The CB1100 Community Forum

I wanted a different sort of experience. The CB1100 EX is certainly the smoothest, best fit-together motorcycle I've ever owned. I thought a Royal Enfield Classic 500 would be a bit of fun from the other end of the spectrum.

I credit a poster here with the inspiration. Until I saw a picture of one in his basement, I never imagined they were still on the market. Then synchronicity struck, and watching some videos of the Bhutan Dragons Motorcycle Club, I saw a swarm of RE Classics.

The final blow came when I found a Youtube video of this fellow who bought a Army Green Classic 500 and went to work customizing it, putting a 5" white Army Star on the side and a leather belt fastener on the battery case, etc & etc. That sort of thing appeals to me, so it's going to be a project. I think I'll start by getting the exhaust header powder coated black, and maybe I'll get a gold 5" Army star for the side or something. There are a few legitimate Army-Navy surplus stores still around; M&G Salvage in Norfolk, VA for one. They still sell stuff left over from WWI -- no joke. I once bought an enormous signal flag from a battleship there. With a little luck I'll come up with some vintage canvas panniers.

The Royal Enfield dealer tried as hard as he could to get me to put down a deposit on next year's RE's Twin 650 cc Interceptor. I think they expect that to be Royal Enfield's big breakthrough in the U.S. market.

(11-27-2018, 02:53 PM)Paris_imp Wrote: [ -> ]I wanted a different sort of experience. The CB1100 EX is certainly the smoothest, best fit-together motorcycle I've ever owned. I thought a Royal Enfield Classic 500 would be a bit of fun from the other end of the spectrum.

I credit a poster here with the inspiration. Until I saw a picture of one in his basement, I never imagined they were still on the market. Then synchronicity struck, and watching some videos of the Bhutan Dragons Motorcycle Club, I saw a swarm of RE Classics.

The final blow came when I found a Youtube video of this fellow who bought a Army Green Classic 500 and went to work customizing it, putting a 5" white Army Star on the side and a leather belt fastener on the battery case, etc & etc. That sort of thing appeals to me, so it's going to be a project. I think I'll start by getting the exhaust header powder coated black, and maybe I'll get a gold 5" Army star for the side or something. There are a few legitimate Army-Navy surplus stores still around; M&G Salvage in Norfolk, VA for one. They still sell stuff left over from WWI -- no joke. I once bought an enormous signal flag from a battleship there. With a little luck I'll come up with some vintage canvas panniers.

The Royal Enfield dealer tried as hard as he could to get me to put down a deposit on next year's RE's Twin 650 cc Interceptor. I think they expect that to be Royal Enfield's big breakthrough in the U.S. market.

Nearly one year ago I bought such an Enfield. It is a special experience, the big single cylinder riding experience framed with a very oldschool outlook and kind of riding. I enjoy my Bullet and it fits nicely into the row of the other two bikes I ride. Go for it, if you!re drawn to it!

Wisedrum

Definitely on the other end. Hopefully the Royal will be very low maintenance to enhance your experience. Should be fun.

Congrats Paris. We look forward to seeing pics of your project.

(11-27-2018, 02:53 PM)Paris_imp Wrote: [ -> ]I wanted a different sort of experience. The CB1100 EX is certainly the smoothest, best fit-together motorcycle I've ever owned. I thought a Royal Enfield Classic 500 would be a bit of fun from the other end of the spectrum.

I credit a poster here with the inspiration. Until I saw a picture of one in his basement, I never imagined they were still on the market. Then synchronicity struck, and watching some videos of the Bhutan Dragons Motorcycle Club, I saw a swarm of RE Classics.

The final blow came when I found a Youtube video of this fellow who bought a Army Green Classic 500 and went to work customizing it, putting a 5" white Army Star on the side and a leather belt fastener on the battery case, etc & etc. That sort of thing appeals to me, so it's going to be a project. I think I'll start by getting the exhaust header powder coated black, and maybe I'll get a gold 5" Army star for the side or something. There are a few legitimate Army-Navy surplus stores still around; M&G Salvage in Norfolk, VA for one. They still sell stuff left over from WWI -- no joke. I once bought an enormous signal flag from a battleship there. With a little luck I'll come up with some vintage canvas panniers.

