Royal Enfield

[Stealth128_imp]

Anbody have a Royal Enfield thinking about purchasing one. I just dont have much information. I do like the bike but have no idea to the relibility or availability of parts or service.

Thanks,

[the_undecider_imp]

I have no experience with them, but I get the impression that they are ok in the hands of a relatively competent home mechanic, someone who has wrenched on bikes before. In my eye, these seem to be for someone who appreciates a quirky, rough around the edges bike. If you prefer a no muss, no fuss ownership experience, something like the Yamaha SR400 might satisfy one's retro cravings or a used Triumph Bonneville. My 2 cents, anyway.

[the Ferret]

The new Cafe is a really nice looking bike.

Royal Enfield is trying really hard to make what is basically a 90 year old British engine design into a new motorcycle. They have better sealing now ( less leaks), better fueling (fi) better electrics, better brakes, but they are still way behind the Japanese. They also don't make much horsepower. 500 singles by their nature produce vibration so there is that issue and tends thing to crack and fall off from excessive vibration. Every time a magazine tries to do a comparison test and include a Royal Enfield they seem add the caveat that it broke down sometime during the test.

If you just really, really like the bike and are like the U-D mentioned above, are a competent home mechanic who doesn't mind spending some time wrenching as well as riding, then a Royal Enfield would be a fun bike to have...sort of like a sporty lightweight Ural.

I would think dealer network, parts availability would be thin compared to Japanese, or even European makes.

[ClassicVW_imp]

Just don't expect anything nearly as smooth or fun as the CB. They are getting better as ferret said, but they can be annoying if you're not a mechanic.

A big reason for issues with bikes and cars like these is the lack of close tolerances in the manufacture.

[Capo]

The Continental GT puts out 29 BHP and severe vibration. A fun and stylish around town retro, and greatly improved over the standard models. But you really need to be tolerant to own one.

[Stealth128_imp]

Thanks All! I understand it's not as wonderful as the CB. But looks like a fun toy to play with. Besides it looks cool and I have no intention of touring the country.
I really want the army green one!

Thanks All!

[Cormanus]

Been on the back of a 350 once in Kathmandu and know a couple of people here who own 500s and like them. I suspect they're 'image' bikes for those two, though. But I reckon they look like fun.

[Short Timer_imp]

Had one for several years - sold it last year. Mine was an '04. Iron barrel, carbureted - they may have EFI now, not sure.

Pros:
A real attention grabber.
Best for close to home - short rides.
Fun to ride. Light weight, very maneuverable. A pleasing sound and vibe.
Easy to work on.
Pretty forgiving technology. Very old school.

Cons:
Slow off the line - disturbingly so in traffic.
Not terribly reliable or confidence inspiring if considering a trip out of town.
Happiest at 50 to 60 mph - tops. And plan to take your time at getting there...
Better know how to adjust stuff and enjoy tinkering. They demand it.
Parts and service are a real crap shoot.

Hope that helps. I enjoyed it as a conversation piece but it really didn't suit my riding preferences.

[ClassicVW_imp]

And if you buy one... NO Starting A Thread About Vibrations!

[Stealth128_imp]

Kinda looks like a Christmas Ornament