Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet with the UCE engine => Topic started by: wildbill on March 07, 2014, 01:38:47 am

Title: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: wildbill on March 07, 2014, 01:38:47 am
Well after ordering and waiting about 2 years for the Continental GT it has finally arrived .......and picked up yesterday.
First impressions - Great looking bike and the paint an  finnish was well above average. So with my bike 10/10 Bike arrived with the standard factory exhaust and blacked out wing mirrors. Bar ends and sports exhaust are a combined 4600 option.
Bike was fueled up and showed about 23 klm on the odometer. Giving it the once over first at the dealers and again prior to my 30kl or 20 mile ride today - i have no complaints.
Prior to the 30kl run i removed the factory spark plug and fitted the ngk iridium. I've always been happy with these plugs and i know the standard job will do BUT I like these and don't care what the price is.
Kicked it over first hit with the electic start and it idled away at about 1200 rpm.Gave it about a two minute warm up and time to hit the road.

THE RIDE.
Once sitting on the bike it is way different to parking yourself on a C orB5. Very long and slender tank and your in a partly streatched out position.
Selected first gear and stalled it immediately. Back on the starter and a bit more revs and i was mobile. First impressios - lot quicker off the mark than either of my previous enfield purchases - the C5'S  and B5.
Right of the bat I could feel that the steering felt a way lot heavier than my previous enfields - the bike more slender plus it felt like i was higher off the ground.
First stop sign got the front Bembo brakes active my right foot missed the rear brake pedal completely........This happened several times on the test ride. That said the front brake has great stopping power with little application pressure to apply.
Gear shift is extremely good - during the 20 mile run NOT ONE false neutral. The continental GT has a firm and positive click into each and every gear - up or down. Far better than any other of my previous Enfield bikes and a pleasure to use. No-one will complain about this box lol

THE GAS TANK

Beautiful looking work of art but once you sit on the bike and ready to ride - your gut is just about laying on it. I'm about 80 kgs so the gut isn't that big so with a leather jacket on - Paint will not last long. I was totally aware of this and did the test ride minus my leather jacket till I think of some way better protection for the paint.

THE RIDE

I found it a very well behave bike on the road. It feels nippy and although I didn't exceed 80 kph or 50 miles per hour it ran aklong well. At no time did i exceed 3000 revs so 50 mph gets you in at around 27 or 2800 revs.
Ride is firm but I'd say no worse than a C5 which i classed as hard. I actually thought my B5 was a better rider. Never said looker - rider!
At 3000 revs in top gear you could feel a bit of vibration through the handle bars. Slight vibration and nothing serious. factory mirrors were fine to look in but i did manage to get a leg cramp from the riding position plus felt a bit of strain on my wrists. Might not happen if your only in the 20 or 30 plus age group.
Instruments were very easy to read and the speedometer needle was rock steady ....No more bounce!
About 10 miles or 16 kl out I pulled over and stopped. Bike idled beautifully and drama free. Took off in first and again surprise how quick it moves off the mark from scratch.
THE SEAT
Although the seat is a bit on the thin side the padding inside is very supportive. No sore bum when I got off the bike and overall pretty happy with it. This solo seat was always my main concern and i thought I'd be in for -ONE HARD RIDE. Not the case. May be different on a long run though.

SUSPENSION
I found the suspension on the Cafe job fairy firm but solid. It appears to track well and contributes to the bikes really nice handling. Although I never pushed it along today other potential buyers can fill this in.

Well that about does it for me. Overall impression being a nice looking very well presented bike and I'm happy with that. Here in Oz at $9800 ride away I think it is really good value for the money. The standard factory Exhaust id pretty quiet when cruising and I will be keen to get the optional sports job when it arrives here in Australia.
I found the side stand a bit trickey to get your foot too. I'd say once on the bike a few times this will sort it out plus i had trouble finding the neutal light after i stopped in my drive way. I tool quite a lot of photos so will be uploaded with details shortly
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: GSS on March 07, 2014, 02:19:33 am
Excellent! That sounds very promising. A couple more weeks and we should start to thaw out and I can get my toy on the road as well!

