Author Topic: 1st bike / beginner bike /only bike?  (Read 8927 times)

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StephenCB

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on: August 26, 2009, 03:32:13 am
After a long (20+ year) hiatus, I want to get back into riding.  I love the look, sound, history, even the maintenance of the older iron barrel kick start Bullet, and I will eventually own one. 

However.....

Should the Bullet be a consideration for me as a first and initially only ride? Or should I go for a cheap bike for the first year+ of being back on two wheels?  As some forums and tutorial sites have said, as a beginner or returning after a long lapse you WILL lay the bike down more than once.  And I would hate to damage such a beautiful machine as this due to my novice ineptness.

I'm asking for honest (even if brutal) opinions.


ace.cafe

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Reply #1 on: August 26, 2009, 03:37:19 am
Get a Bullet.
Sort it out.
Keep off the freeway.
Don't crash.

Happiness will ensue.
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The Garbone

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Reply #2 on: August 26, 2009, 04:00:15 am
I have been riding for a year and my Ironhead is my first bike. I use it to commute to work almost every day.   I have been down this year but I was riding a less than 100% functional KZ650.    The RE is very forgiving with its drum brakes and limited power.  It is a hoot to drive and nimble,  I like the thing more every time I ride it.. Even if it takes some tinkering to keep it in road trim..

I have mulled getting rid of my KZ rig so I can get another RE...   Hmmm....
Gary
57' RE Crusader 250
67' Ford Mustang
74' Catalina 27 "Knot a Clew"
95 RE Ace Clubman 535
01 HD 1200 Custom
07 RE 5spd HaCK

* all actions described in this post are fictional *


Ice

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Reply #3 on: August 26, 2009, 05:47:09 am
 My advice would be a test ride at the nearest dealer even if its a couple of hours away.
See if its for you.

« Last Edit: August 26, 2009, 05:57:57 am by Ice »
No matter where you go, there, you are.


1Blackwolf1

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Reply #4 on: August 26, 2009, 10:39:58 am
Get a Bullet.
Sort it out.
Keep off the freeway.
Don't crash.

Happiness will ensue.

  Best advice I've heard lately, simple and to the point.  Will.
Will Morrison
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1976 Suzuki GT185 Rebuilder Special..AKA (Junkyard Dog)
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Rick Sperko

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Reply #5 on: August 26, 2009, 11:19:17 am
My iron barrel is my first motorcycle, I have been riding it for a year, and I ride it most days to work or wherever else I am going. It is great to ride and wrench on. I laid a scooter down last year, by my bullet has not yet gone down. I would suggest taking the MSF course, use their bikes to get the feel of it again.

-Rick
Rick in Milwaukee, WI

'06 RE Bullet Classic Iron
'63 VW Beetle Ragtop (also classic)
'66 Chris Craft Cavalier Cutlass 26'
'02 BMW R1150R


fun2drum

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Reply #6 on: August 26, 2009, 11:49:53 am
I think the Royal Enfield is a good starter bike.  I just don't like using the term "starter bike" because it implies that you'd eventually "grow into" something else.  I don't think I'll ever want to part with my RE, even if I get something bigger later on.  There's just something about the feel of one of these bikes that gets into your soul.  When somebody asks me why I don't get something heavier, I say, "It's an Enfield thing... You wouldn't understand." 
The Family Fleet:
2008 Royal Enfield Electra
2002 Buell Blast
1973 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Convertible
...and a couple of boring and more practicle family vehicles that I won't mention here.


Ice

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Reply #7 on: August 26, 2009, 02:29:09 pm
StephenCB,
 When people ask me about RE Bullets I gently steer them towards the newer Unit Construction Engine models C5 and G5.  With E.F.I., modern materials and internal bits they are enjoying a  good time of it now.
 They were designed from the outset to offer the big British single riding experience along with higher speeds greater reliability and minimal maintenance.

 
No matter where you go, there, you are.


