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Royal Enfield 500 Classic Test Ride Review

By Ren Withnell

Royal Enfield eh. Synonymous with classic British Motorcycles yet still in production in India. Yeah, great, marvellous and all that but I'm not into "classic" motorcycles or nostalgia. What I am into though is simplicity. Compared to other modern motorcycles the current batch of Royal Enfields are simple, some would say positively basic.

side view of the royal enfield classic desert storm
This, according to the Enfield website, is the "Desert Storm" Classic.

Why do I like simple? Because simple bikes can be repaired and maintained by simple people like myself. Simple bikes require simple and readily available tools. Simple bikes don't have complicated and complex bits that can go wrong and cost a fortune to fix. There is a downside to simple though, simple bikes are typically unrefined and and somewhat basic. Personally I'm not into 160mph or getting my knee down so maybe simple and unrefined may be OK for my style.

Looking around the bike is a refreshingly mechanical experience. Everything is accessible and held together with nuts and bolts. There's no annoying fairings and trim panels with flimsy clips that break and never fit as well as they first did. I can't find any "don't touch" Torx bolts. I like it a lot, the idea that it can be taken apart. The build quality isn't really up to the best Japanese standards but then the big four are building some models in India, China and Korea. The Enfield is a match for the non Japanese made Jap bikes . I'd say it's acceptable. The proof is always how well the bike ages, how it may look after 40,000 miles of British rain.

rear end with suspension and subframe on the enfield 500
Nuts and bolts, bits of metal and tubes. It's simple to follow and understand.

There are some extra touches. Simple fork shrouds protect the stanchions from the elements. Keys open what I figure are electric and air filter pods on either side. Full length mudguards stop the muck collecting on the motor or up your back. These things seem trivial but if you're going to ride often and in all weathers these things make a difference.

Sitting on the bike I realise it's actually quite small. No dangling leg syndrome here, it feels more like a heavy 125 than a big brutal 500 single. The footrests are a little further forward than I'm used to and the seating position makes me feel very much like I'm sat on top of the bike, not within it. This model has a single seat in the saddle style, complete with springs for that extra comfort. Bouncy!

There is indeed a kickstart if you ever feel the need to break your ankle but times have moved on even for Enfield. With a dab of the starter button the fully electronic fuel injection squirts just the right amount of gas into the motor and it starts perfectly. Thump thump thump thump. I've owned a 650 single before hand but this is much more visceral. I can feel the piston casually make it's way up and down the long stroke bore with a twitch each time the fuel explodes. I wobble my way out of the car park.

the engine along with the kick start and starter motor in bright chrome and allow
Kickstart and electric start, your choice.

I'm expecting everything to feel somewhat agricultural. Parts of the experience are. The clutch lever feels like a lever, I can tell I'm pulling wire through a tube which pulls plates apart. The motor pulses. The steering steers. It's hard to describe but modern machines are so much more clinical and remote. Modern riders expect to be cosseted from such things as having to think about steering or the engine beneath them. This bike requires to be ridden, it does not ride itself.

It's not hard work though. The clutch works fine, the gears are remarkably positive, the brakes are effective both front and rear and the handling, although different from modern machines is quite good. I do feel much more involved though. I am riding this bike. I have to give it instructions that it follows. I am not being wafted along on a magic carpet, I'm riding a bike.

The motor is strangely awesome. It is not fast, a mere 27bhp. What it is is unstoppable. Whether or not you're climbing a steep hill it will maintain your speed without complaint or extra throttle. It's all just a big fat juicy lump of heavy torque. And it will run smoothly at such low revs. I can only assume it has the mother of all flywheels to turn each of the massive thumps into a gentle rotary motion. It is a pleasurable sensation to thump thump thump through the town, the exhaust is in fact quite loud compared to Japanese bikes.

There is for me however one downside to this. Vibration. Around town it is noticeable but not uncomfortable. Apart from rendering the flimsy mirrors completely useless it's part of the experience, part of the sensation that makes you appreciate you're riding and not floating. It's when the speeds rise in the countryside it changes from pulses through the bars to a teeth rattling, foot itching and finger tingling distraction. I took to the motorway for a 3 mile stretch, I was glad to get off. I'm sorry to say I could barely feel my fingers.

That, for me, was unacceptable. I personally am looking for a bike that I can tour on, mostly at a leisurely pace. I would however need to use motorways to get somewhere nice and the vibes are too much. So who would this bike suit?

Obviously it will appeal to people into classic bikes. This has thoroughly modern injection and ignition but otherwise it is mostly old technology in a new machine. If you can't get a classic or you're tired of oil leaks and adjusting points then this could be a reliable friendly workhorse while you restore your Wustlethorpe Nargsville 350.

It makes a lot of sense too for commuters who can maintain their own bike (if you don't use a motorway). Fuel economy is estimated to be 80mpg which is excellent. Servicing should be a doddle to do yourself or cheap at your local bike shop. The motor will pull you through town without biting you in a moment of tiredness.

It will also suit someone who's looking for something different. Someone who wants to really ride a bike in the truest sense of the word. To feel everything as it is and not be protected from it. To be involved and not just a pilot.

A final word about the vibration. According to the salesman at Orrel Motorcycle Centre the latest models are supposed to be better due to altering the front forks. I can't comment if this is true or not as they've no demonstrators with the updated forks. I'm also curious if the vibration lessens when the motor is fully run in, the demo bike only had around 300 miles on the clock. I'd welcome anyone's feedback as I do truly like the character of the bike, just not the excess vibration!

the old style front forks on the enfield 500 classic
Are these forks the issue? Seems odd but possibly they're enhancing the vibes. LET ME KNOW!

Reader's Comments

Carrie said :-
Just to let you know that I do read your articles - don't always acknowledge them - they are very goood but maybe I am biased!!!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC

Ron said :-
I too have test ridden an RE Classic at my local dealer and agree generally with your description of it. The rider pegs are a little too far forward for me being reminiscent of a Harley Sportster rather than a 1951 Matchless 350 single (my personal "Wustlethorpe").

However, I found the bike a big, positive surprise on a fast dual carriageway, being comfy and capable of rolling on at 60mph plus without significant vibration, I thought. Given my choice of bikes for comparison you may suggest I am used to vibes but no, I don't like excessive motor shakes to intrude on my comfort or worry me as to the potential life span of the engine internals. Oh, and if you want to experience vibes, try a Meriden era Bonneville - vicious by comparison.

Perhaps I was lucky, but a Classic is on my list of bikes to buy one day. For the moment though I too am enjoying a "little" CBF250 - a breath of fresh air in world of pretentious machines I think.

Enjoying your blog!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
Hi Ron.

It's really good to see that some people actually read my blog. It warms the cockles, thank you.

It's the vibes on this bike that spoiled my ride. I am fully open to the idea I had a bad experience and not all Enfields will be like the one I rode. I really would welcome the chance to ride another, preferably well run in and used.

Other than that it's full of character and the motor could pull a caravan.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC

shijin david said :-
I love classic 500 desert storm
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC

Doug said :-
I've loved singles, having started on a CB100N, through a CB250RS then a pile of IL4s, before going back to a '63 AJS M18, '92 Enfield Bullet 350cc, '04 Bullet 500ES and my current ride, a '94 Suzuki LS650P.

With the last two I've done a fair bit of motorway commuting, and the "find a lorry, sit behind it" served well on the 500 Bullet. The throttle pretty much is just a volume/vibration control once you're over 60mph on the cast head engines but it was happy to sit there for the 30 mile stretch, twice a day for a couple of years. I would have thought the newer offerings would have been less vibey, so I really need to try one for myself. Can't say the fuel injection floats my boat though, and the prices aren't the bargains the carbed models were. Ah well.

Loving the site, slowly working my way through all of the articles - keep it up :-)
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC

Sunil said :-
so very nice
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC

Syed Hasib said :-
I use to own a 2002 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 ES (Machismo) with carbies and a separate gear box and clutch (pre-unit construction engine). Needed 3 different types of oils and had a compression release lever to kick start. New ones don't have this mechanism anymore and are made like Jap bikes (unit construction engine) although they look real retro.
As the article writer said... they are old school and fun to ride. Also they look honest and beautiful. In my one, top speed was round 110km/h (70 MPH)... but would slow down on inclines or hilly roads. Where I leave (Australia)... it's simply not powerful enough with its 22hp engine (2002 model was 22hp) to keep up with freeway speeds. Also, in long term their reliability not even close to jap bikes. The starter motor gear-cogs failed after only 5500 km (3400 miles) and costed me AU$1200 to fix. Sold mine with 6600km on odo and bought a 2003 Yamaha FZ1 (1000cc - 4 cylinders 130+ HP) the same day... :) Pure Japanese muscle... ultra reliable and far more exciting to ride.
So, will I buy RE in future? Maybe when I have more extra cash to play around with - but not now, not as my primary bike. For now, I am sticking to more powerful and reliable 'Jap craps'. they are bloody good actually.

Regards,
Syed Hasib

Adelaide, Australia

E- samihasib@yahoo.com
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
Hello Syed. I can only imagine what your 2002 Enfield Bullet was like to ride. No matter how old the modern Enfields look they are much more up to date. The FZ1 though must have been a huge change for you, they're not lacking in power that's for sure!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC

Jumbo said :-
Good write up. Thanks.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
Cheers Jumbo. We try our best.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC

jasvir choudhary said :-
Mm so hevy bike
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC

Jez W said :-
Just rode 200 kilometres on an Enfield Classic (military green) around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. It took me 2 hours to really gel with the bike, the clunky gears, seating position and vibration etc. However, once I really got into the groove with the machine, I can honestly say the experience was epic. One of the rides of my life and certainly the highlight of my trip to SA.

Sure, the scenery and weather helped, but what a fun machine. It's motorcycling at its purest and an utter joy to ride. I already own a classic Montessa 350 single cylinder trail, which is a beast of an engine, and the Enfield is a lamb by comparison - far more refined. Engine vibrations were OK, for me at least, and at a steady 50mph not that bad at all. Wing mirrors useless though!

The only downside I can see is that it really did take me a few hours to get a good handle on the Enfield and a demonstration outing of ten miles or so won't give riders enough time to really 'feel' the essence of this machine. Put it this way, for the first few hours I thought I wouldn't go near this machine again but by the end of the day I was on my iPad looking for my nearest dealer. It's my next bike.

One thing: price is a third cheaper in SA which I find disappointing. They've obviously hiked it, big time, for the UK. Still cheap though....

01/01/2016 09:37:41 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
Cheers Jez W. You're so right, a half hour bimble on a bike is not nearly enough to find out such things as comfort. I agree too that while I can hop on any bike and ride it, it takes quite some time to adjust to its character to get the most from it.

Regrettably I can't find anyone willing to let me take an Enfield on a tour of Scotland for a week! Dammit. Sound's like you had a fabulous time in South Africa.
01/01/2016 16:15:40 UTC

Jeremy Poole said :-
Nice blog, is there any real alternative to the Classic 500? At the price, I think not.
What is it like two up, with the optional pillion pad?
I'm married and she'd want a ride.
16/02/2016 22:14:59 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
Cheers Jeremy. I can't comment about the 2-up ability as I only had it out on test ride solo. I would expect the motor which - although not powerful - has enough torque to pull a caravan and will be a delight.

