Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet with the UCE engine => Topic started by: crock on July 27, 2013, 06:50:07 am

Title: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: crock on July 27, 2013, 06:50:07 am
Trying to weigh the pros and cons of a C5 or a Vespa 300 for my daily commute. I ride 18-20 miles one way, with about 4 miles on the freeway (SoCal 405). I see the pros of a Vespa being better parts supply, better reliability, easier maneuvering, more acceleration, and somewhat better top speed. The pros of a C5 being better comfort, and better stability. If the C5 has a light clutch and good gearbox that could sway the final decision. The big negative with the C5 is that the Vespa is a solid 60,000 mile machine. I am not sure what to expect with the C5.
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: D the D on July 27, 2013, 07:54:47 am
Only 4 miles on the 4 or 5?  Water cooled beats air cooled if you get stuck in stop and roll traffic.  Also the clutch issue if you don't like being in neutral while stopped.  Slow roll where you're on the clutch a lot is hard on Enfield clutch too.  Not sure about the Vespa centrifugal clutch either though.
Hate to say it, but the Vespa beats the Enfield if those are the conditions.
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: wildbill on July 27, 2013, 08:18:08 am
on the other hand i'd be surprised if anyone will ever come over and say "how olds your vespa mate" but it will happen on the c5
ask me how i know - i've had two.
either way only you can decide what is the right choice ;D
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: ace.cafe on July 27, 2013, 06:28:30 pm
I suppose it depends on whether you are a "Mod" or a "Rocker".
Do you want a scooter or a motorcycle?
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: barenekd on July 27, 2013, 06:49:32 pm
Enfields Rule!
I rode a couple of scooters in my younger days and I found them to be very wobbly and unstable. Didn't like them at all! A friend of mine had a Suxuki 400 Bergmann and I rode that. With the bigger wheels it wasn't too bad, but the thing weighed more than my motorcycle. I could see no advantage weth it other than the enormous amount of storage it offered. And my buddy seemed to fall off it a lot making me wonder about its stability, too.
I guess I'm just a Rocker at heart!
Bare
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: crock on July 27, 2013, 07:28:37 pm
What is the issue with the clutch? I figured the C5 would be pretty good rolling along at low speeds because  that is what you need in India. It is kind of hot there too.
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: ace.cafe on July 27, 2013, 07:32:10 pm
What is the issue with the clutch? I figured the C5 would be pretty good rolling along at low speeds because  that is what you need in India. It is kind of hot there too.
I have not heard any issues regarding the clutches in the newer UCE engine Bullets.
The older vintage Bullets had clutch issues, but they are no longer being made.
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: GSS on July 27, 2013, 10:31:57 pm
Two completely different animals.......and fit different personalities.  If you wouldn't want to be seen driving a minivan, then go for the C5!

Personally, I think scooters are a lot more unstable with their smaller wheels and wobbly sitting position.
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: Dudefella on July 27, 2013, 11:55:27 pm
No one respects scooter riders.

Trolol.
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: Royalista on July 28, 2013, 12:22:46 am
Can't compare scooters to motorcycles. It is a totally different ride. Personally I don't like scooters, can't steer them with your knees. However I can put them side by side.

My daughter rides a Honda sh300i which is a scooter with the larger wheels. Probably the best there is, for a scooter that is. Absolutely reliable, never an issue. Excellent acceleration, she beats me at 150 meters. Superb in stop'n go and easy for filtering. If that's the goal then that's the ride.

The EFI bullets have no problems with the clutch. Perhaps a little luck is involved, my dealer can't stop praising how swift and smooth mine shifts. If you're allowed to lanesharing, the bullet is a good tool. Otherwise if your doomed to slow shuffling it will not be pleased, it wants to be ridden.

If you're annoyed with strangers coming up to adore your ride, then by all means go for the scoot.

Looking forward for the verdict.
Either way may it give you the joy and the delight both my daughter and I derive from our respective rides.  ;D
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: Sectorsteve on July 28, 2013, 01:08:02 am
vespa = twist and go, good commuter, however a pita to work on. all the cables are in the machine and with 60k on it it will need something soon. those newer vespas arent like the older engines. the engines wear out. the older vespas last forever,the newer ones would if you were willing to spend a stupid amount of money on it. Then again you arent travelling far and i dont know how much it is. I had both up until a few months back - mine was a manual vespa though. It was a bit heart breaking, but for me the enfield C5 won over the vespa. great fuel economy, good storage with saddle bags, comfortable, safer in the wet etc etc.i do not miss the little wheels and gayness of the vespa.
The C5 is a great commuter. this is exactly what i use it for.
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: avandr on July 28, 2013, 02:04:29 am
What is the issue with the clutch? I figured the C5 would be pretty good rolling along at low speeds because  that is what you need in India. It is kind of hot there too.
I have to agree with crock, I visit India on a regular basis for work, you can walk faster than the traffic in some parts, however the RE's don't seem to suffer in the heat and just keep on going with mum, dad and 3 kids on board.
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: REpozer on July 28, 2013, 02:37:43 am
Two totally different animals.
 A hopped up scooter vs a RE?
If you like scooters that 300 seems to be tempting.
  I prefer "commuter motorcycles "over a scooter.
 But you are the one that has to ride it.