UncleErnie

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Reply #8 on: August 26, 2009, 04:13:35 pm
I'll drink to that ^
Run what ya brung


r80rt

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Reply #9 on: August 26, 2009, 11:32:40 pm
I'll have one myself  ;)
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Cabo Cruz

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Reply #10 on: August 27, 2009, 01:17:23 am
Br. Stephen, you can't go wrong with a Bullet.  So, I encourage you to choose a Bullet in one of the three following flavors:

1.  Iron Barrel Engine (used, only) (A)
2.  AVL -- or Lean Burning -- Engine
(new or used)
3.  UCE Engine
(new, at this time)

A.  I have a 2004 Iron Barrel, model Sixty-5 (the first year of the 5-speed tranny)
Long live the Bullets and those who ride them!

Keep the shiny side up, the boots on the pegs and best REgards,

Papa Juan

REA:    Member No. 119
BIKE:   2004 Royal Enfield Sixty-5
NAME: Perla


1Blackwolf1

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Reply #11 on: August 27, 2009, 01:41:09 am
  Just remember they are all good choices (insert WOWZAA here).  Will.
Will Morrison
2007 500 Military
2000 Kawasaki Drifter 1500
2000 Victory V92SC
1976 Suzuki GT185 Rebuilder Special..AKA (Junkyard Dog)
Many, many other toys.
The garage is full.


Cabo Cruz

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Reply #12 on: August 27, 2009, 03:38:11 am
 :D :D :D
Long live the Bullets and those who ride them!

Keep the shiny side up, the boots on the pegs and best REgards,

Papa Juan

REA:    Member No. 119
BIKE:   2004 Royal Enfield Sixty-5
NAME: Perla


REpozer

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Reply #13 on: August 27, 2009, 03:49:39 am
Br. Stephen, you can't go wrong with a Bullet.  So, I encourage you to choose a Bullet in one of the three following flavors:

1.  Iron Barrel Engine (used, only) (A)
2.  AVL -- or Lean Burning -- Engine
(new or used)
3.  UCE Engine
(new, at this time)

A.  I have a 2004 Iron Barrel, model Sixty-5 (the first year of the 5-speed tranny)
Reminds me of a teacher going over a test review....." you might see ...cough..cough.. this on a test somewhere.' :D
2008 ( AVL) Classic Bullet in British Racing Green
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Cabo Cruz

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Reply #14 on: August 27, 2009, 04:02:21 am
 :D :D :D
Long live the Bullets and those who ride them!

Keep the shiny side up, the boots on the pegs and best REgards,

Papa Juan

REA:    Member No. 119
BIKE:   2004 Royal Enfield Sixty-5
NAME: Perla


woodboats

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Reply #15 on: August 27, 2009, 05:29:52 am
Welcome to the world of Enfields!
Good advice here from clever people.

However this:
"As some forums and tutorial sites have said, as a beginner or returning after a long lapse you WILL lay the bike down more than once"
...is nonsence, Get yourself up to speed with whatever courses are available to you, or practice yourself some place uncluttered. There is no need to even think you are going to lay your bike down.
Ours: 2006 Bullet Deluxe 500
Hers: 2007 Yamaha V Star 650
His: 2007 Honda Shadow Aero 750


1Blackwolf1

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Reply #16 on: August 27, 2009, 02:31:11 pm
  Remeber that old saying just like riding a bike?  I agree, a little practice and re-education goes a long ways.  Every DMV has a study guide to help out.  And there are web sites that can help out.  But you just have to do it.  So do it.  Will.
Will Morrison
2007 500 Military
2000 Kawasaki Drifter 1500
2000 Victory V92SC
1976 Suzuki GT185 Rebuilder Special..AKA (Junkyard Dog)
Many, many other toys.
The garage is full.


rideOn

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Reply #17 on: August 27, 2009, 03:59:10 pm
my thoughts are that my '08 classic is a 'niche' bike. not my first bike, not real fast, not real quick, not super responsive.....the niche: it sure makes those hurley riders that refuse to wave to me on the road do the 'rubberneck' thing. makes alot of others twist their neck, too. it is a fun bike when i'm ridin' and not wrenchin'.
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'08 v-star 650 classic