Author Topic: Bullet over Bonnevilles (Read 15673 times)

fyr · **on:** February 17, 2014, 07:47:27 pm

Hello all
As per my subject- i have an 07 bonnie. Last of the carbs. Its my second bonneville. Great bike
But my Enfield fascination never ceases.
I tried getting a test ride out of my local dealer but they dont have any for loan.
So my ride impression is zilch

I use my bonneville for transportation in summer- groceries- commute- errands- cottage runs (bad dirt roads) and my yearly tour of the NY Adks. I load it down with saddlebags. I dont cruise more than 120 kph (7o mph) i do however open it up n the twisties

So all this background for what- some questions-
What model bullet best suits my purpose b5 g5 or c5
I love the looks of the c5 right out of the box but never really see one with racks for panniers on rear.

Also wheel base and tire choice. I read somewhere that the g5 is better suited for loaded riding and tire choice

Anyhow. Just some questions to pass the month of feb away. I dont think id sell the bonnie- but a nice kickstart gas sipping enfield would look nice in me garage!

ace.cafe · **Reply #1 on:** February 17, 2014, 08:10:30 pm

Sure, it will work for transportation.
You just have to accept the significantly lower power level. Enfield seems to want their bikes to be in the 20 hp range. They have been this way for a long time. The good side is that the engine produces a large portion of its torque at low rpms , so it feels stronger than people expect from the low hp number. Where it gets noticed is at the higher cruising speeds, and the reduced ability to rapidly accelerate at those higher speeds, compared to more powerful bikes.

If you can accept it as what it is, and appreciate it's enjoyable aspects, it can open a world of motorcycling that's sort of like "smelling the roses". You are more inclined to notice the surroundings instead of flying past them in a blur.
It's different. We like it.

If you decide that you would like it to be a little faster, there are ways to make that happen. But for most situations it can do fine as it is.

fyr · **Reply #2 on:** February 17, 2014, 09:03:10 pm

Thanks Ace
Yeah, I can handle that.. I went from Ninja 900 to CBR600 (etc) to the Bonnie. My issue back then, Can I or do I want to handle less power.. 6 spd to 5 spd and all that... Well I regressed even more with my Ural.. But thats another story.
I had the chance to toot around on a CBR 125.. Gutless on slab, but the fun factor was way more than the cc's on the spec sheet.
So im looking at which of the three models are more adaptable.. I want to put hard metal panniers, Solo saddle and semi knob tires (Heidenau's)
Thansk for the reply!

Royalista · **Reply #3 on:** February 17, 2014, 09:19:22 pm

Engine wise all are the same.
Main difference is in the wheels. G5, E5, B5 have 19" F and R and have 17 tooth front sprocket which make them better suited for dirt and trail.

120 kph, -on a good day up to 130 kph-, is feasible on highways. If required that is, as it won't be as comfi as on the Bonnie. Definitely less so on anything else then road tires.
Yet, they're intended to look good on knobbies. They were born on those roads.

mplayle · **Reply #4 on:** February 17, 2014, 10:13:46 pm

Fyr,

As you have indicated you like the looks of the C5, it is just as capable of the dirt/trail as the others. The preferred tire for such on most all of the current RE's is the Dunlop K70 (or clone). It is available for the 19" front and 18" rear of the C5. There are racks and metal panniers available for the C5 - usually on the "Military" versions. They can be painted to match whatever color bike you chose. (Seventh from the bottom of this page: http://www.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/accessory-frame-luggage) Our host's site does not indicate having them available at present.

Norm · **Reply #5 on:** February 17, 2014, 10:25:21 pm

Quote from: fyr on February 17, 2014, 07:47:27 pm

...But my Enfield fascination never ceases.
...
Anyhow. Just some questions to pass the month of feb away. I dont think I'd sell the Bonnie- but a nice kickstart gas sipping Enfield would look nice in me garage!

Be sure to read the many threads on this forum so you have a better idea of what you will be getting into. You should keep the Bonnie until you and the RE are one.

