Page 17 - August 2025 Edition

A little rougher around the edges—and that's exactly what I want

feels impressively agile despite its a warranty. reliability, and real-world usability.
chunky tyres and bold front rake. The Whether you're in your 20s looking for Where most other factory bobbers feel
low-slung seat and mid-forward foot your first real bike or in your 50s like a gimmick—or worse, a diluted
controls allow for a laid-back yet returning to two wheels after a break, version of an idea—this one feels
commanding posture—almost cruiser- the Lightning-Fast Bobber offers authentic. It looks like it belongs in a
like, but with the aggressive control of enough style, simplicity, and swagger smoky garage surrounded by wrenches
a naked bike.
to make you feel like a badass again. and whiskey, but it'll start every
Front and rear disc brakes with dual- morning without complaint.
channel ABS come standard, as does a A C C E S S O R I E S &
telescopic front fork and twin gas- WHAT RIDERS ARE SAYING
charged rear shock absorbers. CUSTOMIZATION
Suspension is on the firmer side, ideal Royal Enfield knows its riders, and Although it's just hit showrooms, early
for city riding and carving up coastal they know this machine will be riders are buzzing about the Lightning-
routes, though longer highway hauls modified. That's why they've already Fast Bobber:
may remind you it's still a bobber—not rolled out a line of accessories designed “Finally, something with presence
a touring rig. to elevate the Bobber without u n d e r R 1 0 0 k . ”
compromising its DNA: “Feels like a bike I'd build myself, but
One thing's for certain: it corners better
than you'd expect, and it's far more · Custom exhausts with deeper b e t t e r fi n i s h e d . ”
flickable than its silhouette suggests. thumps “It's not lightning-fast in speed, but in
style? Hell yes.”
· Luggage racks that blend into One Cape Town rider told us, “I rode it
THE LOOK: STRIPPED- the subframe
back-to-back with my Meteor. The
BACK AND DRESSED TO · Bar-end mirrors, flyscreens, Bobber is just meaner. Leaner. A little
KILL and bobbed fenders rougher around the edges—and that's
Royal Enfield nailed the aesthetic brief. · Seat upgrades and spring kits exactly what I want.”
This bike isn't trying to be everything to Expect third-party parts to follow soon,
everyone. It's here to make a statement. with custom houses already lining up to THE FUTURE: ELECTRIC
The solo floating seat—mounted on take this platform to the next level. The BOBBERS & BEYOND
exposed springs—screams 1950s bike begs for mods—and that's part of Interestingly, Royal Enfield is not
Americana. The fat, whitewall tyres its charm. stopping here. Insiders confirm that an
give it presence. The blacked-out electric version—codenamed the
engine casings, exhaust, and PRICE & POSITIONING Flying Flea C6—is in development
headlamp nacelle ooze attitude. And and expected by late 2026. It's being
the minimalist rear fender, anchored With a starting price expected to be pitched as a lightweight urban cruiser
directly to the swingarm, keeps things around R63,000–R85,000 in South with design inspiration from WWII-era
raw and authentic. Africa (or ₹1.9–2.5 lakh in India), the Royal Enfield drop bikes.
Lightning-Fast Bobber offers serious
There's little chrome to be found. This value in the mid-size market. It sits But for now, the Lightning-Fast
isn't your dad's cruiser. This is a rebel's comfortably between the Meteor and Bobber is their crown jewel. It captures
bike.
the Interceptor in terms of pricing, but the essence of bobber culture without
Colour options range from matte black in terms of attitude, it's in a league of its making it inaccessible.
to blood red and metallic gunmetal, own.
with each variant offering just the right
amount of flair without looking For riders torn between the classic FINAL VERDICT
comfort of a Meteor and the rawness of
a custom build, this new entry is a no- dashboards and plasticky bodywork,
overdone. In a world of overcomplicated
WHO'S IT FOR? brainer.
the Royal Enfield Lightning-Fast
This bobber speaks to a new kind of Bobber is refreshingly real. It's a
r i d e r — s o m e o n e w h o c r a v e s C O M P E T I T I O N ? W H AT motorcycle for people who love
individuality without sacrificing COMPETITION? motorcycles. Simple. Honest. Stylish.
reliability. It's for the builder who No TFT screen. No cruise control. Just
doesn't have time to build. It's for the While some may compare this machine a machine that looks you in the eye and
commuter who wants to arrive with to the Jawa Perak or Jawa 42 Bobber, dares you to ride. LHR
style. It's for the nostalgic soul who Royal Enfield's legacy and dealer
remembers the glory days of garage network give it a serious edge. Plus, the
customs but wants factory support and Bobber brings a better balance of style,

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LHR Motorcycle Magazine Issue 16 AUGUST 2025