If there was ever a motorcycle that needs to be ridden with a crown instead of a helmet, or perhaps paint a crown on your helmet to comply with modern day rules, it’s the Royal Enfield. This famous name in motorcycling is riddled with history, possibly more so than any other form of two-wheeled transport.
Now many people spend many hours in their garage painstakingly restoring old classic variations of bygone models the Enfield factory has produced over time, which is certainly a good way of leaving disgruntled family members to argue over the TV remote and who used all the hot water and, and, and… But after playing with this 2015 Classic 500 version for a couple of weeks why bother? Yes, I understand you’d have an original Enfield with all its associated antiquated problems but if you’re looking for the Royal Enfield experience I’d just buy this instead. It’ll be cheaper and won’t have you kicking it to within an inch of its crankshaft’s life when it invariably stops in the rain, the worst time to do so, and you’ll end up hating it more than the family member who selfishly has that demonic TV remote and won’t give it up.
And this ‘theory’ of mine shines in today’s world because no-one can decide whether this Classic 500 is a new bike or comes from the bowels of the restoration shed, so job done regarding that Mr. Royal Enfield. And, everyone loves the cute little thing as well. All the ‘thumb-phones’ quickly appear when the bike is parked and fired onto Bookface or similar irritating self-promoting systems and justifiably so because this Classic 500 is one very pretty motorcycle in anyone’s eyes.
If you know the Enfield name your eyes will look towards India because that’s where they’re now made, which isn’t a bad thing because the build quality isn’t too bad at all and much better than a 1950’s version that’s for sure. Basically the reason for the Indian connection is due to the British exporting 800 plus Enfields to the Indian (not the Native American Comanche type) Army, who then made a deal to make them there instead, and save on shipping, well sort of, but that’s how the story began. Well sort of, because originally Royal (Lee) Enfield made guns in the 1800’s to shoot at foresaid Indians as the English invaded their Country and stole all their curry powder, how’s that for irony?
Anyway, they’re all friends again now and after the first Royal Enfield motorcycle rolled out of the shed in 1901 the brand is still here today, hip, hip, hooray! And this Classic 500 perfectly captures the era of yesteryear, and then some. Even though the engine looks like one from the 50’s it has a few modern additives, primarily the adoption of fuel injection made by the Japanese fuelling experts, Keihin, and a twin-spark cylinder head, all in the name of economy and passing the stringent emission laws throughout Europe. Also, if you’re after economy this bike has it by the bucket load, well not literally, more like by the thimble load. The horrible old points system has also gone and is replaced by electronic ignition and an electric starter, but you can still kick start the bike if you fancy a bruised calf to ‘keep it real’.
Going back to economy the Classic 500 with its beautifully painted 13.5 litre tank had one new owner achieve an incredible 430km on a tank whilst running in, which must have been riding slow because the Classic 500 isn’t really quick at all but adequate for what it’s designed to be. It will chug around to 140km/h but it’s best around the 100-110km mark after which it vibrates a bit too much so I gave up with that after a while in the saddle. In fact the inherent engine high rpm vibration acts like a mechanical rev-limiter whilst going through the surprisingly good and slick five-speed gearbox. Once it vibrates too hard shift up, or just before, and cruise along in its ‘sweet spot’ instead, much more enjoyable that.
So the 499cc engine with its long-stroke (84mmx90mm) dimension is all about riding the Classic 500 how a Royal Enfield should be ridden, lazy and pleasant spring to mind. It’s claimed to make 27hp@5,250rpm and 41Nm @4,000rpm so it’s not going to win races against any modern 500s but it’s more than enough to leave most cars behind from the lights.
Once you get up to speed a 1950’s braking system just won’t do, so this 2015 model now has a single 280mm disc up front with a two-piston calliper and of course a drum rear, a far better idea, and they do bring the 190kg (fully wet) Classic 500 to a halt in a confident manner. In fact the Classic 500 does ooze confidence when you ride it anywhere. It’s very easy to ride with its light clutch action and superb turning circle so much so that I believe this is a perfect learner motorcycle as well as a tempting classic for the older folk who want to relive their youthful years as well.
The older dudes will also revel in the comfort the seat offers, not only do you have twin and well-damped shocks but also two springs under the saddle, now that makes for one satisfying perch believe me.
So I like this little cutie a lot and it makes for an ideal commuter with grace and presence and for under R50,000 it’s a bargain, or was! Due to our awful exchange rate the price has now understandably risen to R65,000 on the latest shipment, still not too bad for a rolling piece of history, and just think of the fuel savings, and how many bikes begin with Royal, how cool is that?
Available from www.radmoto.co.za
