How the movie, " The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" taught us the essence of motorcycling

A quote by Benjamin Button is by far the best description for the essence of motorcycling

" For what it’s worth: it’s never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be.
There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want.
You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing.
We can make the best or the worst of it.
I hope you make the best of it.
And I hope you see things that startle you.
I hope you feel things you never felt before.
I hope you meet people with a different point of view.
I hope you live a life you’re proud of.
If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again. ”

Yes, this is a quote from the movie, "The Curios Case of Benjamin Button", which was an adaptation of the 1922 short story of the same name written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The movie was simply brilliant and showcased an uniquely elegant storyline, which helped it to get 13 Academy Award nominations and grab 3 Oscars. But let's concentrate on this quote shall we. 

Brad Pitt repairing his Royal Enfield Bullet (from the movie)

In the movie, this quote was narrated by Brad Pitt, while he wandered around India on his Royal Enfield while he was in his 20's. But the only reason why this excerpt is so dear to me is because, it is the best ever description of why we ride on our motorcycles. In the movie, Brad Pitt has been portrayed as a man who ages reversely. Mr. Benjamin (played by Brad Pitt) loves riding and can be seen riding a number of classic motorcycles, including Indian Scout, Triumph and a Royal Enfield.

The quote was written as a letter to his lover Daisy (played by Cate Blanchett), while Benjamin was touring India. He pursued a simple life, mingled with the locals and lived off his backpack just like a vagabond. Brad Pitt as Benjamin even toured Leh Ladakh & the Khardung La pass, which is highest motorable road in the world. He worked in a garage to repair his Royal Enfield Bullet and also earn a living.

I personally think this is by far the best lines that has completely captured the true essence of motorcycling. And if you disagree, do what I did. Download a audio sample of these lines. Put on your earphones, and play it while you ride your motorcycle ( preferably solo ) and go where the road leads. When these lines echo in your ears, coupled with the steady rumbling of your motorcycle and the cool breeze, you will feel free and ecstatic. And then my friend you'll know what I am talking about. 
And if you have a better movie excerpt that has similar ring to it, feel free to comment and share the same below the post. Happy motorcycling.

3 new models of Royal Enfield & a twin cylinder engine variant to be launched in 2016

2016 will mark the starting of another era for Royal Enfield. The 114 year old motorcycle manufacturer will bring forth not one, but 3 different brand new models for domestic as well as international markets. One of them being powered by a scintillating 750 cc parallel twin-cylinder engine at it's core. The remaining two will showcase a robust 410 cubic centimeter single cylinder overhead cam engine. One of these would probably be a scrambler-style model.

This epic news came from the recently set technology centre at the English county of Leicestershire, U.K. According to the sources, the two 410 cc models are nearing completion. But for the model having the parallel twin engine, the cubic capacity is still tentative and might be subjected to change.

In the upcoming year, the Chennai based motorcycle producer might also launch a few variants of these 3 models. We are already aware that RE has filed for trademarking "Himalayan" as a model name, and probably it would be powered by a 410cc engine. But for the revolutionary twin cylinder engine, the design and development would be carried out in the upcoming facility in U.K.

Modified RE scrambler ( Not the actual 2016 motorcycle )

To provide further impetus to the upcoming models and to strengthen the international market capture of the brand, RE has also recruited the former Project Manager of Triumph motorcycles, Mr. Simon Warburton. Not only that, to establish a perfect blend of retro look and the essence of pure motorcycling, renowned former Ducati designer Pierre Terblanche would also lend his wisdom and vision.

RE had planned a lot for the upcoming year. Enfield CEO Mr. Siddhartha Lal has taken a gallant step to make the company's presence felt in the global market as well as meet the increasing demand. The company has carefully monitored the customers' need and financial capabilities in the home market, before commencing this face lift. Harley Davidson's defeat in sales figures in 2014 has already indicated that unit sales are on RE's side and the 3 new models of Royal Enfield along with a twin cylinder engine variant will further strengthen their foothold and dominance worldwide.

The moment when U.S. President Barrack Obama gave thumbs up to Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield bike stunt on the 66th Republic Day parade

It was a sunny holiday, and we Indians were celebrating our National Holiday. We were filled with patriotism and were jubilant and relaxed, thanks to the 3 day long weekend. Most of us were glued to our respective television sets and were watching the Republic Day parade at the Rajpath. But one thing that grabbed my attention was when President Barrack Obama gave thumbs up to BSF daredevils, mounted over their Royal Enfield.

