Royal Enfield

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sprocket · #1 Unread post by **sprocket** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 9:16 pm

I'm looking into purchasing my first bike. I've got my license, so now's the time where I start looking for that memorable first ride.

The Question:
Does anyone own a Royal Enfield? If so, I could really use some real world response about them.

US Royal Enfield webpage: http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/index.html

I'm looking into the 500cc model, kickstart, with the Cafe Racer conversion kit, and performance upgrades in the future. They have a wonderful assortment of add-ons which make this bike extra appealing. I plan on doing all the work myself seeing as I'm handy with a wrench.

What do you guys think of this bike and the company producing them? Any feedback is well appreciated, seeing as this is a possible first bike purchase for me. thanks guys!

SIDE NOTES YOU DON'T NEED TO READ IF YOU LIKE:

Ever since I saw a Triumph motor in a Norton Featherbed, I've been hooked. The Triton, a Cafe Racer and all that sort of thing. Getting to know more about the history behind Cafe Racers and the Ace Cafe and whatnot has really boiled my blood in a good way.

I love "antique" bikes, or rather, those that start an entire genres. Honestly, I want to use my bike as a daily driver, but I also want to track it. Perhaps even race in a few "antique bike" races. The Royal Enfield webpage has plenty of support on that front and the bikes they sell are "antique bike" race ready. Their bikes conform to all the regulations for racing in that type of series.

A good way to get into some weekend warrior track racing? you tell me.

TechTMW · #2 Unread post by **TechTMW** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 10:56 pm

I have no real world experience w/ the royal enfield.

I would suggest (since you mention you are handy with a wrench) that you pick up a 60's or 70's Triumph and do a cafe/resto on it.

Bringing something back from the dead has been more satisfying to me than owning something "retro".

A quick look on Ebay shows quite a few triumph 'projects' for well under the price on an Enfield

#3 Unread post by **Kal** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 11:56 pm

I knew a guy who had one. They arent fast (Clubman - S: 24bhp 80mph), efficent or quite as reliable as a modern 500, but then Royal Enfield have been producing the same Bike since the 50's.

All that said Jon had more fun with his Bullet than should be allowed. Basicly a classic with all new parts and cheap with it.

ke3vg · #4 Unread post by **ke3vg** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 4:25 am

Yes! I used to own Royal Enfield 20 yrs ago when I was in collge in India. Great bike,especially I was big fond of the way it sounded. Here is my observation and experiance of Royal enfied (4yrs)

- Great sounded
- Very reliable (as long as you can handle small maintenance with valve tepit roads, used to get loose more often)
- Very comfartable ride (500 mile a strech was commomn for me)
- Equally comfprtable for passenger also
- Slow pickup but onse you hit 40mph, it has awsome acceleration.
- It need upgrade to headlight, since it was kind dim for me, may have changed now.
- It was my most faviote bike than and still ie. now I own honda cbr 600 fr, 1999. great bike but minssing enfields comfort in long drive.

In short if you don't expect sport like riding and litlle handy with small maintenance , the Royal Enfield is great for you.

If you buy one, please post the picture so I can see it.

Aquaduct · #5 Unread post by **Aquaduct** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 6:23 am

Well as much as I love my current bike, I must admit that I'd be very tempted by that Royal Enfield. Just a sense of cool that just doesn't exist anywhere else.

If you go for it, keep us posted.

DivideOverflow · Sat Aug 27, 2005 6:29 am

I absolutely love those things. I had a chance to ride my buddy's. Fast? No.. fun? Hell yes! I give a thumbs up to the cafe racer kit as well. It really adds to the feel of the bike.

sprocket · #7 Unread post by **sprocket** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 6:52 am

thanks guys. i'll keep you posted.

Scott58 · #8 Unread post by **Scott58** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 7:53 am

When i bought my Rebel it was between those 2. i still like the looks of the bullet. when I got my license i tested with a girl who had one and we went riding for a bit after we were done. She road mine for a bit and i rode hers (hers was an 04). The Rebel out performed the enfield and was almost $2000 less. The one thing you can't beat with the enfield though is the look. That is one class act bike. i still wouldn't mind having one.

paul246 · #9 Unread post by **paul246** » Sat Aug 27, 2005 11:04 am

I have heard that the 350cc Enfields are the most reliable. No actual experience myself, don't even know anyone with an Enfield, so this information is worth exactly what you paid for it.

DivideOverflow · Sat Aug 27, 2005 11:20 am

I've never heard anything bad about either of them reliability-wise. They are easy as anything to work on! Only one of everything! haha. None of this carb balancing stuff, or cleaning 2 or 4 carbs instead of 1.
I'm currently restoring my KZ650, which is a 4cyl, so Im starting to appreciate simplicity of older designs...haha