Thumper Club Forum
Technical => Project Progress => Topic started by: xbally on May 18, 2025, 05:56:03 AM
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Here it is....arrived yesterday.
Not ridden yet due to other commitments.
Style is growing on me with the mix of old and new.
Needed a good clean as it appears to have been in a warehouse somewhat unloved!
The build quality looks so far to be as good if not better than my Interceptor -ie excellent for the price.
Riding impressions to follow.
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Brilliant stuff Martin, Big bro absolutely loves his. Let us know your thoughts once you’ve been out in this gorgeous sunshine on it👍
Cheers, Michael
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Thanks Michael That was a quick response :)
I only had a short window to ride it in yesterday and the weather was cold here in the morning so I thought I would wait for better weather (looks good here at the moment today).
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Aye Martin, be interested to read how you get on, but you'll have to stop havering, as it is going to "persist" for a week, starting this coming Friday/Saturday, 23rd/24th, May, and be back to sub 12°C temperatures. I'd leave the polishing till the weekend and get those tyres scrubbed in sharpish. ;) ;) ;)
I hope that you enjoy wearing it out.
Good health, Bill
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Thanks Bill.
The weather's not been that great here today-occasional sun but largely cloudy so a portent of things to come.
I've managed 2 short rides yesterday and today as I find running in a bit tedious having been running in my Crusader since last August.
However the little modern Enfield is such a doddle to ride compared to the Crusader that it's a completely different ball game. Of course this is as it should be with 65 years between them!
Everything works as it should, of course, as it should do. The engine wants to go all the time so I'm having to be very careful not to over rev it. Difficult though as the base model I've gone for (the other colour options with one or two exceptions weren't really to my old fashioned taste), so I opted for plain silver. Being the base model it doesn't have the "TFT" (whatever that is?) dash so there's no rev counter which makes running in even more arduous when you're trying to second guess what revs the engine is turning over at!
I've limited myself to 40 mph for the first hundred miles and obviously know not to over rev it or slog the motor so I'm using the 6 speed box more than I would normally. The box itself is fine as is the clutch (very light). Brakes are again what you would expect on a modern bike and the handling I know from my test ride is very good too.
The owners' manual is virtually useless as far as description of the analogue dash is concerned as it doesn't seem to get much of a mention so I've had to look up how to change the clock time and re-set the twin trip meters on line. It does have a gear indicator which I find useful as well.
There's no actual rear light as the indicators double (or treble) up as brake and rear light. This is the first vehicle I've owned with LED's too.
Anyway all good thus far. The first"service" is at only 300 miles and it's basically just an oil change and check over. Revs can be increased from 4000 to 6000 after 500kms.
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Aye Martin, sounding promising in all departments then. As for the 300 mile oil change that makes sense, some manufacturers delay it until 500 miles or even longer. RE appear to want to remove any swarf, wee bits, good and early from the system. My rebuilds only get 20 miles afore the oil is dumped and refilled, then again at 200 miles. Oil/filter are cheap when compared to a damaged engine.
Enjoy the beastie, good health, Bill
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Yes Bill. I totally agree with your sentiments.
The next service , after the first, is set for 6K miles or 12 months. I know I won't cover 6000 miles in a year (it's taken me 5 years to do that mileage on my Interceptor.)
No doubt I'll need an annual service to retain the warranty(3 years).
I might do an interim oil and filter change myself if the mileage creeps up. I always do an annual oil and filter change on my bikes anyway as a matter of course.
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Well I've now covered over 100 miles and things seem to be settling down or bedding in nicely.
I'm going to slowly increase the maximum speed gradually up to 50 mph prior to the first service but shall continues to vary the load on the engine and make much use of the gears.
I've fitted a rear hugger extension to help keep the plot clean, otherwise there's not much else to do except to ride it when I can. The weather's now back to normal following the near drought conditions for most of the spring so I'll only be going out when it looks to be dry. The last 2 rides were under cloudy skies. I know bikes should be ridden but I like to avoid wet roads whenever i can but I do have the luxury of 2 other bikes I can use regardless.
I'll probably get an after market air filter soon and maybe change the exhaust at some point but it's quite nice as it is for the time being and is safer as far as the numbers of horse and rider using the quieter back roads which I'm currently mostly riding on.
I probably change the oil and filter after another 1000 miles from the first service over the winter as bill suggests and see what additions or modifications come on to the market in the loger term.
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Glad to hear you’re enjoying the Guerilla Martin. Big bro has just had the first service done on his. (Last Friday)
He too is looking for a slip on end can, he’s narrowed it down to two. A Zard or an Ixil. Both of which he is finding extremely hard to get hold of. No one seems to have either in stock.
Cheers
, Michael
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Thanks Michael.
The Zard ones are pretty expensive. I think Hitchcock's are currently out of stock.
However it appears you can get both through Ebay.......but not in the UK.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/256936472941?_skw=royal+enfield+exhaust+guerrilla&itmmeta=01JWBSWHWFE4JSZEWR7257EW1A&hash=item3bd29b716d:g:a1QAAOSwo9pnYU2k&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA4FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1cA4lE%2B044vAoPRwbW9xmqb%2F2UHDlnStUpiZ7l23NhhghlQmpa0m9gE1HNWOr8Nnci7lxeALQTwls3N%2F3KFyEF1q19fVeuamlAEBEmBJF5t1ENMiQpn0ggTYLnG66v8b2cZKqkSUCUsntY5Ul0%2BiUP86KtZ9LJiEsY9muXjBb1xCB0PzmM5obPWUOjMei8jk%2FfhaqX6s2KB%2FWrWgvbgeUDnuwKWoIcpJfP7wVPHLiDrU7GV82sonxlScWtccpQv7mBWtaUQOaRZr0Bu7Ypa8CQo%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR6qf8vniZQ
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/126912529765?_skw=royal+enfield+exhaust+guerrilla&itmmeta=01JWBSWHWFXAX9G1EKR563M9X2&hash=item1d8c938565:g:UbsAAOSwGfdnfuxr&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA4FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1cNufFTq4phXN9tl2l3mk6NDP6OtJCPoCPK%2BSrsy3Gk0RN00IHzgjs2J9Omu%2Fa5gTsHhc%2BhEjsdsio0Jz%2Fw2BSXYxEfvIzvVApMFiWtoz2VlXeBt%2Bt95vFdw0%2BDqYeP6PvwR7KKlrcFmv%2Bw%2FdJuZj8GfAps8If%2Fu2ZmaokmJjWzG952WnkbjmhLtia7pMcdmmpnh5tjA9yxLGvlstTf%2FtwRSJxvrlol9J4N%2BouQwliu0dWFA0%2BAH7PehEJWlHcWQReVujxzzvilyuoKfEDypgHW%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR6qf8vniZQ
https://accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/54454?cont_page=Royal-Enfield-450-Guerrilla-Accessories
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Thanks for the links Martin. I think he’s tried approx 15 different UK outlets and not one have either in stock. They all give the same answer. They’re expecting a delivery from Italy anytime soon 🤷???
Cheers, Michael
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First service is booked for next week.
In the meantime I did an approximate check of fuel consumption which worked out to be at approximately 110 mpg. I'll clearly need to re-check this at next fill up as it seems overly low, even though I'm sticking to little more than 40 mph until the first service.
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Update : my fuel consumption figures were miles out! Not sure how I managed that? Any way corrected figures are 72 mpg for the first fill up and 81 for the second. Still not too bad but nowhere near my 500 Bullet which regularly returned over 100mpg.
Anyway I took the Guerrilla for its first service this week having just about clocked the 500 kms . No problems and it runs just the same after the service. I can now increase the load on the engine gradually up to about 1250 miles after which full power can be used.
