TRAVEL FEATURE - NEPAL
STUART MCLEAN
AS WE LIVED ... TO DIE !
“
Sir ! Sir ! What you want sir ?” the security guard yelled over my shoulder as I strolled along . I ’ d just made a right hand turn down the second lane after the Bluebird Supermarket . The directions I ’ d been given were to lead me to Himalayan Enfielders , but as I was now to find out it was also the back entrance to the Israeli embassy in Kathmandu .
With the state of world affairs , the Israelis were a bit nervous . The security guard gave me the once over while I explained with motorcycle sounds and actions what I was doing . With a smile he pointed me to a gate a little further along .
Partly due to the tropical climate , the Enfielders workshop had no doors , perhaps also to do with the fact that the machine towers around the perimeter of the Israeli embassy might deter any unwanted visitors .
“ Good afternoon , Sir ,” greeted me as I tyre kicked my way around the premises . “ My name is Goofy can I help you ?”
After making some general small talk about prices we settled into the office / clubhouse for a glass of milk tea . Goofy , one of the partners in the business , explained how it all got started .
Himalayan Enfielders began as a small group of enthusiasts who opened a workshop initially for somewhere to work on , and modify , their own bikes . It had since evolved into an authorised dealership for Royal Enfield motorcycles . The premises were also a meeting place for Enfield aficionados .
The Royal Enfield factory in Chennai , India has been making these classic bikes virtually unchanged since the British sold the factory to them lock stock and barrel in the 50 ’ s . This classic single cylinder bike with its low-down torque and throbbing exhaust in 350cc or 500cc is perfect for the
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