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Royal Enfield 500cc Electra EFI (Unit Const.) Tested by MCN

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  • Royal Enfield 500cc Electra EFI (Unit Const.) Tested by MCN

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










    From MCN
    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 & ReliabilityValue 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.

  • #2
    Topic Approved.

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

    Comment


    • #3
      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..

      Comment


      • #4
        Wonderful link Wongchuk, thank you very much

        Comment


        • #5
          Any idea when both of these will be launched here?
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          • #6
            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?
            sigpicOm Yamahaya Namaha...praise the lord!

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            • #7
              stunning!and thanks for the info .
              Get GNU/Linux

              Comment


              • #8
                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.
                Bullet, Nothing else will ever do...

                Comment


                • #9
                  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....

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Originally posted by pavanchirmade View Post
                    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.
                    sigpic

                    Abstainer: A weak person who yields to the temptation of denying himself pleasure.

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                    • #11
                      Originally posted by Puffdamgcdragon View Post
                      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..
                      that thing is awesome looker but will not come here i suppose
                      only meant for uk markets and we get thrash as usual

                      MCN has given a very unbiased review which i liked to read
                      only second time i read a review which felt correct
                      the first one was from an xBHPian about some other bike

                      and this electra is crap acc to me
                      no offense to anyone ... my views
                      Hope is a good thing ,
                      may be the best of things and
                      no good thing ever dies .

                      Get busy living or get busy dying .

                      - The Shawshank Redemption .

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by silver_falcon_46 View Post
                        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.
                        I dont think they dont change because they dont know how but i guess its because its existing owners will not buy if they change or improve their bike.

                        The Bullet community is a different lot and they still get the kick from the old iron block and push rods. They are still cribbing on the introduction of the Aluminium blocks a unit construction will not go superb with them.

                        But keeping that aside they could bring up a parallel much more mordern lineup and they could try solving some of the critical issues in its existing engines.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Ridiculous!!

                          500 EFI UCE as a cheap commuter.

                          ROTFL. I'm gonna die here laughing before the purists murder me
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                          • #14
                            ^^
                            A cheap commuter for them man. All they have are mammoth fuel guzzling bikes and when this bullet is compared with them, it sure feels like a cheaper commuter class ride.

                            Fine MCN people are biggies who test world's best bikes and the RE must be puny to them. Although I didn't expect this from RE. Its ROYAL Enfield for crying out loud....Royal just in the name?

                            For RE people: Please improve the quality of fit and finish. Afterall you charge a hefty sum for the mighty Bull.

                            PS: I love RE bikes.But somehow didn't get one when I got my bike. Probably because the p180ug3 was just my 2nd bike and you need to be a lot more matured biker to own and ride a bull to respect it.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Originally posted by hitanshu View Post
                              Ridiculous!!

                              500 EFI UCE as a cheap commuter.

                              ROTFL. I'm gonna die here laughing before the purists murder me
                              And yeah in India this bike will be one of the most advanced and the most powerful bike if ever sold here. I think Enfield can think of it in these lines.

                              Comment

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