Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet with the UCE engine => Topic started by: Professor on April 25, 2014, 08:22:28 pm

Title: GT Blues
Post by: Professor on April 25, 2014, 08:22:28 pm
Pretty much as I expected and thought would happen has. People bought the GT on looks. Once they owned it for a while it disappointed them. REs are unique. So, I watched every sale source available to me for a good deal for well over a month. I found one today and bought the bike. New GT 300 miles $4500. Owner bought it and could not adjust to the bike, too slow he said. Tomorrow it will go to Patrick Racing. Even if I invest $3000 in a engine rebuild to get better performance, it would simply be the cost of a new bike given taxes and dealer fees. This will not be fast, nor easy, but in the end worth it....... I think at this point. A challenge?? Most likely. But, it is not that much in the overall scheme of life. Forks will go to Race Tech.   
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: Joel-in-dallas on April 25, 2014, 08:31:40 pm
If you want a cafe racer and want the speed to go with it, get the Triumph Thruxton or the Ducati. But if you get the Continental GT and to some degree event the Moto Guzzi V7 Racer, you are not getting a FAST motorcycle. You are getting a BEAUTIFUL, and stylish motorcycle.

I think Royal Enfield is really onto something about a different kind of riding. An approachable sort of riding where the motorcycle is not vastly more powerful than the skill level of most riders.  But the United States is a different beast. We have really fast freeways in comparison to much of the world.  Yet, I think there will be plenty of people who love the Continental GT.
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: boggy on April 25, 2014, 09:24:46 pm
$4500?  Great pick up, Prof! 
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: suitcasejefferson on April 25, 2014, 09:27:46 pm
This does not surprise me. I bought a B5, not a Continental GT. Having been researching RE for some time, I pretty much knew what I was getting. I also love the looks of the Continental GT, but could not handle the riding position due to medical issues.

I belong to several motorcycle forums, have owned more than 40 bikes, and been riding for more than 40 years. Yet I still do not understand this issue with speed. People buy Ninja 250s/300s as first bikes, and within a month, long before they can even began to approach the capabilities of that bike, they want something faster. They get a 600, which VERY few riders are capable of riding to it's limits, and within a few months, they want something even faster. I have owned bikes so fast that you could only use a small part of the speed they are capable of on the road, making all that speed useless. They were also extremely uncomfortable.

RE is not a common well known brand. And those who do know something about it should also know something about their performance. I don't know why someone familiar with the bikes would assume the GT would be super fast, as it uses basically the same engine as all the other models.

I no longer have any need or desire for a fast bike, and am very happy to ride my Bullet at 60 mph all day. It's a beautiful bike, and is more fun to ride than any Japanese bike I have ever owned.
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: Professor on April 25, 2014, 10:12:56 pm
I look at the GT as modern day BSA Gold Star. Light, efficient and fun to ride. All it needs is bit more power and torque. Not 60HP, but about 36-38 at the rear wheel.  No fragile hand grenades please. Just a solid reliable bike with enough power to be entertaining. I think that is doable with this engine without huge cost. The basic platform appears to be sound.

Like many on this forum I already own a performance bike. I do not want that from the RE C5 or GT.
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: 1 Thump on April 25, 2014, 10:14:28 pm
http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/mcy/4428350722.html

this one?
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: Professor on April 25, 2014, 10:43:53 pm
The owner did want to negotiate with this bike. He was set on his price. He will learn that there is a limited market. Buying a RE right is essential, if you ever want to sell it. They can sit for months and months. Big dealer fees kill you on resale. I found it in a Penny Saver in Las Vegas. Owner simply wanted out of it. Loan paid off. Done.
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: Professor on April 25, 2014, 11:05:08 pm
One of the options I was asked about was this, would you consider putting a pre-unit Triumph in the RE GT frame. I have one that has been sitting. Most likely won't. But in England I will bet you, that there will be pre-unit English twins and maybe unit twins and few old singles wedged into RE GT frames. If a featherbed Norton can't be found, how about a new RE GT frame? It was designed by Les Harris as I recall. Cheap to boot.
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: dginfw on April 25, 2014, 11:42:38 pm
The owner did want to negotiate with this bike. He was set on his price. He will learn that there is a limited market. ...

That is my bike in the Dallas craigslist ad; If you were referring to me, I don't recall you contacting me about negotiating on price. I've had a couple people try to trade for vehicles I don't want, and one asking about the accessories on the bike...but that's it. Shipping fees on a slightly used bike will put it awfully close to new, so most will go that route. I've just got to hope it sells locally....
I know there's a limited market for these bikes; most people have never heard of the new GT. I like my bike and if I didn't have some unexpected things come up I would keep it....
Heck, for that matter, I'd love to see RE use the same frame with a different suspension and bodywork, lower foot pegs, traditional handlebars, and a high pipe and sell a 'scrambler'. Given the typical age of the RE buyer, I think a scrambler type bike would fit their needs -and aging bodies- better than a cafe styled bike, but that's just my opinion.....
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: Professor on April 26, 2014, 12:02:53 am
My apology. I looked at several GTs from 5500 to 6800. No one wanted to negotiate. Several in the southwest and midwest. Yours is similar to the others. A very nice bike. Good luck on selling it.  I am also buying older Triumphs at the same time and have talked to a lot of people. Craigslist is an OK source. I usually run down leads using dealer mechanics and service departments. I am looking for the guy hurting to sell. They are out there.
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: Catbird on April 26, 2014, 12:15:05 am
suitcasejefferson -

