optional lower seat to 31.5 inches and lower suspension to 30.5 inches) 

366 lb dry  

Read our 2021 Ducati Monster First Ride Review


Honda Monkey 

Best Motorcycles Honda Monkey

Honda Monkey 

$4,249 

30.5-inch seat 

231 lb 

Read our 2019 Honda Monkey First Ride Review 


Ducati Scrambler Icon 

Best Motorcycles Ducati Scrambler Icon

Ducati Scrambler Icon 

$10,995 

31.3-inch seat (optional lower seat to 30.7 inches) 

408 lb 

Read our 2023 Ducati Scrambler Range First Look Review


Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle 

Best Motorcycles Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle

Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle 

$12,195 

31.3-inch seat (optional lower seat to 30.7 inches) 

408 lb 

Read our 2023 Ducati Scrambler Range First Look Review


Ducati Scrambler Nightshift 

Best Motorcycles Ducati Scrambler Nightshift

Ducati Scrambler Nightshift 

$12,195 

31.3-inch seat (optional lower seat to 30.7 inches) 

421 lb 

Read our 2023 Ducati Scrambler Range First Look Review


Honda CBR300R 

Best Motorcycles Honda CBR300R

Honda CBR300R 

$4,899 

30.7-inch seat 

354 lb

Read our 2023 Honda Returning Models First Look Review 


Honda Super Cub C125 

Best Motorcycles Honda Super Cub

Honda Super Cub C125 

$3,849 

30.7-inch seat 

238 lb 

Read our 2019 Honda Super Cub 125 ABS First Ride Review 


Indian FTR 

Best Motorcycles Indian FTR

Indian FTR 

$13,499 

30.7-inch seat 

514 lb 

Read our 2022 Indian FTR S First Ride Review


Indian FTR Sport 

Best Motorcycles Indian FTR Sport

Indian FTR Sport 

$15,749 

30.7-inch seat 

522 lb 

Read our 2023 FTR Sport First Look Review 


Moto Guzzi V7 Stone 

Best Motorcycles Moto Guzzi V7 Stone

Moto Guzzi V7 Stone 

$9,190 

30.7-inch seat 

492 lb 

Read our 2021 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone First Ride Review 


Moto Guzzi V7 Special 

Best Motorcycles Moto Guzzi V7 Special

Moto Guzzi V7 Special 

$9,590 

30.7-inch seat 

492 lb 

Read our 2021 Moto Guzzi V7 Special First look Review


Moto Guzzi V7 Special Edition 

Best Motorcycles Moto Guzzi V7 Special Edition

Moto Guzzi V7 Special Edition 

$9,990 

30.7-inch seat 

480 lb

Read our New and Updated 2023 Moto Guzzi First Look Review 


Yamaha YZF-R3 

Best Motorcycles Yamaha YZF-R3

Yamaha YZF-R3 

$5,499 

30.7-inch seat 

375 lb 

Read our 2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 First Ride Review 


Yamaha MT-03 

Best Motorcycles Yamaha MT-03

Yamaha MT-03 

$4,999 

30.7-inch seat 

373 lb 

Read our 2020 Yamaha MT-03 First Ride Review 


Kawasaki Ninja 400 

Best Motorcycles Kawasaki Ninja 400

Kawasaki Ninja 400 

$5,299 

30.9-inch seat 

362 lb 

Read our 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400 ABS First Ride Review 


Kawasaki Ninja 400 KRT Edition 

Best Motorcycles Kawasaki Ninja 400 KRT Edition

Kawasaki Ninja 400 KRT Edition 

$5,499 

30.9-inch seat 

362 lb 

Read our 2023 Kawasaki Returning Models First Look Review


Kawasaki Z400 ABS 

Best Motorcycles Kawasaki Z400 ABS

Kawasaki Z400 ABS 

$5,399 

30.9-inch seat 

364 lb 

Read our 2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS First Ride Review 


Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber 

Best Motorcycles Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber

Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber 

$10,490 

30.9-inch seat 

463 lb 

Read our 2017 Moto Guzzi V9 Bobber First Ride Review 


Suzuki SV650 

Best Motorcycles Suzuki SV650 ABS

Suzuki SV650 

$7,399 

30.9-inch seat 

432 lb 

Watch our 2017 Suzuki SV50 Video Review 

The post Best Motorcycles for Smaller Riders: Seat Heights 30-30.9 Inches  first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 | Video Review

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
The 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is adds a cruiser to the company’s 650 Twin lineup, which includes the Continental GT cafe racer and INT650 roadster. (Photos by Brandon Bunch & Josh Shipps)

Built on the 650 Twin platform, the new Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 cruiser joins the INT650 roadster and Continental GT cafe racer in the company’s 2023 lineup. We traveled to India for the global press launch to get a first ride on Royal Enfield’s latest model.

