Author Topic: G5, staying or going? (Read 6840 times)

Ducati Scotty · **on:** April 29, 2013, 11:29:15 pm

I've seen it mentioned and rementioned a few times lately that the G5 is going away. I've heard nothing about this outside the recent mentions in this forum. Is there any evidence for this? Links please if you have them.

Thanks,
Scott

Jack Leis · **Reply #1 on:** April 29, 2013, 11:52:12 pm

All I know about it is what Bare told me. Ron Greene told Bare at a recent bike event that they were discontinuing them.

Joel-in-dallas · **Reply #2 on:** April 30, 2013, 12:18:21 am

The US website and the Royal Enfield worldwide site from India don't mention it.
But consolidating the number of Frames and models would make a bit of sense. Not have the Bullet in a G series and a C series.

I hope they keep the G5 a few more years, but I am not worried either way. I fell confident there will be spare parts and such for my bike for many years to come.

Jack Leis · **Reply #3 on:** April 30, 2013, 12:22:07 am

There will be spare parts. It's the long wait for them thats the problem.

ace.cafe · **Reply #4 on:** April 30, 2013, 12:45:32 am

I haven't heard anything about it, either way.
However, the G5 frame and body has a lot in common with the AVL Electra-X.

Engine stuff should cross reference to the B5 parts list.

Arizoni · **Reply #5 on:** April 30, 2013, 12:50:21 am

About an hour before this topic was made I sent a PM to Kevin asking him the same question.
It will be interesting to see what he has to say about it.

jartist · **Reply #6 on:** April 30, 2013, 01:07:37 am

B5 and G5 have very similar set ups in the frame as far as I can tell except for a few different welded on tabs for seat, subframe and side boxes. The electra was an attempt to modernize the AVL frame and since bullets aren't sold according to their modernity it makes since to drop the G5 being that it's essentially a uce electra. I always thought it was silly for RE to make the squared off engine side covers when it's otherwise the same engine as the B5 and C5.

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #7 on:** April 30, 2013, 01:11:16 am

They're only building 5 bikes: C5, B5, G5, Machismo, Cafe. While the B5 and G5 are very similar in many ways they also have their differences. Enfield has had so many subtly different models over the years I wouldn't expect them to drop one BUT perhaps the new leadership is taking that tack as part of the company's new direction. Also, maybe CMW isn't going to import them any more but they'll still be available in India. I'll be curious to see what Kevin says.

Scott

singhg5 · **Reply #8 on:** April 30, 2013, 04:17:07 am

B5 and G5 are quite different. G5 is better looking

.

As Ace.cafe has mentioned G5 is closest to AVL Electra X in every aspect except cosmetic differences of gas tank.

B5 front forks completely different from G5 - upside down.

Indian website shows G5 (it is called Bullet Electra EFI in India), except for very minor differences to its export version such as smaller headlight and front fender, but it is the same frame.

http://royalenfield.com/motorcycles/bullet-electra-efi#!technical-specification

barenekd · **Reply #9 on:** April 30, 2013, 06:33:35 pm

Have any of you seen a G5 on a shop floor lately? They're real rare to nonexistent around here!
Bare

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #10 on:** April 30, 2013, 06:59:48 pm

But does that mean RE is not making them or CMW is not importing them?

Scott

Joel-in-dallas · **Reply #11 on:** April 30, 2013, 07:43:42 pm

Its interesting. The new plant that just opened RE states that it will produce the full range of Royal Enfield Motorcycles. But it didn't go into more detail about what that means.

I guess we will have to wait. I certainly hope the G5 aka Bullet Electra EFI continues for at least a few more years. But I could see how they might want to simplify down to the Thunderbird, Classic and Continental GT. Who knows maybe one day they will have a bigger engine. I suspect a 750-1000cc engine from RE on their classic frame would see in foreign markets. Especially if they get a confortable cruising speed of 85mph.