The thing does want to go and begs to be revved but although I know running in's not likely to make much difference these days I still want to do it properly. I did 20 miles on it this morning after picking it up and this afternoon I took my 650 Interceptor on a 35 mile run into the Severn Valley. I wanted to get the mileage up to 7000 so I could do an oil and filter change. It's interesting to make a comparison as I've also owned the 650 since it was new in 2019. Obviously the 650 is a lot heavier and with the mods I've made (bigger bore exhaust and Norman Hyde cans + a DNA air filter kit) it's quite torquey now. Out of the box the 650 was always a bit lacklustre I thought but now it's quite pleasurable to ride. There's one single track lane I've discovered this year this year out of Bewdley for anyone with local knowledge which rises very steeply and then descends just as quickly down to a ford (fortunately the water at the moment runs under a bridge ) and then the road climbs steeply up again. There's lots of countryside with views and quite a few farms with machinery you have to watch out for as they never seem to slow down for other vehicles. The Guerrilla is more easily manageable with its lighter weight but at the moment I can't use all the performance which I don't think will be lacking once I am able to.
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Update : I've now clocked up over 500 miles and the engine is loosening up nicely so I'm able to use more of the available performance which is perky.
I've adjusted the pre load on the rear suspension as the roads round here are very bumpy and mostly full of pot holes (where isn't these days).
My latest conclusions are that this was a good buy on my part and I'm very pleased to have a modern light weight thumper that will pretty much go anywhere and do most things.
As Michael's brother (Andrew?) said it's like an updated CB250 RS . It's physically larger and weighs a bit more but that's not a problem for me although a smaller person might find it a bit on the large size.
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Morning Martin. Glad to hear you’re still enjoying the new purchase. Big bro is taking delivery of yet another new bike this Saturday to sit along his guerilla. A royal Enfield scram. I’ll report back after this coming weekend
Cheers, Michael
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Good Morning Michael. That's interesting. Can't wait to see what he makes of it / compared to the Guerrilla.
I forgot to mention fuel consumption is over 70 mpg, which I think is similar to the RS.
I can't recall which bikes you are currently riding, apart from the RS250 you recently acquired from Kevin.
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Well, at the moment my main steed is a triumph 900 speed twin. Also the RS250, which I thoroughly enjoy riding, so much so that I’m building the 2nd tracker based bike. My plan is that once it’s built I’ll sell the one I bought off Kevin and then concentrate on getting my 650xbr tracker FINALLY finished. Then possibly sell the triumph speed twin. So ultimately have the two tracker based bikes in the garage. The 650 and the 250.
I’m making steady progress on the 250. Simply not enough hours in the day 😏. Plus, I keep letting things/ideas run away with me. So what started out as a reasonable quick, cheap(ish) build is turning into quite the opposite 😁👍. All good fun tho, and you only live once.
Cheers, Michael
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............. All good fun tho, and you only live once.
Cheers, Michael
I thought JB said you only live twice Michael 😂😂
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I thought JB said you only live twice Michael 😂😂
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Yes, you’re quite right Ian he did indeed. What the hell did he know. I hope you’re getting that stash of jelly babies piled up ready 😉🤣🤣
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Update : I've now covered well over 800 miles and am very pleased to have bought this bike.
With around 40 BHP and fairly light weight it's more than enough for the use I've envisaged for it.
The finish, handling, roadholding and braking are all great.
The only thing which for me lets it down slightly is the seat's a bit hard after an hour's riding. It could be just me though as I also found the same problem with my 650 Interceptor which I've tried 3 different seats on with no improvement.
I've bought a gel seat pad from M and P which seems to help.
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I've now covered over 1000 miles and overall am still very pleased with the bike.
However last week I had a bit of a shock (pun intended) when I attempted to adjust the rear suspension pre load. I hope the photos show what's happened.
The supplying dealer QB has ordered me a new shock under warranty but in the meantime I can continue to use the bike.
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That looks pretty appaling Martin - I could envisage it riding over when you were on the road.
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Yes. That’s definitely not good. As with what appears to be just everything nowadays. Built DOWN to a price 🙄😔
I’ll let big bro know and get him to log in and have a look at your photo. Pretty sure he’s not suffered any issues with his as yet.
Thanks for posting Martin 👍
Oh, and obviously the best of luck getting it all sorted 🤞
Cheers, Michael
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Thanks.Not sure ify other photo appeared? My pc is being updated and I have a new phone which I'm still getting to grips with...
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Oops
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Hagons apparently do an upgrade according to Hitchcocks.
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Hagons apparently do an upgrade according to Hitchcocks.
You would expect your warranty to supply the Hagon upgrade and "If not, why not?", you have the evidence that the current OME is not fit for purpose!
As for continuing to use the bike, mmmmm, I'd be checking for cracks in the swingarm welds, wheel rim, etc, as that appears to have suffered a hefty whack to displace that guage of metal. Re-cycled bean cans, rather than some decent steel being used, it would appear.
Makes you wonder what the new BSA Bantam, for £3,500 is built from? 3D printed guano! ;)
Stay safe, Bill
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Hi Martin. Hope you're well. Long time no speak.
Mick drew my attention to the shock issue. I'm in Jersey atm so I can't look at mine till next week. The bike has been performing really well, suspension included. I've not tried adjusting mine as it suits as it is, so I've not paid any real attention to the adjustment ring, except to note that it's one notch up from bottom.
I think the issue seems to be mainly poor assembly, but also poor design. The tangs are in 2 separate pieces by your photo. I can see they're not welded in line correctly. This and the tack welds will splay out the tangs. Also material thickness a little too thin. But mainly poor assembly position if I understand the photo right. Poor show by showa.
Will check mine first chance I get.
I also have a scram 411 and loving both bikes.
Cheers.
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Ps. I actually said it feels like a cb250rs on steroids 😁😁. Very chattery below 3000rpm. But very strong after that. 👍👍
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Thanks.
Bill it's not been subject to any kind of impact.
The problem arose while I attempted to adjust the pre load and the thing just seem to slip out of alignment.
I've adjusted it before without any issues.
I'm not sure if the rear suspension is Shows although the forks are.
On the roads I mostly ride and to suit my weight 11 stone I was finding the rear a little on the hard side.
Andrew: thanks for your input. It's a great little bike overall and certainly more than enough to have some fun on without having to go at mad speed. I'm not sure how many miles you've clocked up (mine's at 1150 ISH as of today. I do like it enough at the moment to go out every day in this dry warm weather to the exclusion of my other bikes.
I have to agree this seems to be a quality control issue but overall as with most of the modern Enfields I've owned they're generally great value for money compared to most other main stream manufacturers.
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Hi Martin.
I've clocked something like 3500 miles.
Yes the forks are clearly branded up as Showa. I'd read the suspension as a set is all showa. I asked Google AI if the shock also is and it said yes. Possibly showa had design input with internals. I dunno 🤷.
I'm convinced on your shock the tangs are welded out of position such that they started out with some amount of splay on the tangs. Possibly the normal forces going into it splayed it more over time 🤷. Possibly mine is the same. Won't know until next week.
Have fun 😁👍
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Aye Martin,
Having read what you said about the misalignment happening when you were adjusting the preload would lead me to think along the lines Propellor suggests, poor materials, with poor assembly and a lack of quality control, equaling a naff shock absorber. I think that I would still ask for a Hagon replacement as the OME is unfit for purpose. ;)
However, RE are not alone in naff production techniques, the 1975 Ducati 350 MKIII engine that I am resurecting at present came from the Mototrans factory in Spain. The barrel muff having been bored squint by 0.007", so the piston siezed after 1,400 miles. I have also found that the timing case bush/casting hole supporting the end of the crankshaft is 0.010" squint, so that the alloy casting was being smeared away. Apparently, some were bored so badly that the bottom of the cast in oil feed tube to the camshaft, at the back of this bush didn't even get opened during boring, so no oil was pumped to the top end of the engine! :o And these engines were fitted into bikes and sold, only to come back to Coburn & Hughes, the concessionaires, in very short order! ::)
I hope that you are able to have a satisfactory outcome, in a short time and continue to enjoy the wee beastie.
Good health, Bill
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Hi Bill. Hope you're well and still putting the miles in.
This issue isn't great I have to say. If I'm on the right lines then it's the equivalent of a rookie error. But that aside I'm perfect happy with the suspension set up on the guerilla. Very, very good. All the royal enfields I've had have had good suspension set ups for the job in hand. Shame they've let themselves down in this particular area.
All the best. 👍
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Good morning gents....