The 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is powered by an air/oil-cooled 648cc parallel-Twin that makes a claimed 48 hp and 39 lb-ft of torque. It has styling that leans more British classic than American traditional. Chrome is found only on the dual exhausts and mirrors, while most other finishes are black or satin silver. It’s available in standard trim as well as with Solo Tourer and Grand Tourer accessory packages.

Check out our video review below and read our 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 first ride review.

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Specs

  • Base Price: $7,269 (estimated)
  • Website: RoyalEnfield.com
  • Warranty: 3 yrs., unltd. miles w/ roadside assistance
  • Engine Type: Air/oil-cooled, transverse parallel-Twin, SOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
  • Displacement: 648cc
  • Bore x Stroke: 78.0 x 67.8mm
  • Horsepower: 46.4 @ 7,250 rpm (factory claim)
  • Torque: 38.6 lb-ft @ 5,650 rpm (factory claim)
  • Transmission: 6-speed, cable actuated slip/assist wet clutch
  • Final Drive: Chain
  • Wheelbase: 59.1 in.
  • Rake/Trail: 27.6 degrees/4.7 in.
  • Seat Height: 29.1 in.
  • Wet Weight: 531.3 lb (90% fuel, factory claim)
  • Fuel Capacity: 4.1 gal.

The post 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 | Video Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 | First Ride Review

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
The 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is a new cruiser powered by a 648cc parallel-Twin and built on the same platform as the Continental GT and INT650. (Photos by Brandon Bunch & Josh Shipps / 360Media)

There are many definitions for the word “cruise,” but one of them is to travel “without a precise destination, especially for pleasure.” Another is to “travel smoothly at a moderate or economical speed.” Those definitions apply well to riding a cruiser like the 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650.

In America, “cruiser” brings to mind motorcycles that are long, low, and heavy, typically with a big air-cooled V-Twin and a logo from a heritage brand like Harley-Davidson or Indian on the tank. Royal Enfields have been in continuous production since 1901 – beating Harley-Davidson by two years and matching Indian’s year of birth – so it’s got the heritage part covered. But Royal Enfield takes a different approach to building a cruiser.

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
The 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 will be offered in two configurations: Tourer (left) with a windshield, deluxe two-up seat, and a passenger backrest, and a standard model (right).

Inspired by the 1956-62 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 700 – U.K.’s largest-displacement Twin at the time and available with factory-fitted touring panniers – the new Super Meteor 650 is powered by an air/oil-cooled 648cc parallel-Twin and has styling that leans more British classic than American traditional. Chrome is found only on the dual exhausts and mirrors, while most other finishes are black or satin silver. It’s available in standard trim as well as with Solo Tourer and Grand Tourer accessory packages.

The Super Meteor’s wheels are cast aluminum, with a 19-incher up front carried by an inverted fork and a 16-incher out back flanked by exposed dual shocks. With reasonably generous rear suspension travel, a 29.1-inch seat height, and a 59.1-inch wheelbase, it is both taller and shorter than most cruisers. (The Indian Scout Sixty, for example, has a 25.6-inch seat height and a 62-inch wheelbase.)

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
The 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 has comfortable ergos, even for a tall husky fellow like me.

Riding Through Rajasthan

Based in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield invited motojournalists from around the world to its home country for a first ride on the Super Meteor 650. Over the course of two days, we logged nearly 300 miles on rough-and-tumble roads in the western state of Rajasthan, a mostly desert region that borders Pakistan. Curves were few, but road hazards were many, including crumbling (or missing) pavement, teeth-rattling cobblestones, unexpected dips and drops, ubiquitous speed bumps of all shapes and sizes, and even a long, deep patch of sand.