GSS
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: wildbill on March 07, 2014, 02:34:02 am
the experience starts off with better quality key lol
(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100419_zpsd399c52c.jpg)

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100464_zps7ce77ebe.jpg)

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100467_zpsd8829c71.jpg)

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100471_zps06bdbc30.jpg)


(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100429_zpsd4d235db.jpg)


(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100428_zps8dff20d9.jpg)


(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100430_zps7cb93d0e.jpg)

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100432_zpsd62e1454.jpg)

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100433_zps1a3b9177.jpg)


(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100434_zps6e0b5299.jpg)

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100452_zpsc5280af7.jpg)

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100451_zps8b922884.jpg)

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100454_zps094f7258.jpg)

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100450_zps411bbfe4.jpg)


(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100456_zpsc417720c.jpg)


(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100460_zpscb9019b3.jpg)


(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100446_zpsb6716865.jpg)


(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100437_zps8cd5b581.jpg)


(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100462_zps9c43a30a.jpg)

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100440_zpsd97c1bcf.jpg)

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100438_zps0d0cb51b.jpg)


(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100439_zps824a0b53.jpg)








Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: heloego on March 07, 2014, 02:47:50 am
Nice report, wildbill! Glad you're enjoying the ride!
Good show on the pics, too, and thanks for sharing!
Looks like the bottom end is unpainted, looking like bead-blasted bare metal? I like the look. Just looks better than grey paint.  :)
Like the new rear wheel adjusters, too. Over all looks to be a great bike.
Congrats!!!!  ;D
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: wildbill on March 07, 2014, 02:51:17 am
thanks whoever buy one of these bike will be very happy. i am but it did take me 4 bikes lol
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: singhg5 on March 07, 2014, 03:12:53 am
Very nice pictures and great report. This bike is in a different league from other REs. Wish you many happy miles of thumping on GT.

Congratulations !
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: Ducati Scotty on March 07, 2014, 03:13:26 am
Nice post and thanks so much for all the detail shots.  A little 3M or Tank Slapperz film on the tank will protect the paint but be invisible.

http://www.thetankslapper.biz

Scott
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: JVS on March 07, 2014, 06:05:07 am
Well done, many thanks for the write-up and the pics! Seems like a lot of fun. I wish I could buy it too...sometime in the future, when I make me some moneyz  ;D

Regarding the firm ride, how many pre-load settings does the rear suspension have? Try the lowest setting next time, if it wasn't on it already ;d
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: High On Octane on March 07, 2014, 12:14:20 pm
Nice!  But I'm dying to know.....  Are those Brembo front calipers 2 piston or 4 piston?  I assume only 2 piston as it still can't hit the Ton if factory form.  BUT if they ARE 4 piston calipers....  That's sick and I need to look into replacing the front end on the Blackhawk!    ;)  Speaking of front ends, did RE ever going to a taper cup bearing in the head set or are they still using ball bearings?

Scottie J
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: wildbill on March 07, 2014, 01:32:07 pm
not sure about the front disc - what i can tell you is the rear disc has plenty of bite. i read a few reports where they say there not much better than the c5's and such drum brakes.
i really those testers talk a lot of crap and the rear disc will bite well ...and the front disc much better has a very nice feel to it.
the engine casing has a nice metalic silver colour to it and looks great. i like the idea too of no more snails to adjust the rear wheel. i really hated those things period.
the seat removal is really easy. place key in side coverand remove and pull the handle. seat almost ejects lol. i will load those seat photos now
plus the spark plug change.original plug in bike had done about 12 miles

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100458_zpsf92cc26d.jpg)

rear plastic mud flap only held on by 3 bolts. might get rid of these tomorrow

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100436_zps12cd1982.jpg)

nice tidy clean lines for wiring etc.

