Adorable Royal Enfield needs a home

Give this cute motorcycle a home and he'll love you forever.

 This adorable advertisement for a still-new 2023 Royal Enfield Meteor 350 is guaranteed to warm your heart. Here it is, just as I found it, on CraigsList: 

URGENT: Red motorcycle seeks forever human before dealership staff becomes emotionally attached. 

Available for immediate adoption: a brand-new Royal Enfield Meteor 350 in Fireball Red. 

He’s been living comfortably indoors at Williams Vintage Cycle for far too long now. Staff members have started greeting him every morning. One technician may or may not have called him “buddy” last week. This situation cannot continue. 

About him:

Friendly and approachable.

Loves long rides and unnecessary detours.

Extremely photogenic.

Old soul trapped in a brand-new motorcycle body.

Smooth, relaxed personality with zero attitude problems.

Comes fully vetted with Royal Enfield’s factory three-year warranty and roadside assistance.

Adoption fee recently reduced — NOW $1,000 OFF MSRP.

Unlike some high-strung motorcycles, this Meteor 350 isn’t trying to impress anyone. He just wants a calm life filled with scenic roads, weekend rides, and somebody who appreciates classic style without needing 180 horsepower to buy groceries.

At night, after the showroom lights go out, he sits quietly in Fireball Red wondering why everyone keeps choosing Himalayans and Super Meteors instead.

You can change that.

Visit: Williams Vintage Cycle, 511 Home Ave., Xenia, Ohio 45385 or call 937-376-0424. Southwest Ohio’s premier Royal Enfield dealer, proudly helping riders find the perfect motorcycle for over 18 years.

Please adopt responsibly.

Danger: AI writes some eBay listings

Artificial Intelligence thinks it knows what you want. 

 It will come as no surprise to you that Artificial Intelligence is being used to write some eBay listings. 

You probably even chuckle when you detect some of the laughable mistakes made by a non-human authors with no real familiarity with the items. 

A recent eBay ad offered an ancient Lucas regulator stripped off a junkyard motorcycle (maybe even a Royal Enfield). 

The ad copy almost glowed with pre-programmed confidence regarding this weathered part: 

"This Lucas Voltage Regulator RB108 6V is a reliable and high-quality part for your Royal Enfield Horex. It is designed to ensure your motorcycle's electrical system is running smoothly and efficiently. The silver color and vintage part aspect make it a great addition to your collection. The brand of this part is Lucas, a trusted name in the motorcycle industry. It is compatible with a variety of motorcycle and scooter parts and accessories, making it a versatile item for any rider. Buy with confidence knowing this voltage regulator will keep your bike running smoothly."

Imagine: Lucas, "a trusted name in the motorcycle industry." Would you buy this "with confidence"? 

You might buy it, but only on the chance it could work.

This highly rated eBay seller apparently uses AI to get his large collection of vintage parts posted. Of a 1956 Indian Tomahawk horn button, his ad says this:

"Elevate your motorcycle experience with this classic 1956 Indian Tomahawk Royal Enfield Horn Button. Crafted from a combination of durable steel and long-lasting plastic, this horn button is a perfect fit for your vintage motorcycle. The silver color adds a touch of elegance to your bike, while its placement on the front, left, and right side of your vehicle makes it easily accessible. This vintage part is a must-have for Royal Enfield enthusiasts who appreciate the historical significance of their motorcycles. With its unique design and reliable functionality, this horn button is an excellent addition to your collection. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own a piece of motorcycle history."

Long lasting plastic? A touch of elegance? Don't be silly.

AI thinks this worn part can add elegance to your Royal Enfield.

Another, obviously AI eBay ad, offers a vintage Royal Enfield metal toolbox. The robot alleges that the tool box can be fit on either side of the motorcycle (impossible: they are side specific), or -- even -- on the front!

Sure, it's funny. There's no reason not to buy, if you know what you're going to get, like the price, and like what you see in the photos (presuming they are real).

It reminds me of the badly translated instruction sheets, once very common, that came with items ordered from overseas. These were inscrutable and somewhat concerning if they, say, involved wiring electrical parts.

We can probably thank Google Translate for mostly doing away with goofy translations. It probably does at least as well as a human translator.

AI is different, because it is going to take the human entirely out of the equation.

AI has no hesitancy to inform you that Lucas made trusted electronics. It easily claims that your pride-and-joy motorcycle will be enhanced by the magnificent addition of junk-yard part.

In other words, it's unscrupulous. Soon it will be both unscrupulous and undetectable.

Probably many of the eBay ads I take for granted as the work of humans are in fact already the product of better scripted AI.

I have no way of knowing.

Is it such a bad thing? Humans make plenty of idiotic mistakes, too, and some of these can be seriously misleading, and even dangerous.

Well, consider this: In December, writer James Somers visited a Google lab where he played a game of ping-pong against a robot informed by AI. As he played, he could feel the robot adapting, to exploit his weaknesses.