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Jean Turner, Royal Enfield North America’s PR representative, navigates her way through traffic at the Jaisalmer Fort in Rajasthan, India.

The real-world handling course was made spicier by chaotic swarms of pint-sized motorcycles, smoke-belching tuk-tuks, trailer-towing farm tractors, clapped-out busses, and overloaded trucks. Since India is a former British colony, everyone drove on the left side of the road, but otherwise traffic laws were all but ignored. Oh, and let’s not forget the wandering (and sacred) cows, herds of goats and sheep, unpredictable dogs, even more unpredictable pedestrians, and a few camels.

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Riding in India means sharing the road with all kinds of people, animals, and vehicles. Stay frosty!

“In India, horns are wear items,” said Mark Hoyer, Cycle World’s editor-in-chief, and using them is its own artful language. Trucks in India are often colorfully painted, and many have “BLOW HORN” written in large letters on the back.

So we didn’t exactly ride the Super Meteor 650 for pleasure, nor did we ride it smoothly or at a moderate speed. But the ride certainly was memorable.

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Built for the rough, challenging roads of India, the 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is robust.

Soul of a Royal Enfield Super Meteor

The Super Meteor 650 is the third model built on Royal Enfield’s 650 Twin platform. The first two were the Continental GT and INT650, both of which debuted for 2019. All three share an air/oil-cooled 648cc parallel-Twin with large cooling fins, SOHC with four valves per cylinder, and a single-piece forged, counterbalanced crankshaft with a 270-degree firing interval. The engine has a 9.5:1 compression ratio and runs on regular fuel, with injection and engine management supplied by Bosch. For the Super Meteor, the Twin gets new engine covers and darker finishes.

Related: 2019 Royal Enfield INT650 and Continental GT | Road Test Review

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Exploded view of Royal Enfield’s 648cc parallel-Twin. (Photo courtesy Royal Enfield)

All modern Royal Enfields are jointly designed by teams at the company’s design centers in the U.K. and India. The Super Meteor 650 was extensively tested and validated with state-of-the-art rigs and lab equipment as well as a purported 1 million kilometers on a variety of roads. The engine endured 1,500 hours on the dyno under various duty cycles, and bikes were subjected to rain, deep water, mud, altitude, and harsh environmental conditions.

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Riding through village ruins near Khaba Fort in far-western Rajasthan, where the roads were covered in sand and dried cow manure.

Although a 650 is considered a big bike in India – most motorcycles are 100-125cc – it’s considered a middleweight by American standards. The 650 Twins are global models designed to be accessible for as many riders as possible. The engine fires up eagerly, idles quietly, and chugs along at a relaxed cadence with smooth throttle response, minimal vibration (just a touch of that Twin tingle), and easy-to-manage power. Like the Continental GT and INT650, claimed output is 46.4 hp at 7,250 rpm and 38.6 lb-ft of torque at 5,250 rpm. Modest figures, yes, but the Super Meteor 650 felt peppy pulling away from a stop and ran at 80 mph without complaint for long stretches of our test ride.

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
The 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 has a relaxed, upright riding position.

Gear Up

Royal Enfield endeavored to create what it considers a “proper” cruiser – one with a relaxed riding position where the rider’s body line is slightly reclined. Unlike the stretched-out, arched-back rider triangle of long and low cruisers, riders sit more upright on the Super Meteor, and the ergonomics are compatible with spending long hours in the saddle. I’m 6 feet tall with long arms and a 34-inch inseam, and I found the seat to be supportive (it’s wide at the back for comfort and narrow in front for easy stand-over), the angle and position of the pullback handlebar to bet natural, and the forward foot controls to be sensibly placed.

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Though it doesn’t conform to American cruiser orthodoxy, the 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is well-suited to cruising distances both short and long.

Royal Road Warrior

Like the other 650 Twins, the Super Meteor 650 is solidly built. Its tubular-steel spine frame was jointly designed with Harris Performance (now owned by parent company Eicher Motors Ltd.), and it’s made from a combination of investment casting, pressing, extrusion, and forging. Below the seat is a V-shaped rear frame loop that mimics those found on other Royal Enfields like the Bullet and the Meteor 350.

