[majstevetrevor]

I am currently in the process of selling my Triumph and was hoping to get a 2018-on Classic 500 chrome.  But bad timing on my part!  They have pretty much disappeared since RE announced the end of production.  So, I am keeping my eyes open, and if anyone has any leads I'd appreciate the help.  I am open to either new or low-mileage used, and am willing to pay for shipping.  Cheers.

[axman88]

Looks like my local dealer has one to sell you.

https://www.motoworkschicago.com/inventory/v1/Current/Royal-Enfield/2020-Classic/Classic-500-Chrome/Base--Chicago-Illinois---13846801

[majstevetrevor]

Looks like my local dealer has one to sell you.

https://www.motoworkschicago.com/inventory/v1/Current/Royal-Enfield/2020-Classic/Classic-500-Chrome/Base--Chicago-Illinois---13846801

Thanks!  I will follow up with them..

[axman88]

You might also want to try to find a dealer closer to you.  You can go state by state from the RE NA dealer finder if you want, then check out their inventories.

https://www.royalenfield.com/us/en/locate-us/dealers/

[majstevetrevor]

You might also want to try to find a dealer closer to you.  You can go state by state from the RE NA dealer finder if you want, then check out their inventories.

https://www.royalenfield.com/us/en/locate-us/dealers/

Thanks again! I had checked the few dealers in my area and none had any, and I had checked on Cycletrader around the nation and didn't find any there either. But I did not know about the dealer listing, so that has given me something to follow up on.  A few on the east coast list available bikes, but I have also learned that "listing" isn't the same as "having in stock," so we'll see...  Appreciate the tip..

[Guaire]

This is the front page of the site. Go down to the bottom for more links to more bikes.

https://www.royalenfields.com/

[majstevetrevor]

This is the front page of the site. Go down to the bottom for more links to more bikes.

https://www.royalenfields.com/

Great, thanks!

[majstevetrevor]

Well, I've followed up every lead and nothing has panned out yet..  The dealer websites can be tricky, in that they have lots of "manufacturer models" listed in ways that look like they are in stock, but turns out they aren't, including the Chicago Motoworks above. Still hopeful that a slightly used one will appear at some point.

[axman88]

Finding a 2018 or later is going to be difficult.  Once the 650s came on the horizon, I think the US market largely lost interest in the 500 singles.  I don't think they were imported in large numbers, because dealers were sitting on older stock.

But there does appear to be quite a few older C5s, from 2016 and earlier, with few to no miles on their clocks, available:

http://www.2040-motos.com/Royal-Enfield/Bullet-C5-Chrome/

https://www.motorcycle.com/classifieds/royal-enfield/2014-royal-enfield-bullet-c5-classic-chrome-MC14148014FC8.html

https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2017-Royal-Enfield-Classic-500-5013230792

Of course, I'm not actually calling around and seeing what is specifically available, so maybe a lot of these are just old ads left up to generate traffic.  I have read that motorcycle sales are brisk, due to folks looking for alternatives to public transport, and have heard that RE dealers are not expecting to be able to restock this season, both due to the pandemic.

If you want to see a list I posted on another forum of all the motorcycles for sale listing sites I'm aware of, you can find that here:
     https://www.motorcycleforum.com/threads/motorcycle-price-guide-reference.127946/

I'm sure a nice used machine will turn up for you sooner or later.

Don't neglect local:
             - Craigslist.com
             - Offer Up.com
             - Let Go.com
             - Facebook marketplace

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend an earlier model.  Personally, I'm quite happy with my 2012.  It's hard for me to imagine a situation where a rear disc or ABS would get me out of the trouble that 27hp got me into.  Machines made after mid 2012, should have the 19" front wheel and non-offset forks that resolves the speed wobble issue that some folks report on the earlier machines.  Be aware that the date on the title may not reflect the manufacture date, it's best to check.

[majstevetrevor]

Thanks, I appreciate the info and will follow up on these other sites.  I am sort of committed to 2018-on, not so much because of the ABS, but I've heard from a couple of sources that the production quality improved from that point.  I did previously own a 2015 C500 for two years, and it was a lemon!  I know there are lots of good ones from those years, but I want decrease my chances of getting a bad one...