It was spooky. But he found flaws in the robot's play, too. It didn't like topspin on the ball.

Later, Somers noted another ping-pong table in the lab -- except with a robot on each side, gradually erasing their flaws.

"I could see where this was going," he wrote.

The lab's goal, he learned, was to give the robots "superhuman performance."

We have been warned.

Foot photo explains sale of Royal Enfield

Well, this is different.

 A husband in North Carolina put a 2022 Royal Enfield Classic 350 up for sale because his wife broke her foot and can not shift gears. They want to buy an automatic-shift scooter instead. 

It's not unusual to see for-sale ads for motorcycles whose owners can no longer ride safely due to age, or have injuries, or physical limitations. 

What is unusual about this ad, in the Adventure Rider forum, is that the seller included a photo of the injured foot. 

"Mandatory feet pics are attached below," writes the seller, Andy. 

In case you didn't believe him.

"We are putting this spare bike up for sale/trade to get her an automatic for the summer. A Piaggio MP3 is our top choice as her left foot is totally gimpy for a bit. If you have one, let's talk. If you want a cool Enfield for cash, let's talk as well!" 

The Royal Enfield has 3,638 miles, according to the ad, and the suggested asking price is $4,000. The Royal Enfield has several after-market accessories, including an "ignition thingy."

Just guessing, I suspect that Andy has a sense of humor. It's also clear that his wife, although injured, remains committed to staying  on two wheels.

She's not just walking away. Oops. Sorry for the unintentional pun.

But, no, really.

The ad explains that the wife rides a Triumph Thruxton. The Royal Enfield is "a spare" motorcycle, to be sacrificed for a scooter purchase. They're keeping the Thruxton, for after her recovery.

She's not giving up on motorcycles.

A Royal Enfield with everything on it

Royal Enfield advertised for sale with 35 accessories.

 What's better than a baked potato? A LOADED baked potato. 

Many of the used Royal Enfield motorcycles listed for sale on this blog come with valuable accessories added by previous owners. Some of these Royal Enfields are truly exceptional. 

Here's an example: A 2020 Royal Enfield INT 650 advertised in Maryland. 

The seller lists 35 separate accessories and improvements added to the motorcycle. 

Fairing is most noticeable accessory added. 

Of course, his ad says, you'll get the original parts that were replaced, in case you want to change back. 

And then the seller says he will throw in a Royal Enfield leather jacket with armor, a Royal Enfield hat, and even a Royal Enfield beer koozie. 

The attention this Royal Enfield got is amazing. Its shiny fenders are alloy, replacing the original plastic versions. 

The side covers are labelled "Interceptor," as they are everywhere in the world except the U.S

Accessory tie-down strap looks good.

Interceptor is the evocative Royal Enfield model name from the swinging sixties. Unfortunately, in the U.S., the side covers carry the "INT 650" designation. It's a copyright work-around because Honda owns the Interceptor name here. 

There's a luggage rack, luggage side boxes, and a Corbin seat.

The tires are next to new, the ad says.

All in all, the asking price listed strikes me as a real bargain.

BUT.

Royal Enfield leather jacket is nice to have.

I have no connection to the sale; I don't know the seller; I can not vouch for the claims in the advertisement. The motorcycle may have been sold since this blog item was written.

NOTE: You can not see the motorcycles listed for sale on the mobile version of this blog. Sorry.

I only list Royal Enfields for sale that I find interesting or in some way unusual.

I might list a motorcycle because I'd want to buy it or because I'm horrified by the prospect of owning it. Either could be true and I'll bet that in most instances you can guess which way it goes.

This ad struck me as showing a special Royal Enfield that I would personally like to own.

A nice touch: ad shows the parts removed from the bike.

Used Royal Enfields for sale in the U.S.

 OK. Royal Enfield, you win. I'm backing off. You've gotten too big for my britches.

Since 2008 I've attempted to list on this blog all the advertisements I came across for Royal Enfield motorcycles on sale in the U.S.

(Royal Enfield fans who read the blog on their phones don't know this because my list of motorcycles for sale doesn't appear on mobile. Sorry.)

I don't pretend that my listings were ever comprehensive. I don't bother with ads from dealers or other commercial outlets because I figure people who want to buy Royal Enfields know how to find those.

I don't come across every Royal Enfield ad; not even close.

But I've always loved looking through ads to find unusual, historical, or cleverly modified Royal Enfields. I wanted to share those I did find with my readers. I will continue to do this.

I just can't list them all any more because Royal Enfield is too big a success. There are thousands of Royal Enfields in the U.S. now and a certain percentage are bound to be for sale every day.

I never did keep up; but now I can't even pretend to approach keeping up.

So the Royal Enfields you'll see listed for sale here from now on will be the ones I find interesting. Maybe the Royal Enfield is a rare model, or maybe it's just old. Maybe the asking price is attractively low or amusingly too high. Or maybe I just like the photo the seller posted with his ad.

I tell myself that it's OK to give up listing them all. I never did want to compete with eBay.

