Mar 2013 - Royal Enfield

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JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2013
Royal Enfield
Tour of Rajasthan 2013
TOUR OF ROK
5 GETAWAYS
THE BIKERNI
FLASHBACK : INDIAN WESTERNER

KICKSTART
inside
02 Upcoming Rides
• Himalayan Odyssey
• REunion North
...............................................................
04 Keep Riding
5 Getaways
...............................................................
06 Rider Profile
The Bikerni
...............................................................
07 Marquee Ride
• REunion West
• Royal Enfield Tour of
Rajasthan 2013
• Royal Enfield Tour of ROK
2013
...............................................................
16 Destination
• Sariska Wildlfe Sanctuary
...............................................................
18 News
• Latest Happenings
• New Dealerhips
...............................................................
20 International
• Royal Enfield Owners Club
• Flashback : Indian Westerner
...............................................................
Editorial Team: Praveen P Sathaye,
Abhijit Brar, Shaji Koshy, Swati Mitra
and Anumeha Saxena
International Contributing Editor:
Gordon May
Published by: Royal Enfield,
A Unit of Eicher Motors Limited
Gurgaon
.............................................................
Do send us your feedback at
thebeat@royalenfield.com
We are pleased to bring to
you this issue of The Beat
which marks the first one
for this year in its new
avatar. Besides seeing a change of hands
at the helm of Royal Enfield, we have also
seen the successful launch of the riding
season with three marquee rides.
The new events held this quarter were
the Royal Enfield REunion West which
took place in Mahabaleshwar and served
as one big gathering for Royal Enfield
enthusiasts. Our marquee ride calendar
started off with the Tour of Rajasthan in
February 2013, followed by the Tour of
Rann of Kutch (ROK). While the Tour
of Rajasthan saw the riders tackle the
shifting sands, ROK took them across
the vast desolate salt flats in the Rann of
Kutch invoking the spirit of adventure.
Details of the other rides lined up in
the coming months can be found in this
issue, as well as in the Royal Enfield 2013
Rides Journal, a copy of which can be
picked up from your nearest Royal Enfield
dealer or downloaded from the website.
Celebrating the spirit of International
Women’s Day, this issue also features
the all-women riding club — ‘The
Bikerni’. This issue also brings a newly
introduced section on weekend getaways
from a motorcycling perspective. The
centrespread is a pull-out poster from
one of our epic rides.
A detailed listing of all the dealers
which have opened up in the first quarter
of 2013 is also put up in the Dealer News
section.
Republic Day was
celebrated with much fervour
with numerous Royal Enfield
riders and enthusiasts coming
out and expressing solidarity
towards the nation by riding
together from many dealerships
and showrooms
The International section brings to
you news from the world of Royal Enfield
across the globe and features one of the
older models in the Flashback section.
We look forward to your contributions
and feedback on this new look and on the
articles you have been reading. Send us a
mail at thebeat@royalenfield.com
Editorial Team
The Beat
JANUARY | FEBRUARY| MARCH 2013 1

UPCOMING RIDES
ROYAL
ENFIELD
Himalayan
Odyssey
2013
.....................................................................
Himalayan Odyssey 2013,
the 10th edition of the ride, will
take one through three mountain
ranges and six passes - reaching a
dizzying height of 18,380 feet at
Khardung La pass
REGISTER
NOW
ITINERARY : 21st June – 7th July 2013
Day 1 : Scrutiny and Briefing - New Delhi
Day 2 : New Delhi - Parwanoo | 276 kms
Day 3 : Parwanoo - Narkanda | 158 kms
Day 4 : Narkanda - Kalpa | 213 kms
Day 5 : Kalpa - Kaza | 210 kms
Day 6 : Kaza
Day 7 : Kaza - Debring | 200 kms
Day 8 : Debring - Leh | 120 kms
Day 9 : Leh
Day 10 : Leh - Hunder | 130 kms
Day 11 : Hunder - Leh | 130 kms
Day 12 : Leh - Debring | 120 kms
Day 13 : Debring - Keylong | 235 kms
Day 14 : Keylong - Manali | 130 kms
Day 15 : Manali - Chandigarh | 130 kms
Day 16 : Chandigarh - New Delhi |
240 kms
.................................................................
To know more about the Himalayan
Odyssey please send a mail to
Santhosh Vijay Kumar at svkumar@
royalenfield.com
Considered the holy
grail of all motorcycle
rides in India, the 10th edition of the
Himalayan Odyssey, will take one
through three mountain ranges and six
passes - reaching a dizzying height of
18,380 feet at Khardung La pass.
The sense of pride and achievement
begins from New Delhi itself where an
impressive flag off ceremony marks
the commencement of the ride and this
prevails all the way till the last rider rolls
back into New Delhi at the grand finale.
Being the 10th edition celebrations, we
are looking for 100 riders to join us for
this adventure of a lifetime.
The Himalayan Odyssey is so
action-packed that it feels like several
rides packed into one. Starting off in
the sweltering heat of the plains, the
ride gradually enters the hilly areas
with tantalising curves. There is a high
possibility that you could be drenched in
the monsoon showers.
By the time you start enjoying the
solitude of the hills, you reach Leh which
is like an oasis. Nubra Valley exposes
you to a more gentle and idyllic part of
Ladakh, while Spiti valley in Himachal
Pradesh opens up another dimension
altogether.
For some, a ride to Ladakh marks
a transformation from boyhood to
manhood and for some others from
manhood to childhood. The ride can be
a difficult learning experience and you
would enjoy it more if you already have
some experience.
Recommended For : Experienced Royal
Enfield riders.
To know more about the Himalayan
Odyssey 2013, please send a mail to
Santhosh Vijay Kumar at svkumar@
royalenfield.com
2
JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2013