Finding a 2018 or later is going to be difficult.  Once the 650s came on the horizon, I think the US market largely lost interest in the 500 singles.  I don't think they were imported in large numbers, because dealers were sitting on older stock.

But there does appear to be quite a few older C5s, from 2016 and earlier, with few to no miles on their clocks, available:

http://www.2040-motos.com/Royal-Enfield/Bullet-C5-Chrome/

https://www.motorcycle.com/classifieds/royal-enfield/2014-royal-enfield-bullet-c5-classic-chrome-MC14148014FC8.html

https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2017-Royal-Enfield-Classic-500-5013230792

Of course, I'm not actually calling around and seeing what is specifically available, so maybe a lot of these are just old ads left up to generate traffic.  I have read that motorcycle sales are brisk, due to folks looking for alternatives to public transport, and have heard that RE dealers are not expecting to be able to restock this season, both due to the pandemic.

If you want to see a list I posted on another forum of all the motorcycles for sale listing sites I'm aware of, you can find that here:
     https://www.motorcycleforum.com/threads/motorcycle-price-guide-reference.127946/

I'm sure a nice used machine will turn up for you sooner or later.

Don't neglect local:
             - Craigslist.com
             - Offer Up.com
             - Let Go.com
             - Facebook marketplace

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend an earlier model.  Personally, I'm quite happy with my 2012.  It's hard for me to imagine a situation where a rear disc or ABS would get me out of the trouble that 27hp got me into.  Machines made after mid 2012, should have the 19" front wheel and non-offset forks that resolves the speed wobble issue that some folks report on the earlier machines.  Be aware that the date on the title may not reflect the manufacture date, it's best to check.

[Guaire]

Not a chrome:

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/mpo/d/greenbelt-2019-royal-enfield-c5/7178085317.html

[majstevetrevor]

Not a chrome:

https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/mpo/d/greenbelt-2019-royal-enfield-c5/7178085317.html

Yes, I actually went and test rode that the other evening!  The chrome is my first love, and I was trying to think about whether I could settle, maybe even give it a cool paint job.  But the blacked out engine, etc, is just not my style.  Hoping for this next bike to be my forever bike (or close to it), so I'm being picky.

[Bilgemaster]

If you're casting a net more broadly for older bikes, then you'd also do well to check out Enfield Blogger David Blasco's "Royal Enfields for Sale in the U.S."  from time to time at https://royal-enfields.blogspot.com/ and also https://www.royalenfields.com/. Check both pages, 'cause sometimes (like now)  certain bikes may appear on one but not the other. And for best results, either view the site on a laptop or desktop computer or check the "Desktop Site" option found under the three vertical dots clickable doodad at upper right if viewing with an Android phone or tablet. The rest of his extensive blog is superb fun too.

Presently David lists a few "chromey" Bullets, both of the older "original" Iron Cylinder Engine (ICE) pre-unit type and with the later Unit Construction Engine (UCE).

Oh, and welcome to the "Horde of the Archaic." I'm also in the DC Area, just down in Woodbridge.

[Guaire]

This is the front page of the site. Go down to the bottom for more links to more bikes.

https://www.royalenfields.com/

Same site.

[majstevetrevor]

If you're casting a net more broadly for older bikes, then you'd also do well to check out Enfield Blogger David Blasco's "Royal Enfields for Sale in the U.S."  from time to time at https://royal-enfields.blogspot.com/ and also https://www.royalenfields.com/. Check both pages, 'cause sometimes (like now)  certain bikes may appear on one but not the other. And for best results, either view the site on a laptop or desktop computer or check the "Desktop Site" option found under the three vertical dots clickable doodad at upper right if viewing with an Android phone or tablet. The rest of his extensive blog is superb fun too.

Presently David lists a few "chromey" Bullets, both of the older "original" Iron Cylinder Engine (ICE) pre-unit type and with the later Unit Construction Engine (UCE).

Oh, and welcome to the "Horde of the Archaic." I'm also in the DC Area, just down in Woodbridge.

Thanks!

