7 Years with the Royal Enfield Continental GT 535 - Scottoiler Evaluation

[@smokee27]

I had a Harley Sportster 883 but Florida is just not the place to ride them. Loved the bike, hated the other drivers. Everyone seems so focused on their phones and less focused on their fellow riders so sadly I got rid of it a few months back. The final straw was when I noticed some lady in an SUV while I was in the turn lane. She was on her phone and I think the only thing that saved me was the noise of my tailpipes. I had the upgraded Vance & Hines exhaust so that gave it a nice loud rumble. Unfortunately you can't fix stupid on the road and I value my life more than my toys. Be safe on the roads Don, Florida drivers are unforgiving.

[@donsengine3158]

You re so right.. my riding ha dropped a ton since moving here...

[@stevemaines4038]

I am out this morning to look at a 2015 GT 535 with 2500 kms on the clock. I appreciate the long term review and real owner feedback.

[@donsengine3158]

Nice... If you have any questions that may be well answered in another video, let me know.. Good luck. Don

[@tshute2]

Very cool, love mine. I've had it since '14, so almost 9 yrs now. I've done quite a few mods, which are on KZbin on my little, little channel, and added some since. I'm in the midst of making it an endurance bike replica from the 80's now. It, too is my favorite bike I've owned, and I've had many. Miles of smiles.

[@donsengine3158]

I'm going over for a look.... Don

[@grahamtranter3616]

As someone who lives nearby the A5 Watling Street in Staffordshire England its apparent to me that your roads were built by the Roman Empire in around AD150 (they did like e'm straight back then).

[@donsengine3158]

Yes, much like the roads I used to blast around around on when I was at RAF Mildenhall minus the hedgerows. Very familiar with Staffordshire... From the NEC in Birmingham up through Stoke on Trent. Florida doesn't provide much of a challenge to skills though.

[@landedzentry]

@@donsengine3158 when I was a kid (late '60s) - the American jets would fly over the fields in Norfolk at 500feet - it was fantastic :))

[@annhennessy178]

I love this review its not from a young guy it's honest and true I'm buying one not to far away new great review and bike looks great after 7 years looks like an old ducati I'm looking forward to buying my new one they look great sound great I own a bennelli 400 imperiale 21 at the minute wouldn't trade it cause its a fantastic bike as well regards from Ireland

[@donsengine3158]

Thank you. t truly is an enjoyable ride. Don

[@spaceted3977]

The one thing I did which greatly improved my 7 yr old Royal Enfield Continental 535 was to fit a Lithium Ion Battery !!!! I have had no problems with my bike, and I fitted a Small Fairing on it !!!!

[@donsengine3158]

Nice! Those LI batteries also help to drop a couple pounds.. Don

[@marcr8968]

You can purchase those frame plugs online from Hitchcock's in Britain. Great bike for riding those back roads. I have a 2017 model just like yours, same color with the same Motad exhaust can. I haven't had any problems with mine so far.

[@burtvhulberthyhbn7583]

Having ridden a friend's twice they really handle mountain roads very well

[@donsengine3158]

Amazingly nimble in the hills. It dominated n the narrow twisty roads around my home in Germany. Don

[@Lemmingadventures]

The new Continental GT has been on my wish list for a while along with many, many other bikes. I saw one of these for sale about 6 months ago and was disappointed that is was a single. I already own two thumper bikes and I am ready for a change. Then I saw a video of one of these by fuzzy biker and fell in love with them. So now I want one of these. I wish I was Jay Leno with a warehouse full of all the bikes I want which would include one of these for sure. Thanks for the video.