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100457_zps8724a768.jpg)

latch which secures the seat to the frame

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100448_zpsbf58b147.jpg)

better look whats under the seat

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100446_zpsb6716865.jpg)

will be interesting to see how accurate the bar reading is for the gas

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100471_zps06bdbc30.jpg)

nice shot of the petrol tank

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100442_zps5b80ecbd.jpg)

Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: ace.cafe on March 07, 2014, 01:44:19 pm
They say this thing has a larger throttle body.
Can you find out what the inlet diameter of that TB is, so we can know if it REALLY has a larger throttle body, or not?

Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: barenekd on March 07, 2014, 05:20:32 pm
Bill,
There is some clear tape on the market that's made to cover that is made to cover tank areas that are prone to being rubbed. I don't recall who makes it, but doing a bit of searching should uncover it. I've seen it on a lot of sport bikes, and it does a pretty good job without changing the appearance of the bike. you might check with you local sport bike dealer, if there's one close.  They may have it.
Bare
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: ace.cafe on March 07, 2014, 07:16:53 pm
Great pics too!
Thanks!
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: Royalista on March 07, 2014, 09:44:52 pm
I'm impressed by the pictures. A lot of thought has gone into keeping stuff clean and neat; it's a pleasure to see the order and care.  :D
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: wildbill on March 08, 2014, 01:30:02 am
scotty and bare thanks for the info on film option to save paint damage on the tank. I missed a couple of photos which should be of interest to some.

really gotta say this is a very well put together bike from royal enfield. senior members would know how thing improved hereand there from one year to the other.
ive had 011-012-013 and now 014 and i have to say i think its that well to put together its bloody hard to find a fault.
only reason to comment on having the above year bikes id to give new or potential buyers - how well these bikes have improved.
looking over the bike ...whats wrong

paint 10/10
fit and finish 10/10
appearance of the bike 10/10
riding impressions ...pretty happy with it but im not a speed or handling bike rider so best wait for some-one more experienced in this dept.

can only find two items which may concern some owners.
1. the kicker swing out a fair stretch....and looks a bit silly lol  saying that they probably had no choice to this move and clear contact with the muffler.
2. plastic chain guard.

not concerned about the front/rear plastic extensions to the mud guards as i'd say most new owners will remove these.


get a load of this kicker.......widest by far i've ever seen lol

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100480_zps6d20cc10.jpg)

drive chain guard is plastic and a bit on the flimsey side

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100484_zps406285fe.jpg)


petrol cap locking

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100476_zpsdeb3f65b.jpg)

rear head steady section ...huge.

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100477_zps2b330fcf.jpg)

plenty of room under the tank and very neat

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100478_zpsaaa563bd.jpg)

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100479_zpse03b1f58.jpg)



(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100482_zpsdbbeb22c.jpg)

plastiv inner liber of rear guard covered in completely to the swing arm......nice touch

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac278/wildbill2010/P1100483_zpsa3a00950.jpg)





Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: Ducati Scotty on March 08, 2014, 03:02:09 am
The wiring harness looks very tidy.  If you have a center stand my guess is you should put it on that to use the kicker while you're next to the bike.  Guess they had to clear the footpegs.

Scott
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: mattsz on March 08, 2014, 03:17:10 pm
Wow, does that metallic engine casing look better than the grey-painted ones!  What a serious visual upgrade it would be, to strip that grey paint of my engine!

Is it bare metal, or clear-coated metal, or a paint that looks like metal?

