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Royal Enfield just announced an ambitious new project called “90° South - Quest for the Pole” as they celebrate their 120th anniversary. Two riders will complete a 39-day, 478-mile journey on a pair of Royal Enfield Himalayan motorcycles to reach the geographic South Pole.
Do the math. They're expecting very slow progress over hostile Antarctic terrain.
The two motorcyclists actually come from RE’s own staff: Santhosh Vijay Kumar, Rides & Community Lead, and Dean Coxson, Product Development Senior Engineer. The bikes received some modifications in preparation for this grueling trek, namely a smaller front sprocket, tubeless wheels with studded tires, and an upgraded electrical system to handle plenty of heated gear. The ride will be supported by Arctic Trucks, a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators.
“Over the last 120 years, we have created and nurtured a thriving culture of riding and exploration around the world,” said Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director of Eicher Motors Ltd. “This pursuit of exploration has been a quintessential part of our DNA, and 90° South – Quest for the Pole is another chapter in our series of extraordinary, epic motorcycling rides… A test of endurance and perseverance for man and machine, this expedition is the first of its kind attempt to traverse the 478-mile (770 km) route [from Ross Ice Shelf] to the South Pole on a motorcycle.” This is the same line used by explorer Robert Scott in his tragic bid for South Pole glory some 110 years ago.
Royal Enfield’s riders won’t be the first to actually reach the pole — Japanese adventurer Shinji Kazama was first to reach the North Pole (1987) and the South Pole (1992) by motorcycle. His vehicle of choice? A modified Yamaha TW200, outfitted with a removable front wheel ski for the worst sections. He remains the only person to reach both poles by motorcycle. Incidentally, Shinji Kazama also holds the record for elevation attained by motorcycle on Mount Everest at 19,290 feet.
Follow the expedition on Royal Enfield’s site to see if the Himalayans and their pilots are up to the task.
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