Posted by Polar Pilot on May 12, 2000 at 23:53:31:
In Reply to: Bought another bike Saturday posted by Bruce Clarke on May 10, 2000 at 19:39:43:
Interesting choice of Sunday afternoon riding machine Bruce
The India Enfield is such a startling throw back to the 50's and 60's. I first saw one in England in 1990 - I had driven past it, realized what I had just seen - stopped and turned back to go into the shop and talk to the folks there about this "new" old design.
One comment on your web page notes - with the Royal Enfield was in production there were two models of Bullets - the 350cc and the 500cc. both were factory models but I seem to recall that there was a bit more to the differences than just boring out the jug to increase the capacity. Memory seems to recall that the 500 had a lipped head and less trouble with the head gaskets than the 350 did.
Interesting as well is the observation that the India Enfield is also available as a diesel - to my knowledge the only one in production today. I have read reports on it - and it sounds ghastly - about 12 horsepower and irregular as hell.
I think you have made a GRAND choice for a bike which will need lots of tinkering and playing with - good price, absolutely classic design, about as reliable as a stone boat when it is running and lots of fun to tinker with when it is not.
The power available is low enough that it shouldn;t get you into trouble - respect it and it will serve you well -= and as you have the experience of riding them in India - you know what will be required.
Keep us posted on your stories with your latest Thumper
Keep the rubber side down
Polar Pilot