The New Royal Enfield

I've you've read my blog for a long time, then you know of my enchantment with Royal Enfield motorcycles. A model new to the US this year is the C5, pictured above. This image came from a New York Times slideshow on the marque. Beautiful!

Yes, impractical. But beautiful. I could tell you about the technological wonder that is the C5, except that it would only be considered a modern motorcycle if you threw it back in time 40 years. Still, the sight of it is enough to make me catch my breath.

If you could own just one motorcycle, what would it be?

Make mine a Bullet 500 Deluxe.

Caption Contest

Previous contest winner

WINNER: Ironic Catholic: Easy Rider didn't age well as a movie.

How to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents

Jeremy Clarkson suggests buying a Vespa:

I also liked the idea of a Vespa because most bikes are Japanese. This means they are extremely reliable so you cannot avoid a fatal crash by simply breaking down. This is entirely possible on a Vespa because it is made in Italy.

Via Jeff the Baptist, who quips "Perhaps this explain the popularity of Harley-Davidson's as well?" Heh, probably. Although Harley has improved it's quality control over recent years. Or so I've heard. A company can only count on brand loyalty for so long.

Personally, I've long dreamed of getting a Vespa and riding it from Barrow, Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, and then writing a book about the experience. That's one motorcycle adventure that I don't think has been yet tackled on a scooter.

Royal Enfield Sighting

I've previously art blogged about Royal Enfield motorcycles -- those gorgeous expressions of mid-century British grace. But until last Sunday, I had never seen one in person. Then I spotted this beauty in a church parking lot:



A 500 Bullet Classic ES. It was breathtakingly beautiful, like a mechanical Venus rising from the breaking asphalt.