Forum

[Zelda]

Hi all,

Just wanted a bit of advice/ opinions on the Model G. Im considering moving on from my Bullet-65 to an older enfield model and so have been looking at the Model G.

Apart from the obvious engine size reduction, what other differences can I expect to see? Would you reccomend this change over? I've ridden a few older bikes before so I have an idea of what to expect, however does the Model G have its own particular personality?

Finally, any thoughts on which model year to go for, or anything to avoid?

Many thanks!

[Mark M]

The Model G grew from the prewar G via the Wartime Model WD/CO through to the last G Deluxe which has a swinging arm frame. There is no particular year of G to go for except that the early Post War ones have a very "Marmite" front mudguard mounting and of course they're all rigid (which might be a shock!) except the Deluxe. They're bullet proof, easy to ride and handle well but performance is gentle by Bullet standards. No particular vices beyond the usual for a 60 year old machine. Parts supply is good for consumable items and improving courtesy of our Hosts for other stuff. Normal rule applies, buy one as complete as possible as tinwear can be a bit difficult to find though not impossible. Prices are rising on these as people realise how over looked they are. Go for it and let us know how you get on!
REgards, Mark

[Alan R]

Hello ZELDA ---- my mate Tim rides a restored 1938 350 Enfield which he, and the 3rd "Musketeer"---Myles, keep on the road by hook or by crook (pattern parts people !). How do I post photos on here ?? I have a few you might like to see ??

[Zelda]

Thanks for the info Mark! I think i'll start my hunt, and try to get a a ride on one before.

Not sure on the photos Alan, i believe you may have to upload them elsewhere and send a link across

[Alan R]

Hi ZELDA, try this }--------

[Anders F. R.]

Hi Zelda! -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. I have an unrestored 1953 Model G which I bought in 2001 and have ridden quite a lot since. The longest trip was last year when I participated in a veteran rally and rode 840 km with full camping gear on all sorts of roads and in most kinds of weather in three days without a single misfire. Really a fine trip! -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. If you search for "Model G" up in the right corner you will find some threads and posts about it, some with my name on it. I have written positive words about it many times. I will repeat some of it here: -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

When I say "unrestored", that is "not repainted, rechromed etc.". It was complete and running but worn and in need of some care as I got it. I stripped it down to "molecules" except for the bottom end and gearbox which I considered fine for forther work. Every other part is checked, refurbished or renewed: New steering earings, did the best uot of the fork (no parts available then, will fix that better soon), new wheel bearings, new brake linings, new wires, reconditioned dynamo and magnet, alle electrical wiring renewed, cylinder rebored, cylinder head refurbished with new valves and valve guides...... That was most of it, I think. Most of this was done in 2001-2002, since then mostly ordinary maintenance except for one "fried" dynamo (because the regulator died) and one failing magnet (standard "old-magnet-syndrome"). And the bike now looks and works like what it is: A well used, well maintained old bike that runs well. -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

The Model G is a very nice motorcycle. Compact and relatively light, but definitely a "real bike". The engine is sweet and vibrates less than the 500s. 350 cc and 15 bhp is not a lot, but if you are not planning to use it much on the largest motorways it is just about sufficient. I can keep a cruising speed of about 80 km/h except long or steep uphills, but the engine really runs more comfortably at 70, with much lower petrol and oil consumption and lower vibration levels, as I fully experienced on the above mentioned trip. -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Brakes are not very good, but (almost) adequate for the speed resources. Handling is good! The rigid frame is better than a spongy sprung frame on good roads, but you will want to take it slower on poor and bumpy roads..... The front suspension is not very good either, but now Hitchcocks supply new fork legs etc., so I guess mine will benefit from that. I will order soon! -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

In my opinion the latest ones with the unsprung front mudguard look the best. The spring mudguard is big and bulky, not very stylish. I think that change came around 1950 or 51. Check "parts books online" up left, I think uoy will see the difference there. Brake light was fitted from summer 1953. That is definitely a good thing to have today, but can easily be fitted to the older ones I guess. However, it may be more fun to have a '40-ies bike than a '50-ies bike? -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

What more can I say? All in all it is one of my favourites, and I will never sell it. Highly recommended! If you send me an e-mail at and-hild_(a)_online.no (replace _(a)_ with the proper character) I can send some pictures of it, if that is of interest. -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Regards, Anders F. R. (Norway)

[Zelda]

Great photo Alan! Looks like a nice runner. Its got girder forks on though, i thought the model G's had tele?

Anders, thanks for the wealth of knowledge there, it would be great to see your bike! I think from reading that my mind is alot more confident. Just need to try one out. Actually, find one first would help! cheers again

[Anders F. R.]

Regarding telescopic or girder fork, this is how I understand it: -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

The Model G was launched some time in the late thirties, with the 350 iron barrel engine, rigid frame and girder fork as was usual at the time. During WW2 it was modified somewhat, painted olive green and "marketed" as WD/CO. In 1945 the WD/CO got the name Model G back, together with telescopic fork, black paint and chrome. It continued until 1954, in parallell with the J and later J2 with mainly the same cycle parts but 500 cc engine. -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Someone please correct me if this is incorrect, but it is how I have figured it out from the books I have read. -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Regards, Anders F. R.

[Anders F. R.]

Hi again!

Just wanted to know if you have come any longer on this one?

Regards, Anders F. R.

[Roy]

Hi. In my collection I have the 1938 Girder fork model and also the 1945 front telescopic fork and rigid rear frame. Both are extremely reliable and apart from the usual oil changes and replacing the cork oil feed seal they just seem to slog on forever. I actually enjoy riding them more than my newer models.