Royal Enfield - A Must have

The Royal Enfield motorbike is the wanted toy for all big boys. So obviously, while waiting for Karina and the kids to join me in Bangalore, I spent a few weekends looking for an old Eighties model of the Royal Enfield 350 Bullet.

I found one, and it ended up looking like this in our garage.



However, before having the bike delivered, had to get it all fixed up. Complete restauration including engine master overhaul as well as painting etc. I went for an all black model. It is from 1983.

Even Naja and Laura think it is quite funny to sit and play on it.



Starting to ride it is a totally different story than looking at, restoring or even paying for. First of all, even though its a fairly medium sized bike, weight reductions for sure was not in focus back in the days when designing the thing. Also, we happen to be in a country, where they insist on driving left hand side of the road...which is fine. But did they have to also put the gear and brake livers on opposite side than in Europe??? Appearently so...So after a few very hard tries to brake with the gear liver, the feeling of the bike starting to sit in the body, and I took it for a VERY short ride.



Even though it for sure takes some getting used to...and for sure some compromises as towards driving comfort and maybe even security, nobody can take away the sound from the 350CC one cylinder engine...Its great;-)