Triumphrat

STW · 07-11-2006

Hello, first post here.

I've been planning the purchase of a Bonneville for sometime in the Fall, but recently learned of the R.Enfield. At first it didn't do anything for me because it's all about the Triumph for me, but the Enfield thumper has grown on me. It has --some-- of that classic (and brit) appeal that the Bonneville has, it is only $5000 new, and it advertises that it gets 70mpg (and gas milage is a big part of the justification of a motorcycle as far as the wife is concerned). The new Enfield Electra X is advertised as getting closer to handling highway speeds.

One advantage of the Enfield might be that it'll be a better first bike--I'm in my mid-forties and about to take the MSA course and then I have a small bike I can borrow for a couple months to get more used to riding.

The Bonneville is probably too big for a first bike, but when you know what you want, it's hard not to figure out how to get your last bike first. I did a search to see if anyone had spoken about beginner riders on Bonnevilles but didn't find anything yet.

One drawback to the Enflield aside from slowness might be that it could require more regular maintenance. I'm interested in some maintenance but doubt if I want to re-learn how to work on points.

What do you think:
--is the Bonneville so wrong for a beginner that I should write it off for now?
--is the Enfield Electra X likely to be so much of a tinkerer that it's not the bike for regular commuting and backroads touring? (I live in the rural mountain west)
--is the lightweight powerlessness of the Enflield an advantage for a new rider?
--or will I very soon feel frustrated with the limitations of the thumper and be stuck till I can buy again? (there may only be this one chance for a purchase for several years).

Thought if anyone can help a newbie figure out which one is the bad choice it would be you all,

--Mitch

McQueen · 07-11-2006

Mitch,

The Bonnie is great first bike...and second and 10th and 20th. In my opinion, the Bonnie iis impossible to outgrow.

Enfield? Looks cool. But "slow" and "unreliable" are not things I would look for in a new bike.

I get 45 mpg on my Bonnie. Other here have reported 50 and more.

cheers,
Paul

Bookfool · 07-11-2006

All I can say is that I am a first-time rider and I had similar tribulations (not about an Enfield) until I finally just went for it. Don't regret it yet. The bonnie is a pretty forgiving beastie. (Also I'm a girl, and haven't ever felt it's "too big".)

My biggest concern is that I'll make some noob mistake and drop her...knock on wood. 'Spensive mistake.

Aggie98 · 07-11-2006

The Bonnie was my first bike and it had power enough to scare me for a year or so. Now after 3 years I have more confidence and I am able to use what speed and power it has now, and try those more agressive lean angles. The modern Bonnie is considered light in cruiser catagories. I think it is the perfect first bike if not for a little pricey as a first.

Agree the Enfield has the looks and would get the unique award but I would consider it a curiosity bike or a good second bike to play with. I think you would be bored within a year or two since it doesn't have the power for Highways. Reliability would be off putting to, if it breaks when you ride it you might get where you don't ride it.

If you truly worried about the power/weight I would go with a Honda Nighthawk 250 for a year or two. They are the bike the MSF uses too. New or used they are about $3K, resale market is high too for these. Its low geared and quick up to 75 mph, and only 350 lbs, reliable to a "T" also. One of my friends has one and he keeps up with me fine in town, and only seems strung out on the highways passing other vehicles. These days he enjoys his solid 70 mpg too, its the only bike I know of sipping fuel better than the Bonnie's 46-53 mpg

DrEnglish · 07-11-2006

The Enfield is a bike for tinkerers and romantics. You'll be better off with a Bonneville, since the Enfield will bring you "classic" performance, reliability, and build quality along with the "classic" styling.

I'm not so sure I believe the 70 MPG figures, though it might get that at 35 MPH. Your TCO will be higher with the Enfield because it will depreciate essentially to zero after you buy it, whereas there is a market for used Bonnies. Believe me, I can see the appeal of the Enfield, but you will be a LOT happier (and on the road a lot more) with a Bonnie. If you look around, you will likely find a nice used example for similar prices to those of a new Enfield.

You also need more power for modern riding than the Enfield will deliver. Road traffic moves fast, and power is your friend when it comes to safety--you don't want to be in a situation where acceleration is what's needed and be stuck with a 23 hp engine.

Don't buy the Enfield. Get a Bonnie, or, if you must have something obscure, a Kawi W650 if you can find it.

sweatmachine · 07-11-2006

That enfield is an Indian produced junk pile made on 30 year old tooling.

If you are extremely mechanically gifted, have lots of spare time on your hands, and like getting stranded on the side of the road (with the wife waiting by the phone with the truck ready to pick you up) then the enfield would be a great buy.

If you want a reliable, fun, plenty of power that you won't get bored with in a month, attractive, modifiable bike then the bonnie is for you.

OldTimeBiker · 07-11-2006

If you were an experienced rider with a desire to relive the days of your youth with a retro bike like the Royal Enfield as a second bike, I'd say buy it. But, what I get from your post is that your motorcycle purchase has to serve you well as both a pleasure vehicle and a commuter vehicle. I strongly advise you to stick with the plan that puts you on the Bonneville. The Royal Enfield is a good bike for what it is, but the Bonnie will serve your needs, give you more for the price, be much less intensive as far as maintenence, has many more accessory options and will provide you with all the motorcycle you could want or need even after you gain more experience. It will also have much more value and be easier to sell or trade when the time for a new bike comes along.
Keep in mind also, that single cylinder motorcycles do not provide a smooth and comfortable ride. I've been riding for 36 years, and I've had almost every kind of motorcycle you could think of and I consider my '05 T100 Bonneville to be the best handling, smoothest running motorcycle I've ever owned, and that's surprising considering it's a twin. It's smoother than even 4 cylinder bikes I've had. Hope this helps. Good Luck!

DrEnglish · 07-11-2006

Here is a link to several reviews:

Royal Enfield Reviews

dazco · 07-11-2006

$5k for a thumper and it gets 70 MPG??? You're gonna have to talk ME out of it !!! I gotta go look at this......

AH-1 · 07-11-2006

I am a retired aircraft mech.and you couldn't give me one of those. just picture being broke down in west texas and need a part to make it home....spend the cash and get a bonnie.
pete