Author Topic: UCE Cafe Racer is here.... (Read 24996 times)

GreenRE · **on:** January 11, 2012, 05:10:02 pm

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/auto-expo-2012/113815-royal-enfield-auto-expo-2012-a.html#post2636962

Is it in the C5/G5 or the B5 frame ?

barenekd · **Reply #1 on:** January 11, 2012, 05:16:43 pm

That is a totally different frame. Twin downtube cradle.
Bare

TWinOKC · **Reply #2 on:** January 11, 2012, 05:21:36 pm

Boy that looks good! Wonder if it will be available in the US?

Jack Leis · **Reply #3 on:** January 11, 2012, 05:35:47 pm

Man, that thing looks sweet !

tooseevee · **Reply #4 on:** January 11, 2012, 06:12:38 pm

What a gorgeous machine!

I suppose our Feds will shoot down the clip ons, the directionals & a dozen other things. The one that gets approved here .. well, we know THAT story.

wokka · **Reply #5 on:** January 11, 2012, 06:25:08 pm

to be honest, I'm more interested in the thunderbird 500 above it

singhg5 · **Reply #6 on:** January 11, 2012, 06:38:29 pm

RE has re-invented itself. Impressed by both these bikes - Well done. Thunderbird is redesigned in almost every aspect - gone are 'snail' chain adjusters

, new swingarm, rear tyre, rear disc brakes, different fork, headlight .......... ! Actually it is 10 year anniversary of Thunderbird and perhaps that is why we see these upgrades.

They are also going after accessories - clothing, helmet and the gear. They are not taking any chances for HD India to run them over in this department.

It will be interesting to see when they can come up with a twin to really up the ante. But with so much in their pipeline, it could be a while. Certainly not before their new factory is up and running to meet the current demand.

The Garbone · **Reply #7 on:** January 11, 2012, 07:56:39 pm

I was under the impression that the Cafe was going to be a 600... Hmm..

Maybe that frame is designed t handle a parallel twin..

Looks like the Cafe also has the new swingarm..

clubman · **Reply #8 on:** January 11, 2012, 08:01:35 pm

Stunning - vastly superior to the one last year with the silly racing number on the side. That was far too flashy and not in keeping with Enfield at all. This version is pure class. Hope it makes it into production.

SimonT · **Reply #9 on:** January 11, 2012, 09:48:26 pm

That looks hot. Although it looks like it needs a faster engine than the UCE ....

r80rt · **Reply #10 on:** January 11, 2012, 10:36:52 pm

Oh man is that sweet!

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #11 on:** January 11, 2012, 10:48:02 pm

It's a concept bike so anything can change. That said, WOW! It looks really good. I like that they made an all new frame instead of trying to adapt an existing one. It looks much cleaner. I woul bet the rumored 600 engine will fit in there if it comes to light and I'd bet the same for a parallel twin. With the beefier double cradle I bet it could handle the power.

Scott

Desi Bike · **Reply #12 on:** January 11, 2012, 10:57:37 pm

Now thats what I'm talkin' about! Wow.

(is it just the angle of the shot or is one fork leg longer than the other?)

GlennF · **Reply #13 on:** January 11, 2012, 11:04:24 pm

Not that hard to tell what 60's Redditch bike the new cafe racer is modeled on ....

Alan LaRue · **Reply #14 on:** January 12, 2012, 12:12:11 am

That is seriously cool! And I would buy the Thunderbird. (Except for that cage business on the rear fender.)

Arizoni · **Reply #15 on:** January 12, 2012, 12:26:43 am

Unless you live in India you won't have to worry about the "cage".

As I understand it, it must be on all motorcycles sold in India.

Word has it on the BHP site that the Cafe Racer is supposed to go into production by July. That said, Royal Enfield has been showing a more traditionally framed RE Cafe Racer for over 2 years now.

indyogb · **Reply #16 on:** January 12, 2012, 03:00:41 am

That is a stunning bike. I'm surprised/impressed with the new frame and swingarm. I wouldn't mind a set of those mirrors for my B5. The only way I see to improve it is to paint it black.

Damon · **Reply #17 on:** January 12, 2012, 03:14:13 am

I think it is absolutely stunning, although I am not a big fan of Red.
I agree black would be better or polished like the Continental kit,
but I realize that would be to much work for a production bike, paint is easier.

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #18 on:** January 12, 2012, 03:22:08 am

Quote from: Desi Bike on January 11, 2012, 10:57:37 pm

(is it just the angle of the shot or is one fork leg longer than the other?)

Only one side has pinch bolts.

Scott

GlennF · **Reply #19 on:** January 12, 2012, 03:37:59 am

One thing about the cafe that has me curious is the "center stand".

Is the one in the photos a separate stand used only for the show or is it actually a functional stand mounted on the swing arm/rear axle ?

From what I can tell its not functional and i s not part of the bike. Its hard to see how a rear axle mount stand could work unless you had a rigid frame.

jartist · **Reply #20 on:** January 12, 2012, 03:46:23 am

That Cafe is really tastefully done! Love the tank, frame and fenders. The components like the shocks, rear-sets, and fork clamps and brace are all top-end stuff. No way it would stay that way in production or the price would be closer to the $10k mark.

