Royal Enfield - 350/500cc - any current experience?

[AmBraCol]

Hey guys,

"Big" bikes (anything over 125 CC - by local definition) are not that common in this part of God's green earth. I managed to trade up to a Honda XL200 a while back and it's been doing good service for the most part, but leaves a bit to be desired for longer rides in the power and rider comfort areas. Our ministry now has me doing more riding over a range or two of the Andes and am contemplating the need to do a ride up to the coast to visit some of our churches up that way, probably after we get back down here following a few months of "home service" this summer.

Last year one of our major motorcycle assemblers/distributors announced a partnership with Royal Enfield to import their line of bikes to the country. RE has been building bikes in India since '55 and they are ridden all over the Himalayas - which should make riding one all over the Andes a piece of cake, one would think. My problem in obtaining good info on them, however, is that the Indian forums tend to be dominated by go-fast mini-crotchrocket enthusiasts and folks who are not very objective in their analysis of things mechanical. Hence my inquiry to the repository of all things levergun related and arcane bits and pieces of diverse intellectual flotsam.

If any of you happen to have first hand knowledge of the RECENT PRODUCTION Royal Enfield motorcycles, I'd really like to hear about it. Yes, I know they aren't Harleys and that the Japanese bikes tend to be higher quality - but unless someone makes a substantial designated donation to the mission vehicle fund specifying it be spent on obtaining a better bike, we're stuck looking at relatively "affordable" bikes. I could buy three Royal Enfields for what one Harley or Suzuki or Honda or Yamaha would cost - and most of those would be of the crotchrocket variety which is not what I need for traversing the Andes.

Our cross country riding conditions include a lot of twisty/turny/steep grade riding at speeds between 10 mph up to maybe 45 mph with bursts needed to get around trucks/cars/buses in short distances. This is often followed by stretches of relatively flat riding - with speed limits in the 50-60 mph range. In other words, there's not much call for a bike designed for long haul on US Interstate highways down here. If you own or know of anyone who owns a CURRENT PRODUCTION Royal Enfield - do you think it would be up to the task?

What I like about what I'm reading and the brief experience of sitting on a Rumbler/Thunderbird version of the bike is that it feels larger, more comfortable than the XL200 I've been riding - and the specs indicate that it should perform significantly better on the uphill pulls.

Any input on the subject is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[BenT]

They have been importing them to the US for over a decade ago. Poor sales forced them to upgrade the motorcycles ignition system and even disc brakes on some models. All I know is they are better than they used to be. It sounds like the right tool for you transportation needs. But like anything imported. Make sure you check that there is good parts availability.

[AmBraCol]

They have been importing them to the US for over a decade ago. Poor sales forced them to upgrade the motorcycles ignition system and even disc brakes on some models. All I know is they are better than they used to be. It sounds like the right tool for you transportation needs. But like anything imported. Make sure you check that there is good parts availability.

Thanks, Ben. That's good advice - and is my main concern. They claim they've "got everything" in regards to parts, but are new enough on the market that there's not much feedback about them here yet. They also only have two dealerships, but say that they are working at expanding into other parts of the country - including locally to me. Since they are affiliated with one of our more common brands (same company runs both, albeit in different physical locations) and say that their mechanics will be trained in RE maintenance. Shucks, I do most of my own maintenance anyway, so once the warranty period is over the typical stuff gets done by someone who REALLY cares about how the bike lasts and performs and is safe to ride.

What's got folks talking is the concept of a "big" bike at a relatively affordable price. Then there's the style - the only other non-crotchrocket bikes around are either top dollar or Chinese or Indian manufacture - or typical 125-150 cc models with abominable HP and torque ratings. The CEO of RE in India claims he's aiming to take over the world market in the midsized bike range and chances are that he'll do it here since there is no competition in the price/size range to speak of.

[stew71]

I can't speak for RE, but if I were in your shoes, I'd STRONGLY consider a used Kawasaki KLR650 in good condition. Built like a tank, parts can be found anywhere on Earth, they can haul a metric ton of stuff, and they're simple machines. Riders run them flat-out across Baja and to Dakar every year. That should speak volumes.

