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Royal Enfield Motorcycles

Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:11 am
Posted by Bert Macklin FBI
Quantico
Member since May 2013
10402 posts
Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:11 am
Are there any Motorcylce enthusiasts out there with any opinions on a nice day cruiser? I am drawn to a more classic look and am not worried about speed or power at all. In fact, I prefer a slower bike. I am as green as they come when it comes to motorcycles and have never ridden one but would like to. I recently found out that I could get a decent little bike that looks great for around $5k which makes this idea of mine pretty reachable within the next 5 years or so.

The brand that I am most drawn to is Royal Enfield.

I think I like the look of the Meteor 350 the best:


But I also like the Classic 350:


Every time I think I like one model over the other, I change my mind.

Anyone know anything about these bikes? Also any tips for someone with literally zero experience?
This post was edited on 4/3/24 at 9:14 am
Posted by UtahCajun
Member since Jul 2021
650 posts
Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:23 am to
350 would not be my first choice. The new line of 650cc's would not be too powerful for a new rider, but would give you more room to grow.

As a brand, I love RE. You gotta know what you are getting into though. They are the bike you get if you want a 1950's bike made today. Really good raw riding experience. Overall, I do think Triumph builds a much better bike and does fit the classic look. They are however, more powerful and more expensive.
Posted by auggie
Opelika, Alabama
Member since Aug 2013
28936 posts
Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:24 am to
Getting parts is probably a royal pain in the arse.
Posted by Hook Em Horns
350000 posts
Member since Sep 2010
15558 posts
Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:25 am to
Look at Indian motorcycles or triumph. Would be my best bet.
Posted by Bert Macklin FBI
Quantico
Member since May 2013
10402 posts
Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:28 am to
quote:

Look at Indian motorcycles or triumph. Would be my best bet.


The Indian Scout Bobber is what made me look into getting a motorcycle and what led me to discover Royal Enfield as a brand. The difference a Brand new Royal Enfield is $4800 and an Indian is north of $10k.
Posted by Bert Macklin FBI
Quantico
Member since May 2013
10402 posts
Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:29 am to
quote:

Getting parts is probably a royal pain in the arse.


There is a local RE dealer do you think they would also sell parts?
Posted by UtahCajun
Member since Jul 2021
650 posts
Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:30 am to
quote:

There is a local RE dealer do you think they would also sell parts


I wouldn't worry about getting parts for the oldest continous motorcycle company in the world.
Posted by Bert Macklin FBI
Quantico
Member since May 2013
10402 posts
Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:31 am to
quote:

They are the bike you get if you want a 1950's bike made today


Having never ridden a motorcycle I am basing this 100% off looks and price but I think thats exactly what I want. Not a lot of bells and whistles.

quote:

350 would not be my first choice. The new line of 650cc's would not be too powerful for a new rider, but would give you more room to grow.


from what I have read, the 350s can get up to 70 mph but run well at about 60 mph. Not sure I'd want a bike that could go much faster than that. Maybe you could convince me as to why I should change my thinking.
This post was edited on 4/3/24 at 9:33 am
Posted by Grievous Angel
Tuscaloosa, AL
Member since Dec 2008
9977 posts
Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:33 am to
Good looking bike. Some of the lowest prices. I think these may be made in India.

Just don't expect Japanese (Honda/Yamaha/Suzuki/Kawasaki) type reliability/fit/finish.

Agree with the other poster on the bigger motor. The 350 will be fine around town but you're gonna want something bigger at highway speeds.

I'd spend a little more and get something like a Suzuki SV 650. But that's a totally different look.


Posted by UtahCajun
Member since Jul 2021
650 posts
Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:36 am to
quote:

Not sure I'd want a bike that could go much faster than that


While that is a true statement today, it may not be true once you start riding.

Anyway, I do think you are on the right track. Do not spend a lot of money on your first bike. Believe it or not, most first time bike riders find out that they just do not like riding. Also you will most likely drop your first bike at least once. You don't want it to be an expensive bike.
Posted by Bert Macklin FBI
Quantico
Member since May 2013
10402 posts
Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:36 am to
quote:

Agree with the other poster on the bigger motor. The 350 will be fine around town but you're gonna want something bigger at highway speeds.


Maybe I do need to consider a larger motor.

quote:

I'd spend a little more and get something like a Suzuki SV 650. But that's a totally different look.


Yeah this is very much a nostalgic aesthetic thing for me. My vision is riding my simple, 1950s looking cruisier along the lake or on shorter trips. Maybe the occasional run to the beach which is 4-5 hours away.
Posted by UtahCajun
Member since Jul 2021
650 posts
Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:39 am to
quote:

Maybe the occasional run to the beach which is 4-5 hours away.


