Hey Big Dave, how about a test ride?

**Edbear** · 25th April 2010, 14:13

I see a biker commuting on a Royal Enfield every day and it's the cast iron engine model. I would like to own one for nostalgia's sake, remembering my old B31, but was wondering how good the new one is.

Personally I like it, but haven't had the chance to ride one. Now this style may not be in BD's favourite class of bike, but KR is a mag for all, so are we going to see a ride report sometime? Maybe you could do a nostalgia piece with a comparison of old and new, like the mag did a few years ago between the old and new Bonneville's?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=261683762

Would be fun to get a few older singles, say, the Matchless/AJS 500, the B33 and the new "old" Royal Enfield with this latest version.

**gijoe1313** · 25th April 2010, 14:58

Was up at Motomail today and saw they had a couple of the new "old" Enfields there, blardy nice they are! And yup, wouldn't mind having one to pootle around on also!

**Motu** · 25th April 2010, 15:13

My wife has wanted an Enfield since we saw the first Indian Enfields in the late '70's - there was a place on New North Rd,Eden Tce where they imported them,and she nearly bought one a few years ago....but always too dear.I prefer the older model (the cast iron is only the barrel),the later emissions model looks not so good,although obviously a better bike.This new unit engine looks good,there were several at the Takapuna Fort a few weeks ago.

Compare to other singles? The B31/33 was better just because it was the same engine and frame as the Goldstar,and could be hotted up so easily with Goldstar parts.Matchless/AJS the same but not to the same extent.Royal Enfield was just a poor cousin...but a new one with modern refinements? I still want one.

**Big Dave** · 25th April 2010, 16:41

The April 2010 Issue has the test. (The one with the BMW on the cover) - Written by Mike Esdaile.

http://kiwiridermagazine.blogspot.co...l-enfield.html

**Mudfart** · 25th April 2010, 16:47

yeah i read the test review, and some comments by Spannerman in MT, and he reckons you shouldnt expect it to make 100kph.
Im disappointed coz i like the retro styling in a modern bike also, however i require a practical commuter.

**Big Dave** · 25th April 2010, 17:02

http://kiwiridermagazine.blogspot.co...et-review.html

**Edbear** · 25th April 2010, 19:02

[QUOTE=Big Dave;1129730850]http://kiwiridermagazine.blogspot.co...et-review.html[/QUOTE

LOL!!! "Oodles of power!" Now I have to ride one!

Still looks a nice bike! Apparently all you need to do to get it to sit on 100km/h is raise the gearing a bit.

**Edbear** · 25th April 2010, 19:05

Originally Posted by Big Dave

The April 2010 Issue has the test. (The one with the BMW on the cover) - Written by Mike Esdaile.

http://kiwiridermagazine.blogspot.co...l-enfield.html

Talk about coincidence! Ta for dat!