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

Hi guys
I have booked continental GT. I loved the bike as soon as I took test drive.
As there aren't many owners I have some queries which I hope can be resolved here. I am writing few thoughts and would love to hear your comments about them.
1. I don't have issue with its vibration issue as that is present in all RE bikes.
2. The seating stance, as whatever I have read on this and other forums, appears to be uncomfortable but with few rides it becomes comfortable ( I did not have any problem during test drive). And as I have driven 400 to 500 kms on splender, passion and other smaller bikes which doesn't give stance of TB, which is the ultimate long distance cruiser, should I be apprehensive about GT. I am not planning for regular 500 kms drive but occasionally it would happen.

I have gone through all the pro and cons given in reviews. All owners are pretty happy with the bike.

So should I finalize GT or change to Classic or TB.

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

2 months ago I was in same Dilemma but in a Diff State in India. Here is my experience. The price quoted will be same in all places in your city, be it RE Brand store or a Dealer showroom. But in my case I booked from RE Brand store, i was given a 45 days approx waiting period but the bike was allotted within 3 weeks. The issues started when the Brand store (even after submitting all documents and proofs and filling up the RTA forms correctly) made a blunder in my Name in the Temp RC and then I had to chase them to get it corrected. Towards the end it was me who had to spend time, effort and 1000INR in DD to the RTA for getting name corrected and all in all it added one whole month for a process that could have been completed in a single day had the name been correct originally.

Now, the thing is:-
the Details Were taken by RE Brand store.
The RTA Form which i filled up (correctly) was given to me by the RE Brand store and it was also on their letter headed paper.
The Temp RC formalities were also taken up and completed (at the first iteration) by the RE Brand Store.

And after all this too whenever i approached them for any follow up for this episode, their dialogue used to be "Sir, we are the RE Brand store and not any RE dealer outlet to help you with your RTA work. You have signed a Disclaimer with RE so we are not responsible for RTA stuff."

So i feel if i had approached the Dealer for buying a bike as opposed to the Brand Store, atleast the dealer would have been nice and courteous to us when we needed their help.

Now, as i said this is my personal experience and advise, and that too from a different State. I would suggest to check the response to whichever outlet is closer to you (will help in follow up trips during your documentation/waiting period) and Also check whoever has the best reputed Service centre that you will visit later onwards once you have the bike with you. These are the only two decisive factors i feel.

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Okay [MENTION=83278]anshulengg08[/MENTION], here's the breakup. You have mentioned in your first line, that You Loved this bike as soon as you took a test drive. And that you are prepared for and all right with of the riding stance of the bike as well as all the Pros and Cons, You should go for this bike itself.
You will own a bike which you Love.
You will have a model which are not many on the street.
When one passes by you you wont feel You should have bought it instead of any other

So i dont see any reason why change your choice.
And changing the choice of model will come into picture only when:-
1. You are not happy with the Cubic Capacity of the Engine
2. Pillion comfort.
3. Riding stance (GT foot pegs more or less directly under rider/CL foot pegs under knees/TBTS foot pegs slightly closer to the front wheel)

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

thanks ,,,
i went for test drive again after which i have finalized the bike. will deal with issues as they come.

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

Hey all Royal riders ... I am Pratik from Mumbai. I am planning to buy Reclassic 350. But before that need some feedback from the classic riders in terms of maintenance of Tue bike, cost involved in its maintenance, milage, after sales service and any other feedback. Currently I am riding Discover 125 with 40k kms of official riding experience. My daily commute is approx 50 km. Plz help.

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

Hi Guys,

I hope this thread is not dead yet. I'm a newbie here. I just want to get your advices on couple of things.

I'm a die hard fan of Royal Enfield and last month I booked thunderbird350. Waiting period is 2 months they said. SO I'm just reading reviews and other things.

Once I got my bike what are the things I have to check i.e. PDI list.
How to maintain the bike.
Is there any way to maintain factory color (I ordered matte black)
Last, what the main accessories I have to buy. If possible posting the link of particular accessories will be helpful.

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

Maintenance is mostly just Wash-Lube-Periodic Services. Mileage will largely vary with riding patterns. I know this reply does not help much. But then the question too is very much a broad scoped one. Feel free to go through the reviews in CL 350 Ownership threads to know deeper about the machine.

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1. PDI - DONT SIGN ANYWHERE UNLESS YOU SEE BOTH, THE BIKE AS WELL AS ALL THE PAPERS.

Ensure all owner names and bike numbers (Engine, Chassis numbers) are correct everywhere.
Look for scratches, tarnishing.
Look for wheels spinning freely without the discs making any grinding noise.
Handle moving freely towards both extreme ends without squeezing any cables.
Needless to say, all switches.
Ask them to show you how to open the battery compartment and both the seats, try it out your self.
Test ride.

Anyone else feel free to add any important point i may have missed

2. Maintenance of matte colour -
I do not have much first hand experience of this is, but a friend of mine has matte TBTS in new mumbai and he washes his bike weekly with just plain water (the painted parts). and the rest as usual.

3. Accessories to buy -
Leg guard (that doesn't hit the mud guard in case of deep pot holes)
Chain spray. Ask the dealer for this, in case he has one.
Investing in a good garage cover will go miles to protect matte paint...unless you have a worry free parking spot.

