India Enfield

[manxie]

What are your thoughts on the India Enfield`s? Had a look at a Continental GT today, looks the part but know nothing about them? Also in the dealership was a nice looking Army Green one with metal panniers which looked ok too? Just wondering what your thoughts are, which models are the better to go for (Efi or carb`d) build quality etc? I know when they first came to the UK the Indian models would start rusting in front of your eyes!!  Thanks. 

[Andy M]

Had one for two years. Loved it, gave no hassle. They  are what they are though. Try and turn a 55 mph plodder into a Gold star and they bite. Personally I like having the V7s 50 HP on tap motorways are possible. If I had money for a B road bike I'd get an SR 400.

FI every time for me. I hate tuning by witchcraft and love the extra range FI brings. It's just what you know though.

Andy

[Smithy]

I don't know about the efi engined Enfields but I did have a 2006 Bullet. The finish was actually quite good and lasted well through 3 winters, but the motor was crap. No matter how much I tried it couldn't be tuned to produce decent torque.

I now have an SR400 which has a superior motor in every way but the finish is rubbish. Maybe you should put an SR400 motor in an Enfield frame and have the best of both worlds!

[manxie]

Thanks fella`s. An SR500 would be nice 

[SteveC#222]

Thanks fella`s. An SR500 would be nice 

I have to say pretty as the RE Continental is,







the SR can look very nice'......

[manxie]

That`ll do me  Didn`t BSA do some specials with the SR500 in it??

[Smithy]

There was a bike called a BSA Gold SR with, mostly, SR400 motors in, I think they did a few with SR500 motors in. Rare to find one and expensive nowadays.

If it's customising an SR you're fancying look up the German company KEDO they do some lovely stuff for cosmetics and tuning.

[timbo]

Ive had a 2002 Bullet 500 for the last few years and absolutely love it. Its brutally agricultural, right foot four speed gear change and drum front brake, and great fun to ride. Top cruising speed is about 55mph, but you cant compare it to the current range, or even the Electra X leanburn engine range that followed it and is tonnes smoother. The current EFI will easily sustain 70mph if that's what you want, base model is £4k, Continental GT is £5k. A few friends have them and to be honest, weve all noticed that the bikes we tend to ride most are our enfields. I cant recommend them enough, but that's just my opininion. Plus good mpg and cheap running costs

[manxie]

Thanks for that timbo. I must admit, cruising at 70 is more appealing as sitting at 50 going over the mountain road can be a little boring    Mind you, I`d prefer  the older ones because they`re more traditional...drum brakes, carb, rh gear change etc. Cheers 

[blew]

Singles are definitely addictive,especially for those of us "of a certain age" who grew up on British bangers.I have a brace of four potters that make my xbr look antiquated,yet the old single has a certain throbbing rhythm that makes it more personal somehow.Add on the need to kickstart it,and I'm suddenly back 40 years ago,but with reliability and no oil leaks.......

[Mark]

I use an Enfield regularly, probably the most soothing, relaxed ride I have, enjoy it for what it is and don't expect much, never be in a hurry and give it time.

[xbally]

I have a 2009 EFI Bullet Electra de luxe (extra chrome)having previously owned a Bullet Electra X which is a pre unit and much older design.The EFI model is so much more modern.No oil leaks,light clutch,hydraulic tappets etc.It will also run up to modern speed limits if that's what you want to do but i use mine for plodding along country lane which is very relaxing and it returns well over 85 mpg.Mine so far (touch wood) has been reliable whereas the old er model was troublesome even though it was very low mileage and cherished by me.

[manxie]

Great info fella`s...certainly food for thought...thanks. 

[002]

Have had a couple of the Old Enfields.

Found them great fun ! Fantastic for plodding around on.
The last one I had was bought cheap with a knackered engine.
Once rebuilt with a few up-graded parts. Was a good robust machine...went well too !

Jethro