Author Topic: Another New(ish)Thumper  (Read 638 times)

xbally

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Another New(ish)Thumper
« on: January 14, 2023, 09:28:34 AM »
As quite a few on here seem to be getting new bikes I thought I would post a pic of my RE Continental GT535 I recently part exchanged back with a friend for the Suzuki GT185.
Since I originally had the bike it has acquired a new tank, seat and clocks as well as other parts. There were some dents and scratches on the original parts.
HONDA CB250RSA ROYAL ENFIELD CONTINENTAL GT535

Moto63

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Re: Another New(ish)Thumper
« Reply #1 on: January 14, 2023, 11:07:56 AM »
It’s a bonnie looking steed Martin. Hope you have many S,Miles riding It.
Cheers Michael

deleted

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Re: Another New(ish)Thumper
« Reply #2 on: January 14, 2023, 12:24:41 PM »
The RE forum is excellent, well worth joining.
I loved the look of mine, just never had the confidence to ride it further than I was prepared to push it home...

mthee

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Re: Another New(ish)Thumper
« Reply #3 on: January 14, 2023, 01:14:09 PM »
Can we get your usual, informative ride report, Martin?
Fear of the unknown does not mean the unknown needs to be feared

Itsme

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Re: Another New(ish)Thumper
« Reply #4 on: January 14, 2023, 04:26:28 PM »
I might have gone to the dark side, but I can still look at that picture and drool. I have always thought the Continental 535 to be one of Enfield's prettiest bikes.

Ian

xbally

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Re: Another New(ish)Thumper
« Reply #5 on: January 14, 2023, 05:52:02 PM »
Well.........second time around and as it's January I haven't yet ridden it.Cost me over £60 to put on my Carole Nash policy £40 of that being their "admin" fee.
The photo I posted was in its first incarnation so when I can I'll take a few more as it now is.
I've changed the "silencer" from the standard one I put back on as the first one was far too loud even with earplugs and fitting a baffle or "decibel killer" as they are now called. It's now got the Royal Enfield "sports" silencer which adds about half a BHP.
This is the third or fourth Bullet based RE I've owned. The UCE engine is more suited to someone like me who has not owned many proper brit bikes ( a Tiger Cub filed bike, RE Crusader, and a couple of C15 soh and an Ariel Golden Arrow  -all of which were very old and not in the best of condition). I still can't get used to oil leaks and would struggle to kick start a big single without a working de-compressor and I don't think I could manage a right foot gear change these days as I haven't had such a bike on the road since I was under 20.
Anyway the 535 Conti GT has a new Harris Bros designed frame.
Mine has a bar conversion but the factory version has above yoke clip ons .
They don't "plonk" like a trad brit single which is a bit of a draw back IMO but they will easily keep up with modern traffic although overtaking needs some forward planning.
They do pretty much everything very well. There is a bit of vibration which can be annoying at certain speeds as there's no balance shaft.
To me the looks have always been the main appeal-the way the original 250 Conti GT is mimicked.
I'll post an update when I've ridden it-plan to tax it from 1st March.
HONDA CB250RSA ROYAL ENFIELD CONTINENTAL GT535

iansoady

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Re: Another New(ish)Thumper
« Reply #6 on: January 15, 2023, 10:11:27 AM »
Hi Martin.

I abandoned Carole Nash many years ago. For several years I used Peter James, who were very good but last time I went to RH who were even cheaper. And they charged exactly £0.00 for changing the policy from the 250RS to the XBR. Annual cost is £88.50 fully comprehensive with agreed value of £7,000 for the Norton and £3,000 for the Honda. Cover includes riding other bikes and breakdown cover.

I'm not sure of the age limits for bikes so it may be your RE wouldn't qualify but worth a try.

https://www.peterjamesinsurance.co.uk/

https://www.rhspecialistinsurance.co.uk/motorbike-insurance
Ian.
1952 Norton ES2
1986 Honda XBR500
1958(ish) Grumph.....

xbally

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Re: Another New(ish)Thumper
« Reply #7 on: January 15, 2023, 10:24:05 AM »
Thanks Ian.

I was with Bennetts for years, then CN and have also used Footman James for my classic cars in the past. They all started out as traditional brokers providing an enthusiast based service but were taken over by big business who are only interested in making money.

My problem is I have a CN's Six Wheel Policy where a car and a number of bikes are insured on the together. My bikes are both modern and classics.

Whenever I have tried to get similar cover it has proved to be very protracted.

Now however I am more or less retired and have more time and a bit less disposable income so rest assured I shall be looking into moving to another provider and shall certainly give your suggestions a try when the time comes to renew. I'm not planning any more changes until after renewal.
HONDA CB250RSA ROYAL ENFIELD CONTINENTAL GT535

xbally

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Re: Another New(ish)Thumper
« Reply #8 on: January 15, 2023, 12:12:48 PM »
Here are a couple of pics I took this morning.
HONDA CB250RSA ROYAL ENFIELD CONTINENTAL GT535

xbally

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Re: Another New(ish)Thumper
« Reply #9 on: January 15, 2023, 12:14:47 PM »
And.......
HONDA CB250RSA ROYAL ENFIELD CONTINENTAL GT535

Moto63

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Re: Another New(ish)Thumper
« Reply #10 on: January 15, 2023, 12:29:23 PM »
Only one thing spoiling those two photos Martin.
The wet, damp, miserable roads in the background. Cracking looking bike 👍
Cheers, Michael

mthee

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Re: Another New(ish)Thumper
« Reply #11 on: January 15, 2023, 12:47:08 PM »
Thanks for the pics  8)
Fear of the unknown does not mean the unknown needs to be feared

xbally

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Re: Another New(ish)Thumper
« Reply #12 on: January 15, 2023, 12:57:36 PM »
Only one thing spoiling those two photos Martin.
The wet, damp, miserable roads in the background. Cracking looking bike 👍
Cheers, Michael
Yes Michael-I shan't be venturing out on this bike until the weather improves considerably.
HONDA CB250RSA ROYAL ENFIELD CONTINENTAL GT535

xbally

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Re: Another New(ish)Thumper
« Reply #13 on: February 03, 2023, 12:03:09 PM »
As the weather has improved slightly I decided to tax the CGT yesterday and ventured forth on a brief test ride.
All is well and there doesn't seem to be as much vibration as I recalled. It could be my mate who I swapped it with has fettled it.
I'm hoping to go ot again this afternoon before the school traffic builds but Friday afternoon is not the quietest time of the week round here.
I'm keeping off the country lanes and back roads in order not to get the bike too dirty.
I'll have to do something about the mirrors as the view is poor and they do vibrate a bit. Hitchcocks do an anti-vibration mirror mount and extenders so I'll probably start there. I would like to tidy up the electrics as well and again Mr. H has modded parts which will help but they aren't cheap however.
I also want to fit Hitchcock's after market air filter kit which should release half a BHP or so but again not cheap.
I've been trying to sell off some of the spare parts my mate has replaced such as the tank and seat but there doesn't seem to be much demand. Possibly because you can buy lots of OE parts from India at reasonable prices-I've occasionally done this myself and it does work
HONDA CB250RSA ROYAL ENFIELD CONTINENTAL GT535