+1

My riding background is similar to yours and I couldn't agree with you more.  Now that I'm 66, I personally have no desire for a super duper 2-wheeled rocket so that I can impress others; I'm now more interested in pleasurable, comfortable riding.
I purchased my 2013 C5 Military because I wanted a primitive, vintage, old school bike and to that end, it satisfies my requirements.
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: dginfw on April 26, 2014, 12:15:18 am
No prob. BTW, congrats on your nice score! You found a heckuva deal!
keep us updated on the engine mods; a lot of us are curious as to the UCE's potential
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: gizzo on April 26, 2014, 01:48:37 am
The OP title made me think... I bet you're right and a bunch of people will have the blues with the GT when they find out it's not as fast as they hoped. I'm into it. My riding roads are mostly winding hills roads where it matters not whether you have 29 hp or 100. I still keep up with the fast bikes so it's all good for me. My favourite rides nowadays are the GT and my Suzuki Savage bobber. Both 'slow' singles. They're great fun for just popping around in the hills. I am amazed, sometimes, how fast my friend Dave can punt the bobber around tho (he's a no bike family man but always welcome to use mine). Last time I rode my Monster, on a long ride, I couldn't relax under 140(kph, NOT mph) and that's licence losing territory. The singles make it easy and fun to stay sane, safe and legal. My 2c.
I rode a friends '96 Ducati 900 SS a while back and was dong 180 before it started talking to me.....
On the other hand....I did a quick measure up a while back and seems like a DR650 engine might fit the GT's frame just nice.....Maybe when I find that "bargain bike"?
Oh yeah, I bought mine on looks too. After I saw the concept bike a couple years ago, I had to have one. I'm not disappointed.
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: ace.cafe on April 26, 2014, 02:17:45 am
Buying on looks is okay. Probably a lot of bikes are sold on looks.

If the performance is satisfactory for the person's needs, then fine.
If not, they can still modify the bike and have the looks they like too.
I think it works out fine that way. You can keep it stock if you like it that way, and mod it if you want it modded. Everybody wins.
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: SSdriver on April 26, 2014, 02:24:16 am
I am 66 and have been riding since the 60s.  Owned many bikes, 2 stroke dirt bikes to pocket rockets.  I don't want to do wheelies.  I don't want to out run anybody. I want to take my GT down a winding road and enjoy that feeling that we all know about.  I bought it for the looks and that wonderful RE THUMP! I love my GT and plan on keeping it for a long time...Jim
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: Ducati Scotty on April 26, 2014, 04:02:53 am
An RE scrambler?  Now there's an idea!
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: Graylic on April 26, 2014, 05:05:38 am
I would also love to see an RE scrambler, or what I would really want would be a light weight touring bike with some decent dirt capability(actually that is my long term goal for modifying my G5).
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: Mr.Mazza on April 26, 2014, 05:13:09 am
I would also love to see an RE scrambler, or what I would really want would be a light weight touring bike with some decent dirt capability(actually that is my long term goal for modifying my G5).

I've been looking up the possibility of a good touring set up.
All you need is the larger tank (18L) which is fairly cheap, good saddlebags, solo comfy seat and a luggage rack on the back. Maybe a tool roll up front and you're set! I plan to ride around Australia (18,000km) with a simular set up.
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: GSS on April 26, 2014, 06:40:27 am
New GT 300 miles $4500. Owner bought it and could not adjust to the bike, too slow he said........Forks will go to Race Tech.
This is hilarious.....it takes 1500 miles for a UCE engine to break in and people are dumping bikes at 300 after undoubtedly flogging the heck out of it.......and never finding out how fast it will eventually go :)

What are you fixing with the forks?   The GT ride and handling is top notch for any bike.....just curious as to what is being improved.  Thanks.

Best regards,

GSS
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: Craig McClure on April 26, 2014, 04:39:10 pm
That is my bike in the Dallas craigslist ad; If you were referring to me, I don't recall you contacting me about negotiating on price. I've had a couple people try to trade for vehicles I don't want, and one asking about the accessories on the bike...but that's it. Shipping fees on a slightly used bike will put it awfully close to new, so most will go that route. I've just got to hope it sells locally....
I know there's a limited market for these bikes; most people have never heard of the new GT. I like my bike and if I didn't have some unexpected things come up I would keep it....
Heck, for that matter, I'd love to see RE use the same frame with a different suspension and bodywork, lower foot pegs, traditional handlebars, and a high pipe and sell a 'scrambler'. Given the typical age of the RE buyer, I think a scrambler type bike would fit their needs -and aging bodies- better than a cafe styled bike, but that's just my opinion.....
I love the way its set up, just what I would have done. If I could afford it, I'd be on it like white-on-rice. I think its a very fair price. Check out that great Exhaust-Very smart.
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: sixtysix on April 27, 2014, 05:12:34 pm
I also bought this bike for its character, love riding the back roads. Plus I researched these bikes long enough, and read enough of your posts to know exactly what I was getting into, no surprise at all!
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: Professor on April 28, 2014, 03:52:10 am
Nothing wrong with the GT forks. BUT....higher quality springs and an emulator seem to improve most traditional fork setups. Maybe the GT won't be better. I won't know until the forks are apart.

