[Tommytrojan]

Hi everyone.

I'm considering buying a used 2010 C5 (Military edition). I just got back from India and have ridded a few bullets and just love the bike and the sound. So I figured I'd get myself one back here in the states.

However, I just started reading about all these reliability issues these bikes seem to have. Particularly, since I'm planning on getting a used 2010 model with the UCE engine what should I be watching out for? The sprag clutch seems to be a big issue, are the 2010 bikes affected as well? Do they have the new, stronger design? Would a VIN number help to find out?

Any good reasons why I should not buy a used RE?

This won't be my daily rider, just for little puts around town and maybe the occasional couple hundred mile weekend ride. I have another bike that I plan on using for touring.

Thanks to all for this valuable forum.

Cheers,
   Thomas

[wildbill]

that 2011 military you inquired about would be a good bike for you. plus you get the kick starter or should. don't use mine kicker at all - but it sure looks the part

[Tommytrojan]

Thanks wildbill,

it is actually a 2010 and I hear that is about the last year where they made the bad clutch. It does have the ES and KS but I read that it doesn't matter if you don't use the ES, the clutch will still break if you got one of the older designs.

Being new here, looks like every time I want to post something I have to enter this code and it so tough to read that it takes me about three attempts to get it right. Are we being pestered so much that this is required???

Cheers,
   Thomas

[Sectorsteve]

Hi thomas. For what you want it should be exactly what you want. Ive a 2012 and done 50k. Done some pretty heavy long km rides. Ive realized she'll be better as my town bike. THE TOWN BIKE.

[wildbill]

my 2014 has a bad sprag clutch too which has been noted by the dealer with further down the track a replacement job.
once i would have said buy a later model bike - now i think its more a toss of the coin....
go for it and buy one - add a few mods like a sportier exhaust for a start and enjoy the experience.
you could buy a lot worse than a royal enfield. now don't put me in a spot....i will think of one!....

[lemming]

I had a choice between a used B5 with 7k on it and a new G5 for about $1000 more. The used bike was a single local owner, and the dealer knew the service history. It was reported to be a trouble-free bike for its first 7k. I felt like a solid, well-sorted bike with known history and no teething issues was good bet. I have put another 6k miles on it since I got it in April and, sure enough, it has been a reliable daily commuter for me (70 miles daily).

[barenekd]

If the 2010 still has the stock sprag in it, they are prone to fail. However the new replacements are are pretty good. the biggest with a 2010 C5 is that they don't have kickstarters. If the sprag quits you're kinda SOL until you get it replaced.
Beyond that, the bikes are really pretty reliable. The engines are great, but some of the electrics can be a bit fiddly.
You didn't mention how many miles the bike has on it so it's hard to tell what's already been fixed on it.
If you're handy, though, the bikes are easy to work on and really fun, if you're into that sort of thing.

[barenekd]

I just noticed Almeras has one for sale with 178 miles on it. If this is it, you're pretty much buying a brand new bike so you need to talk to him about how much prep he has done on it. If everything has been lubed and loctited, that would be a good start. The headlight jumper may need to be pulled. It may need a ton of stuff, or he may have done it. You can ask him abut what's been done. If he's been on this forum for long, he should know the ritual.
Bare

[Tommytrojan]

Thanks for all the tips. Kevin double checked the VIN and it is one of the older (non re-designed) bikes. As barenekd mentioned it doesn't have a KS. I was kinda looking foreword to one. Which years have KS?

Cheers,
  Thomas

[Norm]

No KS and a weak sprag clutch, plus wiring foibles.  I'd look for a newer one.

[Kevin Mahoney]

I would verify that it doesn't have a kickstart. I think it very well might

[Tommytrojan]

I checked the pictures and it does indeed not have a KS. There is a 2012 I found on CL, it does come with a KS and probably will have the better sprag. It's not the nice Military green but the sand color. I guess you have to see in person. I also like the chrome..... So many choices.

Thomas

[pmanaz1973]

From what I've seen, the factory is making "running changes" constantly and the fit, finish and build quality of the bikes is getting better every year.  My 2014 C5 is a noticeably better put together bike than my friends 2012 C5.  I'd say the newer the better.  Besides, with all the monkeying around people do with these bikes, your are probably better off not inheriting someones mechanical learning curve.

[Sectorsteve]

From what I've seen, the factory is making "running changes" constantly and the fit, finish and build quality of the bikes is getting better every year.  My 2014 C5 is a noticeably better put together bike than my friends 2012 C5.  I'd say the newer the better.  Besides, with all the monkeying around people do with these bikes, your are probably better off not inheriting someones mechanical learning curve.

VALID POINT!

[Tommytrojan]

That sounds like you would recommend buying new. That's what I had considered first, but OTD we are talking 6.5K. I can get a 2010 with 1700 miles for half that....