REA #38 | 5 Things I Hate About My Royal Enfield Classic 500

[@andywhite1360]

I love that what most pisses you off is other people's attitudes! I've been riding bikes for forty years, owned Harleys, BMW's, Yamaha's but they are all eclipsed by the Classic 500 I just treated myself to... Best buy ever.

[@iRidetas]

It is a fun bike for sure! Enjoy

[@patrickbaxter3661]

You're spot on about touring on anything. Many years ago I was on a trip on my big Harley tourer when I encountered a bloke touring on a Suzuki step-through. Sorta made me feel humble.

[@iRidetas]

Lol thats cool! Gotta go with what youve got! 😀😀

[@Rangernewb5550]

I'm always hearing stories about people crossing continents on little 50cc - 200cc bikes.

[@Johnny-sj9sj]

Thanks mate! I have had my Pegasus 500 for three years and I cannot say anything bad about it. Having said that, I might go for 19! Thanks from 🇬🇧🤡

[@stephenmcfadyen1385]

Hi I have just taken possession of my Classic 500 2 days ago thank you for your positive comments they are supported 100 percent from me. My 2019 model has disc brakes all round with ABS, no excess vibration other than what you would expect from a large 500 single. The Bike has to go back to the dealer next week to get a raft of parts fitted that were not available in store when I took possession of my bike, you are right, parts are an issue, my major annoyance is the piddling round mirrors that come with the bike I only have a view of my right shoulder and I already know what that looks like.

[@iRidetas]

Awesome, be careful of parts direct from india. Appaling quality if they turn up! But enjoy your bike they are awrsome 😊😊

[@nikos-giorgos]

@@iRidetas What do you mean "parts from India". Aren't they all? So you're saying all genuine parts for this bike are of appalling quality! Where does this leave the bike then?

[@iRidetas]

@@nikos-giorgosNo they are not. like any bike there are a billion aftermarket parts producers mate..most of them are from india. Hotchcocks make high quality parts they are uk. Several non indian suppliers availble. If you buy parts from a number of even big name indian suppliers they are very cheaply made and can be appaling quality. Even the RE parts can be poor. Bike quality is exceptable to quite high

[@MrEye4get]

I presently own two motorcycles. One is a Kawasaki Vulcan 650 and a Royal Enfield Class 500 with sidecar. There are many differences, but none that I particularly hate. The Vulcan is a more powerful and smoother ride. The RE with Sidecar is an adventure every-time! I will definitely look for a 19-tooth front sprocket for the RE.

[@iRidetas]

Both great motorcycles for different reasons! Enjoy

[@thewatchman6074]

You're right about the gearing, but what you need to remember, is that this bike was designed for England's winding country lanes (no motorways at that time), and the design hasn't changed since they sold the licence to India. I notice the roads you have are long and straight for the most part, so I can see why you need higher gearing. Even back then (in the 50's,) the bullet wasn't even a sports machine (working mans commuter) so, I guess it's a bit of a double whammy in a time when traffic is faster and the engine and frame were at their limits 60 years ago. Still a wonderful old bike though. The other thing I hate about Royal Enfields is that I haven't got one.

[@iRidetas]

Some great points there mate, but it is great bike for tootling the back roads! Gearing change helps it a lot imo!

[@ihopetowin]

You preset the best information I've come across on the web in regard to these wonderful bikes, thanks.

[@iRidetas]

My pleasure, thanks for watching and the great comments!

[@fernandomagalhaes2957]

After you publish this video i stayed thinking about my 5 things I hate or my five cons. I didn't find many, except the excessive vibration at high revs and the low visibility of neutral and turning pilot lights. For cruising at north Portugal mountain roads and intense urban traffic, the stock sprocket is ok.

[@iRidetas]

Its hard i was struggling myself hate nothing like you just a few cons! Cheers

[@tomstockell9481]

Great video, thanks mate - especially concerning the vibrations

[@iRidetas]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@chrispiatt2235]

Thanks for the thoughtful, well, thoughts. Nice to see the mirrors back on. I've used bar-end mirrors on a variety of bikes, but for some reason over the past couple of years, they started to give off a Dbag vibe in my view. On a more practical note though, here in Chicago they aren't too helpful for filtering. I ride a 77 BMW R100S, which has plenty of charm, but the Classic 500 is kind of peerless in that regard. I'm just waiting on a good used chrome model to come up when I'm in that moment.