I'd bet that some Italian designers were on the payroll for both those bikes. The thunderbird look an awful lot like a guzzi ev11 and the cafe looks more like a ducati 350 cafe racer than the RE continental.

wokka · **Reply #21 on:** January 12, 2012, 05:12:52 am

Quote from: Arizoni on January 12, 2012, 12:26:43 am

Unless you live in India you won't have to worry about the "cage".
As I understand it, it must be on all motorcycles sold in India.

Yup, it's a Sari Guard,
its there to stop the ladies traditional dress gettting caught in the chain (even though the enfield has a right hand chain)

GSS · **Reply #22 on:** January 12, 2012, 05:23:10 am

Wow! That is one lovely Cafe........I would buy that in a minute.......any predictions from Kevin on whether this will make to the US?

BRADEY · **Reply #23 on:** January 12, 2012, 07:07:43 am

that bike just needs a set of racing stripes on the tank. Period !!

red tube, pandora, limewire

PushRock78 · **Reply #24 on:** January 12, 2012, 10:18:59 am

Any theories on the price? I believe I read on BHP it will be slightly more than the G5 Deluxe. If this remains true after federalization and indeed has an uprated engine, it could be the best deal on two wheels.

72westie · **Reply #25 on:** January 12, 2012, 03:29:26 pm

That's a nice looking Manx

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #26 on:** January 12, 2012, 04:51:21 pm

Quote from: wokka on January 12, 2012, 05:12:52 am

Yup, it's a Sari Guard,
its there to stop the ladies traditional dress gettting caught in the chain (even though the enfield has a right hand chain)

I bet ladies still sit side saddle to the left side though.

Scott

Maturin · **Reply #27 on:** January 12, 2012, 06:24:26 pm

Quote from: 72westie on January 12, 2012, 03:29:26 pm

That's a nice looking Manx

I can´t type properly ´cause my keyboard is soaked with drool. That´s a bike! Continental GT, that leaves the Meteor reserved for the twin

At first glance the design department took care of all weak spots: a new, big fork together with a closed frame, enhanced front brake disc, improved controls milled of aluminium (extra nice!), and - I hardly believe my eyes - Öhlins rear shocks! Obviously the guys in Madras discovered the Gold-Ass

My piggybank is as good as robbed...

boggy · **Reply #28 on:** January 12, 2012, 07:07:12 pm

Ya, those 60's Continental GTs were red.

http://www.motocatalog.ru/res/wallpaper/Royal-Enfield-Continental-GT-1966_2.jpg

I can’t believe how well designed this bike looks. It is very balanced, visually. That frame is something to look at – My electra frame doesn’t do it for me. I admit, I liked their flashier concept from a few years ago too, but this seems more practical for the market. I kind of wish they did the old school, Enfield yolk like on the original Continental. The controls/grips might be something I’d swap out for a more classic look. I'd also like a parallel twin, but I wouldn’t want to pay more than 6 g’s for it.

I think they absolutely nailed classic, sport simplicity.

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #29 on:** January 12, 2012, 07:40:17 pm

Nice shot of the original! I have to say, the new one looks like a great balance of old and new. It's very reminiscent of the original but certain details like the rear suspension show the modern parts and technology that have been tastefully applied. It reminds me a great deal of the recent Ducati retro bikes in this way.

If my back was in better shape I'd be looking for delivery dates

Scott

Maturin · **Reply #30 on:** January 12, 2012, 11:03:06 pm

Quote from: Ducati Scotty on January 12, 2012, 07:40:17 pm

If my back was in better shape I'd be looking for delivery dates

Scott

When the Britts exported their bikes to the Yanks, there always were special versions with higher handlebars - maybe the Indians keep it that way

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #31 on:** January 12, 2012, 11:26:48 pm

LOL!

Arizoni · **Reply #32 on:** January 13, 2012, 12:51:20 am

Quote from: GlennF on January 12, 2012, 03:37:59 am

One thing about the cafe that has me curious is the "center stand".

Is the one in the photos a separate stand used only for the show or is it actually a functional stand mounted on the swing arm/rear axle ?

From what I can tell its not functional and i s not part of the bike. Its hard to see how a rear axle mount stand could work unless you had a rigid frame.

Center Stand? Wee don't need no stinkin center stand!!!!

If you look at page 3 in the BHP link you will see the entire stand.
It is like some of the pit row stands I've seen used and it is not a part of the bike.

ROVERMAN · **Reply #33 on:** January 13, 2012, 03:36:11 pm

The Thunderbird looks like Enfields take on the Bonneville? I wonder if the twin downtube on the cafe racer will accept the long rumored twin?
Just wondering.

greggers · **Reply #34 on:** January 14, 2012, 12:31:03 am

That is fantastic looking, I hope they make it into production. Though I wonder how those Ohlins will affect the price...

Arizoni · **Reply #35 on:** January 14, 2012, 04:29:53 am

Unless Ohlins are made in India i doubt the production bikes will have them.

They seem to have some really funky import duty taxes there that will double the cost of most imported things. That would make a pair of Ohlins shocks cost over $1000 if the wholesale price was half of of the retail price.

More than likely, RE will try to design their own shocks similar to the gas shocks that come on the UCE machines.

