Dreaming of Enfields, I must be mad

[mark1150]

Thanks all,

Steve, I'd looked at the Honda, especially as that dealer is just down the road from me, but they're expensive for what are 20+ year old bikes, and close up they need some work. And, call me a lazy sod, but I'd actually like the option of electric start for those "can't be bothered"mornings. There's always the CB400SS though, a little bit if extra work gets one looking very Scrambler-esque and they're far easier found.

But I get the feeling buying a Japanese bike and making it look like an older Brit bike would always leave me feeling like I hadn't quite bought the real deal. And Enfield bits seem cheaper too. Of course I could hop on the RE and hate it and be back to square one, but they just seem to fit where I'm at at the moment. I know it's a heart purchase, and the head is trying too find reasons not to but sometimes it's best to tell the head to shut up.

So I'm on the look out for the newest, post 2008 Electra, unless that is I get suckered into the £99 down, £99 a month deal.

How can you say that about a Japanese bike when the Raj Enfield is about as British as a turban.
It's not and never will be a British bike, so if you want a British bike, buy a British bike not an Indian bike.
BTW, if time and or money comes into the equation buy reliability.

[Freeloadeur]

Ah, but I'm not saying that, I'm just saying that I don't fancy turning a Japanese bike into a replica old British bike. I quite like the idea of turning an Indian replica of an old British bike into a replica of a different old British bike.

It must be an Empire thing.

[Dale Taylor]

Hi there

I tested a re during an open day a few months ago-i loved it but it seemed fragile for off roading

Ive got an old funduro that ive tried turning into a scrambler-mim thinking about getting a xcountry as it can go off road but has a bit of a classier look than most trailies

Cheers

[Freeloadeur]

Dale, I'm not and never will be an off-road riding god. I've realised that basically I'm a potterer, off-road is fun but it's fun because I'm seeing stuff, and being somewhere that I might not get to in a day's ride-out, park-up, walk-in kind of a way. Blatting through the countryside, mud-spitting, exhaust-howling isn't me, sedately chug-chug-chugging on something non-threatening is.

So the Enfield-style suits me, tweaked a little to give a bit of a trials bike vibe, but still standard enough to do anything (slowly).

[Freeloadeur]

PS. Do I win a prize for the most hyphens used in a forum post?

[SteveR]

PS. Do I win a prize for the most hyphens used in a forum post?

Yep, BANG!

[Trev]

Not ridden my RE for a couple of weeks (seeing out the last knockings of the dry weather on my MT and GSXR750) and been fettling it in the garage - lubing cables, adjusting bars, tweaking ttyre pressures, etc.

Just taken it out for a half hour spin in the cold, clear night air around the backlanes and have come back grinning from ear to ear

The combo of gentle power, safe handling & brakes and modern lights (mines a 2008 latest efi model) make it perfect for when you want to enjoy the journey. Soooooo can't wait to get out on it this weekend for a few hours