Author Topic: The B5: Is this the veritable bargain or am I missing something?  (Read 5065 times)

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Land Surveyor

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I like the black, the side covers, even the funky fender.  In fact, it's like a G5 without those strange-looking chrome ovals, which is a plus, in my book.

Black is always good on British bikes.  Think Matchless and Norton.

Is the use of 19-inch wheels a problem?


Arizoni

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"Is the use of 19-inch wheels a problem?"
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Only that it somewhat limits the tires that are available when you decide you want to buy new ones.

Some shorter people would rather see the smaller 18" wheel mounted on the G5.
Jim
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1999 Miata 10th Anniversary


prof_stack

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You are missing nothing.  The B5, frumpy rear fender and all, is a more correctly priced RE.  

The $6.4k people pay for the C5 is too much, imho.  

But the 2-year warranty did kick the cost up a few hundred dollars, I'm sure.

I test rode a new B5 and rather liked it, although I do prefer the extra comfort of the C5 solo seat with springs.  The 19-inch wheels are said to help stability at higher speeds.
A Royal Enfield owner's cup is always half full.


boggy

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The B is the one I'm into most of all the new school RE's.  Looks like the trouble maker in the group.
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Land Surveyor

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I would expect taller wheels would, if anything, be beneficial to fuel economy, as well.

As long as I could find some good street tires and maybe, maybe, a set that would be decent for dirt road use as well, I'd be happy.

I just don't see a downside.


jartist

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B5 is the closest UCE to the classic. All the india made bullets used 19" wheels until the C5 came along. As noted there are fewer choices with tires but there's enough variety available to get anything done except maybe full knobbies.


GlennF

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Love my B5. Best thing is all the standard Indian 350 parts bolt straight on.

Some people do not like the Bollywood tank badge, but I replaced mine with a solid brass version which looks awesome.



Land Surveyor

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Looks great.  I notice you went for the *ahem* "off-road" pipe, as well.


Dallastheologian

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Yeah, I love mine and for the price you really can't beat it. I put the tan solo springer seat on mine and I love the way it looks. I also put the cream bags on the back. I love everything about this bike.


Dallastheologian

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Hey Glenn where did you get the brass badge?


GlennF

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Hey Glenn where did you get the brass badge?

Chawla at Royal Enfield Zone in New Delhi. Though if you google "Royal Enfield heavy brass tank badge" you will come up with a few suppliers in India for the same item.

Note that the supplied badge has same mount holes as B5 but is somewhat "flatter" than the B5 tank and needs to be bent a bit.

Well worth the effort though !!



ChrisS

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My B5 is my commuter bike.  I have a temp tail bag on the rear and an "airfly" crash bar  and it has done everything I have asked of it.  The 19 inch wheels have been no problem for me, but I also have a sidecar rig and pushing the front wheel around is not a problem for me.

Cheers,
Chris S
2011 RE B5
2010 BMW R1200RT
2008 Ural Gear Up
1983 BMW R80RT


barenekd

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The B5 was my first choice, but my dealer, Doug Douglas, hadn't gotten one yet, so I "settled" for a G5. Gotta have that instant gratification. Not sorry, the G5 is great. But the B5 still looks great!
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Ducati Scotty

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The B5 is a bargain, no doubt about it. 

Scott