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December 1999
(Last updated 12/29/99)
12/9
Topic: Marrige and My Royal Enfield
Message: I am celebrating my first 6 months of Enfield ownership. With
all the problems I had, and not giving up, I realized it was very much
like my first 6 months of marriage 30 years ago. I had some quality control
problems with both. I'm still married because I took the time to work
things through. And because I took the time to work things through with
my Bullet, I look forward to many years with my Enfield! I had problems
with a faulty alternator, bad main crank bearings, and some other minor
stuff, but Marti Scott and my dealer, Lyall Sharer, Verona, WI, took care
of them. I can honestly say that my Bullet is a much better machine at
1000 miles than it was new! And like my wife of 30 years, I love 'er more
and more each day! To those of you out there with minor quality control
problems, don't give up! The end result is relationship between a man
and his machine that is like no other! A ride back in time when life was
much more simple and carefree! LRB
lrburzynski@lsol.net
12/10
Topic: For Sale
Message: I just painted it a couple months ago, metallic silver, looks
great in the sun. I replaced the points with electronic ignition and detailed
parts of the bike so it looks better: hiding wires, LePera solo springer
seat added, new tail lamp and brake lights. I've also striped and lined
the tank, it was in sad shape on the inside. I have a new carb thats not
installed and I'm currently looking for a more vintage looking set of
handle bars, grips etc. This is the bike I'm trying to sell for $4000
usd, it's a 1999 500 with 200 miles on it. Let me know what you think.
Where else and who can I contact to try to sell our unique machines?
scotth@zipatoni.com
12/14
Topic: 350 vs 500
Message: I'm thinking of buying an Enfield and can't decide between the
350 and 500.
I'm interested in some kind of comparison between the two in things like
top speed, cruising speed (I guess that's subjective), fuel economy, vibration
and noise, reliability (i.e. does the bottom end, designed for a 350 originally,
stand up to a 500's extra power, and what about performance parts like
high comp. pistons - can it handle that too?), etc. If I get a 350 am
I going to have someone on my tail all the time? People seem to cruise
the backroads here around 60mph, will it be ok? Can a 350 be geared up
without getting awful in accelleration? Also I noticed the pictures of
the military bike now show chrome rims and other chrome parts. I kinda
liked the painted ones (don't like keeping rust off cheap chrome), are
they still available?
Paul
The
350 and the 500 only have 4hp difference between them. Larry from our
office has a 350 and it's a very sweet scoot. In terms of vibration I
don't think there is any difference. The 500 has a completely different
bottom end than the 350 so durability isn't an issue between the two.
A 350 will top out between 65-70 mph and a 500 at 70-75mph (stock). We
don't think that changing the gearing to gain top end is good thing on
either bike without enhancing the hp. You lose too much at the low end
and strain the engine. for cruising at 60 you might be more comfortable
on the 500. On the other hand the 350 has a higher compression ratio and
is quite snappy around town. As far as the military bike is concerned,
the old picture of the military bike with the black wheels and headlight
rim was a one off of a customer's bike. All of the bikes arrive at your
dealers with the wheels and headlight rims painted. If you would prefer
them to be olive drab or black, painting them is a simple matter.
12/14
Topic: Royal Enfield
Message: I'm looking for a Royal Enfield 500 or bigger,reasonable priced
cruiser.Doesn't need to be perfect,I like working on them myself.I'm in
San Diego.
Thanks,Butch
12/14
Topic: Mk2 Interceptor
I am looking for a Mk2 Interceptor as a restoration project. Do you guys
know if I can get one in the US and how much can I expect to pay? Also
what do they go like as I want one on looks alone at the moment! Best
regards
Ian Hearn
Solutions Delivery Consultant
Mobile: +44 (0) 411 135605
Mobex: 61114
Email: Ian_Hearn@StorageTek.com
12/15
Topic: Starting Problem
Message: Just bought BULLET 500 from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA.
Once started, it runs fine!!! But it gives hard time in starting and I
have to kick so many times... what wrong I am doing?
