Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: dxhall on November 18, 2015, 08:37:35 PM
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The local Enfield dealer is advertising a couple new cafe bikes. The bikes look great, but 29hp is not much. Anyone ridden one of these? I'll be in that part of Denver this Saturday and may stop for a look. I'm thinking that in November in Denver they'll be willing to deal. Internet price is around $5300 + shipping.
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I owned one. I one word....Don't.
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Hey, wait a minute.
Here's our answer.
Buy an Enfield and it will make you appreciate the V9!
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I owned one. I one word....Don't.
You owned an Enfield Cafe Racer?
"Don't" - How about a few reasons from your personal experience?
'Geezer
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The bikes look great, but 29hp is not much.
Just for reference, my Ninja 250 has has more power than that and weighs something like 330 lbs.
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But they do have a nice visual, something to look at but not ride perhaps?
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I never rode one but I have ridden a bunch of Enfields.
The Continental GT is a bike that has potential to be more but for whatever reason they didn't. It's got some zip until 80mph where it falls on its face. I just wish it was more like my old srx-600 . If it was I would of bought one a year ago. Im sure with some tweaking it can be a seriously fun motorcycle. As it sits from the showroom it's just fun. About as quick as a V-7 but lacking the top end of one.
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i own a couple of enfields nothing wrong with them
i used them for daily commuting for years, even the old iron barrel ones can be reliable.
the most important thing , first do a test ride , and decide if you can live with 25 HP
with another pipe they are just as much fun as any 25 hp bike can give.
personally i dont mind the 25 hp,
i also run a nuovo falcone , and that is a lot slower.
if i am in a hurry i have faster bikes ,but i rarely need them
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I met a guy on the Angeles Crest with a cafe Enfield that he'd done himself. He said it was the most fun he'd had on a bike. Also the most problematic..
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Our WG forum member, Nick, did a nice write up on his two trips thru the UK recently. Had his choice of various bikes, and went back with RE for the second trip as well. Maybe these bikes are an acquired taste, vs instant gratification. I need to ck one out at ClevelandMoto this spring.
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i also run a nuovo falcone , and that is a lot slower.
Heyyyy! Cut that out!
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Our WG forum member, Nick, did a nice write up on his two trips thru the UK recently. Had his choice of various bikes, and went back with RE for the second trip as well. Maybe these bikes are an acquired taste, vs instant gratification. I need to ck one out at ClevelandMoto this spring.
But it's also possible that renting one for a week that comes with a support crew might be the way to go.
I want to like them. Checked out a couple last week.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/3d26N0jXJAp-xmanS8fAtcyUPz7D5qX1YIFrs7Nrlyn9UzXQaQt0VgdjBc7VwPOp2CzJSjoJI98hycSJJBp0cJzBVRaJZkCidw8XGyMD67VzQHfSPV8BDbbYZMmcCfi2xrYcY51IG2PJbBPzfQNuPPTOv7qGTos525yDucKZkzi5Sp4nhFe8i_lOEmnwiJI4DKOQu2BnFbdOo4PPm1RxiJB_6C3AWzRfk84fKy1zm4rzHAARQo7d6uKCe0FBgIFMwMflylBGM84dlNveOdI_nSvgL44_QH3rrGA-X2BAGvT4ch4p_lomt-k2JB3inSC6sDQF-0RvY5aR4xIdsT8R6TSRwhrWMd1O-IFOE22ru-V8nRzD9VnIkswnoAj788i4vGRcCXreHklOkILhTNxdB6CAsY35ElydWCSZKD64gnxdLwIguLmcXBICD6671BtLpGdPORd_-OqhJ9QAj5es4q3KpCggFTG9sMK9wEbMBbXxK0uOEFC9d7VWCdOEhy7IMquFbpXmSl3LRuZQYIk7lHWbQ7kBFkBlko7vEaXb-Ys=w522-h926-no)
You think it is a coincidence that this GIANT dealership has them parked all the way at one end (next to a door labeled LAW OFFICE)?
<shrug>
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But it's also possible that renting one for a week that comes with a support crew might be the way to go.
