Who knows Royal Enfields?
 

Still thinking about a bike for tinkering and came across a 2005 military version Enfield 500 Bullet (single) that looks very cool. I know they're made in India and have heard mixed reviews regarding quality and durability. Here's the ad:

Enfield Bullet for sale

A single 500 isn't going to be fast by any measure but that could be part of the fun. Anyone have any experience with these bikes?

I see one around on Saturdays at a car show, the guy seems to like it, it's totally stock, not like that one.
Just not my cup of tea, If I were to get another street single it would be one of the Hondas, maybe the FT500 or a Yamaha 500 single. Honda made some neat 500 singles.

Made in India, leaks worse than a Harley....

Hard drive has one I think.

I think you would be happier with a ural.

<iframe width="1280" height="720" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4bmgJPyCUNU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

i have ural. but i think most of the same caveats apply.

i like to tinker. there are a thousand maintenance and repair videos online. watch them. if this seems like a good time to you go ahead and buy one.

I have a 2004. Let's get one thing out of the way: By any modern standard, these are not good motorcycles. That bike you are looking at looks damn cool, but it's less than $3k for a reason. It was made in 2005 and it has drum brakes. Expect fit and finish to be crude.

Now that said, I have not sold mine either! Its a single 500cc, makes a nice thump. And (hope I'm not jinxing myself), the damn thing always starts. My electric start long ago broke, I've got a bad back, and I have no problem starting it with a kick start. I swear it would run on vodka.

Crude? Yes, but also absurdly easy to service. You can pull the bike apart under a tree and service it....because that exactly what happens in India. Few moving part, bone simple, looks cool.

Don't expect to be riding it on the freeway. It will do 65, but that 500 will be buzzing like mad, and good luck if you need to stop quickly. Bikes 2008 and later are a different animal. Disk brakes, modern FI, better suspension.

Mine before I put some bar end mirrors on it.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1465607951.jpg

You want to 'tinker'? I would buy a basket case BMW airhead. Better basis for a project. Tinkering on an Enfield is like restoring a 928.

just bought an R/100 a month ago. am collecting parts and getting ready to restore her.


p.s. i need new switch gear. any leads?

That's good advice (and my original plan). Nothing has come up locally but I'm sure it will in a city this size (Atlanta). Came across the Enfield perusing the CL ads and thought it looked interesting. Also considering a similar vintage carb'd Bonneville which might make more sense. Can always depend on the braintrust here!

It's English. It leaks oil and has a goofy electrical system..

Not any more. It's worse than that. It's now made in India.

In the early 70's, a college roommate of mine had the REAL DEAL.....I still want an old one:


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1465657018.jpg

I really wanted one... a local Triumph dealer was selling them... but as others have said a Japanese 500 makes way more sense... but we are not here to make sense. ;)

The first bike I rode to 100 in the quarter mile drags was my friends half mile/TT prepped 750 RE. He did good with it and always liked it.

Musket V Twins are made locally here in Columbus. Aniket Vardhan, the builder, is a great guy. He brings this bike to local shows. Same bike was on Leno's Garage in the past few years.

http://motorivista.com/wp-content/up...-Vardhan-2.jpg

Or you could have this!

1965 Honda CL72 250 Chopper

Another 500 single I always liked was the Honda GB500 from 89/90