I can find a 2 or 3 year old, low mileage KLR around here for under $4000, easy. And they'll usually have all sorts of extras already bolted on.

[AmBraCol]

I can't speak for RE, but if I were in your shoes, I'd STRONGLY consider a used Kawasaki KLR650 in good condition. Built like a tank, parts can be found anywhere on Earth, they can haul a metric ton of stuff, and they're simple machines. Riders run them flat-out across Baja and to Dakar every year. That should speak volumes.

I can find a 2 or 3 year old, low mileage KLR around here for under $4000, easy. And they'll usually have all sorts of extras already bolted on.

There's one on the national market. It's listed at nearly $8,000 U.S. for a used bike.

[Pete44ru]

I can't speak for RE, but if I were in your shoes, I'd STRONGLY consider a used Kawasaki KLR650 in good condition.

Built like a tank, parts can be found anywhere on Earth.

I can find a 2 or 3 year old, low mileage KLR around here for under $4000, easy.

Yeah, but not in Peru, where Paul's ministry is located: " Big bikes (anything over 125 CC - by local definition) are not that common in this part of God's green earth."


Paul, I only have indirect experience on the newer RE's, because they were featured in a couple of renditions on a motorcycle enthusiast's satellite TV program called "Cafe Racer". (The Velocity Channel)

http://www.velocity.com/tv-shows/cafe-r ... eld-build/

http://www.caferacertv.com/tag/royal-enfield/

They rebuilt a new example on the program, for more power - they wanted to see if one could do the ton (100mph), which they accomplished.



.

[Grizz]

I can't speak for RE, but if I were in your shoes, I'd STRONGLY consider a used Kawasaki KLR650 in good condition. Built like a tank, parts can be found anywhere on Earth, they can haul a metric ton of stuff, and they're simple machines. Riders run them flat-out across Baja and to Dakar every year. That should speak volumes.

I can find a 2 or 3 year old, low mileage KLR around here for under $4000, easy. And they'll usually have all sorts of extras already bolted on.

There's one on the national market. It's listed at nearly $8,000 U.S. for a used bike.

I think this is a good idea for long term logistics. what if there was some way to crowdfund it and I drove it down to you, would that help? Someone in the u.s. might donate one to your ministry, is getting it into the country a problem?

just thinking out loud. I'm sure you know your own needs best and the parts issues can be daunting.

[AmBraCol]

I can't speak for RE, but if I were in your shoes, I'd STRONGLY consider a used Kawasaki KLR650 in good condition.

Built like a tank, parts can be found anywhere on Earth.

I can find a 2 or 3 year old, low mileage KLR around here for under $4000, easy.

Yeah, but not in Peru, where Paul's ministry is located: " Big bikes (anything over 125 CC - by local definition) are not that common in this part of God's green earth."


Paul, I only have indirect experience on the newer RE's, because they were featured in a couple of renditions on a motorcycle enthusiast's satellite TV program called "Cafe Racer". (The Velocity Channel)

http://www.velocity.com/tv-shows/cafe-r ... eld-build/

http://www.caferacertv.com/tag/royal-enfield/

They rebuilt a new example on the program, for more power - they wanted to see if one could do the ton (100mph), which they accomplished.

.

Thanks, Pete. Actually I'm north of Peru. "North of the Equator and South of the Canal" - in Colombia.

They've got the cafe racers here too - but they aren't exactly my idea of a traveling machine. My idea of the Royal Enfield is a low RPM, mid-speed, back roads and narrow asphalt traveling machine. A lot of folks criticize them because they are not high revving, high speed interstate cruising machines. But the roads here take a different class of bike, in my opinion. Shucks, there's a lot of guys down here into the mini-crotchrocket bikes like the Bajaj Pulsar 200NS, but they aren't set up for the long hauls I need and besides, I look ridiculous on the back of one of those little things. I may look ridiculous anyway - but there's no need to exacerbate the situation! What's drawing me towards the RE is the relatively large frame and relatively comfortable seating arrangement which should make longer range riding more enjoyable.

