Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet with the UCE engine => Topic started by: Joel-in-dallas on April 28, 2013, 04:35:49 am

Title: I took the plunge....
Post by: Joel-in-dallas on April 28, 2013, 04:35:49 am
I now own a new RE. Its a 2011 G5 Standard in Dark Green. I take delivery of it on Sunday at Strokers in Dallas. I am so very excited. Its a beautiful machine. I have to say it was a surprise to have Rick Fairless the owner of strokers come over and chat with me about the enfield for like 5 minutes while I had some killer chili in the bar.

I am a novice rider, but I am going to be hitting some less busy streets and empty parking lots for a while to build skill.

Its funny to me the affection people have for the Enfields. When I was test riding one and had just stopped in front of the dealership this older gentleman talked to me about his first Triumph. It was fun listening to him. Also, it was really fun on a very short test ride.

Im really looking forward to riding it around town. With some more confidence I will take a trip an hour or so out of town to go camping. I was a bit nervous about buying a bike new that had sat for so long in the showroom. But the fact that I still get a 2 year warranty and that program that RE is doing to clear old inventory by expanding their warranty to more parts helped push me over the edge. Also, the price seemed very reasonable to me.

So hopefully soon I can meet up with other RE riders in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area and we can take a ride.

Anyway, now I am a rider of the infamous thump. Something tells me I am really going to enjoy it. Pictures will be posted on Sunday after I get the bike.
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: GSS on April 28, 2013, 04:47:09 am
Excellent! Welcome to the Land of the Thumpers!
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Arizoni on April 28, 2013, 05:00:11 am
Congratulation on your new G5! :)
  I know it's going to be a good motorcycle and your going to enjoy thousands of miles of riding it. :)
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: no bs on April 28, 2013, 05:11:15 am
congrats! be prepared for a bunch of interesting impromptu conversations regarding your bike, and tales of old.
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Ducati Scotty on April 28, 2013, 06:42:44 am
Enjoy!
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: wildbill on April 28, 2013, 11:02:39 am
great choice - how about a photo
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: mattsz on April 28, 2013, 12:51:27 pm
Joel-

Congrats, and welcome!

I got my license about a year ago, and my first bike was a '75 BMW R60/6, with 14k miles.  I really wanted a Royal Enfield, but I just couldn't swing the price at the time.  Let's just say I got a good deal on the /6.  It was nice, but by the time I got all of the little niggling issues sorted, primarily badly carboned heads and pistons which was robbing power and causing bad pinging, I had lined up my 2011 B5 purchase in a similar inventory-reduction deal.  I sold the BMW (with a clean $1k profit!) and am loving the B5.  The Beemer always felt like it was doing what I told it to do; the RE feels like it's doing what I want it to do.  For riding position and technique, I think it's a great first bike, and as you have heard here, the "old timers" seem to prefer it as well!

ps:  I guess your bike will be a collector's item soon, as it seems as if the G5 is being discontinued.  My first attempt at properly buying an RE was a shot at a used '09 G5, in green of course (my favorite), from a dealer.  I looked at the pics of that bike on the dealer website for 2 months.  When I finally called them, they had sold the bike the day before!  Now the green B5 is available, (naturally :(), but I still am happy with mine!
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: hillntx on April 28, 2013, 02:34:29 pm
Congrats on the new bike!  I like the G5's, but I'm not a fan of the antiquated tread design on their front tire.  I would recommend changing it at your earliest convenience.
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: RE-Memphis on April 28, 2013, 02:47:52 pm
Congrats!
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: raderj on April 28, 2013, 03:12:00 pm
Welcome to the Club!  The 2011 G5 is a great bike.

I just rolled over 5000 miles and I have loved every minute of it.
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: no bs on April 28, 2013, 05:41:30 pm
hey raderj! my 2011 g5 just turned 5k also. mostly commute miles, about 100 per week since last april. all smiles!
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Jack Leis on April 28, 2013, 05:53:59 pm
Way to go Joel ! You chose the right one for sure ! I love my G5, 21k on the odometer and still running like it was brand new ! Many happy miles to you !
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Bulletman on April 28, 2013, 06:04:56 pm
Congrats! welcome to the club and Happy riding
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Joel-in-dallas on April 29, 2013, 12:28:51 am
Rode around oak lawn area of Dallas and environs.
It was a beautiful day. Wind in my face. It's damn fun.

I'm choosing less populated roads.
Still getting used to the clutch. But since it was my first ride on this bike I don't feel bad that I stalled once at a light.

In getting more and more confortable. But I have a lot of practice ahead. I did 45 minutes just in a parking lot, making turns, changing gears and hearing that distinctive thump.

