Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

Honestly mate, which one did You like more?[/QUOTE]


I loved the feeling of 500 STD but Himalayan was more sophisticated. Bullet sometimes is very intimidating whereas Himalayan is more welcoming.

Important is which bike can last longer?

Thanks for replying.

Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

Test Drive and find out which one you like better.

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much has changed since 2010 in terms of models as well as service. The New TBTS BS4 as told to me by the service centre is more refined from ownership point of view. Has more sensors and stuff as compared to BS3 and hence road side serviceability (in case of breakdown) is slightly less (unless through qualified RSA with proper tools).

Other than that, basic differences between CL and TBTS remain same, Posture, Foot placement, and smaller pillion seat.

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Matte colour is slightly diff to maintain. other than that its all upto your personal likes/Dislikes/Choice.

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Brother, I feel at the costs you are looking, you can buy a custom bike from the many (now popular) Custom bike companies available.

And yes its true, get a bad engine and you'd not only run out of luck but also the confidence of taking your machine out on long drives.

Unless you really want a custom bike. Buy a fresh bike, enjoy benefits of brand new bike+warranty+service+RTA Registeration+Insurance, then as time goes, add your own modifications as and how you feel the need for.
Checks all your points you know...viz

Stick to the standard engine (350) - **you'll get one with the new bike
Use some other bike shocks and go for fiber parts instead of metal(avoid rusting) - **the world (of shocks) is your playground, find a suitable/compatible part and install it
Make sure to apply anti rust and everything to the chassis. - **this you can do to a fresh bike as well.
Install a 500cc console on it (to get to know, about mileage(fuel indicator) - **trust me the digital fuel indicators by RE as often not accurate, if you are bent on getting an upgrade to console check other compatible possibilities too.

Add electric start and have a maintaince free battery installed - **comes with bike
Change stock lights to something better for better vision. - **can be done to a fresh bike too

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Engine would be same basically on both.
Looks will be completely apart on both.
Pillion comfort slightly less in TBTS due to shorter pillion seat.

1. TBTS 350 as well as Electra (now known as ES) comes with Gas charged rear suspension. only difference would be posture which can change your ride experience. Test ride TBTS to check which one suits you more.
2. Tyres Are thinner as compared to TBTS. About changing Tyres to classic, you really need to check ability and availability of the mechanic who can do this.

Apart from that, as REs go, choose the one YOU Like more. Its not always that wife permits one to buy a new RE

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Honestly mate, which one did You like more?

Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

Hello

Planning to buy a new motorbike and Standard 500 was the primary choice but then did a test drive of Himalayan. Comfort wise and in terms of feel both seems to be brilliant.

If touring and city travel is the idea, which one should I go for. Himalayan for all its issues somehow doesn't seems to be a bike which will last for say at least 5 years.

Hope to hear from you.

Thanks

Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

Hi guys ! I currently own a Yamaha libero 10 years old. It is great one for me and never had any problem. Also it is my first bike with sentiments attached. I like driving that humble bike, but the problem is my better half never allows me to take that bike for longer distances say like 20 kms going to office. So I've to go by car. Here's is the twist. One of my close relative who had purchased an electra two years back couldn't ride much owing to his nature of work, health reasons and he has ridden only 3300 km on the odo. Now that he has intention to sell off only if I'm interested else to retain it for one more year. Yesterday I took my wife for a ride in that Electra and boom!! She enjoyed sitting pillion and asked me to look for an RE including this Electra or any other choice of mine. Then she said may be an RE gives that good status. Also I've got clearance for going to office in such comfy bike. Now with clearance from my better half, I've to select from two choices: 1. buying that Electra as the bike is truly reliable and I can purchase at reasonable price with 3k on ODO which is nothing or 2. Buying TB350 which I personally like owing to many features like suspension, dual disc brakes, ride position.
My queries are:
1. How good is an Electra? Is it's suspension that bad compared to TB350.
2. I read that the tyres of Electra are thin compared to classics or TB350. Any changes can be made to match classic tyres to Electra?

Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

Hello,

I plan to build my own bullet.
What I mean is.
Stick to the standard engine (350)
Use some other bike shocks and go for fiber parts instead of metal(avoid rusting)
Make sure to apply anti rust and everything to the chassis.
Install a 500cc console on it (to get to know, about mileage(fuel indicator)
Add electric start and have a maintaince free battery installed
Change stock lights to something better for better vision.

I'm from Mumbai.
Just wanna know if all this is possible?
If it is which engine would be most reliable and provide best efficiency.
I know uce is said to be the best.
But I heard Avl engines r reliable? Since they're built abroad. (Better quality)
Install dual discs(front and back)


Also, If I build the whole thing from scrap then will I be able to make proper paper work? I don't wanna ride it illegally.
Please someone guide me
I know it's a hassle, but I'm worried about getting a new one, cause some people here told me it's a matter of luck, if you get a bad engine, youll be stuck.

Please help!

Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

How's thunderbird stone colour
Is it advisable to buy the bird in that colour ?
If no then which colour is the best

Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

Hello All

I was a CL350 owner from 2010 when it was introduced, but had to sell due to relocation for work - out of country on a long term. Back to India been trying to get a RE H but BS IV hpnd and its been delayed alot, now I am in a dire need of a bike.

Thinking of RE TB 350, any inputs on the latest versions of TB350 or suggestions of alternative.

Primary Use : Commute nearly 200+ KM's a week.

Thanks
MC

Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

Hi all,
I am thinking of getting a Royal Enfield. But i am confused whether to go for the Standard 500 or shall i wait for the new himalayan?

Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

Hey Vicky,

Sorry for late reply.
These issues were there in the initial batches, but the later ones (manufactured after Jan) are way better. The issues are not completely gone, but have reduced.

The company has taken a few proactive steps to replace the parts within warranty - Stator coil, clutch assembly, instrument cluster, engine head, cone-set, saree guard etc. If there is a problem or you can prove it that it's repetitive, they replace the part. Personally, I have got my cone set/T-stem replaced (the mechanic himself told that it's not proper and he got it replaced. I just asked him to check as I didn't know how to identify the problem), got my clutch assembly changed, stator coil - I haven't had any issue so far, but to be on the safer side, the mechanic has placed the order for the latest one.

Saree Guard - I removed it off. Mine hasn't broken.
Clutch assembly - I rode the Jan manufactured one, the gear shift was butter smooth (mine is Nov manufactured)
Meter assembly - I haven't had water seeping issue, but have heard a few of them having it - they got it replaced.
Monoshock failure - I have heard only one case so far, personally, the suspensions are the best part of the bike
Clutch router - It has been fixed (even mine had the latest one), if still if you feel hard, then re-route the clutch wire or change it to classic 350's clutch cable
Paint chipping tank - Haven't had that problem, Have heard they are replacing it if you have the issue
Chassis crack - Not really sure how it happened. (Can't answer)
T-stem - Proactive replacement - as said
Misfiring - It is still there. And don't have a problem with it
Engine grinding - Replaced with new engine head. By the way, I didn't replace my engine head but have rejetted my carb, I don't have the grinding noise now.
Engine overheating - This is there in city traffic - I must say when it gets too hot, the valve noises are high - have informed the mechanic about it, he has ordered the parts

Rest of them, I don;t have an answer to it.
These are based on what is happening now. I haven't yet done TD for the new H with FI as it wasn't available in the showroom so can't really say if they have rectified all the issues or not. But, the SC guys are co-operative in replacing the parts and trying to find a solution for us. I am happy with that. Problem is with parts availability.

All in all, though the H has its fair share of problems, but the comfort and pleasure it gives when riding is amazing.
Hope it helps bro.

P.S - I am not a RE fan.

