Here is why you should or shouldn't buy a Royal Enfield

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Some call it a ''legend''. Others call it a ''beast''. Royal Enfield is one bike which can never go by unnoticed. You love RE or you hate RE!

Here are the tops reasons for buying or not buying a Royal Enfield

Reasons why one should own a Royal Enfield:

1. Build Quality - As per the members of RE fan club, these machines lasts longer than the 100 to 200 cc bikes due to its extremely good built-quality. "These can last up to 30 years easily, if maintained well".  

2. Ride Quality - The bikes are heavier; these will provide unmatchable highway stability. This includes extreme windy  and wet conditions. Additionally, even at 90kms/hr; you won't feel you are lightweight and are losing traction.   

3. Ride Quality - These have excellent low end torque; the ride will have unforgettable and lasting pleasant impact on the rider.

4. Good re-sale value - One RE fan purchased RE Tbird 350 in 2005 for 66000. He resold it in 2014 around the same price! 

5. X Factor - Fans of Royal Enfiled claim that when on the bike, they never go unnoticed! "No other bike than bullet has a good street presence". 

Reasons why one should not buy a Royal Enfield:

 1. Common problems - Some bullets are essentially based on simple mechanical principals; therefore they have not evolved much. These may (or may not) require frequent visits to mechanic for common niggling problems.

There are some universal problems in all bullets e.g. engines oil/gear box oil leaks, common electrical problems malfunctions in turning indicators/console problems, frequent wear and tear of break shoe to name a few.   

2. Ride Quality - These vibrate a lot, especially on increased speed.

3. User friendliness - The bikes weigh heavy; therefore it may or may not be always easy to ride in busy narrow streets. 

4. Mileage - Although when one is buying a RE, he should not think about saving on fuel. As per the bike riders, a good 125 cc engine will consume 1 litre of petrol per 60-70 km. But a best 350 cc bullet engines will go 35 to 45 kms in a litre. 

5. Service issues - Mechanics handling a Royal Enfield would be a specialists, and they are very few compared to the mechanics of all other bikes. 

Additionally, the spare parts like break liner etc. are slightly more expensive, making them machines with higher maintenance cost.