Tee Shirt Tuesday #12

 

The Missus got this one for me after I got the Himalayan. It's like the Harley guys - if you've got the bike, you need the shirt. Royal Enfield has been around two years longer than the Motor Company. In fact, they've been in continuous production since 1901. They're now made in India rather than England like they used to be but even though you don't see too many of them in the US, they're a big outfit.

They've added a couple of 650 twins to the lineup in the last couple of years. Nice looking bikes - classic looks like the old Brit bikes from the sixties. I'm a member of an Enfield group on social media and everyone seems to be happy with them. Bargain price too - $6K +/- depending on which model you get. They've also brought out a new 350cc model. 

They've also got a line of Royal Enfield apparel. I don't need another tee shirt but if I was going to buy one, it would probably have Royal Enfield on it. I should take that back - I've got one of Bazooka Joe's new shirts on order. Need to support the local boxing pro.

If you're not familiar with Itchy Boots, you should check her out here. She's a young lady traveling the world solo on her motorcycle. She did much of her initial travels on an Enfield Himalayan like I've got. It's interesting to note that all of the bikes she's been riding are small displacement machines. The Himalayans are 411cc. but with all the miles behind her, it's obvious they are capable of carrying the rider and equipment to the ends of the earth. 

Small displacement motorcycles have always been looked down upon as anything but beginner bikes or "girls" bikes in the US, unless you're talking dirt bikes. However, if you're looking for a commuter, something to just jump on and go every once in a while, small bikes are perfect. Better mileage, cheaper insurance, easier to handle. You can pick them up by yourself if they fall over and you don't need a reverse gear to back out of a parking space. They're not for long distance touring if you plan on travelling by Interstate, but that's no way to see the country, anyway. 

Itchy boots also sells tee shirts, by the way. You could buy one and help pay her way to Alaska.