I just wanted to entertain readers, and I hope you'll agree to continue to be entertained here.

1999 Royal Enfield goes on stage for auction in Las Vegas

1999 Royal Enfield Deluxe as advertised for Mecum Auction in Las Vegas in January.

Several Royal Enfield motorcycles were on offer at the Mecum Auction in Las Vegas in January. Most were pristine British made models straight out of the history books. One was a made-in-India 1999 Bullet of no particular distinction except that it somewhat resembles the motorcycle in my own garage. It was Mecum Lot G73.

My first reaction: why would anyone go to an auction to bid on something available pretty much every day on CraigsList?

Even the seller seemed to consider this pretty Bullet nothing particularly special. The auction listing included only one photo, and no information, not even the mileage.

But a picture is worth 1,000 words, so let's see what we can see.

We know this is a Deluxe model by its chrome tank and fenders. It still has the stock muffler (normally the first thing an owner replaces) although the motorcycle has been accessorized: the little hood over the headlight appeals to some people.

Also the hand grips are replacements and look to be much better quality than the originals. They may incorporate "bar-end" weights in an attempt to reduce vibration in the handlebars.

The mirrors aren't visible but the stalks look to be the long poles that carry the standard, Mickey-Mouse-ears mirrors. These are often replaced, as mine were, when vibration causes them to get so loose they can't hold an adjustment.

This is a U.S. compliant motorcycle, with the brake pedal moved to the right-hand side, which involves moving the gear shift to the left via an added and very sloppy linkage. (It can be made to work fairly well.)

The headlight is the DOT-approved adjustable lamp that looks slightly too small in its nacelle. The nacelle holds the standard full-size headlight in perfect adjustment in the rest of the world, but the U.S. insists headlights be separately aimed.

The headlight must be smaller to accommodate this and so it throws a noticeably inadequate amount of light at night — ironically forcing the rider of the slowest thing on the road to slow down still more just to keep stopping distance within its dim beam. There used to be a kit available to restore the headlight to the world standard.

The exhaust pipe is slightly blued at the top, a normal indication that the motorcycle has been ridden at least a short distance. The foot-rest and kickstart rubbers are not heavily worn so mileage must be low.

The carburetor and air filter are connected in the original fashion as they should be, an oddly awkward job to perform if they are once removed (as they must be when the attaching rubber hoses tear, as they soon do). Perhaps they have never been removed. Again, low miles seem likely.

Incredibly, all four turn signals seem to be present: their stalks should long ago have dissolved and let them fall. What could have preserved them for two decades? Refrigeration?

I'm of two minds about the seat. It is so new looking that it may be a replacement, but it is the general shape and style of the standard fitment.

The lone photograph, no doubt provided by the seller, shows the bike artlessly posed in the yard. It is crude compared to the carefully staged and lit images of the other Royal Enfields going under the gavel in Las Vegas.

But I still got a 1,000 words out of it. Did I miss anything? Leave a comment below.

According to the Mecum website, the 1999 Royal Enfield sold for $2,090. A respectable figure. Shortly afterwards it turned up, advertised for $2,995 by a Nevada motorcycle store.

Royal Enfield offers $500 in free gear with Classic 500

Royal Enfield is offering free gear with purchase of a Classic 500.

Between now and March 31, U.S. riders who purchase a Royal Enfield Classic 500 will receive $500 worth of gear — "including a branded motorcycle cover, jacket, and a pair of saddlebags."

Royal Royal says "The offer is valid for new motorcycle purchases in all dealerships nationwide between Feb. 1 and March 31, 2019."

The Classic 500 is the Royal Enfield model out of history. It looks like British motorcycles looked in 1951.

Upgraded in 2009 with a more modern Unit Constructed Engine, five-speed gearbox, fuel injection and electronic ignition, it is a more dependable and capable motorcycle than the old-fashioned iron-barrel Bullet of memory.

(Memory hell: it's vastly improved over the 1999 Bullet in my own garage right now!)

In recent years the Classic 500 has improved still further. It now has a rear disc brake as well as front disc, with ABS as standard equipment. Standard too, now, is the passenger seat that used to cost extra.

The classic Royal Enfield experience remains.

The Classic 500 still carries its useful center stand along with the usual kick stand, and a has kick start lever you'll probably only use to impress onlookers — electric start is now standard and dependable.

The Classic's single-cylinder, slow-turning, long-stroke motor with pushrods (happily now automatically adjusted) still sips regular gas. It's a "thumper." You're going to feel that one big piston pulsing like a heartbeat (critics would call this "vibration" — but try it, you may like it).

The motorcycle is faster than single-cylinder Royal Enfields used to be, but power, and thus top speed, is still modest, suited to secondary roads, not the Interstate.

For all the improvements, the Classic 500 remains a lesson in what motorcycling was in by-gone times. It's easy to find modern motorcycles that are much faster. I think it's fair to say that it is impossible to find another motorcycle like the Royal Enfield Classic 500 for sale, brand new, with a warranty.