I'm really exited. It is funny. People ask about it and only real motorycle people have ever heard of royal enfield. I got it 45mph. Being real careful not to run it hard before the 300 mile oil change/service.

So far I am really enjoying it.

Thanks to everyone here.
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Joel-in-dallas on April 29, 2013, 05:33:31 am
I put 40 miles on my new 2011 G5 Standard (in green). It is really fun to ride. Still learning but I had fun. Im getting better at shifting every time I am on it. Im glad I didn't wimp out and get a motorcycle with an automatic transmission. They do exist look up Honda Dual Clutch Transmission. But I think Honda my bring more people to riding and that is a really good thing.

Well the folks at rideapart/hellforleathermagazine.com calls the Royal Enfields "The Hipster Harley". Whatever so far I am really enjoying this motorcycle.
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: no bs on April 29, 2013, 03:01:24 pm
we knew you would!
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Joel-in-dallas on April 29, 2013, 06:12:04 pm
Let's see if this posts a picture of the bike. Its not a great shot. I took it with my phone. I am really enjoying this motorcycle.

(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/577579_381238541991427_898642114_n.jpg)
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Ducati Scotty on April 29, 2013, 06:27:18 pm
Great shot!  And I always love the classic British green :)
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: mattsz on April 30, 2013, 01:27:25 am
Great shot!  And I always love the classic British green :)

And, I see it includes the classic full-tilt side stand!  ;)

And... is that the California canister on a Texas-sold bike?

Mmmmm, green.........
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Joel-in-dallas on April 30, 2013, 02:41:13 am
That is the California canister...
This bike was planned to go to California, but were diverted to Texas.
Im the first owner. Im now up to 60 on the odometer. I got it at like 15.

Its been a blast to ride. Still not where I want to be skill wise yet, but Im learning and having fun. I did realize for a bit I was gripping the throttle too hard. But I relaxed and all was good. I love that distinctive thump. It sounds so different than all the other bikes out there.

I am so glad I have this Motorcycle. Its so much fun.
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Ducati Scotty on April 30, 2013, 04:02:53 am
Lots of people outside CA get CA bikes.  If you want green and the only green one in the warehouse is a CA...

Scott
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Arizoni on April 30, 2013, 04:58:30 am
IMO, the California version has an advantage over the ones made for the other 48 States.

The gas cap is a real screw on cap that doesn't leak under any condition. :)
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Ducati Scotty on April 30, 2013, 04:59:22 am
And that cap looks prettier too.
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: mattsz on April 30, 2013, 10:49:42 am
I wonder is the Cali cap the same as the "conversion cap" from NFG?

http://nfieldgear.com/enfield-store/cap-conversion-kit.html

Or does it have a different tank?
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: barenekd on April 30, 2013, 06:11:17 pm

Quote
I wonder is the Cali cap the same as the "conversion cap" from NFG?
http://nfieldgear.com/enfield-store/cap-conversion-kit.html
Or does it have a different tank?


Can't really tell much about the conversion cap, but it looks like it's a 2 piece item that has threads that are riveted onto the tank.
I would make a bet it is not the same cap as the CA Caps. they are threaded into the tank and probably a larger diameter thread. The CA Caps are the same cap that Triumph uses.
As far as having the Ca Cannister goes. It disappears quite rapidly on most of the CA bikes in CA!
Bare
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Joel-in-dallas on April 30, 2013, 07:17:50 pm
Is there a performance hit for having that canister on?
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Ducati Scotty on April 30, 2013, 07:24:08 pm
None at all.

Scott
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Joel-in-dallas on May 01, 2013, 08:12:18 pm
i find it fascinating that Motorcycles have a "running in" period, but no car I have ever owned had one. Do they "run in" the engines in cars during the build process?
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: mplayle on May 01, 2013, 08:21:01 pm
Most new cars actually do have a breaking period, but most "normal" driving patterns match well enough.

The 2002 through 2006 MINIs had published break in of the first 1200 miles and their computers were programmed to alert for the first service at that interval.
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: dick_deck on May 01, 2013, 08:27:34 pm
Strokers is where I bought mine from! Was Allen your sales-rep? He's a very nice guy. They overnighted a black solo seat for me because the factory shipped with a brown one (despite the online photos showing black seats on my model).

Rick did a custom Enfield a while back, and is now selling it for almost $40k:
http://strokersdallas.com/bikes/show.php?id=536&make=Royal%20Enfield&p=8&page=1&srt=model_year%20DESC

That's a lot to pay to have your Royal Enfield uglified (in my opinion :) ).