As Andrew says all the modern Enfields I've had have been ok in the suspension department. I had a new 650 twin in 2019 which I've still got and put 7000 miles on. Some moan the suspension set up on that is basic but they seems to forget so is the price!
There are various upgrades for the 650 but as I no longer ride hard I have no complaints although I've got some Norman Hyde progressive fork springs to fit when I change the oil. There's a very slight weave from the rear if you up the anti too much but my Kawasaki ZRX1200 was much the same as were most UJMs of the 70's. Things didn't really change until the advent of the GS 750 and Z650 as far as the Japs were concerned.
Of course the British Italian and German bikes of the same era were quite a bit better in terms of handling.
Bill I know the Spanish built Mototrans Dukes always had a reputation for their build quality.
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Good morning Prop' and Martin,
Thank you for your replies.
Yes, still putting the miles under the wheels and at present trying to suss out fitting a GY6 ignition system and 12v alternator to the Moto Morini 125H! Electrickery at its best! ;) And I haven't a clue. ::)
I have in the past had a problem with a Hagon shock damper rod detaching itself from the eye at the top of the damper after 18 months! :o Warranty 12 months. That made for interesting handling with the Duke. However, my riding speeds/skills do not the exceed the performance of Hagon or NJB shocks. "Sally", Jim Murdoch's old SRX600, still has the pair of Konis that he fitted and they give a more controlled ride than the Hagons, but not as controlled as the Wilbers monoshock on the Monoshock SRX400/XT600E, which is really plush. Note that cost is increasing here all the time.
As for the Mototrans, I am going to persevere, with it, inspite of the current collapse of the used motorcycle market. It is a therapy that I am fortunate to be able to afford, rather than an "investment"!
Keep wearing them out and good health, Bill
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Thanks Bill.
As you say the used motorbike market seems to be on its knees.
I considered myself very lucky to have sold my Crusader but attempts to sell my GPZ500 and RS 250 have been fruitless.I know someone who's tried to sell a very nice and improved Enfield 535i Continental GT with no success either.
I'm only trying to sell my 2 bikes as I would like a project for the forthcoming winter and I don't really have room for any more without some sort of exchange. Dealers won't even meet you halfway unless you're buying a new model . I was only able to part ex my 750 Monster as I was buying a new Guerrilla.
I tried earlier this year to part ex my Crusader or Monster for a used Harley and the local dealer didn't want to know. Just a couple of weeks ago I tried part exing my RS250 with another local dealer for one of a trio of air cooled 70s Yams of varying prices and was again offered half the value of my RS.
Like you Bill it's not about the money as I know for sure any new project will cost far more than the value of the 2 fully bikes I would be offering in a part ex deal.
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Afternoon chaps. Yes, as I’m sure you’ve gathered, I too am trying to sell the RS250 that I bought off Kevin. Simply so I can inject some cash into the project RS. Again, like you Martin, I’ve not had one enquiry about it. Plenty of “watchers” which I’m sure the vast majority of them have one to sell themselves so want to see if mine goes and for how much. Still, could be worse, at least I can still ride it if it fails to sell. Problem with that is the project RS will ultimately slow down until I get some more cash saved up.
Cheers, Michael
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Yes Michael, I've had nearly 1500 views on my RS and watchers are hovering around the 30 mark.
The only enquiry I had about mine was from a chap with an X7 GT250 (possible p/ex) which was part restored and as he's spent many £s on paint and chrome etc we were miles apart in values so in the interests of marital harmony I had to say I couldn't find the shortfall. I did suggest I could find a part of the cash shortfall and suggested him selling the re-chromed pipes etc but understandably he didn't want to mess around.
Other than that I've had nothing whatsoever.....
Oh well, at least we've got our upgraded PC back now so I can see what I'm doing on a full size screen.
I'm content to keep my RS or GPZ but as I said earlier feel the need for a project over the coming months when riding opportunities will be severely curtailed..........
I may end up if I can't find a buyer or do a part ex keeping all my existing bikes and buying a total minger for a very low initial outlay but then (like you found with your RS ) finding everything is knackered and you are down the road of open ended spending to put it all right....!
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Just discovered there are 2 Showa companies in India.
Showa India Private Ltd, a subsidiary of showa corp and..
Munjal Showa Ltd, a joint venture between Hero group and Showa corp.
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Munjal Showa supplies Royal enfield with shock absorbers and "other suspension components"
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It could be a similar tie up with Brembo then and their Indian operation ; Bybre?
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It could be a similar tie up with Brembo then and their Indian operation ; Bybre?
I assume so Martin. I was just intrigued so consulted Google. I never really stopped to think how RE got their shocks until it became known on the new 450's that the forks were Showa branded. It's a changing world, that's for sure.
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Aye, what's in a name? That old smoke and mirrors again! Tread warily.
As for the 2nd hand market, I know of 3 Velo's locally and a KTM 390, converted to carburettor, along with another sorted RE 535, with carb and ignition upgrades, sitting forlorn. A chain drive Kawasaki 1000 LTD, rebored, new pistons, new bearings throughout, new chain and sprockets, new tyres, original finish throughout, but with a ding in the lower offside of the fuel tank and a number plate worth at least £500, not a sniff at £2,500! Even the gentlemen of the Farcebook group "Unloved and Worthless motorcycle club" are having trouble moving stuff on. Honda Blackbirds and VFR750's and 850's are available for sweeties and something like a clean, legal Kawasaki GPZ 350, £300 was the best offer received. Another member was gifted a Cagiva River, with 8,000 miles on the clock, been sitting a while, but it was a gift, to remove. ::) And part of a post from 13/8/2025, "A tidy speed triple that i swapped for a DRZ400 & a butchered GSX1100F for £425, I was going to strip the GSX to use the engine but it runs OK & has 9 months mot so I shall use it." Just goes to show what's out there.
I know that many of you have a loathing of Farcebook, but it's worth just being a fly on the wall, with this group, just to get an idea of what's what. You might also find something to take your fancy! ;)
Good health, Bill
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I've just joined FB.
As I posted a while ago when I tried to join the RS250 Group last year I was blocked and couldn't get any sense out of them!
However I've just had a new mobile so my wife was able to get me on there this time.
As you said Bill it's interesting just observing what goes on there. I haven't done anything further except one of my old work colleague's who's a biker messaged me so I messaged him back .
I think I'll just sit back for the moment and see what (if anything) happens.
In the meantime I haven't yet heard back from QB regarding the replacement shock and shall chase them perhaps next week. I don't think for a minute RE will entertain anything but a replacement OE shock but if that too fails then I consider I would have a theoretical claim in law for a replacement part of satisfactory quality, ie not another OE item.
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Keep us updated on any developments Martin, and best of luck with it 🤞👍
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Yes, best of luck pursuing the new shock claim. Presumably it goes initially through Moto GB?
In the old days I'd be thinking of writing a letter over the issue. I might yet find myself in that position.
Fingers crossed everyone is reasonable 🤞🤞🤞
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Quick snoop at some images that come up on Google and the photos of the stock shock show stitch welds twice as long as the ones on yours.
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Yes thanks I will update this thread as and when.
I understand RE has set up its own UK branch now as opposed to third party importers.
Interesting what you've found so far Andrew.
In my mind it's clearly a faulty product liability claim. I'd like to think that we've moved on from the old days- at least I hope we have but if not -no worries as I've a wealth of legal claims experience to fall back on! :D
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Yes thanks I will update this thread as and when.
I understand RE has set up its own UK branch now as opposed to third party importers.
Interesting what you've found so far Andrew.
In my mind it's clearly a faulty product liability claim. I'd like to think that we've moved on from the old days- at least I hope we have but if not -no worries as I've a wealth of legal claims experience to fall back on! :D
Good man. Go get em. I can't see how on earth they can pin that on you.
If that tang "ring" is actually two pieces then it's a poor idea if you ask me. Not particularly from a strength point of view but to keep the thing in position to prevent exactly what you have encountered. A little tricky to be sure from a photo so I'll have wait until next week to have detailed peep at mine.
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I can always add more photos if needed.
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Gives the impression (see what I did there) of a pressing. Further suggesting two "half rings".
Pretty sure the scram shock is more like the Showa design we'd see on jap bikes.
