I too noticed the alignment markings are pure fantasy so spoke to the RE dealer about it. His advice was ignore them as the tolerences are too great to make it worth using. He also suggested ignoring aligning the wheel to make it in the middle of the rear mudguard as the tolerences in the mouting frames are pretty big on that as well (he made it sound like Royal Enfield can't be bothered using jigs to keep tight tolerences, sort of like british car makers in the 70s). One option he gave was the old school string alignment method but I didn't fancy that so ended up on Amazon after looking for ideas from people online. One suggestion that kept coming up was the Motion Pro chain alignment tool (clamps on the rear sprocket and align by eye with the chain. Being a cheapskate, I bought a chinese copy for under £10 and job done, alignment is now quick and easy and (from what I can tell) reasonably accurate.
I usually ignore the markings on adjusters and measure from the centre of the swingarm pivot to the axle centre on each side. That way the wheel will be square whatever the markings on the adjusters say.
Well Shotto. You're a cracking bloke but I'm here because you had a Royal Enfield Classic. If you flogg it, I'll drift. Lastly, ref your next bike. If you can't lift it, don't buy it! All the best Shotto. 👍
Really love your videos, Keith ! So relaxing and zen-like. I'm almost 60 and I've been riding bikes for 42 years now. Keep up the good work and never change your style.
What does Zen like mean🤔 Are you sure you've got the right bloke? But seriously it makes me happy to find out that you get something of value out of my ramblings and tickles around the peak district. Thankyou for your support and ride safe👍
Another great video, Thank you for the chain adjustment pointer from you and your other subscribers. I haven't had to adjust mine yet, but it will give me something to look at at. My other bikes are all shaft drive, so it has been a few decades since I have adjusted a chain. Happy searching for the right second ride. I had the GL1800 out yesterday, I love the little Classic, but it is nice to have a variety! Stay safe friend!
I agree Wally, I don't want a stable of bikes it's just that if truth be told I want a bit more power. The classics great but here are times.......well, I'm sure you know what I mean. Anyway, a solution has been found and will be revealed shortly. Thanks for your support Mate. Ride safe👍🇺🇸🇬🇧
Different bike Keith?.... No brainer - early Transalp! My oldest just bought an '07 650. I've had a couple of rides on it and it's a comfy mile-eater. Cheers matey.
I’ve bought a device that keeps your chain and back wheel straight although I haven’t used it yet. The classic is very good at touring, I intend to go wales , Lake District and Scotland once I’ve run my classic in 👍🏍️
Have never relied on the marks as they are pretty vague on mine. I either measure from the wheel rim to each side of the swing arm with a steel ruler, or... ...a member on the Hitchcock's forum posted a pic of a laser chain aligning tool he has so I found a little laser pointer we had for annoying the cat. Held against the rear sprocket it points a beam onto the outside of the chain pins - when the back wheel is spot on, the laser can be seen on the chain pins all the way up to the gearbox. And re touring...unless you like bombing past everyone these are fine for touring on the motorway at just above truck speeds and at just under 60mph you will be sipping petrol at 100mpg. I rode back from Edinburgh last Tuesday in horrendous rain. You may think that a full fairing might have been nice but my jacket performed fine, it was my cheaper leg wear & boots that got drenched!
Thanks for your thoughts. Laser pointer inbound I think I agree about steady touring on the Enfield. I want the heritage and looks of the Enfield with a bit more pep I think, just me. I think, (I know) I've sorted something. I'll tell you at the end of the week. Ride safe👍
Love your videos. All quality made and edited. Don't change a thing. Got a new phone and trying to sort it out. Working on sending a pic or two. Got old guy syndrome and technology is trying to do me in. I'm doing my best to catch up.!! 👍👍5🏍🙋♂️
That's very kind John. I'm not sure It's that good but I'm glad you found something of value. I'm looking forward to receiving your pics just as soon as you can get to grips with this new fangled technology! Ride safe Mate👍
i got a 2014 classic 500 same problems ...may sound stupid but for the rear i use laser level marker to align £14 amazon , also front forks can come out of line and twist ,, your front mud guard is your main alignment tool always inspect both. these are back to old school with these bikes , have fun and enjoy lol
Thanks for sharing Tony. I have just sold my Enfield Classic 350 but do intend to return to the fold in the not too distant future as soon as funds allow. I am probably going to get a 500 this time. Looking forward to it. Ride safe Mate 👍
@@shottostravels the 500 from 2013-14 efi to 2017 are a work horse and built for abuse I've had mine 3 yrs now but vibration plus ,things coming loose at random, high maintenance and rust puts people off ,, im always on the motorway with mine ,, i grip the tank hover around 70-75 and let it do its thing,, main thing is the oil pump and hydraulic lifters with these really, I've currently done mine at 11,000 miles previous owner only covered 600mls in 7 yrs witch is not good for an oil pump and hydraulic lifters really... Ps replace the top engine mount asap if not already done.. just google it you will see the upgrade for it
At the first 300 mile service I had a top quality DID chain fitted by my dealer now after another 3,000 miles the chain has only been adjusted twice. However when adjusted the mechanic has always used a laser to get the alignment spot on, something he does on every bike he works on. I am lucky my main RE dealer has a spot on mechanic, who pdi’s every new Enfield and automatically adjusts the gear leaver as he states they are all too low from the factory. 😊
Quiet with bikes compared with Sundays at MB. Re Harleys last years was first time they didn’t do Motorcycle Live and I’d agree they seem to be in decline; cost silly money compared with other brands
It was wasn't it, I was surprised. it would be a real shame if Harley dropped out, can't see that happening but they need to sort themselves out. They'll go the way of the British bike industry if they are not careful. 🤔
Eyup Keith I had same problem on my my 350 I’ve ignored the marks and done by eye my mechanic friend also does it the same way on his ps my bike handles perfectly and no uneven tire we’re cheers mate.
