royal enfield question?

Question

i would really like to buy a new royal enfield,but i just learned that there made in india instead of england.is the quality the same?
5grand for a 500cc made in india seems to be way too much money.i do like the looks of them though.for 5grand they should be hand built in england instead of india.thoughts?

Answer 1

Royal Enfield in England went out of business in1970 (I think). However, they had a factory in Madras India that has been producing the 500 and 350cc bikes since the 1950s (I think). Since they have been importing them to the US they have made many improvements (IE electric start, left side shifting, better carb, better ignition etc.) however, if you buy one you would have to understand that you are buying 1955 technology. It will not run like a modern bike and if you try it will soon break. That being said, they can be a fun and interesting machine to own and not just another ho-hum Honda like everyone elses.

Answer 2

There's a guy in Switzerland who imports the New Royal Enfields and rebuilds the shoddy parts so that they are top quality - but then they cost a lot more. Although the India-built bike's quality has been improving, I hear it is still sub-par. They do look great, but I think you'd be disappointed with the quality and reliability of the Enfield. You can probably get a better used bike for the same cash.

It's hard to find a decent new bike for under 5 grand, though.

Answer 3

I had the same question. Although 1950's technology seems like a stretch, it's not. Harley's are essentially exactly the same era. So acceptance of old technology is usual. As for quality? Well I'm learning the old Royal Enfields, Norton, BSA, Triumphs, Vincent HRD, and Brough Superiors were notorious for leaking oil. They used cast iron heads and transmissions. The new Indian models use cast aluminum and don't leak oil. So I'd say it's worth the money. Plus they hand paint the lines on chrome mud guards. No plastic on these things.

Answer 4

I was tempted too because I like old world bikes.

In China a company named Cheng Jiang makes a close duplicate of the BMW R71. I corresponded with them and found I could have the bike I wanted for less than $3,000 including delivery to the port in Los Angeles.

I had the same reservations as you do regarding quality, however, and I never made the purchase.
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Answer 5

THE ONLY ENFIELD IS A CLASSIC ENFIELD.