I want to like them. Checked out a couple last week.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/3d26N0jXJAp-xmanS8fAtcyUPz7D5qX1YIFrs7Nrlyn9UzXQaQt0VgdjBc7VwPOp2CzJSjoJI98hycSJJBp0cJzBVRaJZkCidw8XGyMD67VzQHfSPV8BDbbYZMmcCfi2xrYcY51IG2PJbBPzfQNuPPTOv7qGTos525yDucKZkzi5Sp4nhFe8i_lOEmnwiJI4DKOQu2BnFbdOo4PPm1RxiJB_6C3AWzRfk84fKy1zm4rzHAARQo7d6uKCe0FBgIFMwMflylBGM84dlNveOdI_nSvgL44_QH3rrGA-X2BAGvT4ch4p_lomt-k2JB3inSC6sDQF-0RvY5aR4xIdsT8R6TSRwhrWMd1O-IFOE22ru-V8nRzD9VnIkswnoAj788i4vGRcCXreHklOkILhTNxdB6CAsY35ElydWCSZKD64gnxdLwIguLmcXBICD6671BtLpGdPORd_-OqhJ9QAj5es4q3KpCggFTG9sMK9wEbMBbXxK0uOEFC9d7VWCdOEhy7IMquFbpXmSl3LRuZQYIk7lHWbQ7kBFkBlko7vEaXb-Ys=w522-h926-no)
You think it is a coincidence that this GIANT dealership has them parked all the way at one end (next to a door labeled LAW OFFICE)?
<shrug>
That was too funny!
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Let me be clear, when I say GIANT dealership they carry:
Victory
Triumph
Honda
Kawasaki
Suzuki
Yamaha
Ural
Royal Enfield
Artic Cat
Ski Doo
Sea Doo
Polaris
Can Am
Slingshot
I'm sure I'm missing something.
https://goo.gl/photos/32WDeJbNZ6za3F5t9
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I see the RE Continental GT as a work of rolling art - like all Moto Guzzi.
BTW, the RE CGT has 29 throbbing hp (not a mere 25) out of 535cc.
It gets about the same power as any 2-valve pushrod engine. A 750 twin version of the same design would be about 45 hp - similar to a Guzzi V7.
Here's a video review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DX-YjX9yhiM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DX-YjX9yhiM)
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I like REs. I like the simplicity. I like the styling kits so they look like vintage bikes, but one you can get parts & service for.
After spending time on the RE forums & talking to RE owners, decided that they are appropriate if you are going to use them in the city or have secondary roads for riding. Really a lot of fun.
But....I live on freshwater island. Other than boats, the only connection off the island is a major highway that runs across it. As best as I could tell, an RE just isn't up to the task of merging into and keeping up with modern highway speeds. That kept me looking and ended up with the V-7II. For me, it was a better choice unless all I wanted to do was ride around the island and could truck it to the dealer when necessary.
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I've ridden the RE Bullet G5. Until I rode the RE, I always said that the V7 was the closest thing you could buy new today to a vintage bike with the true vintage experience.
I was pleasantly surprised. Sure it wasn't fast, but, it was enjoyable. I think I had it up to 70 MPH, which means that I could take it on the highway if I had to. It certainly had enough power to maintain any speed I want to do on back roads. It was smoother than I thought. I expected a lot more vibration. I actually found the vibration it had to be soothing, since it is a lot lower frequency, than say the buzz of a 350cc non-counter balanced twin at 5,000 RPM.
It is a pleasant bike to ride, and has stunning good looks IMHO. As for the Continental GT, it looks great, but, I already thought the V7 Racer looked to racy for it's performance, well the CGT is definitely that. But, like the V7R, it would be a great bike to ride to the MC breakfast rallies if you want attention.
I certainly don't have any experience to speak as to their reliability, but, from what I've read, if you do a through QC on it upon delivery, it isn't half bad.
At the end of the day though, I'd rather spend the couple thousand more to get a V7.
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The Enfield Continental GTs are fun enough little around town-type bikes. Their power is weak and the riding position gets old after 30 minutes (or less), and if you take them over 40 you start to feel like you're riding a snowblower with the amount of shaking going on. No matter the amount of PDI we do on them many of them end up coming back to us within a couple weeks due to minor issues (usually a clamp coming loose or a switch malfunction). Though after that first fix, if it even has to be done, they're generally trouble-free.
It probably sounds like I'm just ripping them to shreds but actually I like the bikes. I like the Continental GTs with the performance kit, which is very affordable, and I like the B5/C5 series as a leisurely cruiser. I could ride one of those all day long.
Another thing of note is that Enfield is in the process of changing their US business setup, so make sure your local dealer is going to maintain their Enfield relationship past 2015.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAFheyFew3A
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i own a couple of enfields nothing wrong with them
i used them for daily commuting for years, even the old iron barrel ones can be reliable.
the most important thing , first do a test ride , and decide if you can live with 25 HP
with another pipe they are just as much fun as any 25 hp bike can give.
personally i dont mind the 25 hp,
i also run a nuovo falcone , and that is a lot slower.
How does the Falcone compare to the Enfild?