Maturin · **Reply #36 on:** January 16, 2012, 06:28:25 am

I guess the öhlins-shocks are just a marketing gag. This stuff is really expensive, and I seriously doubt that a Continental would need them, as RE is used to build bikes with good roadholding in spite of lacking quality of it's components.
Btw, the continent mentioned in "Continental" is, of course, Europe. So we'll get it first

Tri750 · **Reply #37 on:** January 17, 2012, 06:19:21 am

I was stunned to see how perfect it is. We are supposed to see it early to mid 2013.
A bit more power will be great, the Paoli front end is great, the Ohlins are just icing on the cake.
I just love it!!

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #38 on:** January 17, 2012, 10:16:01 pm

Remember guys, this is a concept bike. I'm pretty sure things are going to change a good bit by the time it gets to production, especially components. That's the first thing to get downgraded to make the price point. Still, much better direction than trying to repurpose the original frame. It just looks so much more slick and cohesive.

Scott

saint45 · **Reply #39 on:** January 18, 2012, 02:03:47 am

UGHGKGKGKG!!!! I think I just swallowed my tongue! Thanks for the pics. I think even w/downgrades/ knockoffs, whatever, this in production would do very well. I wish I was shorter. Oh, and younger.

Lwt Big Cheese · **Reply #40 on:** January 18, 2012, 08:08:02 am

Now you have a pattern to follow, just make your own!

aziai79 · **Reply #41 on:** January 20, 2012, 08:26:14 pm

Looks like it's official:

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/653/12049/Motorcycle-Article/Royal-Enfield-Cafe-Racer-to-Launch-in-2013.aspx

Start saving the deposit money today.

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #42 on:** January 20, 2012, 08:53:03 pm

Sweet! Looks like it's using the twin spark 500. I wonder when we'll see it in the states and what the final configuration will be?

Scott

Maturin · **Reply #43 on:** January 21, 2012, 02:05:39 pm

Great news! Wonderfull! I'm in, I want it. If it makes it into production with that look I'm sure it'll sell like cold beer.
But living in a RE-Hinterland I wonder when this bike will make in into the German market. Anyway, someday I will have one! I' m extremly delighted!

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #44 on:** January 21, 2012, 09:58:54 pm

It'll be just as cool in 5 years.

Scott

boggy · **Reply #45 on:** January 22, 2012, 03:42:55 pm

Another article that interview Kevin about the Racer coming Stateside. RE really has designed a beautiful bike here. Serious hats off to them for doing this.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/653/12049/Motorcycle-Article/Royal-Enfield-Cafe-Racer-to-Launch-in-2013.aspx

So who wants to guess the price? Got to figure they won't ship with the top end suspension. If it's a straight up UCE 500 RE Engine, and a standard machine costs around 6, I can't see this think costing less than 7 grand.

prof_stack · **Reply #46 on:** January 22, 2012, 04:08:45 pm

I think the MSRP will be somewhere starting around $7.5k and less then $8k. Asking more will keep it on the showrooms floors or warehouses.

Herzog · **Reply #47 on:** January 23, 2012, 01:43:43 pm

Hi all from Italy.
Looking closer to that beauty's pics, a member of the Royal Enfield Owners Italian Club said: is it a right-side gear engine?
And well, have a look to this photo (front view):
http://www.riotengine.in/2012/01/15/royal-enfield-cafe-racer-concept-re-riding-gear-thunderbird-500-more-images/royal-enfield-cafe-racer-02/
the brake pedal is on the left side!
And look also at this:
http://www.riotengine.in/2012/01/15/royal-enfield-cafe-racer-concept-re-riding-gear-thunderbird-500-more-images/royal-enfield-cafe-racer-04/

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #48 on:** January 23, 2012, 06:42:50 pm

I see that the rear has a hydraulic disc brake on the left, but I don't see the brake pedal on the left.

From what I see in this pic:
http://www.riotengine.in/2012/01/15/royal-enfield-cafe-racer-concept-re-riding-gear-thunderbird-500-more-images/royal-enfield-cafe-racer-02/
It's the gear shift on the left of a standard UCE engine. It does face backward so that would make it 1 gear up and 4 down, the reverse of the usual and a pattern often used on race bikes.

Scott

barenekd · **Reply #49 on:** January 23, 2012, 09:08:59 pm

Here is a cafe racer at the NY show. Works for me on all counts!

http://flic.kr/s/aHsjye76TM
Bare

boggy · **Reply #50 on:** January 23, 2012, 09:56:59 pm

Like the yolk. Kind of wish they went with clip ons at that point.

Nice though! Love seeing a gutted Enfield. Really like the painted badge too.

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #51 on:** January 23, 2012, 11:12:02 pm

That looks like a current UCE bike (G5 maybe?) with some RE parts (yolk for sure) and some custom parts/work. I love the paint, or is it just clear over sanded metal? Kinda funny how close it looks to the concept bike. Though less chrome and more raw which I really like. The RE logo on the tank is beautiful, really period.

Makes me want to go get a Sawzall...

Hmmmm... I wonder how close one could get to that without making any irreversible changes. No cutting welding, just removing stock parts and bolting on some new goodies. That way you could always turn it back if you wanted.

Scott

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #52 on:** January 23, 2012, 11:54:04 pm

Oh, and I love that it uses the stock tank and still looks good. The tank is one of the most expensive parts to swap out. All the rest of it is relatively inexpensive or easy enough to do yourself.

