Neophyte with questions

[ormus]

Greetings,

I've come to this forum in the hope that some of you might be able to answer a few questions that have been brewing in me recently.

Want to start riding and think that diesels are the way forward. Have recently started doing an intro to bike mechanics course. I am currently in England.

I've been thinking about Enfields, possibly getting one from Henry Price. Now were I to do so, and then go touring round Europe, what sort of problems might I need to anticipate? I see that his bikes are restored, so to what degree does that mitigate the 'old bikes are gonna fall apart on you' chorus that I keep hearing from people who I've been talking to lately?

And then there's the matter of parts. Again, given that I want to tour, how difficult to find are parts that I'm likely to need? Am I going to have to be waiting around to get something sent to me by courier?

Finally, is getting insurance much bother? I realise that there's a section about this on the forum, but since this is a general question on the subject hopefully it's appropriate here.

Cheers,

Adam

[Stuart]

The weak point on Enfields, in recent years but not now, has been the Engines. Since they were taken over quality has improved greatly. Frames were always strong and so one properly fitted with a diesel should be very reliable. I travelled to Europe for many years on a small single and eventually plumbed for an 850cc twin. I could keep up with traffic then and it was safer. MPG not quite so good but I'm happy for the moment. I have on order a smart Tiger which you could order from our pages here.
Insurance shouldnt be that much of a problem.

[ormus]

Thanks for the quick reply, Stuart.

So if I understand you correctly, you're saying that since '95, engine quality has improved?

As for MPG, since this is important to me, and speed not so important, would I be right in saying that a single cylinder would give me better fuel efficiency? Or are there other factors involved?

Also, have people found certain Enfield models to be better designed and thus longer-lived than others?

I've seen the Tiger on the 'bikes for sale' page, but I'm looking for a cruiser type...

[Dan J]

Adam,

Stuart was (I believe) responding on Enfield bikes generally - the comment regarding '95 engines is regarding the standard petrol bikes as they came out of India, nothing to do with Henry Price. The diesel engines fitted to Henry's bikes are copies of the Yanmar L100 engine and are simple, well built and resilient engines providing they have the governor set up properly and receive regular (1000ish or so mile) oil changes. There are board members here with tens of thousands of miles/kms on these engines so nothing obvious to worry about.

As for touring, you take basic parts and toolkit as warrants the journey - so obvious stuff like brake and clutch cables, spare inner tube, basic tools. Stuff you should take with you on any bike old or new to be honest. Hitchcock's (http://www.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/home) are based in the UK and a worldwide provider of Enfield parts - you can buy down to the last screw and washer. Once again you'd take a few basics and if something critical did go you could have it with you in 48 hours max I'd imagine. There is no such thing as completely risk free touring as anything can go wrong - but Enfields are solid bikes and very easy to repair at the roadside. Be hard to pick something better to tour on providing you don't want to get anywhere fast. But then that's half the beauty of travelling in this way.

I've had no problems insuring my bike via Footman James and that's a Henry Price conversion I've had since mid 2008. If you'd like to see plenty of bikes and get more in depth info before committing the best thing to do is come along to the next UK rally at the start of June armed with your questions.

Dan

[oldbmw]

no real problems as dan has said. alongside teh tube, carry a rim tape, only a £1 and worth changing when you change tubes. Tubes usually last longer than a tyre so do both jobs the same time and you wont have any problems.

Henry himself also has a good range of parts as does Watsonian Squire. I have to say I have had uncharacteristic problems with hitchcocks supplying things that do not fit. In France you could try Burasseau of Cerisay ( he is on this website somewhere). worth taking his phone number when travelling. Do not know about other countries.

[Stuart]

Cheers Dan, yes I meant since the 'hand made in India' days when hex nut weren't quite even sided etc etc.
Mpg might be better on the singles and riding a good deal less stressful if you keep off the Motorways. The moment you get on one fully loaded up, tackling a long climb, with juggernaunts whilstling past you horns blaring You may wish you'd plumbed for a twin. I'm down to 120mpg from 170 with the single but think the sacraffice worth it. Just wanted to be able to do long hauls a bit easier and safer. I think I have a nice balance now and ride something less like a moped and more like a motorcycle.

[henryprice]

If you have any questions about the Diesel Royal Enfields that i convert please feel free to ask me direct or through this forum,
I will be happy to answer whatever. I have have converted quite a few using the Clone engine and they have been really reliable, just basic common sense maintenance is all that is required.

Since the engine reliabilty factor has been taken out of the equation what you have to carry in the way of spares is much reduced, If you would like I can give you a list if what I take when I go on my rideabout around Europe.

But as has been pointed out I deliver to most places in Europe by UPS which is either a next day or up to 5 day depending on what you want to pay, so its only a phone call away, and usually I have most parts in stock.

Henry
www.pricepartmotorcycles.co.uk

[Sphere]

...and if you're in less of a hurry Henry also sends out in bubble envelopes using Royal Mail. Still arrives within a few days. Tried and recommended.

[andrewaust]

Yes purchased parts from Henry myself down here in Australia, will purchase from him again

The Yanmar clone engines are a good engine, some come with quality bearings, some not so good. I'm sure that has been sorted by importers by now.




A