The RE Classic 500 - a Two-wheeled Time Machine

[AZ Mtn Girl]

The RE Classic 500 - a Two-wheeled Time Machine

Royal Enfield's Classic 500 is a two-wheeled time machine

Mechanicals? Not great. Technology? Almost non-existent. Enjoyable? Very much so, once you get used to it. Royal Enfield's Classic 500 is a raw, original two wheeled experience.

www.gq-magazine.co.uk

 

[Eatmore Mudd]

Thanks ! They pretty much nailed it with that one. I'll pass it around.

 

[MSR Robi]

Maybe i'm old
maybe i'm a damn vintage lover.
but having tried many types of bikes,
I live the experience of the RE Classic without any complaints.
It cannot be compared with modern parameters.
Ten years ago do we brake with the abs?
Did we complain of stone-hard clutches on Ducati's?
Did we complain of vibrations on Guzzi?
This bike, first and foremost has its own character
and it gives you an exhilarating driving experience you won't forget.
Respect.

 

[grymsr]

Maybe i'm old
maybe i'm a damn vintage lover.
but having tried many types of bikes,
I live the experience of the RE Classic without any complaints.
It cannot be compared with modern parameters.
Ten years ago do we brake with the abs?
Did we complain of stone-hard clutches on Ducati's?
Did we complain of vibrations on Guzzi?
This bike, first and foremost has its own character
and it gives you an exhilarating driving experience you won't forget.
Respect.

Agreed. I've had lots of bikes over the years and ridden many friends' as well. I am happy with my himmi, warts and all. Plus it harkens back to my old Norton thumper days. Its a keeper.

 

[Eatmore Mudd]

The enjoyment of the visceral immersion experience of classic but kes is not just for the old timers. After tasting a vintage ride my boy swears that Honda is a Japanese word that means without soul.

 

[Morgan60]

A interesting two year old review.

I really love my old RE 500 bikes. The character of this engine is much like my old single cylinder Moto Guzzis, unlike the Guzzi I can still get parts for my REs. RE 500 UCE engine was the last hold out for a motorcycle with character that made me feel like I’m a part of the machine. Not just riding a appliance! I’m very sad to see motor no longer made.

 

[Silverback]

I cant believe rndiled discontinued the classic 500 as it is. Now they have the 650 version coming out. It looks like just any other bike in the road. While.i am sure it provides some enfield owners the performance they want i still dont understand giving up on the bike that got them here.

I am glad i picked up my 2012 Classic 500 this year. Once you understand it is not a speed demon ride you truely begin to enjoy the bike.

It is truely a blast from the past. It has forced me to slow down and enjoy life. I also realized i dont need to travel light speed from ine destination to another.

It is so simple to work on and provides pride of ownership.

I cant say enough good things about this bike.

Sad to see enfield stop producing this bike.

 

[Morgan60]

Every time I take the 500 out for ride and I truly mean every time at lest one person complements me saying nice bike or what a beautiful bike.

Listening to the bits in the motor moving, feeling the gentle vibration coming through the foot pegs and just a little bit in the handle bars telling you it’s now time to shift and that so beautiful sound of that single cylinder piston moving up and down, to what’s coming out of that pipe is just music to my ears.

Yes I’m sad not more people have not had the opportunity to experience these bike. I will keep my 500 Bullets, Classic 500s, and my 535 Continental GT for as long as I can. As I don’t think anything like it will be produced like them ever again.

 

[nablats]

I was very sad when the 500 was discontinued, but if i had to find an alternative it would be the new meteor 350. Having said that, the bullets and classic 500s will be around for the forseeable, you will always find one, albeit secondhand. Lets face it, if you want a 1955 AJS 500 single (and I do) they are available, and i believe the prices have stabilised recently. Oh, and another thing, have you seen the new BSA Gold Star?
reasons to be cheerful, part3 (ian dury and the blockheads, bless him)

 

[markm228]

Guys,

The old RE Classic 500 UCE was discontinued thanks to gov't regulations; it couldn't meet the latest emissions regs.