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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 9:28 am to Hook Em Horns
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 on 4/3/24 at 9:29 am to auggie
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 on 4/3/24 at 9:30 am to Bert Macklin FBI
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 on 4/3/24 at 9:31 am to UtahCajun
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 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 9:36 am to Bert Macklin FBI
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 on 4/3/24 at 9:36 am to Grievous Angel
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 on 4/3/24 at 9:39 am to Bert Macklin FBI
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 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 9:41 am to UtahCajun
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 on 4/3/24 at 9:45 am to Bert Macklin FBI
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 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 9:53 am to SECdragonmaster
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 on 4/3/24 at 9:54 am to Bert Macklin FBI
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.
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 on 4/3/24 at 9:56 am to Bert Macklin FBI
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 on 4/3/24 at 10:07 am to Bert Macklin FBI
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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