I saw a couple in Brisbane last year, the owners thought that they were great!
I'm happy with mine, Ã dont think that they are crap, but they are made to a price. Don't expect Honda quality or reliability, but more reliable than your average 40/50 year equivilent..
In the Uk prices have gone up, I bought mine new for 4000 in 2010, (somebody has too
).
Probally better to buy a used one, quite cheap that way.
I have a couple of small bsas as well., and 2 Kwacks. Horses for courses.
Nice dry day, knock around the B roads and back lanes at 50 - 55 - its Bullet time. Off to London down the motorway, its Kwack time. Pop into town to get the paper, its Bantam time.
All the problems I have had with the Enfield have been fixable for little money,
Corrosion would be a problem unless you keep on top of washing and ACF 50 spraying, my Enfield is my winter hack.
Why not a "real" classic Enfield?
Lets see:-
Comparatively cheap way to get the "classic" experince, without the hassle of a classic bike, or the high cost/performance of the other retros - more Mr Toad or Wallace than Johnny Strabler.
Know what you are buying, will not need restoring.
Spend more time riding then fixing!
Parts are relatively cheap, even cheaper from India.
Modern tech, but still low tech - 500 air cooled single, how much simpler can it get.
Every bit is available, even tinware. Metric threads, not a mish mash of BCY, WHIT, BSF AND UNC.
Electric start - saves looking a prat if stalled at lights.
Wont get attached to it, and if I sell it or brake it, I can always get another one, any time, perhaps a later model, perhaps for less money - (Channai is turning them out by the thousand).
Never know what you are buying in a 50 year old bike.
Usually end up spending more than the bike is worth on restoring it.
I would not have one as my only bike, but I'll probally buy another - perhaps a secondhand cafe racer in a couple of years.