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

Hi Rugved,
Thanks for your suggestions. I booked a new ThunderBird 350 so I think I dont have to worry about the 1st point you mentioned [All OWNER NAMES].

I booked my ride a month ago and sales person said waiting period is 45-60 days. Fingers crossed.

I just want to get some more idea on matte paint for all you experts.
1. Is there any way to protect the color same like factory one?
2. Do I need to wash it daily with water?
3. I do not have a safe parking place, so any recommendation of good bike covers will be helpful.
4. Are there any sealant / protective films available for matte finishes. If yes, where can I get one?

And Rugved, leg guard means are you referring to crash guards?
I saw few crash guards in showroom and all seems very lengthy. I have a very small parking space so if guards are lengthier than handle bars I cannot park it.
So I thought not to install any crash guards or I have to search for smaller guards. Do you recommend the guards are mandatory considering my lack of parking space.

OFF TOPIC:
Every one in my family warned me, lack of parking space and to go for other bikes. But once you got your heart on RE Beasts no one can change it.

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

I too had booked the bike at the brand store (Jan 2016) with all the correct data and spellings, supported with documents, still when they uploaded the info into the RTA website/completed the temporary registration formalities at RTA they felt like dropping out my Middle name and then a month long hassle with RTA ensued. I am sure its not a very common thing though!


Yes the crash guard, the crash guard will be marginally broader than the bike, so as to leave some leg room for the rider between the bike and ground in unfortunate event of a crash. Also (in a way) it will prevent people parking too close to your bike, avoiding tank scratches. (look for Quality metals leg guard for Thunderbird model).

I too haven't fitted any leg guard yet to my TBTS, but plan to do so soon. Checked the same Quality metals guard on a TBTS and as much as we tried to fully rock the front shocks the crash guard didnt hit the mudguard. The mechanic said, unless there is a head on collision this leg guard wont hit the mudguard. So i am pretty convinced about it.

There are not many covers available for RE. Depending on your need (Only dust protection or Dust Sun and Rain protection), you can buy one off the internet or (in Mumbai) local seat makers used to stitch one out of tarpaulin as per need. Don't get a cover that's heavy, as then the places, wherever the cover brushes the bike frequently may start going matte to gloss.

As to the other point:- Matte paint protection, all I can tell you is No need for a wash Daily. Perhaps the Matte paint owners can enlighten more about this, and/or the desert storm owners thread may have some deeper information.

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

Thanks rugved for the info. Will make sure to check the owner info and regarding crash guards I have to check few before installing one. Im living in a crowded/congested area so if I installed a bigger crash guard then I cannot move my bike beyond the obstacles (other bikes).

I'm still confused on matte color protection only. Hope someone else will help me here.

Once I get my bike I'll post few pics.

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

Appending Info at cost of stretching the thread, but Don't look for a Narrow Leg guard. Rather chose one that would be rust proof and does'nt come close to your toes when you ride (as TBTS foot pegs are closer to the front wheel than the Classic model, so most RE crash guards dont fit This eligibility criteria, unless specifically meant for TBTS)

You mentioned you have to deal with crowded areas and cut to cut parking spots. But there may be other REs around you; what they are using might be a clue for you!

In the meantime check THIS and THIS TOO. The second link advertises about 3M ventureshield 7710 which is meant for Matte paint protection which is also suitable for bikes, but need to check its availability in Indian Stores, however THIS ONE 3M WrapFilm 1080 is available in Indian 3M and advertised at their website too But for cars, Again, need to check if they do bikes with this as well.

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

To the surprise I'm the only one who is going to be the RE owner. I don't know why all kids (including Age 40+ too) are interested in japanese bikes

Thanks for links, I already have the print out of the 1st link. I never came across the 3rd link, I'll search for some 3M stores near my place and enquire about this.

Thanks again for your help.

Called showroom yesterday morning to get an update on when I can get my beast. And they simply replied 13 members are waiting ahead of you and your name is in 14th place. So it may delay.
WTH.....

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

Let me also know about the 3M store response for motorcycles as well as their skill in case you opt to avail their services!

Dont worry, about the waiting period, when you leas expect it you will get a call informing you that your bike is up for delivery.

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

Well guys I am in a dilemma here, hope you guys can help me.

I am getting a very good deal for a 2003 Thunderbird which belongs to one of my childhood friend and had clocked 46K kms on ODO, basically I know the bike the day it comes out of the showroom.
Main thing which I wanted to know is that is it possible to replace the old headlamp with the new projector headlamp of new Thunderbird?

Bullet std 500 or electra or bullet std 350

Hi everyone, pl give ur expert opinion on which of the three bikes should i choose. I am 6 ft tall 85 kgs and would be using bike for touring though frequency wont be much. mostly would be driving in city say about 40 kms a day. My preference is std 500. If anyone owns it then pl give honest opinion. I would prefer broader tyres, stability and comfort. Request reply. By the way my bro has a classic 350 and i ve driven it for about an yr so dont want to buy same bike. Regards.

Re: Bullet std 500 or electra or bullet std 350


Hi Swift,
I would say you to choose TB500/TB350 based on your budget. I personally like TB over other models because of the comfort its giving, and because of budget I opt for 350cc.

Before deciding test ride the ThunderBird and standard then choose. But for 40kms a day traveling I will suggest TB only.

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I'm not sure about the headlamp, may be some other peeps will help you.