Marty Shmanka

2025 Royal Enfield Bullet

Saturday 17th May 2025

Why I’m Riding a Royal Enfield Bullet in This Year’s DGR

This year’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride has special meaning for me — not only for the cause, but for the bike I’ll be riding. Thanks to the generous support of Royal Enfield Toronto, I’ll be astride a brand new Royal Enfield Bullet for the big day. I approached them about the ride, and without hesitation, they offered to loan me the bike. It’s a gesture I truly appreciate, and I want to take a moment to say thank you.

I normally ride a 2021 Triumph Tiger, and I absolutely love that machine — it’s a tall, rugged, go-anywhere beast. But the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a different kind of event. It celebrates the style and spirit of modern classic and vintage-inspired motorcycles, and while the Tiger turns heads, it doesn’t quite match the vibe. The Bullet, on the other hand, fits the bill perfectly.

For those unfamiliar, the Royal Enfield Bullet is one of the most iconic motorcycles ever built. With a continuous production run dating back to 1932, it holds the distinction of being the longest-running motorcycle model in the world. Originally designed and manufactured in the UK, Royal Enfield became a staple of British motorcycling — known for its rugged build, distinctive thump, and timeless design.

Today, Royal Enfield is headquartered in India, where they’ve masterfully revived their classic lineup with just the right touch of modern reliability. The Bullet I’ll be riding this year retains all the hallmarks of the original: a teardrop tank, hand-painted pinstripes, generous chrome, and a confident upright stance. But under the tank, it’s equipped with modern tech — EFI, ABS, and a 349cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine that delivers smooth torque and an unmistakable thump.

Riding the Bullet feels like stepping back in time without giving up today’s comforts. It’s light, responsive, and incredibly fun in the city. More importantly, it turns heads for all the right reasons — and in the DGR, that’s part of the point. This event isn’t just a ride, it’s a statement in style, raising funds and awareness for men’s mental health and prostate cancer research.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride encourages us to dress dapper and ride with purpose. For me, that purpose is amplified this year. After a tough recovery from a motorcycle accident last summer, I’m grateful to be back in the saddle at all. Being able to participate, looking sharp on a beautiful modern classic like the Bullet, means more than I can say.

So again, a huge thank-you to Royal Enfield Toronto for making this ride possible. If you're ever curious about classic bikes with modern charm, pay them a visit. The team knows their stuff, and they’ve helped keep the legacy of Royal Enfield alive in the heart of Toronto.

If you'd like to support my ride and the cause behind it, you can do so here:
👉 https://www.gentlemansride.com/fundraisers/MartyShmanka

Let’s ride dapper, ride safe, and ride for a better future.

Yes, I am riding again!

Wednesday 16th Apr 2025

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is on Sunday, May 18th. After being hit by a car while on my beautiful Triumph Street Twin last July, the DGR now means something more to me.

My ongoing recovery isn’t just physical. It’s mental.
Those early days, I didn’t want to move, didn’t want to talk, didn’t want to live. I didn’t feel like me. That ongoing silent struggle gives me a whole new understanding of this event and what it supports.

If you’ve never heard of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR), it’s a global motorcycle community event where riders dress their finest and take to the streets on vintage and classic-style bikes. It’s stylish, sure—but it’s not just for show. We ride to raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health and prostate cancer research through the Movember Foundation.

I’ve ridden and fundraised in memory of men like Anthony Bourdain and Robin Williams—two creative, generous spirits who lost their battles with mental health. But now… their stories and those of so many other men, fathers, brothers, friends and neighbours hit even harder. It’s because I’ve faced some of those dark days myself. I’m sharing this because I know too many of us don’t talk about it. We don’t want to seem weak. We don’t want to worry anyone. So we smile. We cope. We hide it well.

This ride—this community—is about changing that.

So on May 18th, I’ll be suited up again. I’ll be back on my other Triumph Motorcycle. And I’ll be riding not just to raise money—but to help one more man hang in, speak up, or reach out. I am here for you.

🙏 If this resonates with any of my friends and connections here, I’d be grateful for any support—whether that’s a donation, a share, or just a kind word to someone who might need it.

I'm Riding for Men's Health in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

Wednesday 16th Apr 2025 On Sunday the 18th of May 2025, I'm riding in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride with fellow men and women across the globe to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health on behalf of Movember. Men die on average 6 years earlier than women and for largely preventable reasons. The number of men that are suffering is growing, and we need to do something about that. So, before I press my tweed and polish my boots, I'm asking you to join me in raising funds and awareness for these causes by donating what you can for this meaningful cause and to help the men we love, live happier and healthier lives.