[AmBraCol]

I can't speak for RE, but if I were in your shoes, I'd STRONGLY consider a used Kawasaki KLR650 in good condition. Built like a tank, parts can be found anywhere on Earth, they can haul a metric ton of stuff, and they're simple machines. Riders run them flat-out across Baja and to Dakar every year. That should speak volumes.

I can find a 2 or 3 year old, low mileage KLR around here for under $4000, easy. And they'll usually have all sorts of extras already bolted on.

There's one on the national market. It's listed at nearly $8,000 U.S. for a used bike.

I think this is a good idea for long term logistics. what if there was some way to crowdfund it and I drove it down to you, would that help? Someone in the u.s. might donate one to your ministry, is getting it into the country a problem?

just thinking out loud. I'm sure you know your own needs best and the parts issues can be daunting.

Thanks, Grizz. Colombia's VERY jealous of their national market. They want to shave every penny possible from the consumer. They've not allowed importation of used vehicles into the country since late in the last century. And new vehicles are heavily taxed, both by the government and most importers. Royal Enfield popped up on my radar again because the current importer lowered prices. There was a small operation that was bringing in a dozen or two every year, and selling them at prices which made the Japanese brands look attractive. RE negotiated with a major builder of lower priced bikes and they are starting to build a network, the prices before the dollar started climbing were eyepoppingly low. The main concern at this point is the parts availability on a national level. But they claim to have everything on hand at the dealerships. If they take off like I expect them to (there's a dearth of comparable machines on the national market) then parts will start showing up in other bike shops as well.

My concern with the KZ650 is the lack of a national parts market. They are few and far between and consequently spare parts are too. A Suzuki V-Strom would be a better deal as Suzuki builds them here and parts are relatively widely available. But they are still a very high priced bike even on the used market. I've had my eye on the Freewind, but rebuild cost is too high to make me interested in getting a used one and the new ones were discontinued. Then there's the good ol' GS500 which is as close to RE bikes in price as one can get here. But it's too much crotchrocket and too little touring bike for my taste and needs. Parts are fairly common, albeit also on the high side.

Shucks, if I could get one into the country to stay, I'd ride it down myself! That'd be a hoot of a ride!!!

[Ben_Rumson]

No direct experience...But picked up some video maintenance and operating info 28 vids in all...Comments from viewers may be helpful too.. Good luck
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... F9231D6110

[gamekeeper]

Paul, check out the Jawa/CZ 350 if they sell them in Columbia, they have torque enough to pull side cars and are relatively inexpensive 2stroke twins. As far as I know the Enfield's good bikes too.

[3leggedturtle]

Gotta ask, are there any Honda Rebels down there? Very tough, durable and nice riding bike.

[AmBraCol]

No direct experience...But picked up some video maintenance and operating info 28 vids in all...Comments from viewers may be helpful too.. Good luck
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... F9231D6110

Thanks, Ben! I'd not seen those videos yet. Unfortunately, he's got the older version. Still, pretty cool info. Thanks for sharing!

[AmBraCol]

Paul, check out the Jawa/CZ 350 if they sell them in Columbia, they have torque enough to pull side cars and are relatively inexpensive 2stroke twins. As far as I know the Enfield's good bikes too.

Unfortunately, they don't sell Jawa down here any more. A guy I know has one, but it's been parked as long as I've known him (several years) due to lack of parts availability - and back taxes owed adding up to more than the bike would be worth to get running! Also, they've fazed out the 2 strokers in order to placate Gaia and the radical priesthood of environmentalism. There's still a few Yamaha and Suzuki 115's ripping around, but parts are pretty much dried up and only the diehard two smokers keep them running.

[AmBraCol]

Gotta ask, are there any Honda Rebels down there? Very tough, durable and nice riding bike.

Haven't seen any Rebels here. The Shadow is relatively common - but expensive to maintain. And, of course, expensive to purchase. The small (by US standards) cruiser that was fairly common here at one time is the Suzuki Marauder. They discontinued it a few years ago. Two years ago they had the Suzuki Boulevard - but way out of my league price wise.

[wecsoger]

Ah, a thread I'm going to watch closely!

Unfortunately know nothing about the new RE's other than I sat on one last year. They do have that 'cool' look and I am all about vintage.

