[McDude]

Hi guys,

I've been lurking on this forum for over a year. I'm 24 and I just graduated with my bachelor's degree in nursing. I've been in love with Royal Enfields for years, ever since I saw one when doing an image search on Google for Retro motorcycles a couple years ago. For some reason, I am totally drawn to anything old school. I finally have the means to get my dream bike, and the Enfields are calling my name.

I've been riding dirt bikes since I was 7, when my dad got me a honda 50, so I feel pretty confident in my ability to ride. I also plan on taking a motorcycle class through the local community college soon to learn defensive driving skills for driving a road bike.

Through my research, I've learned that it takes some ability to keep up on maintenance on these bikes. That's not a problem for me. I've got a jeep wrangler with 140K miles on it, and I do most of the maintenance on it myself. Anything I'm not familiar with, my dad and uncle help me with, so I don't have any reservations in that aspect. Enough background on me, though.

I really want a black and chrome C5. However, my dad thinks I would be better off getting a used Harley. Thing is, I'm not a fan of Harley's. I don't like how common they are, and the look of them just doesn't speak to me. By the way, I hate crotch rockets. Sporty bikes are not my thing at all. The RE would be my daily driver for commuting to work and riding around for fun. My question is, would the RE be reliable enough for me. I don't mind the regular maintenance, but I don't want a bike that is going to need me to buy new parts once a month. The closest dealer to me is a couple hours away.

My second question is, what is the difference between the C5 classic and C5 deluxe? I know the deluxe has a larger front wheel. What else is different? Having never seen one in person, it is hard for me to gauge subtle differences between these models from pictures alone. Is one better than the other at higher speeds? I will have about a five mile stretch of interstate that is pretty much unavoidable from where I live to where I will be working.

Anyways, I appreciate any input I can get. Just looking forward to hearing from those of you who have more experience with the RE's.

Thanks in advance

-Dan

[bman734]

Welcome to the forum! I am hoping that you will stick with your plan to get a Royal Enfield motorcycle. It sounds like you have the correct mind set to be the proud owner of one of these fine bikes! Just a reminder that if you get a chrome model it will take a bit of extra effort to keep it up to snuff. A dirty chrome model looks, well, just dirty! I have a military and have yet to wash it after owning it for a year and the dirt that is accumulating on it adds to the patina! As far as the differences of the different models I would suggest that you go down to your loal RE dealer and have them point out what the differences are. To each his own I always say. Have fun with your new bike when you get it and keep us up on your experiences!

[McDude]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention I'm 5' 10" and 215 lbs, so I don't mind a shorter bike if that's the only difference between C5 models.

[Arizoni]

McDude
Welcome to the forum.

I can only speak for myself but I've owned my 2011 G5 Deluxe for a little over a year and have put 5600 miles on it.
I ride it almost every day of the year and it has never refused to start or run dependably.
I would guess my average speed has been about 50 mph but at least 750 miles have been at speeds of 65 mph.

In the back of my mind I've been mulling over the idea of buying a new Triumph Bonneville saying to myself, "When the RE starts having some real problems that will be a good excuse to get the Bonnie."
So far my RE hasn't given me a problem except for the low fuel level warning indicator quitting and the original drive chain getting sloppy.

This brings us to the Harley.
Not that I have anything against Harleys but a used bike of any kind  can always have problems.  With a Harley, any problem is an expensive problem.  BMW's also have this "expensive to fix it" problem.

Don't forget the fuel mileage.
The 500cc RE's burn regular pump gas (which some Harleys don't like) and they get around 75 mpg (US gallons).  The Harley will be doing good to get over 45.

I am biased but I vote for the Royal Enfield.