UPCOMING RIDES
LOREM IPSUM
ROYAL
ENFIELD
REUNION
NORTH
.....................................................................
The REunion will indeed
be a high point — both in location
and in scale
REGISTER
NOW
ITINERARY : 30th June 2013
Day 1 : Ride in, events and ride out
.................................................................
To know more about the Royal Enfield
REunion North, write in to Adarsh Saxena
on asaxena3@royalenfield.com
This June would see
Ladakh, the holy land
of the Lamas, come alive to the beat of
a thousand thumps as Royal Enfield
celebrates REunion (North). This annual
motorcycling meet is organised by Royal
Enfield for the diehard fans of this region.
Besides a musical extravaganza, the
action-packed weekend would see various
motorcycle related events and games with
attractive prizes to be won.
The events would include team events
like ‘Assembly Wars’ and ‘Carry Your
Bike’ which would test the sheer strength
and knowledge of the enthusiasts as well
as the popular individual event ‘Slow
Race’ which tests the riding skills of the
participants.
One major attraction at the REunion
North shall be the riders of the Himalayan
Odyssey, riding into the venue, as part of
their celebratory 10th edition ride.
These riders will make a detour
into the REunion North venue before
returning to the epic ride to conquer the
rugged mountains.
Registrations for REunion North will
open in a few days . For more details log
on to the Royal Enfield website.
For all the riders headed to Ladakh for
the ‘Highest Royal Enfield get-together',
assistance in terms of accommodation
and route plan will be provided.
Technical assistance would also
be provided since motorcycles would
need some R&R after riding through the
challenging terrain.
Save your dates for 30th June, when
Leh would host the ‘Highest Gathering’
of Royal Enfield motorcycles. Be there.
For more information on the Royal
Enfield REunion North, please write
in to Adarsh Saxena at asaxena3@
royalenfield.com
JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2013
3

KEEP RIDING
5
Getaways
The following rides were organised by Royal Enfield across the
country under the ‘Keep Riding’ initiative, to encourage enthusiasts
to ride out on their motorcycles
1
Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar for REunion West
On 1st March, 2013, 34 riders on 27 motorcycles started from the Royal Enfield
showroom in Bandra riding out for the Royal Enfield REunion West organised at
Mahabaleshwar. This was one of the few rides undertaken by the Bandra Brand Store
to encourage Royal Enfield enthusiasts to ride out and enjoy the spirit of motorcycling.
The ride took them from Bandra to Mahabaleshwar via Panvel, Lonavla, Pune and
Shirval. Climbing up the Khambataki Ghat was one experience none of the riders
would forget as their thundering machines made good use of the high torque and
lumbered up the winding twisties leaving behind a trail of crawling traffic. Crossing
Wai, the riders climbed the Pasarni Ghat leading to Panchgani and went further ahead
to Mahabaleshwar where they thundered into a resort for the REunion. The riders
participated enthusiastically in various competitions and won prizes. After sundown
when the music took over, the riders danced the evening away. After the REunion
ended, everyone packed up early next morning and left Mahabaleshwar and rode out
towards Panchgani and further downhill to Wai. The return journey was much more
exciting as the experience at the REunion had recharged them completely. The ride
on NH 4 was smooth and the riders reached the outskirts of Mumbai by evening and
dispersed after bidding each other goodbye.
< To join more such rides from the Royal Enfield Brand Stores in Bandra, Mumbai
please get in touch with Harshil Desai at hjdesai@royalenfield.com >
..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................
2
Mumbai to Vikramgad and Jawahar
A group of enthusiastic riders headed out on the NH 8 from Mumbai towards Jawahar
on 9th March, 2013. The initial part of the ride took them through the western suburbs
of Mumbai where they crossed the Vasai Creek bridge before finally cruising on the open
highways. The ride lead was young Adash Sawant who not only took the initiative of
scouting out this interesting location but also led the riders in a well arranged formation
as they negotiated highway traffic. After riding beyond Vasai and Virar, the riders went
further via Manor to Kasa where they rode off the highway taking a narrow road leading
up to Jawahar via the Dhamni Dam in Vikramgad. Vikramgad is famous for its rich
cultural heritage that can be seen in the renowned Warli paintings. The riders visited
this heritage destination and then rode back via the Dahanu road, hitting NH 8 and
then riding back to Mumbai.
< To join more such rides from Mumbai, please get in touch with Harshil Desai at
hjdesai@royalenfield.com >
..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................
4
JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2013

