RE produces half a billion bikes annually. Most sold in Asia territory. The FI is high school crude. It's ECU is very 1990s. It's parts distribution in the US needs 3 yrs to develop. It's dealer network is an afterthought with the new RE NA rules. India customers of India made bikes love them because everyone at a roadside stand understands how to work on them. In the USA, not so much. They are not road trip bikes or even daily commuter bikes here. They have weak brakes, the transmissions are not very good and the tires are only worth mentioning if you opt for the GT model. It's a fantastic bike... to look at. It's a less than average ownership experience. If RE NA is allowed to take the bike and modify it's systems for the rigors of everyday American abuse then give it about 5-7 yrs and you will see something fun. If India says no, then expect to have a cool garage queen taking up space.

Even metaphorically this bike is definitely faster than a ride-on mower. The coolest thing about this bike is its style. Indian traffic is such that no one would ever need a bike that is 10 times faster and those bikes in India that there are very very dangerously driven. Though under powered and all the essence of its riders are the same as the ones who love Harley. The best part of this bike is I can be rest assured you can drive it in any terrain and break it but still find a small shop owner who knows every aspect of this bike how to fix which is not generally true with other types. And if you like Indian girls who like Macho Guys - This is your bike.

and try nothing against the honda 500 or the kawa 500 . it's a ridiculous bike who blow up after 2 hours on the highway at 120 km/h

Cool looking but if I want 1950 tech then at least it should be a bike built in that era and not some new bike that hasn't the common sense to advance with the rest of the world.

if you lived in a country occupied for 99 years by a foriegn culture, you would belive it was something special also!

I had a Victor 441 BSA in early 70's. Loved that bike, you could sit at the stop sign and count the piston fire. This BSA of mine was a single piston, 4 cycle engine like this Royal Enfield, mine was 441cc. Everything this guy said about this one lung thumper is true, he made me laugh listening to him! Would not mind having one of these, seen one in town here.

In 1969 I restored a 1965 350cc to original condition. Purchased needed parts from Velocette in England, as they closed out RE and sold off Molds, Dies, etc. to an Indian company. Rode that bike many, many miles around No. California and just loved it. Late 70's I was offered twice what it was worth in dollars, had to take the money. Glad I did, because I bought my first house here, with that down payment money. However always missed that old RE, it was just something I couldn't get over. Have 2 - HD's which are fine bikes. Still had to have an RE again. Waited a long time for them to be sold in CA., finally overcame DOT issues. Now have a 2015 Custom Chrome -Maroon, could not be any happier with it. For around town or foothills cruising, it's a delight to ride cautiously as always, updates from original 1965 make it much more comfortable. To be sure, it's in a league of it's own, not for everyone, always a curiosity that attracts attention. With the Maroon Saddlebags added, it works fine for a picnic in the country. Just love my RE.

I have a 2011 RE Classic Chrome 500 I picked up last year for a steal. I love it. I have a sport bike as well, and it's funny how different they ride. I consider the Enfield perfect for "gentleman motoring," and even incorporated it into my last Halloween costume complete with pith helmet, riding boots, monocle, and twirled mustache...haha. It does remain loyal to its vintage, to the point of warning lights and such randomly failing, then working again. My speedo doesn't move above 30 mph when clearly I'm in the 70 mph range. One interesting feature I didn't notice until my boss pointed it out, is that the frame is not a single piece, but bolted to the engine front and back, making it a structural element as well. Weird!

YES I was in Kochi/Kochin on the way to Sri Lanka last year and saw loads of these bikes. If I pass through there again I will probably buy one. I bought a brand new Triumph Bonneville in 1968.....wish I still had it today.

Kirk, it's hard to imagine how you might miss the whole point of this more: and - news flash - not EVERYWHERE is the US. Buellrider, is there NOTHING you couldn't build better than everyone else?