How to Buy a Used Enfield

Average Speed and Road Conditions

Enfields are really under powered for the size of their engine.

My manual optimistically claims it will do 120km/hr top speed. An Indian motorcycle review magazine pitches it at 100km/hr, which is what my speedo claims. 2-up and with luggage I scrape about 95km/hr.

Having said that, its quite rare to get an opportunity to ride at these speeds. Firstly the Enfield doesn't like to be ridden above 75 km/hr, I can feel the engine is starting to strain. Secondly the engine is not great for quick acceleration. If you want your Enfield to last then better ride it like the age it was designed. The 1950's.

Thirdly, and most influentially, the roads and conditions are totally crap. Pot holes, flood waters, roads washed away etc make for slow riding.

In the Himalaya regions I average about 30-35 km/hr. (Even less as you get higher)

On the plains about 40km/hr.

That is not to say I sit on 40 km/hr. There are sections of road where one can speed up to say 70km/hr, and suddenly hit a traffic jam, or the road is under repair, or the road hasnt been repaired since it was built etc. Thus bringing down your average distance covered per hour. So I use these averages when planning my trip. Then I add breaks.

So a 200km ride is about a 5 hour ride on the plains and then I add 2 hours for breaks. After all, got to sniff the roses along the way. So its a long 8 hour day. Then you have to remember you want some day light to find a decent hotel. In some cities this can take upto an extra hour.

Touring on the plains is really tiring. Too many trucks and buses slowing you down, allowing you to drink their fumes. You dont cruise in India; I am in a constant state of alertness , its almost impossible to find a relaxed riding rhythm.

For example- turn a corner and farmer Joe has let his cows wonder all over it, or a truck is parked right in the middle of the road with a flat tyre etc. On dual carriage high ways there are trucks driving against traffic! So many times 40km/hr is too fast.

Antidote
A traveller told me recently he was travelling by bus in South India when it suddenly stopped at the side of the road. He was told they had to wait for the bus to be repaired.

The horn wasnt working...

Indias only concept of road safety is a deafening loud horn, used at every, and I mean every, possible opportunity.

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