Jul 07, 2013 12:42 AM
21247 Views
(Updated Oct 14, 2013 09:49 AM)
This is my 6th motorcycle, the 500 cc AVL being one of them,
So to start with,
1 - Booked last year in the month of June, received the motorcycle on the 1st of this month. I had to re-book as the earlier model was discontinued. That was done in the month of November 2012. To technically I waited for 7 months. Booking was done at Teknic motors at Bangalore.
2 - Had collected her at night so could not make out the issues. I knew there had to be, Royal Enfield is not complete without those. So the left Indicator was out of line, the headlight was too low, the gear shift lever was not positioned correctly.The left mirror kept moving out of position above speeds of 20kms.
3 - Got the gear shift lever and headlight corrected the next day Ditto with the left mirror but I am not happy with the gear shift lever. The heel part of the lever is too low, you need a boot to use it. If you are wearing formal shoes or sport shoes its not comfortable. Gear shift is not as clunky as the earlier bullets and in fact almost like a 100 cc motorcycle. If it was not for the Neutral indicator I would not have found the Neutral.
4 - The Instrumental console is pretty informative with clock, 2 Trip meters, Fuel gauge and a tacho. I have no idea why a bullet needs a tacho, I have still not touched 5000 rpms. It also had a side stand indicator but please note the Neutral Indicator/ Side stand indicator are not very visible in broad daylight. The console is always light in a cool blue.
5 - The headlight is very effective and well spread. My older 500 is nowhere close. The LED ring is pretty cool but kind of useless. The High beam is very focused as well.
6 - The 20 liter tank is a huge bonus. Especially on the highway. I have heard that the fuel gauge is not accurate but I have not yet found that issue. But a fuel gauge is better than no fuel gauge. My 500 does not have one and I have had pretty close times of running out of fuel during my touring. Since mine is just a few days old I cannot comment on the mileage.
7 - Less vibrations - I guess its more to do with the UCE (engine). Another plus point is that unlike the older engines there is no need for a separate gear oil. So less maintenance costs there. Its still pretty torquey. But of course its not a bullet without vibrations.
8 - Comfortable seating and very helpful rear seat which can be removed to a luggage carrier.
The rear back rest though is a bit small. Would be nicer if it was a bit more taller like the one of the Bajaj Avenger.
9 - Suspension is on the hard side but the sheer weight of the motorcycle absorbs most of the bumps. Very useful for Bangalore phenomenal bad roads.
10 - I also found the T-bird to be more stable than my 500. The 500 would be all over the place at speeds above 80kms. The tyres on the T-bird are also way better in terms of grip.
11 - The mirrors need a mention here, much much better visibility now but the engine vibrations can still cause blurriness over 40 kms. And thank God they are not the chrome kind.
12 - Except for the small niggles, I am very happy with the overall quality - paint, ride and build of the motorcycle. The black theme is very macho. Royal Enfield has improved over the decades and thats also the problem.....it has taken them decades.
So is it worth it? Well a Bullet demands a ton of patience and if you are looking to slow down in life and learn the finer points of the virtue of patience....then go for it. If you are looking for a hassle free, high mileage motorcycle....this is definitely NOT it.
Will post more details as I ride along........
22/7/2013 - UPDATE ONE
So far...One of the Electrical fuses blew and I managed to get it home. Since we knew the folks at Tecknic Motors, they send one of their mechanics - Imran and he got it up and running in no time. In case you face a similar issue, check under the main seat. There is also a spare 15A and 20A fuses as well in the fuse box.
Mileage is around 25kms per liter and now that i have finished the first service it should improve.
The fuel gauge is not accurate. Guess I am stuck with that.
08/09/2013 - UPDATE TWO
The fuel gauge is wrong by miles!!!. When it starts to show low fuel..as in the last bar and blinking I still have another 7 liters left!!!
Had a puncture, rear wheel. Please be careful as it a bit difficult with the rear disk. If you notice, the saree guard has the provision of having the last railings removed for removal of the disk brake. Never let anyone open out the brake fluid line.
Rode in pouring rains, was in full rain gear including Tour-master boot covers. The brakes felt a bit spongy. But other wise no problems. Wish it had a bit more power. Maybe my 500 AVL and CBR 250 have spoiled me a bit.
Mileage is closer to 30 kmpl now.
14/10/2013 - Update Three
Rode to Pune and back. Mileage was hovering around 35kms. Was fully loaded with saddle bags, tank bag and the wife!
Both seats are highly uncomfortable in the long run. I am getting them both modified for more comfort.
Cruising at 80kmph was ok but if the roads are bad suggest you drop your speed to 50kms if the motorcycle was loaded with weight - pillion + saddle bags + tank bag etc etc.
Brakes are good but takes times to slow down due to the overall weight. My front fork is now a bit loose after the 1900 kms ride.
No other problems, touch wood.
Regards
Sandeep
