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freedomrider
Site Admin
Joined: 06 Mar 2008
Posts: 19
Location: Azad Hind
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 Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 7:52 pm Post subject: Common Queries on Royal Enfield Purchase |
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| Quote: |
| Quote: | Hi,
First decide on AVL Vs Cast Iron Engine
Then Decide left side gear or Right side gear
Then decide reliability
Then decide Mileage
Then decide looks
Here is a link to how I made a choice for Electra 4s cast iron
http://www.bikernet.com/roadtests/PageViewer.asp?PageID=1502
I wanted Iron Engine, right side gear, proven track record, decent
Bullet mileage, Classic retro looks, etc.
Hope that helps clear New Prospective Bulleteers' doubts.
Thanks and Regards
FreedomRider
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Hi Ujjwal,
I am Hrishikesh Mujumdar from Bangalore.
I read a review by you on the following link: http://www.bikernet.com/roadtests/PageViewer.asp?PageID=1502
I am planning to buy a bullet in a few months down the line. As I've never owned one before, there are a lot of questions about which model to zero into. Your discussion blog on royalenfield.com (in attachment) was useful to me in clearing my initial confusion.
<<New>>
I would really appreciate if you would answer a few questions.
How did you find the performance of your cast iron engine?
The frequently asked question by a newbie to the Bullet community: How long does it take to adjust to the right side gears? How do find riding the bike on right side gears?
I place reliability at a higher priority compared to mileage (but mileage is also important for me  )
Taking the above into consideration, which model would you suggest I go in for in the 350cc sector?
Your inputs will be of great help to be. Please find time to reply.
Thanks…
Eager to thump…
Hrishi |
My Answer:
Hi Hrishi,
From the current in production Motorcycles of Royal Enfield - Bullet Electra 4 speed and 5 speed are the best.
Electra 4s which I own has everything of the yesteryear Bullets and Std 350 plus better ignition and battery performance.
YOUR QUESTIONS:
>> How did you find the performance of your cast iron engine?
I have been on my Bullet to Trambakeshwar, Murud, Harihareshwar, Ganpatipule and tomorrow riding to Shirdi - all from Mumbai at a total always above 300KMs with my longest round trip to Ganpatipule being
750KM. No issues as yet - still gives 35KM per liter after one year and 7000+ KMs. On the highway the bike is most stable among all Indian bikes and I have not had breakdowns at all so far. The key is to every week check your bike for anything suspicious. I change the oil more frequently than the manual prescribes and oil the chain, clean carburettor after long trips, lubricate clutch/break, etc. Bullets need more attention than Hondas and Bajajs.
Electra 4s and 5s have same Cast Iron engine. 5 speed has left side gear with Yamaha type gear shift one down 4 up. Electra 4s is one up and 3 down gear shift with neutral finder which is missing in Electra 5s.
>> The frequently asked question by a newbie to the Bullet community: How long does it take to adjust to the right side gears? How do find riding the bike on right side gears?
Being a Yamaha Rider earlier I too had an apprehension but I took test rides and after 5 mins you get used to it. For newbie tips - keep your right foot below the gear lever and left foot above leg brake - so that way
you remember that gear is on right side.
>> I place reliability at a higher priority compared to mileage (but mileage is also important for me )
As said at 40 to 60 KMPH I have got 35 KMPL and even at 80 to 100 KMPH have got 30 KMPL.
>> Taking the above into consideration, which model would you suggest I go in for in the 350cc sector?
If you want a maintenance free bike similar to Yamaha, Honda, Bajaj, go for AVLs like Machismo or Thunderbird where the bike will start even if you remove the battery. AVL engines are noisy but have higher top
speeds.
Cast Iron engines have the classic thump, they have higher Torque at lower revs and are more reliable than AVLS as the iron engine heats slowly and cools slowly so good for long distances.
Machismo 350 is best in AVL as the new LB500 seems to have lots of complaints and Thunderbird is more plastic/fiber and has a long clutch cable that snaps in city riding.
Among Cast Irons Electra 4s is the best and actually the best bike from Enfield currently.
Feel free to call me or mail any further queries.
Thanks and Regards,
FreedomRider
_________________
You can't teach an old dog new tricks.....