KEEP
RIDING
3
Mumbai to Tapola/Kaas
The year began with a bang for the riders from Mumbai who got together to ride into the
hills on 12th January, 2013. The destination was the lush green scenic location of Kaas
plateau and Tapola lake which are situated in the valley below. The riders started from
the Bandra Brand Store early in the morning and rode up to Lonavla before descending
to Pune and riding further ahead to Mahabaleshwar. From Mahabaleshwar, they rode
down to Tapola lake. Kaas plateau is known as the ‘Valley of Flowers’ of the Western
Ghats and provides a great road to ride upon, winding through the Western Ghats.
The return journey to Mumbai was again via NH 4. The ride marked the beginning of
the riding season for the year 2013 for many of the enthusiastic riders who rode out in
groups.
< To join more such rides from the Royal Enfield Brand Stores in Bandra, Mumbai
please get in touch with Harshil Desai at hjdesai@royalenfield.com >
..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................
4
Mumbai to Mulshi Dam
A large group of enthusiastic riders rode out from Mumbai to the Mulshi Dam on
16th February, 2013. The riders went from Mumbai to Lonavla and then further ahead
to the scenic lake Mulshi and the dam close by. This was an opportunity for them to
let loose their motorcycling spirit, away from the clamour of the city. The ride was led
by Chetan Ail, who ensured that throughout the journey, the riders rode in discipline
and with safety. Breaks were taken whenever rest was essential for the riders and their
machines. Once the riders reached the destination, they just rode out into the open
space surrounding the lake. The riders covered a total distance of 500 kms in this 2-day
ride and rode back to Mumbai on 17th February. Those who had come for this ride for
the first time went back promising to be back for the ride next month.
< To join more such rides from the Royal Enfield Brand Stores in Bandra, Mumbai
please get in touch with Harshil Desai at hjdesai@royalenfield.com >
..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................
5
New Delhi to Jim Corbett
On 23rd February, a total of 19 Royal Bikers started their ride to Jim Corbett National
Park from Kaytee Auto in Mahipalpur, Delhi. The rain did slow down the average speed
but could not deter the spirit of the enthusiastic riders. The riders were followed by a
backup vehicle and took their first pit stop for tea near Hapur. At Gajraula, the riders
had lunch, checked their motorcycles and took respite from the rain. Braving the
adverse weather, the riders finally reached their destination after riding for close to
10 hours. Everyone reached the Corbett River Creek Resort at 3 pm and took some rest.
In the evening live music livened up the atmosphere. Early next morning, the riders
went out to explore the core area of the National Park with the help of some local forest
experts. Everyone was ready by 10 am to start their journey back to Delhi.
< To join more such rides from the Royal Enfield dealership in Delhi please
get in touch with Anil Goyal at agoyal@royalenfield.com or Royal Bikers at
royalbikersdelhi@gmail.com >
..............................................................................................................................................................................................................................
JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2013 5

LOREM IPSUM
CLUB PROFILE
The Bikerni
ounded on 16th
F
January 2011, The
Bikerni, is India’s first
all-women motorcycle
association and is the
brainchild of Firdaus Shaikh and Urvashi
Patole. Avid riders themselves, these two
ladies felt the need to have more women
in the motorcycling fraternity, given the
sense of liberation and satisfaction that
riding offers.
Today, within a short span of two
years, The Bikerni has more than 200
members - online and offline- engaging
in a host of activities for women like long
......................................................................
Their aim is to break the
stereotype that women cannot
ride motorcycles, and show the
world that Indian women are
not just confined to the boundaries
of their home and work
......................................................................
rides, club meets, tours, riding schools
and events.
Besides Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai,
Kolkata, Bangalore and Pune, there
is a steady increase in the number
of members from smaller towns of
Rajasthan, Punjab, and Arunachal
Pradesh. Ten core members look into the
day-to-day activities of the club.
The Bikerni has a strong social
media presence and constantly keeps
conversations going with followers.
It is India’s first and only all-women
motorcycle club to ride to Khardung La
– the world’s highest motorable road.
The 15-day long journey had ten Bikernis
ride from Delhi to Ladakh. This record
has been officially registered in the Limca
Book of World Records. Bikernis from all
across India also rode in the India Bike
Week in Goa held recently.
The club has been covered by the
Times of India, HT, DNA, Women’s
Health, Marie Claire, BBC, NDTV, and
IBN Lokmat. The Bikerni has the honour
of representing India at WIMA (Women’s
International Motorcycle Association).
Both Firdaus and Urvashi come from
a communications background and put
their knowledge and experience to propel
The Bikerni towards a better future. They
strongly believe in empowering women
through motorcycling. Their aim is to
break the stereotype that women cannot
ride motorcycles. They want to show the
world that Indian women are not just
confined to the boundaries of their home
and work; they too have passions and
know how to pursue and excel at them.
6
JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2013

MARQUEE
RIDE
Royal Enfield
REUNION
WEST
Praveen P Sathaye | Royal Enfield
......................................................................
The hills of Mahabaleshwar
resounded to the
reverberating thump of the
Royal Enfield motorcycles
......................................................................
ITINERARY : 1st – 3rd March 2013
Day 1 : Registration and events
Day 2 : Events
Day 3 : Events, prize distribution
Following closely on the lines
of REunion South that took
place in Ooty last year, Royal
Enfield organised REunion
West, which took place in
Mahabaleshwar, often called the 'Queen
of the Western Ghats'. The REunion
attracted riders and enthusiasts from all
over Maharashtra, Goa, and even Gujarat
and Karnataka.
The riders started off on Friday, 1st
March, 2013 and as the day progressed,
the hills of Mahabaleshwar resounded
to the reverberating thump of the Royal
Enfield motorcycles. Once the riders
reached Mahabaleshwar, they settled in
and mingled with the rest of the riders.
After sundown, the DJ took over the
stage. The next morning saw the first of
the many events lined up for the riders
at this REunion. The day began with the
popular Slow Race, where riders had to
ride their bikes across a short distance
without stalling the bike or keeping their
feet on the ground.
To make things more interesting, a
pillion rider was also added which made
this event fun to watch and to participate
in. Yusuf Bombaywala and Vandan Patel
from Mumbai emerged as winners of the
Slow Race.
The second event was Carry Your
Bike, where a team of four riders had to
pick up the motorcycle and carry it across
a short distance.
The team which completed this task
in the shortest duration was the fourmember
team of Saransh, Saurabh,
Manav and Anand from Navi Mumbai.
The next event was the bike towing
JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2013
7

