The Royal Enfield ‘Chiefs’ who ride to serve

Keren R. Rose
Kohima | October 13

The year was 2010; a few enthusiastic riders of Royal Enfield motorcycle came up with the idea of forming a Royal Enfield group with an intention to bring all the Royal Enfield riders in the state under one body.  A Few riders from Kohima and Dimapur decided to meet up on one sunny Sunday at a place call Mid Way Resort near Pherima village (midway between Kohima and Dimapur). It was just a handful of riders, but all came with big ideas and bigger dreams besides biking. It was a group of people who were looking - to ride and to serve. 

On 7th of November 2010, the Royal Enfield group was formed and the club was christened as “NAGALAND MOTORCYCLE CLUB”. Interestingly the members of the club go by the name as “Naga Chiefs” which is headed by the President, simply known as “Chief.” The club gradually grew in strength as more Royal Enfield enthusiast joined.  Says Chief Zhatuo Rutsa, “Every one of us in the club grew up watching and listening to bullets and its royal exhaust beat.” 

The Royal Enfield was first introduced in Britain in the year 1949 as a 350cc bike. The 500cc model was later introduced in 1950’s. In 1954 the Indian government placed an order for 800 Royal Enfield Bullets for ‘immediate’ service on the Pakistani border. Later to meet its growing demand, a branch of the Company was started in India on a full scale in 1556 and since then the company has been manufacturing the legendary bike in India ever since. 

Chief proudly tells this reporter that NMC is proud to be a part of the legend and ride with pride and glory. “Royal Enfield bullet is one of the classic legends which exist till date. We are all proud owners of the Classic bikes. Royal Enfield is extremely reliable on the notorious Indian roads; Bullet is extensively used by Indians in various terrains ranging from Rajasthan deserts to the highest motorable road on earth - Leh. Bullet is capable of excellent performance. NMC has ridden thousands of kilometers in one of these trust worthy machines for the last two year since the club’s inception”, informs Chief.

Apart from the passion for the classic bike, NMC members also undertake touring within the state and occasionally outside the state. One of the most impressive qualities of the club members is the respect and the feeling of brotherhood among the riders which comprise the young inexperienced ones as well as the seasoned riders. The club also boasts of riders who have, to their credit, the experience of touring the whole 11 districts of Nagaland. 

Some very interesting and memorable road trips of the club include the Longwa (Mon District) trip for 4 days, participation in the 3rd North East Riders Meet held in Shillong and several others over night and one day trips within and outside the state. During all such trips NMC follows certain general rules for the safety and discipline of the riders. For instance, all members are required to wear helmet and shoe/boots during any club rides. 

The members are also strictly required to observe traffic regulations 24x7.So far the club has been functioning without any aid or assistance from any organizations or source whatsoever.

Of late many young entrepreneurs from the club have come up with servicing and repairing stations to assist and help not only the club members but also the other Royal Enfield rider as well.  Some of the already well known and upcoming servicing and repairing stations in Nagaland are – “TRAP cars & bikes” (New Secretariat Road, Kohima), “Gear Heads” (near Naga Hospital, Kohima), “Bike Barn” (Fellowship colony, Dimapur) and “Bike Station” (Duncan, Dimapur)

At present NMC comprises of about 60 registered members and more waiting in line. To be a registered member of the NMC one has to have a valid driving license, should own a Royal Enfield and attend at least two rides conducted by the club. However, the club members make the final decision for the induction of any new member. In other words, no new members can be inducted without the approval of the President and the General Member. Likewise removal of the membership also lies with the Club’s approval.

This year, the NMC is privileged to be hosting the “4th North East Riders Meet” 2012 from Kohima, 4th to 8th December 2012. More than 200 Royal Enfield riders from North East India and the mainland are expected to join the mega event. The event will be a part of the Hornbill Festival organized by the Nagaland Government. NMC therefore, invites any enthusiastic Royal Enfield riders in Nagaland to take part in the Epic making history.  

For more information about Nagaland Motorcycle Club, you can log in to the web site www.nagalandmotorcycleclub or join the Facebook group “Nagalandmotorcycleclub”