Yes, the Enfields are a blast to ride, but more in need of wrenching than your Bonnie.

fyr · **Reply #6 on:** February 17, 2014, 11:56:23 pm

I plan on keeping the T100
I let the first one go and wont make that mistake go.
As far as wrenching on it. I know ill be involved. I dont mjnd that. Im elbows deep in a top end rebuild of an 84 BMW R65.
However i dont want to be doing anything like that on a new or a couple o years old bike.
Ill be poking around here and other forum for insight and appreciate all the help i get along the way !

Ideally my Bullet will look like this- military green. Panniers. I ride in some parades for charity and work and there is a tie in from the past that id like to honour- my moms uncle was a despatch rider in WWII. He has passed but we have some photos of him and id like to get a bike as close as that as possible ( without buying a 75 yr old bike- which may happen one day ) :-)

gashousegorilla · **Reply #7 on:** February 18, 2014, 12:08:29 am

THAT narrows it down !..... Pretty much to the C-5 Military. Unless you want to do it from scratch to a B or a G5 ? If you want new.....

Forum member Hansel did a REAL nice job on one....

http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php?topic=16189.0

mplayle · **Reply #8 on:** February 18, 2014, 01:40:32 am

A shameless plug:

http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2012-Royal-Enfield-C5-111619375

fyr · **Reply #9 on:** February 19, 2014, 08:29:02 pm

Great job
and that desert storm mentioned as well.. I did up my bonnie T100 with semi knob Heidineaus.. Worked slick on the dirt.. This gives me a goal!
Thans for the heads up

Quote from: gashousegorilla on February 18, 2014, 12:08:29 am

THAT narrows it down !..... Pretty much to the C-5 Military. Unless you want to do it from scratch to a B or a G5 ? If you want new.....

Forum member Hansel did a REAL nice job on one....

http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php?topic=16189.0

barenekd · **Reply #10 on:** February 20, 2014, 12:11:27 am

Quote

Main difference is in the wheels. G5, E5, B5 have 19" F and R and have 17 tooth front sprocket which make them better suited for dirt and trail.

120 kph, -on a good day up to 130 kph-, is feasible on highways. If required that is, as it won't be as comfi as on the Bonnie. Definitely less so on anything else then road tires.
Yet, they're intended to look good on knobbies. They were born on those roads.

The gearing from stock is essentially the same with the 17T sprockets on the 19" wheels of the B5 and G5 and the 18T sprocket on the 18" wheeled C5.
From my experience with the Triumph T100, I found the G5 to be the more comfortable of the two. However that may not be true on the other two Bullets. To be honest, cruising speeds between 105 and 112 will be all you can expect out of the Bullets, but the with the speedo error I had on my Bonny which was about 10%, the actual difference won't be that much. The mileage will be, though!
Dunlop K70s will serve you well in off road situations as long as they're not real gnarly. And they work very well on the pavement. And at about $145 a set, they aren't going to kill you when you need new ones
Bare

gashousegorilla · **Reply #11 on:** February 20, 2014, 02:49:01 am

Quote from: fyr on February 19, 2014, 08:29:02 pm

Great job
and that desert storm mentioned as well.. I did up my bonnie T100 with semi knob Heidineaus.. Worked slick on the dirt.. This gives me a goal!
Thans for the heads up

Nice...... instant Scrambler! NOT that I don't think you should get a C-5 Military. You should !

Just sayin'..... THIS is kinda cool too.

http://dirtbikejunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Triumph-Bonneville-Great-Escape-5.jpg

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #12 on:** February 20, 2014, 04:07:47 am

Quote from: gashousegorilla on February 20, 2014, 02:49:01 am

Nice...... instant Scrambler! NOT that I don't think you should get a C-5 Military. You should !

Just sayin'..... THIS is kinda cool too.

http://dirtbikejunkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Triumph-Bonneville-Great-Escape-5.jpg

Very Steve McQueen.

gashousegorilla · **Reply #13 on:** February 20, 2014, 04:55:14 am

Quote from: Ducati Scotty on February 20, 2014, 04:07:47 am

Very Steve McQueen.