The Royal Enfield Classic 500 comes in many flavors. Here are just some of the Military models as they looked on my visit to Royal Enfield of Milwaukee in 2017.

Unique as it is mechanically, the Classic 500 comes in as many flavors as you'll find at an ice cream stand. Royal Enfield sums up the current line up and manufacturer's suggested retail prices like this:

Classic 500: Black, Tan, Lagoon — MSRP $5,599

Classic Stealth: (new color for 2019) — MSRP $5,799

Classic Military: Battle Green, Desert Storm, Squadron, Gunmetal Gray — MSRP $5,699

Classic Chrome: Black, Green, Gray — MSRP $5,799

Now you have one more thing to consider.

Here's the link for the U.S. Dealer Locator.

When you click on it one of the things you'll see will be a "Coming Spring 2019" headline showing photos of the new Royal Enfield 650 twins. Ah yes, the new twin-cylinder Continental GT 650 and the INT650.

These look convincingly like British motorcycles of the 1960s. Unlike the Classic 500, they will come with the power and speed to ride the highways.

But like the Classic 500, the new twins have suggested prices that start at $5,799 (I wouldn't expect to get any free gear, though).

Should you consider waiting for the twin instead of buying the Classic 500 that's here now? What do you think? Leave a comment below.

Royal Enfields for sale in the U.S.; but not ALL of them

This blog lists Royal Enfields I find for sale on eBay and CraigsList in the United States. But I don't list them all.

In some cases the ads strike me as suspect. Royal Enfield models may be misidentified in the ads, or claims are made that the motorcycle in question could never match.

In most cases, of course, this is completely innocent. The seller is probably convinced that his description is correct or, if not, is of no importance. Where a Royal Enfield is concerned, the buyer is pretty much assumed to know something about the subject.

The seller shouldn't need to warn you that early Royal Enfields are maintenance intensive, won't keep up on the expressway and are noisy and vibrate. These characteristics are part of what you are buying (new Royal Enfields are superior in all regards but still have limitations).

There is one area, however, that makes me particularly leery of listing a particular ad. This is when the motorcycle has obviously not been officially imported into the United States, or is being sold in California but is of an early year that was not officially sold in California because of that's state's emission regulations.

These ads may claim that while the motorcycle isn't currently registered, "it's easy" to do so. Ehhh... maybe. But it's akin to saying that rust spots aren't serious, or that blotches on paint will rub out, or that a filthy motorcycle "will clean up."

If all that's true, and it's so easy, why hasn't the seller done it? And let's say that the seller has indeed succeeded in registering the vehicle. Will the buyer succeed in registering it in his own name? What happens when the buyer someday wants to sell the vehicle? Will its funky origin spoil that deal?

Of course none of this matters if the buyer knows what he is getting into and accepts it as fair.

I do have a lot of sympathy for sellers who may not realize their buyer is naive. I once sold a creaky old car I owned for a very low price. After the sale, the buyer complained that I had not pointed out there there was no passenger side door window. Well, there wasn't (the car had been broken into long before) and I thought this would have been perfectly obvious when the buyer test drove the vehicle.

Apparently not.

Despite the care I take with this blog, all ads deserve scrutiny. Don't buy a motorcycle you haven't inspected, learn all you can before you buy. Consider buying from a dealer rather than risking a private sale.

What's it like riding a Royal Enfield? This guy knows

15,000 miles on the odometer give this seller the right to comment
about new Royal Enfield Bullets.

If you want to know the truth about Royal Enfield motorcycles, ask the man who owns one.

Now, normally, you'd be wary of words from someone trying to sell you something.

But here's a fellow in Los Angeles with 15,000 miles on his 2013 Royal Enfield B5. He presumably knows what he's talking about in his CraigsList ad:

"This retro bike is a real head turner," he writes.

"Be warned: when you drive this beauty around you will get tons of thumbs up, and plenty of hi-fives from random dudes on the street. People will ask you 'What year is that?' and take pictures of it.

"This Bullet is TONS OF FUN to ride. It's 'pure motorcycling' at it's best. Very simple.

"There is no tachometer, use your ears.

"It vibrates like hell. It's a bit loud.

"The neutral light is busted so you need to go by feel and have a gentle touch. It's slow and kinda sketchy. Again, SUPER FUN.

"There is even an old school kick start, if you want to look extra cool. I recommend the kickstarter if there are attractive ladies present. They will immediately think you are 25 per cent more attractive. FACT.

"Is this bike good for popping wheelies and riding out to Vegas wearing a Mohawk helmet?

"HELL NO.

"I would avoid freeways unless you are OK cruising in the right lane. Top speed is 76 downhill with the wind behind you. It's just fine for splitting lanes on the 10 (which I did for years), as it's narrow and you are just putting along passing all the suckers stuck in traffic.

"The bike is ABSOLUTELY PERFECT for zipping around the city, and chill 'Sunday Funday' cruising."