And, while we're on the subject... are the shiny engine side covers just polished, or do they have a clear coating on them?  I'm talking the UCE's in general now, not just the Conti...
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: Royalista on March 08, 2014, 09:50:34 pm
Mine's from 2010, the build difference is night vs day.  8)
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: barenekd on March 08, 2014, 10:19:24 pm
Notice any difference in vibration?
I do like that new head steady!
The kick starter looks like the one on my GB500!
Bare
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: wildbill on March 08, 2014, 11:25:22 pm
bare
vibration is totally different to what i have experience of the c5's. that big was more of a high vibration buzz when this one is some-what lower down in the range although i have not exceeded 3000 rpm i will take more notice on the next ride
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: heloego on March 09, 2014, 03:25:27 pm
I, too, like the new Head Steady. The overall build quality looks very improved, but now I wonder about the kick start. Since it has to clear the peg and muffler, did they angle the end enough to prevent your foot from sliding off during a kick?
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: birdmove on March 09, 2014, 10:12:11 pm
  Wow!! Very great looking motorcycle there! Thanks for the writeup.
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: wildbill on March 10, 2014, 12:28:36 pm
well to date Ive done about 150 miles or 250 kl on the bike so he res a bit more info.
1. these GTE's don't appear to start as quick as the other models in the royal en field range like the c5 or b5. nothing new though. I'd watch this deli ma on several you tube videos. for some reason or another it appears to take a bit longer and slower cranking before your firing it up.
2.  the standard mirrors which come with the bike are fine to 40 mph but at 50 mph the vibes set in at around 2700 rpm and you can't see much behind you at all. today i thought i had 3 cars behind me and after the first car passed I'd slowed a bit ...looked into the right rear view and no more cars. left mirror worse still. where the actual mirror sits on the extension stalk - it continuously droops - the mirror Lil
3. ride comfort is pretty good and relaxed. hate to say it and even i find it hard to believe  it's better than the b or c5. today while running across any bumps or dips in the road which had previously lifted me off the c5's solo seat - i just ran over them drama free.
the solo seat comfort wise is the best I've sat on in all my 3 previous royal en field bikes.  this too i find hard to believe but its true.
4. bike tracks corners very very well. i don't by any means class myself as a good rider but saying that it swings right/left bends with ease. so the boy racers will get a kick out of it.
riding position is fine and although i have felt pressure on my wrists it's both shoulders which appear to be taking the damage. twice I've got off the bike after a 30 mile run and hours later shoulders start aching and this goes on for several hours.
better mention too at 50 mph the vibration sent my hands partly to sleep. saying that this vibration was not as severe though as on my very first c5- that one was a real pita.
i did near the very end of to days ride run it for a minute or so at 60 mph - vibration here was very well controlled and nowhere near the same as 50 mph - i could also see out the mirrors. that was a bonus
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: suitcasejefferson on March 10, 2014, 03:03:22 pm
Gorgeous bike. I'm surprised by how high the handlebars seem to be, but I doubt I would be comfortable on it. I have arthritis, bad knees, and bad shoulders. I tried to ride a Japanese sport bike, and only made it a few miles till I was in serious pain. The GT doesn't look nearly as extreme, but I find the standard riding position on the B5 to be quite comfortable. Any bike that makes me lean forward and put my upper body weight on my arms and shoulders causes pain fairly quickly, and having my knees bent back to far causes pain and numbness. It's great that you can enjoy riding such a nice bike. This may be the bike that gets more younger riders into Royal Enfield. It's not a Suzuki GSX-R, but I have heard many positive comments about it from riders of such bikes.
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: wildbill on March 11, 2014, 12:25:30 am
leg position is really pretty good. sometimes you have to look to position them correctly. its the shoulder area which takes the strain for me.

