My 1999 500 Bullets are the first britbikes I have had adult ownership exposure to, coming from a Japanese machine background. These machines were quite modern for their time. As the engine cases are vertically split, they'll never be as oil tight as a Japanese machine, so don't obsess over a bit of leakage & weeping. The oiling system is a bit rudimentary compared to modern equipment, but that's expected. Change oil & filters often. Understand that whatever oil you use is 10x better that anything available in 1950. The primary side clutch seems to like Type "F" ATF, proper gear oil in the gearbox, 15W50 for the motor. Keep on top of the points & tappets until you get a feel for wear on these items. The shifter ratchet system is external to the gearbox and likes an occasional finger full of white grease smeared into its bits.
The Pre-Unit construction has some real advantages. Many major tasks can be carried out with the engine in the frame.
The Albion gearbox shifter mechanism is fascinating to me. The entire gearbox (save the bellcrank) can be renewed in place.
The separate primary & clutch means not only can the clutch be renewed in place, the primary ratios can easily be altered as well. It also means that changing the front drive sprocket requires removing the inner primary case, thus the obsession of British riders for keeping their drive chains clean, properly lubricated and adjusted to minimize this task.
The Twin's engine I have no experience with, but there are many here that are exceeding well versed in it.
The frame and wheels work well on the road. Both my Bullets have that "telepathic" brit steering thru corners, at least at the moderate speeds I am willing to push them. The rear wheels on mine are QD style, the brake & sprocket stay attached to the bike during flat repairs. The rear fender pivots entirely up out of the way to facilitate this by loosening a 4 nuts. The front brake with addition of the "sticky" Hitchcocks shoes and some tuning works well for a drum brake.
What makes it all work is Hitchcocks. They make it easy to own an Royal Enfield by providing a ready supply of parts & information. You don't need to own a machine shop to keep these bikes running. Owners of other makes can only dream of such a resource.
In any event - get a suitable manual & read through it. Hitchcocks has provided many online. Post some pictures of it in your driveway! - ACR -