Text/photo: OA Isdahl
It’s no secret that I love Royal Enfield, I like the journey this brand has had in recent years and think it’s cool that one of the world’s oldest brands is rising like a phoenix as they have done here. these soulful and very special machines that have so far resided in the A2 class. I’m simply fascinated by this innovative and capable technical environment that rolls out model after model and one star after another. Even at very competitive prices and high quality.
Today I’ve been with Tom Sylling at Lazy Boyz to check out the new Goan 350 mini bobber and a whole bunch of new bikes for the Norwegian market.
The new Boan 350 is built on the familiar 350 platform that is also used on the Meteor 350 and 350 Classic, but has been given some hefty extra doses of charm. The mini bobber simply looks like a star and the design is more than creative. Ergonomically, it’s also a gem, and we’re very familiar with the 20.2 hp and 27 Nm power unit. The headlights are taken from the Classic model and that’s a good choice.
Boan stands out with a higher handlebar, a vibrant color palette and an all-new seat frame that houses a high-quality, bowl-shaped and very comfortable seat.
The seat height is a fine 75 cm, putting Goan straight into the bobber class. The rear seat can be removed, possibly giving the model an even cooler look. The Goan has a wet weight of 197 kg and the tank holds about 13 liters and we note that the Goan also has a 19-inch front wheel that we know delivers a wonderful stability to the fun steering geometry. This bike likes to turn.
I love the Meteoren’s heel gears, which add a whole new dimension to the driving experience. If you’ve driven with a heel-gear before, you’ll know what this is, and if you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend giving it a go.
The design is just extraordinarily unusual and successful – the proportions are an inner-tier
The practical and functional parts of the design are, as always, fantastic. The aesthetics are top-notch and it’s simply impressive that they manage to create such a sensual bobber. Royal Enfiled has spent a lot of time on the details and Goan is packed full of details you just have to spend time discovering.
The use of color is untraditional and festive to say the least, and for those of us who love color, this is just crazy. The white rims on the tires are cool and the orange rims are a statement. It’s simply hard not to smile when you see this bike.
As I said, there are many details, and you’ll need to spend a long time to take it all in. Just look at this graphic on the tank, it’s enough to make you happy.
It’s almost incomprehensible that you can price the collection of all these details at just under NOK 65,000. I would remind you that Royal Enfield’s frame, swingarm and damper setup generally performs well above the average of its competitors and all 350 models are therefore super nice to drive. The way they have constructed the frame is inventive and creative and represents solutions we have never seen before. Unfortunately, only two bikes of this model arrived here and both have unfortunately been sold, but we assume that there will be more in due course.
The lights and instruments are taken from the classic 350 and 650 and it’s absolutely brilliant. This component makes a significant contribution to the driving experience that takes us back to the classic and authentic, simply brilliant. I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to driving this, even if I have to buy one. Most of these will probably just be sold before they get to the store so it is not at all certain that the dealer needs to have a demo model at all, this will probably sell itself.
Lazy Boyz has been replenished with all the new RE models
Lazy Boyz has finally received more of the popular Bear 650 and 650 Classic models that have been sold out. Both the Bear and Classic 650 are brilliant models that offer charm, quality and really good handling. For those who like classic motorcycles, this is almost nirvana. Power distribution, sound, mechanical perfection, ergonomics, comfort and handling are all top notch and challenge Triumph in so many areas. Don’t be fooled by the fact that these are A2 models, it means little in this context. The Bear is a special scrambler that you can use almost everywhere, the Classic 650 is a delightful and classic cruiser that is just fantastic to ride.
We know that there will be more news from Royal Enfield this fall, so you can look forward to it. If you want one of these models, you’ll need to find a quick pair of shoes to get to the store. There’s every indication that these bikes will be around for a long time.
STAY WILD – STAY CLASSIC SAYS ROYAL ENFIELD