A Jockey shiftin', barbed wire fence jumper..... for a mere 24 grand !

http://www.bikeexif.com/triumph-bonneville-2

hillntx · **Reply #14 on:** February 20, 2014, 08:53:11 am

If you're comfortable cruising in the 60-70 mph range, then a Royal Enfield may be a good bike for you. Having ridden a C5 and a G5 I would recommend either the B5 or G5 over the C5 if your looking to do more than in town or back road riding. From my experience the G5 accelerates more easily above 70 mph than the C5 (the B5 is geared the same as the G5). The C5 also feels smaller than the others. Moving from an 800cc twin to a 500cc single is a noticeable drop in power and all the good things that come with it.

From my perspective getting the Royal Enfield won't really give you anything you don't already have except another but slightly less capable vintage English styled machine. However, if you decide to get one I'd recommend the B5 with the solo seat sold through Nfield Gear. The bike is sold in dark green, but you could also repaint the bike in olive drab plastidip to give it that more vintage military look.

Royalista · **Reply #15 on:** February 20, 2014, 09:30:03 pm

A bike for Barbarella

What tires are those?

fyr · **Reply #16 on:** February 21, 2014, 11:34:58 pm

Tires- on my Bonnie?
Heidenaus K60 scouts... Great tires, howl a bit on slab that disappears after 100kph. Digs into gas mileage compared to street tires
You know, its the Enfield.. I just love the look and the kicker and the lineage and made in India.. I could go on. Im sold, just either have to find one or flip for new (if we can save some $$ like you Yanks on your new 2014 MSRP)
From how Im looking at things
G5 or B5 with solo saddle and panniers racks...

fyr · **Reply #17 on:** February 21, 2014, 11:42:02 pm

Quote from: gashousegorilla on February 20, 2014, 04:55:14 am

A Jockey shiftin', barbed wire fence jumper..... for a mere 24 grand !

http://www.bikeexif.com/triumph-bonneville-2

And a Wehrmacht Heer Pedestrian slicer... Probably fit better on a BMW me thinks..

Sectorsteve · **Reply #18 on:** February 22, 2014, 12:53:36 am

Fun long distance

Sectorsteve · **Reply #19 on:** February 22, 2014, 01:04:28 am

fun short distance
economical
comfortable
easy to work on
cheap for parts
fast enough
looks good
saddle bags work well.
handles great

Royalista · **Reply #20 on:** February 22, 2014, 01:05:31 am

Quote from: fyr on February 21, 2014, 11:34:58 pm

Tires- on my Bonnie?
Heidenaus K60 scouts... Great tires, howl a bit on slab that disappears after 100kph. Digs into gas mileage compared to street tires
You know, its the Enfield.. I just love the look and the kicker and the lineage and made in India.. I could go on. Im sold, just either have to find one or flip for new (if we can save some $$ like you Yanks on your new 2014 MSRP)
From how Im looking at things
G5 or B5 with solo saddle and panniers racks...

I'm puzzled by these tires:
http://www.bikeexif.com/triumph-bonneville-2

G5 or B5, you may add the E5: all three differ mostly in cosmetics.
I prefer the dual seat. It is easier to adapt to different terrain, circomstances; like shifting position, going belly-flat, you get my drift...

Good luck hunting 'n shopping!

mattsz · **Reply #21 on:** February 22, 2014, 01:08:24 am

What the...?

Sectorsteve - I'm amazed at that first photo! That looks like it must be one of the coolest campsites ever!!

Sectorsteve · **Reply #22 on:** February 22, 2014, 01:16:29 am

Yeah matt was very nice. Grass was sooo soft

fyr · **Reply #23 on:** February 22, 2014, 01:28:05 pm

Quote from: Sectorsteve on February 22, 2014, 01:16:29 am

Yeah matt was very nice. Grass was sooo soft

Great pics! Thanks for sharing! I love seeing these machines out and running in the wilds and haulin kit!
2-up yeah?
NSW plates?