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I have been enjoying mine for the past few weeks. It works well for the roads I ride. The riding position is fine (I'm 5'10" and 165lbs). It will do about 10 mph more than the regular 500cc Royal Enfields.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm21/JonTravisKing/Misc/REContinentalGT_zpskd8vtvle.jpg)
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I have been enjoying mine for the past few weeks. It works well for the roads I ride. The riding position is fine (I'm 5'10" and 165lbs). It will do about 10 mph more than the regular 500cc Royal Enfields.
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm21/JonTravisKing/Misc/REContinentalGT_zpskd8vtvle.jpg)
Nice! I didn't know you got one. Did you replace the CB360 with it?
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Nice! I didn't know you got one. Did you replace the CB360 with it?
The CB360 left last spring. My wife never really ended up using it. It was a little too tall in the seat for her at 5'4". It sold to a local kid. I saw it around town several times over the summer.
I bought this RE a few weeks ago. It was a shop demo bike, although I don't think anybody really demo'ed it except for the shop owner.
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How does the Falcone compare to the Enfield?
they are remarkably different , the falcone is a lot heavier , basically a single cylinder gold wing.
it will do everything you want, just not in a hurry.
the 4 speed gearbox is slow, the enfield has a modern 5 speed box
brakes on the falcone are adequate at best, the enfields disk brakes actually work.
suspension is a different league too ( the falcones front forks are undampened)
in comparison the enfield is a modern bike , compact and responsive.
having said that , the lazy power delivery of the nuovo falcone is addictive,
i can spend hours just pottering along, enjoying the sound.
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Sounds like these Enfield 500s are comparable in performance to my Piaggio 250 MP3. It'll do up to 77 mph, cruise @ 65 mph all day and gets 70 mpg w/22.5 hp.(w/c, 4 valve, EFI).
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Sounds like these Enfield 500s are comparable in performance to my Piaggio 250 MP3. It'll do up to 77 mph, cruise @ 65 mph all day and gets 70 mpg w/22.5 hp.(w/c, 4 valve, EFI).
Not quite...the MP3 is much better suited to higher speeds. At 70mph the vibrations from the Enfield would shatter your teeth.
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Love the fairing on this one:
(http://cache1.citizenside.com/fr/photos/societe/2015-03-08/109442/paris-defile-toutes-en-moto-pour/main_big/1172432-dsc_0059.jpg)
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Love the fairing on this one:
(http://cache1.citizenside.com/fr/photos/societe/2015-03-08/109442/paris-defile-toutes-en-moto-pour/main_big/1172432-dsc_0059.jpg)
Yep , that's the cat's meow :laugh:
Hmm , maybe more accurately , that's the cat's pajamas :laugh:
Dusty
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Love the fairing on this one:
(http://cache1.citizenside.com/fr/photos/societe/2015-03-08/109442/paris-defile-toutes-en-moto-pour/main_big/1172432-dsc_0059.jpg)
Oh my! :tongue: Think I'm In love...............
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Gives meaning to the term "chasing tail".
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:thumb: I want that fairing.
Catwoman must be a under 5 foot tall to be stretched out like that. That is a fairly small riders triangle.
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Love the fairing on this one:
(http://cache1.citizenside.com/fr/photos/societe/2015-03-08/109442/paris-defile-toutes-en-moto-pour/main_big/1172432-dsc_0059.jpg)
.....I guess the intense vibrations would be better for some than for others.....
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(http://s7.postimg.org/odszp9k2h/Screen_Shot_2015_11_29_at_8_13_29_PM.png)
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I had a 2010 Royal Enfield C5 Bullet Classic, the first year the US got the UCE motors. It was the biggest POS motorcycle I ever owned. I sold it after one year, after getting another Guzzi 750.
What was wrong with it? Here's a partial list of my experience:
Electrical gremlins and wires rubbing over metal parts before going bare,
Stuck front brake calipers,
Scary frame wobble above 50mph,
Fuel tank gallon sensor went toes up very quick,
Wonky rear wheel adjusters for alignment,
Front fender rubbing on forks to remove paint,
Air filter door jettison'd the lock,
Tool kit panel lock almost impossible to turn, and easy to break the key,
Fouling spark plug when the motor idled a short time,
Ill-fitting accessories that require much strength and leverage to fasten,
Horn mount bracket cracked under accumulated vibration,
Head bolt gasket failure and nuts that refuse to stay tight,
Speedometer cable coming off of the front wheel,
Okay, there's more, but that's enough. I really wanted to love that bike, but didn't groove with the constant things needing attention.
I hear that some of the new Enfields have spontaneously locking-up rear wheels. Yikes!
