VOL. 56 ISSUE 9 MARCH 5, 2019 P103
But that minor suspension gripe is
compensated for by the well-designed
frame courtesy of RE subsidiary Harris
Performance, that's stiff and predict-
able. At speeds possibly a little above the
speed limit, the Enfield Twins handled fast
changes of direction capably through suc-
cessive flowing S-bends taken in third or
fourth gear. This further demonstrated the
success of the development work that's
gone into making the chassis handle
so well on its 18-inch wheels shod with
retro-look Pirelli Phantom Sportcomp tires
specially developed by the Italo-Chinese
company for these two models.
These went a long way towards deliver-
ing the easy and fun-riding nature of the
Indian-built Twins that'll make them an
enjoyable and confidence-inspiring ride
for RE's target audience of new riders
stepping up from a single, or more experi-
enced ones looking for a fun-filled middle-
weight ride. The compacted mass of the
parallel-twin engine package compared
to a rangier V-twin motor also helps it turn
more easily, and the relatively sharp steer-
ing geometry with a 24° head angle and
106mm of trail, coupled with a relatively
tight 1400mm wheelbase, all combine to
make it steer well.
Brembo's Indian affiliate Bybre supplies
the brakes, and the front single 320mm
disc and twin-pot caliper stop okay, with
nice feedback through the lever, but could
benefit from more initial bite. Probably pad
choice is directed towards not making less
experienced riders feel nervous about
locking the brakes (they won't, with ABS
fitted as standard), but you must use both
brakes hard to stop from any speed. At
the rear, the single-pot caliper and 240mm
disc are good for settling the bike mid-
corner, but the rear ABS was a little hit and
