Road-testing the 500cc Royal Enfield Electra: The 500cc Royal Enfield, now in its 50th year of almost unchanged production, has taken a significant leap forward. Three years ago saw the options of electric start and a five-speed left-hand gearbox but everything else was pure 1955.
Now 'ancient' has become 'modern' and to good effect. A long-awaited lean burn engine has been designed and developed by the Austrian powertrain company AVL. In looks it's similar and retains the same bore and stroke and close coupled oil tank. It has a new aluminium cylinder head with amended valve angles, a different spark plug position and altered port shapes.
This provides more efficient combustion, better economy and cleaner emissions. There is a lighter, short-skirted piston with a higher set gudgeon pin, which permits the use of a longer steel con rod. The cylinder barrel is aluminium with a cast-iron liner. Oil pumps are now gear driven, with 10 times the flow capacity of the earlier, plunger pumps. The big end is a needle roller-bearing instead of a plain white metal bearing.
The modified frame has new front forks. A five-plate clutch is used to cope with the 32 per cent increase in torque. Electronic ignition replaces the points and incorporates solid state advance. The carburettor is of the CV type. The alternator is 200w with DC lighting and the battery is a low-maintenance lead-calcium type.
Avon AM 18 tyres have replaced the more classic style SM. Rear suspension is improved and final gearing is higher than on previous 500cc models.
For many, the most significant improvement is the replacement of the twin leading shoe front brake with a single, 280mm diameter, hydraulically operated disc. The rear brake linkage, which in earlier models suffered from a twisting effect in the cross linkage, has been beefed up and now works properly.
Power output of 25bhp / 17kW may not sound much. The bike weighs 160kg, so this equates to a modest 156 bhp per tonne. What matters more is torque for which this type of traditional 500cc single is renowned. On fuel, 100mpg is attainable and most would easily see 75 to 85mpg.
For those seeking more performance, at the expense of some economy, a performance kit is available. This consists of a different air-cleaner, a Delorto carburettor and sports silencer. A power increase of around 6bhp, or 15 per cent is produced.Given the additional cost of €300 for this option, it should be ordered.
Having used the earlier Bullet 65 for some 8,000 miles in the past two years, as a back-to-basics machine, it was easy to appreciate the various changes. The Electra is a considerable improvement. We also appreciated, apart from the improved performance, a better quality speedometer, even though it still lacks a trip meter. A neutral light is, at long last, provided.
Starting is, as ever, 100 per cent, though the more awkward positioning of the choke control, almost hidden behind the fuel tap, could be improved.
As soon as the bike is moving the increased power and smoothness are apparent. Acceleration, which was respectable enough up to 60 mph, is now very much improved. The bike will now happily cope with motorway speeds - and new gas-filled rear shocks improve roadholding.
Overall, though the Electra looks much the same it did, in reality, it's a whole new bike both in its build, quality and its performance. It is now sufficiently modern for everyday use. The Electra has proved itself to be as reliable as any modern motorcycle and the factory and importers have been at pains to ensure that the days of indifferent quality are in the past.
Priced at €5,800, coming under the 25kW limit for those still subject to restriction, modest in terms of insurance cost and with a frugal thirst, the Royal Enfield Electra is attractive to those who do not need the ultimate in performance but want a proper-looking bike.