Bikers turn up for 'Prince of Speed'

This month saw a day that was marked in many motorcyclists' diaries for a very special reason.

The all-new Royal Enfield EFI Clubman's (electronic fuel injection) model made its debut appearance on UK public roads; prior to its official market release later this year.

Not only that, but it was to be ridden by a giant of motorcycle racing... and anyone who wanted could also go along!

This event was scheduled as a major feature of the 2009 Midlands Royal Enfield 'Open Day' at their Shrewsbury (Shropshire) premises and Phil Read 'The Prince of Speed' (eight times world champion) was invited as their very special guest.

The REUK factory provided the bike, with sales director Ben Matthews and the Factory Show Wagon in attendance.

However, the weather gods were in a bad mood and the day began with torrential rain which kept all but the hardiest 'bike men tucked up in their beds.

For a time it looked as though the run would have to be scrapped. But then suddenly at 12.30 a bright patch arrived and so did almost 50 riders; who scrambled to form up behind Phil while the sunshine lasted.

With MRE proprietor Steve Smith as Mr Read's mechanic, the Clubman was duly warmed up, brakes tested and with a mighty roar, forty something engines revved up as the starting pole was brought down to flag off the run.

Navigation on the 50-mile route was handled by Pete Taylor (Shrewsbury Motorcycle School) and a hand picked team of marshals.

Varied road conditions including lanes and fast dual carriageway sections meant the bikes and riders could keep together, and observe at close quarters the performance of the new bike and the riding style of a legend.

A brief halt at the Midway Truckstop, the famous 'big-breakfast' venue, gave an opportunity to chat with the champion. (Overheard in the Bike Park: a remark by an observer who noticed the famous helmet regalia "Hmm... another one 'ooo thinks he's Phil Read'').

On return, one participant (who was close behind Mr Read) said he noticed almost 90mph on his speedo at one point.

However, since this was on a public road and the 'Clubmans' was still 'running-in', we suspect he may have been mistaken... Luckily, the break in the weather held and it really was a dry run; until they got back!

So, what was the verdict of the eight times world champion?

Said Phil afterwards: "The bike is fantastic around the lanes and the handling is excellent. For my own purposes, if Midlands Royal Enfield ever produce a 'super-tuned' version, I will seriously have to have one! Anyway, for normal road use . . . it really is a complete joy to ride! ''

For the rest of the day, Phil was on hand to talk to everyone who wanted to know about his fabulous achievements in racing.

Just as on the track, he gave 110 per cent and turned an otherwise damp and dismal day in to a memorable event.

Finally, Phil drew the charity raffle in hilarious style (to which he also generously contributed) and along with all our visitors, friends and customers, helped raise £250 for Operation Smile (www.operationsmile.org.uk)

The Royal Enfield 'EFI' Clubman is available from about late June and is £4,999 on-the-road.