Royal Enfield
 

As you may have seen in Roger's Ducati thread, we visited Moto Corsa in Portland, the largest Ducati dealership in the country. They also sell exotic bikes from Aprilia, MV Agusta, and just as cool but not so exotic, Royal Enfield.

I spotted the old fashioned British/Indian machines in a corner of the Ducati warehouse and had a great time looking at them. They are a Chinarider's dream bike.

Very inexpensive to buy ($5,000 and even less in some cases) and parts are very cheap. $72 for an entire exhaust system, $30 for a piston, and $30 for an oil change kit which has filters and oil and gaskets sufficient for several oil changes.

They are fuel injected 5 speeds and unit construction nowadays, and hop up parts abound. They have high quality European brakes and suspension, but look very much like antiques.

I was offered a chance to ride this one:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...psfed2a3f8.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...psf573d3fe.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ps0f382ce0.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...ps347b766a.jpg

They are very light, simple, and easy to ride. Comfortable and relaxed.

They are not powerful but they are very torque. They pull hard off the bottom, but run out of steam very early, maybe 4,000-5,000 RPM or so.

They would probably be comfortable up to maybe 70 MPH, but their mission would be 60 or less. It would be a delightful commuter or country road bike.

Thanks for starting the nice thread, Doc. :tup: Do you have more photos of the Royal Enfields?

I was on such a high in that place I could hardly think straight I was so excited. Sorry I did not take more pics.

Roger and I will be going back in about a month so I can take more at that point.

In terms of motorcycle manufacturing, I think India is the new China.

http://www.visordown.com/features/di...dia/24653.html

I think those are delightful. They test rode one on Café Racer TV, and it wobbled badly at highway speeds. My guess is that a stabilizer would sort that ourt.

Maybe the bearings were not properly greased and adjusted? I only buzzed around Portland up to about 60 and the bike was very relaxed.

*drool*

I would want a passenger seat.

Too many pretty girls in the world to leave one at the curb. Ever.

Sweet looking RE I saw at Holopaw Ural when I was there test riding the 2014 Urals.

That must be a fun dealership to visit.

Yep, great old school dealer. When you order a part from Gene he sends it to you with the invoice. No credit cards, just cash or check.
http://holopawural.com/

Another photo of the RE that is calling my name. The young lady is an extra charge option.
And FastDoc a pillion pad and foot pegs can be added. I gotta have the sprung seat.

And what are the warranty terms for this extra option?

That is so funny!

I can tell you from extensive research I've conducted for over 30 years the price of upkeep on that particular option is cost prohibitive.