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Originally Posted by 2wheelsvaga But can you elaborate on how you feel RE's engines have evolved? Is the J series the best in all aspects? |
I wouldn't go as far as to say that J series is the best in all aspects as it is still a young engine platform and is evolving. All engines from RE pre J series were pushrod torquey motors. Those engines, especially the CI's used to give a healthy bottom end torque with adequate mid range power. The AVL engines were mated with an all new 5 speed gearbox (prior to which it was seen on CI Electra's) which was much needed (also the gear shifter was on the conventional left slide and brake pedal on the right). The gear operated oil circulation in AVL engines were better than piston pump style oil circulation in CI's. The CV type carburetor on the AVL's were supposedly reliable compared to old Mikuni carbs on CI's. While the latter had room for tinkering by enthusiasts. Then came the ignition, again the AVL had a reliable CDI ignition (no need for battery to start the motorcycle) followed by TCI ignition which was electronically controlled compared to electromechanical CB point ignition in CI which required adequate care especially during the monsoon. In the latter the enthusiasts again had room for tinkering with the CB point.
Then came the UCE's where the gearbox was no longer a separate unit but was integrated into the engine, yet it still retained the classic pushrod setup albeit with hydraulic tappets. Initial batches had some teething issues but were resolved as the engine evolved. Some models, especially the 500cc came with EFi followed by ABS, better oil circulation, minor bump in power, etc. This was the platform that catapulted RE into the big league both in domestic as well as international market. Surprisingly it had a shelf life of less than 15 years (except for 350cc Bullet UCE which is still on sale but not sure for how long), thanks to emissions and regulations and fast moving market.
The J series engine is a completely new engine platform with OHC, EFi, ABS, etc. One cannot compare it with engines of the yore as it is truly modern in all aspects. Due to the engine characteristics the sound will be different, which is nothing unusual but usual physics related to metallurgy, crank weight, ignition, short stroke vs long stroke, etc.
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Do you feel they've missed out on significant characteristics of the older engines?
For instance, all this current talk of the Enfield thump makes me laugh. At this point, it's mostly marketing hype. Anyone who's ridden a well-built and properly run-in 350 CI knows that the classic silencer produced thumps that can only be described as music. Or, the sheer pleasure of that oh-so-slow idle has to be felt in person. You know what I am talking about.
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Forget about the thump difference between CI vs AVL vs UCE vs J series, did you know people even compare the thump of G1 (1940's), G2 (1950's) and B1 (1960's) CI's with CI's from the 70's 80's 90's and 2000's. There is no end to it. In short, every big single is a Thumper. Some have a deep thump while some have a mellow thump.
The J series has a mellow thump which is good if one does extensive touring as the noise is kept to the minimum and the ride becomes enjoyable after a certain point of time. IMO every engine has its own character and one should leave it as it came from the factory. That's why my G2, B1, LX series CI's and ex-AVL, current UCE are as per original factory specs where I have not done any modifications to them just to make them sound better.
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Why they shortened the 90 mm stroke is a mystery to me, but that's a huge deal as far as I am concerned. Funnily, it's the Honda that is more Enfield than Enfield in this regard Haha.
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Please understand that most OHC engines have shorter strokes vis a vis their pushrod counterparts of same displacement. If one compares RE J series and Honda CB350, its funny that despite having approx. 4mm less stroke than CB350, the J series has a better bottom end than CB350. I believe its the gear ratios at play considering both engines have identical compression ratios. Also note that Honda betters the CL350 J series by offering alloy wheels, LED lights, bigger fuel tank, lighter than 14kgs, marginally better power and torque figures, etc. Also check the standard and extended warranty on both Honda and RE.
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My primary concern now is, of course, reliability. The old bikes really needed to be cared for and maintained (often not a costly affair). Sadly, one doesn't have the time or the resources to do that in the times we live in. So, the J series sounds like a decent compromise.
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Yes, it will be comparatively trouble free than engines of the yore from RE. Depending on your priority you can make a choice.
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That's a good suggestion! The thing with the Honda is that wheelbase seems too long. Of course, it's be great on the highway, but this is not a bike you can flick. The CL 350 felt quite compact and accessible when I rode it.
Then there is the okay-ish seat of the Honda. I suspect the difference in comfort between the Honda and RE will be significant after one has ridden for 200 kms.
Would love to hear what you feel about the seating comfort, as that's a big deal for me.
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As far as flickability is concerned I believe Honda CB350 will be better in city conditions given that it is 14kgs lighter than RE CL350, wheelbase notwithstanding. I haven't sat on either of the motorcycles, so others who have owned either of these two motorcycles can chime in.
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Frankly, a Honda or RE 350 should be fine for most of what I have in mind. The idea is to go slow and notice your surroundings.
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It's the classic head vs heart situation when it comes to both these motorcycles. Rent them both if you can and then decide.