[Bunkerbarge]

Hi Everyone.  I have just taken the plunge into vintage motorcycling and purchased the bike in the subject and the picture below.  It is currently on it's way from Denmark to the UK, where it will be re-registered in it's country of birth! I would appreciate any guidance as to where I can find any information to read up about before actually taking it out on the road for the first time.  I have always had bikes so I am aware of what advance and retard are all about however I am not sure just how to determine which position the handlebar lever should be in  to start it.  I am also aware that if it is too advanced I am likely to get a kick back so I have no intention of trying until I know what I'm doing.  I have also never had a bike with a hand change lever so I'm unsure as to where I might find the correct lever position for the three gears. 

Any help or guidance would be very much appreciated.

[Adrian II]

My first stop would be the Royal Enfield Owners' Club, if you haven't already joined, and as you're in the UK, possibly the Vintage Motorcycle Club too.

Regards,

A.

[pmanaz1973]

What a beautiful machine, congrats.  I would park that beauty in my living room if it were mine.  Piece of art really.
 I suspect Adrian II is correct.  Let us know how if feels after you figure out how to ride it.

[Bunkerbarge]

Thanks for the feedback gents.  I'm really looking forward to the experience of riding it, I just wanted to make sure I do my homework first and get it right.

I've applied for membership of the British Owner's club, my nearest branch meets about three miles from where I live!

[ace.cafe]

It's a beauty!

[Bunkerbarge]

Another couple of shots of it, I don't think my wife would be too keen on it being in the lounge though!!:

[pmanaz1973]

Just out of curiosity, what controls are where on this bike - clutch, brake (front and back) throttle, advance and retard, etc.  I'd love to be able to learn how to ride such a machine.

[High On Octane]

Beautiful bike!

[Richard230]

I agree!  A beautiful bike in fabulous condition.   

[Bunkerbarge]

Just out of curiosity, what controls are where on this bike - clutch, brake (front and back) throttle, advance and retard, etc.  I'd love to be able to learn how to ride such a machine.

Not having seen it yet and got a detailed idea of where the controls are however I do know the following so far:

Left hand handle bar is decompression lever and clutch and I think the choke is there.
Right hand bar is front brake, throttle and advance/retard lever.  There are some that say you only need retard for starting and low speed running but there are also those who advocate using it at varying loads to get the optimum combustion.
Left foot doesn't do anything.
Right foot is the back brake
Gear change is on the right hand side of the tank so don't change gear if you need to use the front brake, adjust the advance/retard lever or operate the throttle!  I think there are three gears but I don't know the layout as yet.

It reminds me of the old idea of tapping yourself on the head with one hand while you rotate the other hand around your stomach.  If you can do that then you may be in with a chance of riding one of these!

[DanB]

That is a gorgeous piece of art. I love the expose head and watching the springs in actions.