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I've spoken to QB this morning and was told REUK don't have the part in stock so it's presumably on back order from India. It's all beginning to sound a familiar story of the Japs in the 70' and 80's!
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I've spoken to QB this morning and was told REUK don't have the part in stock so it's presumably on back order from India. It's all beginning to sound a familiar story of the Japs in the 70' and 80's!
Frustrating to say the least. Difficult to contain anger, but, to be fair, an oem shock is probably not expected to be needed.
How do you feel about continuing to use the bike as is? If it was me (and it might be) I'd use it with very regular inspections I think. I think the preload would most likely still be fine, it's whether one can trust the stitch welds to hold.
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I've spoken to QB this morning and was told REUK don't have the part in stock so it's presumably on back order from India. It's all beginning to sound a familiar story of the Japs in the 70' and 80's!
Frustrating to say the least. Difficult to contain anger, but, to be fair, an oem shock is probably not expected to be needed.
How do you feel about continuing to use the bike as is? If it was me (and it might be) I'd use it with very regular inspections I think. I think the preload would most likely still be fine, it's whether one can trust the stitch welds to hold.
Yes, QB did say (for what it's worth) that the bike would be "safe" to use. I'm with you the regular inspections though.
I suppose you could take the fact they the importers have no stocks either way- 1)As you imply why would you need replacement shocks for a new bike? or 2) being more cynical they are out of stock BECAUSE of the demand for replacements under warranty.
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I've spoken to QB this morning and was told REUK don't have the part in stock so it's presumably on back order from India. It's all beginning to sound a familiar story of the Japs in the 70' and 80's!
Frustrating to say the least. Difficult to contain anger, but, to be fair, an oem shock is probably not expected to be needed.
How do you feel about continuing to use the bike as is? If it was me (and it might be) I'd use it with very regular inspections I think. I think the preload would most likely still be fine, it's whether one can trust the stitch welds to hold.
Yes, QB did say (for what it's worth) that the bike would be "safe" to use. I'm with you the regular inspections though.
I suppose you could take the fact they the importers have no stocks either way- 1)As you imply why would you need replacement shocks for a new bike? or 2) being more cynical they are out of stock BECAUSE of the demand for replacements under warranty.
Or 1+2. 😂
I'm more inclined towards 1, but if mine proves to have the same issue I'll swerve to 2.
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if mine proves to have the same issue I'll swerve to
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I definitely see what you did there 🙄😁
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Hi all, I have been reading this thread with great interest regarding the build quality, poor design etc. The reason being is that I bought Honda GB350S in May (after a horrendous experience with Triumph and the Speed400 but that's another story). Anyway, I was putting the Honda in the garage very carefully after a couple of months of ownership and I noticed that it was leaning a "little more than usual". I took it back to Staffs Honda, and one of the workshop guys said the side stand fork had d flared out a bit. Not the news you want to hear on a new bike. Anyway the new parts (side stand, spring, bolt and locknut have arrived and will be fitted this week. They are going to measure the hole in the frame, god knows what will happen if it's worn or elongated!.
My thoughts are that the bike proudly bears a "Made in Japan" on its down tube and it's frame number starts with a J again denoting Japanese built bike. However the new side stand came in all wrapped up in a sealed bag marked "Made in India"
Make of it what you want but it doesn't fill one with confidence especially with the RE suspension story going on here.
Ian
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Hi all, I have been reading this thread with great interest regarding the build quality, poor design etc. The reason being is that I bought Honda GB350S in May (after a horrendous experience with Triumph and the Speed400 but that's another story). Anyway, I was putting the Honda in the garage very carefully after a couple of months of ownership and I noticed that it was leaning a "little more than usual". I took it back to Staffs Honda, and one of the workshop guys said the side stand fork had d flared out a bit. Not the news you want to hear on a new bike. Anyway the new parts (side stand, spring, bolt and locknut have arrived and will be fitted this week. They are going to measure the hole in the frame, god knows what will happen if it's worn or elongated!.
My thoughts are that the bike proudly bears a "Made in Japan" on its down tube and it's frame number starts with a J again denoting Japanese built bike. However the new side stand came in all wrapped up in a sealed bag marked "Made in India"
Make of it what you want but it doesn't fill one with confidence especially with the RE suspension story going on here.
Ian
That's interesting Ian.
I was looking at the Triumph 400 at the same time as the Guerrilla450 but as there's no longer a dealer near me I couldn't easily get a test ride. There's a Honda dealer not far away with a branch which sells Triumphs some distance from me but I was told I'd have to go to the further shop if I wanted a test ride so I didn't bother. What really put me off was a friend I have who used to be in the trade who told me not to bother with the Triumph due to the alleged poor build quality from the factories outside the UK.
As you and others on here have said -it seems corners are being cut to keep the price of these bikes down.
I've commented previously that I've owned quite a few Indian built Enfields and while they're generally they're a bit quirky over the years the build quality has improved a lot but my recent experience with the rear shock on my Gueurrilla does call into question how far these companies are prepared to compromise on price versus safety.
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(after a horrendous experience with Triumph and the Speed400 but that's another story).
Ian
Morning Ian. Sorry to hear about your side stand woes. As you say, not something you’d expect from a brand new, Japanese built Honda 🤦???. Best of luck with it and as always, keep us posted on any developments 🤞
Please tell more on your speed 400 woes. We have a very good mate who’s just bought one brand new. His first brand new bike since 1978, which was a GS750
He’s loving it so far, and as far as I’m aware has had no issues with it whatsoever. However, if there’s some he should maybe looking out for it would be good to have an heads up on it.
Cheers, Michael
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Hi y'all.
As I see it the manufacturer carries the burden of responsibility, regardless which country individual parts are made. Components will fall into 2 categories (that I can bring to mind), those made to the manufacturer specifications, in the form of an engineering drawing and those bought in as proprietary items, like for example a shock absorber or a chain or battery etc etc. With these items the manufacturer of the motorcycle may or may not have a hand in the specification. In all these scenarios surely we should direct any criticism of quality control towards the motorcycle manufacturer. For example, if the packet says "made in India", so what? I say is it made to the engineering drawing?
The problems I've encountered over the Royal Enfields I've owned in more recent years have all been proprietary items. Thankfully very cheap ones in the grand scheme. Specifically batteries and chains. Neither of which were made by Royal Enfield. Both easily and cheaply remidied.
We're talking about extremely cheap bikes, comparatively, so we should except a fair chunk of value engineering to have been applied. What I hope is not to experience a disaster as a result of over zealous value engineering. Rather, that the machines naturally have limitations compared to a machine twice the price, but ultimately offer good value. So far, touch wood, Royal Enfield have more than met that requirement. Fingers crossed. Enjoy the bikes peeps 😁😎
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But remember your contract is with the dealer not the manufacturer and it's up to the dealer to sort things out.
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Hi Martin.
I took Bruce (the scram) in for his service this morning so I've had a good look at 4 guerrillas in the showroom plus the demo bike they lent me. I also had a quick glance at mine to make sure it's OK and it is.
The 5 machines at the dealers were all fine and the sales guy said he's not heard of a problem with the shock. He also reckoned the dealer should get a replacement within days.
I've looked more closely at the tang ring to figure out how they probably make them and why yours might have gone wrong. First off the ring is actually a ring and not two separate pieces as I'd assumed from your photo. It's clearly split as can be seen on your photo, but it's a complete circle otherwise. Then it twigged how they most likely make it. It looks like a pressed piece so I reckon it's pressed in the flat then rolled into a circle, not quite meeting at the join. In fact a close look on these bikes you can see the circle is slightly misaligned by about 0.75mm. The welds on these bikes and mine seem longer than yours. I'd say each stitch is about 10mm long.
A very close look shows where the problem might lie. The fit of the ring onto the shock body isn't that close, so there's a gap to the shock body, plus the gap gets slightly bigger as you get towards the end of the tang. It's not much and you need to look closely to see it. But if there's a lot of friction between the tang and cam ring I could imagine it would tend to splay open the gap. Especially as the edges of the tang aren't perfect, with it being a pressed piece. Maybe then the forces applied through the suspension would finish the job, splaying it out more. I think that's possibly what's happened to yours.