Currently I do own a KLR650 (2011) and and 2003 Rebel.

As far as the latter, I do regard it as being very close to what I refer to as a "third world bike" (no offense intended) and it's a simple, strong design with easy to access and work on parts.

So saying, at 6'2 and north of 250 lbs I look like a bear on a trike at a Shriner's Parade on that little Honda. But it is a total blast to zip around on.

KLR650, another animal, but may be worth looking at. Single cylinder, carb not fuel inject, chain drive, great road clearance, and other than the fairings everything is easy to get to. Note, to be a member of the KLR650 club you pretty much have to have a 32" inseam to flat foot it at stoplights. But with good tires and suitable skills you can go almost anywhere you want.

May be worth the high initial cost but I would also be concerned about someone running off with with.

[Pete44ru]

.

FWIW, Paul - The RE I referred to is a cafe racer only because the show converted it into one.

I thought that, if you watch the video, you should be able to get a pretty good handle on what a stock RE is like, and pick up on any idiosyncracies that would be a deal breaker for you.


.

[wecsoger]

No Rebels? Other than the goofy handlebars, it's a good bike. Dual cylinder, but single carb. chain drive. No oil filter, so I'd stick a magnetic drain plug on. No fuel filter either, but that's an easy add on.

Not a freeway or interstate cruiser, but for back roads, great.

And easy to add panniers for cargo handling capability.

[AmBraCol]

Currently I do own a KLR650 (2011) and and 2003 Rebel.

As far as the latter, I do regard it as being very close to what I refer to as a "third world bike" (no offense intended) and it's a simple, strong design with easy to access and work on parts.

So saying, at 6'2 and north of 250 lbs I look like a bear on a trike at a Shriner's Parade on that little Honda. But it is a total blast to zip around on.

KLR650, another animal, but may be worth looking at. Single cylinder, carb not fuel inject, chain drive, great road clearance, and other than the fairings everything is easy to get to. Note, to be a member of the KLR650 club you pretty much have to have a 32" inseam to flat foot it at stoplights. But with good tires and suitable skills you can go almost anywhere you want.

May be worth the high initial cost but I would also be concerned about someone running off with with.

Bear on a trike - HA! That'd be me on my wife's little Honda Biz100. My brother-in-law used to have a Rebel before the proverbial little old lady "didn't see him" and her insurance company bought it. Did some riding, it's not a U.S. highway bike by any means, to bad they're not available 'round here.

Kawasaki is a very rare brand down here. They are imported by Auteco, the same folks that do the Bajaj brand from India. I'm trying to remember if I've ever seen a KLR650 in person here, don't recall ever seeing one at all.

To put some perspective on the bike situation down here, last year there were over six million bikes registered all over the country. Of those, only 51.064 were over 500cc displacement and only 87.372 were between 200 and 500cc displacement. The rest are mostly between 100 and 180 cc with the vast majority below 125 cc's as anything over 125 cc's has to pay an extra annual tax. Speaking of which, need to go in and see how much they are robbing me of this year...

[AmBraCol]

.

FWIW, Paul - The RE I referred to is a cafe racer only because the show converted it into one.

I thought that, if you watch the video, you should be able to get a pretty good handle on what a stock RE is like, and pick up on any idiosyncracies that would be a deal breaker for you.


.

Yeah, I rewatched the video after I posted and saw it was the one they'd done for a TV show and had seen before. They're importing a 535 cc cafe racer now. The big question is - what are the big changes made recently? Have they improved reliability, etc? Watching some of the videos linked above there's a LOT of changes made after the 2001 year model the guy's showing in his videos. There's no decompression lever any more, nor is there a neutral finder. Don't really remember what year they went to the UCE (I THINK those are the right initials) engine without the cast iron cylinder and such, think it was mid 2000's. Thanks for posting it, the idea of stripping off the extra metal to lighten the load is appealing! Plus it gives more luggage carrying capabilities if a proper luggage rack was attached in its stead!

[Ben_Rumson]

FWIW a couple of 2015 reviews

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... AL+ENFIELD

[wecsoger]

To put some perspective on the bike situation down here, last year there were over six million bikes registered all over the country. Of those, only 51.064 were over 500cc displacement and only 87.372 were between 200 and 500cc displacement.

