[geminigrey]

Hey all..brand new visitor here…newbie to motorcycles, but doing my homework. I’m looking forward to my MSF class in the next month or two, and up until today, I was set on getting a Vulcan 500 LTD. I plan on commuting to work on my bike a lot, with interstate travel, and I’m a big guy (6’1″ 290lbs) so I was afraid to get a 250cc cycle.

But today, I ran across a website for a local dealer that has Royal Enfield cycles, and I’m in LOVE with the look/design. I have no idea if they’re newbie friendly or solid bikes though, so I thought I’d post and ask if anybody has any experience with them?

[RydRy]

I saw those guys too and I love tha llok and seems like theyve been around forever in britain and India- and not a bad price- talk about a real classic! its so retro it isretro

[geminigrey]

I really really like their look, but sadly I don’t think it has enough muscle for the bits of interstate driving I’d be doing. Combine that with it’s reputation as a ‘tinker’ bike, and as much as I’d love to have one to ride, I don’t think it will be my first bike.

Still though, the military edition especially is just nice looking.

[acidpope]

I just came across these guys yesterday, and I have to agree they have a really nice retro look. It’s an old British company that shut down but not before they made a sister company in India. When the one in Great Britian shut down the one in India stayed open. Apparently outside a newer tech being put on the bike here and there, it’s basically the same bike and style since the 50’s.

[RydRy]

tonight I looked them up at Barnes and noble and the idiots guide to motos says HIGHLY RECOMmENDED for beginners!!!! ha go figure!

[Matt]

I’m not sure you can ask for a more solid design than one that is still working 50 years later. Mind you, the “new” 500cc lean burn engine, updated electrical system, and new materials used, it isn’t exactly what it once was. It is better.

I really do like the look of these bikes… I’d love to own one with some of the scrambler kit (tires, engien guards, etc) and go exploring dirt roads with it…

[shaggles]

I love retro looking bikes like the Royal Enfield. Another company that makes a WWII-style military bike is Ural. I would love to have one of their sidecar models.

http://www.imz-ural.com/

[Rab]

You can’t buy a new Royal Enfield in California as they’re not CARB certified.

Apparently some people have bought them in other states and used “creative” means of getting them registered in CA. See the Royal Enfield U.S.A. site and search engines for details.

If you get one, you’ll get the real 1950s experience of bike riding (including oil stained hands and dirty fingernails), as they require more maintenance than modern bikes.

Thay are gorgeous little bikes though.

[uncle_bernie]

The first time I saw one I thought it was a restored bike! Came home and looked up the name and saw that they were originally British bikes now made in India I think… The only reservation I would have is the availability of parts and finding people to work on them. Also, they’re not very powerful bikes so I’m not sure what they’re like out on the freeway. They DO look very cool…I’m just reticent to buy bikes that aren’t well known. Royal Enfield has been around a long time but there presence here in the states is not very prominent. Just make sure to thoroughly do your homework and make sure you’re confident what you’re getting into when you buy you’re bike.

Good luck!!

~He who laughs last didn’t get the joke…

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