Enfield cafe racer

[Travman]

  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. 

[Loftness]

Love the fairing on this one:

.....I guess the intense vibrations would be better for some than for others.....

[jas67]

[prof_stack]

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...

[professor]

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

[professor]

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.

[professor]

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.

[Aaron D.]

So what makes the rear lock up? I mean, there's a chain, a brake, some bearings-

[professor]

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.

[youngzrxer]

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

[professor]

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.

[professor]

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.

[prof_stack]

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.