Hitchcocks Forum

Hi all,

I'm taking my bike license this year, I'm 25 so will be doing Direct Access, which if I'm not mistaken means I can ride a 500cc from the off. I really want a Classic 500 and should have about £2500 to spend. I understand this is not that much and I might have to save some more…should I be buying new to be on the safe side? What are the usual problems to look out for on used bikes? Would a 350cc be better value? I have heard that the 350cc are a bit underpowered, but it would probably feel like a rocket to me. If anyone has any advice it would be hugely appreciated. I'm clearly very new to all this!

How old a bike are you considering? The 500 Classic can refer to quite a few different models of RE... a major engine redesign happened in 2008/9 which changes any advice greatly. Or would you prefer some advice about both sides of the redesign?

2.5K should get you a decent bike, age dependent, but I would go for a later model with left hand gear change, like whatever you will have learnt on, mine is an 06 plate with right foot 1 up 3 down and a pain when you go from one bike to another and forget...
Also, ownership will be a bit more 'involved' than a modern japanese bike but we like that...

JB, do you have access to a fully equipped workshop, lots of experience of wielding spanners, and engineering degree?

If not buy a Honda or a BMW.

Quick look on Autotrader shows a few, 2009, 2011 and 2012, Electra EFI bullets, all at £2695 or £2699, trade too, not private and all low miles
Having owned all sorts, I love my Enfield!

Thanks guys.

Michael - Any age of bike really, although I've heard quality is better on the newer bikes? I was thinking of the current Classic 500 model they sell, which probably was launched 2008/9. I'm after a solid example, whenever it was made.

Coley - Good to hear it's possible to get something at that price. I completely understand it's a bike more involved, which is exactly why I want one .

papasmurf - Thanks for the heads up. I don't have those things, although I have studied engineering, but I'm keen to get stuck in and have a reason to learn. The only reason I want to ride a bike is because I love classic bikes, my grandad had a '53 Norton. The newer looking bikes just don't interest me! Anyway, I've heard that the modern REs can be quite reliable if looked after?

papa... don't be defeatist! I bought an Enfield as my first post-test bike about 8 years ago. OK, so I bought an Electra X which HAD issues, and traded it in quickly for an EFI (which now HAS issues). I bought a workshop manual, a selection of spanners, spent 50 quid on a college course, and started using my bike as a hobby.




I don't have an engineering degree (although I did spend 7 years teaching on an engineering degree programme!), I don't have a fully equiped workshop (but I did buy a house with a garage after Enfield ownership... missing a MIG welder and a lathe though, I would like both!) and I don't have lots of experience (well, I didn't, but I could argue I have some now...). Hmmm, not selling this am I?!!? The point is, anyone can own an enfield these days, but it helps if you get to know them.




As a first bike Enfields are heavy; heavier than the bike you learned on most likely. Great fuel efficient, easy servicing (you can learn to do you own in 10 minutes!). 350 is probably underpowered a little for the 'big' roads, but it depends on your usage - I would suggest a 500. They are still underpowered by the standards of other bikes, but sit well on big roads. Regarding what to look out for on used bikes - my advice would be to try and get an unmodified one. Once you are comfortable wit it, you can do your own mods. Things to check: servicing schedule (always), IF IT HAS ELECTRIC START THEN CHECK IT CAREFULLY!!!!!!!!!!!!! I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH - does it work, does it engage, does it EVER slip, do you hear a whizz when STOPPING the engine from the area of the electric start, ALL ELECTRICS (some of the newer bikes suffer from not the best of electrics - ask the owner about bulbs blowing, the tail light cluster working reliably (this is a weak point - easy fix, but annoying), battery charging, etc), brakes (the front caliper clogs up and seizes up a bit quite easily in wet, winter riding - dead easy to fix, but has it been happening and has it been fixed). Norm will also tell you to check the big end bearing...

Ah, you replied just before I hit post. Well, a post 2008 500 Classic will be an EFI (fuel injected) bike with a unit construction engine. These are more reliable engines, but my comments (in previous post) relate to this engine. Quality is improving with the newer bikes, so the newer the better in this case. I would suggest a post 2010 Classic 500 if possible (I think this just about fits your budget?) - those have kick start fitted (the first version of the 500 Classic did NOT have kick start fitted and relied solely on electric start).




I suspect you will find that many enfield owners keep quite good history for their bikes... I do anyway (all receipts!) - I would ask for this and I would enquire about any non-standard service jobs.




You WILL learn a lot from owning this bike, and if we are like minded, you will enjoy learning from it.

Michael I am not being defeatist, merely practical.
An amusing view on a similar subject:- (Bad language)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6tTFW26BVs

An RE for a first bike is quite possible if you are prepared for the learning curve. Just get a manual and basic tools and you can learn to do basic maintenance in no time.
It will help a lot if you can find someone who knows the ropes and is prepared to hold you hand a bit to begin with.
I think the main mistake people make with these old style engines is to ride them as fast as they will go. You simple can't do that for prolonged periods like modern machines.
Your budget will be a bit thin for a EFI machine but would get you a decent 500 classic.
I would look for a Sixty-Five if you can find one. The gearchange is at least where you expect it (though will be very different in feel if you have been an learning on a Honda or similar) They have a better 5 speed gearbox as well.