(see comment for updated reviews). This is my first review on mouthshut.I feel very proud to be owner of RE Machismo 350.I bought my bull on 2nd July 2009.Initially I was a bit confused between electra and mach. 350.My elder brother had electra and classic 350(1980), no doubt, great bikes!
But still I was a bit confused between electra and machismo 350.
Now the actual confusion begins.i asked my local dealer(not authorised) about elctra and mach. 350 he told me that buy electra not machismo as production of its engine might stop, which seems quite childish.in mach.350 AVL engine is used and it is quite popular in Europian countries due to its performance.So, I went to authorised dealer and asked him same, he just deny and show me the printed norms of the RE on which it is mentioned that AVL engine(engine used in Mach., TBTS)production should be doubled till end of 2009, since cast iron engine(used in electra) produces more pollution.Now upto this one thing is cleared that either I go for electra or mach.350 its all upon me.
I test drove all three bikes-electra, mach 350, TBTS.No doubt TBTS has great pick up as compare to all other models.But still I dont consider it as a proper RE.So now the choice is between electra and mach 350.Finally, I go for mach 350.
That’s what makes a difference friend ! We hear and we pass the same thing on an on to another 100 people and they too talk about it. The difference is how many people actually own it to be able to experience it??
Yeah no denying the fact that its AVL Engine (Aluminum and not CI ), but dear that’s where the main technology is, the amazing pick up that it has to offer cannot be matched by any CI.The sheer cooling that it attains after a heavy long drive, no CI can beat that, the mileage etc...Lot of points to consider.
The BIG ISSUE -THE THUMP, is indeed a little subdued but once you have a retro silencer fitted, it gets almost the same, but NOT THE SAME AS CI (No Doubt on that) The clatter that all talk about is far far less than the earlier AVL engines that were developed in 2003 or 2004 Lastly, it not about someone being noviceor veteran, what is more important is that we don’t pass across misleading information unless backed by facts, and how else do you get a fact? By actually riding Latest AVL MACH’s or by owning one.So once that is done, you get a fair idea to talk about it. Mechanics talk a lot negative about it coz most of them know Zilch about it!! And Royal Enfield’s have not manufactured any PLASTICS so far in terms of motorbike models.
So please refrain from using such a derogatory language ATLEAST for any Royal Enfield Model. ( Hope they don’t join the bandwagon to make low cc plastics in the near future....)Rest everyone has their own choice but lets research and then talk....that get the right message across to others...
The Machismo only seemed to have one drawback, which was felt to be the sound / thump / exhaust note.This can be rectified by employing standard model silencer.
I enjoy my ride, it makes eyes turn and is a sheer pleasure to drive ( Seats / positioning are all better than the electra. Power and pick up obviously have no comparison.
Friends there is little comparison between CI(Electra) and AVL(mach 350, TBTS) engines give below->
CI Vs AVL - TILL YOU TAKE A TEST RIDE YOURSELF.Yes that make sense, dosent it. ?I would talk of AVL as I own it currently,
1.Take a test ride of the Machismo 350 or 500. ( I bet the sheer pick up of the Machismo will make you feel like you are in heaven and it just cant be beaten by any RE Model manufactured till now ! )
- The fuel efficiency left aside , the Machismo is prone to lesser technical failures and has proven its worth by now.
3.The looks - You don’t mind a good looking bike, do you ? - The machismo’s the only FULL BODIED ( Full bodied retro Mudguards and a big rear tyre ) motorbike in the RE Stable after the STANDARD.I have other RE Model owners look at my RE Machismo with awe and envy at red lights when they look at theirs and mine, you can make out when they have that"look" on the face.
The cooling system - AVL engine has better and faster cooling system than CI engine.You often heard that there is problem in running bullet on high speed for regular long time this is due heat up of engine.Thats why AVL engine can go on long Ride reliably.
The Sound - It is different but not much difference other than a slight thickness in CI’s sound rest rhythm remains the same. A short bottle retro silencer will do it for you. Now it is for you to decide. If at all you feel like going for CI engined Bullet then I would strongly recommend a STANDARD any day. and if you feel there isnt a harm in buying something that is futuristic with a generous Oldie touch to it then go for AVL engined Machismo ( Iam not recommending any bird...oops any Thunderbird...coz it does no justice to the "Cruiser tag" and the look itself spells designing disaster ) All points mentioned above are my personal observations.
Today I have completed my 300 km, am really enjoying it.At last I just want to say Whatever model u go for, just have it coz RE Tag is enough to describe it.