Which Royal Enfield To Buy

Electra X
I was after a 500 Classic or 65 for my retirement, but when my 500cc Electra X came up for sale, I liked the disc brake, the non-olde worlde look (he said, ducking to avoid the bricks being lobbed at him) the lean burn engine, the gas rear shockers and the fact it had an 05 registration. I plumped for it. I've had problems with breaking clutch cables, a broken sprag clutch, sticky neutral selection, mayonnaise in the breather system, being overtaken by 125cc tiddlers and not much confidence in the original modern tyres. I've been addressing these problems as I re-acquainted myself with 2 wheels after over 25 years on 4 wheels only. It's easy to list the faults and annoyances. But, funnily enough, the problem solving has been fun, and I've met or conversed over the internet with some very nice people. The bike is being used more and more as my first choice to get from A to B. Stopping for a break during a run can take ages as people come up and want to chat about the Electra and bikes in general. Once you decide what you want the bike to do, choosing the Enfield that suits you will be easy, except that the new unit construction, fuel injected version is due out in the near future which may cause you to hesitate. Good luck in choosing.

sprag clutch is that some form of free wheeling hub do all royal enfields suffer from this or is it only certain models Thanks Stuart W

Sprag Clutch
This is the device fitted on the end of the starter which, grips and spins the engine on starting, and dis-engages once the engine is running. It' serves the same function as the dog clutch on a car starter motor, but it's MUCH more complicated and EXPENSIVE. There's a bit of a thread on this site about it under 'Oh heck Sprag clutch gone!' Yesterday, I put an extra gearbox cover gasket on (hopefully to cure my sticky neutral selection after a ride) and re-routed the inlet pipe on my Bunn Breather Kit (so any oil in the inlet tube drains back under gravity). I'm going to reverse fit my small windscreen today to check whether the buffeting of that from lorry slipstreams is what makes the bike wobble a bit following lorries and vans. My screen is set well forward and I wonder whether a twisting force (a moment) is being set up, so it's going further back, nearer the bars. Anyway, back to your choices. Have you looked on eBay? When I was looking, I set up my browser to autolog onto eBay and Royal Enfields when I switched on the computer. I found I had to press the 'Search Keywords' button, otherwise I only saw 1 or 2 bikes. I set mine up so that the list was in 'distance from my postcode' order, so I could go and see the bike if it was close enough. Have you had a -*test*-('") ride on 1 of Jim's bikes? I tried the one with a Delorto carb to compare with mine and his had a lot more mid-range than mine. Will look into this 'when the premium bonds come up' !! Sorry. I've rattled on a bit. I'm off to the garage. Have fun choosing.

What are you going to be doing on your bike. Are you going long distance, ie 250 miles plus, in one go ,or are you doing runs locally, say 100 miles round trip. Are you doing it solo or carrying passengers. Do you want to be maintaining your bike regularly or looking at it a little less frequent. The 350 classic is the best bike for the short journeys going solo or light luggage. If you want to go longer distances then you can go for the 500cc version and on this you can have electric start as well. The Electra is the la-*test*-('") model with electric start and CDI ignition. Less maintenance and a lean burn engine to make it more economical and reduced 'carbon footprint'. All the bike come available with various styling options. The 350 starts from £2195.00 on the road and all new bikes come with 12 months/12000km warranty and roadside recovery. membership to the Royal Enfield owners club and a full tank of fuel. Delivery can be arranged and is usually free within a reasonable distance. The first 500 mile service is completely free as long as you have bought the bike from us. their has been a problem with the sprag clutch on all electric start bikes but this problem has largely been resolved with a metal modification of the part and electronic start delay units becomin available for those bikes which need it. If you fancy a -*test*-('") ride then just give us a call and bring your helmet and your liscence. Asdk for Jim or John. The number is 01472-823122. or give us a ring and i will send you a brochure and price list for you to have a look at. In stock at present we have a 350 classic and 350 trials with a 21 inch front wheel and also an Electra in Blue. Why not have a look at my website:- www.jimallenmotorcycles.co.uk Many thanks

Im wanting a bike to mainly use on a weekends not bothered about maintenance as long as its reliable dont want to be 100 miles away every weekend then it breaks down ive been in the motor trade for 31 years working on mainly cars so maintenance isnt a problem just need advise on getting the right model electric start may be an advantage but I would still use kick start need a dual seat just in case. is the 500 a more powerfull machine or just more torque thanks Stuart

The 500 has a bit more torque and not a lot more horsepower. The top end is about 5 to 10 mph faster on the 500 and it will cruise better at about 55-60mph two up. the 350 is good for about 50-55mph cruising but i wouldn' recomend two up long distance or hilly work. The 350 feels a revvier engine and smoother overall but it does not come with electric start and the tuning options for the engine are not as plentifull as they are for the 500. I bet someone will tell me different though :wink:

Should have said
I should have praised Jim Allen's emporium more in my last email, Stuart. I had my bike serviced there when I first got it and had a great day out. Since then, I've had a few things fixed there and been there on a Sunday ride out with Lincolnshire RE owners. Each visit has been a pleasure. I reckon my bike enjoyed it, too. The 100 mile, or so, round trip is just about right for me and the Electra X.

Which Royal Enfield To Buy
What cost are the 500 classic with electric starter without front disc ive seen a few for sale but fancy a new one then they is only me to blame if it gets abused

The 500 estart is £2995.00 otr. This includes 12month/12000km Warranty. 12 month roadside breakdown recovery and 1year membership to the Royal Enfield owners club and a full tank of fuel. The latter two i do off my own back and are not part of the Roayl Enfield on the road price structureing. You get a good tool kit with a spare tube and clutch and brake cable. I am collecting a 350 and 500 estart, in black, next thursday for stock, if the ship has unloaded its containers . Delivery can be arranged FOC if it is within a reasonable distance otherwise a small charge would have to be made. The first service is entirely free. Royal Enfield say we should charge for the oil and just do the labour for free, but i feel free means free and so free it is. Pop down and have a chat or give us a ring on 01472-823122 or visit our website on www.jimallenmotorcycles.co.uk :) Jim Allen

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