Royal Enfield Demo Event at TWO.

[twowheeladdict]

Where:  Two Wheels Only, Suches, GA.
When:  April 6th and 7th.  10:00-4:00.

I’ve heard that they are bringing the full demo fleet. 

There are no boring roads around Suches so you will really get to test out the bikes. 

Wish I could get there, but not in the cards at this time.


If interested please verify this information with TWO. 

[rocker59]

that would be fun.  I'd like to try the Enfield 650 twins.

[kingoffleece]

They are VERY entertaining to ride.  If I had room............... .............

[s1120]

Id like to see RE show up at some of the big rallies. It would be nice to give them a try.

[MerleLowe]

Guess I'll have to make the trek back up there.  Really want to try the Classic 350 again.  Last demo ride was spent avoiding one of the other demo participants and not so much concentration on the machine itself.

[bobrebos1]

Wish I could go but I have to dogsit!  Then month later shoulder surgery.  Geeez it’s always something!  Lol

[twowheeladdict]

Wish I could go but I have to dogsit!  Then month later shoulder surgery.  Geeez it’s always something!  Lol

Bring the dogs!  I’m sure someone will walk them while you are riding. 

[Shorty]

Gearhead Junction is an Enfield dealer in western Virginia. They usually have a full inventory of bikes to test ride, and also have good pricing.  https://www.gearheadjunction.com/--inventory?condition=new&pg=1         https://www.gearheadjunction.com/     Very nice people. Crazy in a good way. 

[JJ]

Never rode one, but a friend down in the Valley has one and rode it to Laughlin with us a few years ago. 

It was quite sporty as I recall, and he had no problem keeping up with our group.  Big Thumbs Up all around.

[MerleLowe]

Never rode one, but a friend down in the Valley has one and rode it to Laughlin with us a few years ago. 

It was quite sporty as I recall, and he had no problem keeping up with our group.  Big Thumbs Up all around.

It's been a few years but my recollection was the INT 650 was a familiar and benign feeling standard.  Pretty much the same as my 2010 V7 Classic.  Hop on and go with almost no adaptation needed.

Probably going to miss this one as I tweaked my knee again Sunday.  That's what I get for attempting to get some exercise.

[guzzisteve]

Wish I could go but I have to dogsit!  Then month later shoulder surgery.  Geeez it’s always something!  Lol

Same here Bob, every weekend otherwise I would be at all your doings.

[tazio]

Rode about 270 miles of backroads on the mighty GRISO today and made it to the Royal Enfield Demo at T.W.O motorcycle Campground in Suches,Georgia. Plenty of sunshine and temps =mid 50's or so.
At least 20 demo bikes and plenty of takers ready to sign up for a flog!
Myself included. I chose the Continental GT in "Slipstream Blue". The out and back ride totaled 14 miles of very twisty roads. Demo bikes and riders were coming in and leaving all day long. Glad I made it Nice little bike, though a little buzzy around the 5k rpm range (7.5k redline). Bring revs down and she smooths out although I didn't feel much urge when cracking throttle open in that scenario. Build quality ok I guess as my demo had oil mist on right side engine cover..
Seat was flat but thinly padded with edges quickly beginning to dig in.
Being 5'11" and getting somewhat "stocky" , this bike felt nearly toy-like under me. Also, of course, my impressions tainted, having just gotten off the GRiSO.
I sat on the other models and found they provided much more room, the GT650 is a tighter fit.
I think most any rider could be proud to own a Royal Enfield 

[twowheeladdict]

Local acquaintances of mine went over so their daughter could decide if she liked the ride on the 350 classic as much as she liked the look. 

They had already found an accessorized 2023 with almost no miles so after the demo they made the purchase.

[inditx]

 

[MerleLowe]

Recovered enough to make it out today.  Rode a Super Meteor and Himalayan.  Both were better than I was expecting.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Local acquaintances of mine went over so their daughter could decide if she liked the ride on the 350 classic as much as she liked the look. 

They had already found an accessorized 2023 with almost no miles so after the demo they made the purchase.

Nice color..

[inditx]

Recovered enough to make it out today.  Rode a Super Meteor and Himalayan.  Both were better than I was expecting.

Ooooh tell us more about the Super Meteor please...
inditx

[MerleLowe]

Ooooh tell us more about the Super Meteor please...
inditx

I have all sorts of thoughts about the Super Meteor but if I boiled it down it would be that I was impressed that it worked so well that I didn't have any complaints after the ride except that the info in the center of the instrument cluster is really small.   I'd prefer a more traditional dual-clocks arrangement.   Handling was easy and intuitive.  The motor works well and sounds great with the 270 crank.  The demo route was up over Woody Gap down to Stonepile Gap and back.  If you know the area, you know that's some curvy roadway.  If you are not familiar with the stretch of road, check it out on Google maps.  If it works there, it'll work well anywhere within reasonable "cruiser" limits. With a pair of side cases and a windshield it'd make a reasonable 1-up light tourer imho.  That is assuming you tend to avoid droning for hours at 80+ on interstates.

