My posts on Tank Girl, the Royal Enfield Military motorcycle spotted in Seattle, assumed that women riders wouldn't be interested in a bike like that. Desiree Ketteringham wrote to let me know that she loves her Royal Enfield Military."Well, I'm not "Tank Girl" and don't live in Seattle, but I am girl (well, woman — 29) and I do have a drab (can't really call it shiny) new 2009 Military G5. I bought the bike at Ultimate Cycle and Scooters in Chattanooga, Tenn. (I live in Knoxville, Tenn.) in September. I love love love this bike and can't help but to love the attention it grabs! Being a lady rider probably pulls in a bit more attention too — heh.
"My fiance directed me to the Royal Enfield website over the summer. The second I saw the Military model, I knew that was my bike. It's perfect because it has that vintage thing going for it that I love, but it doesn't require the vintage maintenance that I don't love.
"I've only had my Enfield for a month and have already slapped on the tan leather seat and number plate. The pics I attached to this email were taken about a week after I brought her home. Unfortunately, they just came and took my bike back to the shop because of the recall on the gear shift. They are fixing it, no charge, and will hopefully bring it back home in the next few days! I want to ride her as much as I can before it gets too cold out."Anyway, just wanted to let you know that there is more than one woman out there riding this kickass gem of a bike! The shop was so excited about having a girl buy one (especially the Military model) that they wanted the media to come out and do a short on it. Unfortunately for them, the media passed on the story.
"Cheers!"
Desiree Ketteringham
Archaeologist II/GIS Technician
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
I asked what a "GIS Technician" is. She replied:
"GIS = Geographic Information Systems — a fancy term for digital mapping. I basically do fieldwork recording archaeological sites using GPS and land surveying equipment, then take all that into the lab and make pretty, fancy maps out of them for project reports and presentations. That and I dig in the dirt."
The past few posts on this blog have really illustrated how involved women are with this whole scene. I like it.
ReplyDeleteCool!
ReplyDeleteGood on ya Desiree. Two of my favorite things Enfields and archaeology ( no I'm not in the field just lifelong interest). Your finacee is one lucky dude . What does he ride?
ReplyDeleteGeorge
He rides a 77 Triumph Bonneville.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm quite lucky too!
Desiree
wooo hoooo right on, des!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am curious, where are the metal paniers? Have you removed them or did you buy the bike without them.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to convience my wife that she needs a bike..... steering her towards the military version.
You are sure helping the cause ;-)
Pantano - apparently, the new ones no longer come with them. Nor do they come with the crash bars. I was really surprised (and peeved) when I went to pick up the bike and those attachments weren't there.
ReplyDeleteI didn't care about the paniers because I have some pretty sweet leather bags I'm putting in their place, but I really wanted the crash bar. Now I'd have to buy one in chrome, because they don't sell them in the olive drab. If anyone knows differently, please get back to me.
Hey
ReplyDeleteHitchcoks in England still lists them. 39 pounds for the bars and fitting kit. Guess that's about 70 dollars or so plus shipping. They have excellect service but shipping may be a little pricey. I deal with them on a monthly basis it seems.
George
Ahh yes the crash bar was the other item I noticed that was missing. Thats a pity. I thought the metal paniers differentiated the bike from the other models. Gave the bike its own unique charm.
ReplyDeleteAre they a optional extra?
Cheers Andrew
I just looked at the previous model and notice several sutble differences. Check it out (http://www.indiabeckons.in/Administrator/tours_image/lg+2006_Royal_Enfield_Bullet_500_Military_right_side.jpg) and see if you can spot them....
ReplyDeleteThanks, George!
ReplyDeleteWow, Pantano... a lot of subtle differences.
Desiree
'cant help but to love the attention' yeah! i so understand that. i ride a machismo 500 in india. i think there are like 10-15 of us in the whole country. hoping to meet some in the annual enfield get to gether in bombay in jan, heard it is real cool.
ReplyDeleteMAN I AM JUST 21 YEARS OLD CAN ANYONE SUGGEST ME WAT KIND OF ENFIELD I SHOULD CONTROL TO MAKE TRIPS IN INDIA
ReplyDelete