Royal Enfield 500cc Electra EFI (Unit Const.) Tested by MCN - xBhp.com : The Global Indian Biking Community

UtpalDas · 10-08-2008, 02:17 AM

Posting it here as this bike IS manufactured in India
Source - MOTORCYCLE NEWS

From MCN

Quote:

MCN overall verdict 3/5
This new version of the Enfield Electra may look the same, and to be fair in alot of ways that count it is, but in fact it features an all new unit construction engine with fuel-injection, dragging it kicking and screaming into this century to meet Euro 3 emission laws. This is a motorcycle with alot of charisma- a throwback from a bygone era. It's endearingly different to modern bikes, which can be a positive thing if you're looking for something different. Warm to it's character and you'll have a massive grin on your face as you thud gently around the back lanes. But you can't help getting the feeling that motorcycles have advanced for a reason, and maybe some things should stay in the past...

Engine 2/5
Royal Enfield have tried hard to meet new Euro 3 emission laws without ruining the feel of their classic 500cc single, and it's worked. The all-new unit-construction lump is fuel-injected yet still feels like an Enfield, mostly because it still has the 84mm bore, 90mm stroke and heavy crank of the old Electra. It may be made in India but it's a traditional British push-rod single. Rubber strips between fins are there to reduce engine noise, but sat on top of you're still treated to a nice classic sound that should endear the bike to old-fashioned purists. It's still a lazy little engine, but it accelerates slightly quicker than the old model and has a touch more top end too.

Ride & Handling 2/5
The brakes aren't up to much, with a single disc on the front and a drum brake (how quaint) on the back, so it's a good thing the engine's only packing 27.5bhp. It's relatively comfy, until you get up to speed and the vibes start to kick in. It's definitely not a bike for long journeys or sustained top speed. Compared to the competition, like the Kawasaki W650 or the Triumph Bonneville, handling and suspension lack quality.

Equipment 1/5
One look at the pictures should tell you that there's no on-board computer or digital tyre-pressure sensors here! The Enfiled aims to recreate biking from a simpler time. 2 wheels and an engine are about all you get for your money, but if you're here reading this and considering one of these bikes, that probably forms a big part of the appeal.

Quality & Reliability 2/5
Reliability with Enfield's is patchy at best, with poor electrics. They’re very easy to work on though and there's nothing that can’t be put right with a little patience and a Haynes manual. Finish is poor and goes off quickly if not cared for. These bikes are built in India so if you're used to Japanese standards of build quality, you could be in for a shock.

Value 4/5
Enfield claim 87mph for the Electra EFI, so with today's fuel prices it could make alot fo sense as a cheap commuter. These bikes are so simple servicing can be done at home- in fact it's probably a big part of the fun for alot of owners. The cost for a new one is very low and used bikes can be picked up at rock bottom prices.

Aryan · 10-08-2008, 08:57 AM

Topic Approved.

This is interesting stuff; where are the bullet lovers now? DD?

Puffdamgcdragon · 10-08-2008, 10:38 AM

Check Out

Bullet Classic - The Classic is Reborn

I just started another thread on it. Didn't know U alr4eady had one...
AM in Love..

UtpalDas · 10-08-2008, 10:58 AM

Wonderful link Wongchuk, thank you very much

niks_devil666 · 10-08-2008, 11:30 AM

Any idea when both of these will be launched here?

rakeshchn · 10-08-2008, 12:04 PM

Both bikes look stunning, no doubt. But the remark and rating by MCN for quality and reliability is quite disappointing. If RE is really hand-crafting the motorcycles,what is holding back quality, fit and finish?

prakash_mvpa · 10-08-2008, 12:23 PM

stunning!and thanks for the info

.

Jaykumar Bhardwaj · 07-18-2009, 06:25 PM

Desperately waiting for EFI version of Bullet. Otherwise, extremely sturdy and luxury bike for long rides. Completely refreshes me of my working hrs.

pavanchirmade · 07-19-2009, 01:57 AM

.....But you can't help getting the feeling that motorcycles have advanced for a reason, and maybe some things should stay in the past...

