Australian CEO Begins Riding After 40 Years: Explains Why He Chose A Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
Indian motorcycle brand Royal Enfield has a long list of models in their lineup. It is currently the oldest motorcycle brand in the world that is still in production. Royal Enfield not only sells motorcycles in India but also exports them to other countries. Australia is one such market. We have come across several video reviews from international journalists online about Royal Enfield motorcycles in the past. This time, we have an Australian CEO who is sharing his experience with the bike as he started riding after 40 years. He also shares why he chose the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.
The Australian CEO in question here is Mr. Craig Whitehead. He is the CEO of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and had recently resumed riding motorcycles. He mentions that he used to ride dirt bikes as a teenager, but later turned his focus to football and completely gave up motorcycles. He is now 57, which means he is riding a bike again after almost a 40-year gap.
That is a huge gap, and bikes have changed significantly over the decades. So, when he decided to start riding again, he went to a school in Brisbane where he was taught how to protect himself, how to be aware of his surroundings, and how to be in the safest place on the road in any given situation.
Why Interceptor 650?
Just like most of us, Mr. Whitehead also did his research, and in most of it, the Interceptor 650 consistently came back with good results. He was looking for a bike that was fun to ride. Speed was not the only factor.
He wanted a bike that he could enjoy and that would offer him a pure riding experience. He wanted it to be as smooth and precise as possible. Another reason he liked the Interceptor 650 was its styling.
He liked the modern classic design of the bike and found it appealing. The bike also gets several customisation options. He mentions that he has already installed a free-flow air filter and is planning to install aftermarket injectors and an exhaust for a better-sounding note.
Mr. Whitehead mentions that he was not planning to ride a bike anytime soon, but one day when his neighbour asked him whether he was interested in getting a motorbike licence, he agreed, and they went together. They now go on rides whenever they get time.
He mentions that there is a level of vulnerability when one is riding a motorcycle compared to a car. So when you are riding in the mountains, tackling twisties, you should always be focused.
You only concentrate on what your bike is doing on the road, and he finds that a good way to actually leave all the stress behind. He mentions that all the week’s stresses, challenges, and problems are put aside during that two- or three-hour ride. His favourite ride so far has been to Mount Glorious, northwest of Brisbane, then around Somerset Dam, and across to Mount Mee.