He doesn't say why he's selling and I don't necessarily recommend you buy from him. But his appraisal of Royal Enfields in general seems accurate to me.

Should you buy a used Royal Enfield motorcycle?

It looked old but my Royal Enfield Bullet was dealer fresh in 2001.

This blog lists Royal Enfields motorcycles for sale in the United States. I generally don't include new Royal Enfields for sale at dealers, unless I find the bikes especially interesting or peculiar.

I do this because I love looking at old motorcycles and I know you do too.

But this means you generally won't see brand new Royal Enfields listed here. And, yet, when I bought my own Royal Enfield Bullet, in 2001, I went to a dealership and paid full price.

Why? Because that was part of the attraction of Royal Enfield. You can purchase what is essentially a vintage motorcycle brand new, with a warranty and without the vintage worries.

My personal experience had been with old cars. They fell apart, rusted or wore out faster than I could restore them and I am confident most of my vehicles have long since been junked — complete with the rebuilds and restorations I performed and paid for.

It's not the money spent I regret. It's the guilt! I loved those machines, but my attentions only hastened their doom.

Mechanically inept, with a limited budget, no garage, pressing transportation needs and unrealistic goals, I had no business trying to polish these old beaters into gems. It was hopeless.

In contrast, 16 years after buying a new Royal Enfield, I still have it. It still looks good and it still runs. The warranty is long past, but it gave me the breathing room to learn a few simple maintenance tasks. When, at 40,000 miles, I thought the motor needed a rebuild, I took it to someone who knew how to do it.

Same motorcycle as above, but 16 years later!

(By the way, he was honest enough to tell me he didn't think a rebuild was needed, but I self-diagnosed, possibly a mistake.)

I've written before, partly in jest, that I love Royal Enfield but I recommend Honda.

That recommendation still stands. At the risk of offending the Royal Enfield owners whose used motorcycles are listed on this blog, I would add this:

If you must have a classic Royal Enfield, I recommend a new one!

Now is the time to buy a Royal Enfield motorcycle

Now is the time to go riding. Got Royal Enfield?

Clearly, NOW is the time to buy a Royal Enfield motorcycle in the United States.

The quantity, quality and selection of models I see advertised is better than ever.

That only makes sense. When I bought my Royal Enfield in 2001 I asked the dealer if he had any used Royal Enfields for me to consider.

He shrugged: "There aren't any."

At that point, made-in-India Royal Enfields had only been officially imported into the United States (and in very small numbers) since 1995.

Right now there are plenty of Royal Enfields, new (at dealers) and used (listed on this blog) to choose from.

This isn't always the case. This winter there were so few Royal Enfields advertised I wondered how I was going to keep up my list.

Warmer weather has brought them out of cold storage and onto the market.

Here in Florida I can ride year-around. But it's Buy-Now Ride-Now for people elsewhere in the United States. You get an extra season of riding if you don't wait to buy.

That said, the usual precautions exist. Royal Enfield motorcycles are different and they are not for everyone. Consider:

1. I don't think they are up to U.S. Interstates — not fast enough for long enough. Others will disagree with me on this, but I stick to the side roads.

2. Yes, they are big singles, and they vibrate — it doesn't bother me, but go for a test ride and see for yourself.

3. Dealer numbers are growing but still thin on the ground. It's helpful if you're willing to do a bit of maintenance yourself. Once the warranty is done, find the local Brit-bike mechanic in your town and give him your business.

4. Buying used? Choose carefully.

What is it worth? 1947 Royal Enfield Model RE

1947 Royal Enfield Model RE 125 for sale on eBay in Connecticut.

It's the smallest and was the least expensive Royal Enfield motorcycle sold in the United States after World War II. But the eBay seller of a 1947 Royal Enfield Model RE in Connecticut thinks it's a money maker.

He writes:

"I think this will be worth big bucks in 10 years... Worth $14,000 in concourse condition. With two grand put into it there's money to be made... I don't care if I sell it so the price is firm. THIS IS THE LOWEST IT WILL BE LISTED FOR."

His eBay ad starts the bidding at $3,300. This for a single-cylinder, two-stroke, 125cc single-seater that currently doesn't run. But it does come with an extra motor and is almost complete, the seller writes. So maybe it is the opportunity of a lifetime.

He's correct about one thing: it's an interesting motorcycle, with three-speed tank shift and rubber band front suspension. It's not far removed from the Royal Enfield Flying Flea models that dropped by parachute during World War II.

Would I love to ride one? Yes! (Although not at this price.)

Many eBay and CraigsList ads are placed by sellers who know very little about the Royal Enfields they have come to own. Sometimes not even the year or correct model is known. Their ads, invariably carrying unrealistic prices, are really pleas for help. They're asking the marketplace to decide the value of their motorcycles.

These sellers could do themselves and their would-be customers a favor by contacting Graham Scarth, chairman of the Royal Enfield Owners Club in UK. He has offered to date these mystery machines by their frame and motor numbers, for free. Details on contacting him are at this link.