Beware of the vibration though, I found it most intrusive at speed and its possible the pillion would too. I suggest you ask around and see if you can find a dealer willing to let you both out at the same time.
16/02/2016 22:28:41 UTC

Tom said :-
Bought the 2014 C5 2 years ago .Changed the muffler and put K&N high flow air filter .I would say that seems to give it a few more Hp . As far as vibration these motors take a long time to break in .As they get more miles the vibration gets less .Mine has around 9OOO miles now and the vibrations never total go away but I can cruise at 110-115 with no bad vibs. At that speed there is just a light tingle in the bars nothing that would bother you .These bikes do tend to break the head stay bracket(that is the bracket that is at the top back of the engine and bolts there and to the bottom back tank bolt ) and if that happens you would get a lot of Vibs .On Mine I added a extra head stay bracket so it now has 2 one on each side and I have not had a problem with breakage yet .These engines were built to be able to run highway speeds at 70 mph once broken in . So don't let the test bikes fool you they need to have mileage on before the vibs get less.When I first had mine it had bad vibs starting around 60 mph ,now hardly nothing .I have been riding about 48 years now and all in all I like this bike .I call it my go any were bike cause it will depending on your level of riding skills . It is not a race bike or a trail bike it's just a simple old school motorcycle .Bottom line it's a fun bike that I love the sound and feel of the torque as I run threw the gears .
10/07/2016 10:30:28 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
Thanks Tom! The vibes on the one I rode were terrible so I am much relieved to hear that my particular machine was the issue not the whole range. Interesting that the ride improves as it settles in, making the idea of having a brand new bike for test rides seem somewhat misleading for the brand.

The Enfield does strike me as being a real rider's motorcycle. It's not about massive speeds or huge power it's about the sheer pleasure of riding. Also the sheer pleasure of ownership too. Modern bikes require a degree in 3 dimensional spacial analysis to simply remove the panels before you even start on getting through all the electronic wizardry before you can do something as simple as checking the tappets. I bet the Enfield could be done at the roadside with the included tool kit.

If you have any more sage advise or opinions regarding the 500 I'd love to hear them.
11/07/2016 07:48:32 UTC

said :-

07/08/2016 14:18:13 UTC

Tom said :-
No need to set the tappets on these bikes there not solid lifters .I agree the dealers should have a well worn in one that they let out for the test rides .People would get a truer sense of the bike .I have not had any big problems with mine so far .I do like the fact they are a simple design easy to get to most things . It is important the keep the wheels lined up right or you can get stability problems at high speeds .Also proper tire pressure as that can effect stability if over inflated .All I can say is I enjoy the RE and if you are worried about the vibs a lot of that goes away once the mileage is higher . It will never all go away cause they are a big single but it does get a lot less or at least it did on mine .Other owners I talk to say the same thing .Maybe I also should say I live in Manila the Philippines so I have been over all kinds of roads riding around the Philippines the RE always got me there and back .Some people worry about them over heating in heavy traffic it does not happen with the RE .They just keep thumping along no matter what the traffic or weather conditions .Hope this helps.
13/09/2016 09:59:47 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
Hi Tom. What do you mean by "they're not solid lifters"? I thought the small rectangular panel on the side of the barrel was for adjusting the pushrods and therefore adjusting the tappets?

I was hoping you'd let me have a ride of your Enfield so I could experience the lesser vibrations of a run-in example. I suspect a trip to Manilla is probably not on the cards right now though! Imagine that, someone from The Philippines reading my blog. Got to love the internet's world wide reach.

Great additional information from an experienced owner and good to hear from you. Many thanks.
13/09/2016 13:43:43 UTC

Tom said :-
Hi Ren. What I mean is they are hydraulic lifters so you don't need to be setting the valves . One less thing to worry about as I said I have over 9 thousand miles and have never had to open that cover .Some one asked about power when carrying a passenger.Well my wife is only about 115 pounds but it is like the bike does not even know she is there .It pulls just the same .What you do have to watch is the passenger sits behind the rear axil (these bikes have a short wheel base )so if you take off to fast you can find the front wheel lifting on you .Just some thing to be aware of.Another fun fact some of us have discovered .If you are 5th gear running about 65 mph and open the gas right up by rolling the gas quickly back off and on a couple of times the bike seems to pick up speed much faster.Some of the guys think its cause that sucks oil up into the engine and lubs it better .Some think its cause doing that forces more air threw the filter .All I know is it works .Glad you enjoyed my comments and hope you can find some one in your area that has one with higher miles on it to try . Take care .
14/09/2016 12:16:43 UTC

Doug said :-
If a big single picks up when you come off WOT, it's usually because it's running lean and needs a bigger main jet, so for these fuel injected bikes a remap would be needed.
15/09/2016 06:01:12 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
Hydraulic lifters! Wow I guess times really have moved on at Enfield. I can't think of many cutting edge Jap bikes that have hydraulic lifters.

The one thing I noted about the motor was the torque. There's not much power but the torque is unstoppable. The engine barely notices if you're riding up a steep hill so pulling a pillion (and probably a caravan) won't stop it either.

Doug - if you're right about the motor running lean I'm guessing that would be due to emissions and keeping the motor as efficient as possible. If I recall the injection system on the Enfields is Bosch and I'm sure there'll be some wizard out there who knows how to remap them!
15/09/2016 09:59:27 UTC

John Mills said :-
I ran a B5 for a couple of years and regret parting with it. Running in is critical on these bikes. Do it right and reliability is good and vibration low. However running in is a pain - no more than 50 for the first 500 miles and 60 for the next 500 from what I remember. Be patient and the motor improves with every mile.
17/11/2016 20:19:16 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
I would like to ride a "good" Enfield that has been cosseted by its owner rather than thrashed as a demonstrator. They have so much character.
18/11/2016 07:03:51 UTC

Tony said :-
These bikes do get very much smoother as the mileage increases. My B5 improved no end as 2000 miles came up. Now, with just over 3000, it's smoother still. I can't claim it's turbine smooth, but cruising in the 60's is no problem. I bought my bike from Watsonian Squire after being impressed by their smooth running demonstrator which had about 2500 on the clock. If I'd tried a low mileage bike, the vibration would have put me off too. As a bonus, torque seems to get even better as the miles mount up too.

Back in pre-motorway days, the British industry evolved the 500cc single as the best type for twisting, undulating single carriageway roads. In that environment, it still has a lot going for it. I'd say the efi models have all the good points of a classic British big single, with none of the snags. Apart from one, that is; the first gear engagement of the day will be noisy unless you take the trouble to free the clutch before starting the engine.

12/06/2017 19:30:01 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
I'm glad to hear all this Tony. The Enfield is one of just a few bikes that offers a real alternative to the homogeneous soup of today's offerings. It's not chasing power or max speed or pretending to be anything but a motorcycle.

3,000 miles ain't so far and it's all smoothed out for you Tony. I'm wondering if there's any owners out there with 10, 20, 30 thousand miles who can comment on longevity and running costs?
13/06/2017 09:28:34 UTC

allen said :-
I just learned how to ride a motorcycle on one of these in the himalayas in India a few months ago. It reminds me of my old 3.8 v6 mustang I had in highschool it's loud, heavy and slow but just puts a smile on your face. I never got it over 60 mph though because of the horrid road conditions. I also experienced something odd with the 350cc at high altitude around 4000-5500 meters the motorcycle just lost power and began sputtering a lot. I think it might be because the 350 has a carburetor and isn't fuel injected and air was just too thin. But anyway i'm hooked on motorcycles now thanks to the enfield.
25/09/2017 19:51:14 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
Cheers Allen. Riding an Enfield in the Himalayas sounds like a challenge and an adventure, it's a hell of a way to learn. Yeah, without any alterations I reckon most vehicles will start to struggle at those kind of altitudes.
26/09/2017 09:46:40 UTC

Wi said :-
This is my RE. I like it, pretty new, has run 1.500km right now, not fast, no problems til yet and fun to ride with this kind of an archaic motorbike, slightly modernized but very much out of the past.

Wissedrum

29/01/2018 21:38:10 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
Cheers Wi. That looks very smart with the chrome and saddle bags. Which country are you in and how much does the Enfield cost there?
30/01/2018 10:36:24 UTC

Rod said :-
The sign in the window is German (Big Sale) so may be Austria or Germany?
31/01/2018 08:51:07 UTC

Gerard said :-
I recently spent a month in India, RE's are very common there of course, and it was great to see and hear them everywhere. On my return to NZ I visited the local RE motorbike shop and took a demo Classic 500 for a testride. It had only done 90kms and at 100kph the vibration was terrible, especially thru the bars. The bikeshop wasn't negotiable on price and I was worried that after a few rides I may be selling the bike due to the vibration problem. So decided to buy a used one, so I wouldn't lose so much money if I didn't like it and had to sell it. After 2 months of looking have just purchased a 2014 Classic 500cc with 8000kms. It is worlds apart from the demo, the vibration at 100kph is not nearly as bad, there is still some minor vibration thru the bars but it is very tolerable and I'm not really aware of it. The bike is a delight to ride. My other bike is a late model Harley Davidson 1584cc, despite what the detractors say it's an awesum bike to ride and very powerful, but the RE is just as much fun. Next thing to do is join the local RE club, I'm hooked.

My 2014 Classic 500

07/02/2018 10:33:32 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
Hi Gerard. I'm glad it wasn't just me that found the test ride to be very vibey. I'm equally glad that for most people it seems that once the bike has settled in the vibes reduce to an acceptable level.

Great information and enjoy the Enfield!
07/02/2018 11:14:00 UTC

Stuart said :-
I ride a Honda Fireblade a 95 model, I will soon receive a small windfall from an investment and am seriously considering a 500 classic (my wife keeps looking at me in a strange way) thanks for the write up and all the additional information, I was concerned a out the vibration, thankyou all for putting my mind at rest, I'm really looking forward to the end of March when I hope to become an RE owner.
07/02/2018 20:05:15 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
I think you'll find the Enfield experience quite different to the fireblade experience Stuart! Not in a bad way, I expect you'll find it refreshingly different and relaxing.

I'd love to hear how you get on.
07/02/2018 21:40:53 UTC

Ian Soady said :-
Different certainly!
08/02/2018 10:12:25 UTC

mick lewis said :-
hi i have just got a 2010 500 classic and i am very happy with it up till now total change from my 800 vfr but i am old school anyway having grown up with bikes in the 1960 s only thing i dont like on the enfield is the back brake which is not very good many thanks mick
19/02/2018 09:59:11 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
You were spoilt with the VFR brake. Maybe it needs a dose of looking at?
19/02/2018 22:58:38 UTC

Brian said :-
Hi, I have a 2016 classic 500, Ive found that once i traveled over 3000km on good Australian roads, the bike has a noticeable lack of vibration, and really enjoys sitting between 95 and 100 km per hour, and no vibration to speak of, the mirrors no longer shake, and no more tingly fingers. Iam 69 years old and have had around 25 motor cycles, but would say this bike gives me more joy than any other bike I have ridden. I ran the machine in using a full mineral oil, at 2500km changed to penrite full synthetic oil.. and the bike thrives on it,, stay upright and ride safe, Brian
19/03/2018 09:00:59 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
That's fabulous Brian! While I sit here in cold Britain the idea of riding your 500 Enfield across Australia sounds most appealing. It seems owners agree that the vibrations ease off with a few miles leaving them with a velocipede that brings a big smile.

Big thanks.
19/03/2018 12:22:47 UTC

said :-
For Ren-The Ed, Germany is right. Slightly over 6.000? is the regular price for a new Chrom Classic here. Paid less because my bike was a leftover Euro 3 model which stood for 2 years in the dealer's shop.

Now it has run 3.500km and the only part I have exchanged was the Indian secondar chain for a good DID VX chain.

The bikes runs well and I enjoy riding and taking care of it.

Wisedrum
10/05/2018 06:17:22 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
Cheers Wisedrum.
10/05/2018 15:35:47 UTC

said :-
Here's is a new picture of the Bullet with typical colors of May in thr North of Germany.

