Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet with the UCE engine => Topic started by: wearymicrobe on October 27, 2010, 11:04:23 pm

Title: New UCE vs Used 2002 Military
Post by: wearymicrobe on October 27, 2010, 11:04:23 pm
First post, names Mike. I have not ridden a bike in 10 years, gave it up when I moved out to California. The bug is back and I want something vintage without the price of entry. Not going to be doing any freeway riding but definitely down the coast at 45-50 on the weekends till I get my bearings back.

So I am looking at a 2002 California registered Military RE locally. It has a California Title and about 8500 miles on the clock. The paint is terrible, its been outside for a year, but it runs and rides nice and its local. Its about 3K give or take.  I can buy it and drop 2-3K into modifications and paint to get it the way I would want. (Mechanic for a number of years, now an engineer.)

Right down the street is the new Enfield Dealer "Rocket" they have a few of the 500 standard's with California smog bits brand new on the floor.  Lets say same price as the military after modification.

I like the looks of the military over the standards.



Basically what I want is best vintage experience, breakdown's, riding qualities, something to wrench on?

Is there going to be any major difference these areas between a 2002 and a 2010. l have not been able to ride them as they are dealer bikes but wanted a opinion. 
Title: Re: New UCE vs Used 2002 Military
Post by: prof_stack on October 27, 2010, 11:35:24 pm
Welcome to the forum, Mike!

You'll get lots of feedback.  The motor difference between 2002 and 2010 is more like 50 years than 8.  The new UCE is a whole different game. 

My advice is to go with the new Military.
Title: Re: New UCE vs Used 2002 Military
Post by: ace.cafe on October 27, 2010, 11:55:43 pm
If you want to do the wrenching and fussing with the bike, then the 2002 is where it's at.
That is the real vintage experience with basically the same engine that was in the 1950s models.

The newer models are targeted at lower maintenance and are much more modern, and shouldn't need as much work. Retro-look, and "push the button and ride" convenience.

All depends on what floats your boat.
Title: Re: New UCE vs Used 2002 Military
Post by: 1 Thump on October 28, 2010, 12:16:01 am
I agree with all of the above, but I would not give 3k for the 02 military.

OTOH, what kind of mods are you planning on making for 3k.
Title: Re: New UCE vs Used 2002 Military
Post by: Ice on October 28, 2010, 12:31:11 am
Welcome aboard wearymicrobe.

Basically what I want is best vintage experience, breakdown's, riding qualities, something to wrench on?

 The '02 will give the vintage ownership experience (including the headaches) right down to the marginal brakes, mystery shifting and intensive maintenance.

Is there going to be any major difference these areas between a 2002 and a 2010. l have not been able to ride them as they are dealer bikes but wanted a opinion. 

 The '10 UCE powered machines do give the vintage Bullet riding experience but with modern REliabillity  ;) more power, higher sppeds and better fuel economy, better brakes and suspension all with minimal upkeep.

 Fit finish and overall build quality of the C5 I rode and the other UCE's I have seen was much higher than my '06 Iron Barrel.
Title: Re: New UCE vs Used 2002 Military
Post by: gashousegorilla on October 28, 2010, 12:37:06 am
 Welcome Mike, I agree with ace. I guess it's been about a year and a half since the UCE came out here in the states ?  Someone can correct me, but I don't remember many, or any major motor issues in the US. Except for the initial recall last year with the trans gears on the G-5. Which was corrected early. Dare I say the motor seems to be approaching Honda like reliability? I don't think that's an overstatement. There has been some new model bugs with the rest of the bike, but they seem to have been constantly improving them.
  If you want a bike that needs motor wrenching? The Uce probably ain't it. If you want to do some work on a bike, how about getting a used G-5 or C-5 and doing your own thing to it? Maybe turn it into a "Military"? The world's the limit !   Make it as cool as YOU like it.
Good luck with the decision!   Have fun, what ever you decide.
 
Title: Re: New UCE vs Used 2002 Military
Post by: qgolden on October 28, 2010, 03:22:47 am
Cool is as Cool does.....The Enfield is a cool bike.  I have had mine since June, no issues at all.  If you want something that is cost effective to customize, has a modern, yet basic Engine that someone with basic skills can work on and modify without fear then you will not be disappointed in a new model.

What ever you choose, welcome to the fold.
Title: Re: New UCE vs Used 2002 Military
Post by: cyrusb on October 28, 2010, 03:25:09 am
You allready know you want the 2002. $2500 tops, they'll take it, especially if its ugly. With your mechanic-cum -engineer status, there will be nothing you can't handle. It's as close to a living antique that you'll ever get. And they are not making any new ones. Also, if you post this in the Originals forum you may get some balance to your responses.
Title: Re: New UCE vs Used 2002 Military
Post by: singhg5 on October 28, 2010, 05:00:38 am
Welcome to the Forum Mike:

You got excellent feedback above from experienced and knowledgeable riders.  Not much to add, except my opinion.

I would recommend that you test ride the new UCE C5 or G5 whatever the dealer lets you ride.  You will be able to tell the difference and similarities between 2002 used military and the 2010 UCE bike.  If the dealer does not have a test bike, check out another dealer just to get an experience with newer bike.

The only compelling reason to buy 2002 military would be if you can modify the engine to a high powered ACE Fireball piston, head mods offered by ACE.CAFE.  But check with him first if it can be done on that 2002 bike.  That modification will tremendously boost the power and performance of 2002 bike.  With that modification, it could out run the new UCE bike !  Irrespective of any modification, older bikes do require lot more maintenance.

This modification is not for newer UCE bikes.  If you do not want ACE Fireball Engine modfication on 2002 bike, in that case I would say go with newer 2010 UCE.  