Scott

barenekd · **Reply #53 on:** January 23, 2012, 11:57:35 pm

It's an 09 G5. There is some cutting on it, but nothing that couldn't have been left on. The most notable thing I saw was the left passenger foot peg mount is gone. I'm not sure what the seat is mounted on either. I can't tell if it's the stock seat loop with the mounts cut off or what. She doesn't have all the electrical bits mounted yet, so it should be interesting to see where all that stuff goes. And will the air cleaner work?
Bare

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #54 on:** January 24, 2012, 12:40:04 am

I was wondering where the electrics were. I figured they were tucked somewhere in the seat.

I had and air cleaner just like that. It works but drops the MPG about 10%. Others who have tried it report the same problem.

Scott

GlennF · **Reply #55 on:** January 24, 2012, 05:33:56 am

Guys, that G9 is the one described as "Graces Bike" on the CycleIcons website, the same guys that built the "Badger".

Scroll down on this page for some details of the frame mod details etc ...

http://www.cycleicons.com/projectsbuilds/

Herzog · **Reply #56 on:** January 24, 2012, 12:17:09 pm

Quote from: Ducati Scotty on January 23, 2012, 06:42:50 pm

I see that the rear has a hydraulic disc brake on the left, but I don't see the brake pedal on the left.

From what I see in this pic:
http://www.riotengine.in/2012/01/15/royal-enfield-cafe-racer-concept-re-riding-gear-thunderbird-500-more-images/royal-enfield-cafe-racer-02/
It's the gear shift on the left of a standard UCE engine. It does face backward so that would make it 1 gear up and 4 down, the reverse of the usual and a pattern often used on race bikes.

Scott

Such a pity!
Oh, well, the bike is wonderful anyway.
Thanks, Scott.

1 Thump · **Reply #57 on:** February 18, 2012, 04:36:30 pm

http://350cc.com/chingari-rajputana-customs-cafe-racers-price-photo-spec/

Check out this one. Add rear sets and done...

barenekd · **Reply #58 on:** February 18, 2012, 06:36:40 pm

Just to complete the Cafe selection, I'll throw in my hat.

Maturin · **Reply #59 on:** February 19, 2012, 10:16:27 am

Well, that´s an exeptionally nice hat indeed

What kind of seat is it, Bare?

bittercrick · **Reply #60 on:** February 19, 2012, 02:40:11 pm

lookin good Bare, I love the look of the Cafe bikes but don't think my lower back and shoulders would like me riding in that position for very long. And as you know it's a long haul between stops here in Wyoming.And so upright is allright for me. bittercrick

barenekd · **Reply #61 on:** February 19, 2012, 10:20:46 pm

Yeah, my shoulders get a bit tight after a couple of hundred miles. The most comfortable ride I had was with the stock seat and the slightly higher bars I had on it before the Ace bars. That was an easy all day ride. The lower back hasn't been a problem, though.
Bare

GreenRE · **Reply #62 on:** February 24, 2012, 12:14:48 am

I tried but could not find a picture of the left side of the bike. I want to see how they set up the clutch shifter with the rear set footrests. Anyone seen that ??

Tri750 · **Reply #63 on:** February 24, 2012, 01:10:06 am

The picture i saw of the left side showed a stock appearing shifter flipped facing the rear. In real life, it would mean a race type up for first shift pattern, BUT D.O.T. would not allow it in the US like that.
its speculation, but its possible that internally, they could flip the shift linkage inside the engine thus allowing the shifter to look "backwards" but still retain the down for first shift pattern.
If you check previous posts, there is a link somewhere to a batch of pics where the left side is shown. The rear disc isnt pictured either, but im just dam happy this bike is a reality.
Big Al

GlennF · **Reply #64 on:** February 24, 2012, 02:38:17 am

Quote from: Tri750 on February 24, 2012, 01:10:06 am

The picture i saw of the left side showed a stock appearing shifter flipped facing the rear. In real life, it would mean a race type up for first shift pattern, BUT D.O.T. would not allow it in the US like that.
its speculation, but its possible that internally, they could flip the shift linkage inside the engine thus allowing the shifter to look "backwards" but still retain the down for first shift pattern.
If you check previous posts, there is a link somewhere to a batch of pics where the left side is shown. The rear disc isnt pictured either, but im just dam happy this bike is a reality.
Big Al

The LHS is no great mystery.

Here is a walkaround including a good look at the LHS. Note rear brake can be seen clearly at 1:13 in the clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6y6qKa3Qos

Gordon · **Reply #65 on:** March 04, 2012, 06:54:40 pm

I have a question. how is themaintainence of this bike? apart from the regulars, does the efi, injectors, and sensors also need some post of adjustments, checks or the sorts?

barenekd · **Reply #66 on:** March 04, 2012, 08:17:29 pm

Quote

I have a question. how is themaintainence of this bike? apart from the regulars, does the efi, injectors, and sensors also need some post of adjustments, checks or the sorts?

Who are you asking? If it's me, my bike just needs routine maintenance. No changes from the original. At this point even less, I don't have to adjust the chain every week or so.
Bare

Arizoni · **Reply #67 on:** March 05, 2012, 11:44:09 pm

Gordon:
The EFI bikes do not require any maintainance on their sensors or injectors.

I suppose if one lived in a country where fuel injection was not common, it would be a good idea to add a small amount of "Fuel Injector Cleaner" to the fuel every 3-400 miles (480-650 km).
In the US, fuel injection is so common, all but the cheapest fuels have fuel injector cleaner added by the company that is selling the gas.