High On Octane · **Reply #24 on:** February 22, 2014, 02:53:10 pm

Quote from: Royalista on February 22, 2014, 01:05:31 am

I'm puzzled by these tires:
http://www.bikeexif.com/triumph-bonneville-2

I'm not a 100% but I believe they are Michelin Desert Racing tires. They have a very similar tread, tho not identical. I'm almost wondering if maybe they didn't change the tread design slightly. Could be a different tire all together too, but they DO have some nasty tread on them.

http://www.bikebandit.com/michelin-desert-racing-motorcycle-tire

Scottie J

gashousegorilla · **Reply #25 on:** February 22, 2014, 04:25:50 pm

Quote from: fyr on February 21, 2014, 11:42:02 pm

And a Wehrmacht Heer Pedestrian slicer... Probably fit better on a BMW me thinks..

Ja ...... oder eine Zündapp!

Quote from: High On Octane on February 22, 2014, 02:53:10 pm

I'm not a 100% but I believe they are Michelin Desert Racing tires. They have a very similar tread, tho not identical. I'm almost wondering if maybe they didn't change the tread design slightly. Could be a different tire all together too, but they DO have some nasty tread on them.

http://www.bikebandit.com/michelin-desert-racing-motorcycle-tire

Scottie J

Well, after squinting .... and pressing my eyeball up against the screen.

I can juuuuust read the sidewall. Pretty sure it's these .......

http://www.bikebandit.com/metzeler-karoo-t-motorcycle-tire?gclid=CJezupGR4LwCFafm7AoddwIAGQ

Royalista · **Reply #26 on:** February 22, 2014, 08:33:53 pm

Quote from: High On Octane on February 22, 2014, 02:53:10 pm

I'm not a 100% but I believe they are Michelin Desert Racing tires. They have a very similar tread, tho not identical. I'm almost wondering if maybe they didn't change the tread design slightly. Could be a different tire all together too, but they DO have some nasty tread on them.

http://www.bikebandit.com/michelin-desert-racing-motorcycle-tire

Scottie J

You're right, very close but no sigar.
I'm practically sure they're Michelin. Perhaps T63?

Sectorsteve · **Reply #27 on:** February 22, 2014, 09:52:27 pm

2 up yes. Nsw plates but these pix are koscoisko. Highly reccomend ed.

Sectorsteve · **Reply #28 on:** February 22, 2014, 10:07:50 pm

So that's a c5. I was close to getting a triumph. I was warned not to get an enfield. I've done 40k on the enfield in 18 month. Done 3 long distance trips. Had her loaded up. The only problems I've had is minor damage when hitting a kangaroo at 90kph. . Anyhing else has been my own doing. The motor is rock solid and I love the fact I can ride 1000km on about 40 bucks fuel.. next thing for me is the 19 in front wheel cause .currently I'm limited to certain tyres and I'd like to try k70s.
Rear sprocket is pretty rubbish as is stock chain. Keep an eye on these and no worries however there is an after market bolt on sprocket option. Also for some people the bike may feel small.

Arizoni · **Reply #29 on:** February 23, 2014, 05:15:01 am

I don't recall seeing a after market bolt on rear sprocket.

The rear sprocket on the UCE powered motorcycles is a part of the rear brake drum. Seems if there was such a aftermarket sprocket it would have to come with a different brake drum?

Sectorsteve · **Reply #30 on:** February 23, 2014, 07:03:03 am

Correct arizoni. Hitchcock s sell an after market sprocket and uou need the drum too. I'm gonna try it once I chew through my current sprocket

mattsz · **Reply #31 on:** February 23, 2014, 12:22:28 pm

Quote from: Sectorsteve on February 22, 2014, 09:52:27 pm

2 up yes. Nsw plates but these pix are koscoisko. Highly reccomend ed.

Ever feel like you're on the outside looking in?

At least I know what NSW stands for: Nugacious Slangwhanging Whiskerando - like me, sometimes...

barenekd · **Reply #32 on:** February 23, 2014, 07:40:15 pm

Quote

Seems if there was such a aftermarket sprocket it would have to come with a different brake drum?

