Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet with the UCE engine => Topic started by: exiledcarper on April 23, 2009, 02:28:02 am

Title: G5-E5
Post by: exiledcarper on April 23, 2009, 02:28:02 am
What's the difference between the G5 and the European market E-5?  they look the same to me?
Title: Re: G5-E5
Post by: t120rbullet on April 23, 2009, 04:22:42 am
Looks to me like the paint scheme and the front fender is about it.
Title: Re: G5-E5
Post by: Kevin Mahoney on April 23, 2009, 06:36:57 am
The E-5 is an Electra dressed up in UCE clothing
Title: Re: G5-E5
Post by: exiledcarper on April 23, 2009, 12:58:06 pm
The G5 isn't?
Title: Re: G5-E5
Post by: t120rbullet on April 23, 2009, 01:20:20 pm
The G5 isn't?

It's an Electra with a 350 like front fender and pin striping like the classics had.
Title: Re: G5-E5
Post by: UK-Classics on April 23, 2009, 07:41:08 pm
The G5 isn't?

It's an Electra with a 350 like front fender and pin striping like the classics had.

So  - other than a few cosmetic details they are the same? The G5 looks a bit better though.
Title: Re: G5-E5
Post by: Blltrdr on April 23, 2009, 08:06:47 pm
I like the look of the E-5 for the base for a Clubman kit install. The G-5 Deluxe is a great looking bike, maybe taking a Deluxe tank and putting it on a Classic would give another appearance option. But that Watsonian's Clubman is an instant winner!

Blltrdr
Title: Re: G5-E5
Post by: Rusty on April 23, 2009, 08:15:04 pm
I agree, the G5 does look better than the Brit Electra DL version, but we don't get it here.

Beats me how RE continue to commit these howlers, trials version gets ally mudguards with stays (very good), classic models get valenced mudguards with stays (very good), Electra gets skinny pointy front mudguard without stays, very bad.

We even had a version with chrome headlamp supports and matching chrome speedo & tacho, it's 'orrible. Did you get that in the US?
Title: Re: G5-E5
Post by: Bullet Bill on April 23, 2009, 08:53:11 pm
On the 1950's kit:  There's very little on that list that is actually incompatible with the Electra frame or the G-5 tech.  As far as I can tell, the only prohibitive bits about that kit are the new yoke/front end, which would remove the G-5's fuel indicator and which I didn't plan on using anyway, and the exhaust.  And I have no doubt that someone will come up with a performance exhaust for the EFI bikes that will be appropriate for a 1950's Bullet.

On Rusty's mystery bike:  Is the hideous motorcycle of which you speak an Enfield Thunderbird?  I didn't think it looked all that bad, but then my eyes have grown accustomed to an overabundance of chrome here in the States.  It's kinda crazy how many massive touring Harley Davidsons you'll find in a town of people who don't travel all that often or very far.
Title: Re: G5-E5
Post by: Bullet Bill on April 23, 2009, 09:13:57 pm
It's a possibility.  I'm still working out the kinks, but my current plan is based around the G-5 because the parts are already available.  Also, I'm kickstart-crazy.  As usual, though, the best course of action seems to be to watch, and wait patiently.


...but I want one nooooooooooow!

EDIT:  Also, there's just something about the proportions of the C-5 that offends me.  I don't know for certain what it is, and it probably doesn't make any real sense, but my gut instinct is to go for the G-5.
Title: Re: G5-E5
Post by: Blltrdr on April 23, 2009, 09:30:01 pm
It's a possibility.  I'm still working out the kinks, but my current plan is based around the G-5 because the parts are already available.  Also, I'm kickstart-crazy.  As usual, though, the best course of action seems to be to watch, and wait patiently.


...but I want one nooooooooooow!

Good philosophy! Who knows, there possibly could be changes (kickstarter) to subsequent models, only time will tell. It will be tough for some to wait it out, especially if there's money burnin' a hole in their pockets!

Blltrdr
Title: Re: G5-E5
Post by: exiledcarper on April 23, 2009, 10:36:09 pm
A C-5 with kickstart, now that would be worth waiting for!!  I wonder if it will really happen?
Title: Re: G5-E5
Post by: Blltrdr on April 24, 2009, 02:10:43 am
A C-5 with kickstart, now that would be worth waiting for!!  I wonder if it will really happen?

I'm sure if enough potential buyers complained and snubbed purchasing the C-5 for that reason there could be a change, but would be willing to bet these bikes are rock solid and should have very few problems with the electric start.

Blltrdr
Title: Re: G5-E5
Post by: t120rbullet on April 24, 2009, 02:17:48 am
EDIT:  Also, there's just something about the proportions of the C-5 that offends me.  I don't know for certain what it is, and it probably doesn't make any real sense, but my gut instinct is to go for the G-5.

Is it the 19" fenders with the 18" wheels underneath em?
Title: Re: G5-E5
Post by: Blltrdr on April 24, 2009, 02:33:12 am
Maybe it's a combination of the smaller tires and the beefier frame and fenders, making the C-5 look slightly... and I have to brace myself for the hate I'm about to receive... scooterish?