[@iRidetas]

This video was shot before i put the bar end mirrors on! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@chrispiatt2235]

@@iRidetas Doh!

[@chrispiatt2235]

@@iRidetas That's more of the wee round ones anyhow.

[@frankysworld]

hehe, pretty much par on with my top 5 annoyances: 5) with you there on gear ratio and want to add the way the bike had been squeezed to pass EU emission, but both issues easily fixed without breaking the bank. 4) yup, my only wtf moment when realizing what I had to do to change the front sprocket, but I reckon I do it in half of the time, next time :) 3) Haven't really looked ta he back sprocket yet, I don't feel the need to mess with it (yet) but I get your point. 2)I don't have as much the issues with parts, I order oil filter by the 10 because they are dead cheap and being close to the UK I can order most stuff specifically Enfield from Hitchcocks' and 1) I agree with the perception being a thing, but here I am, proven them all wrong with passing 7000 miles since May 2019 in all sorts of weather, at least 5 days out of the week with a Suzuki VZ800 in my garage that I have,t touched since I got Badger. 1) If there is one think that actually annoys me, it is the EU specific fuel inset they put on that makes it a pain to fuel up. There is so little room for the fuel nozzle to go in that it often autoshuts because the fuel can't flow straight in the tank, unless you get the nozzle in under a weird angle. :)

[@iRidetas]

Haha i forgot about that, that is a genuine piss off getting fuel into the tank 🤦‍♂️ who ever designed that needs an upper cut!! But yeah its the not been able to get parts that is really annoying at the moment. Had two take a 3 week break from videos cause so much stuff hadnt turned uo was rubbish when arrived i ran out of back log of parts for the videos!

[@stevewaller9346]

Really enjoyable videos from you. Only seen 2, but just subscribed. Beginning to wish I'd looked for an Enfield instead of the Honda I've bought ready for passing my big bike test in The UK.

[@iRidetas]

Welcome aboard mate, my opinion if your not happy with the honda grab a bike you want. Life too short to ride a bike you dont love! Take care stay safe

[@rej1960]

Vibrations - I restored my dad's '36 Triumph L2/1 250 single. It nearly nearly buzzed my fingernails off and did shake the top cover off the float bowl the first time I rode it. Everything is relative!!

[@iRidetas]

Yup i had a xs650 that was horrendous for vibrations

[@sirgalah561]

I'm planning on doing a ride from Perth WA to Albany WA and return.. My bike has just over 5000km and is on standard gearing. Im looking forward to the long slow ride.. Im looking through my maps and working out a path I can take where my top speed will be 90kph or less... I've gotten bored with riding on the freeways.. You see absolutely nothing.. Take the back roads, it takes longer but you see more.. And get to stop more for a pee break and a stretch. The fuel range is good too.. Im getting 33km/liter on average, running 91RON fuel.. As far as carrying my camping gear, I've taken off the rear seat and added a rack, and taken off the rear pegs and replaced them with a decent sized eyelet on both sides so I can tie off my gear.. Anyhoo.. Love your reviews.. Are you the same guy that adds rare earth magnets to the sump plugs.. Ive started doing that too.. 👍

[@stevemiller7433]

I would have to agree with what you said. The parts situation is ridiculous. I won't buy anything from India now..especially aftermarket modifications.. the quality is shameful, they never fit, the customer service is non existent, they take forever. Your bike is tourable, mine is not (1,500 miles on the clock). The handlebar vibrations are hand numbing at freeway speed on long rides.. I own, but have yet to install, the 19t sprocket and Anti vibration plate. Yes, the stock gearing is not compatible with U.S. highway riding. As you said, getting into and working on this engine is daunting... I don't trust my minimal skills to do the modifications necessary and finding a mechanic willing/able to do it is ...difficult. IF I could get the vibrations down to a sub-painful level, the need for my Interceptor 650 would be next to zero.. the 500 is more fun and funky, adequately powered. Yet, the 650, is butter smooth and fast, comfortable at 75MPH. With a windshield, I could ride it all day... it is REALLY comfortable.

[@iRidetas]

Yeah i have struck the same things, at the moment a bunch of things i have bought just havent turned up which is frustrating. You are right its a cool 2nd bike. If it had a bit more grunt and was a bit smoother at cruising it could be a first bike for sure!

