G5 Military

[Cabo Cruz]

Br. Scoot, you do good work... the new Military you've cooked up is even cooler than the original model... very, very, very cool... 

[Geirskogul]

Excellent, excellent.  Should give it the blacked out exhaust that comes stock on the 09 Military, and it would be even better.

[LJRead]

The Ural pictured above with the desert sand exterior looks to be a real military type vehicle.  I'm not sure the Enfield military that you all rave about really fills the bill quite as nicely.  I would prefer to see much less chrome as with the Classic Military of old, but like the looks of the heavy front fender.  As to the pill capsule boxes that people tend to not like, I think they should be made functional on both sides (though maybe the chain guard of the older AVLs and such gets in the way of this), but to me it seems perfectly functional as a place to carry tools and would be more so if both of them could be opened and locked.  If something has a good function like that it is fine with me.

The chrome front headlight rim needs painting and all of the paint should be dulled down.  I know the argument is that flat paint is difficult to keep clean, but maybe a low sheen might work.  The beautiful polished UCE engine needs to conform to military specs, if there are any!!!

Yes, and there does need to be a replacement for the panniers other than a leather saddlebag. 

Just some thoughts though, not wanting to dampen anyone's enthusiasm.

[Kevin Mahoney]

The unpainted G-5 Military engine is an amusing story. Because it is a new engine they won't paint it at the factory come hell or high water, No matter how I've pleaded or begged they just will not do it. Scooter Bob and I have been sorely tempted to take a paint can to the one we are dressing up, but neither one of us has conjured up the nerve. Maybe we can get Rhett to Photoshop it a bit. LOL LJ is really right about the headlight surround as well.

[JamesC5]

A very quick PS job...

[Indiana Josh]

See, that quick photoshopped version already looks a million times better. Amazing how much painting the engine and taking out the chrome can complete the look.

If this thing had the metal panniers (I'm a big fan of them, think they complete the military look), I would honestly probably get one the moment my closest dealer could get one. I've decided I want to keep my '08 Iron military, simply because I feel almost like it's a piece of history, the last of its kind. Even though I'm a poor little college student in the midst of a major move, I'd probably have to fork out the cash for one of these G5s if it JUST had the right look. It's almost there.

[ScooterBob]

Br. Scoot, you do good work... the new Military you've cooked up is even cooler than the original model... very, very, very cool... 

Thanks, Juan! This little bike HAS grown on me a LOT since I've been doing so much to it ..... I actually like the shape of it a little better than the Iron Barrel! It appears to be a little more "organic" than the original Bullet ..... Accessorising the bike has been a big part of the fun - the possibilities are seemingly endless on this "blank slate". You know a REAL military bike would take on a personality all it's own as it was ridden and used by the man in the field. I hang bags and stuff of every kind on MINE .... I've considered removing a pannier and putting a 20-litre fuel can on side .... and adding a rifle scabbard to it. Hahaha!! The possibilities for the end user to customise THIS Enfield are unlimited .... I MAY go nuts and dig in my surplus gear and do a "ratted out, hang one of everything I own on it and see what it looks like" thing on the G5 .... If I'm happy with it - I'll post it! 

[LJRead]

The paint sheen seems about right, not to shiny/ flash, and the whole bike looks "authoritative" like it's going to do battle.  I would like to see what the original Indian military version looked like. Anyone have a photo?  I think some thought could go into the side panniers to make them even more military than the ones on the older R Es.  I have a vision in mind, just can't put it down in a post - if I see something that suits I'll bring it up.

You did great, however, in toning down the shine of the paint job - I like the duller finish a lot.  In my opinion, the G-5 bikes have it over the C-5 in that they represent a true progression rather than a reversion.  By using the Electra side cases to cover, I suppose, some of the EFI, they have avoided the pod like round cover on the C-5.  It looks like what it is, a new bike design with a British heritage.

[Kevin Mahoney]

James - Did you do the Photoshop? it looks great. Guess the rattle can of Olive Drab may be a good idea.

[r80rt]

I like the pod like round cover

[LJRead]

quote from r80rt "I like the pod like cover"

And I'm sure most do, and most seem to prefer the C-5 over the G-5, all of which seems to lend support to my having the better taste in bikes.

[r80rt]

HA!   My problem is I like all of them very much. I've searched for a practical classic for years, and I believe RE has built one in the C5. Oval pods Rule!

[Kevin Mahoney]

That cover is one of the coolest styling cues (to use a phrase the designer used) on the bike. It is one of my favorite visual features of the C-5. It also does a great job of hiding some of the EFI looking stuff.

[Blue Ridge Wheeltor]

But to base the military on the c-5 gives you a rugged looking bike WITHOUT a kickstarter. That's just wrong.
But then, I always thought the Jeep Wrangler with an automatic was wrong too.

[Indiana Josh]

But then, I always thought the Jeep Wrangler with an automatic was wrong too.

Funny you should mention that, I'm actually looking for one that I can afford. Not a fan of driving automatic automobiles, as weird as that might sound. And I love Wranglers. Wish I could just find a cheap used one.