[barenekd]

No votes for Hardleys from me. I've owned about 50 bikes in the last 50 years starting out with English Thumpers, and had a few Japanese thumpers a lot of dirt bikes, (I raced for 25 years.) then got into the Sportbike mode wtih a little road racing and track days thrown in. and now back to the old English thumper. Never owned a Hardley, couldn't handle the "lifestyle." I have had more fun on this RE than I've had on anything in years. I'll have 10,000 miles on it tomorrow, and I have had one failure. The fuel light burned out the other day. The drive chain is terrible and will need replacing.
Hte bottom is that they are great reliable, fun and cheap machines to operate. The parts are very inexpensive compared to anything else. Tires are cheap, with mileage running 70 mpg (my bikes average over the last 6000 miles, after my last bike, I feel like I'm paying $2.00 a gallon.
As far as maintenance and people working on their bikes, they are working on them because it's fun. Everything is easy to get to and just invites fiddling fingers. the real maintenance is no worse than any other bike! And you can save a ton of money by doing the jobs yourself as opposed to having to take it to a shop for maintenance. The bike is a great education opportunity to learn about such machines. But as I say, the hihg maintenance these guys on the forum sound like it has is beacause they choose to do it, it is not required.
As for the difference between the C5s, the Classic and Deluxe, teh Classic is pained, the Deluxe ahs a lot of chrome, the Military has a flat camouflage paint job. That is all the difference. The 19" wheels come on the 2012 Special, which I gather is the Standard 2012 now. The forks have the axle moved back to increase the trail and add a bit more stability to them. Again, all else is the same. 2010 and early 2011 C5s didn't have kickstarters, but they are standard now.
Get the Enfield, you will find it far more enjoyable than the Hardley.
Bare

[McDude]

Thanks for the replies, guys. Hearing from those of you with some road time with these bikes is making me a lot more confident in my decision. One thing that I have read is about the electrical system of the bike shorting. Is this common? Should I go through and reinforce the the wiring with electrical tape right off the bat to prevent any problems?

Finally, what is the resale like on these. I don't see myself ever getting rid of it, but a big reason my dad said I should get a harley was because they have a high resale.

I really want the enfield. I just want to have all my bases covered when discussing this with my parents. 

PS: is there  a way to not have to post the verification letters in the picture and verification question each time I post a reply?

[jartist]

You can check out Davids Blasco's website for what people are listing used bikes for.  Not what they're getting mind you, but what they're listing.  I think the resale is good, at least as good as a Harley, but you might have to wait a little longer to find a buyer because the market for these bikes is a small niche.

You have to go with your gut when choosing a bike.  It's not a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord- or just transportation,  It's a motorcycle and it's fun and if you're not in love with it you won't get the full enjoyment out of your biking experience.  On the other hand, I am one of the rare people who had problems my coworkers were quick to rub my nose in the fact that I bought a bike that's made in India and not a Honda, whether that point was valid or not!  In the end, Royal Enfield fixed it and they nay sayers aren't having as fun as I'm having on my bike!

[Arizoni]

McDude:
as jartist mentioned the new UCE style RE's seem to hold their value pretty good but the number of people who would want one is a lot less than the number who want Harleys.

As for the electrical wiring, yes, it is a very good idea to check it out shortly after you get your bike.

I found several places where the wiring was dangerously close to sharp metal edges and its only protection was some black electrical tape that was wrapped around it.
I made some short sleeves out of vinyl tubing by slitting it lengthwise and putting the wires inside it for those areas where sharp metal edges are near.
Also, check out the wires that are running back to the rear lights.
Occasionally the attachment that is supposed to keep these wires tucked in against the rear fender isn't properly attached to the wires.

[hillntx]

From what I hear the REs are at least as reliable as most Harleys.  Resale is a tough question.  Checking the local classifieds I frequently see Sportsters (883s and 1200s) selling in the $3500-5000 range which is a common range for used UCE (2009+) Royal Enfields.  I consider the REs highway capable meaning it meets the minimum requirements to get on the highway.  However if I did a lot of freeway riding with a lot of fast traffic, I would want something bigger than a 500cc bike so I would have the power to get out of the way when needed.  I'm 220 lbs. and had my C5 Classic up to 60 mph on the highway last night and didn't feel like it had much left in it.  I imagine it would continue to creep up to its maximum speed, but I didn't see myself whipping around passing other cars (kind of like driving an old Volkswagen Beetle).  Handling wise it was very stable.

[Lwt Big Cheese]

Bic or Parker?
Fresh ingredients or frozen TV dinner?
Brewed coffee or Nescaffe?
Levi 501's or grey terylene slacks?

