Foggy, we have some questions for you.
What other motorcycle brands are you looking at and why?
Thanks everyone for all the input, it's appreciated. To answer the question posed here, I'm not really looking at any other bikes other than the RE right now. I will keep my Hinckley Bonneville T-100, and the Guzzi V7 Classic. I'm drawn to the heritage and styling of the RE, and as I find myself getting older, outright speed and HP don't mean so much anymore. My Bonnie makes about 69 HP, the V7 about 48 HP and the RE about 28 HP. I once had a Yamaha that made as much HP as all three added together, but, it wasn't any fun to ride at under triple digit speeds! Keep going in this direction and I'll be looking for a Rupp mini-bike soon!
I think I prefer the G5 over the C5 cause I like that black/chrome tank, stainless fender look of the G5. And the old styled script of the name on the tank in gold lettering. Not crazy about the side covers, it's a shame they say 'EFI' under the "Bullet' name. And those chrome hot dog warmers, well, I can paint them satin black. The main complaint I have against the C5 is the wheels/tires look out of place. The fenders are obviously made for a 19" wheel arc, so the 18" wheels look out of place. And, the tires are much too modern looking in the tread design. Granted, performance -wise they may be superior to the old SkidMasters, but visually, just don't look right. (to me).
If this were to be my only, or 'main' bike, I probably would go with the C5, but as a Sunday rider, I think the G5 would suit me better. And, it has a kick start just like my old Bonneville, back in the day.
One thing is sure, I have plenty of time to decide, winter is just getting started here on the US East Coast, and I probably won't be buying until Spring, unless I get a knock-out deal somewhere. There aren't any dealers here in Eastern PA, nearest one is in Marlton NJ, and he's a car dealer that just sells a few Enfields on the side.
Just want to say that this is a tremendous forum, I've spent hours reading past posts, looking at pictures of members bikes, etc.