TBTS - My view.
Cost - 1.07 on road in Bangalore
Color - Magic Black
Time of writing this review - 2nd service completed.
Edit - completing 2 years now( 2011)
What I felt good
1) Riding comfort and stability
2) Fuel efficiency(350 CC bike) - 40 km/l I am getting.
3) Power and pickup.
4) Road presence
5) The royal feel
6) Lot of Chrome around.When I take care by buffing/cleaning regularly it gives a new feeling.
7) Problem free engine until now.
8) Good braking. Easy to get the bike down to 20 from 70/80 km/h.
9) Excellent and comfortable seat and back rest.
10) Weight - >182 Kgs.can feel it and gives immense pleasure riding it.
11) UCE engine. Lot of articles about it. Not sure of the drawbacks though.
Edit >
After 2 years of usage, I will still vouch for it.
Needs improvement
1) Shocks.Even though it has gas shocks Gives me shocks when I ride on humps.
2) Thump/Sound . Thinking of changing the bazooka silencer to a goldstar/bottle one.
Edit > Changed to GoldStar and changed back to classic new Style.
Freeflow Goldstar reduced the mileage and it was backfiring a lot.
So changed it to a classic new style Boom silencer. No Thump, but better mileage
3) Build /part quality - I am seeing rust below my handle holder.
4) Mirrors - Looks good but no pan-area rearview.
5) Headlight - Looks good but it is having less Power.
6) Gears - Lot of false neutrals everywhere.
7) Petrol tank cap - It is from some Jambavan’s era. RE need to change it.
8) The petrol tank label is easily removable. Some kids already took "ld" from Enfield on my bike.
Edit - Got a 250 Rs Label from and replaced it.
9) Oil leaks- no complaint- it is part of RE legacy.
Edit > Service center took care of it
10) Kicker - Very uncomfortable.
11) Support of RE service stations. Really sucks.
Edit > Major issue.RE really need to have more service centers in Bangalore.
12) Handling - Not easy in turns.
Edit** -> got used to it.
Even with all these I will give you thumps-up to go ahead, if you feel buying one.
Just for the quality of the ride it offers and the majestic feeling.
It may burn your pocket; you can mend it with the pride of owning this Birdie.
I love riding it and everyday I look forward for taking it around. Take care of it and in turn it will take care of you!