Which makes sense to me for a country like that. I am dismayed (but not surprised) at the USA motorcycle market of continually expanding displacement. I used to think a liter (1000cc) bike was huge. The new Polaris Victory (I'm partial to the Gunner) and Indian Chief are almost /double/ that.

I loathe anything that has two or more lanes going in the same direction and my 'little' 650cc KLR cheerfully pushes my fat butt along.

Something to think about - one of the original 'bad boy' motorcycle movies, The Wild One with Marlon Brando (may have heard of him as an actor) and they portrayed kick butt bikers...on some 650cc Triumphs. These days you can't even be a wanna-be kick butt biker on that.

For more "third world bikes", in the same vein as the little Honda both Yahaha and Suzuki have 250cc bikes.

But do your research on the RE and the models. From what I've read, it's not a cheap solution to what you want but it may be a good fit.

And pictures please!

[Old Ironsights]

I'm with ya wecsoger. My 81 650 Maxxim is way plenty big enough. I'd love to get into a KLR (I think that an "iron horse" should be able to go off road), but that's for when the Maxxim dies & have some more money.

Paul: I understand the Politics of the problem, but are TPTB as annoying about shipping/receiving spare parts as they are importing full bikes?

[AmBraCol]

To put some perspective on the bike situation down here, last year there were over six million bikes registered all over the country. Of those, only 51.064 were over 500cc displacement and only 87.372 were between 200 and 500cc displacement.

Which makes sense to me for a country like that. I am dismayed (but not surprised) at the USA motorcycle market of continually expanding displacement. I used to think a liter (1000cc) bike was huge. The new Polaris Victory (I'm partial to the Gunner) and Indian Chief are almost /double/ that.

I loathe anything that has two or more lanes going in the same direction and my 'little' 650cc KLR cheerfully pushes my fat butt along.

Something to think about - one of the original 'bad boy' motorcycle movies, The Wild One with Marlon Brando (may have heard of him as an actor) and they portrayed kick butt bikers...on some 650cc Triumphs. These days you can't even be a wanna-be kick butt biker on that.

For more "third world bikes", in the same vein as the little Honda both Yahaha and Suzuki have 250cc bikes.

But do your research on the RE and the models. From what I've read, it's not a cheap solution to what you want but it may be a good fit.

And pictures please!

Bike markets are weird. For example, up in the U.S. they don't list the Thunderbird/Rumbler as a Royal Enfield option - but here they are really pushing the Rumbler in both 350 and 500 cc versions. There are currently no road bikes in 250-500 cc versions down here except for UM which is built with a chinese engine and the Bajaj Avenger - and those are really just 220 or so cc's. The Avenger uses the same engine as the 220 cc Pulsar - but neutered to yield lower HP and torque. Why? I've REALLY no idea why the Indians did that, it makes no sense to yours truly. But did it they did.

Funny, the Royal Enfields here are being sold cheaper than anything except the 200 cc class of bikes - and cheaper than some of those, depending on brand. Like I said - bike markets are weird.

[AmBraCol]

FWIW a couple of 2015 reviews

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... AL+ENFIELD

Thanks, Ben.

Here's one being ridden down under...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ph_ev6maSw

[3leggedturtle]

Wecsoger; No offense taken. I am 6'3" and was 240lbs when I loaded the Rebel up; and rode it to Fairbanks VIA Spanaway, WA. Still surprised Blaine didn't take a pic of me and post it.

Ambracal; Do you have any pics of turtles from down there. Also at 1 time I thought I had read about a RE copy produced in India that had a diesel motor in it, but never could find a review on it. Hope you find something soon.

[AmBraCol]

I'm with ya wecsoger. My 81 650 Maxxim is way plenty big enough. I'd love to get into a KLR (I think that an "iron horse" should be able to go off road), but that's for when the Maxxim dies & have some more money.

Paul: I understand the Politics of the problem, but are TPTB as annoying about shipping/receiving spare parts as they are importing full bikes?

