[samee_arian]

Originally Posted by akash_v12

Although budget shouldn't be an issue, he didn't test ride the Interceptor since he feels that the RE 'thump' is not present/too silenced. Also, it doesn't make any sense to buy a 650cc since it's only going to be used as a weekend roundabout.



samee_arian, thank you so much for the response! If you don't mind I would like to PM you for a few questions on a Classic 500.



rajshenoy, thank you! As I mentioned in the earlier post, waiting doesn't seem like an option now for him. Also, there being no clear indication on when the next-gen bikes will be launched, it is difficult.

Be my guest Akash. Will be happy to answer any questions you have about Classic 500 to best of my knowledge

[ashwinprakas]

Originally Posted by akash_v12

He has loved the Bullet series ever since his 20s.

Very straightforward decision this is going by the single statement above.

He fell in love with a Pushrod and hence his heart yearns for a pushrod, nothing else would fill the void.

The Meteor or RE650 or H'ness are good motorcycles but in the end they're not good enough for someone who'd longed for a pushrod for the better part of his life, the rest won't make much of a difference cause ultimately they're just another OHC albeit the singles being long strokes, cause we do have Bajaj commuters that are long stroke OHC's.

Now coming to the motorcycle of choice, if commuting and convenience are the main motives then a brand new 350 UCE Bullet would get the job done since its fueled by EFI. If nostalgia is what you seek then a Carb'd 350 or 500 would do.

Though note the UCE 350 is more usable than the UCE500, the 500 is best suited for hauling a house up a mountain.

Ride Safe,
A.P.

[MadRasTan4986]

Originally Posted by akash_v12

Hello BHPians!

My dad is going to be turning 50 soon and it's been his dream for a long time to own a Royal Enfield. Now, with the launch of the Meteor, this situation has become a bit of a sticky one. My dad likes the Meteor but he is also on the lookout for 500cc ones.

Requirements

- Has to be an RE.
- Has to be comfortable.
- Max budget of Rs. 2,50,000.
- Has to be suitable for city rides (maximum ~ 50KM)
- Mostly will be used as a weekend roundabout.

After going through your post and the other replies here, one thing is clear; your dad's heart is set on the classic vintage Bullet. My brother just got a Standard 350 recently. Honestly it has more novelty value now than the Classic range. Slap on a good aftermarket short bottle, and you get the best of both the new and the old. What's a bullet without the Thump. The Classic range has become far too common. Also, feel the Meteor might become common too, but with the varied custom options, you can make it unique. So big plus point to RE here.

As a product overall, the new J platform in the Meteor is much much better. With RE announcing a product onslaught soon, it's only a matter of time the new J platform will go on to the Classic and Standard range. Of course no idea of the timeline, but I think it'll be sooner rather than later. A big advantage here will be that it'll be better specced in terms of equipment and Meteor being their testbed, I'm sure RE will make further improvements to the J platform before implementing it in their Classic and Standard range. So it'll be a better product overall. Could it lack character, possibly. But as a day to day ride and something you'll want to use and enjoy, I don't think there'll be a better engineered product. So keep that in mind, because you will want to keep this bike for a while from what I can understand.

If you get that 500cc UCE for a good deal, nothing like it. I doubt the 500s will be making a comeback, but never say never. The 650 twins prices will keep increasing and in order to fill a gap between the 350 and 650, RE might just get in a 500 too. This is also possible because Honda also has hinted at expanding the CB350 platform with bigger engines and more variants.

Sorry to add to the confusion But if you can wait for the J platform to launch in the classic and Standard range, I think the wait will be worth it. Else a used Standard 500 (they are quite a few) or the current BS6 standard will be a good bet.

Good luck to you and your dad. I hope you find the right bike and wish you many a happy mile on it.

Cheers

[Biker Ram]

Originally Posted by akash_v12

Hello BHPians!

My dad is going to be turning 50 soon and it's been his dream for a long time to own a Royal Enfield.

If you are willing to wait then you may be able to see if something nice looking comes up with the new engine. You'll never know when it will happen or what the bikes will look like.

A Bullet is a Bullet. Interceptor, Meteor may be better bikes, but they are not bullet. Classic is also not a bullet, but comes close to it compared to other models. If used bike is an option do consider UCE 500(either classic or standard). Big single cylinder has a characteristic of its own. Else Classic 350 with an option of aftermarket silencer seems like a close choice. If you are going for non ABS version be mindful of poor braking particularly the ones with rear drum brakes.

My personal favorite in terms of looks is a Classic 500 with the pillion seat removed. I feel it's a timeless design.