word of caution here
after riding the bike yesterday i got of and gave it a 5 minute break. got old of the handlebars then flicked in the sidestand. threw my leg over the bike -ouch! wtf!
i hit the exhaust heat shied and got a minor burn just above the right ankle.
future owners should keep this in mind as it have been reported on pre- release road tests and that was with the higher sports exhaust. - anyway i got mine lol.
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: Craig McClure on March 11, 2014, 01:58:50 am


word of caution here
after riding the bike yesterday i got of and gave it a 5 minute break. got old of the handlebars then flicked in the sidestand. threw my leg over the bike -ouch! wtf!
i hit the exhaust heat shied and got a minor burn just above the right ankle.
future owners should keep this in mind as it have been reported on pre- release road tests and that was with the higher sports exhaust. - anyway i got mine lol.
WOW, Did it burn you through your BOOT?  I noticed from the Conti pix, that the muffler is so fat, it does stick out quite a bit. If you find the right non-standard, non-cat replacement, you can snug it in a lot better. You could also buy some woven silver heat insulation tape, & apply a couple of layers to the underside of your heat shield. I rarely ride without BOOTS for numerous reasons.
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: dginfw on March 11, 2014, 02:12:41 am
WildBill, have you tried adjusting the angle of the levers on the handlebars? I found mine were a bit high and rotated them down a bit. I hope this will help some with the wrist/arm positioning....guess I'll find out on my next ride
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: wildbill on March 11, 2014, 04:01:16 am
dginfw

thanks might give it a try
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: TomJohnston on March 11, 2014, 08:14:12 pm
Just a note... If you have a ski shop nearby, they have a clear adhesive film for the top of skis. It's heavy to protect pretty colors when standing at the lifts, but thick enough to do a good job.
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: wildbill on March 12, 2014, 01:17:30 pm
might look into this option as i need something to stop the onset of possible scratching of the gas tank

atm just using a bit of clear tape
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: wildbill on March 14, 2014, 07:55:00 am
just gotta say since purchasing the bike a week or so ago i've made plenty of good and quite a few poor gear changes...........to date not one false neutral.not even close to anything which appears like one.
without doubt this gearbox is by far the best when compared to my previous enfields. i'm not sure if it has anything to do with the rod from the changer to the gearshifter -but what-ever it is it just clicks into gear beautifully up or down.
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: Sectorsteve on March 14, 2014, 08:22:54 am
mate i hope you like the bike! im just so confused why you choose to van it home through some of the best riding in the country.?  especially after waiting for it for soooo long!
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: wildbill on March 15, 2014, 01:44:42 am
probably feel too old and tired to ride it. lol have not been on it for 4 days
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: wildbill on March 18, 2014, 06:43:19 am
my experience to date. by far this is the worst royal en field Ive ever had to start from cold. what was once a very easy task on the cor b5 is not the case with the gt.
the motor cranking is slower and even using the en richer it still takes its time to kick.
I'd read about this problem on the internet during various road tests by motorcycle magazines worldwide. several complained about the problem and it;s still there. some mentioned maybe a mapping issue.
all 3 of my c and b5's were very quick to start ...say 8 or 9 out of 10.
the cafe racer .....I'd say a 3 or 4 if lucky. problem only occur rs during first start up from cold after that fine. it;s a pity this could not have been sorted out prior to the official release of the bikes.
apart from that it rides well. so far the only real flaw!
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: JVS on March 18, 2014, 10:57:40 am
Hmm.

Try kicking over the bike (kickstarter) a few times with ignition off before you use the e-start.

If you're already kicking over the bike to prime it up, you might as well just use the kickstarter to start it up. It's very easy! After you've kicked it over a few times with ignition off, take it just past TDC, turn ignition on and all you need is a swift kick till the end of its travel. Try it a few times and you'll be the master of it in no time.  :)

Is the stock battery on the Conti smaller in size as compared to C5/B5?
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: 1 Thump on March 18, 2014, 04:33:29 pm
I had a few unoccupied hours in the middle of the day while vacationing in north India. I drove over to the local RE dealership where I was greeted by a very pleasing sight, two GT's , a couple of C5's and two green B5's. I asked if I could test ride the GT, and was allowed.

The GT is certainly a whole lot better than my CI bullet vis-a-vis fit and finish. Yes, the unsightly welds are there but things like that are the exception. The paint quality is much improved but less glossy than the picture of the pre production bike.

