Instantly recognisable, the Electra and Machismo's classic Bullet silhouette is mesmeric; the more modern Thunderbird takes a different route, and sticks its neck out as a cruiser.
Oodles of chrome are common to all the Royal Enfield models, the Machismo enjoying an extra helping. Nineteen-inch rims give all three motorcycles that presence and air of authority that attracts so many die-hard fans.
The Electra and Machismo share the vintage headlight housing with twin parking bulbs peeping out on either side. This also has room to enclose fork-tubes and the complete steering column. Simple round meters are easily accommodated in this unit, which appears to have ambled straight out of a WW2 movie. The Thunderbird gets a more attractive pair of twin-pod chrome instruments and upswept handlebars in keeping with its cruiser attitude. Swept-back mirrors on the Machismo lend it a unique touch.
The three macho machines sport a powerful headlight with a blinding searchlight beam, the downside being a lack of adequate spread to view the road shoulder.
The tank on all three bikes is a 14.4-litre teardrop, an upward twist helping the T'bird keep its cruiser image, and handsome chrome dabs add appeal to the Machismo. Battery and air filter shrouds on the T'bird blend with the rest of the bike, unlike the boxy protuberances on the flanks of the others.
The new Electra has the best switchgear — not that the others are bad. Levers and grips are of decent quality on all the Bullets, which aids comfort. At sedate speeds, the circular mirrors were adequate, but up the speeds and the world behind disappears in a throbbing haze.
Build quality on all the three Royal Enfields leaves a lot to be desired. Sigh.