I bet most people don't adjust them. I haven't needed to and probably never will unless the missus wants a run out on it. I think it'd be wise, with hindsight, to lubricate the two parts prior to twisting it.
That's my best guess, now having seen the thing up close and not via a photo.
Hope these ramblings make sense and maybe they're of some help.🤷
Cheers
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It would also be wise to take as much load off before trying to adjust it. Does the bike have a centre stand?
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Thanks Andrew and Ian for your further observations.
To answer Ian first, yes the bike does have a centre stand and yes it was on the centre stand when I tried to adjust it.
Andrew-thanks very much for your thoughts.
I have to confess as to not being sufficiently technically minded to understand the physics or metallurgy involved in the manufacture of a single type suspension rear shock absorber.
I've owned quite a few mono shock bikes over the years and have made pre load adjustments to them occasionally without any real problems. Usually it's a question of getting the right C spanner to securely fit the adjuster rings. I tried various ones I have acquired over the years but found the one provided in the bike's tool kit to be the best so that's what I was using at the time.
A single shock is definitely harder to adjust than a twin type though.
I even trawled the internet for any tips on making the adjustment (as well as the owners' manual) just in case and as I think I've said before had made previous adjustments incrementally several times without any apparent problem?
I'm glad your bike seems OK and it's interesting that no others have yet reportedly been affected.
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Another observation of all the guerrillas I looked this morning, including my own, is that they're all set to the lowest setting. I have said earlier in this thread that I thought mine was a notch or two from bottom but couldn't check as I was on holiday. It turns out it was the scram I was thinking of. Gus the guerrilla is set to the lowest setting. And that's where he's staying 😮😂😂😂.
One thing that is apparent looking at the scram back to back with the guerrilla is the steepness of the slope. The jump from low to high on the guerrilla is more than twice the distance of the scram. Without knowing the spring force of each bike it's difficult to say, but on the face of it, it looks like the effort to get the guerrilla to jump one notch will be greater than that on the scram. The layout of the guerrilla is more novel than the scram, so it may be that it works with a lower rate spring? No idea.
Martin, did you adjust your shock upwards first then decide to go back down?
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Andrew, I can't honestly remember what I did.I think when I got the bike IIRC, the rear shock was on the hardest setting , so I slowly reduced the pre load.
When the bike was delivered to me at home I was somewhat "shocked" to see the state it was in. No attempt appeared to have been made to clean or polish it. The driver merely said we don't clean them so I wasn't surprised the shock was on its hardest setting.
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Andrew, I can't honestly remember what I did.I think when I got the bike IIRC, the rear shock was on the hardest setting , so I slowly reduced the pre load.
When the bike was delivered to me at home I was somewhat "shocked" to see the state it was in. No attempt appeared to have been made to clean or polish it. The driver merely said we don't clean them so I wasn't surprised the shock was on its hardest setting.
Mmmmm 🤔 so I look at 6 guerrillas all set to lowest setting. Nobody is likely to have touched them. Yours gets delivered to you in a poorish state and the shock set to highest. To misquote Basil Fawlty : I smell a rat, major.
I've been making the assumption yours was bought new.
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Ps. I suppose there's scope for misunderstanding. When I say lowest I'm referring to the amount of preload. I'm assuming we agree on which position represents the lowest preload.
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Yes, bought new and yes - I re-checked in the manual before i adjusted and the direction I was turning the pre-load adjuster accorded with changing it from the highest (ie most jacked up) to the lowest.
I haven't yet quite felt like attacking my bike with a tree branch yet though Manuel.
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Yes, bought new and yes - I re-checked in the manual before i adjusted and the direction I was turning the pre-load adjuster accorded with changing it from the highest (ie most jacked up) to the lowest.
I haven't yet quite felt like attacking my bike with a tree branch yet though Manuel.
Ha ha. Attacking them with a tree is how you can feel occasionally.
So do you think the dealer has had a "hand" (or even a long pole) in the demise of your adjuster? Strange that it came the complete opposite of all the ones I saw, brand new un molested. Makes you think.
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"So do you think the dealer has had a "hand" (or even a long pole) in the demise of your adjuster? Strange that it came the complete opposite of all the ones I saw, brand new un molested. Makes you think."
No idea I'm afraid.
Apart from the state of the bike when it landed (looked as though it had been in a dry but perhaps dusty warehouse for a while) and the rear shock (which I'm not laying on them at the moment) they've been as I would have hoped.
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I haven't yet quite felt like attacking my bike with a tree branch yet though Manuel.
🤣🤣…he no rat. He hamster
Ps.. defo not laughing at you or your situation Martin, merely, I hope. Laughing with you, as sometimes when things like this start to “niggle you” I find it best to try and almost laugh it off.
🤞
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I haven't yet quite felt like attacking my bike with a tree branch yet though Manuel.
🤣🤣…he no rat. He hamster
Ps.. defo not laughing at you or your situation Martin, merely, I hope. Laughing with you, as sometimes when things like this start to “niggle you” I find it best to try and almost laugh it off.
🤞
DON'T MENTION THE WAR ..................
No Michael, I totally understand. I always try to keep a sense of humour and PERSPECTIVE with these things despite having less and less patience the older I get!
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I haven't yet quite felt like attacking my bike with a tree branch yet though Manuel.
🤣🤣…he no rat. He hamster
Ps.. defo not laughing at you or your situation Martin, merely, I hope. Laughing with you, as sometimes when things like this start to “niggle you” I find it best to try and almost laugh it off.
🤞
DON'T MENTION THE WAR ..................
I did once, but I think I got away with it 😂😂
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I just phoned the dealer again and guess what..........the shock has still not landed there...........They are now estimating after the bank holiday. We shall see? I'm beginning to lose patience.......
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I’m not surprised Martin. It goes beyond frustrating 🤞🤞
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I just phoned the dealer again and guess what..........the shock has still not landed there...........They are now estimating after the bank holiday. We shall see? I'm beginning to lose patience.......
Mega frustrating. Fingers crossed it gets sorted and soon.
Not showa/Enfield's finest hour in design, but since your last posts I'm wondering how much of the issue is a result of abuse at the dealer? Obvs no firm evidence, but it makes yer think.
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Still nothing to see here.......
Out of interest I posted up a thread on one of the more modern RE forums about this problem and as yet no one has replied so it may, as the dealer said, be an isolated case?
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Martin,
I binned my Royal Enfield because the customer service regarding a warranty claim was absolutely appalling. In fact, it was non existent.
The guerilla looks like a mighty fine bike, but my experience means I’d never buy another RE.
In contrast, the plastic tank cover on my BMW has cracked for some strange reason. I raised this as a warranty issue and took the bike to them. I wasn’t hopeful, but less than a week later they’ve informed me that the replacement will be covered under warranty.
I do hope you manage to resolve your issue soon. It can be very frustrating.
Best of luck.
Kev
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Thanks Kev.
I've just been back in to the dealers QB and got them to email REUK which they did and copied me in.
I've spoken to 2 of the directors at QB and am assured this will be sorted out.
Interestingly they had to fail an Interceptor last on its MOT week with NEW Hagon shocks due to lack of damping.
The only experience I have of an RE warranty claim was on the brake calipers and ignition switch on my 650 Interceptor and those were dealt without any quibble. By
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Interesting about the hagon shock. I've never been that impressed with the ones I've had, although have never fitted new ones. I'm not sure that Hagon have actually moved on much since they acquired the Girling name etc. I have heard very good reports about NJB which is run by an ex-Girling technical bod.
Although I'm not sure whether they do monoshock type units. https://njbshocks.co.uk/
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Thanks Ian.
I've been aware of them for some time but never bought any.
I don't think I've ever bought any new Hagons either like you.
I did buy some NOS Girlings for my Honda 400/4 back in the 80's but I don't think I ever fitted them.
My friend in the trade you to say the YSS ones are good value.
Interestingly I've just been copied in by email from the dealer with the reply from REUK which indicates the OE shock is still on back order but won't land here until 25th September can you believe!
They did re-affirm when I went in this morning that the bike is safe to ride.
Looks as though this saga is going to run for some time.
