Enfield 500

[to v or not to v]

https://i.imgur.com/r4hSyrs.jpg

i really like the look of the Classic 500, and the simplicity of the bike appeals to me.

are they cheap, low quality bikes that id likely regret owning, or something to grow old with?

any previous owners on here with an opinion?
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current bike Yamaha Thunderace.
Moto Guzzi V7.

[P.]

I thought I'd try one, I live rural and nothings like...close but also nothings too far so I thought that feels like an ideal bike to potter around.

I'm not ready for one. Absolutely hated how cheap it felt and whilst I'm not expecting performance, it really felt down on power.

I can see the appeal (I actually like the styling and looks of them) and if 125-250 speeds are your bag, that's a solid bike. I just couldn't part with that price for that amount of bike. 100% ride one though, that's what rules it out. I usually buy blind and say fuck it, but something made me want to ride it. Glad I did.

[struan80]

I like Royal Enfields, don't like too much chrome though.

I nearly bought a Meteor 650, but too much chrome.

[Easy-X]

10/10 for style but at the risk of again evangelising my Husky I'd want a bit more bang for my buck.
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Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[stinkwheel]

Had one for about a week as a rental bike.

I really liked it, but I'm a bit weird that way. It's like a loud, vibratey, heavy 125 that pulls up hills way better. It'll do 70/75mph but is clearly not happy at that. 60-65 is more realistic which it'll do all day.

Great for pottering about on. You can potter a suprisingly long distance because they are comfortable and just keep on going. Not entirely terrible to throw about the place either.

Just don't expect it to ride like a modern 500 because it isn't that. It has the performance and handling characteristics of a 1950's 500 single but with fuel injection, electric start and a functional gearbox. More time riding, less time fiddling but the overall riding experience is similar but with better brakes.

Surprisingly good on dirt roads too.

Expect a pillion to go on strike after 20 miles if you use that seat. Riders seat is fine, if people are taking pillions regularly, they often fit a second riders seat in place of the pad.

Build quality is not up to Japanese standards but well above Chinese.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczMobjhZQodJU7E8sV7PSajWtoUtTt4v8v5sKLdoMJII7cjVGUbmQhpoU0Pyi4LEQ_0kxb6g3Ni-XTZu0XyIumhTuLH_jNI2ZbaNBNhUHbluCPolMxIGNQCFXy1PlOH4rzlfDhZFD18IG7S5syzRPAY1=w657-h876-s-no
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[stinkwheel]

They also made a factory custom called the 535 continental GT. A factory hipster cafe racer. They put a lot of effort into it and it's a definate cut above the standard 500s in every respect. Suspension, engine, brakes and overall fit and finish. Also has various tuning parts available to give it a bit more poke (and it already had more than the 500s).

A lot of them were bought purely for instagram posts outside coffee shops and were then abandoned in the garage. I reckon they are the best buy of the unit singles. Handlebars are a bit too cafe racer for most tastes, but handlebars are easily replaced.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Capt Sisko]

[stinkwheel]

Admittedly not cheap at just over a grand but you can fit a hitchcocks performance kit to them (both the 535GT and the 500EFI) which takes them up to about 40bhp at the rear wheel.

Putting that in perspective, a current CB500 claims 47bhp.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[IDOTNY]

I've heard mixed reviews about the Enfield 500, but it seems like it's a great bike for pottering around at a leisurely pace. The styling is definitely appealing, and it's comfortable for long distances. However, the performance might not be up to par for some riders. Has anyone considered upgrading the engine with a performance kit? I've heard it can make a big difference.
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Hello