MARQUEE RIDE
......................................................................
The Queen of the
Western Ghats witnessed
amazing fervour and fanfare as
thumpers from all around
converged to celebrate REunion
West
......................................................................
competition which was thoroughly
action-packed. The competition required
a rider to tow his buddy on a motorcycle
and whoever covered the given distance in
the shortest time, was judged the winner.
This event definitely needed significant
muscle strength and clutch control, as the
teams revved hard and roared the bikes
up the incline. The team of Aditya and
Pralesh finished first by using their skills
to their advantage.
The day ended with arm wrestling and
beer guzzling events. Ayush from Pune
flexed his muscles to victory in this event.
After sundown, the prize distribution
ceremony began in which the event
winners were felicitated and handed
their medals and trophies. Next it was
celebration time as winners danced away
with their spoils to some great music.
Even those who didn’t win any prizes
exhibited immense sporting spirit and
participated in the celebrations.
Sunday morning saw the riders lazily
wake up and after breakfast head off
towards their destinations. A few of them
took off solo while others grouped up
with new found buddies.
Everyone headed homewards with
a promise to meet again for a ride down
to Goa for the next big Royal Enfield
extravaganza: Rider Mania, 2013 to be
held in November.
8
JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2013

Ride
Story
ROYAL ENFIELD
Tour of
Rajasthan
2013
LOREM IPSUM
ITINERARY : 4th – 14th Feb 2013
Day 1 : Scrutiny and briefing - Jaipur
Day 2 : Jaipur - Mahansar | 220 kms
Day 3 : Mahansar - Bikaner | 195 kms
Day 4 : Bikaner - Jamba | 165 kms
Day 5 : Jamba - Jaisalmer | 220 kms
Day 6 : Jaisalmer - Sam | 300 kms
Day 7 : Sam - Jodhpur | 310 kms
Day 8 : Rest Day - Jodhpur
Day 9 : Jodhpur - Kumbalgarh | 300 kms
Day 10 : Kumbalgarh - Ajmer | 275 kms
Day 11 : Ajmer - Jaipur | 130 kms
JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2012 9

MARQUEE RIDE
Rachit Malik | Rachit Malik
.............................................................
I
started off on my first ever long ride crossed villages, I tried remembering for the day' — control the throttle to
on my Royal Enfield motorcycle the route map and key points shared slow down and use the brakes a little less
from Delhi and met the fellow riders during the morning briefing, to reach our — and the route map and directions to
from Delhi at the Gurgaon Toll. As I stopover: Mahansar, where we stayed at Bikaner were explained.
rode, I remembered the note made the Mahansar Fort Hotel.
We started off with some dune
way back in the month of November – to
ride to Rajasthan with Royal Enfield (the
The 3rd day, during the morning
briefing, we were given the 'riding tip
bashing and had loads of fun in the sand
after which we rode further through
.............................................................................................................................................
only thing I could tick
highways lined with
off from my Things We were given the 'riding tip for the day' — control the throttle green and yellow farms
To Do list). to slow down and use the brakes a little less — and the route map on one side and brown
In no time,
cruising on the
highway, we rode
through Aravallis
into the Pink city. We reached Hotel Teej
and were warmly greeted by the Royal
Enfield Team. Our bikes went through the
scrutiny after which we crashed into our
rooms.
The 2nd day was the flag off and
I woke up to an irritating alarm but
it couldn’t beat my excitement.As we
assembled, the formal welcome to
the riders began where we adorned
Rajasthani pagdis and tilak of respect and
pride. As our cavalcade of 25 motocycles
and directions to Bikaner were explained
After reaching Bikaner
.............................................................................................................................................. we set out to explore
10 JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2013
desert on the other.
more in the city and
visited the Junagarh Fort.
Day 4 took us to the world famous
rat temple or Karni Mata Temple. After
a stop here, we started for Jamba, our
destination for the day.
All along the road we saw sand dunes
and desolate landscape till we reached the
campsite.
By Day 5, we were back on the roads
towards a new city, Jaisalmer. Day 6, we
rode off towards Sam, on a road that took
us through a narrow highway to the Tanot

MARQUEE RIDE
......................................................................
Our first regroup for the
day was at the legendary
Bullet Baba Temple at Pali.
Imagine a 350 cc Bullet
standing with pride like a god,
with garlands around it
......................................................................
Opposite page (Above) Royal Rajasthan is
experienced best on a Royal Enfield
(Below) Royal Enfield riders at the
Longewala War Memorial
Left Offerings at the Bullet Baba Temple,
Pali
Mata Temple which survived despite
being caught in the middle of the war in
1971.
After visiting the temple, we rode
further to the Longewala Post near the
border for a photo-op and then rode
towards our campsite in the desert at
Sam. After sundown our camp had
organised quite an entertaining evening
for all, with folk music and a bonfire. Day
7 and 8 were in Jodhpur.
Kumbhalgarh was one name, I hadn’t
heard of before this ride and that was our
destination for day 9. Our first regroup
for the day was at the legendary Bullet
Baba Temple at Pali. Imagine a 350 cc
Bullet standing with pride like a god, with
garlands around it.
From here, we rode through the Haldi
Ghati, and reached The Dera, our camp
for the night.
Day 10 saw us riding to Ajmer and it
was quite disheartening as we could now
see Delhi signboards.
After reaching our hotel in Ajmer and
freshening up, we rode out to explore
Pushkar. After the divine darshan at the
Brahma Temple there, we went for some
shopping and picked up some trinkets
and other small artifacts before heading
back to Ajmer.
The 11th day morning we visited the
Dargah at Ajmer Sharif and were off
towards Jaipur. This was the last day the
riders were riding together and the first
regroup was at the Sambhar Lake.
From Sambhar Lake all of us rode
back to Jaipur. We parked our beasts
and rushed to bear hug one and all to
celebrate the picture perfect finish. Early
next morning, all departed with heavy
hearts, promising to ride again soon.
JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2013
11