Parts are doable, don't recall all the ins and outs as so far haven't had to bring much in. A friend saved money by importing front shocks or struts or something for his Dodge Voyager direct from the U.S.. Even with shipping they came in at half or less than the local dealer wanted.

[AmBraCol]

Wecsoger; No offense taken. I am 6'3" and was 240lbs when I loaded the Rebel up; and rode it to Fairbanks VIA Spanaway, WA. Still surprised Blaine didn't take a pic of me and post it.

Ambracal; Do you have any pics of turtles from down there. Also at 1 time I thought I had read about a RE copy produced in India that had a diesel motor in it, but never could find a review on it. Hope you find something soon.

Something like these?

[Old Ironsights]

I'm with ya wecsoger. My 81 650 Maxxim is way plenty big enough. I'd love to get into a KLR (I think that an "iron horse" should be able to go off road), but that's for when the Maxxim dies & have some more money.

Paul: I understand the Politics of the problem, but are TPTB as annoying about shipping/receiving spare parts as they are importing full bikes?

Parts are doable, don't recall all the ins and outs as so far haven't had to bring much in. A friend saved money by importing front shocks or struts or something for his Dodge Voyager direct from the U.S.. Even with shipping they came in at half or less than the local dealer wanted.

See, something like that could be your way around an otherwise "problem" bike that better fits your acquisition budget. Get some strange fellows to send you spare parts so you can run n easier to afford bike...

[Grizz]

or get a honda engine and build a rokon clone.

rokon.jpg

a little welding, a little steam-punk, and away you go !

seriously, I understand your need and pray you get the transportation for the work

Grizz

[Larkbill]

I keep checking back to see if anyone replied with current knowledge about the Indian built RE bikes, but looks like so far no joy. So I'll pass along some older observations.

In the early 70's I was a young sailor stationed in SW Georgia. I rode Yamahas and worked part time at the dealer. One of my jobs was reconditioning our used trade-ins, the owner's sons were good factory trained Yamaha mechs but weren't very adaptable. We traded for an Indian (brand, not continent) Enfield 750 that had issues and my boss had me ride it down to a small private shop that specialized in British bikes. The Navy chief who ran it rode an Indian (again, brand) Velocette 500 and turned out to be a walking encyclopedia of Brit bikes. His first comment when examining our beast was that it was that it was a shame the Indians (the continent, not the brand) were only building singles. Their parts were far superior to the ones he could get from Britain. He was a big fan of the Indian built Enfields and had plans to replace his Velocette engine with an Indian built RE engine because parts were so much easier to get, and better quality.

Hope this helps, sounds like the govt reg/taxes are a huge drag on you getting what you really need at an affordable price, hope the RE thing works out. The 350 sounds like a reasonable choice.

[AmBraCol]

I keep checking back to see if anyone replied with current knowledge about the Indian built RE bikes, but looks like so far no joy. So I'll pass along some older observations.

In the early 70's I was a young sailor stationed in SW Georgia. I rode Yamahas and worked part time at the dealer. One of my jobs was reconditioning our used trade-ins, the owner's sons were good factory trained Yamaha mechs but weren't very adaptable. We traded for an Indian (brand, not continent) Enfield 750 that had issues and my boss had me ride it down to a small private shop that specialized in British bikes. The Navy chief who ran it rode an Indian (again, brand) Velocette 500 and turned out to be a walking encyclopedia of Brit bikes. His first comment when examining our beast was that it was that it was a shame the Indians (the continent, not the brand) were only building singles. Their parts were far superior to the ones he could get from Britain. He was a big fan of the Indian built Enfields and had plans to replace his Velocette engine with an Indian built RE engine because parts were so much easier to get, and better quality.

Hope this helps, sounds like the govt reg/taxes are a huge drag on you getting what you really need at an affordable price, hope the RE thing works out. The 350 sounds like a reasonable choice.

Thank you, sir. Most of the derogatory comments I've come across are of the "If it's not Japanese (German, Harley, fill in other blank) then it's junk." The comments on vibration tend to come from folks who ride twins or other multi-cylinder bikes, not thumpers. Perhaps in a couple weeks I'll get a chance to test ride one, and will have a better idea of what they are like than can be garnered from internet gleanings. At any rate, it'll be this fall before we can consider an upgrade to the current scooter. In the meantime, investigation continues.