The Royal Enfield dealer tried as hard as he could to get me to put down a deposit on next year's RE's Twin 650 cc Interceptor. I think they expect that to be Royal Enfield's big breakthrough in the U.S. market.

That is encouraging, as most in the southwest have disappeared.
I miss taking C rations on hikes.
There is a large one in the NW Las Vegas Valley, but most of the gear is from China.

congratulations from a fellow RE 500 owner.
I love mine- thoroughly different (but equally gratifying) motorcycling experience from the CB. They complement each other very well.

(11-27-2018, 02:53 PM)Paris_imp Wrote: [ -> ]I wanted a different sort of experience. The CB1100 EX is certainly the smoothest, best fit-together motorcycle I've ever owned. I thought a Royal Enfield Classic 500 would be a bit of fun from the other end of the spectrum.

I credit a poster here with the inspiration. Until I saw a picture of one in his basement, I never imagined they were still on the market. Then synchronicity struck, and watching some videos of the Bhutan Dragons Motorcycle Club, I saw a swarm of RE Classics.

The final blow came when I found a Youtube video of this fellow who bought a Army Green Classic 500 and went to work customizing it, putting a 5" white Army Star on the side and a leather belt fastener on the battery case, etc & etc. That sort of thing appeals to me, so it's going to be a project. I think I'll start by getting the exhaust header powder coated black, and maybe I'll get a gold 5" Army star for the side or something. There are a few legitimate Army-Navy surplus stores still around; M&G Salvage in Norfolk, VA for one. They still sell stuff left over from WWI -- no joke. I once bought an enormous signal flag from a battleship there. With a little luck I'll come up with some vintage canvas panniers.

The Royal Enfield dealer tried as hard as he could to get me to put down a deposit on next year's RE's Twin 650 cc Interceptor. I think they expect that to be Royal Enfield's big breakthrough in the U.S. market.

I agree with your dealer!

isn't the new Kawasaki W800 hitting the market in the US at roughly the same time as the Interceptor? at approximately the same price? that's going to hurt....

(11-28-2018, 05:01 AM)LongRanger_imp Wrote: [ -> ]

(11-27-2018, 02:53 PM)Paris_imp Wrote: [ -> ]I wanted a different sort of experience. The CB1100 EX is certainly the smoothest, best fit-together motorcycle I've ever owned. I thought a Royal Enfield Classic 500 would be a bit of fun from the other end of the spectrum.

I credit a poster here with the inspiration. Until I saw a picture of one in his basement, I never imagined they were still on the market. Then synchronicity struck, and watching some videos of the Bhutan Dragons Motorcycle Club, I saw a swarm of RE Classics.

The final blow came when I found a Youtube video of this fellow who bought a Army Green Classic 500 and went to work customizing it, putting a 5" white Army Star on the side and a leather belt fastener on the battery case, etc & etc. That sort of thing appeals to me, so it's going to be a project. I think I'll start by getting the exhaust header powder coated black, and maybe I'll get a gold 5" Army star for the side or something. There are a few legitimate Army-Navy surplus stores still around; M&G Salvage in Norfolk, VA for one. They still sell stuff left over from WWI -- no joke. I once bought an enormous signal flag from a battleship there. With a little luck I'll come up with some vintage canvas panniers.

The Royal Enfield dealer tried as hard as he could to get me to put down a deposit on next year's RE's Twin 650 cc Interceptor. I think they expect that to be Royal Enfield's big breakthrough in the U.S. market.

I agree with your dealer!

I agree with your dealer!
The dealer was a pretty sophisticated guy, having spent quite a bit of time in different aspects of the motorcycle and auto trade. I was impressed by how quickly we reached a good deal for both of us on trading in my ZRX. He had all the angles down; he didn't try to short change me, and structured things so we both came out ahead. I have to respect that.

He told me that he decided to take on Royal Enfield after learning that they had hired engineers and designers from BMW and Moto Guzi. This told him that Royal Enfield had a serious commitment to improving their quality and a long term plan to compete globally.

wow ... wait .... you traded in a ZRX (Highly sought after liter bike with quite a following) for a Royal Enfield 500 single. It'll take me a minute to absorb that. Maybe more than a minute lol