Maybe to Shaq!
Title: Re: G5-E5
Post by: Bullet Bill on April 24, 2009, 02:41:32 am
...Does a bike even exist for a guy that tall?  Boss Hoss, maybe?
Title: Re: G5-E5
Post by: holodeck on April 24, 2009, 07:23:03 am
Bullet Bill, I'm wilth you on the looks of the C 5 .
As I understand, it was based on a 250, and with the 18" tires that is just what it looks like, a 250. It just dosen't have the lean mean look of the old bullet classic.
Title: Re: G5-E5
Post by: UK-Classics on April 24, 2009, 07:56:52 am
It's a possibility.  I'm still working out the kinks, but my current plan is based around the G-5 because the parts are already available.  Also, I'm kickstart-crazy.  As usual, though, the best course of action seems to be to watch, and wait patiently.


...but I want one nooooooooooow!

EDIT:  Also, there's just something about the proportions of the C-5 that offends me.  I don't know for certain what it is, and it probably doesn't make any real sense, but my gut instinct is to go for the G-5.

Bill - I think I fall into the same category as you - I was really disappointed to find they had left the kick off the C5 - especially when they went to all the trouble in making it 1950's authentic. It's a minor point but I probably would have put my order in for one if it had had the kick. Without the kick it just ends up being another 'tribute' bike like the new Bonnie ------- I might come round to living without the kick but it would have been such a nice finish -- maybe they should have done some more customer research outside India
Title: Re: G5-E5
Post by: Bullet Bill on April 24, 2009, 08:24:39 am
Personally, I don't see the harm in having the kick start as a sort of under-the-radar option on these bikes.  I know RE doesn't want to scare away the newcomers and the commuters, but just making the bike a bring-your-own-lever (BYOL?) affair would've been nice.

EDIT:  Actually, that's a pretty funny idea when you think about it.  "Shh!  Don't let 'em know it's actually vintage!"
Title: Re: G5-E5
Post by: Rusty on April 24, 2009, 02:22:51 pm
Rusty is the DL version the same as the E-5 version that was the query of this thread?

No I don't think it is. From the pictures I've seen of the G5 on this site it's a much nicer looking bike than the Electra DL.

http://www.royal-enfield.com/electraimages.html

It's a personal thing I just think that valenced painted mudguards suit the road models better than skinny chrome ones. If we got the G5 over here I'd be tempted, it would be about £500 cheaper than the C5 Classic.
Title: Re: G5-E5
Post by: Blltrdr on April 24, 2009, 02:45:05 pm
Rusty is the DL version the same as the E-5 version that was the query of this thread?

No I don't think it is. From the pictures I've seen of the G5 on this site it's a much nicer looking bike than the Electra DL.

Rusty, you need to read the very first post of this thread to understand my question. Exiledcarpenter referred to the European market UCE as an E-5. Is it actually referred to as a DL or is there an E model that is sold over there also? It just get's a little confusing, maybe somebody can clarify the model designations used in Europe for the new UCE models.

Blltrdr
Title: Re: G5-E5
Post by: Rusty on April 24, 2009, 07:56:52 pm
Rusty, you need to read the very first post of this thread to understand my question. Exiledcarpenter referred to the European market UCE as an E-5. Blltrdr
.

I'm very sorry for not reading the question properly.

I'd assumed the 'E' meant Electra and so that was the Euro equivalent of the G5. Anyway my dealer has the red C5 in stock now and I'll be going to view tomorrow, I'll ask him then. Googling E-5 came up with some good chess moves but no Enfields.
Title: Re: G5-E5
Post by: Bullet Bill on April 24, 2009, 08:48:32 pm
Here's the rundown as I understand it:

Both the U.S. and the U.K. get the C-5 model.  Same colors, same frame, same fenders.

The G-5 Bullet is a U.S. exclusive.  It uses an old Electra frame with a 350 front mudguard and a pinstriped paint job.  This also comes in a Deluxe version that has a chrome side cover, tank, and fenders.  The fenders are still the larger 350 size.

The E-5 Bullet is a U.K. exclusive.  This one, like the G-5, shares the Electra frame, but it doesn't bother with any Bullet Classic styling cues.  It has the Electra's paint jobs, fenders, etc.  Everything is the same as on the Electra model except for the motor, which is, of course, the kicker UCE model.  This, like the G-5, comes with a Deluxe version, which is exactly the same as a G-5 Deluxe, but with an all-chrome engine block and a skinner front mudguard (still chrome).

As far as I know, that's all five of this year's models, minus the conversion kits.  The C-5, two G-5's, and two E-5's, the latter four of which all share the same frame.
Title: Re: G5-E5
Post by: UK-Classics on April 25, 2009, 06:15:44 pm
Here's the rundown as I understand it:

Both the U.S. and the U.K. get the C-5 model.  Same colors, same frame, same fenders.

The G-5 Bullet is a U.S. exclusive.  It uses an old Electra frame with a 350 front mudguard and a pinstriped paint job.  This also comes in a Deluxe version that has a chrome side cover, tank, and fenders.  The fenders are still the larger 350 size.

The E-5 Bullet is a U.K. exclusive.  This one, like the G-5, shares the Electra frame, but it doesn't bother with any Bullet Classic styling cues.  It has the Electra's paint jobs, fenders, etc.  Everything is the same as on the Electra model except for the motor, which is, of course, the kicker UCE model.  This, like the G-5, comes with a Deluxe version, which is exactly the same as a G-5 Deluxe, but with an all-chrome engine block and a skinner front mudguard (still chrome).

As far as I know, that's all five of this year's models, minus the conversion kits.  The C-5, two G-5's, and two E-5's, the latter four of which all share the same frame.

Bill - Yes, I think that's about how I undertand it. Within the UK I think Watsonian will be releasing the Trial & Cafe Clubman variants later this year - think they are all based on the electra efi (that we seem to be calling the E5) ;)