Arizoni · **Reply #12 on:** April 30, 2013, 08:34:32 pm

Kevin's answer to my question about the G5 is, "It is hard to know what is going to happen and when. For example the factory recently agreed to manufacture some new G5's for us." so it seems the G5 isn't gone.

He did not give any indication of the number that will be imported so we will just have to wait and see.

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #13 on:** April 30, 2013, 08:45:53 pm

If they offered the B5 in different colors I could see dropping the G5, vet close at that point. Aesthetically it's just fender and fork differences. Also the G5 is the most modern looking with unstayed fenders. Maybe they want the Cafe to be the modern Bullet now.

Scott

barenekd · **Reply #14 on:** April 30, 2013, 09:08:09 pm

The 750 vertical twin is still in the pipeline.
Bare

Royalista · **Reply #15 on:** April 30, 2013, 09:26:05 pm

A luxurious looking silver Electra at my dealer's.
But I still like mine more. It's Red!

Honestly I wouldn't trade it in for a classic.
Electra and G5 are well suited for the rougher trails and missions (as in groceries

).
Would be a loss, losing the E5/G5/electra/whatever.

Two dealers I spoke said they had no knowledge of a discontinuation of a model. Maybe it's a rumor to test reactions?

Arizoni · **Reply #16 on:** April 30, 2013, 10:50:00 pm

I see Royal Enfields brand new plant has started production.
In the opening statement the CEO said, " ...we have revised our production target upwards in 2013 to 175,000 motorcycles from both plants..."

Maybe that plus the agreement Kevin mentioned in is responce to me will help assure a continued supply of the G5's?

A link to additional information:

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motorbikes/135795-royal-enfields-new-tamil-nadu-factory-starts-production.html

gremlin · **Reply #17 on:** April 30, 2013, 10:57:51 pm

Quote from: Ducati Scotty on April 30, 2013, 08:45:53 pm

If they offered the B5 in different colors I could see dropping the G5,...............

I think Thunderbird is the G5 replacement bike.

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #18 on:** April 30, 2013, 11:16:58 pm

Meh. The styling just looks like a lame version of easy rider. I test rode a used Virago a long time ago, kinda similar. Awesome bike! Great power and maybe the best handling cruiser ever made. But it just looks silly.

Scott

Royalista · **Reply #19 on:** May 01, 2013, 01:38:34 am

+1

There's no replacement for electra
(but a candle on a romantic date is permissable)

no bs · **Reply #20 on:** May 01, 2013, 05:05:09 am

totalmoyorcycle.com is listing g5 models for 2013. check it out, pretty cool website.

REpozer · **Reply #21 on:** May 01, 2013, 05:27:37 am

The real question is,.... Does India like the Electra X/ G5 frame?

I wouldn't think a Thunderbird( cruiser style) bike would do well in the U.S.
But I thought the same thing about the Honda Rebel, and was wrong.

nigelogston@gmail.com · **Reply #22 on:** May 01, 2013, 11:19:25 am

I don't have any idea what RE intends with the Electra G 5 model line, but I do think the Thunderbird is the way forward. And I don't really see any good reason that it would not do well here. It is modern with heritage, very practical, has astounding fuel economy and range, front and rear disc brakes on a light and nimble frame and a host of other practical features for the modern rider /commuter. I happen to think it looks pretty good too, without in any way being eiher a Harley Clone or a plastic Darth Vader transformer toy lookalike. I would buy one over a G 5 (and I would buy a G 5 over C 5 ).
I think a new era of practical motorcyling is dawning driven by fuel costs, not unlike the golden era of workingman practical motorcyling that spawned all the 500 singles in the first place. And the bikes that thrived back then were the best, most modern and fully featured (practical featuresn not gimmicks) of their time. No reason to expect it to be different now. Factor in insurance costs per displacement, the market wide downsizing in dispaclement and the appearance of a lot of mid and small bikes with escellent features but devoid of character, and I believe the stage is set for a new era for RE . Just my opinion Nigel

barenekd · **Reply #23 on:** May 02, 2013, 12:18:32 am

Quote

B5 front forks completely different from G5 - upside down.

