How Historically Accurate?

[jdrouin]

Kevin has already told us "no more hints," but I'm wondering if anyone from CMW can give us an opinion (perhaps in percentage points?) as to how historically accurate (to a late 1940s G/J) the Neo Classic will look. Please? 

Any insights as to the method of design? Like are they using original blueprints or anything?

Thanks,

Jeff

[luoma]

I doubt the new bike is going to be an actual replica. I have been trying to gleen an diea of what the bike will be like from the occasional bits and peices we've all been hearing. Rather than a replica, I think it will be something of a hybrid, combining what was best, both asthetically and functionally, from the past, and coupled with modern improvements that enhance, rather than detract, from the classic feel/look of the bike.

I know that sounds too optimistic, but lets look at what we've heard:
1. It was designed in England, where viceral feel and classic looks have always been more important than flash.
2. It was tested in Japan, where all the young guys are nuts over retro bikes. I liverd there for a few years and I've seen these guys ride. They demand a lot from their machinery.
3. It is being put together by a company that has the distinction of sticking with a classic design longer than anybody else iin the world.
4. RE has always had a habit of listening to owners and watching what people were doing with their own machines before introducing changes.

If you put all those things together, it would not be much of a stretch to think that the new Neo Classic is going to be the new bench mark for retro motorcycles. While we may all morn the demise of the original, I think the new bike is going to be similar to what RE would have build in England if they had stayed in business.

[LotusSevenMan]

I think the new bike is going to be similar to what RE would have build in England if they had stayed in business.

But the fact is they didn't stay in business because their products didn't sell in enough numbers as their products weren't right for the times!
Let's hope we see a real 'retro' but up-to-date-machine that people (you and I) actually want to buy!!!!

[luoma]

The Japanese were moving forward faster than the rest of the motorcycle world could keep up with. A lot of good brands went the way of the dinosaur. Luckily, RE did something only they, and VW had been able to accomplish. They stopped competing head to head and just built something that still worked. I just hope that the new RE UCE tries to market to the retro enthusiast and not try to be too modern a machine. After all, most of us RE riders feel that modern machines have had all the personality engineered out of them in the name of progress.

[meilaushi]

Right on, Luoma.  My sentiments exactly too!

[exiledcarper]

Just my thoughts, but I can't really see the "neo classic" looking very "classic" at all with that brand new "Honda like" motor in it .  All seems like a rather pointless exercise to me.  I'm sure it will perform well and run VERY clean, but might as well be on a modern platform as pretend to be a "classic" Enfield, in my opinion.
  I'm finallly in a position to be able to buy a new bike and think I will shortly try and find either a new Iron Bullet or a nice used example.  The other possibility is a nice BSA A65, but the spares availability might put me off.  If I wanted a mdern bike, I would buy a Kawasaki (bullet proof), or Yamaha.  I think I would avoid honda  though, as they apparently ahve a tendency for the cylinders to wear oval.  I'm also biased too, as I remember so many late 70's, early 80's Hondas that wouldn't last more than 10,000 miles before the motor was totally shot.  Some were even worse than that.  I'm also somewhat wary of Suzuki too, due to their legendary electrical problems.  I had a brand new 185 trail bike, which Suzuki G.B. could never sort out.  I was just resigned to blowing bulbs  if I ever tried to use my lights in the rain.  Not too good in good old rain soaked Britain!  I'm sure Suzi's are probably o.k. now though, but I'm going to go Enfield, because even a clutz like me can tinker with the classic motor. .  Long live the Iron LUng Bullet, I just hope the spares supply holds up long term!

[Eamon]

Why all the bad feelings toward the new engine?     Remember, Enfield HAD to come up with a modern engine because of changing government regulations.  They were not going to be allowed to continue the old motor forever.  I for one and happy that they are going to put the new engine in a classic styled bike.  Would you rather they just close up shop?  It's not pretending to be anything.  It IS an Enfield.  Why should they have to make an ugly modern style bike to put it in just because the engine is new?  Besides, there are still iron barrel ones for sale and will be plenty of used ones around, not to mention TONS of parts. 

Eamon

[Eamon]

I doubt the new bike is going to be an actual replica. I have been trying to gleen an diea of what the bike will be like from the occasional bits and peices we've all been hearing. Rather than a replica, I think it will be something of a hybrid, combining what was best, both asthetically and functionally, from the past, and coupled with modern improvements that enhance, rather than detract, from the classic feel/look of the bike.