Thanks to all who've contributed to this thread!

[Rusty]

Paul, while I don't have any direct knowledge on the RE I did have a work companion that bought an Indian made side car for his Harley. He said it was 1/3 the cost of one built by Harley and ended up being just as good from everything he could tell. Quality and workmanship didn't seem to be an issue. When I was helping him with research on the sidecar I did find a RE dearler near Orlando but didn't look into it much at the time.

[AmBraCol]

Paul, while I don't have any direct knowledge on the RE I did have a work companion that bought an Indian made side car for his Harley. He said it was 1/3 the cost of one built by Harley and ended up being just as good from everything he could tell. Quality and workmanship didn't seem to be an issue. When I was helping him with research on the sidecar I did find a RE dearler near Orlando but didn't look into it much at the time.

The best selling brand down here is Bajaj, an Indian brand. Good bikes, for the most part. I think Suzuki uses Indian parts as well and Hero just came in last year - with a 48 month warranty, something unknown here until they showed up. Unfortunately, they don't have a bike that's up to what I'm looking for or I'd be all over it.

Like I mentioned above, bike markets are weird. Here's the Rumbler (Thunderbird in India) which is not listed on the U.S. RE website.

[Grizz]

I will mention that steel made in India has for a long time been very high grade and to our shame much of it is or was imported because the "third world" countries built the best, latest, highest tech steel mills while our corporations were living off of deferred maintenance and running the 125 year old mills into the dustbin of history.

OTOH Alaskans had a temporary affair with Chinese built cast iron copies of the old school small diesel engines for light plants. As far as I know, they weren't replaced, the engineering was not up to the old school standards.

Did the British Enfields have Whitworth threads and fittings? My impression back in the day was that they were sort of Norton and Triumph wannabees, with banjo bolts that exited at inopportune moments. But I don't know much and was riding Airheads and Harleys at the time.

fun to remember the good old days though

Grizz

[Booger Bill]

I dont have a picture but I owned a 1958 700 cc vertical twin with a single carb INDIAN! It really was a Royal Enfield. Said Indian on the title and tank. This was in about 1969. I also owned a 1965 750 cc Royal Enfield Intercepter. It was almost identical to the Indian Enfield. I didnt realize it at the time but later read that in 1958 only 11 of them were imported that last year before Indian gave up for good. Of course thats not counting the reserected Indian that first was made in Gilroy California and I understand that now Polaris is making them and owns the name.
The biggest Indian Guru was Sammy Pierce in California and I talked to him a few times. I was raised in a village in Wisconsin named Eureka. There was a guy there that was a good friend to our family that owned a garage, had all kinds of custom cars, always rode a new Harley every other year. His name was "Happy Jack" Langenburg. He told me he had the very last 4 clyinder Indian made, probley about 1941 I think. I have rode a few old chiefs. I had a close friend in California that bought I think, a 1946 Chief when he came home from world war two. He still had it as late as about 1975/1980 or so. He was kind of a odd duck, a batchlor that never married, was awarded the silver star etc. Besides the Indian he also owned a old BMW R-27 single cylinder and a couple other BMWs. I have a picture of him and his Indian somewhere. I know he rode the Indian to Alaska and back.
We used to ride quite a bit together. I think I had a 1963 Harley in those days. I also owned another later Royal Enfield Interceptor that was a "Basket case". Sold it to a friend that restored it. That one was I think, a 1972. They all looked the same and didnt change, The last one looked almost the same as my 1958 Indian. All had a unique neutral finder that you hit with your heel. It kept you from downshifting at a stop sign and it worked well and always found neutral. They claimed they were the fastest production motorcycle when I owned mine. I know I broke a 120 mph speedometer on mine.
Yes, they did have the Whitworth threads and fittings. I found mine to be a little temperamental. They did handle good and were hot. Mine had a high first gear but when you hit second they flew. Once kick starting one it knocked the heel off my boot and shot it like a bullets to a wall. I got some painfull bruise`s kicking them over. Never had a harley, triumph or norton kick me as hard. They werent a triumph, norton or bsa wannabe, they cost MORE than the competition were considered a conisores bike back then, were rarer and not many dealers.