The fender extenders are an eye sore but can come off easily. The bar end mirrors are accessories....very well made....if I bought a GT I would certainly get the mirrors even before I trailer it home. The mickey mouse mirrors are horrendous.

The demo had the generic muffler but another one on the floor had the sports muffler. It sounds louder and with a deeper bass than the other but neither sounds like my CI (pre or post ACE mods), and for that matter mine sounds a lot different now after the ACE mods.....I think its the cams and the aluminum barrel....but I digress....The demo also had the dual seat with the cowl, also very well made.

I was only allowed a very brief test ride. It started on third kick....I was told I was not kicking it hard enough (I disagree if the strength of the kick makes a difference....but....)

Once started the idle was steady albeit set a little slow (typical Indian setup). The dealership staff kept referring to it as a sports bike....anyhow it accelerates very well in 1st gear. I was on a crowded road but i tried my best to rev it up and go through the gears weaving out of way from incoming traffic. The steering was heavier than my CI bike and it showed great straight line stability, cornering ability and leaning at curves. Braking was excellent. Suspension was firm but reliable and provided for confidence in leans and corners.   
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: 1 Thump on March 18, 2014, 04:35:26 pm
Here is the sports muffler. Sounds louder than stock for sure.

Added: Also checked out most of the clothing, helmets, gloves, jackets etc. The stuff is top notch but sizing remains an issue. I typically wear a 'large' size shirt/jacket etc. but could only fit into 2XL. The pricing was just right. A T shirt was Rs. 999, roughly $15 ....armored jacket was Rs. 7000 (under $120). The jacket did not have a strap to tighten at the wrist...The polo/T shirts were very very good, excellent fabric, design and stitching.
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: GSS on March 19, 2014, 01:22:34 am
my experience to date. by far this is the worst royal en field Ive ever had to start from cold.
Wildbill,
Check your fuel hose to make sure it isn't partially kinked under the gas tank........low pressure could be contributing to a poor starting, but once it fires it keeps going.

GSS
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: dginfw on March 19, 2014, 01:45:31 am
Mine starts fine just like my old C5...I agree with the suggestion of checking your fuel line
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: Arizoni on March 19, 2014, 05:02:26 am
Good idea.
We already know that fuel hose can get kinked and keep a GT from starting.
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: wildbill on March 19, 2014, 11:53:30 am
fine -will look into it tomorrow. i already asked the dealer prior to the pickup to check it. but that doesn't mean they did  ::)
regards
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: ROVERMAN on March 19, 2014, 07:08:15 pm
Just a thought Wildbill, my B5 requires a slight cracking open of the throttle + the Bi-starter to start/run when cold.
Roverman.
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: Warwick on March 21, 2014, 11:38:22 pm
Wow. You must be unhappy with it Wild bill. Its on ebay already :o
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: JVS on March 22, 2014, 12:07:57 am
Its on ebay already :o

I noticed that too  :o

Must be some other reason..
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: DaveTheYank on March 22, 2014, 12:17:25 pm
I'm keeping mine!

First day out, what a great bike!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hVRBIwGz1o (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hVRBIwGz1o)
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: ROVERMAN on March 22, 2014, 02:22:20 pm
By the name you must be in the U.S. But everything is green and it's warm enough to ride! What trickery is this.
Roverman in S.E. Michigan. A.K.A. the new Artic.
 