14/05/2018 06:06:22 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
Now that's an evocative image. I can smell the rape seed in the field, feel the warmth of the sun and hear the 500 single engine gently put put putting through the quiet lanes. Thank you.
14/05/2018 06:39:07 UTC

Ian Soady said :-
We'll get you on a proper bike yet......
14/05/2018 15:45:26 UTC

Borsuk said :-
Not really a fan of the Classic. I like the Bullet, and their new 650 cc Interceptor looks the bees knees. Though it's not mentioned on the main website.

http://eddysmoto.motogb.co.uk/model/Royal-Enfield-Interceptor

15/05/2018 02:16:19 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
I rather do like the Classic Borsuk. Since the test ride all the comments on this page about the engine smoothing out with time has answered my biggest concern. The main thing I like when is see this bike is I can imagine working on it. It's nuts and bolts not clips and trim panels.

I've still got a long way to go with my 500 and gosh only knows what new and exciting models will come out in the future but I always keep an eye on the Enfields.
15/05/2018 07:55:28 UTC

Borsuk said :-
Here's an idea Ren.

Contact the bike companies and hire yourself out as a freelance Bike Runner In. That way their customers get to experience the true potential of the bike and you get to do a review that is more realistic of the bikes abilities as it's out of it's artificially stilted period.
17/05/2018 18:00:04 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
Hmmmmm. A new career path?

"Are you worried about riding your motorcycle carefully for the first 1,000 miles? Scared you'll be bored? Concerned that you're mates will laugh at you because you're not bouncing off the rev limiter yet?

Well fear not. For a small fee (£1500) Ren will carefully run your brand new motorcycle in. A typical 1,000 mile run in will take between 1 and 2 weeks. The motorcycle will be returned to you ready to rock although it might be a little dirty and have some ridiculous hand guards fitted."

I've seen my future Borsuk!
17/05/2018 19:24:49 UTC

said :-
Great read and as I'm contemplating the Pegasus edition for no other reason than I love real bikes and riding them I was really impressed with the threads as well as the write up - thank you - much appreciated !
15/06/2018 14:31:28 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
Cheers. If you get the Pegasus be sure to let us know how you get on.
15/06/2018 16:22:44 UTC

Kevin said :-

I have a 2010 C5 with a Watsonian-Squire chair. I find vibration ok on fast roads. I've had over 70 out of it on several occasions although 55-60mph is more it's comfort zone. It pulls like a little train. However - the seat. It's rock hard (standard single sprung saddle. It's the slowest bike I've ever owned other than my first moped yet it's one of the most pleasurable to ride, even with the box of false neutrals, which is the norm. There is a quick fix somebody put on FB which involves putting a "O" ring behind a plastic part on the selector mechanism, which I shall probably try.

Look after the RE and it won't let you down. Great bikes with bags of personality and mine attracts attention wherever I go.
26/08/2018 14:54:59 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
Thanks Kevin. I am really pleased to hear all these good things regarding the 500 Enfield.

I know it's never going to be the fastest bike but that is part of the appeal. It is the sheer simple pleasure of riding and on a machine with such an individual character.

What sort of fuel consumption do you achieve with the sidecar fitted?
26/08/2018 17:47:28 UTC

Tony said :-
I'm getting quite excited about buying a 500 Classic, but I require reliability above almost all other considerations. I know that the new UCE engines are more reliable than the old pre-unit ones, and I am fine with the idea that I will need to go around and check nothing has worked loose or needs adjusting. Owner involvement is an attractive part of owning one of these old style motorcycles. However - I was pretty horrified to see on a video that the UCE engines have a plastic gear driving the oil pump. Plastic gears in an engine?!? How did anyone think that was a good idea. It is an open invitation to disaster I think.

I would be very pleased to read the views of anyone here on the long term reliability of the 500 Classic engines. Thanks in advance.
31/10/2018 14:14:50 UTC

NigelS said :-
If you want reliability I'd give Indian made Enfield's a swerve if I were you. I've owned four over the last five years and they got progressively worse with every new model. The last one was absolutely atrocious, so bad that I emailed Eicher CEO Sidharta Lal's personal address before I could get anything done. The problems stem from the fact that in 2010 RE shipped 100k units, but just 6 years later the company had boosted production to just under 1/2 million units. It is still essentially a handmade product and there is absolutely no way on earth that staff can be recruited and trained in such a short space of time to achieve this massive increase in production and still maintain quality, quite apart from the s#!~ materials they're made out of (like chrome without a nickel substrate, wiring with colours which bear no resembles to the drawings, no washers on a lot of the fasteners which rattle loose in short order because of the horrendous vibrations - in turn caused by cranks which are pressed up out of true - nylon oil pump gears as you mention . . . I could go on). The other serious problem for UK buyers is that Watsonian gave up as importers in 2013 and the franchise was taken over by MotoGB who immediately replaced all the existing dealers with their in-depth knowledge of the bikes, with their own flashy, modern showroom scooter dealers with workshops run by slicked-back hairdo clueless bozos who know nowt about owt, as they say in God's own county. As I said, give this one a swerve mate if you value your sanity and bank account!
31/10/2018 16:47:33 UTC

Upt'North said :-
Tony; Nigel beat me to it. I have no personal experience about RE's but I've heard lots of real horror stories. I would save yourself some sleepless nights and put your money into a Hinckley Bonneville. There's hundreds to choose from; whatever style takes your fancy, and no problem with resale. It's got to be a no-brainer.
FWIW.
Upt'North.
31/10/2018 18:24:27 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
Please keep your language family friend peeps :-)

I've had a few RE owners comment on here and they seem happy with their purchases. I've also read horror stories regarding my own CB500X which I'm happy with. I can't comment from personal experience so if anyone is reading this with a high miles (and possibly highly abused) Enfield 500 we'd love to hear your own experience.

I apologise, I guess I'm bias. You see I have rather a soft spot for this bike because it's NOT a pocket rocket all out madass my willie is bigger than yours machine. I want it to be a long lived mile munching capable bike but I am ready to be proven wrong.
31/10/2018 20:20:39 UTC

Tony said :-
Thanks for the remarks Nigel and Upt'North.

I also have a soft spot Ren for the idea of the laid back thumper. On the other hand, my fantastically reliable CG125 has after many years away from motor cycles made me realise that some makers do make bikes that you can be sure will get to the destination you desire, so I would not like to return to the situation of my youth at the end of the 1960s and first half of the seventies where any journey was a battle between me and my tools and some vice ridden beast determined to leave me on the side of a main road in the dark with any number of break downs. So...... I am very keen to hear what the failure rate is on Classic 500s and Himalayans too.

I know a chap who used to be a great fan of his Enfield until be bought a Hinkley Bonneville....
31/10/2018 21:25:33 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
Your fantastically reliable CG125? I'd take a look to see what the gear that drives the oil pump on that is made of...
31/10/2018 22:09:38 UTC

Borsuk said :-
The maintenance techs on here just replaced the impeller of a lube oil pump from one of our gas turbines the other day and looked as cheap and plasticy as the water pump impellers in my brothers hilman imp when we were teenagers and my mums candy washing machine. This is a 50 million dollar piece of kit which depends on the oil pump to maintain lube at the turbine bearings and it has 2 pumps with plastic impellers. They made a temporary spare from Teflon bar until the new ones arrive and the pump is now the permanent standby pump in case the other one fails as well. Oil needs to circulate continuously after the turbine shuts down to assist it in cooling evenly otherwise you can say goodbye to the core. As they say in the military, changing one of those is a non trivial exercise. No doubt the manufacture will charge hundreds of dollars for what is 50 pence worth of plastic.
01/11/2018 02:00:26 UTC

Borsuk said :-
Apologies, network is so slow I keep double tapping thinking it hasn't gone.
01/11/2018 02:03:13 UTC

Tony said :-
Yes Ren - mine is steel. CG125w originally supplied with a steel oil pump drive gear. Perhaps the later versions had nylon gear, or was it just the Chinese copies? I don't know. Someone else may know if and when Honda made such a change. This link leads to a second hand CG125/w oil pump which clearly shows a steel drive gear.
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/honda-cg-125-w-oil-pump/113310616126?hash=item1a61d6ca3e:g:Zz...
01/11/2018 09:57:38 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
Tony - I am desperately trying to remember if the oil pump gear on the CBF125 is plastic or metal. I recall it feels "different" so it's certainly not the hardy steel of the other gears. I'll make a note to look properly next time I'm in there.

As for plastic bits in multi-million pound ship engines Borsuk - wow! I suppose we just have to hope engineers know what they're doing when they design these things. Or - tin foil hats on please - it's a conspiracy to cause the engines to fail leading to further sales. I'm afraid I could imagine this to be true.
02/11/2018 08:29:28 UTC

Chris said :-
Hi, great article, really enjoyed the read.

My wife got her licence 18months ago and when looking for a bike for her we both test rode a classic 500. I enjoyed it so much I promptly traded my 2009 Harley in on 2 Classic 500's. Now we ride together.

The vibrations were very bad to start with, however after 3000km I'm finding that they have reduced a lot, although it was frustrating running them in at such slow speeds. But, well worth it.

These bikes are not fast at all but, every time I ride I find myself grinning, this is old school motorcycling that brings back memories of my first few bikes, all old singles.

A pleasure to ride.... Once you have it run in and the vibrations start to smooth out.

Cheers.
19/01/2019 04:08:33 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
It's not all about speed is it Chris. That said I was riding around Wales the other weekend and one chap was on an Enfield 500. He had no problems keeping up because there are riders out there that keep roughly to the speed limits. I sense from your comments and others that this is a bike for those who actually enjoy the pleasure of motorcycling.

Cheers.
19/01/2019 08:00:43 UTC

Steve said :-
Hi Ren

Really enjoyed your review of the Royal Enfield. I'm recently back to motorbikes after almost 30 years away. Like a fool I never bothered taking my bike test in 1989 when I passed my driving test so have had to recently sit my CBT and am running around with L-plates at the mo. I will be taking my test next year (getting married later this year so all spare cash is going towards that at the mo).

In February this year, I finally bought another bike, almost exactly the same as the one I had back in 1989 - a 1984 Suzuki GP100. I've got a few issues with it not running right, but although it's frustrating trying to work out the problems it is also strangely relaxing and pleasurable having something in the garage finally that I can tinker with and not need to worry about needing it fixed to get to work! The GP100 is a keeper regardless, I've been wanting another one for so long and now I finally have one, I'm keeping it for as long as I can.

During my search for a bushing adaptor to fit a timing gauge into my GP's cylinder last week, I made a visit to the local bike dealer in my home town of Salisbury - and immediately fell in love with the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 they had in the showroom. And now I want one!

Obviously I need to do my DAS first, but will be doing that anyway next year even if I don't buy a bigger bike, just so I can get rid of the L-plates - it's not a good look for a 47 year old, riding a little bike with L-plates!!

I don't want a fast bike, have no interest in one, I'm too old for that (especially as I've not ridden bikes on the road for so long, ridden plenty of dirt bikes off the road over the years, but nothing on the road since I sold my first GP100 in 1990). So the Royal Enfield seems to fit the bill perfectly for me. It won't be a commuter, it'll only ever come out on nice days and will only be ridden when I'm not in a hurry.

So, getting to the point (sorry, I waffle more than Ronnie Corbett!) - my main concern was whether a Bullet would be able to sit at 60mph comfortably so I wouldn't be holding up traffic on A-roads. Some say it will, some say it won't. Been doing a lot of reading since I saw one last week and will continue reading until I can finally take one for a test ride next year. But really, that is my only worry about the Bullet, whether it will keep up on a main road. I don't need it to do 70+, just to be able to not hold up lorries on a main road!

I've bookmarked your blog and will report back next year when I get my Royal Enfield, because I am pretty sure it's a when and not an if.

Cheers

Steve
05/06/2019 14:23:20 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
Hi Steve. You'll find plenty of information around the internet about the 500 and not just on here. Yes the Bullet will maintain 60 just fine. It's just the vibrations that may or may not get the better of you after a while. I am assured by many people on this page and those I meet in the flesh that the vibrations do ease as the bike runs in although they will never be 4 cylinder smooth, that can't be expected. Acceptable, manageable, that's what I reckon.

