Mash Desert Force 400: Photo Gallery

Is this an alternative to the Royal Enfield Classic 500 Desert Storm?

French bikemaker Mash Motors has launched the 2020 Mash Desert Force 400 retro bike in the country. It costs 4,995 Euros, which translates to around Rs 4.13 lakh. It looks like an ideal alternative to the Royal Enfield Classic 500 Desert Storm, which retails at 5,795 Euros, around Rs 4.79 lakh. Check out the detailed images of this vintage-themed motorcycle:

The overall design of the motorcycle is delightfully retro, complete with a fender-mounted number plate, leather elements on the fuel tank, a pannier, and even a jerry can holder. This is a limited-edition motorcycle restricted to just 103 units.

The round headlamp with the headlight guard is complemented by a wide beach-bar type handlebar.

Despite being a retro bike, it packs a fully digital instrument cluster which shows all the necessary information along with the tell-tale lights.

The switchgear appears to be pretty much like standard Royal Enfield motorcycles -- sturdy and functional.

The fuel tank comes with a leather strap and a small leather pouch to store knick-knacks. It also gets leather treatment on the tank pads.

Even the pillion seat is sprung. The looped structure serves as a grab rail and a crude backrest for the rider. 

The canvas pannier bag on the right is complemented by a 10-litre jerry can on the left. That should enhance the bike’s touring potential considerably.

It is powered by a single-cylinder 397cc air-cooled engine which churns out 27.37PS and 29.9Nm.

The blacked-out twin-port pea-shooter exhausts add to the retro appeal. But without proper underbody protection, it looks like the low-mounted exhausts will be the first casualty on really bad roads.

The front end employs a telescopic fork with gaiters to protect the fork from dust and debris. For better performance off the road, the spoke wheels are wrapped with block pattern tyres on both ends.

The rear employs a pair of shock absorbers. Braking setup comprises discs on both ends with disengageable ABS.