[majstevetrevor]

Well, it's very interesting:  I have contacted 8 or 10 dealers across the country about finding a C500.  No one has any chromes in stock, and most all say that they don't expect to get any more C500s in, as has been talked about on this board.  But just in the last day or two I've heard from two different dealers who said that their "Royal Enfield rep" has promised that more new 500s will be coming in this fall or winter.   So, I am not sure what to think -- perhaps there are some leftover 2020 models that never shipped due to the pandemic..?  The dealers didn't have any more info.

[Chaz Michael Michaels]

The dealer in upstate Washington said their rep told them they will get new 500's starting late fall/early winter. However, the only colors will be:
Green
Grey
Black

The Harley/RE dealer in Portland said they do not expect to get any new 500's and they have heard nothing from RE. Not sure what to believe anymore. But, if you were inclined I would snatch up a 500 now if you can. The dealer I found mine at in Ohio has 3 left:

2017 Desert Storm
2017 Silver
2017 Black

They've only had them about a week so I imagine they will be gone soon.

[majstevetrevor]

The dealer in upstate Washington said their rep told them they will get new 500's starting late fall/early winter. However, the only colors will be:
Green
Grey
Black

The Harley/RE dealer in Portland said they do not expect to get any new 500's and they have heard nothing from RE. Not sure what to believe anymore. But, if you were inclined I would snatch up a 500 now if you can. The dealer I found mine at in Ohio has 3 left:

2017 Desert Storm
2017 Silver
2017 Black

They've only had them about a week so I imagine they will be gone soon.

Thanks, yeah I think I saw those three in OH. But I am holding out for a 2018 or later model, preferably a chrome, but definitely the later years.

[axman88]

You are just a year too late for this one.  Look how shiny!  Even has it's own video theme music.  That is class!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWxgxZRto1s

My 2012 has the ding on its tank in the same position, but on the opposite side.  I adjusted the bars so such a thing couldn't be repeated, even if my thumb bones were involved.

[Chaz Michael Michaels]

How goes the search?

[majstevetrevor]

How goes the search?

I just gave up and bought a Triumph...  Literally just this morning!  A 2014 air cooled T100 with very low miles came on the local Craigslist, and I just thought, " I need a bike," so I went for it.  It's not an exciting motorcycle by any stretch, but can be made more interesting in lots of ways, which I plan to do.  I will still keep my eyes open for a C500, and if one comes up that I like I may still be able to finagle it. But now the urgency is gone at least.  Thanks for asking..

[Bilgemaster]

I just gave up and bought a Triumph...  Literally just this morning!  A 2014 air cooled T100 with very low miles came on the local Craigslist, and I just thought, " I need a bike," so I went for it.  It's not an exciting motorcycle by any stretch, but can be made more interesting in lots of ways, which I plan to do.  I will still keep my eyes open for a C500, and if one comes up that I like I may still be able to finagle it. But now the urgency is gone at least.  Thanks for asking..

That Triumph's a fine well-rounded bike and 2014's apparently a rather good year for them. Bullets have their own undeniable singular virtues, but I expect you'll need to make fewer concessions to modernity, like avoiding highways, on that Bonnie.  And if you still crave the visceral and perhaps more "equestrian" joys of a big unimpeachably "primitive" single, what's to stop you from picking up a nice proper old original model pre-2007 Iron Barrel pre-unit thumping "fixer upper" for change found in the sofa cushions some winter when asking prices are soft to tinker with? I mean, if you wanted a single, then why not REALLY come to the Dark Side...Warranties? We don't need no stinkin' warranties! Electric start? If we find one, we kick it into the hedges! Fuel injection? Harrumph! Gravity ALWAYS works!

In the meantime, not that it overly matters where it may have been screwed together, but if you're at all curious whether your new ride first saw the light of day in Britain or Thailand, check this out: https://www.triumphrat.net/threads/where-is-my-triumph-made.81975/

I, for one, wouldn't mind seeing a few pix of your new Bonneville.

[Richard230]

My brother had a 2014 Triumph T-100 Bonneville for a while. Photo attached.  Interestingly, he told me that the SF Triumph dealer wouldn't service the bike because it had an illegal (in California) aftermarket muffler installed on the bike.   