The only sensor that can be adjusted is the Throttle Position Sensor and there is no need to mess with that unless the engine is running very poorly.

Basically nothing is required beyond checking the tire pressure, chain tightness and lube, putting in fuel, changing the oil and oil filter, checking the spark plug, checking the battery if it is an old unsealed type and of course, checking all of the nuts and bolts to make sure they are still tight.

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #68 on:** March 06, 2012, 12:33:34 am

There are some BMW EFIs that tend to get gummed up on US gas. The person who posted this was a tech in a BMW shop (was this posted here/). He said when they got one of those bikes in, a wee little bit of Techron FI cleaner seemed to set everything right again.

Don't know if we'll have that issue but I keep the info filed in the back of my head.

Scott

GSS · **Reply #69 on:** March 06, 2012, 12:59:34 am

Oct 2012 arrival in the US per Ron Greene VP RE in the video posted on royalenfields.com today.

GSS

TCP · **Reply #70 on:** March 06, 2012, 03:06:34 pm

What about ethanol?

?

Nobody in my immediate area sells fuel without that crap in it.

Will it do any harm??

ROVERMAN · **Reply #71 on:** March 06, 2012, 03:33:35 pm

10% Ethanol blend won't hurt. Run away from anything higher. Ducati Scotty is correct about injector issues and Techron, used correctly it does wonders.
Robert & REnfield in MI.

.

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #72 on:** March 06, 2012, 07:55:34 pm

Right, used correctly. That bottle treats 20 gallons, your tank is about 4 on a good day.

Scott

ROVERMAN · **Reply #73 on:** March 06, 2012, 10:14:03 pm

GreenRE · **Reply #74 on:** March 20, 2012, 09:18:38 pm

Here is another one : Gorgeous...stock frame too..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/havik/6789511486/in/photostream/

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #75 on:** March 20, 2012, 09:21:37 pm

That is by far the nicest RE cafe I've seen with the stock frame.

Scott

GlennF · **Reply #76 on:** March 20, 2012, 09:39:30 pm

Quote from: Ducati Scotty on March 20, 2012, 09:21:37 pm

That is by far the nicest RE cafe I've seen with the stock frame.

Scott

Painting that ancient frame red makes it look all modern ... and racey ... and stuff.

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #77 on:** March 20, 2012, 10:04:17 pm

Chucking the triangle boxes and battery box really minimizes the profile too. I wonder, did they stuff the electronics and a small battery in the seat bump or if this is a non-running, show-only concept bike?

Scott

GlennF · **Reply #78 on:** March 21, 2012, 12:40:33 am

Quote from: Ducati Scotty on March 20, 2012, 10:04:17 pm

Chucking the triangle boxes and battery box really minimizes the profile too. I wonder, did they stuff the electronics and a small battery in the seat bump or if this is a non-running, show-only concept bike?

Scott

Well there seems to be a wiring harness running up the back of the rear frame member heading towards the seat area.

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #79 on:** March 21, 2012, 05:22:56 pm

And a kick start, so it could be a really small battery just used to run the electroncs and not the starter. Not much info o the maker's website.

Scott

barenekd · **Reply #80 on:** March 21, 2012, 05:57:21 pm

Quote

Chucking the triangle boxes and battery box really minimizes the profile too. I wonder, did they stuff the electronics and a small battery in the seat bump or if this is a non-running, show-only concept bike?

It looks like show only to me. It's missing a lot of stuff; battery, electronics, wiring to the guages, etc.
It is a beauty, though, but need to see the real world version.
Bare

Maturin · **Reply #81 on:** March 22, 2012, 12:02:21 am

trimleyman · **Reply #82 on:** March 25, 2012, 09:50:19 pm

Nice , very nice. But I suspect that it will not arrive here in California. So we can just dream.

GreenRE · **Reply #83 on:** April 26, 2012, 02:11:41 pm

http://www.royalenfields.com/2012/04/royal-enfield-c5-cafe-racer-seeks-100.html

Here is another one.

ace.cafe · **Reply #84 on:** April 26, 2012, 04:00:29 pm

Quote from: GreenRE on April 26, 2012, 02:11:41 pm

http://www.royalenfields.com/2012/04/royal-enfield-c5-cafe-racer-seeks-100.html

Here is another one.

I wonder why those guys never emailed me about this?
Do they think taking off 32 pounds and putting on a steering damper is going to get them the Ton?

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #85 on:** April 26, 2012, 04:11:13 pm

My bike is dead solid at 80, even when skinny guys ride it. I wish this guys read this forum and sorted the bike out before they cafed it.

Scott

barenekd · **Reply #86 on:** April 26, 2012, 06:34:11 pm

Quote

Nice , very nice. But I suspect that it will not arrive here in California. So we can just dream.

The Cafe Racer will be in the US in the late fall.
Bare

GreenRE · **Reply #87 on:** April 26, 2012, 06:42:46 pm

Quote from: ace.cafe on April 26, 2012, 04:00:29 pm

I wonder why those guys never emailed me about this?
Do they think taking off 32 pounds and putting on a steering damper is going to get them the Ton?

I thought they have two teams working on it, one on the engine nd the other on the chasis/frame cosmetic stuff.

Given the history of the wobbly C5 and the fact that most of it can be prevented/fixed with the proper setup, I wonder why dealerships do not pay attention to it. It just gives the bike a bad reputation. If it was me I would make sure each C5 that was setup was tested at that speed before it left the door. Would ONE quick run to 80 mph would destroy a brand new engine.

