Hitchcocks Forum

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

Apologies for the solid block. Apparently the text format I used doesnt like paragraph spacing...


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

Oh dear. This one is going to be fun.. It reminds me of my old sergeant majors advice..

'Don't draw fire on the field of combat son. It annoys everyone around you."


To attempt an answer, and it's only my thoughts here, not necessarily those of everyone else;


Nothing is replaced on import as far as I know. That's up to you.


Reliable electrics? Maybe. Depends on the machine you get and I don't mean model. I mean the actual machine. No two are that much alike. Some go for years with no troubles. Some don't.


Speed? Read the reply above. Machines vary, but you will probably get 65 mph. Maybe more if it's set up right. I wouldn't run it at top speed for long though. Even the manual says that.


On the other hand, if you're not totally inept with a spanner and a screwdriver, you will have bought a machine which will provide endless hours of fun, fettling, fiddling, cursing and untold pleasure. You can make it want you want.


Why do you suppose we're all on here?


Welcome to the madhouse. I hope I didn't put you off.

Given that it is a newly designed machine the performance is underwhelming to say the least, hence there's a big wide world of go-faster goodies available, although some here will swear blind their bike will do 80+ mph all day long and did so straight from the packing crate. Electrics can be horrendously unreliable if you get a friday afternoon machine ( or monday, tues or weds!)but anything can be repaired with a few decent electrical connectors. As Exile says, the model does n't matter, it's the individual bike and the luck of the draw that matters. All my Enfields have been supremely reliable machines, and I really do mean that, I've done many tens of thousands of miles without even a puncture or snapped cable (but then I'm lucky, apparently), however I've known others peoples bikes that are fit only for very secondhand spares! You pays your money and takes your chance. At least if you buy a new machine you have a guarantee...

Any Enfield you get will need tinkering with a spanner, or "owner input required" Some are put together better than others..

But in truth thats why a lot of us buy these bikes.. something to play with and hopefully improve during our custodianship..

Best thing is to try a demonstrator for an hour… Run it up the nearest carriageway/motorway for ten miles at 75mph see how it feels…

If it goes bang then ask them to pick the bike up...Personally i prefer A/B roads at a steady 50/60mph, for prolonged fastness get a Bonnie or HondaKwak..

Hi matey !!---------- I agree entirely with all that's been said....You don't mention what your budget is £?????........You might like to look at a used Moto Guzzi V7 ??........

Or indeed the Guzzi.. Thanks Alan always forget that one.. No idea what there like for spares/running costs.. insurance?

Incidentally 6myth are you restricted to certain power output for period of time? Know idea how it works these days or even what a DAS is…
Fortunately i don't need to care… gwilly

Hi guys------------I'm still wanting one for myself..The old Cali 1100i was great fun but we now have a GL1000 for touring etc....I have my No1 Bullet for sale in the Spring but No2 stays with me as the Army Despatch bike I mentioned earlier......Maybe if I bring it back "one piece at a time" ??------- hello, I feel a song coming on !!--------- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWHniL8MyMM&feature=kp ------------------

Hi 6myth... most people have covered the points you probably need, but I have a couple of things to stress. Most of use here own and ride enfields because we like to tinker and do our own repairs, amongst many other reasons. My main advice would be; if you would take it to your own back garden and get the spanners out - this is the right bike for you. If you would rely on a mechanic at a garage, think about learning how to maintain and repair it a bit more yourself.




As for your initial questions - the speedo will say 85, but you will be doing 60 These bikes are built for a smooth 55-60, and you can take that up to 60-65 with a different sprocket. They will do more, but that's not the point. The cheaper parts are not replaced in general, as far as I am aware, but parts are cheap to replace from Hitchcock's anyway - and easy in general to replace. As for electrics... buy a multimeter, some connectors, a few metres of generic wire and a few cable ties. That'll get you home




If you have a favourite spanner, and like to tootle along waving to passers-by then buy the enfield. If you want 100mph and to filter in and out of traffic on the M1 all day long, maybe have the enfield as your second bike...