Just thought I’d put in my 2cents worth. Over the past 18 months I have purchased 2 of the newer Royal Enfields UCE motorcycles. Both were C5’s and in the chrome version -one in black and one maroon.
Black version was the 2011 model with the off-set front forks. Had my fare share of drama with this one and sold it for the newer 2012 version with straight front forks and 19’ front wheel.
This particular bike by Royal Enfield standards was a pretty well put together bike. I rode it about 10, 000k and was great on petrol at around 90 mpg and very reliable. Now if you think your gonna get Honda reliability from an Enfield then the best bet -Don’t buy this bike. On the other hand I you want a great looker and something good on gas and get attention on most days -This is the bike for you.
Royal Enfield reek old world charm and constantly get the public’s attention. If you take the plunge here is a few tips on what to improve and make the ownership more enjoyable. As a matter of fact I’m about to pick up my 3rd Royal Enfield in the next week. This time I plan to buy a B5 till the Cafe Racer appears further down the track.
Both C5’s were great starters.
In most cases first press of the electric starter and they burst into life. Unfortunately the exhaust note was a disappointment and more of a muffled whimper when compared to the iron barrel job. But all is not lost here. On both bikes I fitted the English EFI silencer from Hitchcocks UK and that made the world of difference. That move alone brought back memories of an old English single thumping along. You can see both my bikes and exhaust systems on Youtube under Royal Enfield C5 and Royal Enfield EFI muffler.
Both C5’s had a really lousy Solo seat. Very uncomfortable and after about 50 kl a real pain in the A... Only way out of this was the fit the Airhawk seat bladder. Felt a little strange at first-after all you were floating on a cushion of air but once worked out correctly the butt ride was pretty good. On a couple of runs I managed to travel on a full tank around 360kl before the furl light glowed indicating I had 2 or 3 litres to get to the bowser.
Another good mod was the windscreen. I could cruise easily at 100kph and not be tossed about by the wind. These are really light bikes and if a heavy truck/B double passes from the opposite direct - would throw you about.With the screen in place and out on a 4 or 5 hour run it was a most comfortable journey. Another point worthy of a mention- my fuel economy was between 95 to100mpg or around 80 mpg without the screen
Replace the stock chain with a good quality Jap branded job. Factory chain is junk. That’s it JUNK!
Buy a good quality gel battery. Factory batteries are made to a price and will let you down.
Join a good bike forum so you can talk with member who have the same interests. If you strike a problem upload your question and you usually get the right answer pretty quick
Best forum. Royal Enfield US forum.
Factory spark plug is again cheap and nasty and prone to fouling. Get yourself a good NGK standard or Iridium and that will solve your problem.
Always check your bike over after each ride and check if all nuts/bolts are tight. Vibration is the enemy here.
If you’re prepare to make the effort and take this advice then this bike is for you. If not go for a Honda and get lost in the crowd.