Another option is - buy both - one to ride and the other to tinker with  :D.
Title: Re: New UCE vs Used 2002 Military
Post by: qgolden on October 28, 2010, 01:12:54 pm
Another option is - buy both - one to ride and the other to tinker with  :D.

That would put balance in the Universe, and happiness in the Garage ! !  :) 
Title: Re: New UCE vs Used 2002 Military
Post by: wearymicrobe on October 28, 2010, 05:21:50 pm
Thank you everybody for the words of wisdom. I am definitely going to get the 2002, its what I want, the full vintage experience. The price is going to be higher here in California because it has a legal title. Not a lot of RE's made it here legally. 

As for the modifications. Pull the thing apart for a full in house repaint/powdercoat, increase the CC', better brake pad material (make on cnc),  make leather rear bags, springer front end, make exhaust and jet coat.

I took another look at the local bike, it needs some work though, new lights, new generator stuff like that so I offered them ~1800$ its got 8800 miles.  No go on there part. So I am bck to buying on eBay I guess.
Title: Re: New UCE vs Used 2002 Military
Post by: cyrusb on October 28, 2010, 06:15:12 pm
Thats the spirit!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: New UCE vs Used 2002 Military
Post by: 1 Thump on October 28, 2010, 06:43:53 pm
Thank you everybody for the words of wisdom. I am definitely going to get the 2002, its what I want, the full vintage experience. The price is going to be higher here in California because it has a legal title. Not a lot of RE's made it here legally. 

As for the modifications. Pull the thing apart for a full in house repaint/powdercoat, increase the CC', better brake pad material (make on cnc),  make leather rear bags, springer front end, make exhaust and jet coat.

I took another look at the local bike, it needs some work though, new lights, new generator stuff like that so I offered them ~1800$ its got 8800 miles.  No go on there part. So I am bck to buying on eBay I guess.

There is an RE listed for 2200 in the LA area. It is an older bike but redone, bobbed, painted with a newer motor. check out www.royalenfields.com for the listing.
Title: Re: New UCE vs Used 2002 Military
Post by: wearymicrobe on October 28, 2010, 06:52:40 pm
There is an RE listed for 2200 in the LA area. It is an older bike but redone, bobbed, painted with a newer motor. check out www.royalenfields.com for the listing.

Sweet, sent a email out to the guy in Denver with the military and the one in LA. I might have to hop in the SSR and drag in home in the bed but what the heck should be a adventure.
Title: Re: New UCE vs Used 2002 Military
Post by: 1 Thump on October 28, 2010, 07:14:10 pm
You will need more that 7500 miles on the out of CA bike to register it in CA. Check with DMV if some one tried to register the denver bike in CA (provide VIN). If it has been refused once for any reason, it will NEVER be permitted.
Title: Re: New UCE vs Used 2002 Military
Post by: wearymicrobe on October 28, 2010, 09:04:13 pm
If anybody else see's this. The one in Denver is sold  >:(
The one in California was improperly registered at one point so it will have to leave the state. >:(
Title: Re: New UCE vs Used 2002 Military
Post by: bob bezin on October 28, 2010, 09:19:44 pm
too bad...keep lookin
Title: Re: New UCE vs Used 2002 Military
Post by: prof_stack on October 28, 2010, 10:51:16 pm
Good luck getting your vintage machine.  Then you will get more help in the Classic (iron barrel) section where the true vintage old-timers reside!   ;D

You sound as if you have a lot of experience with engines and such, so the older Enfield will be a good sparring partner for you.  Best of success!
Title: Re: New UCE vs Used 2002 Military
Post by: 1 Thump on October 29, 2010, 01:22:57 am
If anybody else see's this. The one in Denver is sold  >:(
The one in California was improperly registered at one point so it will have to leave the state. >:(

There is another one listed in CA (with a side car) at royalenfields.com

Title: Re: New UCE vs Used 2002 Military
Post by: The Garbone on October 29, 2010, 02:44:59 pm
I would be willing to part with my speedo if you need one, it has over 8k miles on the clock and it would give me an excuse to get another Smiths replica...  I have a spare sitting on my bench with 2k on it also...
Title: Re: New UCE vs Used 2002 Military
Post by: wearymicrobe on October 29, 2010, 04:54:34 pm
I would be willing to part with my speedo if you need one, it has over 8k miles on the clock and it would give me an excuse to get another Smiths replica...  I have a spare sitting on my bench with 2k on it also...

That had occurred to me. I can fix the problem pretty easy though with my lathe and a few beers through.

I am going to go after the 99 military in Vegas, waiting on a picture of the title to proceed.
Title: Re: New UCE vs Used 2002 Military
Post by: 1 Thump on October 31, 2010, 03:46:56 pm
If anybody else see's this. The one in Denver is sold  >:(
The one in California was improperly registered at one point so it will have to leave the state. >:(

The on in LA has 7900 miles on it. That should be good enough to register. What is wrong with it ? I have a buddy who is interested in it. Can you share what is wrong. Thanks.
Title: Re: New UCE vs Used 2002 Military
Post by: wearymicrobe on November 01, 2010, 05:25:11 pm
The on in LA has 7900 miles on it. That should be good enough to register. What is wrong with it ? I have a buddy who is interested in it. Can you share what is wrong. Thanks.

FROM OWNER THROUGH EMAIL

He tried to register it with 1100 miles and so the DMV has it flagged as improper on the VIN so it cannot ever be registered in California.
Title: Re: New UCE vs Used 2002 Military
Post by: 1 Thump on November 02, 2010, 07:49:21 pm
Oh ok. Thats a good looking bike out there.