Related: Living with an ‘Iron Barrel’ Royal Enfield Bullet 500

Related: 2021 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 | Road Test Review

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
The tubular-steel frame loop that wraps around the side covers is similar to the one found on the Bullet and Meter 350. The shocks have five-position preload adjustment.

Up front, a nonadjustable 43mm Showa Separate Function Big Piston fork – the first inverted fork offered on a Royal Enfield – has 4.7 inches of travel. Out back, dual shocks have five-position preload adjustment and 4 inches of travel. Damping was compliant with minimal harshness even under the adverse road conditions we encountered – especially those infernal speed bumps – and the rear springs were robust enough to support my husky bodyweight. Single discs – 320mm in front, 300mm at rear – are pinched by 2-piston floating calipers that provide decent stopping power, with standard anti-skid insurance (ABS).

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Although curves were scarce on our two-day, 300-mile test ride, those we did encounter were handled with ease.

With a wide handlebar, a tidy wheelbase, and narrow tires (100/90-19 and 150/80-16), the 531-lb Super Meteor wound around curves and dodged obstacles with ease. The agility test we perform repeatedly at press launches and photoshoots is U-turns, and during those tight maneuvers the bike’s steering felt neutral and its weight balanced.

Ensconced within a satin-finished bezel, the Super Meteor 650’s LED headlight is another first for Royal Enfield. The bright-white light is eye-catching during the day, and as we found out while riding back to our hotel after late-light photography, it projects a wide, distant beam at night. Mounted on the rear fender is an LED tail/brake light. The Super Meteor comes standard with a centerstand, which simplifies chain maintenance.

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Late-light photography and an after-dark ride back to the hotel provided a good opportunity to evaluate the bright headlight.

Fit and Finish

Building on the impressive foundation of the Continental GT and INT650, the Super Meteor 650 is Royal Enfield’s most premium motorcycle to date. There are thoughtful, attractive details from stem to stern, such as a crossbar bearing an embossed Royal Enfield logo inside the headlight. The headlight holder, upper and lower yoke, and handlebar risers and clamps are all made of forged aluminum with an anodized finish. Both hand levers are adjustable for reach, and the switch cubes are made of aluminum with a satin finish. The dual round gauges include a large meter with analog speedometer and an inset multifunction digital display. A smaller meter houses the Tripper navigation system, which provides turn-by-turn routing.

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Cockpit view shows the two round gauges, as well as the the satin finishes on the top yoke, bar riser and clamps, and fuel filler cap.

On the 4.1-gal teardrop tank is a beautiful meteor-shaped Royal Enfield badge that follows the shape of the tank and echoes winged Royal Enfield logos of the past. The brushed aluminum fuel filler cap is lovely to behold. Several colorways include gold pinstriping on the tank that’s done by hand – by the same two brothers who have worked at the Chennai factory for years.

The Celestial Red Tourer version I rode at the launch had a two-tone tank as well as several accessories – a windshield, a deluxe two-up seat, and a passenger backrest. The windshield provided good protection from oncoming airflow, and its center vent equalizes pressure to reduce buffeting. Others rode a solo version of the standard model with the small pillion pad replaced by a fender-hugging rear rack. Grouped under Grand Tourer and Solo Tourer themes, there are 50 Genuine Motorcycle Accessories for the Super Meteor 650, including hard-shell saddlebags, a top box, machined alloy wheels, and a long list of bolt-on bits for both style and function.

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
The 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Tourer variant in Celestial Red.

At the global launch in January, Royal Enfield announced pricing and availability for Europe and India, but that information has not yet been released for the U.S. By way of comparison, the U.K. price for the Super Meteor 650 is £6,799, and the Continental GT with a chrome tank is priced at £6,899. In the U.S., the same Continental GT model starts at $7,149, so if pricing is roughly equivalent, then expect to pay about $7,269 for the Super Meteor 650 here.

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
The base-model 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 in Interstellar Green. (Photo courtesy Royal Enfield)

Its nearest competitor in the U.S. is the Kawasaki Vulcan S, which also has a 650cc parallel-Twin and is priced at $7,899. But it lacks passenger accommodations and isn’t nearly as attractive as the Royal Enfield.