Yep, that's part of the "Kit". NFG sells them
Bare

Royalista · **Reply #33 on:** February 23, 2014, 07:58:46 pm

Nevertheless there is one.
It is a ring, not unlike a slim donut, fitting over the heart which has the brake drum. Pricey too.

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #34 on:** February 23, 2014, 11:32:23 pm

The stock one runs around $75. Not cheap either.

Scott

Sectorsteve · **Reply #35 on:** February 24, 2014, 02:37:01 am

the after market sprocket and drum kit is about 50 bucks more than the dodgy indian rear sprocket. having now gone through 2 sprockets in 12 months, im def losing that crap and replacing it with a UK made sprocket.

Arizoni · **Reply #36 on:** February 24, 2014, 04:45:14 am

Based on my experience it seems odd that your having so much trouble with your rear sprocket.

The one on my G5 looks about as good as new after 2 3/4 years and over 13,000 miles.
I did change the OEM rear chain after about 3,000 miles to a chain that was made in the USA.

Sectorsteve · **Reply #37 on:** February 24, 2014, 06:01:49 am

I'm not the only one. There's always people on the forum and who i meet who lost the sprock teeth. I am tryna keep on top of it but I recently lost teeth on 2nd sprocket. We will see how the 3rd sprocket goes!
The shop replaced the 2nd sprocket and chain . The chain was a regina. I've bought renolds chain. I'm up to 40000km in 18 months.

JVS · **Reply #38 on:** February 24, 2014, 09:39:44 am

Quote from: Arizoni on February 24, 2014, 04:45:14 am

Based on my experience it seems odd that your having so much trouble with your rear sprocket.

The one on my G5 looks about as good as new after 2 3/4 years and over 13,000 miles.
I did change the OEM rear chain after about 3,000 miles to a chain that was made in the USA.

+1

csbdr · **Reply #39 on:** February 27, 2014, 08:08:17 pm

Quote from: fyr on February 17, 2014, 07:47:27 pm

Hello all
As per my subject- i have an 07 bonnie. Last of the carbs. Its my second bonneville. Great bike
But my Enfield fascination never ceases.
I tried getting a test ride out of my local dealer but they dont have any for loan.
So my ride impression is zilch

I use my bonneville for transportation in summer- groceries- commute- errands- cottage runs (bad dirt roads) and my yearly tour of the NY Adks. I load it down with saddlebags. I dont cruise more than 120 kph (7o mph) i do however open it up n the twisties

So all this background for what- some questions-
What model bullet best suits my purpose b5 g5 or c5
I love the looks of the c5 right out of the box but never really see one with racks for panniers on rear.

Also wheel base and tire choice. I read somewhere that the g5 is better suited for loaded riding and tire choice

Anyhow. Just some questions to pass the month of feb away. I dont think id sell the bonnie- but a nice kickstart gas sipping enfield would look nice in me garage!

here's my c5 with enfield saddle bags. small though. I'm not sure panniers would look good on it. Maybe on one of the military versions or G5

Sectorsteve · **Reply #40 on:** February 28, 2014, 01:33:48 am

that is beautiful. love your customizations

Quote from: csbdr on February 27, 2014, 08:08:17 pm

here's my c5 with enfield saddle bags. small though. I'm not sure panniers would look good on it. Maybe on one of the military versions or G5

heloego · **Reply #41 on:** February 28, 2014, 04:24:04 am

The Lab mounted on the fender is a nice touch.

csbdr · **Reply #42 on:** February 28, 2014, 04:31:35 pm

Bwaahahahaha! I didnt even see her there!

barenekd · **Reply #43 on:** February 28, 2014, 06:50:13 pm

the specs on all three bikes are the same, wheelbase, weight, etc. The only difference in tires now is an 18" rear wheel on the C5, all the rest of the wheels are 19".
The G5 has the most comfortable seat, equal to the Scrambler's. The C5 seat gets the most criticism. The B5 is pretty hard and the new shape is not one I like.
Any of them have pretty much equal capabilities. The C5 probably has the most available accessories as it's pretty much the old 350 frame which is the old iron barrel and you can use a lot of the accessories off them.
Bare

