Royal Enfield might be a new name for many of us, but this British-turned Indian motorcycle maker has been indulging in the art of motorcycling for 120 years now! Yes, we are talking about a century-old motorcycle maker who has managed to stay afloat with the changing times, without losing its classic charm. And to celebrate 120 years of pure motorcycling, Royal Enfield has unveiled limited-edition models of its 650 twins.
While most of the unique bits on these motorcycles are aesthetic, it beautifully puts forth the artistic and classic appeal of the brand. Just 480 units of these desirable black-chromed beauties with contrasting brass inserts. The 120th Anniversary Edition 650 Twins do a beautiful job of fusing the classic appeal and modern vision that RE holds.
Royal Enfield is celebrating 120 years of pure motorcycling desire with 480 units of blacked-out 650 Twins dripping in black chrome and hand-crafted brass badges.
An Ode To 120 Years Of Blissful Motorcycling
Royal Enfield had a humble beginning in 1901 in Great Britain. Over the last 120 years, it has transformed from a Brit to an Indian; a classic to a future classic; and most importantly stagnant to a bold risk-taking automaker. Yes, they were a bit lazy to have the Bullet in production for 90 years; albeit in various forms.
But under the radical-thinking Siddharth Lal; the Eicher-owned motorcycle maker has made strides in recent years. From building an adventure motorcycle with the RE Himalayan from scratch to facing the big guns with the 650 Twins; Royal Enfield has come a long way. And 120 years of motorcycling love, calls for celebration.
Hand-crafted And Heritage-rich Artwork On Wheels
Royal Enfield chose the 650 Twins for its anniversary celebration. Based on the RE Interceptor 750 and Continental GT 250 of the 1960s, the 650 Twins were the perfect canvas to commemorate the past, present, and future.
Royal Enfield has given the 120th Anniversary models a unique rich black-chrome tank color (the first from RE) with contrasting hand-painted stripes. The tanks are formulated using eco-friendly chroming technology at the RE's original 1950s manufacturing factory located in Thiruvottiyur in Chennai.
Complementing the chromed-look are blacked-out components all around. There is literally no chrome on the 120th-anniversary editions. These bikes will also come with a range of accessories like fly screens, engine guards, heel guards, and bar-end mirrors; all in black.
RE has created artistic die-cast brass badges in collaboration with the Sirpi Senthil family; an age-old family of artisans from the temple town of Kumbakonam. These badges alone elevate the craftsmanship and heritage that Royal Enfield upholds.
Proudly highlighting its exclusivity are serial numbers printed onto the tanks. This will remind you of the 1 of 60 unique motorcycles that you are looking at. And if that also doesn't ring any bells, the side panels also get a cool decal with "120 years" on it. The coffee-brown custom seats add to the cool, contrasting appeal. There are no changes to the powertrain or other mechanical components on the 120th Anniversary 650 twins.
480 Units In Total With 120 For The US
Only 480 units of the 650 Twin 120th Anniversary Edition models will be made. 120 units are assigned for each of the 4 regions - US, Europe, South-East Asia, and India. The US will be getting 60 units each of the Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650.
This clearly adds to its exclusivity appeal, and these limited-edition models look downright gorgeous. Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but RE has confirmed on the 120th Anniversary Edition sale is to be online in early 2022. It will be a small window and make sure you click fast to get one of these artistic machines.
Sources: Roadracingworld.com, Royalenfield.com