Hi, I just wanted to drop by and introduce myself and share a photo from Saturday.
I went to an open house event at Baxter Cycle in Marne, Iowa over the past weekend. I got there late due to prior commitments, but managed to get there in time to ride -something-.
I'll start by saying I'm an owner of several Vespa scooters and parallel twin motorcycles (Kawasaki W650 and a Yamaha XS650.) I'm used to riding stuff that won't scare me because it's too fast and I appreciate old stuff. The C5 is 'new' but it's definitely old! Everyone was sort of ribbing me for wanting to ride the Enfield, but I'd never ridden one before and I've always liked the thought of owning one.
So I opted to ride the Enfield rather than any of the Triumph bikes they had available. I'd already ridden the Scrambler and want one of those too!
The first weird thing was no kick start. I like using the kick starter on everything. I was surprised to see it missing. The second was the gauges. Surprised to see and engine and oil light inside of a chrome bezeled faux gauge ;-)
Also, what are those two little lights up above the headlight? Indian turn signals?
Anyway, I started the bike and rode it about 10 miles on the test ride route with the other bikes. They told me I probably wouldn't be able to keep up, but I managed to do so. I did have to downshift a few times going up hills into the wind, but I was hitting 75mph on the bike. My right foot nearly went to sleep from all the vibration I was getting out of the bike from 55-75mph. I have owned a Honda CB360 and a Suzuki GN400 in the past, so I am used to that feeling.
After riding it for about half a mile, I felt at one with it. I'm only 5'9" tall and weigh in at about 145 pounds. It's a bike built for someone my size. I really enjoyed riding it. It sounds cool. It shakes like a piece of machinery should. Everything about it made you feel like you were man handling a piece of machinery. You can't really explain the joys of this to someone who rides a goldwing or a hyabusa.
Long story short, I was impressed with how fun it was to ride it and I'd love to have one to ride around town, which is where it'd be perfect. It has more grunt off the line and into 2nd gear than my Kawasaki. I about slid off the seat a couple of times when I was getting on it.
This bike did die on me when I came to a stop and had it in neutral. It started right up again, so it probably needed some adjustments. If I ever find a way to own one, I'd love to tinker with it. I hate modifying the vehicles I own, but I love working on them. So I'd probably like this bike or even an older, less reliable carbureted Bullet. Ride On! I'm glad I tried one out!
Without further adieu, my photo I promised. It's of me leaving town on the test ride. I was borrowing an XXL helmet they had, so it looks pretty goofy on me since I wear a small or medium.
bigger:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3331/4573692982_d279b2636c_b.jpg