[@donsengine3158]

Ha ha.. I wish I was Jay Leno too. One at a time my friend... Don

[@jeffreyhurst9552]

Nice review. I just bought a RE Himalayan and also thought the switchgear was cheaply made. I’m glad to hear that has held up over time. Singles can be great fun. I live near Tampa and Florida roads seem mostly straight, flat and boring…

[@donsengine3158]

You are darn right about Florida roads... yeechh.. for bikers a real let down. And yes, Singles are a lot of fun. Lots of benefits to owning a single many people don't even realize. Great reviews on the Himalayan out there now. Don

[@germanicus5264]

I just bought one here in Victoria BC. Same year, same color. Not as well maintained as yours but thankfully came with an aftermarket exhaust. Iit has an oil leak from the secondary oil filter cover plate. Probably the O ring...Anyway, Thanks for the great honest review. It's a lovely motorcycle!

[@donsengine3158]

Yes, it is. I still enjoy the heck out of mine. Luckily mx and repair of these is dead easy should it come to it. Enjoy the ride. Don😀

[@jhonwick6133]

Can you please tell me the average mileage you got? Plzz

[@Zombi3Food]

Nice review on the long term side of things. Just what I was looking for. I've been toying around with the idea of picking up one of these and this was just more reason to.

[@donsengine3158]

I love the bike. Selling my wifes on Ebay now. I set it up just like mine, but hers only has 2800 miles. Still has the frame plugs, OEM tires and chain etc... Where you at? Shoot me an email if interested, I can tell you more.

[@donsengine3158]

Made A mistake, I don't have it on ebay, it expired few weeks ago. Been to busy and forgot. It sits on the battery tender and i take it out for a short spin every couple weeks to keep the juices flowing. Don

[@gitaneVYS491R]

I got mine in 2015, now done over 15000 miles. When I bought it I thought that maybe the novelty would soon wear off but that hasn't happened, I still really enjoy it.

[@donsengine3158]

Absolutely.. These Enfield's are what Honda was in the 60's and 70's... Fun.. Keep on Enjoyin. Don

[@jhonwick6133]

Can you please tell me the average mileage you got?

[@gitaneVYS491R]

@@jhonwick6133 Haven't checked mpg since the bike was new. During first 1000 miles it was getting between mid-80s to 100. Bike now has free flowing filter and silencer and pcv, I'd guess it's doing well into the 70s and would easily manage more on a long run.

[@jhonwick6133]

@@gitaneVYS491R bro I was asking about the fuel efficiency. How much kilometers in 1 litr petrol

[@gitaneVYS491R]

I know. I'm in the UK, we use mpg.

[@muteebbhat1024]

I'm getting a used one. Wish me luck

[@donsengine3158]

No luck needed, these are great bikes.. Don

[@davidmuir6849]

Fantastic review ,thanks for sharing . Regards Dave from Scotland

[@donsengine3158]

Thanks. These RE's re really fun bikes. Love mine for sure. Don

[@Rider-eb9qw]

Such a honest review I really appreciate that man thank you❤️🙏🏻🇮🇳

[@donsengine3158]

I try... Thanks.

[@GurpreetVermaYT]

Tonnes of character, this motorcycle

[@donsengine3158]

You got that right.....

[@landedzentry]

Very pretty bike - I am looking for one as a second bike. Yes - the kickstart - saves the starter motor yet Ive never seen a British tester use it ...kids! LOL I think they will hold their value as you say- whereas the new twin 650 continental gt not so much. Thanks for the info - I had no idea the stock exhaust was so heavy - that's a very cheap and fast performance upgrade.

[@donsengine3158]

Ya, I was going for a throatier sound when I changed the pipe. I couldn't believe the weight of the OEM. It almost put a hole in the concrete. I got a triple bonus with the swap. Less weight, More HP and a nice sound.

[@aspinaki]

I have one just like the same color. It is a fantastic bake. It has its own charm. Now a days some crap people throw shits on this bike. According to me, they are yet to grow up to understand this bike.

[@donsengine3158]

You got that right.... Don

[@stuartstibbs2069]

Well done mate...good report. Greetings from South Australia. Just looking at one, the same as yours. Interesting you saying about lightening the flywheel. That would make a big difference. They do that quite a lot on the big moto guzzis. How much metal did you remove from the flywheel...in weight or % ?