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: ROVERMAN on March 22, 2014, 02:23:23 pm
Scratch that, just saw your other post, duh!
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: DanB on March 22, 2014, 03:12:37 pm
@DavetheYank.  Nice video and nice stretch of road there!  Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: wildbill on March 22, 2014, 11:20:18 pm
Well its true i did throw it up on eBay but not for the reason of the slow start up. when i bought the bike i always wondered could if i handle that thin solo seat which appeared to have not much padding.
fortunately it turned out that the seat and the padding were fine and the overall opinion on the bike is still very positive.what has stopped me totally - has been the riding position and the pain i have experienced in the neck/shoulder/muscle areas. it has totally stopped me in my tracks. i have experienced severe pain and been on strong pain killers from the docotor for several days now. now 5 days after my last ride i have not got the guts to get on it.
this was not a one off incident. i've had this drama 3 times on the bike. last run in only 20 miles.
probably not the bikes fault. a few years ago i did chain saw work for 10 years and that i feel caused the heck/shoulder injuries.
so although i thought this bike is good it may not be for me.
meanwhile not to write it off totally i fired ducatty scotty an email outlining my predicament and asked if there any way i could improve the riding position.
as usual and as helpful as he always is - he responded with this bit of great info -
 
Clip -On High Rise handlebars 70mm @ $129 US and will raise riding position by 3"

so i might just buy a pair and do just that - about $200 landed here in Oz and see how i go. its a cheap gamble and might just pay off and do the trick - or the other option - it's another C5 for me  :D yep! gotta love those C5's ;)
anyway only time will decide the outcome of this saga. bike owes me $9800 so if someone parts with $9000 it will probably go.
plus I'm waiting delivery on the sports exhaust. ...see drama in all directions  ::)
whatever you read or decide...don't get me wrong. this is the best enfield i have ridden - slow starter or not.
this bike handles bumps far better than the standard C5 or the B5 as i've fired it along the same back roads. the very same bumps where previously i was lifted off the seat on both of my old C5's - this cafe job ran  straight over them and drama free.
its now Sunday in Oz so i have a couple of days to decide if i will order these 3" riser bars and will it save my sorry AS......
pity really to get rid of such a good looking motorbike. other choice just buy another C5 - tan/cherry. Will be hard to get this one past the wife LOL
looking back to my constant car buying days ....now it happening all over again with motorbikes.
wife even said to me yesterday. why not just buy a harley. trouble is i don't want one - i like these enfields because they have 'soul' and i have had more fun in the past 2 years scooting about the back roads of inland nsw aust than all my years driving the sports cars.
anyway we will see how this pans out

 


Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: dginfw on March 23, 2014, 03:47:57 am
Good luck with the clip-on risers; let us know how they do for you. Hopefully the cables won't need to be swapped. I thought about switching out the bars on mine but I'm starting to get used to the forward lean and will leave it be for now.
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: wildbill on March 23, 2014, 11:06:13 am
yeah the cables could also be a problem. just waiting to hear back from the usa supplier if they are in stock
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: High On Octane on March 23, 2014, 01:04:19 pm
Bummer.  Sorry to hear the bike is causing you so much pain.    :(

FWIW  This is the reason I don't own a sport bike.  They are fun to ride, but after about an hour my back hurts so bad I don't even want to ride anymore.  I'll still ride a friends' from time to time just to get on a new model, but I don't think I'll ever buy one.  Unless I become wealthy and can afford to own a half dozen bikes or so.  ;)

Scottie J
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: ace.cafe on March 23, 2014, 01:42:13 pm
There's a few things involved with adjusting to lower bars.
First, you need to be in good physical shape, in terms of muscle strength and tone.
Second, you need to have the bars and pegs adjusted to where you fit them best.
Third, don't try to remain in an upright position with your elbows locked. Your elbows need to be slightly bent. And embrace the lower riding position down on the tank.

It takes some getting used to, especially if you have always ridden in the "sit up and beg" position. However, your control over the bike is much better with lower bars, and everything works better.

This is assuming that you don't have some physical disability that precludes normal range of motion.

I have ridden low bars all my life, mostly clip-on bars that were WAY lower than the Continental GT bars. The bars on the GT are really high up. They aren't low bars at all. The clip-ons that I use are attached BELOW the headlight mounting ears, almost down to the lower triple clamp. You can lay your belly on the tank.
I rode 13 hours straight with bars that low on my 1974 Ducati 750 Sport, from Tampa to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Yes, I was tired and sore, but I would have been tired and sore on any motorcycle after 13 hours riding.

