Hi All,
I've been lurking here for the last week or so, and would like to get some feedback from your collective wisdom. You all seem to be a knowledgeable and friendly bunch (and probably handsome, good dressers as well). So, here's my story...
In late July I bought a 2009 RE Bullet Electra AVL with 1290 miles on it. No owner's manual, and I have no idea of how it was ridden or treated. Based on NADA resale value, I got it for a decent price, from a dealer who sells Triumphs and BMWs, but not Royal Enfields. I took delivery of the Enfield on August 18 and rode it five miles to a buddy's house where I garaged it overnight. The next day I set off for my hometown (about 120 miles away) with a friend who was riding his Triumph Bonneville. We cruised along at 50 to 60 mph, and made it all of 43 miles when the Royal Enfield had a catastrophic oil leak. Oil was dripping out of the air filter box, and was basically everywhere. Not being all that familiar with the bike, oil blow-by and the like, we found a local garage to keep the bike until the following business day when the dealer picked it up. The dealer has now serviced it, and sent me an email saying the oil leak "did not show up during their evaluation of the bike. It was a wrong routed oil line and two loose bolts on the head that were only finger tight. Our tech said the bike is where it should be now and you should not have any other issues."
My question is whether I should bail on this bike now, trade it in (at a loss, of course) and buy a new, base model Triumph Bonneville that is still under warranty.
I should add that this is my first bike. I'm marginally mechanically inclined, but definitely a rookie with motorcycles. I should also note that RE is not under any warranty, the electric starter does not work (which I knew when I bought it), and that when I up-shift gears it just sounds... different than say a Honda or a newer Triumph. Rattly. Is this normal for this bike?
I'd be happy for any thoughts, comments, encouragement, discouragement, etc. I'll have to make a decision by this weekend, when I go back to the dealer to either pick up the Bullet.... or not.
Thanks in advance.