Rony

After riding my first bike XCD 135 for more than 25,000 km in past 2 years, I was in search for a Commu-Tour-ing bike which could basically satisfy following conditions :-
1. Naked (less or no plastic)
2. High Low-end Torque
3. Excellent suspensions & comfort
4. Should have good top speed (must atleast achieve 90-100kmph comfortably)

I test rode Royal Enfield Thundebird and Classic 500 model. I found CL500 much more appealing and comfortable given the lower handlebar height compared to TBTS. So finally I have decided to go for a RE classic model which are available in 350cc and 500cc variants. I want you to help me decide given that :-

1. I have to commute 30km daily on Mumbai roads.
2. I go on tours atleast once a month covering 300km or more in a day.

Now the basic differences between the two models are :-
1. Displacement -> 346cc vs 499cc
2. Bore x stroke -> 70mm x 90mm vs 84mm x 90mm
3. Maximum Power -> 19.8 bhp @ 5250 rpm vs 27.2 bhp @ 5250 rpm
4. Maximum Torque -> 28 Nm @ 4000 rpm vs 41.3 Nm @ 4000 rpm
5. Ignition System -> Transistorised Coil Ignition vs Digital Electronic Ignition
6. Fuel Supply -> UCAL 29mm, Constant Vacuum Carburettor vs Keihin Electronic Fuel Injection
7. Tyres Rear -> 110/90 - 18 vs 120/80 - 18


CL350


CL500


My major concerns :-
CL500 -> Its FI engine may go kaput due to some electrical failure. The bike is naked and Mumbai rains may affect the Electricals. Also the maximum mileage is 30kmpl.

CL350 -> Comfortable top speed lesser than 90kmph.

But my Heart still says CL500 despite Mind sticking to CL350. Help a fellow biker overcome his dilemma !

Please be realistic and support your choice with a reason.

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MG

Bike Query Approved

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Samarth_M

Arre Rohitbhai, aap CBR kyun nahin lena soch rahe ho?

antz.bin

My suggestion once again... Neither.

Go ahead only if you want a rust bucket in the awesome Mumbai weather.

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Advice is a form of nostalgia.
Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.

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akshay27.2

okay a bit off topic first ,but hurray dis is my first post!!
coming back ,i dont know if i can help u solve ur confusion coz i ve only owned 1 bike in my life but yeah its a RE classic 500 ..i got it for my 18th birthday(the best parents) n am still 18!!! ..hav been livin wid d bul for two months it has been a grt experience ..honestly speakin i test drove d 350 ,it was good just for its looks ..the 500 is the real deal man ...0-60 ,u don evn have time to count ,evn in 3rd gear ,dats the difference ..42 nm ..crisp throttle response ..no problems with the electricals except for a blown fuse(dat can happen to non efi bikes too)...n believe me EFI is the next step for indian motorcycles ...dose 25ks are worth it!!
wait i forgot the real problems ,in al the excitement ..thats a part of the enfield ownership experience!!!
1)Suspension noises even before the first service were irritating,but i understood that this thing needs care !!
2) now u have to understand that this is not the most comfortable enfield ever built ..it needs higher handlebars n that seat (dual springs ) from the fifties goes into a harmonic motion after every bump ,bad for ur back!!
3) They need better painting techniques,after all these years ,its high time now!!

Rony

Thanks for your input guys ... though discouraging I have decided to book CL500 tomorrow ... Rest all, Que Sera Sera !

The Moderators can close this thread if required

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chicmagnet

^^ haha...cool coool. Go for it. Whatever you like remember!

Rony

Finally booked the Royal Enfield Desert Storm ... Waiting period is 5 to 6 months !

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akshay27.2

congrats buddy ...happy thumping!!!

chicmagnet

Just in time for a break-in before ladakh tour? :P