[hillntx]

Around here the highways are typically 4 lanes in each direction and moving at 15-80mph depending on the time of day; not exactly Los Angeles, but far from two lane black top.  If your road situation is different, the RE may be better suited.

[dick_deck]

If I may throw in here, the Black and Chrome looks really good in the online photos, but in person it is F****G GORGEOUS! I recently entered mine into a company car show. Didn't win anything, but man did I get a lot of compliments and questions.

The biggest selling point to me was that Royal Enfields are unique. You just don't see many around. I almost fell off my bike when I saw an '09 C5 Military at a gas station 2 blocks from my house. (We exchanged info, btw )

If you do get a Royal Enfield, I highly recommend getting the EFI Silencer ASAP. It gives the bike a much throatier sound, and for mine made it backfire less. That said a Harley will still drown you out.

I would love to also own a Harley, but given only one choice you can see the decision I made. Either way, I imagine you will love your new ride, so don't worry too much. They are both good brands.

[hortoncode3]

I, myself , could care less if I EVER owned a HD. Overpriced, and as far as I'm concerned they aren't super practical..way too much crap to clean! I'm sure they are as reliable as anything.
I've ridden bikes of various sorts for 35 years and I have to say the RE I have (2009 G-5 Military) is as fun as anything I've owned. As Jay Leno once observed, not very many bikes use their entire horsepower curve like a good thumper...I agree. If you intend to use is as a work a day ride, on Interstate, stay away...thumpers aren't for you. But if you intend to enjoy the scenery, and have a bike that you can throw around curves with a certain aplomb, RE is for you. AND you can still do your own maintenance. I'll never sell mine. As far as reliability goes...run a  wrench over the nuts a couple times a year and change the oil and keep the chain tight and lubed. Simple. EFI made ALL the difference in the UCE...and you can't beat the 70mpg..

[bman734]

As you can tell from all these post's, we owners of a RE motorcycle are completely satisfied with our choice to get one. I too contemplated whether to get an "Indian made bike" and let me say that the quality is not what you will find in any other bikes made in this era. When I say quality I'm talking about the almost complete absence of plastic. Take a look at any modern bike and you will be hard pressed to see the actual engine through all the plastic coverings, shrouds, etc.
Also, don't forget that this is not a bike meant to cruise on a highway. I've had a few short stints getting to a final a back road that I couldn't reach in any other way and boy was I glad to get back on some slower roads. These bikes hum along below 50 mph with no problem but get 60 mph and above and your will need to reconsider having any more children as your nuts will be vibrated right up to your thorax! Yes they vibrate that much at high speed, it's a single after all!
Also, expect to be asked a lot of questions, especially this one, "what year is that thing?", and, "what make is that?". I now tell people that it's a 1953 and point to the tank that says Royal Enfield on it. Then I drive happily away and they go home and tell their friends that they just saw a refurbished 1953 English bike that sure looked sweet and must have cost a mint to restore. I'm bad, I know.
Just go out and get one of these things. Don't listen to your parents and don't listen to us, but rely in your heart to get the bike that's right for you. Period!

[gremlin]

Yep, the Royal Enfield is a serious "chick magnet".
Guaranteed to get you laid at any MODS -vs- Rockers reunion.
Leave the Vespa at home with your parents.

[Thumper]

   
<SNIP>
I really want a black and chrome C5. However, my dad thinks I would be better off getting a used Harley. Thing is, I'm not a fan of Harley's. I don't like how common they are, and the look of them just doesn't speak to me. By the way, I hate crotch rockets. Sporty bikes are not my thing at all. The RE would be my daily driver for commuting to work and riding around for fun. My question is, would the RE be reliable enough for me. I don't mind the regular maintenance, but I don't want a bike that is going to need me to buy new parts once a month. The closest dealer to me is a couple hours away.
<SNIP>
   

You should read:
   
The Harley That Wants to be a Royal Enfield
http://mysite.verizon.net/respud62/id3.html
   

[barenekd]