Hobbydad · **Reply #88 on:** April 26, 2012, 09:22:39 pm

I watched that video and wasn't too impressed. My C5 only has 550 miles on it, but I've had it up to 60 a few times, and it was great. I went for a quick ride today and decided I'd see what it could do. I quickly hit 80 without a problem, and it was perfect. I think that's about all it has in it , for now, but I was happy. I'm a big guy (6'3", 240), with a stock bike, and it didn't disappoint.

I saw the pictures of that T-Factory bike a week or so ago, man that thing is awesome, but then so is the Enfield prototype. I told my dealer last week that if they release it, I'd buy the first one he could get.

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #89 on:** April 26, 2012, 09:53:31 pm

GreenRE, dealers have a lot to do, they are small business people running a small business. They may not have the time to sit here and wade through gazillions of posts to sort the wheat from the chaffe looking for just the right pearls. That said, they should at least be setting things like tire pressure correctly. I chaulk some of that up to dealers being new.

I'm a staunch believer that there is nothing wrong with the C5 design. Mine goes 80mph with no problems too, whether it's me (220#) or my mechanic (#165) riding it.

I'm compiling a list of common problems and solutions if your C5 wobbles. I plan to make a post of it, the canonical source for C5 problems and solutions. If we get lucky maybe they'll tune in enough to spot that and we can put this all behind us.

Scott

GreenRE · **Reply #90 on:** April 27, 2012, 12:22:48 am

Quote from: Ducati Scotty on April 26, 2012, 09:53:31 pm

GreenRE, dealers have a lot to do, they are small business people running a small business. They may not have the time to sit here and wade through gazillions of posts to sort the wheat from the chaffe looking for just the right pearls. That said, they should at least be setting things like tire pressure correctly. I chaulk some of that up to dealers being new.

I'm a staunch believer that there is nothing wrong with the C5 design. Mine goes 80mph with no problems too, whether it's me (220#) or my mechanic (#165) riding it.

I'm compiling a list of common problems and solutions if your C5 wobbles. I plan to make a post of it, the canonical source for C5 problems and solutions. If we get lucky maybe they'll tune in enough to spot that and we can put this all behind us.

Scott

The dealers may not have time to browse this forum but thats a sorry excuse for not setting up a bike right. I understand the consensus opinion is that an improper setup is the most common cause for the wobble (missing spacers in the rear suspension, loose head bearing, tire pressure etc..) and should be avoided at all costs. It gives the brand a bad rap (on national television) and drives people away from an already slow niche bike. There is a reason Ace.Cafe has a B5 in his garage and not a C5.

I dont own a C5 but I do own a small business. This wont in my shop. Every avoidable negative review in an already small market hurts sales.....

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #91 on:** April 27, 2012, 12:29:27 am

Green, I agree with you. Some of this is basic setup that you'd do on anything with two wheels and a good mechanic would know to do it. But even there I think many shops would miss things. I bet lots of shops never consider checking the headset bearings on a new bike. And checking them on any bike at first service is critical since the cups tend to seat over the first 500-1000 miles. Tire pressure is far more sensitive on these bikes than any others I know of.

I wish the dealers were doing better setup but many are new and unfamiliar with the brand and its particular needs. I hope we as a community can guide them to knowing what they need to know. For my part, I try to help every cry for help I see here about a wobbly C5.

Scott

GreenRE · **Reply #92 on:** April 27, 2012, 03:17:59 am

On a different note, I saw a whole lot of RE on the cafe racer show..even saw McDeeb. He is a lot different than I had imagined.

Lwt Big Cheese · **Reply #93 on:** April 27, 2012, 09:02:19 am

Whoa there guys!

This is TV land. Where everything is either very very bad or very very good. They won't let the facts get in the way of a good story!

Have you never seen that WWF wrestling stuff!

ace.cafe · **Reply #94 on:** April 27, 2012, 12:56:22 pm

Actually, the real reason that we have a B5 in the shop here is because that's what our customer bought, and so that's what we'll work on.

We could have used any of the UCE bikes.

I think that the factory issuing the new forks and bigger wheel on the newest C5 is a nod from them that something wasn't ideal originally.
But I think with proper set-up, the early C5 can be ok, as Scott says his works ok.

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #95 on:** April 27, 2012, 05:29:14 pm

Not only mine, but several C5 owners here on the forum have fixed their bikes either by following advice given here or contributing something new to our knowledge that they found themselves.

Scott

1 Thump · **Reply #96 on:** April 27, 2012, 10:22:24 pm

Quote from: ace.cafe on April 26, 2012, 04:00:29 pm

I wonder why those guys never emailed me about this?
Do they think taking off 32 pounds and putting on a steering damper is going to get them the Ton?

I think you missed the reverse cone muffler they had on the bike. THATS going to do it ! Haaah!

Arizoni · **Reply #97 on:** April 30, 2012, 02:46:10 am

They probably are using the Muffler Bearing "The Garbone" was kind enough to give us the link to.

http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&products_id=48&zenid=iusnc115jhsuro1hsjngi6e3g2

Sticking one of these in your muffler is bound to add at least 20 MPH to the top speed.