But it sure was great looking motorcycle. However, never again...
(http://i.imgur.com/ZTII6qm.jpg)
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Google: Royal Enfield USA Form
Read the thousands of post in regard to the GT
Make up your own mind without filters.
I own a KTM Duke now. From a bi-plane to a Lear jet so to speak.
Some of the comments made here you see here are not quite accurate in regard to the GT.
Also go to: Royal Enfield of Fort Worth. Biggest RE dealer in the US
Google: Classic Motors for all of the accessories and go fast parts in the US
Google: Hitchcock's in the UK for the really good stuff
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Be sure to read the "Rear Brake Explosion" thread on the UCE board. The C5s are as close to junk as you can get. The engines and tranny are fine. Rest of the bike is 1953. The rear ends lock up at 50mph and destroys nearly every darn thing back of the swing arm pivot. Don't worry there are plenty who will tell you, "I owned one and it was great" . Well, RE has replaced many under warranty. Local dealer did six that I know of. Entire rear ends. So, read it all and then make up your own mind. The GT designed by Les Harris is far better in terms of a frame construction and design. If you want to ride around at 50-55 mph OK. More than that and it does not work. Read it for yourself.
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So, there is no misunderstanding. prof-stack is quite correct. All he says is true. Can be verified on the USA RE forum. The GT is NOT like the C5 in terms of frame construction. All else is near the same. Engine is a longer stroke 535 in the GT. C5 is 499cc or so. GT dynos at 22-23 HP. C5 about 21. About 25 ft lbs of torque for both. Classic Motors kit will give you two more HP with K&N air filter, Power Commander and free flowing muffler. Cost $499.00.
Buy a used one with low miles if you must. People tire of them quickly. Save some money.
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So what makes the rear lock up? I mean, there's a chain, a brake, some bearings-
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The anchor bolt slides back in the groove on the swing arm, cants into the groove and locks up the rear end when you put on the rear brake. The warning is high pitched squeak as the metal surface protest. The anchor bolt and rear axle bolts must be torqued to factory specs every time the chain is adjusted. RE suggest the dealer adjust the chain. Even then there is no assurance over time the anchor bolt due to materials (quality) will not wear sufficient to allow it to slip in the groove. All 1953 setup. Once locked up it destroys the swing arm and all brake components due to the twisting as it slides. The factory repair is new rear end. It is the mother of all power slides.
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I have a 2015 military and have to say this is the first time Ive heard of the locking rear wheel.
A japanese bike it isnt. My 2015 seems to have at least as good a fit and finish as my 2007 Griso did. It isn't perfect by any means. I dont know what one would expect for a bike at this price point with this technology.
I wouldnt have it as my only bike. Its a great around town bike. Several on the board have 20k miles without any major issues. Keep it under 65, enjoy it. If you want an appliance that requires nothing buy a GS500
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At that price point how about a Honda 300R, Kawasaki Ninja 300, KTM RC390, KTM 390 Duke, BMW 310 (dealer says suggested MSRP $5995) and there are others. Spend just a bit more and get V7 $5995 leftover at GT motorcycles in SD. $7995 at Escondido Guzzi. Or how about a Yamaha 400 single or FZ 07 for 1500.00 more. RE sells for $6500 -7000 OTD. Shipping and setup are added along with taxes. So, there are others with with more HP, technology and far, far better reliability. What they don't have is "old school" styling. That is all you get. And to many that is enough to make the deal. But the price point is the same.
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None of this matters. Motorcycles are personal and speak to the heart. Buy what ever suits you and gives you pleasure. Just be realistic as to what you are getting in terms of real world performance and reliability and adjust your expectations. The gap between expectation and reality is frustration. Just get both in sync. I was told the same thing about MG when I bought mine. Why would you buy that thing??? I bought it because it appeals to me right now and I like it. So, did the RE for a while. It is motorcycle for people who like to tinker. In Zen and Art of MC Maintenance, Pursig says; there are two kinds of motorcyclist. Those who ride and those who tinker and fix. RE is for the latter. Nothing wrong with that.
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Another option to look at is the Yamaha SR400. It is overpriced at $6k, but has lots of character, and is bulletproof. At $5k I'd start looking at it.
I had the Honda CBR250R for a couple of years, and rather liked it. If I wanted to sell the Breva 750 (which I don't, right now), I'd look at the Honda CB500F or CB500X.
Yes, the Enfield GT is a different animal than the C5 or G5. Do read the Enfield GT sub-forums for owner experiences.
Also, yes, if you want to tinker and have lots of patience, then consider the new Royal Enfield.