I ride my RE about 40% of the time on the freeways. I cruise at 65 in the slower lanes and have no problem with traffic. I have to even pass people!
They aren't as bad as a lot of people make it sound. And I live around LA.
As far as vibration goes, when I went to the 18 tooth sprocket and got a new chain, the vibration went down considerably. That old OEM chain was the source of a lot of the vibration. My bike now is quite smooth. Not entirely devoid of vibration, but certainly a long way from being obnoxious. My old SR500 shook more. And I wouldn't call it bad.
As far as the wiring goes, I haven't had any problems with mine and I haven't changed much on it.
One thing to remember about a forum is it highlights the ones who have problems. It does not mean the majority of bikes share the problem. The great majority don't have any problems and don't have to try to advertise it.
I have two main squawks with the bikes, The OEM tires and chain, but you have to realize that most new bikes share the same squawks. Manufacturers tend to cheap out on those items and I've had the same complaints about other new bikes. The Avon Skid Masters are horrible if you like to play in the twisties. They are very light on traction, not to mention ugly. The chains don't last very long. I got 6000 miles out of mine and it was totally trashed.
Otherwise, I'm pretty light on other complaints.
Bare

[bman734]

Hey bare, my right thumb is still numb from the last prolonged freeway ride that I had. I still have the Avons and OEM chain and sprocket so hopefully I will see a great improvement once they need replaced. You have a good point in that people usually post with complaints and not kuddos since, after all, they are looking for a solution to a problem they may be having at the time. And that's one of the great things about this forum in that someone is always ready with a timely and useful response to that said problem. I,ve had more than a few times when my newbe ass was better informed by such as yourself when I've had some pressing problem that I needed an answer to. Thanks to all!

[McDude]

My, how this thread has grown. 

You guys have convinced me. I'm definitely going with the Enfield. Barenekd, I totally hear you, that most forums highlight the problems people have with their bikes. Makes me think of the saying, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease".

Should I need any new parts, are there any online places to buy that you guys would recommend, or should I stick with using a dealer. Reason I ask is, the closest dealer to me is two hours away.

[gremlin]

eBay

[mbevo1]

Should I need any new parts, are there any online places to buy that you guys would recommend, or should I stick with using a dealer. Reason I ask is, the closest dealer to me is two hours away.

McDude... I'll throw in my two cents...  I suspect you'll be like the rest of us and find parts about anywhere!  On my 'o6 - I purchased cosmetic parts from JC Whitney, Nfield Gear and a host of others.

On my '10 (C5 Military) I bought cosmetic supplies at online army surplus - and a tractor muffler from Farm and Fleet!  In a season and a half (but only 4K miles so far) the only mechanical things I've changed are the spark plug (now using an NGK Iridium from NAPA), oil (Mobile 1 V-Twin from Pep Boy), oil filter (from Nfield Gear) and air filter (a Fram CA-76 from Autozone - which I haven't fitted, yet).

Goodies are around - the fun part is finding them!
Have fun!
Mike & Stumpy & Sherman in Michigan

[barenekd]

And don't forget vintage English bike shops! As mentioned, fi you want accessory stuff, it's available all over. However if you need Royal Enfield exclusive parts, you need the dealer.
My dealer of choice is over an hour away. I just look at it as a a great chance to ride the Bullet. I went out there yesterday needing nothing. But it gives me a chance to BS with the owner and see what's going on in the rest of the Enfield world! I take different routes to get there and back and just try to make each ride an adventure. I went over the 10,000 mile mark today! Loved them all!
Bare

[McDude]

Thanks for the advice everybody. I just have two more questions.

1. Is there anybody in Illinois on the forum that has a recommendation for dealers? I know there is a tool on the website that locates them for me, but that doesn't say anything about service, or selection.

2. Is the red/chrome more fire engine red or dark red/maroon. Different pictures make it look like different shades of red. I seriously can't decide if I like black and chrome or red and chrome better. Although I know if I go with the special, it will make my decision easier, since as I understand it, red/chrome is not an option on that model.

Thanks

-Dan

[hillntx]

The red is a dark red/maroon.