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By the way Kev-what was the warranty claim you had with your Enfield as a matter of interest?
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Something I failed to do when the bike was delivered, was to conduct a really thorough check of everything. Given it was mid winter it wasn’t for a few weeks until I ride it in some wet conditions. Once home I washed it down, dried it and the following day set about polishing up all the lovely alloy and chrome.
At that point I noticed what looked like rust on the spokes. The back wheel was bad. In fact, it was just a poorly chromed with unfinished spokes.
A year later, after so many complaints and e mails, I frankly gave up. I was promised new wheels that never arrived. Normally I’d have been more than content to go via small claims but I’d lost the will to live by that time.
Had I noticed the spoke issue earlier I would have rejected the bike.
At that time I vowed never to go near RE again. Shame because the bike was decent.
I went back to BMW for another of their small single cylinder 310gs machines.
Kev
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What poor customer service.
Which model was it?
Would you name the dealer?
Presumably this was in the Moto GB days?
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It was the Enfield Classic chrome 350 at the time of the changeover from MotoGB.
The dealer was Malvern, and frankly I should have known better! 😂😂😂
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Oh I think I know them.
Is it the place that's so stacked with bikes you can't get near them?
I went to look at a used Ducati Monster 695 about 2 years ago and couldn't get close enough to even have a proper look if it was them.
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You got it Martin. Blinking awful especially after being used to having me and my bike cosseted in Cheltenham by Cotswold Motorrad..
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Yes, I've never seen a place like it in all my years!
To be fair to QB I've no complaints. As has been said by Ian I think, while the faulty product may lie with RE (I know Andrew has other suspicions ), I have no legal contract with REUK. This is a strange quirk of English law. In other legislation a loan company which lends to enable their customer to buy faulty goods has (under the Consumer Credit Act S75 1974) equal legal liability for a faulty product. So if I'd paid by credit card I could have a claim against the creditor.
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Your contract and remedy lies with QB.
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Your contract and remedy lies with QB.
Unfortunately, yes, absolutely.
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Your contract and remedy lies with QB.
Unfortunately, yes, absolutely.
No remedy forthcoming?
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Looks like it's just a waiting game. As I'm told I can safely ride the bike no one seems to be bothered............
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Looks like it's just a waiting game. As I'm told I can safely ride the bike no one seems to be bothered............
You're not inclined to contact Royal enfield on the matter? One would imagine they'd want to protect their reputation and kick ass? The dealership sounds a proper shower. You have my sympathies. Hope you get a result.
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I hope you've been told in writing that the bike's safe to ride Martin. Personally I would probably risk it but it could potentially fail completely which would not be exactly safe in my book. Having a history (long ago) of many bikes which were dubious to say the least I was happy to save a few bob on what many would consider essential repairs. Now I'm more cautious....
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Martin, I rang the dealer I use, Appleyard in Keighley, they are very helpful. He checked while I was on the phone and it turns out the shock is not available on uk stock. It would have to be ordered without a known delivery time, but usually no longer than 4 to 6 weeks.
He also suggested contacting Royal Enfield to see what can be done.
Not much help to you, except it's a bit more confirmation that the part isn't readily available from stock. But maybe Enfield would rob one from a bike or something. Worth a try.
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Thanks for your further comments Andrew and Ian.
All very good points.
At least your dealer has confirmed what REUK and my dealer have told me.
I did look up REUK's contact details yesterday as I'm not inclined to wait for another month and yes if they're that bothered about customer care you would think a replacement shock could be robbed from another bike.
And yes safely is another consideration - no I don't have anything in writing. Possibly asking them for this might concentrate their minds!
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Ok. After further consideration I've now emailed REUK direct.
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Ok. After further consideration I've now emailed REUK direct.
Good luck. Fingers crossed.
If you wanted to carry a pillion you couldnt. Maybe use that as extra leverage?
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I've received a somewhat nebulous and none committal reply confirming what I already know- no stock of the part in the UK and it's having to be ordered from India so really I'm no further forward.
More worrying I went out this morning and the clock has lost its time setting for the second occasion.
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That sounds like the sort of frustration I suffered with RE Martin, and it just did my fruit.
I do hope they get a grip of it for you. So very annoying.
Kev
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Well yes it is not what you expect from a new bike.
At least I'm fortunate to have other bikes and I can still use this one.
I changed the oil and filter today. Taking it out this morning to warm the oil before dropping it reminded me that it puts a smile on my face which is 👍
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I've received a somewhat nebulous and none committal reply confirming what I already know- no stock of the part in the UK and it's having to be ordered from India so really I'm no further forward.
More worrying I went out this morning and the clock has lost its time setting for the second occasion.
This was the the sort of thing that was the final straw for me with my (Indian built) Triumph Speed400. Lovely bike to ride but just the crap backup that really p€€$ you off as a customer.
Dig your heels in and explain politely but firmly that you want it sorting or (whatever you feel you want to do)
Just my ten pennorth for what it's worth. Genuine customers are not treated as they should be now.
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I've received a somewhat nebulous and none committal reply confirming what I already know- no stock of the part in the UK and it's having to be ordered from India so really I'm no further forward.
More worrying I went out this morning and the clock has lost its time setting for the second occasion.
Yours has the same instruments as my scram. We were on a 400 mile unclassified road trip to Moffat at the weekend and the time on my scram clock went askew . The main thing was the bike (and bikes) were otherwise faultless , in spite of plenty of heavy rain. Great trip. Great bikes.
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I've received a somewhat nebulous and none committal reply confirming what I already know- no stock of the part in the UK and it's having to be ordered from India so really I'm no further forward.
More worrying I went out this morning and the clock has lost its time setting for the second occasion.
Yours has the same instruments as my scram. We were on a 400 mile unclassified road trip to Moffat at the weekend and the time on my scram clock went askew . The main thing was the bike (and bikes) were otherwise faultless , in spite of plenty of heavy rain. Great trip. Great bikes.
I think I can live with something like the clock problem (maybe).
My 650 had a few electrics issues(ignition cutting out -replaced by a new ignition switch under warranty) but the way this shock problem is dragging on now without any further contact from RE or the dealer is a bit galling.
By the way mine is the base model in silver without the fancy instrument console.
I haven't bothered re-setting the clock again or informing RE or the dealer about the clock yet.
Mine has the "tripper" sat nav which plugs into a smart phone but I haven't used it as yet but at the moment it just displays the time so I do have the facility to know what time of day it is!
I'm still waiting to hear from RE or the dealer and shall be surprised if I do or at all by the end of the month.
My bike leads a somewhat pampered life. It hasn't ever even seen rain and I've only given it a full clean twice preferring to just wipe it over with a bike cleaner in between proper cleans.
I know you are fully using yours so a few minor problems could perhaps be anticipated.
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Well the date when the replacement shock was supposed to land is fast approaching and you won't be surprised to hear there has been no contact from the dealer or RE.
I'll be chasing them both on Tuesday you may rest assured.
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Here is the reply to my chasing email to REUK:
Dear Martin,
Thank you for your continued patience on this matter, it is recognized that you are looking for an update on the repair of your motorcycle.
As mentioned in our previous email, the provision to check an update on the spare parts arrival, time taken to resolve the issue and also provide you with the current whereabouts of the motorcycle is with the dealership. We at the customer support team do not have access to the dealer portal.
In case you have any apprehensions with the dealership, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to assist you.
Kind regards
Royal Enfield Customer Support
I'm now waiting to hear from my dealer who I phoned following receipt of the RE email.
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Apprehensions? They can't even speak English.
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Well the date when the replacement shock was supposed to land is fast approaching and you won't be surprised to hear there has been no contact from the dealer or RE.
I'll be chasing them both on Tuesday you may rest assured.
Sadly, this is exactly the level of service I received from RE and why I’d never buy a new bike from them ever again.
Shame Martin, as it ruins the ownership experience.
Kev
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Yes....take a look at this earlier email :
Hello Martin,
Hope that you are in good health.
It is recognized that the rear shock absorber preload adjuster of your Guerrilla 450 motorcycle has failed.
