Royal Enfield Classic 500

Royal Enfield Classic 500 

Specification

Engine: Single-cylinder 4-stroke, 499cc

Max power: 27.2bhp at 5,250rpm

Max torque: 41.3 Nm at 4,000rpm

Clutch: wet multiplate

Gearbox: 5-speed constant mesh

Kerb weight: 194kg

Engine

The engine of a Royal Enfield Classic 500The long-stroke pushrod (really) motor takes time to build up the revs and when it reaches a certain point - probably around 5,000rpm but as there's no rev counter who knows? - protests about the exertion by shaking itself and everything attached to it with almost comical force. It is curable, though. Just back off the throttle and find the sweet spot,

 then sit in that and enjoy the 27bhp and suitably fruity noise from that long chrome pipe. I was expecting a workout from the clutch lever, but it is nice and light, with a great, positive gearbox.

The rear end of a Royal Enfield Classic 500 motorcycleBuild quality and reliability

There really isn't a lot to go wrong with the RE and, apart from one occasion when I forgot to take it off the stand, it started up and ran fine.If it did go wrong you could probably fix it with a spanner, hammer and some wire. The beautiful paint job looked nicely finished, but the chrome might not enjoy a British winter.

Value and running cost

Nearly five grand for a post-war design might seem a bit salty, but it should run for years, especially if it is kept for high days and holidays only. Insurance isn't likely to be a crippler and servicing and parts are reasonable. It won't be shredding those Avon Speedmaster tyres either.

Ride quality and brakes

At sensible (sub 60mph) speeds it is all fine and dandy. The forks are reasonably pliant, the rear suspension a touch firm; the extra springs on the single seat don't bring much to the party, except ultra-retro looks. The front disc is adequate, as long as you're not expecting to be doing stoppies, but the rear drum seems to be for decoration only.

Dominic Castle sitting on a Royal Enfield Classic 500 motorcycleHandling

It is a fairly light machine, around 172kg, and carries what mass it has lower than a snake's belly. Stability from a longish wheelbase is good and those narrow tyres mean that, with a nudge on the wide bars and a bit of knee pressure on the tank pads, you can changes direction sweetly. It is no scratcher, though, and doesn't pretend to be.