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Monday, February 6, 2012

Royal Enfield cafe racer: here's what we know so far

This says: "Let's go somewhere; fast."
The Royal Enfield cafe racer unveiled (again) last month earned applause all over the world.

Here it is being praised on the blog Return of the Cafe Racer.

There's even a Facebook page dedicated to encouraging Royal Enfield to bring it to market ASAP!

"I want one of these so bad I can taste it," reader Bob Slovey wrote me.

"While surfing the Internet for photos of these jewels, I discovered there have been several renditions displayed since Royal Enfield first considered the concept," he noted. "They are all beautiful."

But, he concludes, maybe it's all just a "tease."

No, it's not. Here's what I know from a source I trust:

The cafe racer is coming "beyond any shadow of a doubt."

  • The version shown recently is closest to what will be produced.
  • It will have a double down tube frame for sure.
  • The frame is close to a featherbed design and does not use the engine as part of it.
  • The cafe racer is considerably lighter than a Bullet, so the performance will be good.
  • It will have disc brakes front and rear.
  • Few parts will interchange with current models.
  • The engine WILL be a single.
  • It should go like hell.

"It is a no-compromise cafe racer, not a warmed over Bullet," my source said.

What we don't know is when it will be produced. The target is 2013, but there are no promises there.

4 comments:

  1. Anonymous2/06/2012

    The real question is?
    1] will it be available in Canada and when
    2] How much will it cost?
    3] Displacement rumor has it 600cc-650cc
    4] Hp rating

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  2. I will buy the GT. I pay off my Bullet 500 loan in 2013, should be perfect timing.

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  3. My back hurts just LOOKING at those handlebars...ouch...it sure does look cool,though!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous3/15/2012

    I've already called my Ft Worth dealer! I can't wait for more info. This bike is gorgeous imho.

    ReplyDelete