 Maybe the scooter would be better for daily use, such as grocery shopping and riding in heavy city traffic ( white lining and side walks).
Don't let Royal Enfield parts/spares become a deal breaker. Its not that bad.
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: Arizoni on July 28, 2013, 02:49:17 am
Although the Vespa 300 information shows the top speed to be 80 mph like the Royal Enfield, the horsepower shown is only a little over 21.

I suspect the RE's 28 horsepower would like cruising at 70 mph on a freeway better than the Vespa's 21.  I know that my 2011, G5 can easily cruise along at 70 mph.
No, it doesn't have a lot of power left to get up to 80 so it doesn't like the Interstate superslabs where everyone is driving at 85-90 mph but I'm betting the Vespa folks were a bit optimistic on their 80mph claim.
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: TWinOKC on July 28, 2013, 03:33:15 am
I did a little research on the Vespa 300.  IMHO the Vespa with its 12" wheels would not be safe to ride much over about 55 mph.  RE's have 18" or 19" wheels, depending on the model you are looking at, larger wheels are much more stable at high speed.

Just my opinion. 

Best of luck to you,

 :) :) 
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: D the D on July 28, 2013, 05:16:50 am
I don't think you guys have experienced what the 405 can be like during rush hour when it's stop and roll.  It's stop and roll, no speed, slipping clutch if you don't want to stop cause in gear at idle you'll run into the car ahead of you.  UCE isn't special any more than Harley, Honda, or Suzuki.  The heat and slipping isn't good.
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: wildbill on July 28, 2013, 06:43:56 am
in that case he needs a bike with a fully auto gearbox. i think honda made such a bike in the early days.
here in oz the honda postie bikes are good for high kl
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: Sectorsteve on July 28, 2013, 07:11:44 am
And you can stash a coffee in the front glove compartment drinking whilst in traffic. Autos are pretty good really...
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: AussieDave on July 28, 2013, 07:52:55 am
 Ride the Bullet.! Why are you even contemplating this question? Here is an imaginary scenario.... Is a cage driver more likely to pull out infront of or cut off : A bullet.... or a guy on the meek 'n mild vespa. not to endorse any stereo types or whatever but perceptions count for a lot.Also the bullet wins in quick avoidance. My first set of cycle wheels was a lambretta. Rode  a mates re-engined 60's vespa the other day and found it terrifying! Still, whatever floats your boat. :).
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: Blairio on July 28, 2013, 09:59:12 am
I ran a 400cc Burgman for 6 years, wind rain or shine. Great weatherproofing, and capable of sustained high speed cruising (80mph).

It was a great machine, as are most maxi scoots. But, it was just a machine. I really liked it, but I love my electra.

That's the difference.
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: Sectorsteve on July 28, 2013, 10:03:12 am
+1

This is very very true. Being a daily rider on firstly the Vespa and now the C5 I can honestly say that incidents with cagers are rare as now. Also you have more grunt which enables you to get around/away for efficiently

Ride the Bullet.! Why are you even contemplating this question? Here is an imaginary scenario.... Is a cage driver more likely to pull out infront of or cut off : A bullet.... or a guy on the meek 'n mild vespa. not to endorse any stereo types or whatever but perceptions count for a lot.Also the bullet wins in quick avoidance. My first set of cycle wheels was a lambretta. Rode  a mates re-engined 60's vespa the other day and found it terrifying! Still, whatever floats your boat. :).
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: TWinOKC on July 28, 2013, 04:08:07 pm
I don't think you guys have experienced what the 405 can be like during rush hour when it's stop and roll.  It's stop and roll, no speed, slipping clutch if you don't want to stop cause in gear at idle you'll run into the car ahead of you.  UCE isn't special any more than Harley, Honda, or Suzuki.  The heat and slipping isn't good.

I am not familiar with the 405.  I thought it was legal in CA to split lanes?  A frequent poster on this forum says he does it all the time.  Slipping the clutch and overheating would not be an issue? 

Just asking.
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: High On Octane on July 28, 2013, 04:25:59 pm
I am not familiar with the 405.  I thought it was legal in CA to split lanes?  A frequent poster on this forum says he does it all the time.  Slipping the clutch and overheating would not be an issue? 