Keep On Cruisin’

On several occasions during my first year as a Rider staffer, my enthusiasm exceeded my skills, resulting in me dumping a few bikes. While crying the blues to my friend Maeve about putting my dream job at risk, she reassured me and said, “You’ve got to find your inner cruiser.”

As much as I like to live the old CityBike motto – ride fast and take chances – I’ve also learned to slow down and enjoy a more relaxed riding style. Cruisers are meant to cruise and to look good doing it. The Super Meteor 650 does both – impressively so for such a reasonable price.

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 Specs

  • Base Price: $7,269 (estimated)
  • Website: RoyalEnfield.com
  • Warranty: 3 yrs., unltd. miles w/ roadside assistance
  • Engine Type: Air/oil-cooled, transverse parallel-Twin, SOHC w/ 4 valves per cyl.
  • Displacement: 648cc
  • Bore x Stroke: 78.0 x 67.8mm
  • Horsepower: 46.4 @ 7,250 rpm (factory claim)
  • Torque: 38.6 lb-ft @ 5,650 rpm (factory claim)
  • Transmission: 6-speed, cable actuated slip/assist wet clutch
  • Final Drive: Chain
  • Wheelbase: 59.1 in.
  • Rake/Trail: 27.6 degrees/4.7 in.
  • Seat Height: 29.1 in.
  • Wet Weight: 531.3 lb (90% fuel, factory claim)
  • Fuel Capacity: 4.1 gal.

The post 2023 Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 | First Ride Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Royal Enfield Opens New CKD Assembly Facility in Brazil

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.


Royal Enfield Brazil facility
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.

Read all of Rider’s Royal Enfield coverage here.

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.

Related: 2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 | First Ride Review

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.

Royal Enfield Brazil facility
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 Brazil facility
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.”

Related: 2022 Royal Enfield Scram 411 | First Look Review

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.

The post Royal Enfield Opens New CKD Assembly Facility in Brazil first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

Living with an ‘Iron Barrel’ Royal Enfield Bullet 500

2006 Royal Enfield Bullet 500
My time machine: a 2006 Royal Enfield Bullet 500. (Photos by the author)

Why on earth did I recently pick up a 2006 “iron barrel” Royal Enfield Bullet 500? In a word, nostalgia.

The last bike I had to kickstart was a used 1970s Honda Trail 70 that I got on my 10th birthday. It was loud and burned oil, and I terrorized the neighborhood’s backroads at a blistering 30 mph. That bike was life, and it made me feel like Evel Knievel. Some of my friends’ parents thought I was a bad seed as a result, but I was just having fun and caught the adrenaline bug early (and some of the suit-wearing dads were probably jealous).

2006 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 / Honda Trail 70
Look out world, here I come!

My first streetbike was a used 1989 Honda NT650 Hawk, which was fast in its day and a real performer, and I’ve craved that rush ever since. Fast forward to today, and I’m riding a supercharged Kawasaki Z H2 that doesn’t disappoint.

I guess I’m about to age myself, but it’s been 33 years since I last kickstarted a bike (at 15) and here I am kickstarting a streetbike in 2022 – a new-to-me 2006 Royal Enfield Bullet 500. That sounds fairly new, but these bikes are anomalies as they’re basically 1955 designs. India had strict tariffs for decades that kept foreign competition out, so there wasn’t an urgency to update what became a timeless design. It’s like a Volkswagen Beetle on two wheels.

2006 Royal Enfield Bullet 500
The first Royal Enfield Bullet was built in England in 1931. The last one was built in India in 2020.

The first Royal Enfield motorcycle was built in 1901 by the Enfield Cycle Company of Redditch, England. In 1931, Royal Enfield introduced the Bullet, a single-cylinder motorcycle available in 350cc or 500cc displacements that was built in the UK until 1966. Like many other British manufacturers at the time, Royal Enfield suffered a slow, ignominious decline and finally went belly up in 1970.

Related: The Royal Enfield Story

In 1955, India’s Madras Motors was granted a license to build Bullets, and Royal Enfield India was established as an independent company. It thrived, outlasting its English cousin and growing into one of the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturers, headquartered on India’s southeastern coast in Chennai. Bullets were produced essentially unchanged for more than five decades until they were upgraded in 2008 to an all-aluminum unit construction engine (UCE) with fuel injection. Bullets continued to be produced until 2020. In 2022, the iconic Bullet styling was reborn in the Classic 350.

