Himalayan Mana Black scores podium at Biltwell 100 race
DJ Osborne pilots Himalayan Mana Black to podium in competitive debut
Stock bike just with off-road tires and genuine protection parts
Beats many larger displacement bikes to take 3rd place
Royal Enfield’s new Himalayan Mana Black model proved its pedigree in the U.S adventure scene last weekend, taking an impressive podium finish at the renowned Biltwell 100 race at the hands of ex-professional stuntman and racer, DJ Osborne.
Entering the Mojave desert-based event at the last moment, DJ Osborne took the very first Mana Black Himalayan to arrive in the U.S, changed the tires, fitted Royal Enfield genuine protection parts and turned the key.
Osborne picked up the story, commenting, “When I say this was a stock Himalayan, I really mean it. Royal Enfield literally provided me with the first Mana Black edition bike in the U.S, I phoned Dunlop for a set of 606s, we raided the Royal Enfield Genuine parts catalogue for a bigger skid plate, engine bars and radiator guards and we rocked up the the desert to race”.
With the Himalayan 450 lining up against some much larger capacity competition, Osborne’s target was simply to get a decent finish, and while his experience as a racer and competent off-road rider is evident, the Biltwell 100 was also the very first adventure race that the Salt Lake City based rider had ever entered.
“While I’ve ridden the base Himalayan 450 quite a bit and love it, I’d never competed in an adventure race before, so while I was comfortable with the bike, I wasn’t too sure what to expect. As the flag dropped, the bigger CC bikes had a big advantage, but as the dust cloud settled, I started picking riders off, one by one.
“By the re-fuellng point halfway through, I was into a good groove and really enjoying it. The crew told me I was P3, but honestly, I just thought they were trying to build my confidence, so when I crossed the line and found out we really were P3, I was super pumped. It just goes to show, when you’re on a bike that you feel confident on, it’s totally possible. I want to thank Royal Enfield for such an amazing opportunity, it’s genuinely one of my best experiences on a bike.”
With the Mana Black making its debut at the Biltwell 100, North American dealers are now taking deliveries of the special model that takes its name from the world’s highest and most demanding pass in India. Capturing that unyielding soul of its inspirational home, the Mana Black is equipped with additional factory-fitted, purpose-built components, designed to enhance the riding experience for those seeking adventure off-the-beaten-track.
For more in-depth media information on the Himalayan Mana Black - click here
The Mana Black Edition is available in selected US and Canadian Royal Enfield dealers from the beginning of April with an MSRP of $6,599 for North America and $8,949 for Canada.
Images courtesy of www.fastglassmedia.com
For all media enquiries, including press fleet requests, please get in touch with the Motocom team at press@royalenfieldmedia-na.com or call +44 (0) 1525 270100.
About Royal Enfield:
The oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production, Royal Enfield has created beautifully crafted motorcycles since 1901. A division of Eicher Motors Limited, Royal Enfield has created the midsize motorcycle segment in India with its unique and distinctive modern classic motorcycles. With its manufacturing base in Chennai, India, Royal Enfield has been able to grow its production rapidly against a surge in demand for its motorcycles. A leading player in the global middleweight motorcycle market, Royal Enfields are engaging, uncomplicated, accessible and fun to ride; a vehicle for exploration and self-expression. It’s an approach the brand calls ‘Pure Motorcycling’.
Royal Enfield’s premium middleweight line-up includes a range of twin-cylinder 650cc models including the Bear 650, INT 650, Continental GT 650, Shotgun 650 and Super Meteor 650. In addition, the new liquid-cooled Sherpa 450 engine has garnered great interest with the Himalayan 450 and Guerrilla 450. The even more affordable 350cc models consist of the Hunter 350, Meteor 350, Bullet 350, Classic 350 and Goan Classic 350. Riders and a passionate community are fostered with a rich profusion of events at a local, regional and international level. Royal Enfield operates through nearly 4,000 stores in 80+ countries around the globe, including approximately 150 dealers in North America.