Cheers

Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

My Thunderbird 500 had her share of quality issues and got some replacements under warranty, all in 2013.

1. Petrol tank was replaced as the stock OE one's inner coating started peeling off in patches. I hear similar problem continues to plague Himalayan too. The details are here.

2. Fuel float too was replaced as the fuel gauge showed erratic readings. Here are the details.

3. The last, but not the least, the instrument cluster got replaced due to cracked glass. Please see here for details.

Even now, the instrument cluster shows inaccurate readings. The odometer/trip meters show the distances with +6% error. The fuel gauge continues to be erratic. I don't depend upon them. On long rides, I refuel every 300 km just to be on the safer side. The digital clock runs slowly and needs correction every month! To give the devil his due, notwithstanding these niggles, my bird has not yet broken down/got punctured during a long ride! It has always brought me home safely and comfortably. Even after 32 k km in four years, my bird runs on stock OE clutch, chain, sprocket, front tyre, bulbs, etc.

Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

Are all these things still an issue with the Himalayan?

Alternator coil - Burning off due to overheating, fixed by providing better winding coil
Clutch assembly - too hard on hands, fixed by updating the clutch springs & hub
Clutch cable & router - wrong designed router which caused hard pull, fixed by updated router
Meter assembly - water seeping in, fixed by changing the sealant rings & rubber gasket.
Poor welding - caused rust formation/cracking. Fixed by improving welding techniques
Monoshock failure - fixed by new spring load
Paint chipping tank/rims - improved matte paints & laquer coatings
Chassis crack/Rust - improved casting & paint/weld techniques
T-Stem & coneset failure: caused by rusting bearings & stem. Fixed by new updated T-Stem/Coneset bearings.
Master cylinder/Brake caliper overheating - caused rear brake failure, fixed by correcting the brake lever play
Engine overheating - fixed by proper valve clearances, carb tuning, oil changes
Engine abnormal grinding noise - Fixed by Replacing with updated head & bore kit: Better valve seals, updated valves, camshaft, CCT, updated piston pin & rings
Engine head thread strip: Fixed by applying weaker loctite solution & lighter torque while tightening.*
Engine Misfiring - improved tuning with leaner tuning: updated carb jets, jet needle, slide spring, float, TPS, ignition timings
Plastic rear fender breaking off: Fixed by providing more flexible part with rubber bushes.
Saree guard breaking off: Better quality bolts & better fitment position.

Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

If you're primarily gonna use it for office commute during traffic and want reliability go for the FZ25. If you're interested in weekend rides and can handle a faired bike in traffic please go for the CBR250. Dominar is bang for the buck. If you can live with niggles here and there think about it.

I always wanted an RE. But the bike has issues. My friend's Himalayan spends more time at the SVC than the roads. RE can launch dual disc with ABS in UK, not here even as an option. That's the biggest turn off

Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

I took a explanation ride of tb500 for 3 days.i did 350kms.And due to vibration on the meter it got broke in between and I have to tie it with a rope for the rest of my journey and had to limit myself to much lower speed.

So,this how it's all going to be if I go for TB500?

Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

Hi All

Further to my post on the What Bike section, I wanted to check on the thoughts/experiences of RE owners. What is your vote on RE reliability. The models I am considering are Bullet Std 500 (once it comes with FI - as that is on their website), Classic 500. According to all owners here, is the quality of Thunderbird significantly different/better than the Std 500 or Classic? If so, I will consider that.

My details:
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 70 Kgs (I am not too muscular or bulky, but fit)
Purpose: Mostly office commute - 25 Kms two way
Pillion comfort is important

The other options I am considering are the FZ25 and CBR 250 (waiting for post BS IV model). I dont want to go for Dominar because of personal preference/taste.

Awaiting your responses

Regards
Arun

Re: Choosing a Royal Enfield? Ask here...

If there is anything specific you want to know Ram, let me know. Will share my experience with you regarding Himalayan

Peace!