Related: 2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 Review

Why Subject Myself to This?

The pre-UCE Bullet’s reputation is interesting; it’s a quirky, no-frills, underpowered bike with quality control issues and bizarre maintenance needs, but it’s also one of the most iconic models in history. In fact, it holds the claim as the longest-running motorcycle model in continuous production: 90 years, from 1931 to 2020. It beats the venerable Harley Sportster, which was produced for 66 years (1957-2022).

Related: Evo Sportster | End of an Era

2006 Royal Enfield Bullet 500
The breezy engine room of my “iron barrel” Bullet 500.

Technicalities aside, no other bike from the 21st century provides such an “old world” experience as an Royal Enfield Bullet with cast iron cylinder barrels in an aluminum head. Even Harley changed to all aluminum engines in the mid-1980s to keep up with foreign competitors. I just had to know why a traditional Bullet is such an icon. Or to think about it another way: What was it like riding in my grandfather’s day? (Hint: horrible.)

This particular bike is a solid runner, but it has multiple issues and took many nights in the garage to get it where it is today. There’s some piston slap (likely an issue with bearings), the timing gears are a bit worn, and the transmission is so sloppy that every gear change is a potential false neutral. Finding actual neutral is challenging enough that it could qualify as an Olympic event. Since operating this bike is more art than science, I wear old sneakers so I can really feel the shifter.

2006 Royal Enfield Bullet 500
The neutral light is like my North Star.

Kickstarting a bike that’s loud, obnoxious, and problematic takes me back to the Honda that my dad rolled into the kitchen when I thought a pair of shoes and jeans were my only 10th birthday gifts. 

I’m Not Embarrassed

When I’m on my Kawi Z H2, I feel kinda cool. It looks futuristic, sounds amazing, and is almost always the fastest bike on the road. Only a handful of other naked bikes can compete – Ducati V4 Streetfighter, Aprilia Tuono V4, Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS, you get the idea. It’s never about image and always about having fun, though on rare occasions I do pretend to be Batman (minus the cape). What can I say? When stopped at lights, people sometimes stare and even ask questions. It’s just one of those bikes.

2006 Royal Enfield Bullet 500
What are you looking at?

My Royal Enfield Bullet, however, elicits different kinds of stare. Some people think I’m broke and desperately trying to get somewhere on an old, loud, crappy bike. Others give me a nod of admiration. Some recognize it for what it is, while others simply appreciate vintage bikes – or a motorcycle built in 2006 that looks like it was built in 1955.

Related: 2010 Royal Enfield Bullet C5 Classic Review

Let’s back up for a second. Like I said, it’s not about image, but this bike just screams for attention. The exhaust is already loud, and there are rattles and knocks that would scare an antique chainsaw. When I can tune out the clatter and hear the distinctive thumping of the 500cc Single, however, it starts to make sense. There’s a legit icon underneath the proverbial rust (although there’s some real rust too). The noise tends to quiet down in 4th and 5th gears, and having a sense of what bikes were like in the mid-20th century is kind of cool. When parked, I’m amazed that so much ruckus can come from such a small bike. It’s like a rabid chihuahua.

2006 Royal Enfield Bullet 500
Classic analog gauges served motorcyclists well for decades. We don’t need no steenking TFT.

Riding the Mean Streets of L.A.

Los Angeles is an interesting place to ride. Some of the best motorcycling roads are located within reach – the Pacific Coast Highway, all the legendary Malibu roads (Mulholland, Latigo, Piuma, Stunt, Decker, etc.), and the Angeles Crest Highway, to name drop just a few. But cruising through the city is a different experience entirely. Traffic is notoriously bad, as are the drivers, but a bike like the Bullet 500 is designed for this. Have you ever seen the chaotic car, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian, and animal traffic in India? It’s pure mayhem.

That said, I’ve never ridden a streetbike like I do the Bullet. I’m more focused on engine noise and when to shift and am hesitant to exceed 50 mph as the engine complains in no uncertain terms. I already feel like a hospice caregiver forcing my patient to jog, so pushing it to a sprint is probably ill-advised.