Information Graham can supply will help more fairly establish the value of the motorcycle. But the marketplace will have the final word.

The Connecticut seller of this Royal Enfield Model RE believes he knows what he has and has chosen to take the marketplace out of the discussion ("THIS IS THE LOWEST IT WILL BE LISTED FOR").

His Royal Enfield may not sell this time, and he says he doesn't care. If he's right about its potential he can always try again in 10 years.

Will humor help sell a Royal Enfield motorcycle?

This blog lists Royal Enfield motorcycles for sale in the United States. So I read a lot of ads. Some sellers are knowledgeable and considerate. Others provide virtually no information.

And, every once in awhile, there's an attempt at humor. See whether you giggle or groan at the ad for this 2013 Battle Green Royal Enfield. It's for sale on CraigsList in Santa Rosa, Calif.:

2013 Royal Enfield for sale.

"Up for sale is my Military Classic Enfield. It's a badass bike with a classic look and proven third world technology.

"It even has a functional kick starter.

"It gets great gas mileage and is perfect for slouchy riding out to your next Antifa rally to take down the Nazis, or just get to work 'cuz jobs are great for the economy or something. Whatever floats your goat.

"It's been garaged and babied. The miles are super low (381, yes you read that right) because I bought a Yamaha R6 shortly after this one and, hey, if you've owned both you'll understand.

"Don't lowball me bro, but make an offer if you want to cruise down main street channeling a budget Captain America on this excellent piece of imported history.

"There's a cosmetic piece missing off the muffler and I can't find it. Absolutely just cosmetic but it lends to the look in my opinion."

"Title in hand."

Even sellers gain appreciation of Royal Enfield motorcycles

A Royal Enfield for sale gives its owner pause.

Often it's the guys selling Royal Enfield motorcycles who write the nicest stuff about them. The author of this ad is selling a 2010 Battle Green Royal Enfield in Tigard, Ore.

He says it best:

"Looking to find a new home for my Enfield. If you are not familiar with these bikes they have been described as being an updated antique motorcycle. It is like riding a piece of history... This is not a corner carving, go fast race bike. This is a simple, easy to ride commuter bike. The manufacturer recommends not going over 75 solo, with a passenger 55 mph. Again it is an aesthetic ride into the past on a retro bike that shakes, rattles and rolls.

"The person who buys this bike may be a person like me who enjoys getting out on the back roads and running errands on their scooter. Or it could be a collector who wants one for their existing collection. I could see this bike being used in a movie; it has as much personality as any actor ever did.

"This bike should not go to someone who wants to buy it for road racing and screaming down the freeway; that is not what this bike is. I did add the very sporty little short pipe. This pipe really lets you hear the rhythm of the big single 500cc thumper engine. The drum beat of this engine works as a feedback to the rider, telling you how many rpms the engine is turning.

"As you can tell I love this bike. I use it more as a chair in the shop than as transportation on the road. Don't really want to, or have to sell it, but figure someone might want to get it as a Christmas gift to themselves."

For sale: A unique Indian/Royal Enfield twin

This Royal Enfield twin combines parts developed across 50 years.

A unique Royal Enfield twin assembled by a unique builder has come up for sale in New Zealand.

It's "based around an ‘Indian’ 700cc motor and gear box," writes Tim Busby, of New Zealand. "It features a compilation of various genuine ‘Royal Enfield’ parts from over a 50 year period."

He calls it "a traditionally styled early '50s classic bike that has been fastidiously refurbished throughout."

Tim from NZ is familiar to Royal Enfield enthusiasts around the world thanks to his contributions of experience and advice on Royal Enfield forums.

He is the author of the post on year-to-year changes in the Indian-made Royal Enfield Bullet that is a fixture on this blog.

But he is best known for his insistence on the use of quality parts and careful assembly when renewing vintage Royal Enfields. Even "factory" standards, British or Indian, are never good enough for him.

It would be quite something to own a Royal Enfield he assembled. Here's how he described this one:

"If you were not aware, from 1955 through 1960 the Royal Enfield range of motor cycles was ‘customized’ and re-badged for supply to the U.S. market under the Indian brand.

"This bike is a hybridization of Indian (USA), Royal Enfield (UK), and Indian (India) Enfield parts. Nothing has been altered or changed to make anything fit! Every thing is fully interchangeable!

"Because the frame is from a 1951 Bullet (same frame as the twins) that is ultimately what the bike will (should) be registered as. But it can just as easily and honestly have Indian name plates on the tank and motor.

Trailblazer twin was a special Royal Enfield for the USA.

"1955 Indian (USA) Trailblazer 700cc motor and gear box, fitted into a 1951 Royal Enfield (England) Bullet frame. At present fitted with 2004 Royal Enfield (India) disc front end and mudguards. (Can fit Royal Enfield twin leading-shoe drum front brake if buyer prefers.)

