Royal Enfield Classic 500

Welcome to the ‘all new’ Royal Enfield Classic 500 motorcycle overview. The Classic 500 is the next model up from the 350 which I looked at last week. Unfortunately the 500 is not a new model but the same motorcycle with a slightly larger engine. The engine is also a relatively modern not the original cast iron one but made from aluminium but presumably based on the original.

The Royal Enfield Classic series is retro classic or original depending on how you view things. I like to think the Classic 500 more a restored original but updated with modern parts. Yes, the Classic 500 is more modern than the 350. The 500 not only has a larger capacity engine but also electronic fuel injection or EFT which means much easier starting and running when cold and fuel and emissions savings. Personally I prefer a bike with EFT as it makes life easier and extends the ownership life time.

Despite the larger and more powerful engine and even more custom parts and colours, the Classic is not hugely more powerful than the 350cc the only measurement of power the differs significantly is the torque. Together with EFT the Classic 500 will be a quick enough motorcycle and easier to ride, very important since it is also LAMS approved for learners. You don’t buy this sort of motorcycle for high performance in terms of speed and acceleration it is about the look.

If you like the Royal Enfield Classic 500’s looks and build, prefer easier ownership experience then this is literally the only motorcycle you can get. It’s not the fastest or best handling motorcycle but it is the only motorcycle genuinely in the class. Sure you say the Kawasaki W series or the Triumph has older style bikes like the Classic 500 but the are ‘faux’ compared to this original. ‘Faux’ context here meaning modern motorcycle designed to look old rather than old but updated. Any Royal Enfield also sounds uniquely like an old motorcycle thanks to low revving engine and pipes, it sounds so cool!

The Royal Enfield Classic 500 is priced under $9000 AUD  so it’s not badly priced either. The reported high service intervals are fine since I would not expect anyone to be commuting on the motorcycle so it will probably equate to once a year service, I think the Classic 500 is a weekend bike as it does make a personal style statement. I also don’t think the hipsters will like it either as it looks too old! I think it’s the ‘cafe racers’ for them? Rather real motorcycle enthusiasts or stereotypically older riders should flock to this bike. For me I’d pick the Classic 500 in the ‘Classic Chrome Green’.