The Bullet might not manage much more than 60 but by god it'll stay there up hill into a headwind. What it lacks in power it more than makes up for in grunt and determination.

As for the Suzuki GP100. I started out in '89 with a Honda H100. Similar in size and performance. I'm afraid despite yours and others on here's passion for 2 strokes they are, in my humble opinion, nasty 'orrible things!! I know I have now opened the door for a torrent of abuse. Bring it on... :)
05/06/2019 17:03:54 UTC

Upt'North said :-
Steve, got to be the new 650 Enfield surely, it's loovvvvvvvvvely.
Don't listen to that nasty man Ed, two strokes are nice too. If a little smelly and smokey.
Upt'North.
05/06/2019 18:12:19 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
When do we get a review of your 650 Upt'?

06/06/2019 08:33:45 UTC

Upt'North said :-
If only the garage was bigger and my pockets deeper Ed, if only. I can't explain it I just rub my thighs every time I see that damn bike. I might have to get a job. Arrrrggggghhhh.
Upt'North.
06/06/2019 09:05:15 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
Aaawww bless. You could always sell the big daft Pan, and the car, and the wife's car? She'll understand.
06/06/2019 09:19:33 UTC

SteveW (originally Steve) said :-
(thought I'd use SteveW in case there's another Steve that contributes to your blogs here!)

Upt'North - I've been told by some other RE enthusiasts that before I buy a Bullet 500, I should at least test ride a Himalayan and an Interceptor 650 - so it looks like I'll be trying all three in the future.

I dunno though, there's just something about the looks of the Bullet 500 that I really like. The extra cost of the interceptor isn't really an issue - none of them are exactly expensive are they - so who knows, I may try both and end up with the 650 twin anyway!

And Ren, I remember fondly all of the old 2-stroke 100cc bikes, the H100, RS100, RXS100, YB100, A100, GP100 to name but a few. Actually, I'd love an old GT200 or GT550 but they are silly money now. Plus I've spent ages trying to get the timing right on my single cylinder points model GP100 that I think I'd cry at trying to set up a multi cylinder bike!!

Two strokes are lovely though and will always have a special place in my heart (and memories). How can you not love this 35 year old little beauty......

06/06/2019 10:12:19 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
POINTS!!! Holy cow at least the H100 had escalated itself to the dizzying heights of CDI for goodness sake. Nasty little carburettor in the side of the motor on the GP100, I remember my brother spending AGES trying to get the set up right. Goodness gracious I feel queezy just looking at it. I have a friend with a GT250, that's a nasty 'orrible noisy thing too.

The most impressive thing about this image is how ridiculously tidy and clean your garage is. I figure you've just moved in, that pristine concrete needs a thick layer of used engine oil.
06/06/2019 16:46:34 UTC

Upt'North said :-
I know this is definitely a thread hijack.....but.
I suppose it's a fairly obvious place to put a carb on a two stroke, but not many do.
Points, dwell angles, it's like a trip down memory lane, I think I almost understood vehicles then.
Upt'North.
06/06/2019 18:02:41 UTC

Jim said :-
Steve W - I actually thought you'd carpeted the garage, it looks so clean.
06/06/2019 18:55:55 UTC

Pocketpete said :-
Ah suzuki gp125 very nice i had one when it arrived it was restricted. I wanted a cheap runaround.

Had it a few months when i realised it was restricted. Easiest derestriction ever. Remove a plastic insert in the carb slider which stopped it running at full speed. Went up to 75 after thus great bike. Used a lot of two stroke oil.
06/06/2019 21:17:36 UTC

SteveW said :-
Yeah, really sorry for the thread hijack!

But Ren yes you're right. The photo was taken in February just after I bought the GP100, we moved into our newbuild in November last year so it's not had enough time to get filthy yet. I want to paint the floor at some point BEFORE it gets covered in too much oil!

I'm currently having an issue that I think is now fuelling related with the GP, so I know exactly what you mean about the carb and trying to set the damn thing up!

The GP100 is meant to be more of a hobby than a form of transport though for me (as with the Royal Enfield when I get one - see, almost bringing it back on topic!), so frustrating as it is trying to get it running perfectly, it's also fun so I don't mind really.
07/06/2019 09:35:19 UTC

Ren - The Ed said :-
Firstly don't worry about thread hijacking here. As long as it's not offensive and only tenuously bike related I don't care.

It is fun to tinker especially when the tinkering is non essential. I use both bikes as my primary form of transport so "important" jobs can stress me a little. However jobs like creating the hand guards which have no bearing on how the bike runs, they can be fine. There's another fun job coming soon for Sharon's Z250SL. I'll just say I've christened it "Tour-A-Plank".
07/06/2019 11:35:54 UTC

Cliffy said :-
Thinking of buying a 500 ES Bullet 2002, it has seperate gearbox. Can anyone tell me what the extra lever on the gearbox is for?
01/07/2019 12:11:08 UTC

Upt'North said :-
Cliffster, are you referring to the heel and toe lever. If so it's just one lever but can be pushed and prodded on both ends. A bit like a Honda Bog Seat set up.
They went out of fashion with flares and Watneys Red Barrel.
Hope it helps.
Upt'North.
01/07/2019 13:30:52 UTC

Ian Soady said :-
No, it's the famous Royal Enfield neutral finder. Those with experience of the awful Albion box Enfield insisted on fitting see this as a real boon. Essentially, whatever gear you're in (except first), you just press the lever fully down and hey presto you're in neutral.

This is of course the official neutral not the spurious ones that Albion sprinkled in between the proper gears.....
01/07/2019 14:04:33 UTC

Upt'North said :-
So you can go from fourth to neutral. So you stop the bike in whatever gear and go into neutral? Then can you just start straight from first again?
You live and learn. Maybe.
Upt'North.
01/07/2019 17:24:58 UTC

Ian Soady said :-
Exactly. It actually bypasses the positive stop mechanism and operates directly on the selectors.
02/07/2019 15:57:42 UTC

DCM said :-
What a great thread. I've just found this. Well I'm a scooter boy . True Italian two strokes.
But I have this real desire to have bigger wheels. (potholes around here could swollow a Vespa hole)
So after much internet research and as of yesterday an empty garage. Royal Enfield classic is the one. I reckon this old Mod could get away with it.

08/03/2020 00:17:45 UTC

Ross said :-
Hi DCM, go on, you won't regret it....you'll have to ditch the parka though! :)
08/03/2020 09:08:38 UTC

Upt'North said :-
MODS?!? MODS?!?
TWO STROKES?!?
I BLAME REN FOR THIS....but then again I blame him for most things.
TWO STROKES.....
UPT'NORTH.
Welcome DCM.
08/03/2020 10:41:29 UTC

Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Hi DCM. I started riding in 1989 so the era of Mods N Rockers was way past. However being one of the greasy hairy leather-clad rock music biker types in my yoof there was still a little angst with mods. Those days are also long gone and we're all happy families now. However it would be impertinent for me to not mock you for riding a 2 stroke "ring ding ding" and wearing a parka with a target on the back. PFFFT!

Why the change? Let us know how you get on with the 4 stroke thumper.
09/03/2020 10:42:38 UTC

Borsuk said :-
I loved the second generation Mods of the 70`s. One used to come to harangue my friends and I at a local quarry where we used to shoot our air rifles. He never did twig that shouting at a group of armed people while wearing a very large target on his back may not have been the wisest move he had ever made.
What was a wise move on his part was buying an ex-army parka rather than one of those nylon ones that were around at the time. :-)

09/03/2020 22:51:47 UTC

Upt'North said :-
DCM, if you fancy a little reading on the plus and minus points of Bullet ownership there's a good article in April's Motorcycle Sport and Leisure. Obviously it's no where near as comprehensive or as literary excellent as Ed's write up.
Upt'North.
10/03/2020 08:40:22 UTC

Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
You flatter me Upt'. What are you after?
10/03/2020 08:57:42 UTC

SteveW said :-
Well, the lockdown has temporarily put the kybosh on getting my full bike licence! I can't even book the theory test at the mo, which is a pain in the proverbial.

Really, really, REALLY wish I'd just done my "part 2" back in '89 when I had my first GP100.

Incidentally, the GP is currently in bits in the garage, still not properly fixed since last time I posted on here. Replaced so much on it and now have the engine apart to replace the right hand crank seal - which I HOPE will finally fix the running issues I have with it.

Damn good job I bought that bike as a hobby and not a form of transport eh!!

So - Project Bullet 500 is currently on hold, licence pending. But once I finally get that done, I'll be on the hunt for either a brand new Bullet if there's any left now the've discontinued them, or a late used one :)
22/05/2020 16:13:55 UTC

Dubya said :-
Just finished reading your review of the RE Classic 500. Excellent! I have had my Enfield since 2015 (pre ABS, rear disc brake) and I wouldn't swap her for anything else! As a few people have mentioned, properly run in the vibrations decrease, but there will always been vibration with a big single cylinder thumper!
After I had run her in, and the warranty had expired, I swapped the huge, weighty silencer containing the CAT converter to a Goldstar style (EFI compatible) exhaust from Hitchcocks. A BIG improvement! A few other cosmetic changes (saddle and indicators) and I have completed 19,500 miles on her with no issues other than a broken clutch cable.
Also, be prepared when you park up to have people stop and admire, ask questions, take photos, because it has happened so many times to me!

Cheers!
Posted Image

09/08/2020 14:27:48 UTC

Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Cheers Dubya. I get the feeling this is one of those bikes that endears itself greatly to it's owner. It might not do 150mph or pop wheelies in 3rd but then if that's what you want you'd be buying a GSXCBRZXRYZRR 1000 RRRRRR. It has more character in it's valve guides than all the sports bikes put together though.

I have owned an SLR650, 650cc single so I am familiar with a big thumper motor. That was a bit more revvy than the Enfield though and to a mostly modern(ish) Jap bike rider like myself the loping, slow thuds from the Enfield are novel and/or alien. The Enfield requires a refreshing entirely different mindset so I do understand why a lot of folks won't "get it".

10/08/2020 08:43:40 UTC

Stevew2 said :-
Thanks for the write up. There's a chap on you tube (Stuart Fillingham) who does great videos on his numerous bikes. He's fallen for the 500 Classic charms. He's also very positive about the interceptor 650. Stuart also mentions the importance of running in from new and how doing it properly reduces the vibes over time. I'm a returning biker, hoping to get my Bonnie 750 back on the road (still got it!). I've put about 60-80k miles on it during my ownership so it's like an old friend. I bought a Monster 695 to break the not a biker anymore trend in my life. It's a great bike, probably similar weight to the Enfield, but what I've found is that unlike the Bonnie, you need to be completely focused where the Bonnie was forgiving with torque everywhere and great feedback from the brakes. The Duke will have transmission snatch if you let the revs drop too far, the Bonnie would pull from tick over, pretty much. Unfortunately the 2.5k revs the Duke needs to avoid snatch is too fast on one roundabout that I encounter and the throttle take up is immediate and strong. It's made me realise that although it's a great performing and handling bike, it's made to go at a pace. These old Brit designs (and earlier Japanese) are made for day to day riding and are great at it. I used to charge round the M25 on my commute, cruising at 75-80 and getting 75mpg at the same time. Modern bikes are just getting way to fussy and focused, I'd love to have a Classic 500 for a while and see if I can tolerate 65mph cruising and just bimbling down A and B roads, stopping at a pub for a pint next to a duck pond, smoking a pipe while polishing my stadium MK9s and wondering if the wax in my Belstaff was marking the pub furniture. Hmm, Where's the nearest dealer.......
11/03/2021 08:13:15 UTC

Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I started riding in 1989 Stevew2 so I've no real experience of the earlier machinery like the Bonnie you own. I cut my teeth on higher revving 100s and 200s then by the time I was on larger bikes nothing ran at less than 2,500 revs without slapping the chain into the swingarm. My modern CB500X is "remarkable" in that it will run at 2.5k. 4 cylinder machines will run lower but lose all performance without the revs.