[@donsengine3158]

Thanks Mate... I didn't lighten the flywheel, Enfield did when they were designing this to be a cafe. I'm not sure how much lighter it from its Bullet origins, but I've ridden a lot of bullets and they're like farm tractors compared to this. A bullet will pull up mountain grades loaded with Kit all day at low speed. This bike just wants to be on the boil. Much better for fast American roads. Don

[@stuartstibbs2069]

@@donsengine3158 Ahh...ok. I missunderstood. Good idea tho! Thanks. Take care, and ride safe.

[@jonpearson6088]

0:09 how did you mount new horn?

[@donsengine3158]

Its right in the covered area where the frame tubes run up to the head. One bolt and nut

[@waverinreborn]

I'm having issues with fuel pump motor... Is there any chance of getting a branded motor for fuel pump instead of changing whole costly rare fuel pump!?!?!?

[@donsengine3158]

I honestly wouldn't know. I've never had an issue with mine. Did you check your wire connections and fuse? My brothers MGuzzi messed up and the shop told him it was a fuel pump issue. They wanted a fortune for it. He went home and pulled all his connectors and cleaned them with electric cleaner and bam.. it fired right up.

[@dalemcinnes1834]

Hi Don, loved the video and was not aware of the GT 535. I was quite surprised by the exhaust experience that you had. Never heard of that before meaning the weight issue. Sounds like it was a definite win win situation. You said it was originally 500 cc and was bored out to 535 cc. i was curious why that was done on such a new bike? Dale in Canada 🇨🇦

[@donsengine3158]

Dale, The bore out was factory change to up the displacement from the stock bullet 500. It just gives the bike a little more power. I didn't do it. They also lightened the flywheel and did a few more performance mods. The lighter Ti exhaust makes a huge difference. Its the pendulum effect. The center point of the bike is like a fulcrum point. The further you move out from that point, the greater any leveraged weight will have on the opposing end ie. steering. If you look at performance bikes today, they mash the CC up under the engine and cut the exhaust short and up sweep it to keep it front of the rear wheel center point. On a bike as light as the GT, a heavy can sticking that far back just overpowers any decent handling..

[@spaceted3977]

They are 535 cc from new !!! It says it on the right side of the Cylinder !!!!

[@jeremyatkinson4976]

@@donsengine3158 It's the 350 crank, at least that's my understanding

[@michaelfiori771]

Hey Don, thanks for the great review. Can you tell me the name of that exhaust you added on? I’d be interested in picking one up for mine. Thanks much.

[@donsengine3158]

Hi Michael. That exhaust in particular is a Hitchcocks of UK made Titanium can. They only made them for a few years as they were outrageously expensive. (new performance can is 700 British pounds) They make a similar Stainless version now, but its isn't nearly as light weight. Something that makes this bikes handling come alive by reducing the pendulum effect of a the can swinging around behind you. I cant vouch for the engine performance of the newer version either as cost cuts had to be made. Anyway, interestingly enough, my son just sold his 535 with that same Ti can, but had it removed by me when he did. If it might interest you, shoot me an email (its on my page) Don

[@amudhanvijay5185]

My all time favourite 🥺

[@donsengine3158]

It was only available 3.5 years in the U.S. and EU. Probably the best RE single ever built. If you're ever over this way look me up and you can take it out. Don

[@nagyashwanth5823]

@@donsengine3158 Same here in India

[@donsengine3158]

@@nagyashwanth5823 Great machine... love it. Don

[@donsengine3158]

Love India too....

[@aleksvidaic9021]

Hey Don, I loved the review! Looking to pick up a 535 sometime soon and was wondering if my 6'4 self could fit on this beautiful machine and not look like a giraffe. Thanks! -Aleks

[@lukeroberts243]

Buying one of these tomorrow. Sold my honda blackbird and my superhawk streetfighter, was looking for something fun and that handled well, and saw one of these. Its a 2018 and has done 1900 miles, absolutely mint condition. Thanks for the video, good to know the little niggles.