"The Bullet frame is from a bike that was shipped to Christchurch, NZ in 1951, but unfortunately for the bike it had been sitting dismantled in a farm shed since the early 1970s.

"The motor and gear box were originally supplied as a 'spare parts' unit that was shipped off to Springfield mid 1955, as part of the first consignment of Indian Trailblazers.

"The engine and gear box have matching assembly numbers (circa May, 1955). Perfect bore and original pistons, as-new big end journals (no measurable wear), refurbished with new bearings and rings, exhaust valves and springs, all new chains, and has a dynamically balanced crankshaft.

"Excellent gear box and gear change, with all new sealed bearings and bushes, no slip or drag from the clutch (new plates and springs).

"The engine features a pair of ‘sports’ cams, (standard fitment in the Trailblazer engines). The heads are fitted with hardened valve seats from new, and factory gas-flowed. Lucas SR2 magneto completely overhauled and in perfect condition: new points, coil, condenser, rotor and leads. New battery and wiring, new alternator and 12-volt electrics with quartz halogen headlight.

"Leather covered seat. New tires and tubes. Starts first/second kick every time, perfect even idle, no rattles, or clanks, runs clean at all revs with no hesitation, misfire or smoke trail!

"A strong performer with excellent brakes to match. Comfortably pulling a top gear of  4.3–1. 3,400 rpm at 100 kph (60 mph) at which speed it is running as smooth as silk and returning approximately 65-70 mpg.

"Perfectly suitable for modern day-to-day use or touring.

"Priced as is, but can be re-VIN’d registered and warranted on behalf. Optional new paint and Indian transfers on tank with color to buyer choice: red or black?

"Other options on front brake: disc (as fitted) or drum? Carburetor: Monobloc or Concentric? Dual seat or solo?

"Offers over NZ $8,000." Call for more details. (+64)-6-7522029.

"If any one does buys the bike from overseas, I can coordinate/expedite international packaging etc."

To contact Tim about the motorcycle, email royalenfield@clear.net.nz

For sale again, pretty Royal Enfield proved a problem

Pretty blue-and-chrome Royal Enfield Bullet has left its owner singing the blues.

You can absolutely feel the seller's pain in this Fargo, N.D. CraigsList ad for a Royal Enfield 350cc Bullet motorcycle. The ad has since been edited to tone down his evident disappointment, but here is the original wording:

"It is too much for me to deal with and needs to be owned by a mechanic or someone who is very in the know about a motorcycle like this."

He's obviously sad about it, and the motorcycle must have cost him a pretty penny, too.

"I just bought this from California and had it shipped to Fargo," he wrote.

I recognize the cute-as-a-bug blue-and-chrome Royal Enfield Bullet from CraigsList ads that have been running in California for years. The California seller never quite explained why he wanted it gone, but you got the feeling there might have been some heartache there, too.

As for the fellow in Fargo, he noted that "It has a special starting procedure and if you don't know what that is then this bike is not for you. Yes it runs. This bike was an Indian market motorcycle; it has a right side shifter."

Those aren't insurmountable problems. You can learn the starting procedure; you can get used to shifting with your right foot. Maybe — hopefully — you'd be able to get it registered in your state despite the fact that it was a private import (check with your state before you buy).

By themselves, these are not deal breakers for many people.

But the fact that it's a rare bird around town and it's not obvious where to find a mechanic who can make it behave (and at what price) could be a bit discouraging.

We've all been conditioned to expect things to work the way we want them to work without having to work on them. People who expect right-out-of-the-box iPhone-style results from an old Royal Enfield are bound to be disappointed.

In this original wording, this seller was determined not to let that happen to anyone:

"I will only sell this bike to someone who knows about Royal Enfield because I do not know much."

His Royal Enfield keeps calm and carries on

Here's a fine looking Royal Enfield motorcycle with a few flaws.

If you own an older Royal Enfield motorcycle you may recognize this owner's plight, as revealed in his CraigsList ad for his 2003 Royal Enfield Bullet in Austin, Texas.

I would call his text a study in where the spirit of "press on regardless" becomes a matter of deferred maintenance. But I admire his sense of humor.

Here is the story, in his own words:

"For sale is a 2003 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 four-speed single-cylinder thumper. She may not look like much but she's got it where it counts. Usually starts up second to third kick. Neat looking bike. Fun to ride!

"Things to note: The gas tank decals are pretty jacked, unfortunately; the tank had a leak when I bought it so they had to boil it out in order to weld a patch.

"The charming bungee cords are responsible for holding the storage compartments closed and keeping the center stand up. The locks on the little compartments rattled off a long time ago (this is a single-cylinder bike after-all; lots of vibration) and the center stand spring has sprung.

"The transmission on these bikes is old-school and kind of finicky. These bikes are meant to be right-hand shifters, but for the U.S. market they added a linkage underneath to swap it to left-hand shifting. The linkage is where the finicky-ness comes from, but once you get the hang of it, it's not that bad. I've read there are ways to tighten that stuff up, but I just learned to love the oddness.

