Royal Enfield

[vanagon40]

I know nothing about this bike. I saw it parked on the street today; downtown Indianapolis. Looked to be in really good condition. [Wish I hadn't put my fat thumb in the photo.]

[BobB]

These have been made in India starting in about 2007.  They are a 500cc single similar to two other bikes I have owned.  I looked at them years ago but was concerned about reliability, parts availability, etc...

[dinosnake]

These have been made in India starting in about 2007.  They are a 500cc single similar to two other bikes I have owned.  I looked at them years ago but was concerned about reliability, parts availability, etc...

They started being imported to the United States in 1995, still using the same design and tooling inherited from Enfield of England, with whom they had a license from 1955.  Enfield of England was founded in 1895; therefore, ironically, that make Royal Enfield the inheritor of claiming to be one of the world's oldest continuous motorcycle manufacturers.

The new 2015's and onward are of a new design, actual modern unit-construction with electronic ignition; the original classics were still separate transmission and points.  EFI is now available on the top of the line model!  

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Enfield

(Edit) The model in your photos is pre-2010, it still had separate tranny and kickstater.

[art]

My son sells them at his Triumph dealership in Socal. He said they are OK but not as reliable as some other well known bikes. Highway speeds are not great ,70 mph is pushing it. I road a demo bike at his shop and liked it but power is lacking. I still would like to have one for putting around and the occasional off road riding.

[Jess from VA]

Here's my favorite Enfield.   



(Lee Enfield, No 4 Mk 1, .303)

[dinosnake]

One of my group's riders got an Enfield last year.  Yeah, 70 MPG is pushing it, he reports it being much more at home at 55-60.  But he likes the retro authenticity of the fundamental simplicity of the thing, the light weight and small feel, but doesn't like the vibes on long trips.  So middling trips are its forte.