JVS · **Reply #44 on:** February 28, 2014, 07:11:48 pm

Quote from: barenekd on February 28, 2014, 06:50:13 pm

The G5 has the most comfortable seat, equal to the Scrambler's. The C5 seat gets the most criticism. The B5 is pretty hard and the new shape is not one I like.
Any of them have pretty much equal capabilities. The C5 probably has the most available accessories as it's pretty much the old 350 frame which is the old iron barrel and you can use a lot of the accessories off them.
Bare

Bare,

Do you mean that the B5 is pretty much the old 350 frame? or the C5? The frames appear very similar to me anyway

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #45 on:** February 28, 2014, 07:49:24 pm

B5 is the old 350 frame. G5 is close. C5 was an all new design. At 5 paces they all look pretty much the same dimensionally. You'd need a tape measure and some time to find the differences between any of them but they are all different.

Scott

fyr · **Reply #46 on:** February 28, 2014, 08:17:06 pm

Great pic- love the pup
For me, those bags would be too small..I do like the metal racks that came with the old military style version ( and have seen on civy rental units on RE's in India) - but as been stated here, its a matter of bolting on. Thats said seems like most accesories and kit will fit the B and G framed bikes. Along with the bigger choice of tires..
Anyhow lots of wheels in motion..
I appreciate all the advice and help.. You folks are a great lot!

Quote from: csbdr on February 27, 2014, 08:08:17 pm

here's my c5 with enfield saddle bags. small though. I'm not sure panniers would look good on it. Maybe on one of the military versions or G5

mattsz · **Reply #47 on:** March 01, 2014, 12:29:03 am

Quote from: barenekd on February 28, 2014, 06:50:13 pm

The C5 probably has the most available accessories as it's pretty much the old 350 frame which is the old iron barrel and you can use a lot of the accessories off them.
Bare

I'm sure Bare meant to say B5 instead of C5, as I know he knows...

That said, I've heard that claim a number of times, and I just don't buy it, based on fitment specs from CMW and from Hitchcocks. A lot of people say the B5 "should" have the most accessories, but I haven't come across anyone who can confirm this based on their own experience. I haven't shopped the Indian suppliers, though...

fyr · **Reply #48 on:** March 06, 2014, 04:26:49 pm

Price drop here up North, on par with American prices.. Bodes well for another inmate in my garage!

BTW whats that chrome pencil looking box on the right hand side of the G5 (not on B5)

Ducati Scotty · **Reply #49 on:** March 06, 2014, 06:16:26 pm

Hot dog warmers

fyr · **Reply #50 on:** March 06, 2014, 06:31:03 pm

Damn- I need one of them!!

Arizoni · **Reply #51 on:** March 06, 2014, 10:05:18 pm

On my G5 they are full of good things like the wrench kit on the right and the 3 electrical relays on the left. Not much room for hot dogs though.

suitcasejefferson · **Reply #52 on:** March 13, 2014, 04:50:56 am

As the owner of a B5, I can't seem top find hardly anything for it. There is lots of stuff for the C5, the B5 seems to be kind of an orphan.

mattsz · **Reply #53 on:** March 13, 2014, 08:42:52 am

suitcase - I'm tellin' ya! It's the B5 myth...

ace.cafe · **Reply #54 on:** March 13, 2014, 11:28:52 am

Quote from: suitcasejefferson on March 13, 2014, 04:50:56 am

As the owner of a B5, I can't seem top find hardly anything for it. There is lots of stuff for the C5, the B5 seems to be kind of an orphan.

The B5 has a frame that is much like the old AVL or Iron Barrel models. A lot of the frame and body related parts(except fuel tank) and accessories from some of those older models should fit, or be adjusted/modified to fit fairly easily. Engine parts are mostly the same as other UCE models such as G5.

What parts can you not find?

barenekd · **Reply #55 on:** March 13, 2014, 08:02:20 pm

As Ace says, you need to look in the iron barrel accessories bin!
Bare