Please be advised that when a dealership places a claim under warranty, the required parts are being ordered through the dealer portal. Based on the availability of the part it has been shipped. If a part is in the United Kingdom it is much easier to obtain, in case the part is unavailable it is ordered from the factory in India. The factory team air ships the necessary part, the dealership has the ability to check the estimated time of arrival of the part on the dealer portal (only exclusive to the dealerships).
Note: Regrettably there is no provision to expedite this procedure or make it available in the United KIngdom (RE typo not mine) any sooner. Also, our sales network team is working to explore possible ways out ensuring the availability of the parts much easier for our customer base in the United Kingdom.
Should you need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be more than happy to assist you further.
Kind regards
Royal Enfield Customer Support
I shall refrain from commenting further...............but I did speak to the dealer QB who said they would investigate and call me back which they did after 20 minutes.
Apparently the anticipated delivery date for the part is in another 4-5 days so I'll just have to wait and see.
You would have thought the part could be easily sourced within a month in this day and age if they could only be bothered! As an earlier poster said they could take one from another bike..............
But again looks at what's happening at JLR and has happened at M & S and the Co Op and suchlike. It does make you wonder though...?
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Are you still getting out on the guerrilla Martin?
Re what you said about the spellinz. That's not unyoushooal these days to be fair. Hopefully the thing turns up soon.
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I know this won't make anyone feel any better, but I was talking to a friend at a bikers cafe that I go to every week. He has a relative that has the Himalayan 450 and guess what? His rear shock absorber has "broken" recently. I couldn't get any more details but it just makes you wonder....🤔
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Yes I'm still able to use the bike thanks Michael.
Incidentally I got a call from QB today to inform me the replacement shock has arrived.
The earliest date they can fit it is a week on Friday 10th so I booked it in.
Yes Ian it's a bit worrying to think the replacement could go the same way as the original.
As I don't weigh too much and never carry a passenger these days or heavy gear I intend to ask them to adjust the preload to the lowest setting where I shall leave it well alone as I find it's more than compliant.
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It FINALLY sounds like things are moving in the right direction for you Martin. Definitely NOT before time I might add 🙄
Best of luck with it🤞
Cheers Michael
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Sorry- I'm getting you brothers mixed up.............oooooops. Another statistic of old age.................
As long as the replacement works as it should -then I'll be more than happy.
As I said it's only been a minor irritation so far as I've not stopped riding the bike.
However this isn't what you expect on a brand new bike-even a budget one.
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Sadly we seem to live in an age where companies think saying lots of words that sound pretty is a replacement for actually doing a good job. Sorry to read of your problem as it must be frustrating to have to put up with on a new bike.
Ian
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Well at the moment I'm less impressed with their grasp of language demonstrated in those emails than the quality of their bikes.
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New rear shock has now been fitted but I've yet to collect the bike or inspect it.
I'll update as soon as I can.
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New rear shock has now been fitted but I've yet to collect the bike or inspect it.
I'll update as soon as I can.
Fingers crossed it goes well and you can enjoy the bike . Will you be riding it over the winter?
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"Fingers crossed it goes well and you can enjoy the bike . Will you be riding it over the winter?"
Not likely I don't think due to the potential for road salt corrosion Andrew.
I've got my RS250 lined up and maybe the GPZ500.(Still not got round to fixing the spare fork leg on that one BTW.)
I've been using the RS all year round but I don't go out if the roads are bad, ie wet and or salty.
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Yeah the dreaded salt is the single worst thing about winter riding. Obvs the cold isn't great, but you kinda get used to it and there are modern technical solutions to the problem.
I got the scram as a winter bike ,although it's turning out as very enjoyable bike so it won't be relegated to winter only, not by any stretch.
The guerrilla won't see much, if anything, in the way of salt. Maybe the very occasional dry winter day , where the salt isn't so sticky and I can be sure of enough time to immediately wash the bike after the ride.
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Yeah the dreaded salt is the single worst thing about winter riding. Obvs the cold isn't great, but you kinda get used to it and there are modern technical solutions to the problem.
I got the scram as a winter bike ,although it's turning out as very enjoyable bike so it won't be relegated to winter only, not by any stretch.
The guerrilla won't see much, if anything, in the way of salt. Maybe the very occasional dry winter day , where the salt isn't so sticky and I can be sure of enough time to immediately wash the bike after the ride.
Yes, totally agree about the winter riding.
I've got a heated waistcoat which helps-I think on Michael's recommendation.
I don't seem to get on with heated grips-I don't find the type of heat helps much and the wiring seems to affect throttle control and keeps moving round the bars. I probably need to spend more on the ones I buy!
I'm looking into heated gloves.
That said i don't tend to go far in the winter...
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Finally picked up the bike today and here are some pics.......
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oops.......
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RWU : sorry....
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That's strange-I turned the image round but it won't seem to replicate on here?
Hopefully you get the idea...........
End of thread (hopefully).
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Aye Ian,
Thank you for the images, the first one appears to be sufficient to my uneducated eye. Minimal spot welds to retain the components on the body of the shock absorber. A notched pressing, with which to make any required adjustment. And, ............ nothing between the notched pressing and the top of the spring, as though a dished washer(s) have been left out and the spring can slide about, rubbing the shock body and maybe being unsupported on parts of it's circumference.
Maybe I'm seeing things that aren't actually amiss, BUT ......!
I'll leave the comparison between actual machines to you and Propellor.
Good health, Bill
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I've no idea Bill....
I don't as a rule mess with suspension settings. In my experience on standard kit it doesn't seem to make much difference-even on the Jap sports bikes with multi adjustable compression / rebound damping as well as the usual pre load I used to ride back in the day .
Modern systems I'm sure are better, if not "active" which I take to mean they adjust themselves depending on the conditions or are adjustable electronically as you ride but I'm no expert as I no longer subscribe to most modern bikes as they are IMHO too complex and expensive..........
I rode 20 (cold) miles after picking the bike up from the dealer. Upon checking they have set the pre load at the minimum position as I asked and given what happened before I don't intend to go near it again. There was no discernible difference in the handling. Should I need an after-market shock I know Hagon do them and maybe there will be others in the future.
I've just bought a cheap winter project but it's not a single..............
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Aye Ian,
Thank you for the images, the first one appears to be sufficient to my uneducated eye.
I'll leave the comparison between actual machines to you and Propellor.
Good health, Bill
But.... That collar takes all the load from the spring along the axis of the shock, and is only held to the body by some rather poor welds - almost as bad as mine! So if the welds fail the collar will slide along and in the worst case go as far as the top mounting.
Also, although there are "steps" in both the rotating sleeve and the fixed collar I would have expected them to be in contact all the way round, not just in one spot as it appears. I'm not impressed......
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I've no idea Bill....
I don't as a rule mess with suspension settings. In my experience on standard kit it doesn't seem to make much difference-even on the Jap sports bikes with multi adjustable compression / rebound damping as well as the usual pre load I used to ride back in the day .
Modern systems I'm sure are better, if not "active" which I take to mean they adjust themselves depending on the conditions or are adjustable electronically as you ride but I'm no expert as I no longer subscribe to most modern bikes as they are IMHO too complex and expensive..........
I rode 20 (cold) miles after picking the bike up from the dealer. Upon checking they have set the pre load at the minimum position as I asked and given what happened before I don't intend to go near it again. There was no discernible difference in the handling. Should I need an after-market shock I know Hagon do them and maybe there will be others in the future.
I've just bought a cheap winter project but it's not a single..............
Yes Martin where you say too complex and expensive I would add unnecessarily so.
The rear shock characteristics on the guerrilla are very, very good. I've recently ridden a bike with poor suspension performance, that highlights how good the guerrilla is. I think the owner of said bike might agree?
Factor in the price of the machine and I've no complaints whatsoever regarding the suspension characteristics. I'm not keen on the small gap left between the offending pressed and rolled ring and the shock body. A recipe for rust.
Cheers.
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Aye Ian,
Thank you for the images, the first one appears to be sufficient to my uneducated eye.
I'll leave the comparison between actual machines to you and Propellor.
Good health, Bill
But.... That collar takes all the load from the spring along the axis of the shock, and is only held to the body by some rather poor welds - almost as bad as mine! So if the welds fail the collar will slide along and in the worst case go as far as the top mounting.