MARQUEE
RIDE
Royal Enfield
Tour of ROK
Santhosh Vijay Kumar |
Sharath / Vikas
......................................................................
Navigation is tricky in
the Rann as it has no reference
points and if you lose your bearings,
it is very easy to go around
in circles
......................................................................
ITINERARY : 15th - 22nd March 2013
Day 1 : Scrutiny and briefing - Ahmedabad
Day 2 : Ahmedabad - Zainabad | 120 kms
Day 3 : Zainabad - Dholavira | 200 kms
Day 4 : Dholavira - BOP Karni -
Dholavira | 60 kms
Day 5 : Dholavira - Hodka | 300 kms
Day 6 : Hodka - India Border -
Hodka | 250 kms
Day 7 : Hodka - Zainabad | 350 kms
Day 8 : Zainabad - Ahmedabad | 120 kms
Keeping in line with the
motto of the Royal Enfield
Tour of ROK ,'Taste the Salts
of Adventure', the riders
definitely did a lot of that
in its fourth edition. The ride started off
from Ahmedabad on 15th March and the
riders were bid farewell by a lot of other
Royal Enfield riders at the flag off event.
The first day ride was a short one
and the riders reached Zainabad; a small
village at the edge of the Rann, by lunch
time. After a quick lunch and a siesta,
they set out for Nava Talab, a small
lake, about 10 kms from the resort, to
get everyone accustomed to riding on
everything that is ‘not’ tarmac.
After travelling through some fields
and sandy tracks, the riders reached the
lake bed and spent time riding there until
the sun set. The resort played a perfect
host and after a great dinner it was time
to rest, before everyone headed out to
cross the Rann the next day.
The Rann can be quite a tricky surface
if you are not prepared for it. One minute
it is soft and easily broken under the
wheels of your motorcycle and then in
the very next stretch it becomes hard with
cracks that can put you in a ‘tank slapper’
moment if you don’t know what you are
doing.
Navigation is also tricky in the Rann
as it has no reference points and if you
lose your bearings, it is very easy to go
around in circles.
After a quick briefing and some tips
on riding, the riders got off the highway
and entered the formidable Rann.
Following a trail through thorny bushes,
14 JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2013

MARQUEE
RIDE
all rode through it and then there was
no looking back. Everyone spent a good
time riding out in the desolate open
space before heading further towards the
destination.
Dholavira was the stop for the night
and to reach there the riders crossed
the Rann and took the road via Rapar.
Dholavira is on the edge of the Great
Rann and during the Indus Valley
Civilisation, it was a major trading centre.
The next day was to be spent riding on
the Great Rann, in and around Dholavira.
With a visit to the Karni Mata Temple
at BOP Karni and a ride further to BOP
Macchi, the day got over before anyone
realised it.
In the evening, everyone set out to
find a nice trail leading to the Great Rann
and luckily they found one filled with
sand and fun. The next day the riders set
out to cross the Great Rann.
The Rann is white and from a distance
it looks like ice. When dry, it has a layer
of salt that is about six inches thick, but
at some places the thickness is less than
an inch, and right underneath the salt is a
‘hellish’ mixture of water and clay, which
can stop even a battle tank in its tracks.
The Great Rann this year was quite
dry and brilliant to ride on. There were
a lot of wet patches up ahead and some
riders even got stuck in the soft clay.
Teamwork and common sense prevailed
and those who got stuck were helped
out of the slush after which everyone
continued crossing the Great Rann.
The riders then headed towards
Hodka which was to be their halt for the
next two days.
Day 5 was a big day as it was the day
to ride out to the Indian border. Cutting
right through the Rann, everyone rode all
the way to the border, stopped there and
had lunch.
After lunch, everyone turned back
towards Kala Dungar, a hill that is the
highest point on the Rann and offers
magnificent views, especially of the
sunset.
After five days of adventure and a
lot of action, Day 6 and Day 7 were the
days riders used to get back to normal
life. With the ride drawing to a close,
withdrawal symptoms were easily
noticeable.
Everyone reached Ahmedabad with a
realisation that the only salt they would
come across henceforth, would be of the
iodised kind.
JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2013
15

LOREM IPSUM
Weekend
break from
the
capital city
ALWAR
16
JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2012

DESTINATION
Praveen P Sathaye | Praveen P Sathaye
................................................................................
RIDE
OUT
From Alwar, one can ride out to Sariska early morning and be there
in time to be part of the wildlife safari that takes one deep inside the
forest. Some of the noteworthy places within 50 kms of Alwar are the
Alwar Palace, Moosi Maharani Chattri, the Alwar Fort, Siliserh Lake and
Jai Samand Lake
Alittle more than delicacies for which this part of India is dwellings. There are umpteen
160 kms from famous. This culturally rich city boasts monuments, belonging to the royal
Delhi is the quiet of some of the best Rajasthani delicacies era, strewn around which are highly
town of Alwar in that appeals to almost every palate
recommended for an avid explorer.
Rajasthan, which basks in the glory of offering a combination of spicy treats and The roads around Alwar traverse the
traditional Rajput culture and history. delicious sweets. There are plenty of good Aravallis and have some good twisties on
Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary,
hotels and resorts in and around Alwar the way back to Delhi via Bhehror.
situated near Alwar is one of the closest where one can crash for the night.
The total distance would still be
santuaries from Delhi, where one can
From Alwar, one can ride out to
under 200 kms, even after one explores
spot the Indian tiger. An early start is Sariska early morning and be there in the surroundings, before taking a ride
recommended to avoid the morning rush time to be part of wildlife safaris that back to Delhi via the SH 14. The highway
of heavy vehicles plying on the Delhi- takes one deep inside the forest.
takes one through some good twisties
Jaipur NH 8.
Alwar itself has a host of scenic
across the Aravallis before leading
After riding out till Daruheda, one locales with good country roads which back to Bhiwadi via Neemrana and
should get off the National Highway
makes for a great riding experience.
Shahjahanpur.
and ride out on the SH 25 which leads
Some of the noteworthy places within The country roads, though not as
to Tijara. This four-lane state highway 50 kms of Alwar are the Alwar Palace, wide as the highways, have a good tarmac
is well maintained and interjected with Moosi Maharani Chattri, Alwar Fort, surface which is slightly broken at places
speed breakers where the road passes Siliserh Lake (which boasts of marsh but nothing a Royal Enfield rider would
through small hamlets and villages.
crocodiles), and Jai Samand Lake.
need to worry about.
The ride to Alwar is splendid as the
A short distance away are the ghost
This is one weekend ride one can
road takes one through the plains and towns of Bhangarh and Ajabgarh.
undertake in any season, as winters and
then the Aravalli ranges. A quiet town, Folklore has it that these two towns
summers both are good for riding to the
Alwar has its own share of royal grandeur were cursed and henceforth everyone hills if one leaves Delhi in the wee hours
in terms of the palaces, monuments and left, leaving behind ruins and vacant of the morning.
JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2013
17