In the never ending search for power, low revs and driveability are sacrificed. I presume the key to smooth low revs is a big flywheel, and good drivability comes from 2 valves and sensible tuning at the price of top end. The real problem is when you're sat in the pub staining the velvet chairs with oily dirty wax from the Belstaff, you only have 27 hp while your associate boasts about 65 hp from his Husqvarna 500. We can agree 27 hp is more than enough for a joyful ride across the countryside and leave enough money for a nice pub lunch.
12/03/2021 10:44:43 UTC

nab301 said :-
Ren , while I have a rolling project '03 Bullet 500 the only UCE Bullet I've ever ridden was the Continental GT which I took for a quick test ride . The vibes were so bad and the instruments were shaking so much I couldn't read the speedo...A lovely looking bike which never sold that well but would be nice to have in a a sort of dream bike collection .
Strangely I came to the same conclusion as other contributors that a Hinckley carbed Bonneville would be a better modern classic that handles , brakes, doesn't vibrate intrusively and goes well enough to keep up with modern traffic whilst still able to bimble along country lanes in 5th gear.
I've sat on Modern Enfield twins and the standard seating position doesn't suit me but owners seem happy with them.
My first Enfield was a '98 very low mileage non runner 350 purchased in 2002 which in itself is telling . Over the years I met up with many diehard Enfield enthusiasts and some were sidelined with major engine failures all at under 30k miles. (Piston and crankshaft) . They nearly always bite the hand that feeds them. Some owners graduated to the UCE engine and certainly many of the early ones had mechanical issues and recalls.
You can read even recently of owners taking delivery of new bikes that break down electrically on the trip home .
Some friends of mine purchased jap bikes and were amazed at what even a 250 jap bike could do compared to their Bullet thumper . Some subsequently sold their Enfield and never looked back , others in a whiff of nostalgia later purchased another bike or bought their original bike back only to be so disappointed that they sold again at a loss!.
I'm currently holding on to my Iron barreled 500, I've spent more hours and Euro on it than I have collectively on all my other bikes but a friend in the know reckons they're appreciating quickly!!( well , more quickly than an Enfield accelerates) ......
Nigel

13/03/2021 11:55:31 UTC

Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
In the summer last year I helped a friend rebuild a early 2000's "all the way from India" Enfield 500. One main bearing had gone, I think that was around the 25k mark.

This raises the question. Are Enfields (in this case the 500) unreliable? Do we know anyone who's run up 50, 70, 100 thousand miles with only basic servicing and minor fettling? Equally of note though, the work of rebuilding the engine on the 500 is a very tactile, mechanical and manageable experience. There's a lot of value in owning a machine that can be worked on with regular tools and without the need of a professorship in fixings, fastenings, packaging and complex wiring.
13/03/2021 13:01:36 UTC

nab301 said :-
I think those sort of repairs are considered routine /preventive maintenance in India. What were the symptoms of said main bearing failure , I'm thinking, having heard similar stories, that I should strip mine seeing as it has similar miles.
Was it the primary drive side that failed?
The classic 500 (pre UCE engine) is prone to piston failure . The split piston design is poor and not great for prolonged high revs . The lubrication system is basic and possibly big end failures may be attributed to a poor understanding of how it works and what procedures to follow after oil and filter changes.

I think Jacqui Furneaux of "Hit the road , Jac!" (book) fame did considerable miles before having a preventive rebuild although it has to be said, that bike was never abused from a speed / engine revs point of view.
Nigel
13/03/2021 13:38:23 UTC

Upt'North ¹ said :-
I don't think that 25,000 miles sounds that bad for an old design thumper. Maybe Ian can jump in and enlighten us.
I don't think we've had an oil thread for ages, so I'll mention that, dirty oil will kill the bottom end very quickly. What filtration do these engines use, I'm guessing primitive?
Upt'North.
14/03/2021 10:16:49 UTC

Ian Soady¹ said :-
You called?

Yes, it would be quite usual for a 50s bike to need a rebuild at that sort of mileage although some managed quite astonishing distances. Like the one in the link.

These bikes had minimal if any air filtration and oil filters were generally limited to coarse gauze and sludge traps - the Enfield was slightly better having a felt filter.
https://thekneeslider.com/vinny-long-legs-high-mileage-vincent-at-bonhams/...
14/03/2021 12:33:52 UTC

nab301 said :-
"What filtration do these engines use, I'm guessing primitive?"
The pre unit engine mentioned by Ren does have a relatively primitive lubrication system , plunger pumps etc, Hitchcocks have a 2 page PDF copy of the workshop manual on lubrication which saves me possibly infringing copyright and scanning my copy , see link below. The problem is the pre filters (mesh) in my bikes case don't seem to seal at the crankcase end , the tiny oil ways are potentially easily blocked and if you look at the other pdf on Hitchcocks site titled Bullet oil pump spindle you'll see all the related (mis)alignment issues , an oil pressure relief valve that was deleted in the 70's , owners that use straight 40 and 50 grade oils which are just too heavy , and strip oil pump drives. Also after fitting a tappet window on my bike I could observe that if the engine hadn't wet sumped after being parked up overnight the rocker oil feed doesn't show signs of oil flow for at least 30 seconds or more... (it relies on scavenged (unfiltered apart from a mesh) oil from the crankcase.
The UCE engine which is the original subject of this thread has a more conventional oil pump , driven by a plastic gear.... according to the Haynes manual and also a lubrication system that relies on a few o rings which seems to have generated threads on technical forums about poor lubrication...
Nigel
https://accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/core/media/media.nl?id=188637&c=10...
Posted Image

14/03/2021 12:38:38 UTC

Upt'North ¹ said :-
Thanks Nigel and Ian, enlightening.
Quite surprised that Enfield India didn't update the earlier systems, especially given the use of these things in India and beyond.
I'm guessing the new 650 twins have cartridge filters and wet sumps. Having had a dry sump bike they do seem to be both unnecessary and troublesome.
Upt'North.
14/03/2021 14:58:10 UTC

Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
The engine I worked on was of unit construction (I had to google "UCE Engine"). The bearing in question is the one pictured below if I recall. This would be the right side and the primary is on the left. The bearing was an unusual size but the chap did manage eventually to source a replacement not from Enfield.
Posted Image

14/03/2021 16:45:51 UTC

Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
As for Jacqui Furneaux I've met, talked and even camped with her a few times. Lovely lady and considering she's just about old enough to be my mother - attractive too. I did suggest we run (or ride) away together but she blew me out because I'm a nerdy wannabe adventurer. Oh well.
Posted Image

14/03/2021 17:02:54 UTC

Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
AS for the Vincent at 721,703 miles. I guess I still have a way to go on the 125 then.
14/03/2021 17:03:59 UTC

Upt'North ¹ said :-
Good watch, hope link works, Fort Nine on first oil changes, might surprise you.
Upt'North.
It'll surprise me if it works.
https://youtu.be/9GAUo8eUXeU...
14/03/2021 18:56:09 UTC

Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Ryan F9 does create some very stylish and informative videos don't he. And this is interesting as ever and well done Enfield! My only issue is that it's a bit of a straw poll, I'd like to see more data points across the board.

Of note is the point regarding the reduction/removal of lead. I can see how lead would easily swallow up the manufacturing particles and without a soft metal the internals will need to start out very clean indeed.
15/03/2021 09:27:08 UTC

Bob said :-
I guess that Royal Enfield have the newest factory, built specifically for the manufacture of the Interceptor range. New factory, new machines, everything nice and clean and obviously being managed well too.
A surprising and oddly pleasing result.
15/03/2021 13:08:48 UTC

nab301 said :-
"In the summer last year I helped a friend rebuild a early 2000's "all the way from India" Enfield 500."
"The engine I worked on was of unit construction (I had to google "UCE Engine")."

Ren , I thought the UCE engine only appeared around '08/'09 in Europe ? ( maybe the home market was different
Nigel

17/03/2021 15:29:05 UTC

Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Oh lord knows I've probably got my information wires crossed. If we're ever allowed out and I meet the guy I'll check.
17/03/2021 22:42:01 UTC

Borsuk said :-
I know the Interceptor / GT and Himalayan both have cartridge oil filters, easily accessed for oil changes. They are oil cooled as well so they take the best part of a gallon for oil changes.
19/03/2021 15:46:28 UTC

Craig said :-
I've read this blog with considerable interest and though some might question my sanity, I bit the bullet (pun intended), and will be taking delivery of my new Classic next week.
There has been some sage advice given here and it has been duly noted.
My intention is to run the bike in well and ride within the limitations that have been described here.
Wish me luck...
09/05/2021 14:28:55 UTC

Upt'North ¹ said :-
Pictures required Craig...
Upt'North.
09/05/2021 19:01:24 UTC

Lordhenry said :-
I've just come across this site, and I have really enjoyed the content. However, I'm still in a quandry, should I get a R/E Classic 500, or is it too much of a gamble ? ! I'm in my 70's and slightly vertically challenged. I recently traded in my Triumph T100. My purpose in changing was that I needed a machine that was not quite so heavy, so pushing it backwards down a very small ramp out of it's concrete 'house' wasn't such a risky experience (living on my own, if I had a mishap and the bike overbalanced and fell on top of me,I would be in quite a fix. Literally ! As my years advance, physical capabilities will innevitably diminish, so I was trying to consider long term issues.).

In my search for a replacement machine I totally overlooked the Classic 500 and ended up getting (apologies now for contaminating the thread)a Kawasaki Ninja 650.The 'bike met the desired low weight and saddle height criteria and the K 650 models have a good reliability reputation. In my search through motorcycle magazines, I couldn't really find anything more suitable. The seat height of most 'bikes being quite tall nowadays, and consequently the centre of gravity being relatively high, so defeating my objective of a safer handling push-around (whilst actually riding of course, a 'bike's physical weight is relatively unimportant). I've not owned the Ninja for long but have completed the first running-in phase, so can reach the legal speed limit without damaging the engine. I enjoy riding the 'bike but, whilst the 'bike is all I expected (10/10) there is one particular aspect that I'm having problems adjusting to .... I'm retired so my riding is purely for pleasure and consists of bimbling around the country roads in Hampshire (in dry conditions in my old age !!) generally at 50 - 60 mph. The issue is that this old dog can't adjust well to the high rpm that accompanies any specific road speed. The engine has good torque characteristics but what is left of my little grey-cells keep wanting more gears to change to above 6th !!!

Back to the Classic 500 theme ..... I'm not into sport in a big way so have spent a lot of time in front of my computer screen recently, rather than staring at the 'goggle-box'. Via YouTube I have stumbled across numerous reviews of the Classic 500. I do really like the look of the range, and many owners seem to fall in love with the experience of ownership. But, looking on forums etc, opinions voiced seem to be at two extremes (a) Love the 'bike and it never misses a beat or (b) Owners constantly having quality control issues and making comments such as, "not a suitable 'bike for commuting, get a Japanese machine for the reliability". From my researching more deeply into the Classic 500, I am aware that the manufacturing standard of the 500 single is not up to the level of the RE 650 twins, and is somewhat more 'agricultural' in nature. I am also aware of Stuart Fillingham's excellent YouTube posts on his Classic 500 (and numerous other motorcycle topics), and I have taken on board his advice that the extreme vibration issues most owners experience initially, reduce significantly once the machine has done about 1000 miles (assuming the rider has been disciplined in adhering to the somewhat tiresome running in procedure).