Also, although there are "steps" in both the rotating sleeve and the fixed collar I would have expected them to be in contact all the way round, not just in one spot as it appears. I'm not impressed......
Hi Bill.
I agree with the first comment. That the short stitch welds are all that support the forces and are of variable quality (and length) I must have looked at 6 bikes now and they're all slightly different. Not great. As long as the poorest example is sufficient then I guess the value engineering committee have succeeded.
I disagree with your second comment. Bi don't think the steps in the pressed and rolled support ring are meant to touch. Just the opposite in fact. Obvs the highest one does the supporting, but the others, I believe, are meant to gradually reduce the section of the material, whilst missing each of the steps of the adjuster ring. I think that's the ides🤷.
Cheers.
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Aye Propeller,
My comment about the collar and the top of the spring, is that there appears to be nothing to hold the top of the spring centrally, so that it isn't lopsided against the collar and the shock body. What I am trying to draw attention to, is that there are no split collets, or a slotted collet that you would normally find on a Hagon etc shock absorber to retain the spring! The spring appears to bear directly, lop sided against the collar, which I don't fancy much. :(
Good health, Bill
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Aye Propeller,
My comment about the collar and the top of the spring, is that there appears to be nothing to hold the top of the spring centrally, so that it isn't lopsided against the collar and the shock body. What I am trying to draw attention to, is that there are no split collets, or a slotted collet that you would normally find on a Hagon etc shock absorber to retain the spring! The spring appears to bear directly, lop sided against the collar, which I don't fancy much. :(
Good health, Bill
Ah, I see what you mean. Yes it does look that way. At the very least you'd think there'd be a washer or thin annular disc if you will 😁. Also something to locate the spring in concentric fashion perhaps.
All I can say from rattling over the terrible Yorkshire roads are that it works and works well. That term "value engineering" crops up again. But they seem to have succeeded. By they I mean Showa, possibly with leverage from Royal Enfield?
Have a ride on one and give us your thoughts.
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Yes I can agree that given the price of the bike the quality of the ride is pretty good bearing in mind the awful state of the roads across the country nowadays.
I was somewhat gutted yesterday to find while waiting to pick up the keys following the warranty work, they are now offering my basic model new with a £500 discount. Presumably everyone wants the higher spec dash and more modern paint schemes?
Talk about adding insult to injury!
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Yes I can agree that given the price of the bike the quality of the ride is pretty good bearing in mind the awful state of the roads across the country nowadays.
I was somewhat gutted yesterday to find while waiting to pick up the keys following the warranty work, they are now offering my basic model new with a £500 discount. Presumably everyone wants the higher spec dash and more modern paint schemes?
Talk about adding insult to injury!
The higher spec dash is very good. I don't think they could have done a better job of the layout. However the surface scratches just by looking at it (slight exaggeration). The solution is a speedo angels screen protector.
In all honesty, my feelings about the suspension performance are not that it's acceptable, I feel it's very good.
What a shame/stroke of bad luck you had.
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Yes I can agree that given the price of the bike the quality of the ride is pretty good bearing in mind the awful state of the roads across the country nowadays.
I was somewhat gutted yesterday to find while waiting to pick up the keys following the warranty work, they are now offering my basic model new with a £500 discount. Presumably everyone wants the higher spec dash and more modern paint schemes?
Talk about adding insult to injury!
The higher spec dash is very good. I don't think they could have done a better job of the layout. However the surface scratches just by looking at it (slight exaggeration). The solution is a speedo angels screen protector.
In all honesty, my feelings about the suspension performance are not that it's acceptable, I feel it's very good.
What a shame/stroke of bad luck you had.
They did have one of the discounted Guerrillas on their website before i placed my order in May but I was told they'd all gone. At least I got top $ for my trade in which eases the pain a bit!
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Aye Propellor,
Have a ride on one and give us your thoughts.
I have yet to see one in the flesh up here. And 'Revolutions' the Morgan car dealer in Perth has the franchise for Enfield. Bit of a hipster outfit, who know their eggs when it comes to fixing, tuning and racing Morgans, but I have no words from the grapevine, or experiences of their abilities, or relationships when it comes to Enfields.
Having been out and about again today, this time on the 450 and buzzed by some VERY high speed merchants, over some comparatively quiet roads, on quick modern machines, I am sticking with the 450, the SRX's, Bros, Revere and maybe the 125H. I don't need any more, with two more Ducati's to build, but maybe an AJS/Matchy 500 single could find it's way in, for old times sake. ;) As for the warp factor machinery, well, I don't trust myself, or other road users and whilst an Enfield isn't warp factor they don't really "float my boat", unless it was a RE 'Big Head' 500 single! ;)
I hope that you all continue to enjoy your Guerrillas and cover many miles.
Good health, Bill
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Which other Ducatis have you got Bill?
You're certainly in the right part of the world for riding roads and scenery I should imagine.
I did the tour of the Morgan factory in 2016 which was most interesting. We're not too far from Malvern and it's quite lovely around there.
Like you I no longer trust myself or other road users on high performance machinery. It can be almost as exhilarating when you're older and hopefully more sensible and considerate to other road users on smaller - mid range machines when speeds are reduced.
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Morning Ian, a couple of singles in big lumps and potential "money pits"! ;)
It can be almost as exhilarating when you're older and hopefully more sensible and considerate to other road users on smaller - mid range machines when speeds are reduced.
Up here going fast as a push bike down some of the hills is exhilerating! ;D
However, the road from Blairgowrie to Braemar, then on down to Ballater (A93), crossing the Dee and continuing down the B976 to Potarch, then the B974 through to Fettercairn is a very good canter! Just watch out for the campervans and the hot jockeys, the latter travel in packs as well as solo, with the "Tale end Charlie" being the lethal member, more often than not. ::) It is also a "training road" for the advanced police riders course from Tulliallan Police College, Fife and with Balmoral en route, you need to keep your eyes peeled.
Good health to enjoy the Malverns, BillR
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It's Martin by the way , Bill.
I keep making similar age related slip ups-not just with names either. I've always struggled to remember the occasional word but it happens much more frequently now.
I've never been very far into Scotland - Dumfries and Galloway is about as far as I've got.
I hope to visit before I'm too old!
I just love the scenery of parts the more remote of our countryside.
My son used to go to the Forres area quite regularly. I even bought my Ducati Monster from there so I know what a money pit they can be.
Martin
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My apologies Martin, I thought I'd address you by name, rather than pseudonym! :-[ Then made an ...... of it!
Slainte, Bill
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I've recently ridden a bike with poor suspension performance, that highlights how good the guerrilla is. I think the owner of said bike might agree?
OH… yes. The owner of said machine DEFINITELY agrees. Dreadful thing. Probably one of, if not the worst handling bike I’ve ever owned/ridden 🙄
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I've recently ridden a bike with poor suspension performance, that highlights how good the guerrilla is. I think the owner of said bike might agree?
OH… yes. The owner of said machine DEFINITELY agrees. Dreadful thing. Probably one of, if not the worst handling bike I’ve ever owned/ridden 🙄
And which bike is this...or can't you say?
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Out with it Michael! Name the Curate's egg! ;D
Dare you! ;D
BillR
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Out with it Michael!
Dare you! ;D
Never could turn a dare down 🤦???
My triumph speed twin 900
Absolutely abysmal, especially when one gets the slightest bit “spirited” with one’s riding.
The rear shocks are obviously just cheap budget items, which I can live with. I don’t mind the rear end stepping out a bit or even sliding. That I can live with, but front end is down right dangerous. I honestly think someone less experienced could very easily be in the hedge.
Garbage 🙄
Name withheld to protect me from the triumph legal department 🤣😉
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The rear shocks on my 2019 RE 650 Interceptor tend develop a slight weave if the bike's cornered at speed .My Kawasaki ZRX1100 used to be the same. Never feels dangerous though and most Jap bikes of the 70's, well the larger capacity ones, were like this. The Z1 I rode was awful and that was only at 30-40 mph. The RE forks are not too bad though.
Lots of upgrades for the RE. I have a pair of very low mileage used Hagon progressive springs to fit over the winter.