I know that sounds too optimistic, but lets look at what we've heard:
1. It was designed in England, where viceral feel and classic looks have always been more important than flash.
2. It was tested in Japan, where all the young guys are nuts over retro bikes. I liverd there for a few years and I've seen these guys ride. They demand a lot from their machinery.
3. It is being put together by a company that has the distinction of sticking with a classic design longer than anybody else iin the world.
4. RE has always had a habit of listening to owners and watching what people were doing with their own machines before introducing changes.

If you put all those things together, it would not be much of a stretch to think that the new Neo Classic is going to be the new bench mark for retro motorcycles. While we may all morn the demise of the original, I think the new bike is going to be similar to what RE would have build in England if they had stayed in business.

My thoughts exactly!  For all it's modern engine design, EFI, etc, it's still going to be something nobody else makes - a classic styled 500 single.

Eamon

[luoma]

I too will morn the end of an era. I wish something could be done to allow RE to continue limited production of a legend, but that is not the case. There are still BSAs around, so I think there will be original Bullets around for quite awile. Some of the classic Brit bike groups might even start warming up to them now.

I don't think this is the end for RE. Back when HD first backed away from their 45 inch (750cc) flathead twin, fans mourned the end of HD. They said the new designs were not real Harleys. The folks at HD were smart enough to realize that mere numbers on a spec sheet would not be enough, so they were careful not to engineer the soul out of their unique machines.

None of bought REs becuase they were soo fast (ha ha). Sometimes I wonder why they even have speedos, not that they work that well anyway. REs are kinda like the Harleys of the Brit bike designs. They provide a unique feel that can't be found on a Japaneese bike, with the possible exception of a Kaw 650. 

[meilaushi]

Other than the black box aspect of the new UCE engine, I kinda like its looks... I think it looks a lot better than the present AVL, whether in the Electra or the Classic.  I got one of the last Iron barrel REs, but I wouldn't mind adding to a UCE to the 'barn' when they come out, though for old time's sake, I'll not part with the Iron barrel classic.  It's classic.  Vibes and all!

[russell]

Greetings All .I could really use some thoughts from the experts.I am going to buy somekind of 2 wheeled machine in the next mth.My last bike was a VELOCETTE 500CC.So know you know my weakness big singles.UGH cant help myself.
My question I have the chance or choice to buy 3 different bikes, 1 A 06 ELECTRA
GREEN $4100   2 A BLUE OR RED 07 ELECTRA  FOR $4300 all new.Now are these good deals will I miss something not getting a 08 or waiting till a09 appears.I am unsure of the idea of constant tinkering  that bothers me and really interest me.I like the working with machines something that is almost gone in the motor world unfortunately
So any thoughts about the RE and these bikes would be Greatly appreciated.They are the  iron barrel  bikes. So if anyone would like to jump in  Rgetz213@aol.com
or get me your phone number I will call you .
THANKS fr any help Russell getz sleepy hollow ill.

[Leonard]

Russell,
  What country are you in?  In the USA the Electras have the AVL engine.  The iron barrel does require more maintenance than a Japanese bike but not really what you would call constent tinkering.
  The AVL Electras seem to be proving very reliable.  Since there is no difference between the model years with either iron or AVL I would say any of them should work for you. 
  Now if you want to wait on the UCE engine that is a different story.
Happy Shopping,
Leonard

Greetings All .I could really use some thoughts from the experts.I am going to buy somekind of 2 wheeled machine in the next mth.My last bike was a VELOCETTE 500CC.So know you know my weakness big singles.UGH cant help myself.
My question I have the chance or choice to buy 3 different bikes, 1 A 06 ELECTRA
GREEN $4100   2 A BLUE OR RED 07 ELECTRA  FOR $4300 all new.Now are these good deals will I miss something not getting a 08 or waiting till a09 appears.I am unsure of the idea of constant tinkering  that bothers me and really interest me.I like the working with machines something that is almost gone in the motor world unfortunately
So any thoughts about the RE and these bikes would be Greatly appreciated.They are the  iron barrel  bikes. So if anyone would like to jump in  Rgetz213@aol.com
or get me your phone number I will call you .
THANKS fr any help Russell getz sleepy hollow ill.