Enfield Explorer - My first love story

milindajp · 13th June 2009, 16:37

Yes! I made up my mind and I will go for it.

Way back in 1986, my dad bought an Enfield Explorer. I was a 14 years old guy, studying in standard 7 and full of dreams. The morning dad brought her home – I saw her and instantly fall in love. I still remember, after coming from school, I used to spend hours seating on her dreaming only when I would be allowed to drive her. Realizing our strong bond, dad gave me permission to drive her and absolute ownership in 1989. It was a very big decision because we were from a very small conservative town and I was only in 10th class then. Dad attached only one condition before handing over the keys – “you have t score well in your exam ".

I kept my promise and did score well in the 10th class. But, things were written differently in my destiny. Due to the bike, I was very popular among folks. New friendships and rivalry – all kept growing. And then I tasted the first nectar of romance – all of them happened so fast. I was totally out of the world then. Whole day riding on the bike, crossing the street where my lady love used to stay many a times only to catch a glimpse of her – only in the name of going for tuition. As a result, my studies suffered a lot and scored poorly in the 12th class exam.

By then, I was classified as rotten, good for nothing boy by my neighbors, family and other so called well wishers. I remember how they used to complain regularly to my father regarding my “rush” driving – resulting in good thrashing from dad.

So I was soon bundled and sent to Calcutta for further studies. Once in Calcutta, I was free – but without any friend or family – resulting in my involvement in active student politics. But, I never forget my two loves I left behind at home.

That was the time when 100cc bikes were ruling the roads especially Yamaha RX100. I used to watch how my college pals used to drive their bikes – and fantasies. I didn’t get a chance to touch any because I was always considered a novice in this matter. I never felt bad rather my passion for bikes and cars grew day by day. With whatever money I could save from my tightest budget, I kept them aside only to spend on fuel and modification during my vacation days. On many occasions, I travelled all the way from Calcutta to Agartala by road, a four day journey by bus and rail – only to save a couple of hundred bucks.

Those days are so clear before my eyes even today. During vacations, I used to spend all day doing some sort of modification and cosmetic changes to my bike. And whenever we used to get chance, though rarely, I and my fiancé used to meet at some place outskirt the city and then go for a log rides.

Time went on; I got more and more involved with my professional world. And then marriage, job, more and more responsibilities, and career – got settled in Calcutta and then in Dubai. Even my parents got shifted permanently to Calcutta serving all ties with Agartala.

During last year Durga Puja, I visited Agartala on vacation. The moment I saw my first love lying unattended, neglected in one corner of our Agartala home, I felt an explainable pain in my throat. No one even bother to remove her dust cover – for once also. I made up my mind then and there, whatever may be the hurdle, I will not let her die such a neglected un-ceremonial death. So, even against much opposition of my family, who by now consider me an insane, I transported her to Calcutta few months back. I promise to myself, I will bring back all her lost glories.

I need your help guys, I need it to make my promise. I would be thankful for extending your helpful hands.

Please provide me the following informations

Workshop manual
Seat
Handle
Headlight
Clutch and break
Back mud guard

Note: I will be posting images shortly.....

Regards

milindajp · 13th June 2009, 17:04

This is a very old image probably taken in 1992. Me and my elder brother riding the bike.

five46 · 13th June 2009, 18:49

I cannot help you much save for this.
Just dropped in to say that your narration gave me goosebumps.

All the best for your restoration work!

Thanh-BKK · 13th June 2009, 23:19

Hi

Many thanks for your PM and also the link to this topic. I find your story very interesting indeed.

Sadly i do not have a workshop manual in either hard or soft copy, and all manuals and/or parts catalogues i am able to get are in German language, i am not sure if that would be helpful for you..? This is because i have worked more or less exclusively on the German Zundapp-branded bikes, of which the Enfield Fury, Explorer and Silver Star are twin brothers. Enfiled Explorer is known as "Zundapp CS 50" in Germany and is, bside the GTS 50, still the most common Zundapp moped in Germany (and it's smaller brother CS 25, a Mofa version with single seat, hand shift and pedals).

I could point you to pretty much all parts for the Explorer, however it will always be on the German E-Bay and you would need PayPal to get the parts. Also most Germans are somewhat reluctant to deal with people outside Germany for fear of fraud, i, being German myself, suffer from that as well because i live in Bangkok since 8 1/2 years.