[@bettybluey2712]

Well said. I used both a Honda 50 step through and a cb125 for long distance riding in the early 70s. You can tour on any size bike it's just a different experience......and yes, in those days a 500cc was a big bike!

[@iRidetas]

Absolutely, have watched alk Ed Marches video long distance touring on CT90 and it looks like a blast. Yeah we have come a long way with 1200GS been a touring bike!

[@marceloviapiana2059]

Currently living in Singapore but in a years time hope to be living in Tassie and yes i will ship my Royal down can wait to ride tassies roads

[@avishekchowdhury482]

Nice video n great info. I have seen your multiple videos and have observed that the vibrations are really low on your Classic 500. I own a Classic 500 and the vibrations are killing me. Could you suggest few ways to get rid of those terrible vibrations? My bike has run 9.5k km and I don't see them going. Thanks!

[@iRidetas]

Check out my playlist plenty of ideas in the videos The Royal Enfield Adventures: kzbin.info/aero/PLmVgB9c9_om0AGJrzIv3oOAzvEBUmWNWu

[@sirgalah561]

Did you manage to get rid of the vibrations? I sent an email to Hitchcocks in England and asked them about the vibrations on my C500.. They suggested loosening the main engine mount bolts.. Just a little.. Start the bike, give it a few revs, then shut it off.. Retighten/torque those bolts.. I did that, and a lot of the vibrations disappeared. Not all, its a long stroke 500 single so itll vibrate... But I tried the engibe bolt trick and ut worked for me.. Apparently the engine needs to settle in to the engine mounts in the frame and its set a certain way from the factory..

[@lordchickenhawk]

Yeah... mostly, I ride a a Czech 1968 CZ125. It's a little bike these days, but it was quite an ordinary sized machine when it came out... Then came the CB 750 and changed everything. I've got an FJ1200 and a GS1100 that I haven't bothered registering in decades... but my Enny 500 is the most fun I've ever had with my clothes on The only thing that came close was a Yammy SR500. I could put that thing through a round-about sideways. If they had kept that bike going here in Aus (in the manner the Gixxer) it would have become an emblematic machine for motorcycling history to rival the C-50, every Harley ever made or even the GSX-R itself. Heritage Bloody Matters! The Enny has Heritage. It doesn't have the un-killable reliability of the "C" series Hondas. It doesn't have the media recognition of the Harley. It doesn't have the performance of a GSX-R. It has a soul... India has got that bit of motorcycling down pat. P.S. I think the area of heritage that Royal Enfield gets right is similar to Harley. It is a rather basic machine. With a little effort a back-yard mechanic can learn all he or she needs to know in order to make the machine their own. Like my CZ, I can make my own modifications to level her up... or when times are tough, my own parts to keep her going. I can't really do that with a Gixxer very much. Or any other motorcycle of this era. I OWN MY MACHINES! The factory just produces them.

[@sacredrose]

Thanks for doing this video. You have put to rest several fears I had about buying one. The only think I don't like about the REs today is the colour, I'm a bit hip and love the maroon and teal and not too keen on black and yet everyone else I talk to seem to love black! We looked at the tribute 500 with all the cases and exhaust pipe in black and thought it would be a hard bike to keep clean. My brother and I like the old Ariels and getting one of these would re live the early days pumping along on the old jiggers. We would love them to remake bikes with girder forks just for old time sake but I can't see that happening. I would be interested in what camera you use for your vids and any chance in making a vid about warm and dry winter wear for riding? I used to live in Burnie and travelled the old coast road a lot teaching didgeridoo at tafe but that's a LOOOONG time ago now. In S.A now Cheers! P.S. Saw your vid on old coast road on the green bike!

[@iRidetas]

Thanks mate! Gopro hero5 black for those vids. I have done a clothing vid as part of the series. I'll link below. Cheers

[@iRidetas]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2aymmWViqyWr5Y

[@sacredrose]

@@iRidetas thanks

[@bigred8438]

When you got to the part about the dealership and availability of spares for your scoot, it made me wonder if anyone is qualified to service it there, and whether they were close by, in Davenport? Speaking of vibrations, and bike with less than 3 cylinders is going to produce some vibrations unless it has a counter rotating mechanism to off set the vibes as in my BMW, but not in my XS650 yamaha which is almost exruciating after a while. And yet, l have an XV 1900 and l don't find it has problems like that, probably because it has some type of counter rotating shaft. Thats the way it is though. Haven't owned a four cylinder bike since 1982, so l live with the vibes. Just got to the part in your video where you talk about having your own xs650 so you know what they are like, more vibration than my A65 from back in the day.

