Imagine you’re an old fart like Gresh and suddenly you could be again 18 years old again. That’s kind of what happened to me just a short while ago. Now, old Joe Gresh, he’s inbound from the Sacramento Mountains (don’t let the name fool you) in New Mexico, the Tinfiny Ranch, headed here. The guy wanted to make the drive in one day in order to be staged for our run into Baja tomorrow. Hey, that’s okay. It’s going to be warmer where we’re going.
Anyway, back to that 18-years-old-thing again. That’s what I want to be. 18 years old. And while I’m dreaming, throw in a new 1966 650cc, made-in-England, Triumph Bonneville, but let’s add electric start, six speeds, disc brakes, and a flawless finish. That’s my dream.
Only it’s not a dream. That’s where I am right now.
The bike is a new Royal Enfield Interceptor. It’s a 650. The styling is perfect, right down to the big tach and speedo that almost say “Smiths” (if I have to explain that, you wouldn’t understand). It’s made in India instead of England (hey, the current Triumph Bonnevilles are made in Thailand). My take? This new motorcycle has out-Triumphed Triumph in being more faithful to the original layout, displacement, and feel of the ’66 Bonneville I’ve lusted after for years. But with lots more refinement.
Want to read another strong statement? On my 25-mile ride home from So Cal Moto in Brea, where I picked up the Royal Enfield, I decided I’m going to buy one. Oh, I’ll find some nits to pick over the next 2000 BajaBound miles and I’ll share them with you here, but this bike answers the mail. And the price? Well, a new Triumph Bonneville cost $1320 in 1966. I know, because my Dad bought one. A new Royal Enfield is $5799, I think. If you take that 1966 $1320 figure and adjust it for inflation to 2019, it comes out to $10,298. Buy a new Enfield 650 and you’ve already saved $4500. That’s the argument I’m going to use with She Who Must Be Obeyed. I think it will work, too.
I’m going to break our rule and post more than one blog today. We are living in exciting times, my friends, and I can’t wait to share the excitement with you. The 500cc Bullet is about 45 minutes out (it’s being delivered from the RE dealer in Glendale) and I’ll post an update about that later today, too!
I can’t wait to get on the road tomorrow.
Stay tuned, and hey, sign up for our automatic email blog updates!
Joe I think I’m probably gonna paint a orange strip on China Blue and it be the faster fastest blue zong hahaha . Have fun Joe 1 Joe 2
If your beautiful wife allows you to buy the Enfield, does that mean you will sell me your RX3? (Delivered to my driveway by you)
Let me think about it, Mike.
Man after my own heart! Out triumphed Triumph. Couldn’t have said it better. It or the Himalayan are on my short list for a new bike.
Yeah, I am proud of that phrase, much as I like Triumphs. But that INT 650 is one sweet ride. It’s wheels in the wells tomorrow morning at 0:Dark:30. Packing the bike now. Got my BajaBound insurance, too. Ready to roll. There are cold Tecates with salt around the rim and lime waiting for us tomorrow night. Good times.
Ah, that shot of the engine and gas tank is a thing of rare beauty! My testosterone level went up 150 points just by looking once…
Interesting. CSC has developed a business model that saves customers the from the usual add on fees over and above msrp. However Enfields are sold through dealers. Any idea what the out the door price will be?
Will be looking forward to your posts.
I don’t, Marty, but that’s a temporary situation. I talked to a dealer today and told him I have a pretty good idea of what actual freight and setup activities (and costs) are based on my expert witness and CSC experience; we’ll see what they come back with when it’s pencil-sharpening time. The sad truth is that most of the Big 4 dealers view freight and setup as profit centers, as you know from reading 5000 Miles at 8000 RPM. There are exceptions. We’ll see what it is when the bikes are available.
The new RE’s really do look good, don’t they? I’ll have to do some fast talking too if I want to get purchase approval from the Boss. Might help if I thinned the herd first….. (sad face)
There’s a dealer in our town just started taking them I’ll check them out
I read all of the blogs when I can. This trip Will be something to watch.