Royal Enfield coming to Vespa PDX

[scott_araujo]

Anyone else see this?

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/mcy/1794160795.html

"we are the new Royal Enfield dealer in Portland. Stop by Vespa Portland to check it out"

Looks like the bike Moto Corsa had on display for a while.  Arun had said he was considering selling them, either at Moto Corsa or across the street.  Guess not any more.  Oh well, nice to have a local dealer for these.

Scott

[scott_araujo]

I stopped by yesterday.  They've already got 5 in stock and are totally psyched to be carrying them.

Scott

[badgalbetty]

My Royal Enfield was a 1938 model G Engined 1956 Model G deluxe Clipper 350. The real deal!.......Had it for years, rode it all over hell and back. Great bike as long as you only wanted to go around 68 mph tops. Brakes were good, handling really bad had an old single seat with springs on it. Great bike!It now lives in Inverness Castle Scotland.It was a ojne kick start , did not have a key,and never let me down, solid old reliable single. Shame the new bikes are not the same........

[scott_araujo]

The new new bikes are better.  When they first came to the States in the 90s it was the old engine with Indian build quality, not the best.  They did a few updates: electronic ignition, 12V electrics, electric start.  Still fairly unreliable.  Then there was the AVL engine that replace the old iron cylinder engine.  Still no dice.

Now they have the Unit Construction Engine (UCE) new in 2009.  Much better so far.  Top speed up to a claimed 82mph.  Not much fun to ride any faster than 70 by most account and even that can be hair raising.  My wife likes the teal C5.  I plan to get one and add a Cozy sidecar once the little guy gets a little older.

Scott