Royal Enfield Bullet Classic as a starter bike?

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belmic18 · #1 Unread post by **belmic18** » Thu May 04, 2006 11:48 pm

So I've got some money saved up, and would like to get into motorcycles. I will be taking a class and getting my permit in September(earliest I could get the class) and after that I was looking to get a bike. While I would love to get a Speed Triple or something along those lines, I figured a more sensible bike would be more useful to me at the start until I get my riding skills down. I really like the appearance and idea of the Royal Enfield bullet, but was wondering if the eventual jump from a bike like the Bullet to something like the Speed Triple would be too much?

jstark47 · #2 Unread post by **jstark47** » Fri May 05, 2006 3:37 am

Do you like constantly wrenching on bikes? Yes? Then get a Royal Enfield..... Remember the Royal Enfield mottoes, "Loud Valves Save Lives", and "Untainted by Technology"!! Seriously, that's a hobby bike for the mechanically proficient. If you're not into constant fiddling with your bike, steer clear.

Stepping from a Bullet to a Speed Triple? 500cc version of the Bullet makes 22 horsepower, stock. Speed Triple maxes at 128 horsepower. Think 22hp to 128hp might be a big step?

Hmmmmmm....... is this a serious inquiry, or am I guilty of feeding a troll?

Loonette · #3 Unread post by **Loonette** » Fri May 05, 2006 3:53 am

My Dad owns a 90-something Bullet (I think '92 or '96 - heck, I'm not sure). He loves it and rides it everywhere, but yes, he seems to do a bit of wrenching on it. He lives in a small town and luckily knows a good private motorcycle mechanic. I think if you absolutely love the quirkiness of the bike (I almost bought one too! - I wanted the one in the military matte-green paint with the metal saddle boxes - mmmmmm!!), then you might not mind the extra attention it may need. And I have heard that the models newer than my Dad's are supposed to be redesigned to some degree. Like, now they have both electric and manual starters.

I didn't look around too much, but I found this for you - http://www.royalenfield.us/ Maybe someone on their forums could answer more specific questions.

They really are super cool bikes. Good luck, and keep us posted.

Cheers,
Loonette

BigChickenStrips · Sat May 06, 2006 2:41 pm

those bikes are cool looking though, even if they are not "reliable". i wish there were more "classic" looing bikes in the less expensive price range. like the old hondas and triumphs. maybe a nice 400cc motor with all the bells and whistles of a new bike. [/rambling]

jstark47 · #5 Unread post by **jstark47** » Sat May 06, 2006 4:17 pm

HandsomeRyan wrote:i wish there were more "classic" looing bikes in the less expensive price range.

That's the problem with Royal Enfields, it's not just classic looking, it is a classic. It's a 1955 bike that's stayed in production almost unchanged.

flynrider · #6 Unread post by **flynrider** » Sat May 06, 2006 5:18 pm

Exactly! Retro-style bikes like Kaws W650 used current technology in a style and configuration from the 60s. The Enfield uses 50's technology in a bike that's styled from the 50s. Bike reliability has come along way since then.