Ah, I should probably add I'm just kidding before someone actually goes out and buys one of these to increase their speed.

jartist · **Reply #98 on:** April 30, 2012, 03:37:46 am

I'm installing the flux capacitor. I think it should pay it's self off pretty quick after picking a few winning teams.

The Garbone · **Reply #99 on:** April 30, 2012, 03:47:27 am

Assuming you can get your bike up to 88mph.

jartist · **Reply #100 on:** April 30, 2012, 03:55:46 am

I forgot about that! I hope they do returns!

GlennF · **Reply #101 on:** April 30, 2012, 04:45:03 am

Quote from: The Garbone on April 30, 2012, 03:47:27 am

Assuming you can get your bike up to 88mph.

army surplus C130 JATO pack

barenekd · **Reply #102 on:** April 30, 2012, 09:26:23 pm

I always used Fafnir High Speed Roller Muffler Bearings, along with a High Speed Chrome dipstick and louvered oil pan. Probably get the ton with an RE.
Bare

Jack Leis · **Reply #103 on:** April 30, 2012, 10:19:12 pm

Good God, and he's my riding partner !

GreenRE · **Reply #104 on:** May 12, 2012, 01:05:45 am

I could not believe my eyes when I saw the Cafe Racer on velocity today. The approach to 'engine modification' to do the Ton was appalling. The "port job" included grinding open the exhaust port while the engine is STILL MOUNTED ON THE BIKE.

Seriously

? How short on cash were they ? Oh yea and the Power Commander 5 made its way in there too.....

boggy · **Reply #105 on:** May 12, 2012, 01:19:16 am

Quote from: GreenRE on May 12, 2012, 01:05:45 am

I could not believe my eyes when I saw the Cafe Racer on velocity today.

I wasn't a big fan of that segment either. They sort of seemed like they were bothered to be doing it. "Well, that's all we can really do..."

What I WAS a big fan of was the McDeeb segment. Now that is the kind of passion I like to see behind the brand. And what beautiful motorcycles he turns out there (Not to mention the amazing roads!). All I kept thinking was, someday I want this guy to build me an Enfield.

Jack Leis · **Reply #106 on:** May 12, 2012, 01:25:29 am

I completely agree with you GreenRE ! I was waiting for them to whip out a chain saw ! HACKERS ! And whats there frigen hurry anyway ? Very disappointing to say the least.

jartist · **Reply #107 on:** May 12, 2012, 05:55:48 am

Did it make the ton?

Jack Leis · **Reply #108 on:** May 12, 2012, 06:07:43 am

We wont know until the next episode, just to add to the frustration.

GreenRE · **Reply #109 on:** May 12, 2012, 06:11:49 am

Quote from: jartist on May 12, 2012, 05:55:48 am

Did it make the ton?

Thats for the next segment that will be aired next week. I doubt they make it past 91mph indicated.

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #110 on:** May 12, 2012, 05:53:07 pm

I think they went for a very cosmetic conversion. It looks good but it could have been so much more.

Scoty

jartist · **Reply #111 on:** May 12, 2012, 07:47:45 pm

Did they retain the efi? I love what they did to clear up the frame under the seat but rewiring to relocate the efi components seems like it would be quite a project.

AgentX · **Reply #112 on:** May 12, 2012, 08:00:02 pm

If your bike is wobbly at 80mph, would finding and fixing the cause be a better option than simply slapping on a damper to mask the problem and then attempting to go even faster?

Arizoni · **Reply #113 on:** May 12, 2012, 08:35:30 pm

Years ago one of my best friends killed himself by relying on a steering damper to stabilize the front end of his racing motorcycle.

He had built a Yamaha RD350 GP bike to race on road circuits and had tested it at Phoenix International Raceway.
Following the tests he said it was a bit twitchy on the high banks and adjusted his steering damper to help calm it.
He won the first race of the day against 750 and 900cc machines but noted that it was still twitchy.

While he was doing a bit more adjusting before the next race I said, "Roger, put the damn thing in the van and take it home and figure out what the problem is." (He had his 750 Honda with him which he also could have used for the next race.)

He said, "No. I think it needs a bit more damping, that's all."

In the next race he was dicing it up with a Kawasaki 900 and slightly in the lead after coming out of the infield.
Accelerating thru turn 3 ( a banked turn on the oval) and at well over 100 mph the bike went into severe tank slapping and he bailed off towards the inside of the track.

The bike hit the wall and Roger slid head first into the retaining wall at the exit of turn 4.

These guys, and anyone else who wants to push a bike to the limit better be damn careful. I'd hate to see someone else get killed.

Still miss Roger. One hell of a good guy who loved life, motorcycles and PBR (in that order).

ace.cafe · **Reply #114 on:** May 13, 2012, 01:36:08 am

I'll be interested to see the reports after next week, and see what this thing can do.

GSS · **Reply #115 on:** May 13, 2012, 05:39:58 am

Pretty pathetic what they are doing to the C5 on Cafe Racer TV. It was obvious they had never seen an RE....after spending time whining about everything they set about doing a hack job calling it a "cafe"? Any one of us here could easily have done a better job.

McDeeb with the G5 was a whole different story.....looked like he really cared about the REs and did a nice job with the bikes.

GSS

1 Thump · **Reply #116 on:** May 15, 2012, 10:36:06 pm

GSS, GreenRE: Correct. It was such a disappointment. ~~You~~ They could have done a better job than that. Although, I'd wager that it would do 90 indicated, maybe even more, but we all know that is about 10% more generous.....