NEWS
Royal Enfield at the Valley
Run, Aamby Valley
Drag racing came back to India
after a long time with the Valley
Run, which took place at Aamby
Valley, Lonavla. The event was held
on 9th and 10th March 2013 at
the Air Strip. A visual treat for all
motorsports enthusiasts, the event
was attended by the legendary ten
times World Drag champion, Rickey
Gadson. Of the five participants,
Manan Patel from Mumbai stood
first by completing the quarter mile
run in 19.3 seconds. He rode a Royal
Enfield Machismo LB 500, which was
also used by Heta Gala who stood
second, with an elapsed time of
20.3 seconds.
.........................................................
Thunderbird wins more
accolades
The annual Car India and Bike
India Awards 2013, presented by
Shapoorji Pallonji, was held in at The
Lalit Hotel, Mumbai, on the 8th of
January. Attended by the dignitaries
and celebrities from the automotive
industry, the event saw the
Thunderbird 500 bagging the award
for Motorcycle of the Year (above 250
cc). This award added to the slew
of awards this legendary ‘Highway
Cruiser’ has won earlier.
Republic Day Ride In India
Celebrated on 26th January, the Indian
Republic Day was marked by various rides
all over the country from Royal Enfield
showrooms and dealerships. One such
ride was organised by a Royal Enfield
dealer in Indore, on the eve of Republic
Day, to pay tribute to the Indian soldiers
who embraced martyrdom.
Fifty riders rode out from the Royal
Enfield showroom to the Samadhi Chowk.
They also lighted candles in the memory
of the warriors. The motorcycles riding
together in strict formation at an easy
pace was certainly a sight to cherish for
the onlookers.
In Lucknow, 32 riders gathered at
the Lucknow Brand Store, on their Royal
Enfield motocycles, at 7 in the morning.
With full enthusiasm, the flag hoisting
ceremony was conducted and the riders
set off in strict formation for a route of
around 60 kms in and around the city. As
a part of the ride, all paid homage to the
freedom fighters at Kakori. The ride ended
at around 11 am at the Brand Store.
The Bandra Brand Store in Mumbai
saw an impressive turnout of close to 1500
riders who assembled at the showroom at
7 am. After the mandatory instructions for
group riding, the riders started off around
8 am. There were seasoned riders as well
as some novices and enthusiasts in the
group.
The riders moved out from the
showroom towards Carter road from
where the ride started and moved towards
South Mumbai. There were participants
from all walks of life including the likes of
Vardenchi, the ace custom bike builder.
The convoy took halts at various
places so as to not lose traction and
adjust to traffic conditions and rode out to
Marine Drive from where the grand finale
-a ride to the ‘Queen's necklace’- was
to start. The sight of hundreds of Royal
Enfield motorcycles roaring down the road
definitely did liven up the otherwise quiet
part of this city.
18
JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2013

NEWS
New Dealerships
With each passing month,
Royal Enfield continues to expand
its network across India with
the addition of new dealers with
state-of-the-art facilities. This is
a part of our endeavour to
reach out to our customers and
enthusiasts, and address all their
motorcycling needs.
1 Aanal Auto Agency
Plot No- 12/A, GTS Road
Vayu Sena Circle,
Sector - 30, Gandhinagar
Gujarat - 382030
% 02712-23262020, 9099049555
w aanal,sales@gmail.com
2 ABC Motors
Perinthalmanna, Liyana Tower
Near Jubilee Junction, Calicut Road
Perinthalmanna, Kerala
% 04933-226677, 9961992426
w abcmotorspmna@gmail.com
3 Aruna Motors
Tata Kandra Main Road
Adityapur, Jamshedpur,
Jharkhand - 831013
% 0657- 6574010/11, 9431961488,
8809989581
w arunamotor@yahoo.in
4 Hari vanshi Auto Agencies
Opp Racha Swami Satsang Bhawan
Roorkee Road, Muzzaffarnagar
Uttar Pradesh - 251001
% 0131- 2646477, 8272002677
w harivanshauto@gmail.com
5 Jayashree Automobiles
3-6-260/001, Madhuri Mansion
Stock Exchange Road, Near Telugu
Academy, Himayat Nagar,
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh - 500029
% 040- 65169666, 8801013737,
9966074488
w jayashreeautomotives@gmail.com
6 Kusum Motors
Kishori mohan Complex, Medical
College Road, Near Chandauti More
Gaya, Bihar - 823001
% 0631 -6500124/25, 9631276499,
9386569229
w kusummotorsgaya@gmail.com
7 Legend Automotive
Dargahdahi Golei Janardanpur,
W. No. 19, Baripada,
Mayurbhanj, Odisha - 757001
% 9337208884, 9337208885,
9437960007
w legend.re.ac@gmail.com/ saleas@
legendautomotive.in
8 Manmohan Motors
SCO 1, Sunny Business Center,
Sunny Enclave 2, Sector 125
Near KFC, Mohali, Punjab
% 0172- 6527366/67, 9216267888
w manmohanmotors@gmail.com
9 Nangal Motors
Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Jawahar
Market,
Ropar, Nangal, Punjab
% 0188- 7229160, 948609760
w nangalmotors@yahoo.in
a Pratik Motors
Plot No. 37, Panvel Co-op Ind. Estate
Opp Peace Park Hotel
Mumbai - Pune Highway, Panvel
Maharashtra- 401206
% 022- 27480040/41, 8655660770
w pratikroyalenfield@gmail.com
b Pravilika Motors
9-35-39, Kamayya Thopu Centre
Kannur, Vijaywada
Andhra Prdesh- 520007
% 0866-6529555, 9030299555
w re.pravilikamotors@gmail.com
c Sanjo Motors
Ariyikkal Junction, Karukutty
Angamaly, Ernakulam, Kerala
% 0484- 6888888, 8606809999
w sanjomotors123@gmail.com
d Tirupathi Auto World
Plot No. 99, NH 5, Patrapada
Near IOL Petrol Pump, Bhuvaneshwar
Odisha - 751019
% 0674- 2470248, 7873024203,
9937086601
w truptiroyalenfield@gmail.com
e Unnony Motors
NH Road, Madanada
Kollam, Kerala
% 0474- 2760800, 2761400
w unnoonnyenfield@unnoonnygroup.
com
f XED Motorcycles
Nutan Nagar, Agartata-Airport Road
Agarata, Tripura (West) - 799009
% 0381- 2341098, 8415951975
w info@xedmotorcycles.com
JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2013 19

