Royal Enfield -The path of rebirth of the Royal Enfield came to the Summit. There are three new models. The Continental GT, sporty, the Bullet 500, the most long-lived, and the Classic 500, timeless.
In the beautiful setting of Villa Reale, in Monza, Italy, Motorlands tests the three “sisters”, thanks to Valentino Motor Company Spa. From November 2015 it is the official Italian importer for the Indian manufacturer. “In five months, we created from scratch a network of 58 dealers throughout the Italy. In the first half, we registered 228 2016 bikes. However, today we are already at 249. By the end of the year, we hope to reach the 100 retailers.” said Tommaso Valentino, who hosted us in Monza.
Turning to the practical part, climb aboard a Royal Enfield, it allows you to take a leap into the past. Rich in glory and experience, but also capacity for rebirth. For first, I tested the Classic 500. We start to color. Chrome, Desert Storm and Battle Green. Many colors, even in the tank. The engine is the same of the Bullet, but the two bikes share many similar characteristics. So, change only the wheels and the design. A more rounded lines. Then, you drive well. Thanks to higher handlebar of the Bullet.
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Royal Enfield: the Sporty Continental GT
Let’s move to the Continental GT. The Sporty one. The most in line with the trend of the moment. The Cafe’ Racer. If you are looking for comfort, then go back to the Classic 500. Here you have to tighten the tank between the legs, small and narrow, 13.5 litres, and get used braking more decisive. Here we have more power.
The engine is from 535 cc and not from 499 cc as the Classic 500 and Bullet. 29.1 PS (21.4 kW) at 5,100 rpm, with torque increased to 4.5 kgm (44 Nm), always at 4,000 rpm. The Continental GT is powered by the double cradle frame Harris Performance, the saddle seat, even if the passenger foot pegs, and the tail is curved. Despite being the more sporty, the horses are not excessive. So, we can say that this model is made to enjoy the scenery on a beautiful day out and to attract the attention of passers-by.
Royal Enfield: The Legendary Bullet 500
Finally, there’s the Bullet. Royal Enfield’s icon. Born to the British armed forces during World War II. Today, the Indian army used the Bullet. However, this iconic motorcycle has a very long life, made of ups and downs, but so much glory and desire for redemption. That is why we can say that the Bullet is the star of this 2017 range. The engine is a 4-stroke single cylinder 499cc OHV, air cooled, electronic fuel injection. 27.2 HP (20 kW) at 5,250 rpm and 41.3 Nm of torque declared at 4,000 rpm. The chassis is a tubular steel.
280 mm disc brakes up front and drum at the rear. Despite the shapes and the weight of history, just climb aboard the Bullet you know I had a two wheeled light and easy to drive, thanks to a small, curved handlebars. Here the transmission becomes more fluid and the gears engage easily. Good braking and ease of handling by means of low seat, 800 mm.
