Green Monster --- Classic 500 (Part 3). Review on Royal Enfield Classic 500

(Continued from Part 2)

COMFORT:  On long drives, one needs to take breaks(say after 3 hours or so). The seat is comfortable enough though I would give the single long seat of my old 500 better marks on comfort. This seat enables one to scootch forward or back and otherwise change position thus helping relieve the behind of numbness. The single bycycle seat, though wide enough does not allow you to do this, although padding is adequate. Additionally, the presnce of springs on the bycycle style seat means a more cushiony ride.

VALUE FOR MONEY:  Classic 350 is 1.08 and Classic 500 is 1.47 lakhs on road. Most 100- 220 cc bikes are in the 45, 000 to 90, 000 range anyway. For a bike in the 500 cc range with fuel injection, disc brakes, electric start along with the seductive retro styling coupled with the RE heritage this price is frankly a steal and What you get is a near complete package. Any other imported 500 cc bike will set you back upwards of 5 lakhs. Comparatively, the Ninja and CBR are both more expensive even though being 250 cc. One has to wait and see how the 300 cc local offering from Mahindra(the Mojo) will be priced. In any case, the Classic 500 has made its mark and in my book makes a very good buy.

ACCESSORIES: Upswept muffler for dirt use enhances the looks as well as the sound. Unfortunately this was not available at the dealership; either in Chennai or Coimbatore. Storage capability is limited. The left side toolbox contains the regular toolbox as well as housing the various fuse(box) and spare fuses. The right side "toolbox" actually houses the air filter and as such cannot be used for storing anything else. The oval right side compartment, though looking good has negligible space; perhaps your wallet would fit in there! All these "storage" boxes can be locked. In such a situation a saddlebag(s) is also a must for long tours. Do not recommend the "tank bag" as seen on umpteen commuter bikes. This will detract from the looks and additionally contribute to scratches on the tank. I have put a black 5 litre rigid sidebag made by STUDS and it is sufficient for day to day shopping needs and/or nickknacks.Leg guards are also optional and I would recommend the "diamond" shaped ones - though bulky these offer the best protection to rider and bike in case of a mishap.

GLITCHES / POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS:

1. Rear brake is mushy, could be better. RE should come up with rear disc brakes as well.

   
   




2. Though the tyres are good; I would have preferred tubeless tyres.

   
   




3. Oil cap should have come with a dip stick. Though the oil level can be checked visually by looking through the oil level window; one has to practically lie supine on the ground to do this. Moreover, oftentimes the window is mud splattered or otherwise difficult to observe. At night one needs a flashlight. Same is the situation when checking brake oil level.

   
   




4. There is a clatter coming from the engine since day one. Was old that this is "normal" at the dealership. Checked 3 Classics there and they all had the same sound. Took bike for servicing at Coimbatore and asked them about the sound. The service engineer also said it is normal, and it would "disappear" after 5000kms. Started 4 Classic 500s which were there for servicing and found they all had the sound - unfortunately none had more than 5000kms on the ODO. The most run in had some 3400kms and still had the sound. As per the engineers it is not tappet sound, but from the crank. In my view there should be no sound; but have noticed it on the Electra and Thunderbird as well. Royal Enfield need to look into this.

   
   




5. Availability of spares is dismal. I could not get the optional exhaust even after 6 months of buying the bike. On the first servicing I was unable to get some spares I wanted(spark plugs, bulbs for all the lights, spare fuses) Had wanted to remove the saree guard but the stay to replace it was not available either. And all this was at an authorised service center at Coimbatore.

   
   




6. Glue quality used is poor for sticking the rubber spacers on the cylinder fins - they get loose and fall off regularly and I am afraid after another 6 months there will be none left on my bike.

   
   




7. Long waiting period. They told me 6 months, but had to wait nearly 8 months.

   
   

CONCLUSION: A worthy buy, you won't go wrong. There is a wait of 6 months for the Classic 500(I tookdelivery of mine after nearly 8 months) But the wait is ceratainly worth it. As for the durability of the engine as compared to the old Bullets(which have lasted 50 years - it is not uncommon the see a 60s Bullet in any and every town or city in the country) only time will tell. The old cast iron engines were indestructible gems; but the aluminium engine of the Classic 500 also seems "bullet proof" to me. Basically it is a retro styled bike with modern features. And it surely is unique. A mouthwatering offering from RE, no other bike in India including the fast Honda/Yamaha/Suzuki street bikes come close. For me, this bike is one to cherish and I am looking forward to the day(some 16 years away yet) when I get to hand it over to my son!

LET THE BOYS HAVE THEIR TOYS, IN A MAN’S WORLD YOU NEED A MAN’S BIKE - YOU AND YOUR BULLET, NOTHING EVEN COMES CLOSE!