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Alternative to Royal Enfield? Alternative to Royal Enfield?
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



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  #16  
Old 17 Jun 2008
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I have pondered a trials bike..... something light appeals to me. I wouldn't want an engine bigger than 500cc, 4 stroke of course, any other suggestions? At least I wouldn't feel guilty butchering and abusing it! Watching Ewen and Charlie definitely put the point home that light is good! It was funny when they were dropping their big bikes struggling to get them up and Claudio was skipping along on the little red devil bike!
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  #17  
Old 18 Jun 2008
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I got worried when you talked about left foot shifting. I'm glad to know the Enfield is still right foot. If I blow up the Duc again, it's an Enfield 350 for me. I thought I'd have to start riding my SR500 again to get used to left foot shifting.

--Dave
1965 Ducati 250
196? Monkey Wards/Benelli 125 cafe
1972 Ducati 350
1974 Norton Commando 750
1979 Yamaha SR500 (takes the "fun" out of old singles by being reliable)
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  #18  
Old 18 Jun 2008
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Originally Posted by Dave_Smith View Post
I got worried when you talked about left foot shifting. I'm glad to know the Enfield is still right foot. If I blow up the Duc again, it's an Enfield 350 for me. I thought I'd have to start riding my SR500 again to get used to left foot shifting.

--Dave
1965 Ducati 250
196? Monkey Wards/Benelli 125 cafe
1972 Ducati 350
1974 Norton Commando 750
1979 Yamaha SR500 (takes the "fun" out of old singles by being reliable)
You can buy them in right or left foot gear change!
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  #19  
Old 18 Jun 2008
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If you do go for an Enfield you might want to try and get a British one. Despite the fact that they are newer the Indian Enfields have appaling metal so don't last well....
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  #20  
Old 18 Jun 2008
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Originally Posted by henryuk View Post
If you do go for an Enfield you might want to try and get a British one. Despite the fact that they are newer the Indian Enfields have appaling metal so don't last well....
Well that is yet to be determined. I'll meet you back here in 30 years and we can argue over that one.
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  #21  
Old 18 Jun 2008
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Injun Enfields have a rather chequered history. Some are much better than others. Recent ones are quite good.

Out of interest, DSJ, you were saying you've got a few cars you don't pay tax on. What have you got? (Realise this is off topic!)

Matt
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*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
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  #22  
Old 18 Jun 2008
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Originally Posted by Matt Cartney View Post
Injun Enfields have a rather chequered history. Some are much better than others. Recent ones are quite good.

Out of interest, DSJ, you were saying you've got a few cars you don't pay tax on. What have you got? (Realise this is off topic!)

Matt

I've got:

1972 Vauxhall Firenza 2300 with del 48's - fun!
1972 Land Rover 109
1972 Land Rover 88
1954 Austin A30
1962 Trojan Tro-bike
An old Austin Healey 3000 in need of serious restoration which I'm importing from the States.

My everyday car is a 2002 peugeot 206 1.4 diesel, that's £35 a year tax, going down to £20 a year tax next year due to good emissions!

Therefore, the thing I pay most tax on is my Ducati 996! I can't remember the price off hand.
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  #23  
Old 18 Jun 2008
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That's a nice collection of vehicles!

The Austin Healey 3000 is my dream car, pref. in the cream and light blue colour scheme!

Matt
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http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
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  #24  
Old 18 Jun 2008
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Originally Posted by Matt Cartney View Post
That's a nice collection of vehicles!

The Austin Healey 3000 is my dream car, pref. in the cream and light blue colour scheme!

Matt
Same here!

I'm not a fan of red cars but I saw a red and cream Healey which just looked stunning (not sure what colour red it was), so I'll probably go for that in the end. Prior to seeing this red car I always love the cream and light blue!
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  #25  
Old 18 Jun 2008
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Although, it has to be said, the 100 is a bloody lovely car too. When I have inexplicably accumulated vast wealth I might have one of each!

Matt
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
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