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[6myth]

I apologise in advance if the following text is all solid and not paragraphed. I dont know why it is formating this text as such.

Hi, I'm taking my DAS in April and wish to upgrade from my Honda CBF125 immediately.

I dont want a jap powerhouse bike as I have no self restraint and if a machine will do 130 you can bet that's what I'll be doing right to the moment I hit a tree/lamp post/wall/truck.

With this in mind I've started to think about other touring or classic bikes.

I saw a Royal Enfield efi 500 classic recently and can't get it off my mind. It's exactly how I think a bike should look.
However before buying one I need some questions answered. I've trawled through forums and watched alot of reviews from Indian TV on youtube but none clear up my questions.

Are the cheaper parts switched once imported to the UK (soft metal screws and nuts - my cbf's rusted quick)
Are the electrics reliable (lamps, indicators, ignition)
What exactly is it's top speed (some say 65 some 85)
Will it stay above 65 for prolonged periods on motorways?

I'm very close to putting down a deposit, but I really need to know the above first

Thanks- Rich

[trevorch]

Hi 6myth,

If looks alone could sell a bike, then the EFI got it right - the GT Continental looks even better, but a cafe racer is not everyones choice.

My 2011 EFI Classic covered 8,000km before selling it. Great fuel consumption 3.5L/100km, compared to old Bullet that gave around 4.8L/100km.

I would say a happy cruising speed, even with and 18T front sprocket, is between 50 and 60 MPH. To ride any distance at 65 or above, the vibration will soon tell you to slow down.

Oil consumption negligable, electrics had no problem and no bulb failures and unlike older bullets, the headlamp gave a brilliant light even at tick over, but the beam tends to be a little high. Electric start worked very well.

In cold weather, follow the Enfield instructions and let it warm up for a couple of minutes before riding. Kick starting was quite easy with the auto decompressor, but when this was removed, to cure nasty noises after starting, it became quite difficult to kick start against full compression.

Handling was excellent, but I had to change the from brake disc three times in the first year as it kept warping. Back brake poor but gets better with use. One good reason to consider the new GT model.

This bike will not temp you to ride at max; in MHO, if you do, you may soon find that it's (the bike's) life is quite short.

I changed to a 2011 Bonneville T100, but whilst this may by a genuine 100mph bike, my chicken streak still keeps it down to under 55 most of the time. (Switzerland has a 50mph limit everywhere except motorways and the speed cameras all work.)

Good luck, Trevor CH