Barrack Obama while watching Bike Stunts on Republic Day at Rajpath

President Obama was the first American President to be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day parade. He & first lady Michelle Obama, sat beside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to gaze upon the processions. They witnessed various tabloids from various states that showcased Indian heritage, culture, landscape and various technology used by the Indian Army. After that, it was time for the bike stunts. It was the segment of the parade that I and million others had relished since childhood and still it never ceases to amazes us.

Some of the stunts performed

The Border Security Force (BSF) stunt riders, also known as India's Daredevils or Janbaaz, performed various stunts while aboard their Royal Enfield. Their showcased various formations which were an extraordinary feat in itself. The flexibility, control, balance and motorcycling expertise was simple impeccable. Check out all the stunts performed in the video below

Even the POTUS acknowledged that and gave them a thumbs up. "I saw the Republic Day daredevils on Royal Enfield motorcycles," Mr Obama said, addressing 2000 people at Delhi's Siri Fort auditorium. He joked saying, "Unfortunately the secret service doesn't let me ride motorcycles, especially not on my head". Michelle Obama too was awed by their performance and couldn't stop applauding.

Later while addressing various top CEOs, President Obama said, "I would, by the way, not drive a motorcycle after watching those incredible acrobats,". He was so impressed by the performance of the stunt riders on the 66th Republic Day parade, he mentioned them three times while conversing that day.

When Barrack Obama gave thumbs up to Royal Enfield, it was a huge promotion in itself, and soon after, the Chennai based motorcycle manufacturer declared the launch of two technology centers. After all, getting a thumbs up from the world's 2nd most powerful man does matter a lot.

Royal Enfield will expand & set up technology centre in the United Kingdom

If sources are to be believed, Royal Enfield is about to expand and has invested over 52 million Pounds to set up a couple of technology centers. One of these centers would be set up in the hometown of RE, i.e. Chennai and the other one at the United Kingdom. The aim of these technology center is to help them revolutionize the technology associated with the motorcycle and as well as help them increase annual production.

Royal Enfield expands in Chennai & UK

2014 was an immensely fruitful year for the 114 year old motorcycle producer. It was able to sell over 3 lakh units globally, and shadowed the sales of Harley Davidson. Now they want to up the ante and rev up the production to 4.5 lakh units per year. The current production facility and resources allow them to generate only 4 lakh units. But the opening of these 2 technology centers would help them churn out many more beasts per year and meet the global demand.

Apart from the above mentioned reasons, RE also wants to attain better grip on the global mid-sized motorcycle market. Construction and setting up of these centers is undergoing under a steady pace, and the UK center would be operational by the end of 2015, while the Chennai plat will be up and running by 2016.

Opening of such technology and R&D hubs would definitely help RE remain at par with the tech quotient of their motorcycles while strictly adhering to the cool retro vibe of the 60's. Also, the increase in production would help to reduce the long waiting period associated with Royal Enfield while promoting pure motorcycling globally.

Royal Enfield CEO, Mr. Lal narrates why owners are in love with their Enfields

The distinct flavour i.e. Pure Motorcycling, that sets Royal Enfield apart

Royal Enfield, the oldest production motorcycle brand has definitely stood the test of time. But every now and then, it receives criticism from the masses while being compared to the heavy and powerful machines that the current market has to offer. To clear the fog, Eicher Motors CEO & Managing Director Siddhartha Lal stepped forward and explained why Enfield motorcycle has such a devoted fan following, and why it still produces retro motorcycles and not bulky expensive ones.

Lal's answer was simple, short & straight-forward. "Pure motorcycling", thats what RE has and will always stand for. He said that over the years, motorcycles has become bulky, expensive and horrendously powerful, thus becoming objects to own & not enjoy. Motorcycle industry can be roughly segregated into two categories.

• For daily commuting needs ( Small bikes )
• Leisure motorcycling ( RE )

But the current market trend and desire for more powerful motorcycle has generated giants featuring over a litre capacity engines and havings specs of over 180 hp. Thus it is almost impossible for men/ women riding it to get the complete potential out of these motorcycles without risking their lives. To add up, owning, insuring and maintaining such a motorcycle over a period of time, will burn a hole in your pocket.