INTERNATIONAL
ROYAL
ENFIELD
OWNERS
CLUB
SHOWCASE
.....................................................................
Royal Enfield Owners Club aims
to promote the interchange of ideas
and information on the maintenance,
restoration and use of Royal Enfield
motorcycles and machines
Gordon May
EXCLUSIVE
Gordon May is a celebrated motorcycle
author, and is recognised as an
undisputed authority on classic
motorcycles, especially the Royal Enfield.
His love affair with Royal Enfield began
in 1986 when he bought a 1963 250cc
Crusader Sports. His books on Royal
Enfield include Made In India (2001),
Made In Redditch (2003), By Miles The
Best (2004), and The Legend Rides
On (2005). His books have given him a
deeper insight into the history and the
achievements of the brand. Gordon joins
us as a regular columnist for The Beat,
and his articles will feature important
international events and products.
Now in its 33rd year,
the Bristol Classic
Motorcycle Show is unquestionably the
highlight of the year. The event, which
took place among the rolling hills of
Somerset in south west England over
a February weekend, attracted around
30,000 motorcycle enthusiasts.
There were numerous club displays,
private entries, auto-jumble and trade
stands. At the top of one of the main
club halls was a large exhibition of Royal
Enfield motorcycles manned by the
UK based Royal Enfield Owners Club
(REOC), whose aim is to promote ‘the
interchange of ideas and information on
the maintenance, restoration and use of
Royal Enfield motorcycles and machines’.
Two national flags, which fly sideby-side
in a backdrop, immediately grab
one’s attention: the British Union Jack
and the Indian flag. Both producers of
Royal Enfields are equally respected and
honoured by the club. Club member and
organiser, Rob Graham, was keen to
speak about the bikes.
'The stand is put on by the Somerset
and Dorset section of the Owners Club,
and most of the bikes are from our own
members. However, we wanted the best
display possible, so put out a request in
our club magazine, The Gun, for any
other owners who have interesting bikes
to participate. Several have, including one
who has travelled 170 miles from Essex,'
Rob points at the exceptionally rare 1965
Royal Enfield GP5 2-stroke racer.
Among the 16 bikes on show, was a
huge 1140cc Model KX from 1938, a 1947
Model G 350cc single, a 1960 700cc Super
Meteor twin and a 250cc Turbo Twin with
a Villers 2-stroke twin cylinder engine
from the mid-1960s. Interspersed with
the British classics was a fine assortment
20 JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2013

INTERNATIONAL
Opposite Page 1938 1140ccModel KX
Top 1965 250cc GP5 Racer
There were also a couple of Indian specials, including an unregistered
350cc Café Racer, a 500cc Bobber, a 500cc Bullet retro-fitted
with a Hitchcock’s rigid tail kit and a highly collectible 412cc Robin
Diesel Bullet conversion
of Indian-built machines, ranging from a
2003 Bullet Sixty-5 in stock trim to one of
the latest EFI Classic models.
Apart from this, there were also a
couple of Indian specials, including an
unregistered 350cc Café Racer, a 500cc
Bobber, a 500cc Bullet retro-fitted with
a Hitchcock’s rigid tail kit and a highly
collectible 412cc Robin Diesel Bullet
conversion.
The club also has a dating officer who
has access to a large number of factory
records, including all the G2 Bullets
originally sent to Madras Motors India,
and it’s certainly very satisfying to discover
when your motorcycle first left the factory
and where it was sent. The officer can also
provide help with registering an Enfield
for the road.
A couple of weeks after the Bristol
Show we had the MCN Scottish Motorcycle
Show in Edinburgh, Scotland, where
one came across another Royal Enfield
Owners Club stand. In the furthest corner
of the classic area the REOC Scottish
East Coast Branch had its stand. Four
bikes made up their display, comprising
a 2003 500cc Clubman with stylish
alloy tank and ace bars, a 1961 500cc
Meteor Minor twin, a 1959 Constellation
and a 1938 250cc side-valve Model B.
Organiser Doug Young, a club member
since 1978 who has run the stand at the
Edinburgh event for over 15 years, says:
'I was serving in the British Army in
Germany when I spotted an advert for
the newly-formed club in a motorcycle
magazine. I joined straightaway. Since
then, along with my wife Paula, we’ve
been regional representatives, been on the
club committee, and have acted as social
secretary, archivist and dating officer.
We’ve also had three tenures as editors of
The Gun.'
Like Graham, Doug was also very
pleased with their progress transferring
the old Redditch factory records from
aged ledgers onto an easily searchable
computer programme. 'It’s been hard
work and by no means complete, but it’s
already a very valuable resource.'
One of the club’s founding members,
Don McKeand, gave the final word on
the REOC, 'For us, being members of the
Royal Enfield Owners Club is a family
affair. My wife and I have taken our
children along to club camps and I’ve
also held a number of different voluntary
roles within the club.' He further added
'Royal Enfields bikes, along with club
membership, have formed the main
hobby of my adult life and I have made
the best and longest standing friendships
as a result.'
To find out more, visit the club’s
website at www.royalenfield.org.uk
JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2013
21