[Hamza123]

I own what I believe is the last manufactured Thunderbird 500 by the company. ( as per the showroom taken with a pinch of salt of course!) Trust me if your dad likes the older Enfields none of the new ones including the Interceptor will appeal to him
Here is my all black old school beauty ( in my eyes)
In an almost one year of ownership ( you can read my ownership thread)nothing has fallen off broken off or stopped working or leaked neither have I been stranded anywhere (touch wood) in fact ever since I have had the bike I take the longer route to work and home just so that I can ride it more !!
It’s a prefect relaxed weekday companion after a heavy weekend ride on my Ninja 650

[landcruiser123]

Originally Posted by akash_v12

Hello BHPians!

My dad is going to be turning 50 soon and it's been his dream for a long time to own a Royal Enfield..... My dad likes the Meteor but he is also on the lookout for 500cc ones.....

A special landmark - he deserves something great to celebrate the landmark Try getting him a (used) 500cc Bullet or 350cc bullet. Check out the Interceptor 650 depending on the budget & preferences. If it is between the 350 & the Meteor, his heart is set on the 350. It is a heart over head purchase at a special moment, and you can't go wrong with 350.

He has loved the Bullet series ever since his 20s. And from what I've heard, his first love is that.

Don't show your mom this thread.

I will most probably use it too for going and coming to college too....Hence, I'd prefer the Meteor.

Come on dude, this is your dad's special moment. You have a long life ahead to splurge on motorcycles.

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by Biker Ram

A Bullet is a Bullet. Interceptor, Meteor may be better bikes, but they are not bullet. Classic is also not a bullet, but comes close to it compared to other models.

The Bullet was always the standard 350. The standard 500 was the Bullet 500.

Even the LB 500, which was essentially a modern Bullet, was not really a Bullet.

The Classic is when Royal Enfield became a mass manufacturer of 350 cc and larger Karizmas that tried to look like Bullets.

Cheers, Doc

[Axe77]

Hey. I would suggest Meteor 350. REs are notoriously ancient, and not in a good way. But the Interceptor and I believe the Meteor too are genuinely high quality efforts from RE and finally have modern levels of build quality relative to their older range.

I would say definitely for that reason alone the Meteor should be your steed of choice.

Separately, for regular college use - well you are still young - do consider whether you want to get yourself a nice bicycle. Green is the new cool. It will be a great step to stay fit, and commute cost free. The bike is of course always there for special occasions.

I myself am planning to get myself a small commuter bike and try to plan a lot of my nearby movement on a bicycle as best possible - even though I have / soon will have multiple motorised two wheelers for this purpose.

[Pashin]

The Interceptor 650 would be a great choice. A cruiser version is also under development with a probable launch in Q1 21. I would suggest these 2. For the lac or so extra that you spend you are right in the 600+cc category.

[jeeva]

Originally Posted by akash_v12

Hello BHPians!

My dad is going to be turning 50 soon and it's been his dream for a long time to own a Royal Enfield.

Requirements

- Has to be an RE.
- Has to be comfortable.
- Max budget of Rs. 2,50,000.
- Has to be suitable for city rides (maximum ~ 50KM)
- Mostly will be used as a weekend roundabout.

Dad's view

Dad is currently 49. He will be using the bike for getting about on weekends. He has loved the Bullet series ever since his 20s. And from what I've heard, his first love is that. He test rode both the Meteor 350 & Bullet 350 and admits that the Meteor is a much better package throughout. But, he feels that the Meteor, although sounding very close to a Bullet thump misses out on the 2 small bulbs present on either side of the headlight. Hence, he is on a dice between the Meteor Stellar and the Bullet 350 or a used Bullet 500.

The Standard 350 gives the best of both the worlds. Its the last sustaining Bullet albeit some compromises. Its easy to handle, has oodles of low end torque and still manages to retain the old world charm, to an extent. Between the 500 and the 350, given your dad's requirements, I'd suggest the 350. The 500 is more powerful and hence better on the highways, but knocks at lower speeds, especially in city runabouts.

[adi_sun]

The way I look at the problem is that your Dad needs a RE now that you can enjoy after 2 years
My strong advise will be to spend a little more and pick up the interceptor. Its a much more sorted product and should be more rewarding to you than your Dad. If your Dad only wants a thumper then meteor is the next best bet.

[ss11011988]

Hi Akash,

Since the older bikes from RE stable were his first love and will continue to be so, I'm doubtful whether he will appreciate the new lineup. I assume he's a fine man who prefers riding a bike by listening to the soulful beats emanating from its heart. In which case, the Meteor 350 or the Interceptor 650 might not gel well with his tastes, despite being much more reliable and a more complete package.

