I have a 2007 Royal Enfield Bullet Deluxe, the last year of the iron barrel. It is in every way an old school bike, with drum brakes, points, single cylinder . . . the bike is constructed almost exactly as it would have been in 1957. I paid about $4,500 for it brand new.
My max speed has been roughly 80mph, I think, it's hard to tell with the optimistic speedometer. At that speed a thumper gives a lot of vibration ,you are aware of every stroke that piston makes.
I keep toying with the idea of selling it, and don't know that I ever will. It's easily the most fun I've ever had with a bike! When I want to really ride I have my cb750, thing feels like a car in comparison, but when I want to cruise around and have a great time, I roll out Effie and take her for a spin. Handling? It corners like a bicycle!
I had to put a solo seat on it to keep girls from jumping on the back at every red light!
Chics dig it, Harley guys dig it, guys who like to wrench on a bike dig it. I mean, what's not to love? Just don't take it seriously as a long distance, hard riding, everything to everyone kind of bike. Ride it for what it is: A fun, simple, beautiful machine.
I was also hit on it recently, a huge Audi SUV made a right turn from the center lane into me on West Side Highway in Manhattan. I managed to keep the bike upright. My left ankle was fractured, the Audi had deep gouges all the way down its side, and the Enfield had not a scratch. The controls and turn signals that come stock on the bike look a bit cheap, but they're the only plastic on her. Everything else is solid!
By the way Uncle Ernie, love the Coke bottle catch can. I turned my breather hose into a chain oiler.