B5 forks are the same as the C5. Nuttin' upside down about them.
Bare

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #24 on:** May 02, 2013, 12:54:53 am

They might look upside down but that's just a metal shroud hiding the top. Harley and other cruisers do the same thing for a nice chunky look to the front end.

Scott

Gypsyjon · **Reply #25 on:** May 02, 2013, 03:08:50 am

I am darned glad I got my G5. I love it!!!

no bs · **Reply #26 on:** May 02, 2013, 03:22:45 am

i also.

saint45 · **Reply #27 on:** May 08, 2013, 02:55:41 am

The G series is by far the best looking. I dont mind the C but G is a proper bullet IMHO. The thunderbird will bomb in the U.S. It looks ridiculous.
Plus cruisers are just sitting on showroom floors it seems here in cali.
Bad time to bring one out.

Jack Leis · **Reply #28 on:** May 08, 2013, 03:27:26 am

+1!!!!

Darvin Jahnke · **Reply #29 on:** May 08, 2013, 02:28:50 pm

Could see some changes now that Polaris has their fingers in the pie.

heloego · **Reply #30 on:** May 08, 2013, 04:25:56 pm

When I made the deal on my C5 I asked the dealer about plans for the G5.
He says they will continue to make the G5, but only the Deluxe model.

Blairio · **Reply #31 on:** May 08, 2013, 09:30:40 pm

What's the difference between a G5 and a G5 Deluxe?

2 chrome mudguards, chromed oblong side panels, and a half-chrome petrol tank.

We're not talking about two radically different vehicles here. In fact some 'regular' electra's (G5's) have random bits of extra chrome on them anyway. My 'regular' Electra came with the chrome oblong side panels, and I have seen another regular Electra with an equally random half-chrome petrol tank. it is almost as if whatever is left in the parts bin goes on the next bike being built, and why not? We buy these bikes at least in part for their character, so the odd inconsistency that doesn't affect performance or reliability is only to be welcomed, in my view.

The thing about the Electra / G5 that appealed to me was the taller stance, due to the frame and 19" wheels. If you are a bit taller, that's a bonus that the Classic doesn't offer. Hopefully the Electra will eventually be replaced by something in the same mould.

heloego · **Reply #32 on:** May 17, 2013, 09:22:23 am

I had to do a bit of arguing with m'self when I went to the dealer.
If I could have afforded two bikes I would have bought both the G5 and C5, so I went outside, burned one, and decided on the G5 because they have the 19 inch front wheel now. I'm 5'10" and it will keep my feet flat on the ground while giving the bike a slightly niftier rake, IMHO. Combined with the Cobra low-profile seat I should be good to go. Well, "start" anyway.

Just heard from the dealer today...
Downside: The Cobra seat is back ordered (even though they verified it was in stock the day of the buy).

Upside: I'll get a chance to see how it feels with the stock seat for awhile.
Other Downside: Based on some of the members' experience, I may have a substantial wait for the damned seat.

Cross my fingers and hope for the best, I suppose...

gremlin · **Reply #33 on:** May 17, 2013, 04:52:37 pm

Quote from: Darvin Jahnke on May 08, 2013, 02:28:50 pm

Could see some changes now that Polaris has their fingers in the pie.

?? the snow-mobile people ??

Arizoni · **Reply #34 on:** May 18, 2013, 12:13:50 am

Yup. The snow-mobile people.
I've heard they are getting involved in the marketing aspects of it, not the design aspects.

heloego: Unless your changing the seat for styling, I think you will like your G5's seat. I know I like mine.
I've had other bikes that had seats that killed my butt after 1/2 hour of riding but I can ride for hours on the seat on my G5 without stopping without my butt even getting tired.

Of course, the ride is the thing and I do sometimes stop just to look at the scenery or to have a smoke but that's a different story.