Congrats, and let me know if you are ever in the Austin area!
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Joel-in-dallas on May 01, 2013, 09:16:37 pm
I will be making a ride to Austin sometime this summer. But I really don't want to just go South on I-35E. Any recommendations on a route for a motorcycle to go to Austin?
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: barenekd on May 01, 2013, 09:28:56 pm
Just pick the side roads that kinda parallel I35. There are plenty of options. Look for interesting museum or DDD restaurants on the way. Gotta be some thing worth seeing going that way. Never went that far South outta Dallas though.
Bare
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: hillntx on May 02, 2013, 04:39:38 am
Head toward Cleburne, then catch 281 down to Austin.  Check it out on Googls Maps.
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Joel-in-dallas on May 02, 2013, 04:27:51 pm
That looks like a nice drive. I get a bit more experience under my belt and I will take it, hopefully before it gets to be 100 degrees every day.
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Fido on May 03, 2013, 11:12:12 am
Great to hear such enjoyment! I've had my EFI Classic for just two years now and still enjoy it. I added a Guzzi V7 Stone a few months ago. I love that too. Got it for longer trips. But the RE will be staying put too.

Here's my two babies ready to go.

(http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n229/padhyde/DSCN3157.jpg) (http://s113.photobucket.com/user/padhyde/media/DSCN3157.jpg.html)
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Joel-in-dallas on May 03, 2013, 02:45:06 pm
That guzi is a handsome addition. Have fun on them both.
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: barenekd on May 03, 2013, 08:22:31 pm
I've been looking at the new V7 Cafe. If my RE doesn't show up on time there could be one of those in the garage.
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Ducati Scotty on May 03, 2013, 08:26:55 pm
That line of Guzzis is all nice stuff.  A little underpowered if you go by the reviews but probably plenty for anyone who enjoys an RE.  Very old school feel from what I've read.  Saw one from behind on the road a while back and then passed him at a light.  The bike looks even better on the road than it does in the showroom.

Scott
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Rich Mintz on May 03, 2013, 08:43:33 pm
Guzzis are nice... but my next bike (I can't believe I just typed those words) is going to be a 100cc Sym Symba, a rebirth of the classic Honda Cub. They're so pretty. I've seen one up close and the good looks hold up under scrutiny.

Unfortunately they're hard(ish) to get -- the closest dealer to NYC is 50 miles away. But I'm so in love with it I'll probably buy one anyway...
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Ducati Scotty on May 03, 2013, 08:57:56 pm
Seen the couple that took them around the world?  They bought them at my local dealer.

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=716979

Scott
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Joel-in-dallas on May 03, 2013, 09:16:43 pm
Rich, How are you liking you C5? I know you had some trouble with it.
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Rich Mintz on May 03, 2013, 09:20:03 pm
I love my C5! But it's been disassembled on the floor of a garage since last Sunday. (It's actually mostly put back together, but we didn't have time to finish.) This coming Sunday in maintenance class I'll put it back together, and we'll figure out what electrical connections we made incorrectly and fix them, and then I'll have it back.
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: barenekd on May 03, 2013, 09:28:05 pm
Obviously, power isn't an issue, since I ride Enfields. I've had my fill of 160+ mph super bikes. I am spreading the word that it's a lot more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow!
Back when I started riding, bikes with the same performance as the Guzzi were about the fastest things around. RE Constellation, BSA Super Rockets, Triumph Bonnevilles (non UCEs), Indian Trailblazer/Apache, they all would maybe do just over the ton.
But those were also the ones I fell in love with, particularly the thumpers of the day, The Matchless G80cs, the Velocettes, the Goldstar, et al. The Guzzi weight and performance is very close to the Brit bikes of the day and they certainly have more soul than a Kawasaki 300! (Very equal, performance wise, BTW)
My biggest hold up on the Guzzi is the price tag. At my current inclome level, that is pretty much over the top!
C'mon, RE Cafe Racer!
Bare
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Ducati Scotty on May 03, 2013, 09:34:19 pm
The other down side I've heard of with the Guzzis is that they feel a bit heavy.  I'd say hold out Bare!  In the long run you'll be glad you did.  And get a 250 Ninja already to keep the addiction at bay.  It's too nice to be reading moto brochures and not riding.  I'm sure you'll sell it for about what you bought it for.

Scott
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Jack Leis on May 03, 2013, 11:29:40 pm
KTM 690 DUKE. Now thats a big bad thumper. I could easily see one of those parked next to my G5 .
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Joel-in-dallas on May 04, 2013, 08:48:56 am
Well guys.... I am loving my RE G5 Standard. I broker 100 miles on the odometer today. Im hoping to have ~300 on it by next weekend so I can have the first service done on it and get it a bit faster.