However just because the CS 50/Explorer is such a common bike in Germany to date, it is very easy to get just about any part for it. However you need to be willing to pay the price asked.

Please list me all parts that you require and also how much you would be willing to pay, all i can do is try to find the parts for that price including the very expensive shipping from Germany.

I would offer closer assistance but due to my location in Bangkok i am unable to assist directly.

With kind regards......

your Thanh

milindajp · 13th June 2009, 23:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by five46

I cannot help you much save for this.
Just dropped in to say that your narration gave me goosebumps.

All the best for your restoration work!

Thanks buddy. I have already gone through the tread. Can you please tell me where I can get a workshop manual. A soft copy will also work.

TuffRyder · 13th June 2009, 23:52

List out the parts that you need. You will still get a lot parts in India if you look out for it.

milindajp · 14th June 2009, 10:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by TuffRyder

List out the parts that you need. You will still get a lot parts in India if you look out for it.

I need the following items

Packing Kit
Oil seals
set of all cables
set of indicators
Side panels
Rear & front mudguard
Handle bar
Hand break & clutch lever
Switch
Headlight
kicker shaft
Backlight + backlight assembly
Back guard
Speedometer + Tachometer with assembly

For better explanation, I am attaching images for item no 12,13,14.

desideep · 15th June 2009, 20:45

Hey thats one amazing Photo. i really love that BILBOARD sticker on the bike engine case.

milindajp · 15th June 2009, 21:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by desideep

Hey thats one amazing Photo. i really love that BILBOARD sticker on the bike engine case.

Thanks buddy. Those were the days of imagination...

powertwin · 15th June 2009, 21:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by milindajp

I need the following items

Packing Kit
Oil seals
set of all cables
set of indicators
Side panels
Rear & front mudguard
Handle bar
Hand break & clutch lever
Switch
Headlight
kicker shaft
Backlight + backlight assembly
Back guard
Speedometer + Tachometer with assembly

Hi,
Other then Speedo,tacho,head light,indicators,pannier pipes & rear tail light assy, all other parts can be sourced ( mind !! most parts like Mud gaurd,levers,handle bar may be used one,but in good condition).
If you are interested, let us try to get a Fully re-built engine GB assy,so that you can keep either one of them as spare(

Donor)
Few months before a guy came up with kind of offer, but I was not interested.
ps: Sure "user Manual" of Explorer CS 50 will reach you before this month end.

powertwin · 15th June 2009, 22:12

@ Thank-BKK :
I do remember,once you asked me to reveal the specifications of Enfeild Explorer CS 50 at some other thread ( think at "restoring a fury")
Just go through the scanned version of the spec sheet of the Explorer sold at Indian market.
ps: compare the facts & figures of the machine,with your Zundapp ks 50.& also with the one went on sale at your country(Germany)

pps: If you find it difficult to read the blurr

spec sheet,plz feel free to pm me, so that I may post a freshly typed one

(bit lazy !!)

milindajp · 16th June 2009, 13:29

Is there any shop in Karol Bag or Paharganj - Delhi where I can find some staff.

TuffRyder · 16th June 2009, 22:58

Hey Milind:

I might be able to help you out with these if you find it.
1. Packing Kit ( I think I have one set)
2. Oil seals
3. Hand break & clutch lever (i might have a set, must check, dont know if it is silver plus or explorer)
4. Piston rings.
5. Wiring kit.
6. Kicker rubber.
7. Floats and jets.
8. Fuel tap.

PM me if you are interested, I might have a few other things lying around too.

Thanh-BKK · 22nd June 2009, 13:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by powertwin

@ Thank-BKK :
I do remember,once you asked me to reveal the specifications of Enfeild Explorer CS 50 at some other thread ( think at "restoring a fury")
Just go through the scanned version of the spec sheet of the Explorer sold at Indian market.
ps: compare the facts & figures of the machine,with your Zundapp ks 50.& also with the one went on sale at your country(Germany)

pps: If you find it difficult to read the blurr

spec sheet,plz feel free to pm me, so that I may post a freshly typed one

(bit lazy !!)

Hi

Many thanks for that

But it is indeed very difficult to read, specially the most important bits (horse power!)

I can quickly compare it to the German one, although not detailed as i don't have things like gear ratios etc....

The German Zundapp CS 50 had FOUR gears and a max. permitted top speed of 40 km/h, front sprocket 13, rear sprocket 43 (not permitted to change to a different one). Carburetor was Bing 17/15/xxx, output was 2.9 horse power.

