Forum

[CGT 535]

I know of a similar failure happening here in the UK. The engine was replaced under warranty as far as I know. Thank goodness I've now sold my Conti GT and bought a Triumph! (I've still got another Bullet though).

[Rattlebattle]

It's the first one I've heard about, so thanks for that. Maybe it's a CGT thing only (I hope so as I have a C5), though AFAIK it's the same setup. I have a modern Triumph too; wouldn't it be great if they made a Tiger Cub, say 400cc naked single available as a naked roadster and, suitably modified, in GS style? A Cub has been rumoured for ages, but I think Triumph will be missing a trick if they pass up on the current trend for smaller, lighter bikes in both styles. I'd buy one - I can't see me buying a Himalayan; by the time they've ironed out the bugs I'll be too old for serious adventure riding! Anyway, I'd rather like to get to the ferry without conking out or the primary chain exploding through the crankcase.

[PeteF]

Rattlebattle, there do seem to be a lot more smaller engine bikes coming through. I would definitely be in the market for a new age Cub but 250 would be enough IMO.

[Rattlebattle]

Yes, there's a whole raft of new small capacity bikes; downsizing seems to be the thing st the moment as ageing riders seek something more manageable. Whilst most bikes shed the effect of weight as soon as they start rolling a heavy bike is a pain to turn round on the drive, especially if there is a slope. That's why I sold my Sprint GT SE last year. What I'd really like is a European or Japanese factory to build a long stroke 500cc single. Most people here love the feel and characteristics of the RE but not the poor quality....

[Tim NZ]

"Most people here love the feel and characteristics of the RE but not the poor quality"




That would be a masterly understatement!

[Scalyback]

If your CGT started to leak oil, would it become an 'incontinental'?

[nigelphoto]

Rattlebattle - I wouldn't necessarily say that RE is the preserve of poor quality although we all know their failings. In my club there are a couple of BMW Adventure bikes GS1200RRRR or whatever they're called, and on ride outs last summer they've both had to go home on AA transporters through sudden failure of all electrical systems. In fact one didn't even leave the car park of the Lamb in Stone as no one could find a box to replace the fuse and get it going! Look up motorcycle reliability records for the last five years in the USA and you'll get a shock - not that Yam/Hon/Suzi are the most reliable but that BMW is beaten into umpteenth place by both Triumph and - horror of horrors - Harley Davidson!

[Rattlebattle]

I gave up with Beemers because of their poor reliability; they used to be the best. The big difference is that BMW warranty is excellent. H-D have been reliable for years. It was when the company was under the ownership of AMF, ten pin bowling alley manufacturers, that the shovel heads needed to be rebuilt properly from new. These days all new bikes can have faults because of the electronics mainly, but the problem with RE is that ice ages come and go more quickly than they fix well-known issues. FWIW I've now settled on Triumph; they were always better than RE and still are.

[Rattlebattle]

The other point I would make is that these days in the UK many use PCP agreements to get their bike, or car. In this case if the bike has issues one has a bigger lever to pull. Also, I get the impression that with all the electronics on modern bikes they will begin to have issues after the first few years when out of warranty. In my case I am aware that when I pop my clogs my wife will have three bikes to deal with. The old Tiger 100 will go to my grandson, but if I were to exchange my Thruxton for another bike on a PCP deal when I'm ready, that's one less to worry about. The scrap man can have the RE if it lasts that long....I'll get me tin hat.

[ric]

I sold my Triumph after several years of totally trouble free ownership and came back to Enfields (yet again) with the purchase of an EFI model.

Well bring on that next ice age. I find it much more exhilarating not knowing if my RE will get me back home again once I've set off for the day and wondering if the next problem is going to be unique or if it's one which they all have (Sir) actually adds a certain panache to the whole ownership experience.
Now I'm even able to purchase RE branded clothing to keep me comfortable at the side of the road whilst waiting for breakdown assistance what else could one possibly wish for except to pay over twice as much for the Himalayan as your local Chennaian ever will!