A very nice customized Royal Enfield is pictured in the Reader's Rumblings section of The Motorcycle Cruiser web site. I've reproduced a very small part of the photo here, but you can see the whole thing on Motorcycle Cruiser.The contributor describes the photo as being of his son, a first lieutenant in the Army, standing with a Royal Enfield in Iraq. It's a nice looking bike, and I thank the lieutenant for his service.
But what caught my eye is the chrome brake lever, emerging from under the silencer on this four-speed Royal Enfield. Clearly, this motorcycle has the left-side shift mechanism I always thought was reserved for Royal Enfields in the United States.
How did a U.S.-spec Royal Enfield get to Iraq?
Perhaps I am incorrect that only the United States required that Royal Enfields be converted from right-hand shift, resulting in a balky and unreliable gear change until the modern left-shift five-speed transmission came along.
Can anyone explain?
The whole of Europe except UK has left-side shift mechanism I believe. It is certainly the case in Greece, Belgium, Netherlands, where I've seen them myself, even though I've spotted an occasional right-side shifter in Greece (but we have very lax regulations and even laxer enforcement of them).
ReplyDeleteThank you Oriste for the explanation. I truly had no idea. All best.
ReplyDeleteI am almost positive that countries like Denmark and Sweden have similar laws with the controls of the bike and Bullet Continental was sold in those countries until the 5 speed came along. I am sure that both UK and Switzerland did not have such laws and all the 4 speed Bullets to present day are still right shift. Maybe it's one of those Scandinavian-spec bikes!!
ReplyDeleteOr could it be a Sixty-5 Street?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ardenmotorcycles.com/bullet_sixty-5_street.html
Regards
Jorge
So, 16 years later, I run across this article. This is what was called a "gray market" bike, by a dealer that was contacted about acquiring parts, and was manufactured in Iraq. A copycat version of a Bullet 500 that had a 525 big bore kit installed.
ReplyDeleteDave, I just ran across your post about this Enfield. This bike belongs to me. I was in the building behind the soldier when this photo was taken. What would you like to know?
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing. I am glad you noticed the item. I've since come to realize that the U.S. was not the only place where the left-shift was used in those days . So my question was sort of answered. It was just irrelevant. Just curious: Did you bring the motorcycle home, or leave it there? In other words, do you still have it? If you prefer you can always email me at david@royalenfields.com
DeleteI did bring it home. The base was closing, and I didn't want to just leave it there. It is disassembled and in storage at the moment but is as complete as it was in the photo. The rear tire was flat and dry rotted, but I shipped it home too as it was stamped "Made in the USSR". I thought it would be a cool shop hanger. Time permitting, I plan to reassemble it soon.
ReplyDeleteVery good. Let us know how it turns out. It will make quite a "souvenir." Thank you again for serving.
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