2006 Royal Enfield Bullet 500
Ye olde kickstarter.

Let’s start on a typical cold November morning. The kickstand is missing, so it’s a centerstand-only affair, although that’s ideal for kickstarters. The bike originally came with a points ignition system, but somewhere along the line it was upgraded to an electronic ignition. That’s a more reliable system but negates a traditional way to kickstart the bike. You want the piston at top dead center, and with points, the ammeter (next to the speedometer) can signal this position. It doesn’t work with an electronic ignition, so I just go by feel and when it seems close enough. I’ve reached a point where it starts within three kicks when cold. That sounds positively archaic, but prior to getting my Bullet truly road worthy, it could take 10 or even 15 minutes to start. I don’t care what kind of shape you’re in, that’s exhausting.

After a few minutes of questionable rattles and knocks, it’s warmed up and ready to roll. I maybe use 50% of the throttle as I again don’t want to push it, and that makes an already slow bike even slower. We’re talking about 23 hp (when new). There are drum brakes front and rear, so I plan stops accordingly as it’s like slowing a freight train.

2006 Royal Enfield Bullet 500
Going nowhere fast but having fun.

Lane splitting is easy as the bike is loud and narrow, but overtaking cars just isn’t a thing, and those ubiquitous pay-as-you-go electric Lime scooters can easily pass me. It’ll comfortably cruise at 50 mph and blend in as a bona fide motorcycle, though. Honestly, I’d be miserable if this was my only bike (see supercharged Kawasaki Z H2 above), but as a second or third bike, it’s entertaining, and I’m no longer concerned it’ll leave me stranded. It even handled a recent 25-mile ride like a champion asthmatic senior Great Dane with hip dysplasia.

Night Riding is a Lesson in Improvising

Everything works during the day (relatively), but things change after dark. The headlight turns on (you can also turn it off), but it draws too much power and tries to stall the bike. It’s an aftermarket unit and the battery charges fine, so I’m not sure if it’s an alternator thing or just the wrong third-party light. The speedometer doesn’t light up at all, although that’s likely just a blown bulb. Thankfully the motorcycle gods have left the neutral light intact because if that didn’t provide its faint green glow, the already difficult transmission would be nigh impossible to deal with. It’s important to ride this bike often to keep it healthy, as even parking it for a week can cause issues, including oil settling (called wet sumping). Therefore, I’m forced to ride at night on occasion. 

2006 Royal Enfield Bullet 500
Night rider.

My current solution is to (allegedly) use a very powerful handlebar light for mountain bikes. It’s brighter with a wider spread than the stock headlight and designed for rough terrain, so the heavy engine vibrations aren’t problematic. I’m not sure about the exact legalities, which is why I allegedly do it. And it allegedly works very well. The beam even lights the speedometer on its way to the street. The permanent solution is either a stock headlight or new alternator, and I’m hoping the former is the answer.

Is It Worth It?

Back when my bike was new, Rider tested a 2006 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 ES Electra X, which is an upgraded, premium edition. Things were a little problematic even then, so you can imagine what the years, multiple owners, and almost 20,000 miles can do to a very old Indian design. It amazes me that this Bullet was sold new in 2006, but I also appreciate it. It’s not for everyone – and I’d only recommend it as a second bike – but the overall experience is unlike anything built after the early 1970s. Build quality is questionable, regardless of mileage or abuse, and as mentioned earlier, it’s quirky by even the most charitable standards of today. I also have a 2022 Royal Enfield Continental GT 650, which is basically a 1960s cafe racer without the headaches, and it might as well be from a different manufacturer. Royal Enfield has come a very long way, and the Continental can (kind of) rival a modern Triumph.

2022 Royal Enfield Continental GT
My 2022 Royal Enfield Continental GT is a looker and a runner.

So, is it worth it? Yeah, but only for the right person. This is all about riding a historic model, understanding its shortcomings, and appreciating how far motorcycles have come. It’s a snapshot of the 1950s, not the 21st century, which is an important distinction. Don’t let “2006” fool you. If I didn’t have my other bikes, I’d likely hate the Bullet, but as a niche ride that doesn’t have responsibilities (as in, actually getting me somewhere fast), this iconic piece of British-Indian engineering will always have a home in my garage.

The post Living with an ‘Iron Barrel’ Royal Enfield Bullet 500 first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com