You can get used to it. These GT bars aren't even low.
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: High On Octane on March 23, 2014, 01:49:42 pm

.........Third, don't try to remain in an upright position with your elbows locked. Your elbows need to be slightly bent. And embrace the lower riding position down on the tank..........


Now that you mention it, it does seem like the times my back was really hurting were times that I was just "cruising the bike".  The times I went out in the country and was "racing around" in a full tuck, my body didn't seem to be as angry at me.  I never put the 2 together, interesting.    ::)

Scottie J
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: Craig McClure on March 23, 2014, 04:37:09 pm
On Riding Position; I also have ridden with low bars for most of my years. I was always more comfy with flat, to no rise bars. DRAG BARS were always very good for me. My G5 Deluxe has bars with about a 2" rise (but I'm 67).
  I have noticed in the photos, that the GT Gas Tank seems longer than the other Enfield tanks, It may be that Tank length, & distance from the seat to the Steering Head, that causes a smaller rider some problems. Even for an old guy, I don't have bar height problems, until I'm stretched out to far. My 58 Goldstar Clubman had very low clip-ons & rear sets, but the Lyta Tank wasn't any longer than a stock tank, so it was pretty comfortable. Although I would have chosen flat bars for long rides.
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: wildbill on March 24, 2014, 09:53:49 am
today i ordered from the usa the hi-rise clip-on handle bars for my continental gt. hopefully this will sort out my shoulder neck pain issues and i can continue on with my journey on this great bike 8)
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: wildbill on April 04, 2014, 01:09:25 am
well the usps isn't blessed with speed. the hi rise clip-ons package was freighted on the 24th and as of today - only in miami fl LOL
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: ace.cafe on April 04, 2014, 01:13:00 am
well the usps isn't blessed with speed. the hi rise clip-ons package was freighted on the 24th and as of today - only in miami fl LOL

I do a lot of overseas shippping with USPS.
If it was sent Priority Mail, it will be there in 6-10 days. Typically 6-7 days.
If it was sent First Class mail, it will take 10-14 days, typically more like 14.
I always use Priority Mail, and it is worth the extra money to use it, IMO.
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: olhogrider on April 05, 2014, 01:55:26 am
WildBill, thanks for the reports. I hope you get it worked out. Damned nice bike. I went through two Ducatis before I figured out I just can't take the riding position. That said, last week I rode a CBR250r from San Francisco to Austin TX, about 1900 miles in 48 hours. Nothing that a couple of Tylenol couldn't fix. I couldn't have done it without that big tank bag on it! Made all the difference. After the MotoGP race I'll be riding it back. I loved my 2010 C5 and I'm really thinking of jumping back onto a Royal Enfield. Since you have owned so many, I'd like your thoughts on the Classics. Thanks.
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: abstruse1 on April 06, 2014, 02:42:13 am
Regarding a previous post, I always set my bike bar controls up so that there's a straight line from my shoulders to the levers.  Sometimes that can't be done due to interference, but on my GT it works fine.

Keep the speed up -- the air floats your body, taking the load off the hands and shoulders.
Title: Re: MY Continenta GT Test Ride .... Photos
Post by: wildbill on April 06, 2014, 11:48:51 am
olhogrider
i think all the new models are pretty good bikes. they have improved year by year.
cafe job surprised me how well it rides.i fond the steering a bit heavy when compared to the others but you do get used to it.
biggest surprise to me was the ride. very good on that rather thinly padded solo seat. .......still more confortably than the c5
the b5 was a pretty neat bike too. bench style seat i thought was a better ride the the c5 seat and apart from that there pretty close.
big test for me will be when the hi-rise clip ons arrive and i can see it that helps the riding postion on the bike. hoprfully i should find that answer out sometime later this week.
to sum up woul;d i buy another c5 - yes i would they are pretty good bikes.