May I suggest the Standard 500? Pulls like a freight train, and comparatively easy to maintain. Might deliver a few less kilometers for a liter of liquid gold, but one twist of throttle will send the worries away. Would have suggested Standard 350, but it will leave both of you wanting for more, once you experience the addictive torque from a 500cc engine.

If he's a tall man and if 500cc is a bit too much for him, I would suggest the Electra 350. Has that old school charm, and a relatively fuss free model.

However, if old school bass heavy beats is what he wants, would suggest you to source the Bullet 350 CI, as none of the newer models can sing the way an old CI Bullet can. Hope this helps.

PS : Would suggest you to find a good and reliable mechanic too, if you're going for the older models as the older RE bikes are comparatively maintenance heavy(having experienced it personally)

Regards,
SS

[aniketi]

Go for Meteor 350 eyes closed. I drove one few days back and will be buying one for myself in next few months. It's new, it's RE, ride is much better than previous gen RE's and quality of all parts is really good. It's very stylish and looks hot in Red or Yellow. Go for it. I am sure you will not regret!

[akash_v12]

Guys, thank you so much for all your responses. I'm amazed by the responses of everyone.

Originally Posted by aniketi

Go for Meteor 350 eyes closed. I drove one few days back and will be buying one for myself in next few months.

Originally Posted by ss11011988

Hi Akash,
Since the older bikes from RE stable were his first love and will continue to be so.

Originally Posted by adi_sun

The way I look at the problem is that your Dad needs a RE now that you can enjoy after 2 years

Originally Posted by jeeva

The Standard 350 gives the best of both the worlds. Its the last sustaining Bullet albeit some compromises.

Originally Posted by Pashin

The Interceptor 650 would be a great choice. A cruiser version is also under development with a probable launch in Q1 21

Originally Posted by Axe77

Hey. I would suggest Meteor 350. REs are notoriously ancient, and not in a good way. But the Interceptor and I believe the Meteor too are genuinely high-quality efforts from RE and finally have modern levels of build quality relative to their older range.

Separately, for regular college use - well you are still young - do consider whether you want to get yourself a nice bicycle. Green is the new cool. It will be a great step to stay fit, and commute cost free. The bike is of course always there for special occasions.

Originally Posted by landcruiser123

A special landmark - he deserves something great to celebrate the landmark Try getting him a (used) 500cc Bullet or 350cc bullet.

More on this later.

Don't show your mom this thread.

I won't. Trust me mate . Although, even if I did I don't think she will object, she knows the love.

Come on dude, this is your dad's special moment. You have a long life ahead to splurge on motorcycles.

I told him exactly that and well, read on.

Originally Posted by Hamza123

I own what I believe is the last manufactured Thunderbird 500 by the company.

Dude, that's quite some achievement. She's quite a looker!

Originally Posted by Biker Ram

If you are willing to wait then you may be able to see if something nice looking comes up with the new engine. You'll never know when it will happen or what the bikes will look like.

Originally Posted by MadRasTan4986

After going through your post and the other replies here, one thing is clear; your dad's heart is set on the classic vintage Bullet.

Originally Posted by ashwinprakas

Very straightforward decision this is going by the single statement above. He fell in love with a Pushrod and hence his heart yearns for a pushrod, nothing else would fill the void.

All right, so a BIG update!
We went for test rides last week before I even started this thread. Dad liked both the Meteor & Classic but the Bullet was just too crude for his liking.

Fast forward to next week i.e last Saturday, a decision had been reached to and I had already told him that it would be his choice of bike and not mine. So, he had a look at the Classic 350 and liked the Stealth Black paint on it. Went to Platinum Auto on Saturday. Saw a bike in their SC and confirmed the booking for a Classic 350 in Stealth Black.

But then something strange happened.

Whilst the booking had been made, dad sat down with the laptop and saw reviews on Meteors, comparisons with the Classic for 2 hours straight. I had made him read rajeshkmoorthy's Meteor Review (Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Review : 'Meteor'itic rise of a traveller)too.
What unfolded next was shocking to me and my mom, to say the least. Dad went to the dealership and went and changed the booking to the Meteor 350 in Matte Black. I don't know what happened, why it happened. But, when I asked him, his only answer was it is a better product. Expected delivery is a month.

Also, the Interceptor had never been looked at since it was a 650cc and this would be his 1st bike ever.

[drrajasaravanan]

Hi,
Congratulations for picking up the meteor. Having owned a classic and having test ride the meteor recently I definitely feel your father will be comfortable with his choice. Running classic in stock may not be the best choice and requires few basic mods to make It comfy. Meteor may not need much mods for routine use. Good luck.