I am interested in a Royal Enfield motorcycle. How are they?

Question

I am getting my first bike soon and I am very interested in getting a Royal Enfield 500 with the military trim. Before buying, I want to make sure that the bikes are reliable. I have not been able to find any reliable information on the bikes online. Any help you could offer would be well appreciated.

Answer 1

Newer ones are worthless. There are dealers that have had them on their showroom for 4 years or more, with no buyers. If you buy one plan on keeping it because nobody will buy it later and it'll have little value.

Answer 2

Not the most reliable bike in the world, especially if it has Lucas electronics for its electrical system.

Answer 3

they are made in india now they still use points and condensor.  

Answer 4

they require a lot more upkeep than any modern bike.  Nothing overwhelming, but not a machine that you just bring to a mechanic every few thousand miles.  You've got to stay on top of them with fairly in depth pre ride checks and maintenance.  That being said, they are extremely easy to work on, and the engines will probably last forever if taken care of.  They are essentially 50's technology, so don't expect modern performance.

Answer 5

Depends somewhat on year of cycle- the current Enfields are  or were built in India to old design. easy enough to work on and parts still made in India. A couple current models with Enfield name are supposed to be Kawasaki's made in India by 'Enfield' company, many improvements, some parts interchange confusion. This 500 a single cylinder variation of 'Bullet'? = old pattern. A twin would probably be a Kawasaki licensed clone.