Hitchcocks Forum

I am getting a RE , not sure if I should go for the 350 or 500.
I will using this bike for 45 mile commuting, on some of Yorkshire finest roads, they truly are. I have to pinch myself at times as to how lucky I am.
I have always ridden sports bikes, like Ducati's/Fireblades/ZXR etc etc, still have a Ducati, well I have to with my surname.
Anyway I will be getting an RE for this purpose, but with my riding style and style of bike I prefer. What performance mods and handling would be advised.
I know you will ask why, all I can say is blame my Dad, he can't ride anymore but has all the time in the world, can't play golf anymore, and my Mum will really appreciate it too. He always had 350's so he knows his way round them.
I will need an Indian version, because I must have a left foot gear change. I will probably have a fairing and rear sets too, only because I always have.
Sorry for the silly questions, but I have absolutely no idea about RE's personally.

45 miles on what sort of roads?

Pete, my Indian 500's got a right foot gear change, one up and three down (it's 1999). I don't find left vs right gearchanges a problem, but swapping between up or down gearboxes requires more thought... I've ridden a 350 in India, where the 50mph happy cruising speed was fine, but in the UK the 500 is more capable of keeping up with traffic on modern roads, cruising at 60 with more if needed - and I'm still not used to the novel sensation of being overtaken by cars on a bike. And I keep away from dual carriageways wherever possible. An Enfield will of course be a completely different riding experience from what you're used to, but it's addictive: relax, take your time, enjoy the bends of those fine Yorkshire roads. What you need is a test ride. Good luck, Mark.

The roads I travel on are a combination. Mainly country B roads, but sweeping bendy and not very hilly. 2 miles of A road but not dual carriageway.
Is gearing an issue ?

Your journey sounds ideal for a 350 or a 500. The 350 is the "sweeter" engine but the 500 has more torque which makes it more forgiving over longer distances. Top speeds are not all that different between the two in real world conditions. The 350 is cheaper to buy so you'll have money to spare but you've probably a better choice of 500s. Gearing as standard will probably be fine, I'd acquire and use one for a while before tinkering; depending on the spec of the bike you buy there are probably better things to spend your time and money on than altering gearing, at least at first! This point in winter is probably the best time to buy so good luck,

REgards, Mark

if you want right foot gear change you can check out Royal enfield model sixty five model . and its 5 speed gearbox better clutch gear change.
I prefer the older models ( engine and gearbox separate )

http://www.realclassic.co.uk/enfield030320.html

Regards

Sorry i mean left foot gear changer , checkout RE Model Sixty-five. like mostly Japanese bikes.

Maybe if you're already a Ducati man another Ducati is what you need. You want rear sets etc., then a mid-70's Desmo single is your man. It will leave your average Royal oilfield for dead, will go round corners, stop when you want and from experience I can assure you the chrome and electrics will be as bad as anything RE can produce. You should find a half-decent one for about £12,000...

I sold my Ducati 900ss to make way for my current 4 speed 500 Bullet. I actually have more fun riding the slow bike fast than riding fast bike slow. It's like another world.

Hi, I live just outside Bingley, West Yorkshire. My village is surrounded by steep hills. I owned a 2002 500 and loved it once I came to realise that there is great joy to be had in no longer feeling the urge to race everything in sight. It was great for my weekly (work) run to Settle, and I often took a detour from Gargrave via Newton Banks just for the fun of it. It had been geared up and I felt that around here that was a retrograde step. After a brief dalliance with a Honda, I'm back on an early 500 Efi, and loved it even more, that is until last week when it refused to start in Saltaire. Actually probably my fault - not enough miles equals hibernating battery. Back to the point, around here I'd go for the 500, and don't start messing until you have got used to it and can then formulate your priorities.