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[2cvandy]

An excellent choice piglet, I'm sure you'll be more than happy with it. Just by way of comparison, way back in 1977 I passed my test on a Honda CB250 G5, (27hp and 178kg so not much different to an EFI) having jumped straight onto the CB from a moped, with no training or instruction whatever. Those were the days eh? I'm sure you have more than enough experience to cope with a mighty Enfield,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, best of luck mate, enjoy.

[sofiaspin]

I would concur with the EFI advice. Great engine that will whip you up to 80mph if really necessary (needs to be run in first!) and with various mods, namely the exhaust, you can shed some of the excess weight. A good plan is to buy a used one - several on ebay - often they have perhaps a couple of thousand miles, so first if not second oil change should be done and the engine is freeing up a bit. Also, any early sprag problems might have manifested by then. The sprag on my Woodsman EFI (wish I hadn't sold it..) went after 300 miles due to poor machining, but was fixed. I would get an EFI again without any hesitation. Currently I have an 08 iron barrel, 4 speed 500cc and an 08 Electra X 500cc - both with Amal Mk 1 carb upgrades and various other mods. My Triumph Bonneville hardly gets used. The Bullets are great for A, B and back roads, easy to maneovre, vibrate, draw a crowd and can be readily modded and tweaked, with spares affordable. Buy a main brand now and you get sucked into the accessory whirlpool and get lost in the crowd. With an Enfield, you don't!

[jefrs]

Having buzzed around on a 125 for 18 months, you'll be ok. This has nothing to do with passing a test but learning that all the other buggers out there are deliberately trying to kill you.



On paper the "Bullet" may not seem to have a lot of power but it does have a lot of torque over a very wide band, easily enough to see a 125 off and keep up with a new Triumph on a back road. I was a little surprised that the C5 could out-gun a Bonnie uphill but they're surprisingly good at narrow unkept lanes where a bigger bike becomes a real hand full.




It will get to 60mph quick enough and stay there all day pottering along. It will go to 70+mph for the motorway but don't ask it to go over 80mph, you're out of the power band and taking a hammering sitting upright. But then, riding a bike on a motorway is boring.



The current EFI is probably the strongest motor RE India have ever built. There was a change of spec around 2011/2012 where it got more powerful oil pumps, better bearings and an alternator that seems capable of running an electric toaster. On the downside some of the spade connectors, fuses and light bulbs are rubbish; very easily and cheaply fixed. And, a little peculiar these days, if new they *must* be run-in (you will find a lot of reviews out there done on new bikes with stiff engines which vibrate until run-in).

[Mr Black]

Just to add my tuppence- I was in a similar situation to yourself. I've used an old 60's vespa (150cc) to commute around London for some years but fancied a change, plus the London emissions laws will be changing in a few years and i wanted to future proof myself.


I managed to pick up a 2012 C5 classic with just 700 miles on it from a bloke about 10 mins from where i live. I have to say I thoroughly enjoy riding it around. It's certainly not a motorway bike, but it seems pretty well suited to London traffic with just enough 'ooomph' to make it feel relatively nippy.


Although I have pretty basic mechanical skills i wanted something i could just jump on & ride and thus far- touch wood it's been just that (bar a couple of small issues)

[dean6553]

I have been riding for the last 30 years and have owned various Jap and German bikes. Just over a year ago, having grown bored of the big Honda I was riding, I decided to sell up and buy a RE EFI Classic 500. Many of my biking friends told me, in no uncertain terms, that I was mad. I have since discovered the EFI is simply the best fun I have had on any of the many bikes I have owned. Sure, you won't break any speed records, it's not for long distance runs or as smooth a ride as many, however I have now discovered RE ownership is a social activity like no other bike ownership- everywhere you go people want to stop and talk about it. I was not the most proficient with bikes, I had a limited knowledge and understanding, however, unlike the Jap bikes, the RE is simplicity itself when it comes to work on, so much so I have taught myself, and carried out, so many little jobs that I would never have even attempted previously. I say "go for it", if your experience is anything like mine has been, you will not regret it- don't forget there is a huge resource for help from people far more knowledgeable than myself on this website.

[sofiaspin]

Dean is spot on - my Ducati riding friends laugh, then grimace, but I am very happy with the Enners. One of the pals sadly had a serious accident two weeks ago, needing airlifting to hospital, when on his 1100cc Ducati. It was his own fault. Far too powerful bike with relatively novice 58 year old ripping the throttle and hit by a tank slapper. With an Enfield, as Robert Louis Stevenson said, 'tis better to travel than arrive.

[piglet]

I am very much looking forward to becoming a Royal Enfield owner...I know I am going to have great fun pootling around through the different villages in the wolds and going on some adventures! Unfortunately, I failed my mod 1 test yesterday so will have to wait a little longer before I can do this. Slightly too slow on my first avoidance...Wanted to make sure I didn't go too slow on the second attempt and caught the cone with my foot as I throttled off slightly too late. Gutted. So now I can't do my mod 2 test that I had lined up for Monday...will probably have to wait until the end of July before I can do that. I might still start window shopping for my bike before then though...

[piglet]

And sorry to hear about your friend...hope he will be ok.

[jefrs]

By way of comparison, the BSA A50 (the A65's 500cc sibling) had 28 horsepower and maybe if but capable of 90mph! off a cliff. Pootling is relative, you can still get brown trouser. Probably had test nerves, practice dodging dangerous road cones until you can do it in your sleep. Good luck with the re-test.