[prof_stack]

Today I rode the new B5 at Ducati/RE Seattle.  It was the first of the two they got in.  I think the second will be bought by a fella in Virginia who will fly into Seattle and ride it home.  That's a trip worth noting!

Anyway, I put 14 miles on it, and got a good idea of the differences between it and my C5.

• It seemed quicker off the line than the C5, this with only 14 miles on when I started.  I think it has a lower front sprocket that might account for some of that.  The other could be the increased back pressure from the OEM torpedo that helps produce more acceleration from lower revs.  This is compared to the upswept muffler.
• The frame is stiff compared to the C5.  But part of that it the rigid dual seat, unlike the solo spring seat on the C5.  I could quickly tell that it would be better for higher speed traveling than my sometimes-twitchy C5.
• The handlebars are narrower, which seem correct for the frame.
• It sits higher than the C5.  My 32 inch inseam was about the smallest needed to get both feet on the ground.
• I did a Jay Leno and was not able to kick-start the motor.   
• The 5-inch headlamp sure looks wrong on the bike.  I'm used to the 7-inch version.
• I stopped at home and took the pictures.  When my wife saw the B5, she said it looks ugly.  Maybe she meant it looked like a frumpy old Englishman.
• Dave Roosevelt, the shop owner, was surprised at the old-school gas cap.  He thought the USA required all m/c to have locking caps.  He was more than happy to let me test-ride it.  He wasn't nit-picky about my route like other dealers.
• The tank badge really looks nice and REALLY looks cheap.  I can envision a rider snagging something in the gap and bending it.
• I'm really not sure why this one costs $500 less than the G5, unless there is a discount for frumpy rear fenders.   

All in all, I liked the bike and would likely have been as happy buying and riding it as the C5.  Here are lots of photos to enjoy:














This bike came from a CA warehouse, hence the cannister.





Construction outside the shop has put dust over all the bikes.  Yuck.

[Arizoni]

Perhaps the reason for the non locking gas cap is the motorcycle you tested is a California Model with the charcoal canister.
It has the same  gas cap and canister  as my California G5.
The configuration inside  the gas tanks filler neck is also identical to mine.

Perhaps the non California models will have the locking gas cap?
With gasoline at $3.00+ per gallon I wish mine did.

[Anon]

Looks nice!  My brother Kevin and I stopped in there last Saturday and saw that same bike back in the shop area.  I like them quite a bit.  I think the main reason it's cheaper than all the other bikes is that it uses the same chassis as the old iron barrel bikes.  It is pretty much the same bike as the iron barreled 350's they've been making forever, but with the new fuel injected motor.  That means all the accessories for the old bikes will probably fit.   

I didn't realize the C5 had wider handlebars.  I wonder if the B5 has the same ones as my iron barrel...

It sounds like you like the 19" wheels.  I have to say, 19" wheels just look right to me!

Eamon

[REpozer]

I have the same frame on my "Classic AVL Bullet".I like it allot.

If I ever wear out my current RE, I will be looking at a B-5 next.

[Ducati Scotty]

The narrower bars is a nice idea.  No doubt from India where the ability to weave through congested traffic is held in high REgard

Thanks for the review.

Scott

[Dallastheologian]

Yeah I love my B5. There certainly is a ton of torque off the line, and going into all five gears. I have the solo seat on mine and I love the way it rides.

[jartist]

Definitely a California emissions bike. No locking gascap because the cap is special and has a one-way valve in it.

[birdmove]

   I may be the only one that finds the tank badge to look out of place on the B5. Though I have not had the pleasure to see one in person-I find them distracting looking on a motorcycle that normally has a gas tank that is beautiful in its understated essence. The Classic RE gas tanks, along with the original Triumph Bonneville tanks, and the Sportster "peanut" tanks, at least in my opinion, are as good as it gets.

    And now, after that poetic outburst, I will return to my normal blathering.

[Okie Enfield]

I hate to say it but I do agree with birdmove. I dont like that tank badge, not even a little. I guess Im partial to a painted tank and the nice flowing unbroken line of the tank itself. But you know what opinions are like, dont cha. Other than that, would love the B5! Sounds like it is turning out to be the most bang for the buck. Congrats on all you guys who have landed one so far! 

[prof_stack]

   I may be the only one that finds the tank badge to look out of place on the B5. Though I have not had the pleasure to see one in person-I find them distracting looking on a motorcycle that normally has a gas tank that is beautiful in its understated essence. The Classic RE gas tanks, along with the original Triumph Bonneville tanks, and the Sportster "peanut" tanks, at least in my opinion, are as good as it gets.
...

With apologies to those who own the B5, I liken the B5 tank badge to cheap costume jewelry.  It looks nice at first, but grates after awhile. 

Kind of the opposite of the frumpy rear fender, which I now like.   

[Ducati Scotty]

I think you like the badge or you don't.  It's a bit gaudy but has character.  I agree, it's thin metal and might get damaged easily.  Luckily, others bolt right up.  There was another thread where someone bolted up a solid brass one.  I'm sure being Enfield parts they're not too expensive.

The bike has the classic round gas cap because it's a Cali bike.  There are more vents, etc. so it uses something more like a standard screw in car cap.  I don't know if there's a law for locking caps, probably just something they started doing in the 70s when people were stealing each other's gas.

Hey, how did it ride compared to the C5?  I rode the C5 and the G5 and I remember the C5 feeling comparatively lighter and more nimble, the G5 feeling very steady and taking a more decisive had to turn.  Where does the B5 fall?

Scott

[2bikebill]

Nice looking bike - not sure about the tank badge. I'd be very surprised if it's getting better acceleration with the stock silencer compared to an open pipe. The exact opposite is true on my G5.

[Maturin]

The badge is the Bollywood-touch. I bet the Indians love it! No matter if it looks cheap, it' s another thing no other bike has to offer. Unique, just like the rear fender.
I have to say that I really apprechiate RE's courage in terms of design. They're so far behind any kind of fashion it's almost modern again.

[GlennF]

The badge is the same one fitted to the basic Indian domestic bikes for many many years. Thin enameled sheet metal.

The badge DESIGN however, is lifted straight from British Royal Enfields of the mid 1950's ... (the old school british ones were chromed solid brass) :





1954 British built bullet :

[Ducati Scotty]

Now that's style!