I Say: Electra all the way...the more I look, more I think...is classic really a great design?????


(My response in line)

Thank you, Yamahatrooper and Flamboyant, your replies make my choice easier.

My only apprehension is if availability of spares may become an issue for Electra, which seems to be getting phased out (RE does not list on the 'Compare Models' page on its website).

What is your opinion on this?

^^^

Electra 5s (retired model) is way too different from C350 UCE engine. I dont think the performance should be compared here at all. Moreover, if your dealer can get you the Electra 5s and you are happy with the CI engine (as most of us would), then go for it, it is a good deal.

Getting spares shouldn't be a problem at all.

ka18: Which dealer in Bangalore is offering the electra? and how much are they quoting?

took a test ride on the C350 and new Electra. Electra was very confortable as compared to C350. apart from that, the engines are same, so didnt feel any difference in the ride whatsoever.

my vote would go for Electra...even better the Std whenever RE launches it again with UCE

The STD UCE is launched here in Bangalore. I saw one bike in the RE company showroom in Jayanagar(East end Circle) they quoted an OTR of 97k for it. But I like prefer the Electra somehow. More chrome does it for me I guess.

Is this STD UCE having the same engine as the Electra/CL350?

Actually, I don't stay in Bangalore, but I am getting the info from my friend in Bangalore. It seems to be RE company showroom in Jayanagar(East end Circle).

Yes mate it does, the one I saw the Electra's comfyass seat also.

Also Teknik motors in Indranagar I got my bull (The electra) from there.

Well, I think its going to be the Electra 5s for me as my lifetime steed.

Thanks guys, for helping make the choice!

I had got the number of the area Sales Manager from Royal Enfield themselves after I asked them the same questions that I asked here. But apparently he seems to be on leave since some days and not expected to be back soon.

I had called up the RE showroom in Bangalore today and the guy over there told me come over, take a test ride of all the models, decide and make the booking amount payment of 1k.

He told me that booking for the CL350 is closed due to production constraints. But for the other models, its open.
CL500: 7 months
Electra/Std/TBTS: 2 months

He also told me that all the 350cc engines are the same UCE twinspark engines and the differences are only cosmetic.

By the way, anybody in Bangalore/Karnataka know how to pull some strings for immediate/early delivery?

Just PMed you some info. Hope it works out for you. All the best.

Got it! Thanks.

But, are we not online at the wrong hours?

If you are asking me about the looks then its C350 if the budget is low and C500 if you have the money ! Electra is not so good look wise !

Beauty is always a subjective matter. But have to admit that the CL350/CL500 definitely look better than the Electra and the price difference is not too much, but with the waiting period of 7-8 months (and bookings closed right now), do we have much choice?

The Electra doesn't seem bad (In fact, all bullets look good to me!), it just has a plain Jane look and as Yamahatrooper said, its like a Template for your creativity!

I am an Electra 5S owner for atleast 3 years now...let me tell you something, I believe it will help you out in making a decision if you haven't done it already!

The new Electra has the same UCE engine that is in thunderbird and the classic 350...other than that, it is the same as the previous electra, i mean the tyres, chassis, shockers n all. The new engine is only going to make Electra faster and more reliable. That is all there is to it. Spend a little more, and you will get a bike which is all this and more, the Classic!!

See, the new classic 350 has better dynamics, yes it does!! I believe that you are overlooking one of the very important criteria in classic 350, the rear tyre. It is much better, I am not talking about its looks! Instead I am talking about the way it has changed the handling of the classic for the better! It has a rounder profile, is wide and its 18 inches!! The classic 350 is a noticeably better handler than any previous RE by a good margin! And ya, the tyre looks better too! I think the chassis is different too, but i am not sure about it though! Overall, the classic will be a better performer anywhere than the Electra due to better handling characteristics even with the same engine!

Moreover, you get disc break as standard fitment too on the classic, so no more I-am-in-two-minds-about-having-disc-break things!!!

I would personally advice you to ride a classic, and eventually go for it, I will do the same if I will go for another bullet! But then, that's me! But yes, without doubt, personal opinion aside, both the Classics are better REs to buy today

Cheers!

But is it not possible to change the rim/tyre on the electra to the one similar to the classic?

As far as I know, Disc brake/Electric Start is standard fitment on the Electra.

Though I agreee with you, satellite kid, its the waiting period of the CL350 that kills. If that is taken care of, I would like to be one proud owner of a CL350!