If dear reader you have persevered in reading this far in my diatribe, thank-you. If you feel the urge to make a response I will be very interested to read it, and I thank-you in advance. However, This post has been more of an old geezer wishing to communicate with like-minded individuals on a topic dear to my heart (motorcycles). One additional factor should you consider making a response .... I do what has to be done on the maintenance front, but my interest nowadays is more the riding experience than spending hours 'fettling'. I must make my decision about taking a financial hit by trading the Ninja for a Classic 500 off my own bat, but apart from liking the looks of the Classic, I am intrigued by the potentail of owning a machine that has some sort of 'soul' (I did actually find the T100 had somewhat of a 'sterile' character). I must remember also that, should I venture into the realms of taking a test-ride on a Classic, the 'bike will almost certainly have less than the ideal 1000+ miles under it's tank.

11/07/2021 10:09:43 UTC

Upt'North ¹ said :-
Lordhenry,
It's nice to have the landed gentry checkin in. Real class at last. It's well overdue.
I have bugger all knowledge of the RE500 but I believe my fears would be yours. Aren't RE importing the Meteor 350 to the UK? Better option I would have thought, and Honda are rumoured to be bringin there new 350 too, the H'Ness/GB/CB. Now that would be a good option.
Maybe?
Upt'North.

Posted Image

11/07/2021 12:58:14 UTC

Ian Soady¹ said :-
That looks quite cobby apart from the feeble back mudguard.
11/07/2021 16:40:02 UTC

Lordhenry said :-
Aye-up Upt,North, Your message has given me food for thought, thank-you. I shall do some more research. The Honda looks very neat I must say, though up to now I've always found Hondas, although reliable, somewhat soulless.

(in my search for a 'bike to replace the T100, I did try a 2021 Honda NC750 (manual gearbox). Only a few kilos lighter than the T100, but the weight is carried very low on that model, so had potential, and they are very economical. I cut short my test ride though. Above about 28 mph there was a terrific wind roar from the wind deflected off the screen. It was like sitting alongside the wing/engine on an passenger-jet, only more so ! I have a Schuberth crash-helmet and I also wear earplugs when riding, so there wasn't an obvious way round the problem, although standing up on the pegs made a significant difference. The strength in my little aristocratic legs isn't what it was, and I guessed the boys/girls in blue wouldn't sympathise either ! I've had my fill of experimenting in the past with different screens and clip on adjustable aerofoils too. Never had any success !).

If the Highness is coming to the UK it would be short sighted not to give it a whizz (just to show I'm not proud down here in my castle (snigger) I did actually own a Honda Deauville about 14 years or so ago. It went surprisingly well but I used my 'bike commuting as well in those days and part of my journey was motorway and that revealed a flaw which I believe some of the Police Pan Europeans also had. When I had my top-box on the back (for transporting my coronet, obviously. Te-he.)the 'bike would develop a speed-wobble. Initially I didn't make the connection with top-box and speed wobble, but I did work it out eventually (Speed much slower than with the Pans though). I will look into the RE 350, but my concern is it will be too slow. I'll compare the torque output with the 500 and see if there is a significant drop. If not, I'll see what owners think about them, although I only use online feedback as a general guide. Thank-you again for your response.
11/07/2021 17:11:03 UTC

ian said :-
i agree with the comment about the footpegs beig too far forward, it is a shame really as it forces a certain sit up position.

11/07/2021 20:17:43 UTC

Upt'North ¹ said :-
I hear you Sir.
The screen conundrum is best avoided.
My Pan thankfully came with a screen that suits.
Upt'North.
12/07/2021 09:05:18 UTC

Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
His worshipful Lordhenry, welcome sir. Do we doff our humble caps in your presence?

I'm trying to understand your priorities. I gather you are of senior years, wishing to find a suitable velocipede. There are many readers here who are much in love with smaller machines, from C90s through to 250s. Yet you also state that you fear that the 350 may be too slow. I would suggest that the Classic 500 would be barely faster than the 350, be it Honda's H'ness or Enfield's Meteor. The Classic does have an great deal of character but it is definitely not a fast machine. You will find all of them lacking (20bhp for the 350s, 27 bhp for the Classic 500) compared to your current Ninja's 67bhp.

KLR250? CRF300? CB300R? Too modern, too clinical perhaps? All excellent machines and light, all capable of motorway speed but then yes, they'll be revving hard at 70. Vulcan 650? CMX500? Maybe cruisers are not your style and again perhaps toooo modern and, errr... refined? An 883 Harley?

I fear you will not find a light and easily manoeuvrable bike that will cruise at low revs on the motorway. Much like myself - I demand over 120 mpg, Gold Wing luggage capacity, R1 performance, RC45 handling but KTM off road ability and R1200 comfort levels. Dagnammit!
12/07/2021 10:17:19 UTC

Lordhenry said :-
Ren, Doff or not to doff, that is the question. I'm comfortable (amongst friends) to ignore the 'doffing' behaviour. For one thing it would cause a divide between people with caps, and those wearing crash-helmets. There are enough divisions in this sad old world of ours without creating another. e.g. riders of certain makes of two wheeled velocipedes not acknowledging those on more modestly mounted machinery (I don't want to start a textural war here, so I'm not naming brands).

Ren, re your comparison between the Meteor and the Classic, I guessed there might not be too a big difference in performance, so a test-ride is called for. Suitable 'torque' level is more important to me than bhp. (the Classic has 41.3 Nm at 4000rpm, Meteor 27 Nm at 4000). My velocity over 60 mph tends to only be on overtaking slower moving cars on suitable country lanes, so I don't have to slow down too much on the twisty bits. What I'm sure would begin to grate with me is if I had to keep changing down (or getting off and pushing) every time I reached a slight gradient.
Since Upt'North pointed me at the Meteor, I've found a good review (by the Missenden Flyer) on You Tube where he gives a very favourable account of his test ride on one. Very interesting ! Definitely need to investigate further. The 'bike looks well made and still has reasonable mudguards. Although the footpegs are more forward than on more conventional 'bikes, they are not extremely so. If a test-ride on a Meteor pursuades me to get one, the only likely motorway runs I'm likely to be doing are to the local Royal Enfield dealership in Chichester (abot 20 miles distant). In his test review the M-F did his usual and took the Meteor out onto fast A roads to test for being able to keep up with other traffic, and he didn't find it wanting. p.s. I'm not as greedy as you, R6 performance will suffice. Thank you for your input. p.p.s. It's a bit of a cliche, but there is a lot of truth in the saying that riding a modestly powered 'bike well is more rewarding than reigning in one's enthusiasm on a guided missile !
12/07/2021 14:52:16 UTC

Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I'm a Honda man through and through Lordhenry so beware of my bias - but I rather fancy the Honda Highness. I saw the Enfield Meteor in the flesh this weekend, what struck me is the size. It is not a diminutive motorcycle, visual presence alone suggests it's as chunky if not chunkier than the Classic 500. I was hoping it would be small as it (or the Honda) could have been a contender for Sharon's attention. In case you've not read the whole website my partner Sharon is just under 5 foot tall.

Speaking of hobbitses. Sharon's Kwakker 250 (Z250SL - no longer a current model in the UK) weighs 150kg compared to the Metor's 191kg. The Z250SL also puts out 27 hp compared to the Meteor's 20. To be frank save for the low seat height (765mm) and perhaps comfier riding position Sharon's current steed would eat the Meteor for brekky. I know for a fact no-one is listening but could I please have a 250/300/350 single/twin with low mass, low seat height, +25hp, neutral riding position, good luggage options and good economy? While my R1 Gold Wing knee down off road touring eco-machine is impossible I think something suitable for Sharon is at least scientifically possible.

Do you have a style in mind Lordhenry? Yamaha's MT03 is a very spritely machine but perhaps far too angular, modern and maybe not as comfortable as you desire. Suzuki's current range has NOTHING below 650 save for the 125s. Kwakker only has the Z and Ninja 400. Honda's no better with the CMX500 or the CRF300. To be honest the current sub 500 range is appallingly bad. Is it that we fat middle aged westerners just don't buy sensible motorcycles or do the manufacturers refuse to supply is with what we want rather than what they want us to buy?
12/07/2021 17:00:30 UTC

Lordhenry said :-
Ren, Fast forwarding to the end of your last message, this is the problem I'm having ...... doesn't seem to be a machine even close to my requirements, so, if I do change from my Ninja 650 some sort of compromise is unavoidable.
As to favoured style, I really do like retro (as in the RE Classic 500, or even the Meteor) after that, I like dual-sport styling, but those 'bikes I would need a ladder to mount !!! I've read a couple of reviews of the RE Himalayan today. Could just about manage the saddle height and it has a bit more torque than the Meteor, but, by my ancestors' boot-straps, isn't it ugly ! (whilst liking dual-sport style, I have no intentions of venturing off-road).
I haven't seen the MT-03 in the metal, but my guess is that I would have the same issues with it as with my Ninja. Such a sporty concept over-riding my self-control with my right wrist in the twisties and trying to get the 'chicken strip' on my tyres up to the edge of the tyre-tread shoulder ! (this may sound exuberant but bear in mind this is relative to my cautious old-age not what I see Moto GP, WSB and BSB riders achieve). If I change I'm hoping to get a 'bike that has a more 'laid back' effect (Generally, Harleys aren't really a consideration due to expense. Their Street Rod looks a good entry point from the brief 'What Bike' entry, but even that weighs in at 229 Kg. so is heading in the wrong direction to that which I'm trying to achieve.
As far as I can tell, the Honda H'ness isn't coming to the UK, which is a great pity as it would most probably be the nearest to my 'ideal' spec. I think I've taken up enough of your valuable time and Forum space on this topic. I really do appreciate your responses. Thank-you.
13/07/2021 15:13:40 UTC

Upt'North ¹ said :-
LH, you're sort of describing a DL250 V-Strom. Now that's a lovely little looker. Plenty about too for about 3500 with the goodies you may require.
Happy hunting Sir and don't be a stranger, let us know what you do.
Upt'North.
13/07/2021 18:11:45 UTC

ROD said :-
The DL250 has the same engine as the inazuma which I sold because of the high revs and lack of power.9000rpm at 70mph.
13/07/2021 18:31:44 UTC

Upt'North ¹ said :-
My Bad Rod, I forgot about the low revving part.
I can't imagine 9000 rpm at 70 mph, the BeaST would be at 3500 rpm.
Just like my school report.......must try harder. And....he most wurk on is spellin.
Upt'North.
13/07/2021 18:41:40 UTC

ROD said :-
Upt' at least you came up with a suggestion, All of the bikes I can think of have been discontinued for some years.3500rpm @ 70mph same as the BM.
13/07/2021 18:53:13 UTC

Mark said :-
Love my classic 500
Posted Image

14/07/2021 09:22:06 UTC

Upt'North ¹ said :-
And why wouldn't you Mark, why blummin wouldn't ya.
Upt'North.
14/07/2021 18:21:15 UTC

Lordhenry said :-
Final Update (?): Went for an arranged test ride on a Royal Enfield Meteor today (15/7/21). Excellent engine and gearbox and comfortable riding position and by the end of the ride I was even getting the hang of the heel and toe gear change. However, I didn't take a very long ride to explore the limitations of the low power output as another factor got in the way .... Whilst understanding that, like a lot of 'bikes in the less expensive end of the market, the suspension can usually only be described as 'budget', although this doesn't always mean less than adequate. The Meteor ride quality was very hard and I got bumped up off the saddle a few times. Not a good situation for these regal old bones !
I had a 'long-shot' back up plan....... Take a Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor for a test ride (I've read a lot of good things about the 'Inter' since being reminded of it's existence, so have looked up a lot of online information, most of which is highly favourable).
Interestingly the Canadian 'Fortnine' posts motorcycle related techie type reports (with a superb dry sense of humour)on YouTube. All his 'posts' are highly entertaining and well worth watching. I saw one the other day on oil contamination found in 'first service' oil samples. Royal Enfield was up there at the top along with BMW. That's lowest contamination not highest, that honour went to machines from a very large Eastern country ).
What a revalation my Interceptor ride was. A good looking 'bike (in my eyes) compliant ride, flexible and strong engine power delivery, smooth gearchange, comfortable saddle and riding position, three year warranty and breakdown cover. I was so impressed that after discussing a trade-in deal on my current bike, I placed an order before leaving the dealership (one I have used before and I would be happy to recommend to a close realtive. Should have explored this option before. The little grey cells aren't what they were ! ).
15/07/2021 20:49:21 UTC

Upt'North ¹ said :-
LH, they're a good looker ain't they.
You know we'll want piccies?
Upt'North.
15/07/2021 23:16:39 UTC

Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
So we'll soon have *LORD*henry on his *ROYAL* Enfield. Blimey guv'na, we'll be moving in elite circles soon enough. Mind you they won't be happy when I set me little tent up on a bowling green and start peeing in the bushes will they.

