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Royal Enfield Motorcycles
Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:11 am
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?
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
21
Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:23 am to Bert Macklin FBI
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.
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 on 4/3/24 at 9:24 am to Bert Macklin FBI
Getting parts is probably a royal pain in the arse.
Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:25 am to Bert Macklin FBI
Look at Indian motorcycles or triumph. Would be my best bet.
Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:33 am to Bert Macklin FBI
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.
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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 on 4/3/24 at 9:40 am to Bert Macklin FBI
quote:
Royal Enfield
My cousin has a Lee
This post was edited on 4/3/24 at 9:41 am
Posted on 4/3/24 at 9:48 am to Bert Macklin FBI
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.
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 on 4/3/24 at 10:20 am to Bert Macklin FBI
Step one is to take an approved class. Most responsible dealers offer these. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation had a list of these. I took Rider's Edge through Harley.
This was for two reasons - I learned to ride safely, but also learned a whole lot more about MCs than what look I wanted. Changed what I thought I had wanted before the class.
Step two is to sit on a whole lot of bikes and see what fits. This is nothing like having many hours of seat time, but it is a start.
Another option is to see if you can find someone with a spare bike that you might ride - after you are trained and insured.
I echo an entry level Indian as a good starter. An older Harley is what I went for as a first bike. Looked at Triumph and they are nice bikes, but service and parts were pretty sketchy. Enfield was non-existent, so I was never serious about them.
One more thought. Decide what type of riding you want to do. Short hops or long epic touring trips... These require very different cycles.
This was for two reasons - I learned to ride safely, but also learned a whole lot more about MCs than what look I wanted. Changed what I thought I had wanted before the class.
Step two is to sit on a whole lot of bikes and see what fits. This is nothing like having many hours of seat time, but it is a start.
Another option is to see if you can find someone with a spare bike that you might ride - after you are trained and insured.
I echo an entry level Indian as a good starter. An older Harley is what I went for as a first bike. Looked at Triumph and they are nice bikes, but service and parts were pretty sketchy. Enfield was non-existent, so I was never serious about them.
One more thought. Decide what type of riding you want to do. Short hops or long epic touring trips... These require very different cycles.
Posted on 4/3/24 at 11:34 am to Bert Macklin FBI
A friend of mine recently got the Meteor. He found it underpowered and not very solid at highway speeds.
Now he wishes he would have gone bigger. For $5K, you get what you pay for.
Now he wishes he would have gone bigger. For $5K, you get what you pay for.
Posted on 4/3/24 at 11:41 am to Bert Macklin FBI
The Meteor looks cooler than the classic, mate
Posted on 4/3/24 at 11:51 am to Bert Macklin FBI
Triumph T100 is what you’re looking for if you want British.
Posted on 4/3/24 at 12:41 pm to Bert Macklin FBI
I almost got a Himalayan but instead got a used Suzuki Boulevard. It's a 650cc and has plenty of power. I'm making it into a Bobber.
I do like the REs though especially the Himalayan.
I do like the REs though especially the Himalayan.
Posted on 4/3/24 at 12:52 pm to Bert Macklin FBI
Three things:
1) I would take the MSF rider course. Great course for beginners.
2) Invest in some good gear and use it.
3) I would look at a bike with at least some wind protection. Unless you plan on riding nothing but short trips, the naked bike will get old quick.
1) I would take the MSF rider course. Great course for beginners.
2) Invest in some good gear and use it.
3) I would look at a bike with at least some wind protection. Unless you plan on riding nothing but short trips, the naked bike will get old quick.
Posted on 4/3/24 at 1:32 pm to Bert Macklin FBI
quote:
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.
So then you really don't know what you prefer.
Nobody has ever gotten on the highway and said "I wish I had less power to pass this vehicle or get out of this dangerous situation"
Posted on 4/3/24 at 1:58 pm to Bert Macklin FBI
An underpowered motorcycle is no different than an underpowered car - potentially dangerous. There are times extra power and speed can save you from a bad situation.
For example, you inadvertently make a bad pass and a car is approaching. WIth power and speed, one option is to kick it up and get clear before the other car gets closer.
Passing a car going 65 with a bike that only goes 70 can cause an issue.
For example, you inadvertently make a bad pass and a car is approaching. WIth power and speed, one option is to kick it up and get clear before the other car gets closer.
Passing a car going 65 with a bike that only goes 70 can cause an issue.
Posted on 4/3/24 at 2:17 pm to Bert Macklin FBI
quote:
The brand that I am most drawn to is Royal Enfield.
Never heard of them.
Posted on 4/3/24 at 2:56 pm to Bert Macklin FBI
Honda Rebel 500. When you out grow it sell it and get the 1100. Take an MSF course. Spend lots of time working on low speed maneuvers in an empty parking lot. I’ve been riding for years and still practice U turns and emergency stops. It will make you a better rider. Good luck out there.
This post was edited on 4/3/24 at 2:57 pm
Posted on 4/3/24 at 3:21 pm to Bert Macklin FBI
If you want to feel like you're riding a bike from the 50s, have at it.
Not my cup of tea.
Not my cup of tea.
Posted on 4/3/24 at 3:29 pm to Bert Macklin FBI
The hunter 350 looks like the perfect first bike. Love the classic styling on that one.
Posted on 4/3/24 at 4:00 pm to Bert Macklin FBI
The Meteor 350 reminds me of a Honda CB350 I owned over 50 years ago but looks nice. I did like the Triumph Bonneville 650 for the power but hated the shifter being on the right side.
I'm not all that knowledgeable on Royal Enfield, but they've been around for a long time and suspect they are quite reliable. They're smaller and easier to maneuver.
If you're not experienced, know this. You will eventually drop or crash it and every car and truck out there are potential killers. Find an experienced riding partner to hang out with.
Disclaimer: A Harley is my daily ride.
I'm not all that knowledgeable on Royal Enfield, but they've been around for a long time and suspect they are quite reliable. They're smaller and easier to maneuver.
If you're not experienced, know this. You will eventually drop or crash it and every car and truck out there are potential killers. Find an experienced riding partner to hang out with.
Disclaimer: A Harley is my daily ride.
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