The folks shopping for the lower-cost bikes are really spoiled for choice these days. 

I rode the Interstellar Green one.  The color is a bit darker and bluer than in my phone pic. 

[MerleLowe]

Also, a thank you to the Royal Enfield staff.  They put on a great demo event.  It was a perfect location and they ran a safe, professional operation without being uptight or overly restrictive.  At least for the two runs I went on the other participants behaved and nothing stupid happened.  Kinda' expect that though considering the venue.   

[twowheeladdict]

Nice color..

I told them to be thankful I haven't been browsing the classifieds or I would have scooped it up. 

[inditx]

I have all sorts of thoughts about the Super Meteor but if I boiled it down it would be that I was impressed that it worked so well that I didn't have any complaints after the ride except that the info in the center of the instrument cluster is really small.   I'd prefer a more traditional dual-clocks arrangement.   Handling was easy and intuitive.  The motor works well and sounds great with the 270 crank.  The demo route was up over Woody Gap down to Stonepile Gap and back.  If you know the area, you know that's some curvy roadway.  If you are not familiar with the stretch of road, check it out on Google maps.  If it works there, it'll work well anywhere within reasonable "cruiser" limits. With a pair of side cases and a windshield it'd make a reasonable 1-up light tourer imho.  That is assuming you tend to avoid droning for hours at 80+ on interstates.

The folks shopping for the lower-cost bikes are really spoiled for choice these days. 

Good to know, thanks.
I was kind of hoping it would do 2 up without needing to go 80+ on the super slab.
Your thoughts on this?
Indies
I rode the Interstellar Green one.  The color is a bit darker and bluer than in my phone pic.

[Shorty]

I went to the local T Town dealer and sat on a Super Meteor. I found the foot controls a little too high and too far forward. I'm waiting for the Shotgun 650 to arrive here later this year. Similiar to the Super Meteor, but with a shorter wheebase, foot controls a little further back (but not as far as say a Triumph Bonneville.) The Shotgun will also come with a removable pillion seat. It might be time to trade 2 for one.   About $7 grand. Of course I'd ruin the looks with a Swannee and some Viking panniers. 

[MerleLowe]

I was kind of hoping it would do 2 up without needing to go 80+ on the super slab.
Your thoughts on this?
Indies

It's about 45 hp so two up at speed (over 70) will see it straining a bit to accelerate briskly.  I've certainly done it though.  Had my wife on the back of my CB500X a few times, but on that at 70+ acceleration is pretty soft even solo.

Touring capability is a rather subjective thing.  Here in Appalachian states, you can avoid the major interstates in between/through cities and 60-65 cruise speeds will be fine.  In the Southwest, maybe you'll need to roll at 80 just to avoid being run over by a church bus.   If your riding style includes regularly passing autos already going 10-15 mph over the posted limit as many riders seem to do then it's not the right tool.

From my perspective, the size and power leave a fair margin with a solo touring setup and less so with a passenger.  Wouldn't bother me at all to take a passenger, just not my first choice for a dedicated 2-up tourer.

[inditx]

Thanks for that insight, much appreciated.
I would ride it as you described without needing/wanting to go 80+ with or without a passenger for long periods of time.
inditx

[inditx]

I went to the local T Town dealer and sat on a Super Meteor. I found the foot controls a little too high and too far forward. I'm waiting for the Shotgun 650 to arrive here later this year. Similiar to the Super Meteor, but with a shorter wheebase, foot controls a little further back (but not as far as say a Triumph Bonneville.) The Shotgun will also come with a removable pillion seat. It might be time to trade 2 for one.   About $7 grand. Of course I'd ruin the looks with a Swannee and some Viking panniers. 

Never fear, I’ve been told by the RE forum that you can put on static pegs or switch out to the Shotguns peg and hardware placement.
Also, they are machining belts and pulleys to convert it from chain drive.
Very interesting imho....
inditx

[Chuck in Indiana]

Which forum is that, Jack? I've looked at a couple and it seemed like there were very few "enthusiasts.."

[inditx]

My mistake, I said forum but it’s actually their Facebook page, (REOC/NA) Royal Enfield Owners Club-North America.
Thanks for catching that.
inditx

[Shorty]

Gearhead Cycle Demo Day April 13  Pembroke, Va. "Gearhead is hosting a Multi-Brand, Multi-Dealer Demo Day. We will be showcasing Royal Enfield, Moto Morini, SWM, Rieju and GPX Moto. GoRace will be joining us with CF Moto and Stark Future. This is a perfect opportunity to see these awesome brands up close and personal! Demos will be available, bring your VALID motorcycle license and gear and we will get you set up! There will be music, giveaways, raffles and food! Don't miss this, a good time is guaranteed! "     6647 Virginia Avenue, Pembroke, VA, United States, Virginia 24136  https://www.facebook.com/events/267661699734270?ref=newsfeed