Prey tell Lordhenry, where is one's mansion and grounds to be found? Are you a southern toff complete with cravat and cummerbund and an old school tie or are you more tweeds and wellies to be found checking the deer stock on your Scottish moorlands. Don't be too accurate on your location though, you wouldn't want to find nefarious types looking to abscond with the new velocipede, or worse still, setting up a tent.

Do keep us informed regarding the Interceptor.
16/07/2021 10:04:06 UTC

said :-

26/01/2022 16:16:02 UTC

SteveW said :-
Greetings all, I thought I'd pop back and tell you what's happened since my last update....

You may remember I had my old 2-stroke GP100 in bits, well I'm happy to say that it's all back together and running lovely now finally. I even managed an 81 mile round trip on it to the Dorset coast last summer with a couple of friends on their small 2-strokes (a GP125 and a Yamaha RS200). We were all immediately transported back 30+ years to when we used to go on adventures on our little two strokes as teenagers! That was fun. Hard work, but fun!

I have also finally managed to take and pass my tests, back in July last year. Three days later I was the proud owner of a shiny new Royal Enfield Interceptor! I know originally I wanted a Bullet, but I also wanted a brand new bike because I've never owned a brand new vehicle before and given the fact that RE stopped making the Bullet/Classic 500s, the Interceptor was the logical next choice.

I have to say I'm glad I chose it. I absolutely love it.

Oh, and a quick pic of "little and large"....
Posted Image

22/02/2022 12:05:03 UTC

Upt'North ¹ said :-
Steve, congratulations on passing your test. Not easy these days, I remember when I was a lad, you turned up in ya Castrol anorak and plimsolls..........you know the rest.
That RE looks massivvvvvveeeeee next to ya tiddler. Unlike Ed's tiddler but that's a different story......a story to be told after the children's bedtime perhaps.
I definitely think you made the right choice with the 650, it looks drooly good. I've got no experience with RE but that's the best looking bike they've made.....ever......IMHO.
Enjoy em Steve.
Upt'North.
22/02/2022 16:00:43 UTC

Glyn said :-
I had a couple of the oldun's back in the early seventies. First a bullet then a 250 Crusader Sports. They went by the nickname "Royal Oilfields" because that was what was left after the bike had gone. I passed my bike test in 1970 and so don't understand the various levels of licence that now exist. If it can be explained easily, perhaps you can give me some info on the current system.
22/02/2022 19:30:07 UTC

Borsuk said :-
Bike license categories.
Off the top of my head and in a nutshell.
Cat A. You can drive any motorbike.
A1. 125cc up to approx 12 HP. If the bike is restricted down to 12 HP it's original power can't be over 24 HP.
A2. Up to approx 48 HP. If the bike is restricted down to 48 HP it's original power can't be over 96 HP. So no Kawasaki suicide machines sleeved down to reach 48 from 600 HP type of thing.

There are restrictions on age but if you are over 24/25 you can do the cat A directly.
There are max power weight ratios for A1 and A2 so you cant have a 12kg bike that does 48 HP or suchlike.

22/02/2022 20:15:05 UTC

Glyn said :-
That's a lot more complicated than in my day. Hopefully, the restrictions and age limits do help to ease new / young riders into biking with an added safety level. When I started, you applied for a provisional licence at 16 years and could ride any bike up to 250cc if it was a solo or unlimited size if it had a sidecar attached. Many of us owned 3 wheeled cars that came under the latter category. Once you passed your test, you could ride anything. I have to say my Kawasaki ZZR is a far cry from my first bike, a 125cc BSA Bantam. My 3 wheeled car was a 300cc Isetta. I passed my test on a 250cc Montessa Cota trials bike.
23/02/2022 07:56:07 UTC

SteveW said :-
Upt'North, thanks and yes the tests aren't the easiest thing to do, especially for someone who was 49 at the time! The theory was easy, I got 100% on that - but so I should do really after driving for 32 years! Hazard perception I got a few wrong, but I think I clicked the mouse too soon on some of them!

It was yourself that said I should look at the RE 650s when I first posted here back in 2019 wanting a Bullet. I'm quite glad that Royal Enfield took the choice away from me, because I think I made the right choice in going for the Interceptor. Yes, it's "only" 47BHP so can be ridden on an A2 licence even though I'm able to ride anything - but it's plenty quick enough for me.

After speaking to the dealers they actually said to me that given this would be my only bike (not including the GP100 because that only comes out for a few rides a year), they thought I'd probably quickly get bored of the lack of performance from the 500 Classic/Bullet, but wouldn't with the Interceptor. I can see where they're coming from. The Interceptor can EASILY sit with the traffic on all roads at the legal speed limit with plenty still left, and it's more than enough for me. I doubt I'll ever buy another bike to be honest if it stays reliable.

Look at it, isn't it just lovely?
Posted Image

23/02/2022 11:16:54 UTC

SteveW said :-
I'll just add for Glyn - the steps I had to take (aged 49 years old) last year to acquire my full motorcycle licence:-

1) CBT - Compulsory Basic Training -- carried out on a 125. You MUST do this before you can even ride a 125 on L-Plates now. (as opposed to back in the day when I first rode a little bike in the 80s and you just bought one, slapped L-plates on it and rode it)

2) Motorcycle Theory & Hazard perception test -- Different to the car theory test, so you must pass this before you can take the practical tests

3) Motorcycle Practical Test - Module 1 -- This is taken off road, at a test centre and involves all the manoeuvres etc, such as slalom through cones, figure of eight, U-turn, slow riding (at walking pace), controlled stop, swerve avoidance stop and emergency stop. Mod 1 has to be passed before you can take Mod 2

4) Motorcycle Practical Test - Module 2 -- This is the on-road part of the test. Approximately 40mins long, with an examiner following you. You have radio contact with the examiner and he/she tells you where to go etc apart from around 15mins of "free riding" where the examiner tells you to (for example) "follow the sings to XXXXX" and you have to make your own way.

I took my tests on a Kawasaki ER6, which is a 73BHP bike so I have Category "A" on my licence, meaning I can now ride anything. You can take the test on a 125 (which will get you an A1 licence) or a bigger bike that's restricted to 47BHP (which will get you the A2 licence). But if you pass either of those and then want to ride a bigger bike in the future, you have to take the Mod 1 and Mod 2 tests again on the bigger bikes.

It's a far cry from back in the day when I should have taken my test in the 80s when all you had to do was ride around the block and not crash into the clipboard carrying examiner as they jumped out in front of you to do your emergency stop!!

It's expensive when you add in the motorcycle hire and the lessons, but I honestly do think that it makes you a MUCH safer rider provided the instructor you have is a good one. I feel so much more confident now than I did when I initially bought my GP100 and only had a CBT to my name.
23/02/2022 11:47:02 UTC

Ian Soady¹ said :-
Steve - I don't envy you all that. I passed my test in theearly 1970s on a Norton sidecar outfit - as you say very few restrictions then and the test itself was simplcity itself. I agree that all the stuff abouit slow riding etc must make for, at least, better bike control - I'm somewhat ashamed to admit that I never really learned that till relatively recently when I dropped my new (to me) Triumph Tiger 955i twice in the first couple of weeks at walking pace. That was a strong incentive to learn....

Having said that I believe that machine control and test techniques can only take you so far and the key factors are attitude, observation and what is sometimes called "road sense", which do take a while to master. And we're all learning every time we go out.
23/02/2022 17:33:45 UTC

Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I took my bike test in '91 and I fell somewhere between the early "don't run the examiner over" test and the more complex CBT-Direct Access malarky. I only had to put "L" plates on my Honda H100A and I could ride, no CBT. That said to get my full licence I had to take my 100cc machine for a very simple "part 1" which was a figure 8 and not much else. Then a "part 2" which was a road ride with the examiner and a radio link. After that, remove the "L" plates and ride whatever you like.

Is it better now? Yes, and no.

It's a lot harder to get a licence, even to get on the road with "L"s. This puts people off but also ensures those on the road have received at least SOME training (CBT) and have to demonstrate a reasonable level of competence to remove the "L"s. As Ian says though, a lunatic hooligan and menace to society only has to behave for a bit of training and a test. After that they're subject to the same laws as the rest of us but they may choose not to follow them.

There's a part of me that wishes getting onto powered two wheelers was easier. They use less fuel and other resources so I'd argue are less damaging to the environment. They help reduce congestion. They're also a lot of fun. On the other hand riders are at greater risk so the more training the better.
23/02/2022 20:34:05 UTC

Borsuk said :-
Glyn. You have great taste mate. I can say this in all honesty as after I passed my test 3 years ago I got the exact same bike, including colour, which will probably be the only big bike I will ever have in the UK. I have a Himalayan in Spain which does me well here as there are lots of tracks to explore in my area as well as plenty of good roads with lots of twists to ride and 24 HP does everything here that a GS or Tiger can do, just not as quickly.
For both bikes I have lowered the suspension and the Interceptor has a lowered seat as I am vertically challenged.
A week after I got the interceptor I did the National Road Rally with my stepson and got off it at the end with as big a grin on my face as when I started. Admittedly I was just about sleep walking as we had been on the go for about 26 hours but my legs and bum still worked and had feeling in them, unlike the boy who was like a half shut knife.
Just to upset Ren I actually got out on the Himmy today. 156 miles of twisties on dry roads with warm weather and not too sunny, first time I have been on either bike in months.
Posted Image

23/02/2022 21:42:34 UTC

Upt'North ¹ said :-
Nice piccie Borsuk, glad you're out. You wouldn't be here. Not unless you like snow and gales.
Ed....it's difficult to argue against training, we all know it's a jungle out there, but I also take Ian's point that there's no alternative to experience. I would like to think that the training allows young riders to live long enough to gain that experience, which after all is just further training.
Road craft will develop in many ways and will be different for all but some good pointers can't be a bad thing. Of course....there is a very strong argument that some similar restrictions should also apply to four wheel incumbents.
Upt'North.
24/02/2022 09:31:40 UTC

ROD¹ said :-
At a local motorcycle dealers in the 1970s a customer was collecting a 250 Suzuki. He had traded a 50cc moped and was trying without success to use the clutch.
I had to give him a few lessons in the carpark opposite the dealers and off he went.
I agree with training,but not the complicated way it is done these days.
The one thing Which helped myself as a young motorcyclist was an a c u instructor riding for miles and miles as my pillion.
Of course that is not allowed under the rules today.
24/02/2022 11:07:24 UTC

said :-
Hi Ren,

In reply to my last posting (12/06/2017), you wondered about reliability as the mileage increased.At the time, my B5 had covered 3000 miles and had got smoother with every mile travelled. This continued up to 4000 miles. Mileage is now just under12000.

The bike has been totally reliable. It can cruise at anything up to 70mph. It's not dead smooth, but bits don't drop off, it's yet to fracture a mudguard stay, or destroy a light bulb. I don't get numbed fingers or toes. In other words, vibration just isn't an issue.

