Jun 28, 2005 10:36 PM
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(Updated Jun 28, 2005 10:36 PM)
ENFIELD LIGHTNING-THE POWER MACHINE
Although I am a little late in writing the review because the company has discontinued production of this particular model Enfield Lightning 535cc, if you get a chance to get a hand on this bike, this review will help you a lot. Moreover the company has notions coming up to release a new bike of similar type, not the same physical prototype probably. I think mechanically, both are going to be the same. As this model can no way be compared to the present Thunderbird model. Thunderbird is more to the Japanese technology, and moreover it does not have the tradition Enfield feel of ride.
Lightning is a special vehicle; it’s not as smooth as any other bike that comes in the market nowadays, because bikes coming these days can be driven even by kids and ladies. Lightning is only for men, it’s the smoothest bike to drive actually, the control is so superb. It’s the cruiser feel that it gives which attracts us Enfield fans to buy this beast. Enfield is always in a different category, let me just say the Elite category, we all know that, I am pretty sure Lightning convinces me, it’s got the traditional bull feel of an Enfield, but its much more smoother to control than a bullet, most because of its butterfly shaped handles(very similar to the 1970’s Harley Davidson). As far as long drives are concerned, I didn’t find any other vehicle that could match our Lightning.
As for city drives, the driver needs practice. It’s not very ideal for city drives, not only because of the former reason, it isn’t economical. It can give a max 25-30 kpl, don’t expect more by any chance.
Other low sides are drum brakes, low finishing of some parts which could have been made better, and terrible knocking at low acceleration even at 40’s. This can be removed by giving some weight to the crank(nowadays Enfield sells weighted crank vehicles in the market if you notice), can be done quite easily, and keep the idling low. This should improve the economy of the vehicle.
The bike needs constant maintenance, with out which you will ruin your bike. Same is for any other Enfield model. Checking oil and other several points should be a habit, especially after a long ride.
Another problem which I noticed is that, if the bike has not been started for more than a week or so, it’s a little tough to start the engine, it will take us more than 10 kicks, don’t even think about electric starters, they are very expensive at the moment standing at Rs.25,000, unless you are able to afford it easily!
Try to start with less number of kicks, because once the spark plug becomes carbon rot, then we have to clean it manually and then start kicking again. Choke the bike after every 5 hour start.
Try not to risk your life going beyond 100+ on Enfield bikes because the brake cables if noticed, will tell you why not to risk your life on brakes. Speed thrills but kills too…so be careful.
Otherwise, the bike is pretty much an all rounder with style & power.
So, cruise along if you get a hand on this bike, cheers to all !!!
Please do write comments/suggestions if any, doubts also welcomed.
© Anoopcm33