[@donsengine3158]

You'll definitely be riding slower now. But the fun factor is #1. Also great for carving up urban traffic. Way better than the 600 crotch rocket I had in that aspect. Narrower, more nimble. Enjoy! Don

[@lukeroberts243]

@@donsengine3158 I'm hoping to ride the wheels off it down the local twisty roads, I live in the countryside so it's twisty roads from my door for miles in all directions. Might even get to show up a few poorly ridden sports bikes once I get it set up and get used to it!

[@donsengine3158]

Probably so. It always shocked me what that bike could do on really technical roads in Germany. Left a few big headed squid boys red faced for sure.

[@getheroutofthetruck]

Is it comfortable on longer rides? What's it like in traffic at low speeds?

[@donsengine3158]

As long as your not talking about straight line highway, meaning you're on some nice twisty roads and moving around on the bike, then comforts not an issue. But that's how cafe' type bikes are. I probably don't ride it out more than 50 miles or so at a shot without getting off to stretch. If comfort is the main concern a touring or custom type bike are better ways to go. In traffic at low speed.. OMG, I keep the natives leaning on their horns. I can lane split, lay her down between cars to switch over lanes... It moves like a cat in traffic. Drives those 10 mph grid locked cagers to insanity as I just pick where I want to go and GO.. Love it in that aspect. Don

[@getheroutofthetruck]

@@donsengine3158 excellent. thanks Don

[@Superbikesam96]

High way speed like cruise speed ...the original 250 back from the 60s did like 80mph this does like 29bhp ..and the 250 from 60s made like 20hp...

[@donsengine3158]

and this bike is quiet a bit heavier, torquier, runs at lower rpm and is more comfortable. Apples n Oranges. Don

[@ismailpblr]

Well maintained bike 🏍👏

[@donsengine3158]

Thanx.. I try to keep it clean and maintained... Its a fun bike for sure!!

[@alanmuther]

I like this bike.

[@donsengine3158]

Me TOOO!!!

[@gavinmvagusta7769]

Thanks for the review! very good. :)

[@donsengine3158]

My pleasure!

[@morrisminor56]

I had the Classic 500 for 2years then traded up for the Interceptor 650 2 years ago.

[@multiorry]

Wich bike you like the most?

[@morrisminor56]

@@multiorry the Classic 350 that I have now.

[@CharlesStettler-kp4ot]

what is the blue liquid on this bottle ? ( stan from Geneva Switzerland ❤)?

[@donsengine3158]

Chain lube...

[@johnrocker2986]

Great bike your a good owner!

[@donsengine3158]

I try to put em away clean and kept....

[@foundnotlost]

Do you think this engine would do well in a 1 seater blitz buggy (280kg) ish. I just love the sound and it pulls good in the bike?

[@donsengine3158]

It would.. but what a shame to kill a GT, though to look at a bullet which has a heavier flywheel.

[@foundnotlost]

@@donsengine3158 front ends smashed in

[@donsengine3158]

@@foundnotlost Ouch.. thats sad.

[@foundnotlost]

It's my fathers bike a hgv backed up over it at work, no one was on it but its in bad shape, still starts first time.

[@donsengine3158]

@@foundnotlost Man, that is sad. Can't fix the damage???

[@Jimjake67]

What is the song used in the background in the beginning of the video

[@donsengine3158]

Hey Jim, not sure, it was just one of the free bee track that came with the editing software. It was like track 1 Blues. Sorry for the lack of info. Don

[@Jimjake67]

@@donsengine3158thank you

[@mikeflanagan825]

going on 5,replacing the wiring harness now.

[@donsengine3158]

Jeez, what happened??? Sounds more like a Suzuki issue.

[@mprime6807]

Are you running a fuel programmer? My stock fuel injection was horrible. I had a 1 in 3 chance of stalling at a stop sign when stock.