Just asking.

+1

I live in Denver, where traffic can be a real bitch rush hour, but lane splitting isn't "legal".  But I tell you what, if traffic is stopped and there's a shoulder, I'm riding on it.  I never go faster than 30 mph to be safe, but it sure beats standing still on a hot ass day with my cast iron twin cooking my crotch and legs.  And, I've accidentally passed cops doing this a few times.  They have never harassed me.  Then again, I learned it from them, the bike cops that is.

Anyways, I've always had the mentality that scooters are for kids and queers.  (And I have gay friends so I'm allowed to say that  LOL   ;) )  And I know there a lot of grown men out there that are proud to ride scooters, and to each their own.  But I wouldn't want to trust the HP of a Vespa to get me up into the mountains.  Nor would I trust the handling of a scooter to get me out of a bad situation.  Plus I've seen Hardley Ableson riders be real dicks to guys on scooters, for what ever that last statement is worth.

Why would you NOT want to take the C5?    ???

Scottie
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: Chuck D on July 28, 2013, 04:50:55 pm
I have never, EVER, looked at ANY scooter and felt my pulse rise by even the tiniest fraction. On the other hand the sight of almost any motorcycle (even a Harley ;D) has the power to provoke a state of instant reverie and longing. That's the difference to me. Living life with passion.
Chuck.
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: jartist on July 28, 2013, 04:59:02 pm
I've got a RE G5 and a 1981 Vespa P200E.  The small wheels of the Vespa don't put me off at all.  I really like them both machines.  The centrifugal clutch and CVT and smoothness of the new Vespa 300 would be great.  The underseat storage is super convenient.  FWIW I'll bet the Vespa is faster off the line but they would be fairly well matched for top speed.  I think real world HP on the UCE Enfield is around 19hp and the Vespa 300 is about 18hp.  You'd have to ride them both on the same day, and picture riding each as you're dozing off to sleep and you'd have your decision in the morning!
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: Joel-in-dallas on July 28, 2013, 04:59:30 pm
Its a biased crowd here. But a C5 is a damn good motorcycle. I would look for the c5 special with the 19" front tire and 18" rear. People love em for good reason.

I ride a G5 and its just a blast. It gets lots of attention and has enough muscle for me. The vast majority of my riding is around Dallas, and sometimes Farm to Market type roads into the country. I have zero desire to take it on densely packed freeways and overpasses in Dallas. But Im pretty certain it would be fine.
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: D the D on July 28, 2013, 06:06:23 pm
Hey, I'd ride the Bullet.  I think scooters are for Italian and French girls to ride in cities.  My niece has one she rides in DC.  Her ex-husband looked totally girly boy on it.
Last week I got stuck on Indianhead Highway during rush hour and was overheating my Bullet in the 96*F temps.  I went on the median shoulder, did a U-turn and took the back roads.  Would never have taken a scooter on a highway myself.
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: Arizoni on July 28, 2013, 08:41:03 pm
Lane splitting by motorcycles/scooters in California is totally legal, even with the traffic moving.

I don't like the idea of riding between two moving cars because the idiot drivers could swerve sideways at any instant but I've done it when the traffic is only moving at 5-10 mph.

I've never figured out California freeways.  They will be moving along at 55-60 mph and then suddenly slow to a stop.  After a minute or so, they start moving again back up to 55-60 mph.  No accident.  Nothing special to see.
Totally weird. 
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: Catbird on July 29, 2013, 12:11:33 am
I have a 2011 Vespa GTS 300 and a 2013 Royal Enfield Military.
Either one could serve the purpose of a commuter "bike" IMO.  If I had the misfortune of being stuck frequently in stop and go traffic, the twist and go (no shifting) Vespa is far more pleasant to deal with.  On the other hand, if you encounter rough roads and pot holes, the RE's larger wheels seems to handle them somewhat better. 
If I HAD to choose one or the other, I suppose I'd go with the Vespa.

Here's mine...

 
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: no bs on July 29, 2013, 01:22:56 am
Hey, I'd ride the Bullet.  I think scooters are for Italian and French girls to ride in cities.  My niece has one she rides in DC.  Her ex-husband looked totally girly boy on it.
Last week I got stuck on Indianhead Highway during rush hour and was overheating my Bullet in the 96*F temps.  I went on the median shoulder, did a U-turn and took the back roads.  Would never have taken a scooter on a highway myself.
i
Lane splitting by motorcycles/scooters in California is totally legal, even with the traffic moving.

I don't like the idea of riding between two moving cars because the idiot drivers could swerve sideways at any instant but I've done it when the traffic is only moving at 5-10 mph.