[wildbill]

the black/chrome is a bit camera shy and doesn't take a very good photo - but looks a lot better when you see it in your face

[bman734]

I love the black chrome look. That was going to be my second choice if I couldn't get my military.

[Desi Bike]

....Also, expect to be asked a lot of questions, especially this one, "what year is that thing?", and, "what make is that?".

I charge $10 a guess. 

[trimleyman]

Some of you guys are just cruel. I proudly tell folds my G5 is 2011 , no tricks. Has 6660 miles on it today . Collected it from SF dealer last April after ordering it in green (yes they shipped me a green one from India as none were on the way).  Problems? Only minor , especially compared with some bikes. Have just changed out the muffler and returned it to the distinctive Enfield thump, which the cops don't notice (Harleys are just so darn load). Yes I do my own maintenance after the first service. Follow the recommendations in the owners manual and all will be well.  Mine is a commuter and any thing else bike , including grocery runs and trips to the coast. It serves all purposes I need. 

[bman734]

Yes, I can be cruel at times. Sometimes I tell inquiring people the truth but they seem to accept the lies so much easier. "2011?!, no way?!!!" got to be too boring of a response.

[Roberd42]

I currently have 3 bikes, just bought the enfield c5. I have an 09 buell xb9sx and a 76 yam rd400 cafe. 2 stroke bikes are fun and fast but only get about 20mpg lol. And my yammy is cafe'd out so not real comfortable. The buell is fun and fast, just uncomfortable too. It gets about 45mpg (they claimed 60!) I abhor Harley for giving Erik buell the stick for not moving parts and manufacturing to china (my opinion). I wanted a HD forty-eight but really wanted a Ural hack set up even more. Then came across this royal on Craigslist 2010 1,500 mi for $4k. I saw it in person and fell in love. I had a buell blast thumper in college, it got 80mpg an would easily do 80mph without much vibration. But the seat was horrible. Im not impressed with the royals performance (mileage, speed, and vibration) to the blast but looks its got! The royal solo seat still hurts my back but I may order a Corbin (most comfy seat I ever had on a suz katana several years ago). All in all I'm happy with the royal. I wouldn't finance 7k for it but at 4 I'm satisfied. I have the 7in light coming and I need some saddlebags. It is all metal but the gear box feels cheap and clunky coming from other bikes. But I can still put a cozy hack on it if I get the hankering

[Bock]

Thanks for the advice everybody. I just have two more questions.

1. Is there anybody in Illinois on the forum that has a recommendation for dealers? I know there is a tool on the website that locates them for me, but that doesn't say anything about service, or selection.

2. Is the red/chrome more fire engine red or dark red/maroon. Different pictures make it look like different shades of red. I seriously can't decide if I like black and chrome or red and chrome better. Although I know if I go with the special, it will make my decision easier, since as I understand it, red/chrome is not an option on that model.

Thanks

-Dan

McDude, did you end up getting a RE?  I'm looking for my first bike and curious who you went with?  I live in central IL and noticed there are 3 dealers in this state.  Curious on your experience.

[FiRE Comms]

It's a dark maroon, not BRT red...

[McDude]

I haven't got one yet. 

I'm in the middle of movin out on my own right now and still waiting to get an interview for some RN positions I applied for. Its gonna be a little bit before I can get my bike. It will happen before the world ends though. Lol.

I just finished my motorcycle class through the local community college and will have my license in the next week. I missed none on the written portion and only lost points on the riding test because my stopping distance was 2 feet longer than it was supposed to be. I don't think they took into account that it was raining though...

Let me know what you find out about dealerships though. I'd really like to know about your experience with dealing with them.

By the way, what part of central Illinois are you from?

[Bock]

Took my safety course and just got my endorsement over the weekend.  I'm heading to the DMV tomorrow to put that "M" on my license.

Funny what you said about your experience.  I also got a 100% on the written, but dinged a point for the emergency breaking.

I'm from the Bloomington area.

I've been selling whatever I can on Craig's List to try and make some cash so I can buy a RE.  I'm not sure how long it will be.  Sounds like we are in the same boat!

I have 2 kids and 1 on the way, so money is pretty tight.  My motorcycle fund each month isn't that high.  We'll see what happens.