RIP REB

My Silver 2004 Royal Enfield Sixty-5 died June 17, 2011 of bottom end failure at just under 23K miles. We were in the middle of Iowa at the time, heading for 4th consecutive REunion in Lanesboro, MN. This is an annual event put on by Classic Motor Works (CMW) the importer on Royal Enfields.
I started noticing unnatural noises coming from the engine about 100 miles into the second day so stopped to investigate. Praying that it was an exhaust valve gone slack I removed the adjustment plate only to prove my worst fears, large amounts of silver metal flakes in the oil. The valve adjustment was OK.
A friendly local stopped and directed me to a nearby H-D dealership so I made my way there clanking and banging all the way. Say what you will about H-D, there is always one around.


Luckily this one was not only large but very friendly. After a few consulting phone calls and one to CMW Head, Kevin M. I determined that Baxter Cycles, www.baxtercycles.com, in Marne, IA, 140 miles away, would be my best bet for repairs. C & C said they would be glad to haul us over there, for a fee of course (I didn't expect free!).

A couple of harrowing hours later Wildman Keith and I arrived a tiny Marne and the famed Baxter Cycles. I didn't have the wherewithal to take any photos there but it is Brit bike heaven.
After much consulting with mechanics and owner Randy we determined that trading my beloved REB on another bike bike would be a wiser course than attempting repairs.
There were a pair of new REs on the floor, a military and a black and white C-5. Somehow the desire for the modern RE just wasn't there so for a few buck more I opted for a used '09 Triumph Bonneville T100 with a little under 17K miles. Probably not the smartest decision I've ever made but, hey I was under a lot of stress.
The folks at Baxter were super in all regards and would have happily got me to a motel instead of back on the road. I rolled out of there around 5pm with everything from the REB transfered to the Bonnie.
At this point I was discouraged about the ride on up to Lanesboro and charted a course back to Salina, KS. The weather forecast certainly was a factor. After the harrowing start to the trip on Thursday, battling rain and lightening, I just wasn't ready to do that again.
Well I guess that is an end of an era in my motorcycling life, we will see how a made in the UK Brit bike replaces one made in India. I'm betting I won't get to talk to the US importer when I have a problem like I can with the Royal Enfield. Rumor is RE will be coming out with a big twin in the future. If they do I'll take another look.