INTERNATIONAL
FLASHBACK
A Challenging Restoration :
The 1958 Indian Westerner
Gordon May
......................................................................
'I just can’t see myself
wanting to ride a modern
motorcycle they’re all the same.
I prefer the individuality of a
classic. The Westerner will stay
with me'
......................................................................
F
or 17 years, the 1961 model of
the Crusader Sports was Job
Hutchings, a Bristol-based
engineer’s only means of
transport. After being nearly
hit by a car once, he decided to trade his
bike for the safety of a four wheeler. But
Job’s love for two-wheeled transport
has recently been rekindled with the
acquisition of a 500cc Indian Westerner
in December 2011. 'The Westerner has
been a story of pain, heartache and
despair,' he says with a roaring laugh.
Job had always coveted a Bullet 500
and was keen to find one from the year
of his birth, 1958. When he spotted
a Westerner Project bike for sale at
Enfield parts specialists, Hitchcock’s
Motorcycles, he grabbed the opportunity.
'I liked its styling and thought it would
be an interesting bike to own, but I was
unprepared for the amount of work it
would take to bring it back to life. As I
began restoring my bike, many more
problems emerged. I've solved most of
them by throwing money at it and the
bike is beginning to look good now.’ One
major surprise came when he looked into
his machine’s provenance. He discovered
that it was never shipped to the USA.
Instead, it made it only as far as Castle
Bromwich, near Birmingham.
'Towards the end of the rebuild, I
discovered that the frame was badly
misaligned. What a blow! I suspect that
that is why it never left the UK. By chance,
Hitchcock’s had another brand new
Westerner frame in their store. It was
wrapped in brown paper that was over 50
years old, which crumbled as I touched
it. I immediately bought it and changed
everything over. Then I discovered I had
to use the original frame to have the
bike inspected by the DVLA, so it could
22
JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2013

INTERNATIONAL
be registered for the road. That meant
two whole days work reinstalling the
old frame, then after the inspection,
swapping everything back.'
Almost everything on the bike either
had to be replaced, repaired or improved,
including new wheels, forks, brakes,
seat and Armstrong shock absorbers. As
a racing motorcycle, the Westerner was
originally equipped with an Amal TT
carburetor. 'That would be impossible to
live with so I bought a more manageable
1-3/16" Amal Monobloc, which is of the
same era.'
This is the perfect example of the
spirit of Job’s restoration. Because
Westerners originally had no lighting
system, Job replaced the Lucas racing
magneto with a Magdyno as used on an
Indian Woodsman which meant that
lights could be fitted.
'The restoration took a year of
dedication. The bike now starts in a
healthy second or third kick and sounds
magnificent. The exhaust produces
a hearty roar that immediately turns
heads.'We take the Indian just a few miles
from Job’s home to the Avon Gorge, and
park it in Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s
outstanding Clifton Suspension Bridge.
We have stopped barely a minute
before people begin to talk to Job about
his gorgeous motorcycle. And they don't
stop. He could have been there for hours
answering questions from passers-by. Job
certainly has many plans for the bike’s
future.
'It needs to properly run and be made
reliable. So far I've only ridden 100 miles.
Then I want it to enter the Exeter Trial,
a classic reliability trial that takes place
every January.'
He would also like to find, or have
made, a set of original Westerner
handlebars, which sit much higher than
the standard 1950's Bullet bars that the
bike sports now.
Despite the considerable expense
and frustration caused by the difficult
restoration of the Westerner, it obviously
hasn’t dampened Job’s enthusiasm for
Royal Enfields.
'I just can’t see myself wanting to
ride a modern motorcycle - they are all
the same. I prefer the individuality of a
classic. The Westerner will stay with me.'
The Indian Connection
The famous Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing
Company of Springfield, Massachusetts, was
one of the world’s largest motorcycle producers.
Between 1901 and 1953 the company created a
wide range of machines, most notably the iconic
Scout and Chief V-twins. The Great Depression
and Second World War seriously damaged the
company’s profitability and in 1950 it was taken
over by UK engineering company and motorcycle
exporter, Brockhouse Engineering. Indian went
bankrupt in 1953 but Brockhouse continued to
trade using the Indian name and the established
American distribution network.
Between 1955 and 1959, a range of modified Royal
Enfields were exported to America and sold as
Indians. The model names were changed to suit
the brand: Tomahawk, Lance, Trailblazer, Chief
Woodsman, Fire Arrow and Apache. A strippedback
500 Bullet, tuned for dirt track racing, was
included in the range between 1957 and 1959. Its
name? The Westerner.
Facing Page: 1958 Westerner
Left: Job Hutchings with his 500cc
Westerner
JANUARY | FEBRUARY | MARCH 2013 23