[@iRidetas]

Hey mate, closest distributor is in Launceston, its about an hour away but they have to order a lot of stuff in, but are good. The XS650 is the worst bike ive ever owned!!! But still bought it, rode it, chopped it, killed it and still sold it to a hipster for a significant amount more than i bought it for 🤣🤣 but seriously getting parts for the RE online is a crap shoot. Half the stuff ive ordered doesnt turn up from india as the sellers are trying to rip you off or there is WEEKS in turn around time!! Thats the down fall of this bike!

[@bigred8438]

@@iRidetas :)

[@morgan.enfield]

Hello, agree with these points. There is no problem on Euro4 models with the change of rear sprocket as they have a disc brake, I fitted a 36 teeth rear sprocket. My only concern is about power as 27 HP (perhaps 29-30 with K&N filter and Goldstar silencer) is not much power. I think 35 HP would be nice.

[@iRidetas]

I agree 35hp would make it very nice indeed! 😊

[@jeffslade1892]

Hmm, that can be done. K&N, full free-flow system PCV with RevXtend to 6000rpm and Autotune AT-200, and custom maps. Standard gearing (18T) 2015 Classic EFI-500. 34bhp dyno (crank by spin down) best run torque 57Nm. The 19T put a big gap between gears which did not suit corners and bends, and reduced the ultimate top speed of 100mph; reverted to 18T. The motor cruises very happily at 4000rpm (MMB tacho) which is the start of the power band, many owners never run the motor that high. Full bedded-in, it revs freely to the limiter without undue vibration. It will pull from very low revs but making it slog in high gear piling on the coals is not good for it; it pulls best in the power band 4000 to 5500rpm. On a small winding country road the motor responds more flexibly if the revs can be kept up. By increasing the gearing with the 19T, power to the rear wheel is reduced, which makes you want more horses. On the 19T I was having to accelerate to 75mph in 4th to join a motorway, any slower and we would drop under the power band and top would struggle to propel the bike; on the 18T we can hook up onto top gear at 65mph and then accelerate to over 70mph (or more) as needed to negotiate joining motorway safely. Whilst rather nippy up to 40mph it's still no crotch rocket, we cannot sensibly get 60mph until 4th gear.

[@WestSussexBiker]

My main hate in general of Royal Enfield is those people who have a dislike of the manufacturer's bikes even without trying one out. They just listen to rumours that go around. No, they are not as fast or smooth as their Japanese counterparts but they have heaps of character, fugal, reliable and cheap to repair. Not everyone wants a bike that can do 120mph without and vibs. Not everyone wants a mortgage to buy the latest model every 3 years

[@iRidetas]

Exactly, the UCE has proven reliability so all the old stereotypes of indian made enfields dont apply but mud sticks for sure!

[@jfro5867]

👍Love your vlogs. Sorely tempted to get a classic myself.

[@iRidetas]

Go for it! Such a fun bike! 👍👍

[@ganrajsingh7612]

I am 💯% agree with you about the struggle to find parts !!! Which Must be relatively easy as Royal Enfield selling bikes to Australia and other countries for a while but NO PART !! Thats a shame. I broke my front motor mount stud ! I have to get it from India, Other thing about can't tour on Royal Enfield - It is annoying a stereotypical - Mine old cast iron Bullet 500 do over 110 KMPH just fine......

[@iRidetas]

Absolutely! Best touring bike is the bike you, own, trust and can fix man

[@ThirdMonarch]

So i don't have an RE dealer near enough where I live but I'm considering one of these bikes unfortunately that means im ordering online and hoping for the best, EVERYONE complains about the vibrations which drives me insane, in all honesty you're saying if you switch out the stock bars and ride it in right, over time its a fine machine? i expect these guys to have a little rumble that's what you get from a single cylinder, but it isn't as bad as everyone is hyping it up to be?

[@enfieldman]

Number one of your list is the one to bother about the least. It's what you experience that is most important right? What others think... What does that matter, they don't drive your bike...

[@iRidetas]

For sure!

[@Aolen75]

Living in Tassie myself i know how annoying it can be to get parts and other general things here.

