Total Motorcycle Community Forums

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?

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?

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

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]

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.

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.