[AmBraCol]

My research indicates that this is probably the best option for my situation and riding needs. Here's an interesting article about the differences between the "original" engine and the newer UCE engine. What gets my attention is the vastly improved lubrication system and hydraulic lifters.

http://www.indiancarsbikes.in/motorcycl ... ine-34402/

And I just booked a test ride for the end of the month when we're over in Medellin taking care of mission business.

Still don't know how we'll swing the purchase, but cogitations have begun. We'll be out of the country 'til the end of September anyway, so there's no rush to purchase right now. It doesn't make sense to let the warranty period run on a parked bike.

Thanks to everyone for your input. I'll let you know how it works out and what my impressions are once I get to road test one.

[Old Ironsights]

I am very much to be liking the viewing of this motorcycle...



It speaks of hardiness!

[Grizz]

very classy and classic ride. I'm looking forward to the rider-report!

[Old Ironsights]

The ICB article is interesting. The author talks about how riders fear to take their bikes past 120kph (75mph) and that rebuilds after 20,000km (12,000mi) are normal.

Goodness, I put 12,000 mi on my USED 81 Yamaha in just over a year (doesn't take long when commuting over 100mi/day)... and not even considering a rebuild... (tune/re-synch carbs, yes. Rebuild, no.)

Still, that little 350 looks cool. Be a fun commuter if kitted out right.

Almost as cool as the UCMJ (Universal Combat Motorcycle, Japanese) - a slightly tweaked KZ400 UJM (Universal Japanese Motorcycle)...

[Rusty]

The Royal Enfield dealer I found near Orlando is in a little place called Hollowpaw. He also sells these

http://imz-ural.com/

Looking at the pictures of them reminds me of the German motorcycles used in the Indiana Jones movies.

[Larkbill]

"I am very much to be liking the viewing of this motorcycle..."

Very funny, made coffee come out my nose!

And just for the record, a UJM is ALWAYS an inline 4 cyl, aircooled. Just look at the mid 70's to late 80's. You could get them in every size and configuration.

[Old Ironsights]

"I am very much to be liking the viewing of this motorcycle..."

Very funny, made coffee come out my nose!...

After working in Tech Support and re-translating Asian-English technical writing into American/British Standard English, the patois comes fairly naturally...

[cshold]

I am very much to be liking the viewing of this motorcycle...
It speaks of hardiness!

+1
The Classic looks awesome

[Old Ironsights]

The Royal Enfield dealer I found near Orlando is in a little place called Hollowpaw. He also sells these

http://imz-ural.com/

Looking at the pictures of them reminds me of the German motorcycles used in the Indiana Jones movies.

The Urals are VERY cool... especially with the sidecar. They are 2-wheel drive and are pretty much an unstoppable Hunting Rig for bikers...

Of course, at $15K+ for one with all the offroad/hunting/milspec goodies it better be...

[Old Ironsights]

I DO like Royal Enfield's logo...



Made like a Gun... I LIKE that...

[Blaine]

Wecsoger; No offense taken. I am 6'3" and was 240lbs when I loaded the Rebel up; and rode it to Fairbanks VIA Spanaway, WA. Still surprised Blaine didn't take a pic of me and post it.

Ambracal; Do you have any pics of turtles from down there. Also at 1 time I thought I had read about a RE copy produced in India that had a diesel motor in it, but never could find a review on it. Hope you find something soon.

I didn't think you would want anyone to see it

[Old Ironsights]

The more I read about these, the more I like them...



And there is a dealer in WY even... Not that I can put up $5,000 for a new bike of any kind, but it's not a bad price for a 500cc either...

[cshold]

The more I read about these, the more I like them...



And there is a dealer in WY even... Not that I can put up $5,000 for a new bike of any kind, but it's not a bad price for a 500cc either...

Check out their website dealer locator.
http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/

[Pete44ru]

I am very much to be liking the viewing of this motorcycle...



It speaks of hardiness!

That's one beefy-lookin' thumper - me likey, too !


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