[@iRidetas]

Yeah absolutely, in no way is it limited to motorcycle parts

[@tejpatel4475]

Hi @iRidetas Can you please tell us where you buy your goods from for the classic? Which website? Cheers!

[@iRidetas]

Many different websites, each modification video will show it or have a link

[@geewah9736]

try HitchcocksMotorcycles.com , I get parts for my 2009 Bullet EFI from them,based in good ole England

[@pynskhemlangniangti4209]

I've been touring the Himalayan mountains trust me the bike is just robust mean machine

[@iRidetas]

Sounds a great trip! it depends on what your used to. RE doesnt have, say Honda reliability, but it is a good reliable machine in my experience if you do some preventative maintenence!

[@pynskhemlangniangti4209]

@@iRidetas I'm with you on this the bike will just do fine if we take good care of it.. you should plan a trip to ladakh, India. It's a pilgrimage for many RE riders

[@iRidetas]

It certainly is on my bucket list! 😀

[@Viper6-MotoVlogger]

I can see how those things could be annoying mate. It is too bad that they left no option for tuning the rear sprocket.

[@iRidetas]

Yeah, it has been addressed with the euro 4 that has a rear disc brake which is great!

[@angiefav1847]

Hi mate just one concern about efi model seen some videos of these bike in India catching on fire are they prone to this l own 2018 model classic have u heard anything

[@iRidetas]

Haha no thats a new one for me! Imo Efi is 40 years old now and is proven reliable in cars and bikes. This is a very simple bosch system i would be suprised if anyone had any major issues with it! There seems to be a lot of people whos favourite hobby is to just run down or hate on RE so id take what you see with a grain of salt.

[@danalevers651]

Could you explain what you did to the gearing? I just bought mine, but I'm totally new to owning any vehicle, let alone a motorcycle!

[@iRidetas]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXS6lJiQra-ZftE

[@danalevers651]

@@iRidetas Oh awesome! Thanks

[@iRidetas]

No worries

[@corriecole4687]

Doug sounds awesome!

[@iRidetas]

Thanks!

[@petesharpe4120]

You've got a lovely bike! You'll find the 'experts' who make all the noise about it not being able to do this and that are idiots who've never ridden one!

[@iRidetas]

True that! And thanks. It's an awesome bike and a real conversation starter when I park it or get fuel

[@petesharpe4120]

@@iRidetas I used to own a 2006, with the old motor. These are great though! I'm looking for one now!

[@iRidetas]

Good luck in your search. There are some nice ones that turn up here on gumtree!

[@harrisonturner1716]

Found an aussie motovlogger finallyyyy!!!

[@iRidetas]

Hope you enjoy👍👍

[@kirubaraj4124]

I need the same handle bar... Can you guide me bro... Will this handle bar reduces vibration.

[@iRidetas]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6iae3uBf79ogJI

[@kauxkaux]

How durable and reliable are these?

[@iRidetas]

Yes, with a bit of preventative maintenance no worries!

[@londo0]

You took the fly screen off. Why?

[@iRidetas]

Filmed before i put it on.

[@jefftaswelder9154]

😁👍

[@jagadishyadav90]

Yes it's a donkey vehicle,guys kindly read it properly. Bike price is 180000+ 5insurance + road tax+registration. spare parts high rates . Showroom mechanic are not experienced. Always service center suck our money. Bike don't have fuel gauge. We could not fill tank full petrol.if we fill petrol leak from tank cap. We could not go 80 speed ,if we cross 80 speed fuse will be short circuit. Bike won't start with our battery or dead battery. Engine oil capacity is 3 liters , a car can be serviced with 3 liters engine oil, Chains procket ,has to change for every 5000 kilometers,price 4000 Mileage is 30, petrol rate is 87 I have seen few vehicles ,not even crossed 20000 kilometers , engine got seized. Lot of vibrations, u cannot ride at least 60 kilometers.nonstop. Battery has to change every year. Conclusion: Instead of buying a royal enfield,you can maintain a second family.

[@iRidetas]

🤣 yet another RE hater, why watch RE videos and comment on them and in FB groups if you dont like the brand mate. If you own one and hate it that much sell it! My bike easily does 130km/hr. I can ride it for several hours. Service the bike yourself, couldnt be an easier machine to work on. Then you wont have to worry about the poor service centres.

[@bipinregmi7019]

Try to see in you tube and do it yourself that much better then you bring to service station.

[@iRidetas]

Very true brother