Several years ago when I first thought of buying my first motorcycle, my preferred choice was Yamaha who had just launched R5 in the market. I was definitely wooed by the looks of Yamaha R5 and wanted to buy it and then a friend of my suggested that I may want to consider buying a Royal Enfield since I keep travelling around so much. I am not really sure what exactly was it that invoked me to go for Enfield back then but now 6 years later, I know that I made the right choice.
Royal Enfield
With 116 years of history, Royal Enfield is world’s oldest motorcycle that is still in production. It came into existence in 1890 and their motto back then read “Made like a gun, goes like a bullet” and it has fondly been called “Bullet” ever since. The very name of this motorcycle paints a picture of power and strength that is built to last. Initially the motorcycle was produced in Europe but the production is now limited to Chennai, India from where it is exported and sold worldwide.
I have been riding a Bullet for over 6 years now and there is no other motorcycle available in Indian marker today that I would prefer over it. In these 6 years, I have covered over 70,000 kilometers, have been to Ladakh and Spiti multiple times, and still use this motorcycle for my daily commute. There were times when she ditched me and I had to push her around but which motorcycle hasn’t done that. Everyone who owns a two-wheeler had been through that experience. Yet what makes an Enfield stand above all other motorcycles available in India is its durability. Everyone that I know who had a motorcycle back when I bought my Enfield had already bought a new one. Not because they wanted to but because they were forced to do so after their motorcycle started to die and give trouble. Apart from Enfield owners, there is not even one person in my circle who had been riding the same motorcycle for over half a decade and yet the motorcycle runs with the same efficiency.
4 comments
How is the RE performing now?
It is still performing very well. Planning to bring it to Ladakh again this year.
Hi Vargis
I read your blogs with interest. Since I turned 55 I have started developing a fascination for Royal enfield bikes. I used to ride a Bajaj once, long time ago but now I find the bullet fascinating. This year I have ridden rented bullet’`s several times: from Dehradun to Mussorie, Rishikesh, all the way up to Uttar kashi; from Delhi to Patiala and Sirhind and recently from Jaipur to Ajmer/Pushkaar. Twice it has been a 350 cc Claassic and twice electra 350 cc and once 500 cc standard (due to which I hurt my leg by the powerful recoil of the kickstart lever). I must say that it was electra that I liked most- it was easy to handle, well behaved and comfortable.
Now I am thinking of buying my own RE and I think I will go for electra. My friends tell me that at my age I should not be riding bullet given the condition of the highways but the lure of RE is strong- call it mid life crisis or whatever. Would you have any suggestions about which model to go for. I find technologically the classic is highly rated but the electra is relatively simple and easy to repair, availability of spare parts etc.
secondly, would you by any chance know if it is possible to rent a bullet for a few days in Lucknow, where I am planning to do some riding in the neighbouring areas, mehmodabad etc.
Jamil
Hello Jamil,
RE is definitely a motorcycle to crave for and I do not blame you for being so fascinated. There is no other motorcycle in Indian market that I would rather go for if not Enfield. To answer your question, your choice is correct. Electra would definitely serve the purpose well. Unfortunately I do not have any contacts in Dehradun so cannot help you with that. Sorry.
Thanks,
Vargis Khan