"This is the iron-barreled engine before the AVL and UCE engines; as such it's not so great for highway riding. I've never ridden it faster than 55-60... so it's more for around town or back roads.

"And finally, good news! I have a title! Weird, right?

1967 Royal Enfield Continental GT: What price patina?

Is there room in your heart for this little Royal Enfield?

I'm sure I wasn't the only enthusiast pausing to consider the 1967 Royal Enfield Continental GT for sale on eBay in Ohio recently.

"In this auction we have a 1967 250cc Royal Enfield Continental GT that has a barn fresh patina, a few extra parts, and a strong running motor," the seller wrote. "Here is a video of it being started and idling."

There were lots of negatives: Rear rim, bent. Fork tubes, bent. Swing arm, bent. Busted gauges. Busted headlamp. Missing seat.

Restore it? Or leave the evidence of a hard life?

But it runs and, yes, the patina. What patina! Why not just leave those gutted gauges the way they are? Try to make the forks somehow roadworthy? Keep that delicate looking, scratched up brake cooling intake as it is.

Why is patina appealing, when "wear and tear" is not? And what is patina worth, if anything?

In the December issue of Car and Driver columnist Ezra Dyer has an interesting take on "barn cars," the hottest new/old thing on the auction circuit.

"Just a few years back, you'd go to an auction like this and look for a car that was clean, shiny, and freshly tuned up. Like a total idiot! Originality, we now know, is more valuable than superficial considerations like beauty or safety...

"Up is down left is right and bad cars are good cars," he writes.

As Dyer points out, part of the appeal of patina is the obvious originality. It strikes me that most of what is left of this Continental GT probably is original to it. No one would have swapped in broken parts. This is not "faux patina" — distressed paint added to make a merely mediocre motorcycle look meaningful.

So it's historically accurate, anyway.

Tiny brake cooling duct.

Trouble is, this little motorcycle led an historically very tough life.

It's a question every buyer has to answer. Yes, a motorcycle is only "original" once and patina is evidence of that originality.

But it also is true that a motorcycle is only "new" once and patina equals "very used."

CraigsList: What you see is what you get, if you can see it

This car is for sale, just unbury it. Unicycle not included.

Searching for Royal Enfield motorcycles for sale in the U.S., I sometimes come across ads for other vehicles that stop me in my tracks.

I enjoyed this CraigsList ad for a 1959 Volvo PV 544 for sale in Long Beach, Calif.

These roach-shaped Volvos seemed attractive in my boyhood because their light weight and floor-mounted manual transmissions made them more sporting than the American cars of the time.

But that wasn't what caught my attention so much as the seller's photos, none of which show the car very well.

One shot includes a random shoe. In the background of another is a unicycle. Did this Volvo spend time in the circus?

And then there was the wording of the ad itself:

"The picture is the proof mixed with some pudding.

"Call or text me.

"Call me on my house phone first.

"If I don't answer just call back two more times in a row. I should answer.

"Don't leave a message. I never check my voicemail.

"If you are serious about buying my Volvo you will call me until I answer.

"No emails. Emails are for people who are not serious and or too scared to talk on the phone."

Royal Enfield ad raises more questions than it answers

A Royal Enfield museum piece?

This blog lists used Royal Enfields for sale in the United States but it doesn't list them all.

I can't bring myself to list Royal Enfields that strike me as possibly incorrectly described by their sellers.

Now, I have no connection to any of the sellers, and can not vouch for any of them. But if you peruse the ads listed here you'll soon come to a realization that motorcycles that look as described and are priced as might be expected suggest that what you read is what you'll get.

On the other hand, a Royal Enfield Bullet that is described as vintage — as "one of the last English produced Enfields," for instance — raises suspicions when it carries a seat typical of Royal Enfields made in India.

My eyes open wider when the ad swears that this motorcycle has had "no restoration of any kind but it looks near new." This is especially true when one of the reasons it looks near new is that the paint appears fresh, shiny, and possibly not a factory color. No restoration of any kind?

Suspicions might increase further when that same "1968" Royal Enfield is described as having only "300 original miles!"

What has it been doing for the last 46 years? The ad helpfully explains: "This bike was in a climate controlled museum since new."

Why would a museum — any museum in the world — have added a then brand new motorcycle to its collection? Sure, it's possible, but is it likely? New speedometers with zero-mile odometer settings are easily fitted, a much more likely possibility.

Perhaps this seller is truthfully relating what he was told when he himself purchased the motorcycle. Perhaps he doesn't himself realize that the story seems unlikely.

Almost always the case with ads of this nature is that the asking price ($6,500 for this one) will be high — sometimes twice the asking price you see in other ads for Royal Enfields of the same engine capacity.

Royal Enfield Bullets are, after all, mass produced motorcycles, still in production. They shouldn't naturally become more valuable just because they are aging.

These extreme claims and high prices place a real burden of proof on these sellers. It is up to them to create ads that convince rather than raise questions.