The company also announced the
launch of its new Technology Centre in Bruntingthorpe Proving Grounds,
Leicestershire. The brand new facility, located at the heart of central
Midlands area of UK, is housed at the largest privately owned vehicle test
track facility, thereby ensuring ease of access to a host of vehicle
development, engineering and testing related facilities.
In keeping with its ambition to expand and
lead the global mid-size motorcycle segment (250-750cc), Royal Enfield has been
investing extensively towards increasing capacities, infrastructure and
product, and as well as people capabilities. The new technology centre in UK
was set-up with a view to bring a more global approach towards product and
technology. Also, the fact that UK is the birthplace of the brand, made it an
obvious choice.
The UKTC (UK Technology Centre) acts as the
innovative hub and global headquarters for product strategy, product
development, industrial design, research, programme management and analysis for
Royal Enfield. The vast office floor provides a modern workspace for employees,
with an Industrial Design Studio, Engine, Electrics, Chassis Build, Spray-shop,
Model-shop, Metal work and Part store on the other floor. The spacious
Industrial Design Studio has variable-height modelling platforms and a suite of
workshop facilities to bring the majority of model preparation in-house. The 470
m2 Engine Test building, houses the latest dynamometers and emissions equipment
for testing.
Since commencing operations in
January 2015, the UKTC is now running with 120+ employee base, working on
multiple projects, that includes development of future products and platforms.
The first modern Royal Enfield 650 twin and the new range of motorcycles has
been developed between the teams at UKTC and Chennai, India.
The core
idea behind the modern
650cc twin engine was to develop a global platform that would carry the
Royal Enfield legacy and character into modern context. The engine has been
designed to offer the right balance between power, torque and usability so as
to ensure a smooth and unintimidating riding experience. It will offer broad
spread of torque which will make the motorcycle easy to ride without frequently
shifting gears.
This new engine has an output capability of
47bhp and 52Nm torque. This makes the ride experience hassle-free and smooth.
The twin pipes and the cooling fins on the classic air-cooled engine render a
visually beautiful impact.
The engine maintains an under-stressed 9.5:1
compression ratio and the fuel injection system ensures that smooth, accessible
power is available at all times. The focus of the development was on giving
adequate torque, spread broadly throughout the rev range so that riders can tap
into it instantly at anytime without the need for excessive shifting. As a
result the engine feels fun, potent, and easy-to-use. Making this possible are
a number of elements, starting in the very depths of the engine where there is
a single-piece forged crankshaft (a first for Royal Enfield) which ensures
strength and the ability to handle the twin’s torque. This crankshaft uses a
270-degree firing order, which gives a high degree of character to the engine’s
power delivery. Also, thanks to the use of a balancer shaft, unwelcome
vibrations have been eliminated.
The motor retains Royal
Enfield’s ‘air-cooled’ engine legacy, which lends to a simple, cleaner, more
elegant look with fewer components and less weight. It ensures that the engine
remains as uncomplicated and uncluttered as possible. Using ambient air-flow
combined with engine oil to keep engine temperature at an optimal level means
that a radiator, fan, hoses, and other components are unnecessary. This keeps
the motor clean.
Just as relevant as the engine’s
individuality, is its sound. The characteristic ‘thump’ of Royal Enfield’s
singles is cherished by legions of enthusiasts, and great lengths were taken to
ensure that the new 650 twin gives an equally compelling soundtrack. Hours were
spent tweaking every contributing variable to engine sound, resulting in twin
silencers that rumble with just the right tone.