He said that, back in the 60's the motorcycling kingdom was dominated by the mid-sized motorcycles, the likes of Royal Enfield, Triumph & Norton. But with time these mid-sized bikes evolved into large bike and people gradually started reverting from the mid-segment motorcycles. But Lal's vision is to bring back the glory days and instill faith and attachment of the people with mid-sized motorcycles with the pure motorcycling experience.

According to Lal, every motorcycle produced by RE is easily accessible and is built for joy and not for ego. They have great handling and have ample and most importantly creates a strong bond with the rider. Finally Lal revealed the significant quality of Royal Enfield that makes millions drool over it. He said, “Motorcycling must be accessible. The bikes must be easy to ride, easy to modify and to maintain. If you drop the bike, you should be able to pick it up, and keep riding.” Siddhartha has put in a lot of hard work over the past decade to bring RE to the position it currently relishes. He recently launched RE in Colombia and has strong presence in over 20 countries.

Royal Enfield Himalayan: The new 400cc adventure tourer

It was earlier rumoured that a adventure-tourer was going to be launched by the Chennai based motorcycle manufacturer. In our earlier post, we did find out the specification of the same and what it might have in store for us. But recently it was revealed that the company has named it "Royal Enfield Himalayan", and has applied for trademark.

The design of the motorcycle is still under tight wraps, and is being designed by the renowned Pierre Terblanche, who is best known for designing the Ducati 999/749, The Hypermotard, Multistrada, Sport Classic. e.t.c. He had joined RE last year and given his vision and past experience, his new design on the Himalayan would be a sight to behold.

The Himalayan would flaunt a 400cc engine, which would be a bored-out version of the Classic 350. It would give the new RE, 40Nm of torque, which is 30% more than the Classic. The chassis would be borrowed from the Continental GT, thus giving it a retro, lean and classy look.

The motorcycle is still in it's fabrication and design phase and according to speculations, RE will start testing this elegant tourer by the end of 2015. The name provided to this adventure-tourer is apt but it's a pity that Royal Enfield enthusiasts would have to wait another year to get their hands on one.

Royal Enfield USA: The journey from the museum to the road

Americans love automobiles. Let it be top end cars, hot rods, monster trucks, you can find it all in the States. But they are equally passionate about motorcycles too. They like their heavy duty Harley Davidson, their radical and rebellious choppers and even sports bikes from all over the globe. But for me, the best vibe was set by Mickey Rourke in the Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man.

After watching the tough biker with his cowboy hat wearing friend on their bikes, all I could think of was what would it be like if they rode a Royal Enfield for a change. Then I came to know that in 1991, when the movie was released, the only way an American could see a Royal Enfield on the highway was when it was participating in a vintage bike run or while heading to a local museum. But now after more than 2 decades, things are a bit different.

After taking full control over 114 year old motorcycle company in 1994, CEO Siddhartha Lal of Eicher Motors Ltd. he made sure that the company ran within the family and tried not to sell it out. He was only 26 then. Now after 10 years, the success of the company tells its own tale.

Over the years, RE has expanded globally, and has created a robust dealer network in America. Few newer RE stores are showing up in The Rock Store on Mulholland or Newcomb’s Ranch on the Angeles Crest Highway.

During his visit to California last year, Mr. Lal rectified everyone and commented that Royal Enfield is committed only to "pure motorcycling" and nothing else. He said, “Our bikes are not conceived with a retro bend in mind. We are an old-school company.” According to him for the American market, the real game changers would be The Continental GT & The Bullet Classic.

The Continental GT 535 cc & 250 cc face off

The GT is an improved reincarnation of the 1965 model of the Cafe racer. The GT is stylish, retro & slim, & weighs mere 410 pound. And the gas tank is bound to remind you of a 1960s Norton. Savvy!

The bikes from the stables of RE would not be able to compete with other heavily built bikes on terms of braking, horsepower or acceleration, but it will surely give you the certain pleasure of a robust motorcycle that's for sure. Lal said that, the motive of the Royal Enfield USA was to make motorcycling accessible among the masses and to make it a fun affair. These bikes aren't that fast, or heavy and neither is it expensive. Hence it is easy to own, maintain, modify and is as sturdy as a rock. Given the vision, growth and response, we are bound to see a lot of Enfields thumping over the tarmac of America soon.