She has been a joy to ride and learn on. Also, whenever I stop people ask me about her. "What year is that, did you restore it?". Its not even the chromed up deluxe and it still gets attention. But most of all I just enjoy riding the RE. Im getting a bit more confident every time. Also, the kinda beat up roads we have in Dallas aren't a problem, it just goes.
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Arizoni on May 04, 2013, 10:57:56 pm
Sounds like your really enjoying your bike. :)

As for beat up roads, if there are pot holes remember to look at the road on either side of them instead of looking right at the hole.
That way the bike will avoid hitting it. 
Believe it or not, motorcycles tend to go right where you are looking.
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Joel-in-dallas on May 05, 2013, 01:37:23 am
No. The look where you want to go thing is spot on. Its how I get the bike where I want it. So yeah, the trick is noticing the pot holes and then looking at the path around there. Im getting a bit better practiced every day.

Today for some reason, I thought I was feeling a ton more vibration in the bike. Nope. I just for some reason was gripping the handlebars really hard. I stopped that and a traffic light, took a breath and then all was well. I was just feeling the vibration in the grips more because I was gripping too tightly.

Rookie stuff. I have been having a blast on my RE. I am sure I am boring my car driving friends. Cause they just don't get it.

Next I will be getting a full face helmet. I think I will like less wind in my face and a bit quieter ride. We shall see.
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Darkside on May 05, 2013, 01:56:23 am
Joel, I'm just north of Austin near Killeen. Another north south route you can take is 183 it also parallels 281 and I35 and of course it's lovely this time of year with all the wild flowers.

Cheers
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Fido on May 05, 2013, 06:13:02 am
This is about the RE. One of the points I'd make about my Guzzi is that it hasn't changed my enthusiasm for the Enfield. It's a completely different bike. The new V7 is a relatively light machine so it's 750cc engine is more than fast enough for this old timer. Up to 70mph with ease and plenty to come. Great for my longer journeys but round here on New Forest roads the Enfield is just perfect.
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Guaire on May 05, 2013, 03:37:35 pm
Joel - Helmet wise, I use Nolan N104. It has a lot of improvements over their N103. Like - bigger eye port, pin lock, inside dark lens, more padding, quieter, better venting. It isn't a Schuberth, but it doesn't cost $700 either.
Cheers,
Bill
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Joel-in-dallas on May 06, 2013, 05:35:01 am
I am loving my Royal Enfield G5. It now has 150 miles even. I just rode around Dallas today. But damn its so much fun to ride. Even in some traffic with crazy Dallas drivers its fun. The more I ride her the more I want to ride her. I have to agree with the guys at RE of Fort Worth, Harley Davidson sells "Cool", Royal Enfield sells "Fun". I have so much fun on this bike. People come up and ask me about her. They think she is some lovingly restored older bike.

Still getting the hang of kick starting her. Also, getting used to getting her on the center stand. But I have to say, every time I get off her after a ride I am grinning. Its just a fun bike. Have I had a crotch rocket pull up next to me and fly off faster than I can go, sure, so what. But I did out accelerate a guy in a mustang from a dead stop at a light. So its just fun. Its not about the speed, its about the fun.

I am still getting used to feeling the vibration of the bike in the foot pegs. It's not bad or unusual, its just different to me, since I am used to a car. I have run into some parts of Dallas where the roads and bumpy and a mess. The RE G5 doesn't miss a beat, or should I say thump.

Its amusing when I start her for people. They always comment on the thump and how quiet it is. But I think that is due to the fact that most people know Harley Davidsons and that distinctive rumble. Well I have to say I am now starting to understand how RE says its the "Thump That Binds".

I'm having a blast. I can't wait till the crash bars, saddle bag mounts, and saddle bags are in. Hell by the time they are I will have 300 miles on the bike and I can get past the first part of the run-in.

Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: barenekd on May 06, 2013, 06:54:48 pm
With all the crashing and bashing you do on the potholed streets, one thing that will improve the ride considerably is to change the fork sludge to real fork oil. It's pretty easy to do, only cost is a bottle of 10 weight fork oil. All you have to do is remove the top screws on the forks, then the cap nut from the bottom. Sometimes the cap nut can be a real PITA because the tube that it screws onto will rotate. The easiest way to avoid this is to use an impact driver if you have one. Or since you are taking it to the shop later, get it done there. Put 200 ml of oil in each leg. You will not believe the difference in the ride!
Bare
Title: Re: I took the plunge....
Post by: Ducati Scotty on May 06, 2013, 07:29:07 pm
+1.