Royal Enfield recently introduced two limited edition versions of its Classic 500 for the Indian market called Despatch. The Despatch, available in two camouflage shades are the Desert Storm Despatch and the Squadron Blue Despatch. Only 200 units each of the Despatch motorcycles were sold and the company has already run out of stocks. This motorcycle range is dedicated to the very brave despatch riders of the past, who transported important parcels or messages, back and forth from military camps to the army’s headquarter base.

Taking a closer look at the motorcycle, it’s clear that Royal Enfield has gone for an overall dark theme along with the trademark chrome. The motorcycles get a hydrographic and camouflaged paint scheme, which was individually handcrafted. Parts such as the spoked wheels, headlight case, rear suspension and under-seat springs are finished in chrome. If you look closely, you will notice that along with the engine and exhaust, its indicators and pilot lamp casing are finished in matte black too. Newer elements on the bike are the addition of a brown rider seat, which is unique across Royal Enfield’s Despatch models and also the battery box, finished in black, gets a buckle with the same shade of leather on it. Also, each one of Royal Enfield’s Despatch motorcycles get a limited edition badge that reads: Built at the Oragadam factory in Chennai, India. The name of the motorcycle and the unique number of the limited edition model along with the year 2015 is also printed on it.  

The Royal Enfield Despatch is powered by a 499cc, single-cylinder and four-stroke engine that produces a maximum power output of 27.2bhp, made at 5,250rpm and 4.2kgm of torque is made at 4,000rpm. The Royal Enfield Despatch gets telescopic forks for suspension at front, and the bike uses dual shock absorbers at the rear. For braking duty, the bike get a disc brake at front and a drum brake at the rear. The Royal Enfield Despatch was sold for Rs 2.05 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai).

Rayomand Buhariwalla