I have recently read many startling negative reviews of newer Enfields on here and on India Mart web sites.
Firstly it is very surprising to me that Eicher, the parent company, allow these poor quality procedures to go on in their factory. Many reviews are similar to the negative ones here; oil leaks upon leaving the factory, untrained technicians at dealerships, completely unsatisfactory warranty procedure and service etc.
Secondly it is a shame to manufacture an old rare classic motorbike with such carelessness and unconcern for the brand and its history, as well as treating its customers with such disdain! I have heard the the Chennai Enfield factory for export bikes is a completely separate unit, with no quality leaks across to the home-market plant!
I own a 1994 500c Bullet. It was previously owned by a Westerner and used at weekends, ridden on Sundays, polished and put back in the garage for the week. It had 10, 000 kms on it when I got it in Feb. 2010 and now has 24, 000 kms. It only has a kick-start, drum brakes and original poor paintwork. It is about the same as the older 350cc RE I had before; unreliable but a lot of fun to ride; external bits always needing attention, but the engine never letting me down.
From what I’ve read I would not buy a new model. A friend recently did, waited six months and was completely let down by the Vellore, T.N. dealership. He gave up completely on the Enfield brand! The company just keeps churning out the same old rubbish or worse, with new names and a higher price tag, with no new technology added. The export models have a different frame and build, and a more powerful engine.
I hope some other foreign bike companies with classic styled bikes come into India and put this ongoing tragedy to bed! Or wake Eicher from their deep lethargic slumbers...Triumph!