The German Zundapp KS 50 (unrestricted!) had FIVE gears and no legal limit in top speed, typically they made between 95 to 110 km/h. Front sprocket 15, rear sprocket 36 (and it was legal to change them to whatever one liked). Carburetor Mikuni VM 20 or Bing 21/20/xxx (also legal to change to whatever one liked), output ex factory 6.25 horse power. These were, apart from max. 50cc displacement, completely unrestricted and all sorts of modifications were allowed.

This class of bike was replaced in 1980 by the 80cc, which did give more displacement (80cc) and power however were restricted to 80 km/h top speed. Zundapp K80 (same frame as CS25/CS50), KS 80 (virtually identical to KS 50 except engine), KS 80 Touring ("Chopper" version of KS 80), KS 80 Super and KS 80 Sport (the latter two virtually identical bike, only design difference i.e. the "Sport" has not the slightest bit of chrome on it. Most modern Zundapp design with rear mono suspension and 12V electrics, was originally to become a 125 but then outfitted with the 80cc engine).

Best regards.....

Thanh

thirdmainroad · 17th June 2019, 00:32

This is such a cool thread! I am happy you found the bike after years and took it back to Cal! So 10 years on, what’s the update, if OP is still around! Did you manage to get spares? What condition is the bike in now if you still have it?

13th June 2009, 16:37	#1
milindajp BHPian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Highway Posts: 213 Thanked: 206 Times	Enfield Explorer - My first love story Yes! I made up my mind and I will go for it. Way back in 1986, my dad bought an Enfield Explorer. I was a 14 years old guy, studying in standard 7 and full of dreams. The morning dad brought her home – I saw her and instantly fall in love. I still remember, after coming from school, I used to spend hours seating on her dreaming only when I would be allowed to drive her. Realizing our strong bond, dad gave me permission to drive her and absolute ownership in 1989. It was a very big decision because we were from a very small conservative town and I was only in 10th class then. Dad attached only one condition before handing over the keys – “you have t score well in your exam ". I kept my promise and did score well in the 10th class. But, things were written differently in my destiny. Due to the bike, I was very popular among folks. New friendships and rivalry – all kept growing. And then I tasted the first nectar of romance – all of them happened so fast. I was totally out of the world then. Whole day riding on the bike, crossing the street where my lady love used to stay many a times only to catch a glimpse of her – only in the name of going for tuition. As a result, my studies suffered a lot and scored poorly in the 12th class exam. By then, I was classified as rotten, good for nothing boy by my neighbors, family and other so called well wishers. I remember how they used to complain regularly to my father regarding my “rush” driving – resulting in good thrashing from dad. So I was soon bundled and sent to Calcutta for further studies. Once in Calcutta, I was free – but without any friend or family – resulting in my involvement in active student politics. But, I never forget my two loves I left behind at home. That was the time when 100cc bikes were ruling the roads especially Yamaha RX100. I used to watch how my college pals used to drive their bikes – and fantasies. I didn’t get a chance to touch any because I was always considered a novice in this matter. I never felt bad rather my passion for bikes and cars grew day by day. With whatever money I could save from my tightest budget, I kept them aside only to spend on fuel and modification during my vacation days. On many occasions, I travelled all the way from Calcutta to Agartala by road, a four day journey by bus and rail – only to save a couple of hundred bucks. Those days are so clear before my eyes even today. During vacations, I used to spend all day doing some sort of modification and cosmetic changes to my bike. And whenever we used to get chance, though rarely, I and my fiancé used to meet at some place outskirt the city and then go for a log rides. Time went on; I got more and more involved with my professional world. And then marriage, job, more and more responsibilities, and career – got settled in Calcutta and then in Dubai. Even my parents got shifted permanently to Calcutta serving all ties with Agartala. During last year Durga Puja, I visited Agartala on vacation. The moment I saw my first love lying unattended, neglected in one corner of our Agartala home, I felt an explainable pain in my throat. No one even bother to remove her dust cover – for once also. I made up my mind then and there, whatever may be the hurdle, I will not let her die such a neglected un-ceremonial death. So, even against much opposition of my family, who by now consider me an insane, I transported her to Calcutta few months back. I promise to myself, I will bring back all her lost glories. I need your help guys, I need it to make my promise. I would be thankful for extending your helpful hands. Please provide me the following informations Workshop manual Seat Handle Headlight Clutch and break Back mud guard Note: I will be posting images shortly..... Regards Last edited by milindajp : 13th June 2009 at 16:45.
	(3) Thanks

