Royal Enfield will unveil the Woodsman 500, the latest in a long line of Bullet motorcycles, at this year's NEC Bike Show.
The Bullet has been in continuous production since 1949 and the Woodsman is inspired by the street scramblers of the late 1950's that the company exported to the USA under the Indian brand, which is ironic as the current model is manufactured in India.
With its distinctive high level exhaust system, trials style bars and solo saddle the Woodsman looks every inch the classic British single, but is in fact powered by the company's modern all-alloy Electra engine, with 5-speed gearbox and electric starter.
The traditional pushrod design means that owners will experience the characteristic feel of a British single, with plenty of torque, combined with impressive fuel economy - the factory quotes 87mpg, which means a tank range of over 250 miles before switching to reserve.
The exhaust system is not only higher than on standard Bullets, but has moved to left side, necessitating a re-styled side panel, all of which adds to this machine's distinctive appearance. Its short sports silencer boosts power by 10% compared to the standard model, for brisker acceleration. The Woodsman is equipped with a handy rear rack and alloy bash plate too.
The Royal Enfield Electra Woodsman is due in dealers' showrooms in spring 2008 and is expected to sell for £3,895 OTR (DL version with chrome guards £3,995).
Royal Enfield has been gearing up for the new, tough, Euro 3 emissions regulations and the new unit construction 500cc engine with EFI will also be on display at the NEC Bike Show this November.
The Classic 4-speed Royal Enfield Bullet will be on sale until well into 2008, but by 2009 these iron-engined bikes will no longer be available.
Electra Woodsman Specification- Engine - 499cc four stroke single cylinder OHV
- Bore and stroke - 84mm x 90mm
- Power - 27.5 BHP at 5500 rpm
- Fuel consumption 87.5 mpg
- Electrics - 12 volt
- Ignition - electronic TCI
- Starter - electric and kick
- Transmission - 5 speed constant mesh
- Dimensions (LxWxH) - 2110 x 700 x 1067mm
- Fuel tank capacity - 14.5 L (inc.1.25 L reserve)
- Suspension front - telescopic hydraulic fork
- Suspension rear - swing arm with gas dampers
- Front brake - single disc, 280mm dia.
- Rear brake - 6 inch drum
- Weight - 167 Kg
- Seat height - 820mm