This is small stuff. The UCE engine is where the money will be spent. It is an unknown in the US. Things like rods and pistons. Not hard as they can be made. Carrillo and Arias do it all of the time. Cams more work, but doable. Lifters??? Engine bearings???? Top end may use parts from other bikes (modified) or some standardized parts. Don't know. Combustion chamber and flame front??? Don't know. Ports?? Clutch?? Starter ?? Ultimate compression ratio?? Head sealing?? This is not a top fuel engine. But a strong reliable street engine. This why you choose the top engine building shops to do the work and set a reasonable budget, with reasonable expectations. Experience counts big time. Kawasaki is Rob Muzzy. He knows them inside and out. Ducati has their gurus. Jerry Branch (is he still alive?) and Carl's for Harley. Ace knows pre UCE quite well. Certainly respect him on that. This is not for weekend mechanics.

I have already been advised. Keep the UCE for a spare or sell it. Put a pre unit or even unit Triumph engine in the GT frame. Build your mounting plates and sort out chain alignment.  I now have a few Triumph engines. Build a temping CafĂ© Racer in the vein of a Triton. You'll have more HP and it will be cool. May be even worth more in the long run. The thought of strong traditional single still appeals to me. Nothing is ever as it seems at the start. 

A thought....the KTM 690 Duke is a 670cc or so single with loads of technology. Fly by wire, White suspension, 67 hp and 340 lbs. and it rips. But, at 70 plus it vibrates. Faster more vibration. Even with a counter balancer. It is as modern as it can be. But, in the end, it has none of the character of the Enfield. It is not better, just very different and cost more. Performance wise the new Yamaha FZ-07 leaves it standing. And for thousands less. Who cares!  You can chase this power curve all of your life and never catch it.

The RE is in a word,  FUN to ride. It is a Lot of old,  a Lot of new. An elemental motorcycle, with core values.  It makes you realize that riding is fun. Not turning every ride into a race. Simply, riding.  In America we loose sight of this sometimes. If too much is enough, overwhelming is better. NOT! But, try selling that to an American twenty something with testosterone raging. You can't. The GT is an Indian bike for the Indian market. You can't go much more than 45mph any way on their roads and stay alive. Pull up to the Cia-walla and the girls will smile at your red beast. Not in America. Or even in England or OZ. This bike needs  twelve to fifteen more horsepower. I'll settle for ten. But, when it does, it will be superb for it's purpose. A modern bike that captures the past and the passion of riding without feeling you are flogging it to death. A modern Goldstar of sorts. I not holding my breath.....so I try to sort it out.

The beautiful Guzzi 750 retro Racer needs a dose of HP as well.
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: GSS on April 28, 2014, 05:03:18 am
I would encourage you to contact ScooterBob if you truly want to soup up your GT engine......total genius of a man......great guy and knows more about the inner workings of these UCE engines than any other soul in North America.
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: Professor on April 28, 2014, 05:14:19 am
Unless his website is in error,  he now works for Royal Enfield (USA Importer). So, is out of business.
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: gashousegorilla on April 28, 2014, 04:24:21 pm


  "It is an unknown in the US."



   ??? ??  I can assure you we ALL ! have not been sitting on our hands for four or five years. Waiting for someone to come along and tell us how to do it.  :)    IF your interested, ScooterBob can be contacted at Go Moto in Minnesota, or by simply looking up his profile and sending him an Email..
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: Bulletman on April 28, 2014, 04:37:41 pm
I would encourage you to contact ScooterBob if you truly want to soup up your GT engine......total genius of a man......great guy and knows more about the inner workings of these UCE engines than any other soul in North America.
+1
Scooterbob would be ideal to start and explore options on speeding up this bike for all good intents and purposes...
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: Professor on April 28, 2014, 07:04:07 pm
OK found him. Go Moto in MN. AKA Greg Stewart. Thank you.
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: gashousegorilla on April 28, 2014, 07:36:03 pm
  That's him Professor.. And GSS does not exaggerate. I have been working with him for the last few years ,Testing his parts and idea's on the street and on the Dyno... Not a soul in North America knows these bikes better then he. He IS a genius AND a Excellent guy. A rare combination....
Title: Re: GT Blues
Post by: Professor on April 28, 2014, 11:00:49 pm
Thank you. Will start as soon I get back from India. Hope to visit the factory in Chennai as well as ride a lot.