Believe it or not, many starting problems are related
to technique. Strength and testosterone level is NOT important, but technique
is critical (Where have I heard that before?) Try reading the section
on our web page relating to starting technique. I have taught many people
this technique and I find that most of us try to use shortcuts or are
in denial about the importance of doing it the correct way (Including
yours truly until I became tired of being humiliated by a non-starting
bike). Another tip I believe you may find helpful is that if the bike
is correctly tuned, gas is turned on (and you have some), and the run
switch is in the "ON" position (Yes I've done all of these thing more
than once) the bike will start easily. If whatever you are doing doesn't
work in 3-5 kicks try something else. More of the same usually doesn't
help. for example I find that most of these bikes need choke, even when
its quite warm outside. I always start with choke on, and no throttle.
If that doesn't work I go to choke on and full throttle. If that fails
I try no choke, no throttle, and then no choke full throttle. After the
first 5 kicks if it doesn't start, I never try something else for more
than 3 kicks.
12/22
Raining Bullets
driving in the rain in the bullet is safer than any other bike. i have
experienced it many times in recent times. I had bought the bullet in
the monsoon month here in india and since then i have driven many times
in heavy rain . the bike has been soaked in heavy rain for hours in the
parking area outside the movie theatre where we go to watch movies every
sunday but after the show the bike starts with one kick . touch wood so
far i have had no problems riding in the rain but in india it can be a
bit risky due to bad road conditions. happy riding in the rain ,wear a
crash helmet though because the bike can withstand the heavy downpour
but your eyes cannot (that was the only problem i had ,couldn't keep my
eyes open)
Niranjan
12/22
Topic: TT Racer
Message: I saw the TT racer in the Moto Cafe Site "www.motocafe.com"
and i wanted to know where i can get the tank, seat, front and rear fender
for this bike. Also I would like any ideas on how to mount the stuff onto
the frame. I was going to make a cafe racer out of a BSA or Triumph, but
I would rather use a new Enfield with a warranty. I own a BMW toaster
tank, it's mint and staying like that. Thanks ahead of time.
12/22
Topic: Shop Manual
Message: Hey all.... I gotta Royal Enfield Lightning 500 (spruced up old
Bullet 500 but supposed to have a lighter crankshaft and a few other modifications)
and was wondering whether anyone knows where I can pick up a shop manual
or order it?? Also anyone with a good text file to teach me valve adjustment
properly???
If you check our November
message board you will find some valve setting instructions. If you
need something more detailed, please let me know and I'll sit down and
write some. We can provide you with a shop manual for $20. call us at
800-201-7472
12/22
Topic: Mk2 Interceptor
Message: Ian & all, Series II Interceptors are as rare as hen's teeth
here in the US. Occasionally they are advertised in trade publications
such as Walneck's at prices varying from $5,000 to $7,500 depending on
condition. I was quite fortunate to find one about a year ago for $4,000
but I had to fly from my home in Virginia out to Colorado, rent a Penske
truck & bring it back home, making the final price somewhat higher!
For those interested, a pic is @: http://www.erie.net/~mrpink/vbmc/index2.html
How do they go? They go like absolute _stink_ is how they go !!!!! They're
even faster than they are beautiful! Hope this helps. Cheers, Jim Carr
a gaggle of Beezers, 2 Bullets, an Series II Interceptor & a Norton in
boxes
Email Address: bsajim@concentric.net
12/23
Subject: 1958 Royal Enfield Indian 700 CC
We are interested in whether you have a manual for a 1958 Royal Enfield
Indian 700 CC. We are looking for a parts or maint. manual. If you know
where we can locate one we would appreciate the feed back.
Thank You Doug & Gwen Arnold
12/29
Topic: Bike Trips
Message: V.J.'s Exotic Safaris offers the finest trips to India, hands
down! Just returned from a fantastic trip to North India. India is not
easy and these guys know what they are doing! Give them a look!
12/29
Topic: Enfield Wanted
Message: Looking for a used 500 Enfield (late model,stock engine)
Email Address: RONNIESHELDON@aol.com
12/31/99
Topic: California registration
Message: Folks...It is my understanding that several people have purchased
Enfields outside of California and have had no problem getting them registered
in California due to some recent change(s) in Califronia DMV law...I would
greatly appreciate hearing from any and all who have gone thru this process
and could give me a "heads up" as to what to do, what chapter and verse
of the Vehicle code I can reference, etc, etc...so that when my Enfield
arrives I can get properly registered as well.
Sincerely...Douglas E. Larsen
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