Who says Enields aren't capable?

[Moto63]

Thanks again chaps for input, bacon sarni's and coffee Ya say, you obviously know how to temp a plumber Ian 😁. Like I say Andy it would most likely be getting a full strip down over this coming winter as I've already got a picture in my mind of what I'd like to do with one, it is really more a case of me wanting/needing to know if I could live with the general characteristics of an Enfield motor. Now I'm 55 I surely qualify 😁😁🤘. Must say tho, I am really looking forward to having a go on one, wether it's yours Ian or another one. Quite fancying the continental GT as my starting point.
Cheers, Michael

[timbo]

Enjoying this thread very much. Just be aware that there big differences between the EFI bullets and the earlier Indian Bullets.
My 2002 was a bullet Classic, so drum front brake, four speed, and right hand change. It was brutally agricultural but with oodles of character.
There was then an interim model called a 65, which had a five speed box and was more 1960s styled. think the gear change had moved to the left by this stage, and had electric start as standard.
Then came the Electra X, which had the leanburn engine, disc front brake, left foot change five speed, and was a lot smoother and better performance.
And then the EFI and the Conti 535GT. Some EFI Bullets didnt have a kick start either I think.
Sorry this is all a bit vague, but hopefully itll give you something to go on 

[Propellor]

Cheers Tim. Helpful as I've totally lost touch with the development of the Enfield range.

Mine was 92 and a four speed right hand shift. I never really struggled with the gearbox but mine smoked like a two stroke when it got hot in spite of text book running in. The tappet clatter was bad also once it got hot. The tappet clearance was zero when cold and it was really quiet just after starting but the clatter started once the heat got into the barrel and head.

I'm thinking of getting another Enfield, along with Mick.

Cheers.

Andrew.

[Moto63]

Yes, cheers Tim. Most helpful, I'm seriously considering going for a 535 continental GT. so from what you think I'd be ok having a ride on the bullet EFI as they're the same engine??. It's mainly the engine characteristics that I'm interested in.
Cheers, Michael

[Andy M]

My first one was a 65. The only real change from the "iron barrel classic" was the 5 speed university of Cranwell designed gearbox (still separate but left foot change) instead of the right foot, grease filled Albion original.

The EFI is a very different beast except for the styling. The GT is really just a styled EFI, no real change in the engine so getting a ride on any EFI will suit your purpose.

Think I've posted the link to my notes here before?  https://flic.kr/s/aHskTdi56E

When I was looking to buy I struggled to justify the extra cost of the GT when its basically the same, but if you ars going to style yourself I can see it maybe gives a head start.

The non-nacelle headlight would be one practical reason to get a GT, your average Bullet headlight is designed to put the Luftwaffe off their aim but is useless in a ground search role!

Andy

[Moto63]

Again... thanks for the input Andy, the more info I'm gathering on the Enfields generally really is starting to wet my appetite to swing a leg over one and have a test ride. I'll keep you posted on any developments.... cheers, Michael

[johnr]

so, as a non enfield person, what i have gleaned is that theyre great bikes and all the tales of unreliability and inbuilt faults are mere twaddle put about by those fools who dont realise that its normal to buy a bike, completely rebuild and rewire it replacing sub standard stock parts before riding it on the road, whilst tutting at those idiots who buy japanese bikes and just ride them round without complete stripdowns, the crazy foolish simpletons......

[Propellor]

so, as a non enfield person, what i have gleaned is that theyre great bikes and all the tales of unreliability and inbuilt faults are mere twaddle put about by those fools who dont realise that its normal to buy a bike, completely rebuild and rewire it replacing sub standard stock parts before riding it on the road, whilst tutting at those idiots who buy japanese bikes and just ride them round without complete stripdowns, the crazy foolish simpletons......

Japanese build quality is shite. Total rubbish. They don't know what they're ..... oh, hang on, it's not 1965 anymore is it! 😂😂😂

[Moto63]

This is one for Ian (smithy)..... can I ask Ian, are you anywhere near bakewell?? And are you free on the 24th of this month? Both myself and big bro can ride down that day and hopefully take you up on your generous offer of "a thrash" 😁 On your Enfield.
Cheers, Michael

[timbo]

I dont know engine wise, if there are any differences between an EFI and a GT535. As for my 2002 Bullet Classic, apart from having to replace the exhaust valve with a better quality item, thanks to overzealous riding,(not hard really), I didnt have to do anything else other than basic servicing. Quality was fine, and I never had any electrical problems 

[mthee]

so, as a non enfield person, what i have gleaned is that theyre great bikes and all the tales of unreliability and inbuilt faults are mere twaddle put about by those fools who dont realise that its normal to buy a bike, completely rebuild and rewire it replacing sub standard stock parts before riding it on the road, whilst tutting at those idiots who buy japanese bikes and just ride them round without complete stripdowns, the crazy foolish simpletons......

No idea about Enfields, but this made me laugh, so ta for that, johnr!

[Andy M]

Enfields are sort of two for one offer. Some days you ride, some days you fettle. The wife is never going believe that the day there is something decent on the radio and the beer fairy mysteriously tops up the fridge in the garage that the CB500 urgently needs its thrunging sprocket adjusting and flux capacitor re-calibrating is she.

Andy 

[Smithy]

This is one for Ian (smithy)..... can I ask Ian, are you anywhere near bakewell?? And are you free on the 24th of this month? Both myself and big bro can ride down that day and hopefully take you up on your generous offer of "a thrash" 😁 On your Enfield.
Cheers, Michael

I am not too far from Bakewell and am indeed free on the 24th so it looks good for a catch up and a test ride!

Whereabouts in Bakewell shall we meet up and what time?

Ian

[Moto63]

Brilliant Ian, I'll check big bro is good for the 24th and let you know times etc, you say "catch up and a TEST ride" I thought we we're coming down for a THRASH 😁😁😁😁
Cheers, Michael

[Propellor]

I'm good to go. Looking forward to meeting up.

I'll save the skin off me rice puddin. See how it gets on wi that 🤣🤣.

Is Bakewell the town where there's a long straight leaving town heading towards ashbourne? We've ridden that way to Stafford a few times but there's a year passes by each time 🙄🤣