The 'Ton': Fuggetaboutit!

Lwt Big Cheese · **Reply #117 on:** May 16, 2012, 07:56:40 am

The should have done some research first.

BW can get them to do that.

GreenRE · **Reply #118 on:** May 25, 2012, 05:59:45 am

As expected it did not do the ton. They claimed it maxed out at 95 (did not show it on speedo or on the speed gun).

If they could get it to go past 90 with that half assed job then I would imagine there is hope.

ace.cafe · **Reply #119 on:** May 25, 2012, 12:40:55 pm

My guess is that whatever speed they got, they took as indicated by the speedo, which was probably reading 10mph fast, like many/most of the Enfield speedos do at that speed.
I can believe maybe that they got 85mph on flat ground with no headwind, laying down on the tank.

GSS · **Reply #120 on:** May 25, 2012, 02:36:10 pm

It was the most pathetic show ever. Three disinterested teams who knew nothing about REs totally destroyed a nice teal C5.

Here is how they reached 95 (looked like they used a radar gun) 1. removed the fenders and side boxes, 2. square gas tank, 3. boxy "cafe" seat, 4. midget fairing, 5. aviation fuel, 6. steering stabilizer.

This was very disappointing considering that Cafe Racer does really good shows with other bikes and had an outstanding one recently with McDeeb and his Electra/G5.

Hobbydad · **Reply #121 on:** May 25, 2012, 03:04:01 pm

I had read alot about the speedo's being inaccurate, so I checked mine against my GPS. At lower speeds (25-45) is was off by an almost exact 5mph, but at higher speeds (60-80) it was within 1-2mph. I believe when mine indicates I'm doing 80, it's safe to say I'm doing 80. I'm sure the different speedo readings people get have alot to do with the tires they run, and how much air pressure they have in them.

As for their cafe racer, I thought it looked pretty cool, shame it didn't hit 100. Really though, what did they expect? Your not going to make anything go faster by making it look better. I didn't watch the show, but from what I understood they where on a budget, and wanted to get by with as little work as possible. A pocket port & a muffler aren't going to do it.

ace.cafe · **Reply #122 on:** May 25, 2012, 03:56:07 pm

Quote from: GSS on May 25, 2012, 02:36:10 pm

It was the most pathetic show ever. Three disinterested teams who knew nothing about REs totally destroyed a nice teal C5.

Here is how they reached 95 (looked like they used a radar gun) 1. removed the fenders and side boxes, 2. square gas tank, 3. boxy "cafe" seat, 4. midget fairing, 5. aviation fuel, 6. steering stabilizer.

This was very disappointing considering that Cafe Racer does really good shows with other bikes and had an outstanding one recently with McDeeb and his Electra/G5.

They were lying.
There isn't enough hp in that engine they used to make anywhere near 95 mph.
It's total BS.
Midget fairing might give 1-2mph, if they lay down behind it. None of the other stuff makes a hill of beans. The "aviation fuel" is a complete joke, and does nothing. And the other stuff does basically nothing either. Let's be generous and figure another 1 mph as an optimistic gift for the tail section "aerodynamics".
A little power from removing the muffler, and a few mph from some "aerodynamics" is going to get them maybe up to 85mph, which I think is a reasonable actual result.

What this is, is a dis-service to serious people who actually do know how to modify motorcycles properly, and have to diligently work at the right things to achieve the same "95mph" that these BS artists try to claim.
It de-values serious people's work.

Let's say that I work my guts out modifying the UCE, making a lot more power up top, and enough to make it able to run right to the rev-limiter at 5600 rpm in top gear.
Well, that's 95mph folks.
Then, people might say, "Well those cafe-racer guys on the TV show got that with practically no work on the engine."
GAH!

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #123 on:** May 25, 2012, 04:19:23 pm

Hang on a sec, isn't lieing about your top speed and exaggerating your accomplishments a long held cafe racer tradition?

Scott

gremlin · **Reply #124 on:** May 25, 2012, 04:47:02 pm

Quote from: ace.cafe on May 25, 2012, 03:56:07 pm

.....
Let's say that I work my guts out modifying the UCE, making a lot more power up top, and enough to make it able to run right to the rev-limiter at 5600 rpm in top gear.
Well, that's 95mph folks.
Then, people might say, "Well those cafe-racer guys on the TV show got that with practically no work on the engine."
GAH!

Don't fret ...... Those of us who will actually buy your product know better.

jartist · **Reply #125 on:** May 25, 2012, 04:57:37 pm

Hacks abound in every field. Your discriminating customers can appreciate good engine work and know the difference!

1 Thump · **Reply #126 on:** May 25, 2012, 08:13:12 pm

The fireball- badger IS a Royal Enfield, does the ton without a fairing, can be built for the same price as a new C5 and is a cafe racer.

These shmucks did not know where to look.

And the dishonesty of reporting the speed....they used the radar gun once and it recorded a speed of 67 mph...They did not use it again and all speeds were speedo indicated.

They did manage to fix the wobble. I doubt the steering dampner did anything but the more modern front suspension might have done the trick.

Lwt Big Cheese · **Reply #127 on:** May 25, 2012, 09:54:53 pm

See my comment 93 above.

Unfortunatly is very disrespectful to those who are able to get the bikes to do that for real.