11-28-2018, 05:47 AM
(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.