Forum

[25Tom]

Hi,

after years of prevaricating, I finally took the plunge and test-rode an Enfield, taking a new GT (green) and Classic (Battle green) out for a spin at the weekend. Strangely, the most enjoyable riding I've done for years. So, I'm hooked and want one, but I can't decide which bike to go for -really I want both!! But I don't think that's an option.

I enjoyed the classic more, just bimbling around, but suspect the GT would be better for actually going anywhere further than 30 miles away, as tucked out of the wind. I also think the GT perhaps better looking??

For either bike, I'd want to upgrade the rear shocks, fit a rack and add a pillion perch. For the GT, I'd also be tempted to add one of the lovely Hitchcocks full fairings.


Anyone got any advice - which would you recommend?

Cheers,

Tom.

[Exile]

Everone that has one of the above mentioned machines will recommend theirs.


I have a classic 500 bullet. Get one of those...

[CGT 535]

You have my sympathy! I bought a GT which is lovely, but then got a hankering for a Watsonian Woodsman which is also fantastic, but different. I then got my project bike on the road (Electra EFI with tuned engine) and that's great too! The thing is, although I've got these 3 Enfields, I've still only spent less than half of what a New BMW would cost and a lot less than a friend of mine paid for his new Honda 5 years ago. Get both!

[albert]

I agree get both, but the continental gt should be in red as they were in the 60s .....only my opinion though !

[Dennis C]

Add a pillion perch, would that be for your bird?. 😁

[sofiaspin]

Yes they are addictive and the point about value is very well made. I started with an 04 classic, then a Woodsman EFI, then ( still have) an 08 classic in 50s trim, and now an 08 leanburn Electra that was on the road today with open pipe and Amal carb and it flies! Not had a GT but want one. I would get a classic, as Exile says - ie four speed iron barrel 500 - but also go for the GT as it is a brilliant bike and on my wish list. I have a Hinckley Bonnie last of the carbs, but it sits in the garage. Dont hold back just get them and enjoy the ride (s).

[nigelphoto]

I've had both models in the last 6 months - Classic 500 is the one for long distances, fit the small screen from our hosts and you can chug away all day at 60mph. The GT535 is a totally different m'cycle. Its a cafe racer(ish), much better built quality, better brakes, superb handling, its not fast and the riding position is a crippler after 50 miles or so. On neither model do you need to change the rear shocks, they work fine on both bikes.

[25Tom]

Thanks everyone, yes, both would be ideal not much more than I was previously talking myself into for a new 750-900cc Guzzi or Harley. Not sure the wife would go for two bikes though. Nigelphoto, thanks for sharing your experiences with both - am really surprised that you would take the classic over GT for longer distances, but find that real food for thought. Cheers all.

[Rattlebattle]

I test rode a GT and bought a Classic, in my case a Limited Edition one. While the GT looks nice and has a better frame and brakes I just felt a bit daft on it because it looks like it should do 120mph but only does 85 ish. Also, the riding position is strange if like me you like to grip the tank with your legs. Each to his own; I'm sure you'll enjoy whichever you choose. Perhaps the Bullet is the best compromise; it's certainly the cheapest.

[KC1961]

I bought a GT 1600 miles ago and I've enjoyed every one of them. I have no regrets whatsoever but I do think that possibly I would have been equally as pleased had I bought a Bullet or a Classic. I reckon these would be even more "therapeutic" than the GT.