[@donsengine3158]

No, I really haven't had an issue with the fueling. Maybe its cause I'm at sea level here. Don

[@donsengine3158]

Mprime, Hey, I've been thinking about this question as I ride my bike and got to thinking about a few things. 1. Are you using regular gasoline? Don't use ethanolized gas. You may as well dump turpintine and draino n your fuel tank. The Ethanol will lean your bike out way too much and it WILL stall when trying to come back to idle. 2. Bike needs to be good and warmed up for the o2 sensor to kick in as its not a heated sensor, so if your just doing short jaunts and not getting the o2 toasty, the ecm won't know where to map your fuel mixture at, and with a free breathing exhaust, will try to run at the leaner open loop setting. Hence a sudden drop in throttle will basically starve the engine. You could put exhaust wrap from just below the sensor up to near the ex outlet to hold more heat on that o2 to get it warmed up faster if you're not running it hard enough to warm it. I've had a number of big single bikes over the years, and one thing they all like is a little blipping on the throttle and to be eased down in rpm. That's one big chunk of piston floating up and down doing all the work. A 4 cylinder will divide the load and push along a starved companion, but the single, once it decides to die, it will. Just something to keep in mind. Don

[@mprime6807]

@@donsengine3158 I've been pretty easy with its warm ups and I've used both E0 and E10. I prefer the E0 for the reasons you mentioned, but I haven't noticed any difference between the two. I think the bike wasn't set up properly when it was sold. My enrichner lever barely makes a difference and the bike has to actually start before I can engage it. I do know that it was incredibly lean before I put the piggy back computer on. It's also a first year model.

[@donsengine3158]

@@mprime6807 That's kind of odd abut eth enrichener. I usually kick start my bike when its cold and that enrichener has to be engaged. You very well could have an improperly programed ecm... Don

[@andrewbull3537]

I think your shock absorbs are upside down..?,maybe not,but they don't look right.

[@donsengine3158]

Nope, thats how they go.. Don

[@joshuajoshua8802]

Brother.....1 questions please answer 🤲 ...my friend sell for 1:2 lakh....6 yrs already please...is it worth to buys or not

[@donsengine3158]

That depends on where you live and ride. Its a great city bike, smooth road bike and is worth it if you ride this way. If you live where the roads aren't so good and need a bike to move things around you will be better served with a Bullet model. Don

[@abcreationsproduction9793]

Whats the music?

[@frankiepitt9135]

You say cheaply made but it doesn’t cost much.

[@donsengine3158]

got that right....

[@sumitron2k]

R u selling ?

[@donsengine3158]

NO... Shes a keeper...

[@REALPISTONHEARTED]

Holla Don

[@donsengine3158]

How are you friend??? ✌

[@jubileeroyalbikesmangalore7836]

Where can i get this exhaust i am from India

[@donsengine3158]

They only made it for the first couple years of 535 production at Hitchcocks in the UK. I actually have one up on Ebay (US) right now that came off my sons 535 when I sold it for him.

[@samestuffdifferentday5712]

Do all royal enfields have to be kick started? I don’t like kick start motorcycles.

[@donsengine3158]

No not at all. This one has electric start as well. I was just demonstrating what a bunch of juggheads moto-scribes are by actually kicking it over. Don 👍

[@amudhanvijay5185]

Not available in India

[@frankiepitt9135]

Not available new anywhere now, but yes of course it was available in India. It’s made there, very strange statement!

[@vishaalpamulapati]

I ride one everyday

[@davidraiguitarman6970]

@@frankiepitt9135 they have stopped the production. We can get only second hand if we are lucky enough. I got one 3months back British Green Colour. ❤️

[@aumkar2]

Great review! An excellent motorbike!

[@donsengine3158]

Thanks, Yes, Its a wonderful machine. I got addicted to these riding Bullets in India. Don

[@calvisale6991]

Hi there. Would you be able to provide me your email. Im buying a 2nd hand GT and would love to discuss with you a few things about the same.

[@donsengine3158]

Sure, there's a link on the page if you go to (About) Don

[@calvisale6991]

@@donsengine3158 I'm unable to find it. Can you help?

[@calvisale6991]

@@donsengine3158 thanks.i have dropped an enail