It's also comfortable, economical and a pleasure to ride. absolutely the best bike I've ever ridden in terms of smiles per gallon and smiles per hour. Shame they don't make it any more!

Please tell us more about the one you worked on with the failed main bearing. How many miles had it covered, what do you think caused the problem? It looks like a needle roller bearing running directly on the mainshaft. Is that so? Was the shaft damaged?
10/06/2022 23:14:21 UTC

Ian said :-
What a great honest account of what is an old engineering design, brought into the modern world. As you say, a motorcycle that needs a riders input. Remember those days when bikes and cars didn't do every thing for you?

A RE 500 is on my list of options for sure, but I'm focused on a Nuovo Falcone at the moment. Same bike, just different country of manufacture.

Keep safe.
12/06/2022 09:42:53 UTC

Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Tony (I'm guessing you're Tony from the date you supplied) - I don't know much of the details regarding the RE500 that had the main bearing work done. I do know it came all the way from India rather than a UK purchase. I also know after a successful rebuild of the engine... the bike was stolen not long after. The owner was and still is gutted. I seem to recall it had around 25k miles, around that mark.

Ian - thanks. I don't know where you reside but I don't believe the 500 is available in the UK any more. There should be a good number of used ones out there though.
13/06/2022 13:54:52 UTC

Andrew Rolfe. said :-
Read your review with interest as I often wondered what the Enfield is like to own. So I finally took one almost new demonstraiter for a spin. Vibration? Yes, but it's NOT objectionable. It merely adds to the character of a delightful machine on which you are intimately aware of it working and the harder it works the more aware you are. The ride quality is more than acceptable as are the brakes and the comfort. Certainly far more so than other British 500 singles. And character, unlike modern singles, is there in abundance. If that's what you want buy it.
29/10/2022 10:36:35 UTC

Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
It surely had a character and charm quite unlike any other machine I've ridden Andrew Rolfe. Having since ridden the Himalayan and the 650 Interceptor it would be fair to argue Royal Enfield could be at risk of losing that special character that once set them apart. Both the Himalayan and Interceptor are excellent bikes in so much as they ride well, operate smoothly and do exactly what they should - in a modern way. That's great if you want a modern type of bike but if like yourself you want something more visceral, the 500 is no longer for sale in the UK.
30/10/2022 19:07:41 UTC

SteveW2 said :-
I'm enjoying readying all of the comments on here. Even those about GP100's. We're all just one family. Lordhenry: the first time i saw a Himalayan i thought it was an accident damaged bike, or something a hobbyist had thrown together with an eye on function rather than the look of the thing. My God it was ugly. Since then they've definitely grown on me, i really like them now. Anyway, I'd like to hear how you are you getting on with the interceptor? Especially the weight when pushing it around. As a returning biker, after a 20 year lapse (I'm 60 now), i was put off by anything that weighed more than my old T140 bonneville. This put me off modern Bonnie s, the interceptor and the Guzzi V-7. I ended up with a Ducati monster 695 as a good local low mileage deal, it weighs only a small amount more than a Honda Superdream 250, Yet with the HP of an old Z1. It's got around 20hp that i don't really need! While manoeuvring it slow speeds and in and out of the garage (up a slippery slope) I've been saved from dropping it more than once because of the low weight and low centre of gravity. The lack of pull at low revs I mentioned earlier (compared to my T140) have largely been solved by DIYing a Boosterplug. What a transformation. It is now smooth at low revs pickup (although still not the Bonnie/Tiger level of joy. I can now pootle about pretending to be on an enfield 500 by keeping the revs under 4k. Fuel consumption has also improved and I'm getting close to 60mpg. So i guess the issue was entirely due to lean burn of the engine, which might be of interest for those who experience poor running/pickup on any modern bike (invest in an ecu tune up). Anyway, if you ever find the interceptor too heavy, don't forget the little Ducati Monster. I had an exceptionally nice ride recently,just cruising along and i started to realise that the overall feeling wasn't unlike the Bonneville (my yardstick, the best all around bike I'd ever had - and I've had quite a few). I still hanker for a more retro look though. If i had the space a Bullet (or himalayan) and the Ducati would be my choice, if i had only space for one bike then I'm guessing the interceptor, if i can live with the bulk.
01/10/2023 09:48:31 UTC

Stevew2 said :-
Ren: regarding your earlier comments about the main bearing. when i used my Bonnie as day to day transport, i used to factor in a strip down every 20-30k miles. This was partly due to the horror stories about British bikes i grew up with (it was mainly Japanese in the late 70's, and the media helped perpetuate the hatred of British bikes). As parts we cheap i used to replace the mains and the big end shells as a matter of course -probably half way through their service life with hindsight. I'd clean everything up and just ride for another couple of years. I have no idea of the total miles i covered in that bike in the decade, must be close to 80k, but at least 60k. I broke down once. I briefly had a 70k Mile Honda 750, which had probably never been rebuilt. These old style engines (enfield and bonnie) are a different sort of reliably, if you bear in mind the limitations of the design etc, change the oil regularly etc then impressive distances can be achieved. Some parts are considered consumables, which isn't the same with bikes like the Honda. I did have a horrendous Triumph 650, before the T140. It was leaky and everything wore out quickly. It was everything is been lead to believe was wrong with British bikes. After a lot of pain, I tore it apart thoroughly only to discover a completely choked up "sludge trap" which is inside the crank. The poor thing wasn't able to get oil around properly. I cleaned it all out and was rewarded with many trouble free miles before someone else decided they wanted it and nicked it. ?
01/10/2023 10:10:41 UTC

Manny said :-
My 2020 C5 is a joy. It is as lazy as I am and a willing partner in all my backroad adventures. Not a highway bike, but for anything else , an excellent companion.
Posted Image

01/12/2023 00:09:49 UTC

nab301 said :-
Lovely photo , I have to agree, The Enfield Bullet is great on low speed back roads.
Nigel
01/12/2023 15:23:45 UTC

Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Hi Manny - that's a classic pic. I don't think your Enfield would be a top choice if I desired to be in the south of France tomorrow evening, but if there was time to explore, look around, and soak it all up your Enfield would be ideal.

Is yours the 500? My local Enfield dealers only have the 350 version of the Classic now.
02/12/2023 09:28:35 UTC

ROD¹ said :-
If anyone is a fan of the classic, I would not be put off by it now being a 350.
Although it undoubtedly has a different character the 350 is a very enjoyable engine.
I took a test ride on the HNTR on the 1st November this year and was very impressed with the engine, and indeed the whole bike.
02/12/2023 10:02:48 UTC

CrazyFrog said :-
Rod, I've never ridden an older Enfield but did have a Himalayan for a year. I've just traded my efficient but soulless Suzuki Inazuma for a Meteor 350 which has the same engine as the classic. I cunningly bought it just as the weather switched from autumn to deep mid winter overnight, and it's still running in, so I've not been far on it yet. However, first impressions are that the motor is much smoother than the Himalayan, the handling is great and the fear change is very smooth. Compared with other modern bikes though, it still has plenty of character and given the nature of the power delivery, I assume there still a pretty substantial fly wheel in there somewhere!
Posted Image

03/12/2023 08:16:25 UTC

Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I must get me a test ride on one of these. On paper it all looks rather dismal with 20 hp and about 180kg for the HNTR model (the others will be similar) but anyone who actually enjoys riding rather than figures will know this ain't the whole story. My CD200 Benlys only put out 16 hp, handled like pigs on a pogo stick and I loved them both dearly.
04/12/2023 08:10:28 UTC

ROD¹ said :-
Yes, I know what you mean Ren.
I will just put on my tin hat and clear a place on the naughty step!!
I picked up a brand new HNTR on the 8th November, a week after the test ride.
I have done just under 1000 miles so it is almost run in.
04/12/2023 09:25:43 UTC

Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Whooaa heyyy! What's this, the Royal Enfield owner's association? The 350 sub-division? First off CrazyFrog's showing off his new Meteor and now ROD's gotten a HNTR! Pics by the way ROD, we need photographic evidence.
04/12/2023 12:48:46 UTC

ROD¹ said :-
Ren, After the photo of the clean shiny Meteor posted by CrazyFrog I am ashamed to show my bike. I purchased my bike as a work horse and even collected the bike in pouring rain. I will have to give it a clean before taking a photo, as at the moment it would give even your bikes a run for their money in the dirty bike stakes.
04/12/2023 13:06:38 UTC

nab301 said :-
@ crazyfrog and Rod, looking forward to some real world reports when you've got the time and clocked up some more miles!
Nigel
04/12/2023 13:48:25 UTC

Upt'North ¹ said :-
Nice looking RE CF.
Upt.
04/12/2023 18:38:46 UTC

ROD¹ said :-
I have thrown a bucket of water over the bike this morning and taken a pic of it sitting in the rain.
So the new bike : Royal Enfield HNTR 350 in Dapper White.
Posted Image

05/12/2023 14:09:28 UTC

Upt'North ¹ said :-
Dapper indeed Rod.
06/12/2023 09:45:04 UTC

Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I do think it's a rather handsome machine ROD.
06/12/2023 20:07:27 UTC

momentmal said :-
I have a 2015 Classic 500, same as the one in the article, but blue!
The first time I rode it, it felt like a road-drill; I thought my feet were going to bounce off the footpegs.
Shortly after acquiring the beast, I obtained one of Mr. Carberry's vibration reduction plates (Available from
Hitchcock's). It replaces the cam steady plate with one which has what is effectively a third main bearing outside the crankshaft, behind the alternator.
I still get some vibration through the bars, nothing like so bad as before, but overall much better.
Living as I do in rural Victoria, Australia, I sometimes make the trip to Melbourne- about 180 miles. The Enfield is nothing like so fast as my previous bike (BMW R65) but just as much fun! And last time, I filled up on arrival in Melbourne- a bit over two gallons...
https://www.carberrymotorcycles.com/product-page/vibration-reduction-plate...
Posted Image

21/01/2024 05:27:06 UTC

Upt'North ¹ said :-
Nice picture Momentmal, I can feel the warmth permeating into my cold bony white fingers in dear old cold wintery old Blighty. Ta for the hope of better to come, maybe, maybe not, pffffffftttttt.
Upt.
21/01/2024 10:05:51 UTC

Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
Oh I say! Thanks momentmal - now if company in India (where the Enfields are made) can make this seemingly quite simple plate and bearing widget surely Enfield themselves could/should have done the same? It's good to hear you're enjoying the 500, you don't need 200bhp and 200mph top speed to enjoy your bike.

As for the nice weather there. Fear not Upt' for soon enough the cold wet rain of our British winter will be replaced by the slightly less cold wet rain of our British summer.
22/01/2024 07:50:56 UTC

Bacondrum said :-
Hi, nice review. I think you summed the classic 500 up well. I love my 2016 C5 Classic 500 - love the style, it’s super simple, I do all my own maintenance and repairs. That said they definitely vibrate too much, that’s the only complaint I have. I regularly ride at 100-110kmh on the freeway to and from work and it’ doesn’t bother me on such short stretches, I can get her up to 130kmh at full throttle. I rode it 1200kms on a round trip to the edge of the central Australian desert and i got numb hands more frequently than I’d like, apparently you can get a plate that you brace in the engine and it lessens the vibrations, but I’ve not tried. That said I’ve put 12,000 kms on her and lots of 200-400km trips along the coast and it didn’t bother me…only got really annoying on longer trips.
18/02/2024 04:02:56 UTC

Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
I take it your an Ozzy Bacondrum? You're filling me with envy at the notion of riding the simple 500 around the Ozzy desert. It sounds far more appealing that soggy wet rides around the grimy North West of England that's for sure. Glad you're loving your Classic and cheers.
18/02/2024 20:28:36 UTC

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