Forum

[Bertie the Bullet]

JB firstly lets expel a myth about Royal Enfields reliability, I have had mine since I passed my test in 2009 and the only thing that has let me down is a plug and condenser, it has it design faults and is slow compared to your Jap but it is an involved ride that will leave you grinning, I have bought and sold many other jap bikes but the Enfield has stayed, the parts are cheap, insurance is cheap, the bike is comfortable for all day riding and you can personalize it like no other bike (except a Harley), the only way to decide is ride one, go to an agent and ride one., also try a Jap if you can to compare the 2, I am lucky enough to own both and let me tell you they are completely different rides.

[Norm]

Bertie, trust me your opinion will change once you break a piston or the big end, whole new ball game then, just ask AlanR

[Barry_Q]

Norm. I can see what you're saying and why. However, I can't really agree with you. I've got two bikes (Enfield and Aprilia). I've had to push both of them home within a year of ownership (Mind you, the Enfield has been utterly reliable for the past 3 years). Random chance is just that. Random chance. As for having an Enfield as a first bike? Yeah, why not. You'll certainly learn the 'spannering' skills that will put you in good stead in future years. Hell. Brit iron was almost everyone's first bike years ago (Including me). Just make sure that you've got a decent tool kit and a tub of Swarfega!

[Norm]

Barry couldn't help myself today a mate turned up on an R65LS he had just picked up half an hour earlier as a first bike for his girlfriend, he turned his back to take his jacket off and I tipped a puddle of oil on the concrete under it. The look on his face was priceless

[rustygman]

JB - your budget will get you into Efi territory and as long as you don't thrash it I suspect you will have an enjoyable and reliable machine. I spent hours before I bought my bullet reading up and worrying if I was about to spend years fixing a broken bike. 8 years later it has been one of my favourite bikes and much more reliable than expected. It sounds like you know what to expect and my only caveat would be your intended useage. If you want a bike for pleasure use I would say go Enfield and that includes shorter commute and light touring. If you think you might rack up big miles go for an older Japanese bike. A Japanese thumper will give you character and solid reliability. A small bandit or diversion will also do a sterling job but nothing bonds with you quite like your bullet.

[thumpthis]

JB, I concur with Bertie. 2+ years of ownership, and over 16000km and no major issues, aside from a frayed throttle cable, a few loosened fasteners and broken front fender stays. My 2002 500ES has never left me stranded, to date! Best to buy the nicest cleanest one you can afford from an owner who took proper care of it which you can easily tell by looking past the shiney paint and bright work. A few of the little details such as chain and sprocket condition/cleanliness, lack of bodges or rigging, matching tires and sidewall condition (cracks, nasty grime buildup, etc), fasteners where they belong, condition reflecting proper tools used on them. Just a few here but the idea is to try as best to find one from an owner who clearly takes care of their investment vs. a typical run into the ground machine. I have ridden many times without any wrenches or supplies on long day rides, but a small tool kit is certainly a good idea. That's how much faith I have in it, purely based on the way I take care of and service things. I don't have things falling off, or plugs fouling etc. Just follow the service manual and if anything needs attention, then give it your attention. Too many out here riding around on bikes that need attention, the bike breaks down, thing fall off and it's the bikes fault. Neglect at your own peril applies to anything, some more than others, but it doesn't have to be that way. And ride within the bikes parameters. Simple really.

[PeteF]

I must weigh in on the side of reliability as well. My 350 has passed 20,000 miles and has let me down once - broken throttle cable (but I managed to limp home) This is despite my fiddling about and "improving" it all the time.
As I said before you CAN'T thrash them or they will break. Mines good for pottering around at 50mph all day (except on hills and headwinds - the 350 is a little underpowered)

[Exile]

I concur with what's already been said, but that comment about finding the best you can for your money rings true. I found my 'Thumper' through a dealer who was selling it on after the original owner had died. The bike was from 2005, a classic 500 Bullet and it had stood still in a garage for 8 years. The bike had unfortunately been sent to an auction house before I clinched the deal so I had to go and bid for it. I ended up getting it at about half the price I was prepared to pay.

It took some cleaning up, new tyres, oil change and so on, but he runs perfectly and has never let me down... yet!


In my ill-spent youth I rode round on a Number of bikes but ended up on a Honda. That was over thirty years ago. When I decided to start riding again I wanted a British bike, or something close. An Indian built Royal Enfield might not have been my first choice but it is what I ended up with.

I've never been so happy....

Go for it..



My experiences are catalogued here..: Thumper Diaries.

[mauri]

enfield’s are great little bikes, treat them correctly and they will keep running and running.



use mine as a daily commuter, which rakes up to 10,000km a year.

in the 6 year’s a own it, it has not let me down once.

[Les]

I have a 650 Kawasaki and a 500 Classic EFI I like them both a case of horses foe courses if I was forced to make a choice between the two and only have one bike I would chose the Enfield a personal choice if you fancy the idea go for it have some fun