13th June 2009, 17:04	#2
milindajp BHPian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Highway Posts: 213 Thanked: 206 Times	This is a very old image probably taken in 1992. Me and my elder brother riding the bike. Attached Thumbnails
	(1) Thanks

13th June 2009, 18:49	#3
five46 BHPian Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: L-O-S-T!! Posts: 636 Thanked: 714 Times	I cannot help you much save for this. Just dropped in to say that your narration gave me goosebumps. All the best for your restoration work! Last edited by five46 : 13th June 2009 at 18:52.
	() Thanks

13th June 2009, 23:19	#4
Thanh-BKK Newbie Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Bangkok Posts: 24 Thanked: 6 Times	Hi Many thanks for your PM and also the link to this topic. I find your story very interesting indeed. Sadly i do not have a workshop manual in either hard or soft copy, and all manuals and/or parts catalogues i am able to get are in German language, i am not sure if that would be helpful for you..? This is because i have worked more or less exclusively on the German Zundapp-branded bikes, of which the Enfield Fury, Explorer and Silver Star are twin brothers. Enfiled Explorer is known as "Zundapp CS 50" in Germany and is, bside the GTS 50, still the most common Zundapp moped in Germany (and it's smaller brother CS 25, a Mofa version with single seat, hand shift and pedals). I could point you to pretty much all parts for the Explorer, however it will always be on the German E-Bay and you would need PayPal to get the parts. Also most Germans are somewhat reluctant to deal with people outside Germany for fear of fraud, i, being German myself, suffer from that as well because i live in Bangkok since 8 1/2 years. However just because the CS 50/Explorer is such a common bike in Germany to date, it is very easy to get just about any part for it. However you need to be willing to pay the price asked. Please list me all parts that you require and also how much you would be willing to pay, all i can do is try to find the parts for that price including the very expensive shipping from Germany. I would offer closer assistance but due to my location in Bangkok i am unable to assist directly. With kind regards...... your Thanh
	(1) Thanks

13th June 2009, 23:52	#6
TuffRyder BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 494 Thanked: 27 Times	List out the parts that you need. You will still get a lot parts in India if you look out for it.
	() Thanks

15th June 2009, 20:45	#8
desideep Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Adelaide Posts: 1,159 Thanked: 318 Times View My Garage	Hey thats one amazing Photo. i really love that BILBOARD sticker on the bike engine case.
	() Thanks

15th June 2009, 22:12	#11
powertwin BHPian Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Coimbatore Posts: 444 Thanked: 176 Times	Explorer CS 50 / Indian @ Thank-BKK : I do remember,once you asked me to reveal the specifications of Enfeild Explorer CS 50 at some other thread ( think at "restoring a fury") Just go through the scanned version of the spec sheet of the Explorer sold at Indian market. ps: compare the facts & figures of the machine,with your Zundapp ks 50.& also with the one went on sale at your country(Germany) pps: If you find it difficult to read the blurr spec sheet,plz feel free to pm me, so that I may post a freshly typed one (bit lazy !!) Attached Thumbnails
	(1) Thanks

16th June 2009, 13:29	#12
milindajp BHPian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Highway Posts: 213 Thanked: 206 Times	Is there any shop in Karol Bag or Paharganj - Delhi where I can find some staff.
	() Thanks

16th June 2009, 22:58	#13
TuffRyder BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 494 Thanked: 27 Times	Hey Milind: I might be able to help you out with these if you find it. 1. Packing Kit ( I think I have one set) 2. Oil seals 3. Hand break & clutch lever (i might have a set, must check, dont know if it is silver plus or explorer) 4. Piston rings. 5. Wiring kit. 6. Kicker rubber. 7. Floats and jets. 8. Fuel tap. PM me if you are interested, I might have a few other things lying around too.
	() Thanks

17th June 2019, 00:32	#15
thirdmainroad BHPian Join Date: May 2019 Location: Chennai Posts: 247 Thanked: 2,003 Times	Re: Enfield Explorer - My first love story This is such a cool thread! I am happy you found the bike after years and took it back to Cal! So 10 years on, what’s the update, if OP is still around! Did you manage to get spares? What condition is the bike in now if you still have it?
	() Thanks