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Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



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  #1  
Old 28 Sep 2007
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Enfield info

Hi guys , I am looking for some good tech info regarding the Enfield as I am getting ready for a trip arround India.
any good links or books will be welcome
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  #2  
Old 28 Sep 2007
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Wink That will be the Royal Enfield

I guess the Indian built machine uses the name, RE, for the market in their country!

Anyway, it will always be known here as the RE, IMO.

There are lots of webpages for the bike; you could start here and take a look:-
royal enfield motorcycles - Ask.com UK Web Search

Hitchcocks Motorcycles -- Royal Enfield and Amal Parts and Kits is one to look at and there are loads more for both the UK and India (There are variations in the models for export to Europe compared to those for the home market).

If you do a search in the HUBB for Royal Enfield you will find some discussion; there has been some recently in the definitive bike thread, for example, in the which bike forum.
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  #3  
Old 28 Sep 2007
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workshop manual

I've just found this - it is probably all that you need!

Royal Enfield Bullet Workshop Manual
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  #4  
Old 28 Sep 2007
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More refined+reliable stuff available

Any particular reason for using wanting to use enfields?

Perhaps you could take the advice of those who rent out enfields AND other bikes as regards what you want out of your ride.
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  #5  
Old 28 Sep 2007
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Royal Enfield

I am going to India to do a trip arround the country for few month ( about 9000 Miles) I liked the idea to ride a Royal Enfield , I am not going to send one of my bike to India for a trip shorter than 3 month , as far as rental there are tons of Royald for rent , what you go more in detail about what you think about it.

Thanks
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  #6  
Old 29 Sep 2007
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You could contact andy@indiabikes.com - he rents out bikes (mostly enfields), and can also give you an idea as to the problems you may face
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  #7  
Old 29 Sep 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by a1arn View Post
You could contact andy@indiabikes.com - he rents out bikes (mostly enfields), and can also give you an idea as to the problems you may face

And/or you could search around the threads in here; there is some discussion about riding long distances on the RE.
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  #8  
Old 29 Sep 2007
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royal Enfield

Thanks for the advice I will email Andy
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  #9  
Old 2 Oct 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by a1arn View Post
Any particular reason for using wanting to use enfields?

Perhaps you could take the advice of those who rent out enfields AND other bikes as regards what you want out of your ride.

But there's not much else to choose. Hero Honda 200's or 150's? They maybe more modern but they have no soul. Going on a Royal Enfield is not about the getting there, it's about the journey.

Next year me and a mate are riding from the UK to Mongolia in aid of charity on 350cc Bullets. Mad? Maybe? But it going to be one hell of a journey.
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  #10  
Old 3 Oct 2007
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Royal Enfield

I contacted Andy and he was not against the 8000 miles on a Royal Enfield, i guess I will rent one and write a report on it at my return , I am aware the this kind of bike are more fragile that our current toys but in India it doesn't look like I am having too much choices anyway. Some rider contacted me directly and they did have long experience on the bike , the fact is that in India finding part or mechanic for Royal Enfield should be pretty easy . I will let you know in May at my return.
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Old 3 Oct 2007
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You are right in that there are not too many choices here. It is the only reason why enfield has survived in India, and certainly, nothing manufactured here makes half the peak torque, which comes in at low rpm. This makes it a fairly effective carrier of two people + heavy luggage at low speeds.

That said, one up, practically all 150cc + bikes will outrun as well as out accelerate the 350 - and will have far lower NVH levels, which means that you get to your destination in perhaps 20% less time, fresher - and not riding like a maniac either.

I'm not talking of the 200cc plus machines which have a perennial parts shortage (that the manufacturers have absolutely no interest in rectifying), but the 150s which can be serviced at far more places than a bullet ( spares are easily available too).

Certainly, if not pushed and treated with more care than other bikes, a bullet should easily do the few thousand odd km without any major mechanical snafu (unless you get a lemon - happens more frequently with bullets for some reason)- it all boils down to personal preference.

Some info for kitting out the bullet + people who you could also talk to regarding precautions to take :

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...503#post151938


"Soul."

Yes, some products do have this thing called soul, most also come with a temperamental nature. Haven't heard of anything that functions quietly, and efficiently and doing what it is supposed to do without complaining or breaking down (or having it's origin in Japan) having this elusive quality.
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  #12  
Old 27 Jan 2008
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No need to dout the Bullet.I had one for a few months in India and it was great.She wasn't pretty but never let me down.Just have a short check everymorning to make sure all is ok.One thing is don't ride flat out.In my opinion there made to go slow,and its great as you get to see what you came to see in the first place.

I can recommend a place in Puskar,Rhagastan.A guy called Nero,family buisness great work and cheap.I've also (just lately) come across a firm in nepal,he has been answering some questions for me and has been really helpfull.Heres the website.

http://www.heartsandtears.com/index.html
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  #13  
Old 27 Jan 2008
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If possible get a lean burn engined bike. These are modern bikes although they still have the 'look and feel' of the old bikes. Much of what you will hear is based on the 1949 design bike and may well be out of date. depends which engine you get.
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  #14  
Old 27 Jan 2008
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Lots of people love Bullets (including me!) but they take more 'character' to ride than a modern jap bike. Having said that they are a unique and fun experience. The other issue in India (or so I've heard) is that the 'jap' bikes are actually manufactured in India with no greater build quality than the enfield. Plus the parts are more expensive and harder to get hold of.
Some people would disagree, no doubt, but given the choice of locally available bikes, I'd definately go Enfield. They are a great laugh to ride and absurdly simple to maintain.

Have fun, I'm jealous!

Matt
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*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
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  #15  
Old 28 Jan 2008
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Enfield

Thanks to all of you guys, I just finished my tool box for the bike and I am pretty much ready for the ride in India. I have collected a lot of positives information on the Enfield and I think that going arround India on it should be an adventure by itself. I will be in Delhi Marh 11 and 12, if some of you want to have a talk arround a cold drinks are on me.
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