I've never figured out California freeways.  They will be moving along at 55-60 mph and then suddenly slow to a stop.  After a minute or so, they start moving again back up to 55-60 mph.  No accident.  Nothing special to see.
Totally weird. 
Lane splitting by motorcycles/scooters in California is totally legal, even with the traffic moving.

I don't like the idea of riding between two moving cars because the idiot drivers could swerve sideways at any instant but I've done it when the traffic is only moving at 5-10 mph.

I've never figured out California freeways.  They will be moving along at 55-60 mph and then suddenly slow to a stop.  After a minute or so, they start moving again back up to 55-60 mph.  No accident.  Nothing special to see.
Totally weird. 
i call the phenonom the slinky effect. think about it.
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: mplayle on July 29, 2013, 02:49:59 am
All it takes is one person in heavier traffic applying their brakes enough to drop 5 - 10 mph to cause the cascading effect that results in traffic coming to a stop within 1/2 mile behind them.  I watched it occur in front of me, saw the first person apply their brakes about 1/2 mile in front and all lanes from that person back had brake lights coming on in a wave of harder and harder braking such that by the time it reached me traffic was stopped.
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: crock on July 29, 2013, 03:12:51 am
What is the issue you guys have with the clutch? Is there some problem "fanning" the clutch on a UCE? Is the clutch difficult to replace?
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: D the D on July 29, 2013, 05:27:41 am
Clutches like to be engaged.  Any slipping is friction which creates wear and heat.  When trying to go slower than the machine wants to go with no throttle, you have to either be on and off the clutch or slip it.  Friction and heat = wear = shorter life.
It's not something you worry about in day to day driving, just the stop and roll or uneven slow roll driving during rush hour backups.
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: Ducati Scotty on July 29, 2013, 05:56:04 pm
If you're going to be on a fast section of California freeway neither bike is a great choice in that average speed on the freeway may be near your top speed.  I've been in Cali and just stayed in the right lane without issues.    Neither bike has industry leading quality control but Vespa probably has a better established network of dealers and knowledgeable mechanics.

That said, just go ride both of them.  They are worlds apart in the way they ride and feel and you'll only know that after you ride them.

Another bike to consider would be the new Honda 500 twins.  Three different bikes with basically the same motor and chassis.

Scott
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: jartist on July 29, 2013, 07:07:42 pm
The UCE clutch is about as durable as motorcycle clutches come. I've put mine through the paces with over 500 pounds loaded on the bike stop and go in the mountains, lots of starts in second and third and heavy trials style off-roading. Only problem I had was a loose nut that holds on the clutch basket that wasn't related to the flogging I do to the bike.

As far as the scooter goes, ask the same question on the modern vespa forum. One of the moderators says motorcyclists suffer "motorcycle penis syndrome" when it comes to attitudes toward scooters from motorcyclists whereby motorcyclists are unable to distinguish the difference between their penis and their motorcycle.
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: no bs on July 29, 2013, 09:34:27 pm
if you've got it, flaunt it!
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: hillntx on August 01, 2013, 03:56:45 am
I have a 2011 Royal Enfield C5 and a 1980 Vespa P200E.  I think the Vespa is rated at 65 mph, the RE at 82mph.  I realize the 300 Vespa is a four stroke automatic versus my P200E which is a 4 speed 2 stroke.  If your just planning to ride surface streets the Vespa is great.  For freeway riding I prefer something with a longer wheel base and taller wheels.  I think the Royal Enfields are about the minimum bike I would take on the local freeways (Dallas).
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: heloego on August 05, 2013, 03:00:48 am
Quote
As far as the scooter goes, ask the same question on the modern vespa forum. One of the moderators says motorcyclists suffer "motorcycle penis syndrome" when it comes to attitudes toward scooters from motorcyclists whereby motorcyclists are unable to distinguish the difference between their penis and their motorcycle.

Their just jealous that the RE wheel base is WAY over 10 inches.
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: Ice on August 06, 2013, 11:21:14 pm
 My Bullet serves commuter duty year round. Also hauls eight bags of groceries, two cases of water and a passenger. It's heavy compared to modern trail bikes but does surprisingly well in the rough. Maintenance is a breeze and parts are only a phone call away. Road trips of a few hundred miles only whet the apatite for more.

 In short my Bullet takes me everywhere I want to go and some places I probably shouldn't.
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: 1 Thump on August 07, 2013, 12:30:32 am
I suppose it depends on whether you are a "Mod" or a "Rocker".
Do you want a scooter or a motorcycle?

I was once gently informed by a fellow poster here ......'you are a mod,rockers know who they are'....
Title: Re: C5 vs Vespa 300
Post by: Ducati Scotty on August 07, 2013, 03:42:42 am
I was once gently informed by a fellow poster here ......'you are a mod,rockers know who they are'....

That rings true.