Vroom Vroom
My New Toy
- Thread starter Bill Mattocks
- Start date
Noice!
Paint the helmet the same green as the bike!
Paint the helmet the same green as the bike!
dvcochran
Grandmaster
Nice! Is that a new bike or restoration?Vroom Vroom
OP
- Thread Starter
- #4
Thank you!
It looks like an old bike, doesn't it? It's a new 2018 Royal Enfield. They're being made in India, the last vestiges of the old UK Royal Enfield company, but still made pretty much the same way they've been making them since the 1950s. They've upgraded them with a unit-construction motor recently, along with ABS disc brakes and fuel injection. Still all steel, though, no plastic. It just really made me happy, and I've been working hard for a long time. It's a reward to myself from me and my wife.
OP
- Thread Starter
- #6
Thanks! I've actually had the helmet for a long time - prior to the current bike. There are several helmets I've got my eye on that match the bike better; just figuring out which one I want. Painting helmets, I'm told, is bad mojo - apparently it can destabilize the whatzit doowahdiddy or something. I've done it with a spray can in the past, but they say not to do it, so I guess I won't. Gotta protect the melon ya know. God knows I've taken enough knocks to it.
I didn't know that, but I'm all in on the mojo. But, bro, if you can find one that matches that bike color....aw, man, that would smoke.
OP
- Thread Starter
- #8
Xue Sheng
All weight is underside
Dang it...now I want one 
nice bike Bill. Is that the 500cc? Let me know how it goes and about its dependability if you get a chance
nice bike Bill. Is that the 500cc? Let me know how it goes and about its dependability if you get a chance
OP
- Thread Starter
- #11
Dang it...now I want one
nice bike Bill. Is that the 500cc? Let me know how it goes and about its dependability if you get a chance
Yes, that's the 500cc single cylinder. I love the new twin cylinder 650s, they look like proper and classic British bikes circa 1960, but my eye was set on the Classic 500 with it's 1950s look. I drove down to Chicago to pick it up - it was worth the trip and the rented trailer to get it back to SE Michigan for me. Price was pretty near amazing for a brand-new bike.
I love how it rides; a proper thumper, all torque and growl. No Harley - the pipe is very quiet. Some have removed the stock exhaust and opened up the air filter and added an aftermarket ECU and I am told it makes it a real powerhouse - stock it is not that. I am trying to break it in as instructed, so keeping revs and speed down for a few few hundred miles. I'll say it will probably go on the freeway for short periods but it's not that pleasant. Very buzzy, light in the steering, vibrations. I think it wants to live around 50 to maybe 60 MPH. And that's fine for me. If you want to do the ton, you probably want the 650.
skyeisonfire
Blue Belt
Daaaaannggg...that is nice 
Xue Sheng
All weight is underside
Thanks Bill, I like the look of the 500 too....but I was just looking at the 650 online, and there is a dealer about 30 minutes from my house....Now, how to convince Mrs Xue that I REALLY need one
OP
- Thread Starter
- #16
Went for a ride today to celebrate Independence Day. Hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable day!
Very nice, Bill. I keep hoping I'll be able to afford a bike again sometime. Back in my 20's, for 8 years a bike was my primary transport. I don't miss riding in the rain and cold weather, but I very much miss riding out on a crisp morning.
Xue Sheng
All weight is underside
Taking with a couple long time Harley guys I know today about the new Royal Enfields and both said the same thing.
They are solid and dependable bikes, they were just to small for them. But both were impressed by it though
They are solid and dependable bikes, they were just to small for them. But both were impressed by it though
OP
- Thread Starter
- #19
And I think Harleys are good bikes. However, I want what I want. And I don't want the same bike that 94% of everybody wants. 500cc is fine for me.
dvcochran
Grandmaster
From the dealership Harley's are getting a bit bland, but to me nothing is better than a custom big frame Harley.
To each his own by all means.
To each his own by all means.