Bullet is a classic right? So why such a line?

.....Quality & Reliability 2/5
Reliability with Enfield's is patchy at best, with poor electrics. They’re very easy to work on though and there's nothing that can’t be put right with a little patience and a Haynes manual. Finish is poor and goes off quickly if not cared for. These bikes are built in India so if you're used to Japanese standards of build quality, you could be in for a shock.....

A slap in the face....

IMO
It's a review too biased....

silver_falcon_46 · 07-19-2009, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pavanchirmade

.....But you can't help getting the feeling that motorcycles have advanced for a reason, and maybe some things should stay in the past...

Bullet is a classic right? So why such a line?

.....Quality & Reliability 2/5
Reliability with Enfield's is patchy at best, with poor electrics. They’re very easy to work on though and there's nothing that can’t be put right with a little patience and a Haynes manual. Finish is poor and goes off quickly if not cared for. These bikes are built in India so if you're used to Japanese standards of build quality, you could be in for a shock.....

A slap in the face....

IMO
It's a review too biased....

Why would you take it as a slap in the face? The real fact is that they are actually poorly built bikes, and there is absolutely NO denying that.

There are so many areas that the Bullet has potential to improve on, but Eicher has done nothing about it. The amount of issues a Bullet faces in its lifecycle is pretty high compared to the existing indian made motorcycles. The only reason the Bullet sells its because it IS a Bullet - it is a classic and there is no other option other than to buy a Bullet. Not because of quality/finish or anything close to it. Many times I just wonder by looking at the bike - they could've improved on this if they really wanted to. And after all this, we cannot expect much from a company that tests the worlds best motorbikes.

10-08-2008, 08:57 AM	#2 (permalink)
Aryan Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New Delhi/ Shillong Posts: 18,274	Topic Approved. This is interesting stuff; where are the bullet lovers now? DD? __________________ ...in search of that perfect world - My Travel Blog :)

10-08-2008, 12:04 PM	#6 (permalink)
rakeshchn Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: California Posts: 64	Both bikes look stunning, no doubt. But the remark and rating by MCN for quality and reliability is quite disappointing. If RE is really hand-crafting the motorcycles,what is holding back quality, fit and finish? __________________ Om Yamahaya Namaha...praise the lord!

10-08-2008, 12:23 PM	#7 (permalink)
prakash_mvpa Lazy Biker Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Muvattupuzha ,Kerala Posts: 607	stunning!and thanks for the info . __________________ Get GNU/Linux

07-18-2009, 06:25 PM	#8 (permalink)
Jaykumar Bhardwaj Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pune Posts: 30	Desperately waiting Desperately waiting for EFI version of Bullet. Otherwise, extremely sturdy and luxury bike for long rides. Completely refreshes me of my working hrs.

07-19-2009, 01:57 AM	#9 (permalink)
pavanchirmade Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Dombivli/Thane Posts: 1,175	.....But you can't help getting the feeling that motorcycles have advanced for a reason, and maybe some things should stay in the past... Bullet is a classic right? So why such a line? .....Quality & Reliability 2/5 Reliability with Enfield's is patchy at best, with poor electrics. They’re very easy to work on though and there's nothing that can’t be put right with a little patience and a Haynes manual. Finish is poor and goes off quickly if not cared for. These bikes are built in India so if you're used to Japanese standards of build quality, you could be in for a shock..... A slap in the face.... IMO It's a review too biased.... __________________ The man who smiles when things go wrong has thought of someone to blame it on.

10-08-2008, 10:38 AM	#3 (permalink)
Puffdamgcdragon Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 50	Check Out Bullet Classic - The Classic is Reborn I just started another thread on it. Didn't know U alr4eady had one... AM in Love..

10-08-2008, 10:58 AM	#4 (permalink)
UtpalDas Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 29	Wonderful link Wongchuk, thank you very much

10-08-2008, 11:30 AM	#5 (permalink)
niks_devil666 Impulsed Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Local Area Network Posts: 2,065	Any idea when both of these will be launched here?

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