[Chaz Michael Michaels]

Triumph's are nice bikes. Just ask McQueen!

[majstevetrevor]

That Triumph's a fine well-rounded bike and 2014's apparently a rather good year for them. Bullets have their own undeniable singular virtues, but I expect you'll need to make fewer concessions to modernity, like avoiding highways, on that Bonnie.  And if you still crave the visceral and perhaps more "equestrian" joys of a big unimpeachably "primitive" single, what's to stop you from picking up a nice proper old original model pre-2007 Iron Barrel pre-unit thumping "fixer upper" for change found in the sofa cushions some winter when asking prices are soft to tinker with? I mean, if you wanted a single, then why not REALLY come to the Dark Side...Warranties? We don't need no stinkin' warranties! Electric start? If we find one, we kick it into the hedges! Fuel injection? Harrumph! Gravity ALWAYS works!

In the meantime, not that it overly matters where it may have been screwed together, but if you're at all curious whether your new ride first saw the light of day in Britain or Thailand, check this out: https://www.triumphrat.net/threads/where-is-my-triumph-made.81975/

I, for one, wouldn't mind seeing a few pix of your new Bonneville.

Thanks, yeah it's a more practical bike in every way, just not nearly as interesting (in a totally non-ironic good way) or as "interesting" (in the ironic way not-so-good) way!  My main problem with having two bikes is really space -- I'm in the city on a narrow street without even a driveway let alone a garage.  But, you have planted a seed with regard to an older Bullet...  I'll post pics when I have a chance to take some.  It's not esp interesting to look at, though classic lines.  I will be changing it up quite a bit over the coming months though, both performance wise and looks wise.

[majstevetrevor]

My brother had a 2014 Triumph T-100 Bonneville for a while. Photo attached.  Interestingly, he told me that the SF Triumph dealer wouldn't service the bike because it had an illegal (in California) aftermarket muffler installed on the bike.   

Yes, apparently CA is pretty strict. As I look at aftermarket engine and exhaust parts I keep coming across notes "not legal in CA" or even "not for sale in CA."  That's a nice looking Bonnie.

[majstevetrevor]

Triumph's are nice bikes. Just ask McQueen!

Right on.

[majstevetrevor]

Here's a pic of the "new" 2014 Bonneville, for anyone interested. I like the older air cooled engines better than the new liquid cooled.  Sacrificing some power, but I'll be doing air box mods and put on a new set of pipes to help a bit. Will also do some aesthetic mods at some point.

[axman88]

A 2018 Chrome came up for sale here in the Chicago area:
              834 miles on the odo
              seller is asking $4600
              https://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/mcy/d/wilmette-2018-royal-enfield-classic-500/7187248988.html

[majstevetrevor]

A 2018 Chrome came up for sale here in the Chicago area:
              834 miles on the odo
              seller is asking $4600
              https://chicago.craigslist.org/nch/mcy/d/wilmette-2018-royal-enfield-classic-500/7187248988.html

Dang, looks good too!

[Chaz Michael Michaels]

That's a good looking bike! Price is great as well. That won't be for sale long.

[majstevetrevor]

Looks like it might be gone already!

[majstevetrevor]

Decided I am still in the market for an ABS C500, so if anyone comes across one for sale do let me know.  Thanks!

[Chaz Michael Michaels]

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/d/nordland-royal-enfield-chrome-classic/7195222650.html

[majstevetrevor]

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/mcy/d/nordland-royal-enfield-chrome-classic/7195222650.html

Thanks!

[Bilgemaster]

No ABS, but there's a really "chromey" and maroon 2014 Classic on the DC Craigslist up near Sterling or Tyson's Corner asking $3,500 with a reported 2,000 miles on the clock at https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/mcy/d/sterling-royal-enfield-classic-chrome/7211643312.html

[majstevetrevor]

No ABS, but there's a really "chromey" and maroon 2014 Classic on the DC Craigslist up near Sterling or Tyson's Corner asking $3,500 with a reported 2,000 miles on the clock at https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/mcy/d/sterling-royal-enfield-classic-chrome/7211643312.html

Thanks, yes, I actually went down and test rode that one the other day and had a nice conversation with the owner.  I'm giving it some thought...