Royal Enfield Classic 500 Euro IV Battle Green
We have already tried the Himalayan (see note), an interesting motorcycle, but it is not like the Classic. This motorcycle is the pure essence of what Royal Enfield is. While other manufacturers create their classics by fashion, this is a real classic motorcycle, like those that were done before, but modernized to meet the requirements of Euro IV. Injection engine, ABS brakes and disc on both wheels … that’s all modern.
This motorcycle is manufactured as before to resist, a lot of iron and little plastic. Its 203 kg (447.5 lb) with the full tank intimidates a little at least experienced, due to its difficulty of moving. But once this engine is turned on and off… the fear is lost.
Suddenly you find few 28 horses to run, but you must know that this motorcycle is not for that. This motorcycle is to take advantage of those 41 Nm that has at 4,000 rpm. It is an impressive force that is felt in low and medium. Little power, lots of torque and inertia. While other motorcycles climb a mountain in first or second … it is able to climb it in fourth and without any problem. For us, this motorcycle is a BULL. It is worth mentioning that the model I tried already had its 5,600 km traveled… I had the pleasure of celebrating its 6,000 km hehehehe
The vibrations and the sound of the engine remind us that we are facing a true Classic and when sitting in this saddle, it has transported me more than once to that time of war where the soldiers were avoiding any obstacle on this seat. A whole story about this motorcycle.
Now let’s see how it behaves in the year 2019.
We tested the motorcycle with heavy city traffic. We know that mobility in the city of Bogotá is a bit complicated, considering that we move behind the car, as the law says.
But in these conditions the Classic has behaved at height. With a short-distance rear suspension, it makes the springs under the seat pleasant; added to a soft front suspension that transmits as little as possible, makes driving at a very low speed a real pleasure.
Its weight is so well distributed that maintaining balance with both feet on the footrests does not become an impossible challenge.
The gearbox has no problem, very smooth and precise. I have never had problems looking for the neutral or making the rise and fall of changes. I must also say that the ratio of the changes is very well selected, as long as it is driven at low revolutions. This is not a motorcycle to take it to the limit.
I have to say the brakes are correct; They do not shine for their braking capacity (due to the weight of the motorcycle) but they are not bad either, the ABS that is mandatory to meet the Euro helps a lot.
Avon tires (this is my first experience with them) I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. We have done the pressure test (see the article) and for the use that I give my pressure was 29 forward and 30 back. Very good curve response and very easy to handle on a daily basis.
I have also been able to test them in rain. I raised 3psi to the rear tire and his behavior was excellent. Of course, like all tires, you have to be careful with the demarcations on the floor.
Its consumption has been very satisfactory, considering that it is single cylinder of 499 cc. I have been able to have an average of 90 km / gal, driving the motorcycle between 2,000 and 5,000 revolutions (between 2,000 and 3,500 rpm in heavy traffic). This gives me an autonomy in the city of around 320 km.
The Classic behaves very well on the road. You can drive at cruising speed between 80 and 100 km/h (in the few places you can) without feeling vibrations and you still have more speed to overtake other vehicles.
The Avon Road Ride definitely makes a good combination with this motorcycle. Of course, the pressure must be what you really need and not the one recommended by the manual. It is surely made for India.
Your suspension responds smoothly and feels very smooth with the unevenness of the road. Really a very pleasant trip. The inertia and torque of this motorcycle is greatly appreciated in these conditions.
The curves are taken without any problem. With the counter handlebar technique, I have obtained a precise lying down. Now, added to the touch of this motorcycle, the curve’s exit has always been smooth and precise.
Its consumption has reached 120 km/gal, giving us an autonomy of approximately 430 km per full tank.
I set out to do some uncapping, but not very aggressive, to see how this Bull behaves.
While it works, you will suffer from the suspension. In India you can see many videos walking in uncovered, but this bike, due to its weight and suspension, is not something I recommend doing. I would say that’s what the Himalayan is for.
On the other hand, there is a component that we must take care of in the uncovering… the rear brake pump. If we look at the motorcycle from below, the brake pump is in a position exposed to any blow of stones. If this is damaged on a trip… you know what happens with the rear brake.
The Royal Enfield Classic 500 Euro IV has proven to be a motorcycle capable of staying and complying with the standards. Despite being a functional classic design (I even turned it on a couple of times with the leg) its non-visible technology makes it very safe.
As for the technology I mean its ABS brakes, its shutdown and safety system when the motorcycle falls and its side leg sensor that does not allow you to engage a gear until you ride it. It shows that they care about our safety.
The board has been minimized to its maximum expression. We only have a speedometer, an odometer, a fuel gauge (which turns on when it goes into reserve), an engine damage indicator and an ABS indicator.
I can recommend this motorcycle as the first motorcycle, as long as you measure a little more than 1.75 (5’9 “), to get to the floor well and have more confidence with the weight of this Bull. I also recommend that you go through one of the Royal Enfield dealers, so that you can find out a driving course with this motorcycle (at least in Colombia they are offering it.) More than anything, I recommend it so that you learn to perfect the use of the clutch on the motorcycle, so you will avoid leaving the traffic light or second jumping with the motorcycle.
I found the tool very complete and useful. I have analyzed it with some friends and my work group and we feel that it is one of the most complete that is delivered with a motorcycle. This is appreciated when traveling.
For many it has seemed to them that the lack of an indicator of the level of gasoline is a fault in this motorcycle. Personally, it has not affected me not to see how much gasoline the tank has. But I quote it by opinion in general.
The gas cap without a key, you have to be very confident. It is not because they are going to steal the gasoline from the motorcycle, since it has a lamina that does not allow a hose to fit well … it is by the plug itself. As we say in Colombia, thieves stick with anything, and this plug, although only useful for this motorcycle, can steal it very easily. Unscrew and pocket. Luckily it has not happened to me.
I am a little worried about the speed meter’s guaya. This rubs against the top of the fork, just the one that is painted, and causes the paint to wear. One solution may be to put a rubber stopper in the hole where this guava is organized to separate it a little from the fork and do not abuse the paint.
Finally, I would look for ways to protect the rear brake pump. So do not uncover with this motorcycle, it is good to have it protected. Since any damage can depend on whether or not you have a rear brake.