Gonna want a bigger bike for going 4-5 hours. That 350 will have you feeling cramped after 45 min. A 4-5 hour trip will end up taking all day. Not that that is a bad thing really. Most people need to learn how to slow down and enjoy the day anyway.
Posted by beerJeep
Louisiana
Member since Nov 2016
35864 posts
Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:40 am to
quote:

Royal Enfield

My cousin has a Lee
This post was edited on 4/3/24 at 9:41 am
Posted by Bert Macklin FBI
Quantico
Member since May 2013
10402 posts
Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:41 am to
quote:

Anyway, I do think you are on the right track. Do not spend a lot of money on your first bike. Believe it or not, most first time bike riders find out that they just do not like riding. Also you will most likely drop your first bike at least once. You don't want it to be an expensive bike.


Thats my next question: How do I learn to ride without hurting myself or the bike? Is there somewhere I can get riding lessons or something? Everything I read says I should test drive each model before buying but I would not feel comfortable test driving a bike unless I was confidant I won't crash it.
Posted by UtahCajun
Member since Jul 2021
650 posts
Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:45 am to
quote:

Thats my next question: How do I learn to ride without hurting myself or the bike? Is there somewhere I can get riding lessons or something? Everything I read says I should test drive each model before buying but I would not feel comfortable test driving a bike unless I was confidant I won't crash it


Almost any larger town will have approved rider's classes. These classes supply bikes for you to ride during the class. I would take that class before looking at any bike or test riding that bike. Besides, you need the motorcycle stamp on your license before most dealers will sell you a bike.

The class is always the first step.
Posted by SECdragonmaster
Order of the Dragons
Member since Dec 2013
16571 posts
Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:48 am to
Motorcycle guy here.

I love the RE and the Triumph style and performance. One of them will be my next bike.

Two important considerations:
1. Comfort on the bike. The seat position and type matters a ton. All seats feel comfortable for 10 minutes in the showroom. Two hours on the road feels a lot different. Read reviews that are not sponsored by the brands.

2. Power and performance matter when you are riding at 55-65 mph. When you have a smaller cc bike (250 or 350) - you will feel the motor straining at the top end of its limits.

I have owned 200/250 cc bikes and 1100 cc bikes. The smallest engine I have ever enjoyed was a DRZ400s. No vibration there but different style. I usually rode it at 45-55 mph.

I never enjoyed riding at high speeds. Always back roads and always smaller towns even if it took me an extra few hours.

Short answer: I would not go smaller than a 400.
Posted by UtahCajun
Member since Jul 2021
650 posts
Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:53 am to
quote:

I love the RE and the Triumph style and performance. One of them will be my next bike


All riders should experience a good British parallel twin at least once in their life. I have owned a couple. Just a different sound and feeling on one.
Posted by GeauxTigers0107
South Louisiana
Member since Oct 2009
10034 posts
Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:54 am to
I would think that generally speaking, most current riders started riding mini bikes then dirt bikes at a young age so the knowledge and background is already in place. In your case I would goggle "beginner motorcycle riding lessons near me".

I did that and THIS is what came up. I'd probably go that route if I were you. Learn on somebody else's junk then start looking at your first purchase once the skill and confidence is there.

At that point I'd be looking into getting something on the used market to really hone your riding skills. You can still get that 1950's era feel in a good used...say a Honda CB 750.

Don't know where you live but I found THIS pretty quickly.
Posted by Mike da Tigah
Bravo Romeo Lima Alpha
Member since Feb 2005
59876 posts
Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:56 am to
quote:

There is a local RE dealer do you think they would also sell parts?




Hitchcock and Baxter have loads of parts and aftermarket mods available. RE is one of the biggest motorcycle manufacturers on the planet, and the longest continuous manufactured motorcycles on the planet. The best thing about these 350s or 650s is that they are super simple to work on yourself, as in the way it used to be before all of this technology made it very difficult to do work yourself. Air cooled, and dependable motorcycles that will not break the bank to purchase or maintain.

Posted by Mike da Tigah
Bravo Romeo Lima Alpha
Member since Feb 2005
59876 posts
Posted on 4/3/24 at 10:07 am to
quote:

Thats my next question: How do I learn to ride without hurting myself or the bike? Is there somewhere I can get riding lessons or something? Everything I read says I should test drive each model before buying but I would not feel comfortable test driving a bike unless I was confidant I won't crash it.





Harley Davidson has a rider course that is advisable to take, and it will eliminate the need to do the riding part of the test at the DMV. Just present them with your certificate and take the written and you are good, plus the course will make sure you are proficient in the basics as well as getting you to focus on situational awareness, which is very important on the roads today especially.

If you can’t find a local dealer to take the course, most states have courses put on by the state police, and are pretty similar to the HD rider course.


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