.... but you can scratch his back and he will wag his tail
Last edited by freedomrider on Mon May 19, 2008 11:10 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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freedomrider
Site Admin
Joined: 06 Mar 2008
Posts: 19
Location: Azad Hind
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| Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 7:56 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: | Hi Ujjwal,
Thanks a ton for your quick reply! I really appreciate it. That was
indeed informative.
Will get back to you soon. One last question for now: What are your
opinions about the Standard Bullet 350?
Have a lovely n safe thumpin ride to Shirdi...
Regards,
Hrishi |
Hi,
Std 350 is the oldest running in production technology in India and probably the world.
It is also the cheapest of all Enfields currently available.
It is also reliable if you use it DAILY and at least KICKSTART and IDLE it DAILY if not running.
So many Policemen here in Mumbai go for Std 350 probably because of low price and low spares prices. So it is in common use and not yet outdated in terms of reliability.
The only problems faced is that the battery wont get charged if not in regular use and therefore problems in ignition. It has the oldest ignition technology.
In my ride with Inddiethumpers (see Royal Enfield Trip - Iron butt on Iron Engines) I saw about 5 Std 350 which was running fine.
So Electra is basically less headache with the same quality of Std 350. Depends on how you aim to use the Bullet - often or on weekends.
Thanks and Regards,
FreedomRider
_________________
You can't teach an old dog new tricks.....
.... but you can scratch his back and he will wag his tail |
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freedomrider
Site Admin
Joined: 06 Mar 2008
Posts: 19
Location: Azad Hind
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| Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 1:22 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: | Hey Ujjwal,
I stumbled upon your site online!
I am keen to buy my first RE in a couple of weeks. I am thinking of an Electra 4s. I have a few questions I hope you can help answer with your expertise:
1) What is the level of maintenance required for this machine. Is there anything else one has to do apart from the scheduled visits to the dealer, and usual tyre pressure checks? I would not be doing more than 150 kms a week.
2) How difficult/easy is it to ride it in city traffic?
Thank you and looking forward to your reply.
Regards,
Devdip Ganguli |
Hi,
All Cast Irons and also AVLs need regular maintenance and tuning.
Unlike Bajaj and Honda, an Enfield is not meant as a carefree ready to go Bike.
If you want a powerful bike that has no headache and stress free I would suggest a Hero Honda Karizma or the new Bajaj Avenger 200cc.
I am about 78 Kilos and 5 feet 10 inches height and have had no problems riding in the city. At first holding the clutch may seem a problem but then your arm muscles get used to it LOLz. The clutch for all Enfields are harder than Hondas and Bajajs and therefore the additional effort.
I have been to many places on my Bullet Electra 4S and have had no problems so far since I maintain it like polishing my shoe everyday or brushing my teeth everyday. You have to pay attention to small things so that it does not get snowballed into big problems.
http://www.royalenfield.com/udey
The only replacements so far have been :
1. Battery in first servicing under Warranty
2. front oil seals of shock absorbers after one year - no warranty.
Bullet is indeed "Made Like a Gun" but just as if you don't clean your guns, you could land up in trouble when you need to use it.
Maintenance is always high for Enfields: Std 350 has the highest maintenance factor as if you don't run it everyday its CB Point battery drains away.
Electra 4 S is the best Bullet currently offered .
In AVLs the Machismo 350 is good if you can ignore the engine clatter.
Thanks and Regards,
Freedom Friend !!! 
_________________
You can't teach an old dog new tricks.....
.... but you can scratch his back and he will wag his tail |
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freedomrider
Site Admin
Joined: 06 Mar 2008
Posts: 19
Location: Azad Hind
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| Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 1:23 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: | Dear Ujjwal,
Thank you for your prompt and detailed reply. I realise that an Enfield is not maintenance-free like other bikes in the market, but nothing matches the experience of riding one either! I also hear the new bikes are more hassle-free than the older versions.
Yesterday I went to the Bullet showroom and test drove the Electra 5s. It felt similar to the 4s but the gear shift does feel a bit "clanky" - not the traditional Bullet feel. In any event, I have pretty much decided now to go for an Electra 4s. I am not for AVLs. The bike is rather costly, but I suppose a well-maintained Bullet will last me a long time too. I should be placing my order in a week or so.
Will keep you updated, if you don't mind!
Thanks once again and kind regards,
Devdip Ganguli |
You are Welcome ! 
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You can't teach an old dog new tricks.....
.... but you can scratch his back and he will wag his tail |
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