New motorcycle, Royal Enfield military 500!

[Jarren Vrekk]

After only a year of owning it, the crazy insurance rates on my harley finally became too much to handle. Sadly, I had to sell my sportster and look for something a little cheaper. I picked up the 4th bike I've owned this weekend, and I've gotta say, it's a blast. I got myself a Royal Enfield Military 500, and I'm loving it. The flat green paint looks awesome, and it rides very comfortably. I took my little brother for a rip around town on it, and was surprised at how well it pulled with a passenger on the back. We got some funny looks. (We have about 4 feet of snow here) but the bike handled well on the cold, sandy roads. And you feel like a total bada** when you kick start it. All in all a fun bike, old school cool. I'm hoping to get some helmet cam footage this summer, which I'll definitely post.

[Darth Iratus]

Hate you had to get rid of your Sportster but them Royals are old school cool! Congrats, enjoy & be safe friend!

[Jarren Vrekk]

Thanks, it's proving to be a very fun bike, and you get a lot more attention on something so different. The harley was a nice bike but I feel the enfield is more my style.

[Master Rel]

[Jarren Vrekk]

I believe that's an older version, but that is the bike. My paints more of a flat green too. Here's a little video walk around, and me kick starting it.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XoPcKkLX2B0

[Greywolf]

I believe that's an older version, but that is the bike. My paints more of a flat green too. Here's a little video walk around, and me kick starting it.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XoPcKkLX2B0

To derail your thread (hopefully just a bit):
I also love the 'Classic' versions, especially in the colors 'Tan' and 'Desert Storm':
http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/C5Classic/#tab4
http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/Military/#tab4

[Jarren Vrekk]

The classic has the upswept exhaust which is super cool, more of a trials bike look, and the desert storm is the desert version of my bike, also very cool, I like the way they powder coat the rims on the military models, I wish I could get the upswept exhaust and pannier boxes but I just don't think they will both work.

[Greywolf]

The classic has the upswept exhaust which is super cool, more of a trials bike look, ...

I love that one, too, but the description of the 'silencer' pic says 'Available as an optional accessory for off-road use only.'
I'm not 100% sure if I translated that correctly but I guess that means you can order it but are no longer allowed to use it for 'regular' traffic.
(No idea if that's true for the US, too, but it would be that way in Germany.)

[JEStucker]

So, how much get up and go do these have?  I know it's a 500cc engine, but horsepower is listed at like 27.  Would this be something decent at US Highway speeds, or we talking about state/county/city roads only?

The prices are right and they look gorgeous... It says in the specs it's an electric ignition, so do you have to kick start it?

[Greywolf]

So, how much get up and go do these have?  I know it's a 500cc engine, but horsepower is listed at like 27.  Would this be something decent at US Highway speeds, or we talking about state/county/city roads only?

The prices are right and they look gorgeous... It says in the specs it's an electric ignition, so do you have to kick start it?

I'm not sure about Highway speeds; most reviews say 'it can go up to 80 MPH (but is very uncomfortable when doing so), but best cruising speed is 55 MPH and below'.

As far as I know (= read in reviews) the current model got both meaning you can decide whether to 'pose' (= kickstart it) or to be lazy (= use the electric starter)

[Jarren Vrekk]

They are both a kick and electric start, which is awesome if your battery dies. And I'm not sure what the MPH equivalent is but they like to run about 90 kph but can do 130 top. They are more geared in the low end. Running with two people it didn't feel like the bike was struggling to take off. Keep in mind they make sidecars specifically for this bike, so it can handle the weight on take off. It's no crotch rocket but if you are a more laid back rider they are a ton of fun. And as for the exhaust, I think the upswept exhaust just doesn't meet California's laws for emissions but can be used elsewhere. Don't quote me on that but based on the fact that my harley had straight pipes and I never got pulled over I think it's ok.