Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum
General Discussion => Campfire Talk => Topic started by: StephenCB on August 26, 2009, 03:32:13 am
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After a long (20+ year) hiatus, I want to get back into riding. I love the look, sound, history, even the maintenance of the older iron barrel kick start Bullet, and I will eventually own one.
However.....
Should the Bullet be a consideration for me as a first and initially only ride? Or should I go for a cheap bike for the first year+ of being back on two wheels? As some forums and tutorial sites have said, as a beginner or returning after a long lapse you WILL lay the bike down more than once. And I would hate to damage such a beautiful machine as this due to my novice ineptness.
I'm asking for honest (even if brutal) opinions.
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Get a Bullet.
Sort it out.
Keep off the freeway.
Don't crash.
Happiness will ensue.
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I have been riding for a year and my Ironhead is my first bike. I use it to commute to work almost every day. I have been down this year but I was riding a less than 100% functional KZ650. The RE is very forgiving with its drum brakes and limited power. It is a hoot to drive and nimble, I like the thing more every time I ride it.. Even if it takes some tinkering to keep it in road trim..
I have mulled getting rid of my KZ rig so I can get another RE... Hmmm....
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My advice would be a test ride at the nearest dealer even if its a couple of hours away.
See if its for you.
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Get a Bullet.
Sort it out.
Keep off the freeway.
Don't crash.
Happiness will ensue.
Best advice I've heard lately, simple and to the point. Will.
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My iron barrel is my first motorcycle, I have been riding it for a year, and I ride it most days to work or wherever else I am going. It is great to ride and wrench on. I laid a scooter down last year, by my bullet has not yet gone down. I would suggest taking the MSF course, use their bikes to get the feel of it again.
-Rick
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I think the Royal Enfield is a good starter bike. I just don't like using the term "starter bike" because it implies that you'd eventually "grow into" something else. I don't think I'll ever want to part with my RE, even if I get something bigger later on. There's just something about the feel of one of these bikes that gets into your soul. When somebody asks me why I don't get something heavier, I say, "It's an Enfield thing... You wouldn't understand."
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StephenCB,
When people ask me about RE Bullets I gently steer them towards the newer Unit Construction Engine models C5 and G5. With E.F.I., modern materials and internal bits they are enjoying a good time of it now.
They were designed from the outset to offer the big British single riding experience along with higher speeds greater reliability and minimal maintenance.
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I'll drink to that ^
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I'll have one myself ;)
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Br. Stephen, you can't go wrong with a Bullet. So, I encourage you to choose a Bullet in one of the three following flavors:
1. Iron Barrel Engine (used, only) (A)
2. AVL -- or Lean Burning -- Engine (new or used)
3. UCE Engine (new, at this time)
A. I have a 2004 Iron Barrel, model Sixty-5 (the first year of the 5-speed tranny)
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Just remember they are all good choices (insert WOWZAA here). Will.
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:D :D :D
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Br. Stephen, you can't go wrong with a Bullet. So, I encourage you to choose a Bullet in one of the three following flavors:
1. Iron Barrel Engine (used, only) (A)
2. AVL -- or Lean Burning -- Engine (new or used)
3. UCE Engine (new, at this time)
A. I have a 2004 Iron Barrel, model Sixty-5 (the first year of the 5-speed tranny)
Reminds me of a teacher going over a test review....." you might see ...cough..cough.. this on a test somewhere.' :D
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:D :D :D
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Welcome to the world of Enfields!
Good advice here from clever people.
However this:
"As some forums and tutorial sites have said, as a beginner or returning after a long lapse you WILL lay the bike down more than once"
...is nonsence, Get yourself up to speed with whatever courses are available to you, or practice yourself some place uncluttered. There is no need to even think you are going to lay your bike down.
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Remeber that old saying just like riding a bike? I agree, a little practice and re-education goes a long ways. Every DMV has a study guide to help out. And there are web sites that can help out. But you just have to do it. So do it. Will.
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my thoughts are that my '08 classic is a 'niche' bike. not my first bike, not real fast, not real quick, not super responsive.....the niche: it sure makes those hurley riders that refuse to wave to me on the road do the 'rubberneck' thing. makes alot of others twist their neck, too. it is a fun bike when i'm ridin' and not wrenchin'.