Greetings from small Luxembourg, thanks for Your postings Keith. Keep on posting and ride safe. Maybe in India they still happen to have some measuring "tolerances" that are not yet up to japanese standard ? ... I ride exactly the same model than Your bronze/chrome for 6000 kms ( 3700 miles) now, beside my old BMW side-car outfit and I just love this machine.
Greetings. Maybe you are correct, I can't get my head around it but there has been some extremely good advice offered on here from some very experienced people. I am pleased that you enjoy my humble efforts and thank you for commenting. Ride safe👍
IN 50 years of biking, NEVER trusted factory marks, depends on the welder, if it's a Monday morn or Friday afternoon build! Even had trouble with Honda's in the past, just take several measurements in several places, when satisfied, work with equal amount of adjustment both sides every time. Cheers DINO.
I watch you on my kindle and I get the subscribe logo but i don't get the bell thing. Not just for your channel but others as well. Now this is most likely down to my ineptitude with today's tek but it is frustrating.
Ian, it's not you. When you watch a vid and it says subscribe you do it below the video itself, not on screen. Once you have clicked the subscribe button ( below the video) it then turns into a bell icon. If you click the bell it opens up options that you can choose to be notified when a RU-vidr upload ads any new videos, material or content. So you can choose to get a heads up on new stuff if you wish. At least I think that's how it works, let me know! Thanks for your support. It's definitely not you it's most of us, we have come to this stuff 10 years too late! Ride safe 👍
You want a tourer ? Well I toured Ireland in 2019 on a Triumph Street Triple doing 250 miles a day loved the trip, not a known tourer. Now the Classic I have now owned for over two years and can tell you the Classic will make a great tourer. If you are touring why do you need a big bike when surely you do not need to travel at great speed, something the Classic is great at ! Take a look at Tiger Ness who adapted his Classic for touring, but in fairness you could just rock strap a Lomo bag you your back seat and off you go. You do not need a heavy big bike to tour, for me now after 54 years of riding, I have found the Classic to be the perfect bike, unless you must ride at over 70 miles an hour for hours on end. Just my view 😊
And it's a very fair view. I'd like a bit more power than the classic offers. Some don't , I do. Not necessarily for touring. Just a bit more oomph would be nice. Ride safe Mate👍
Hey up Keith, good morning 😊. I think there's a lazer alignment tool thats not too dear. You clip it on and it shines along the length of the chain. When perfectly aligned the beam can be seen to just touch the end of each rivet without any deflection. I've not used one myself but I might get one. Bikewise, if you're like me and want something with a bit longer legs you might consider adding to the current bike rather than swapping it? There's several other RU-vidrs who've let their Classic 350's go - only to have to buy another as they've missed it too much. We're looking at the Super Meteor 650 with the touring seat. I did fancy the Shotgun, but the pillion seat isn't up to the job. If you fancy something different, there are still some offers available on the SV650 which is a cracking bike. Edit. Scratch that - you said, "Touring". Thev Cf Moto 650 GT is an excellent used buy in your price range and almost like a mini Pan European.
Thanks for commenting Mate and all cracking advice, I will have to investigate the laser alignment thingy ma jig. Sounds intriguing. Boys and there toys. All good advice regarding the bikes, I now have a resolution! / Solution. It will be revealed very soon. I hope I've made a good decision, it's about time I did! Thanks for your input. Ride safe Mate👍
Sounds like you need a 411 Himalayan, you can get one NEW for under 4 thou at most dealers, LOVE mine, had it 5 years NO issues. HURRY UP, many riders finding the 452 not what they were waiting for! DINO.
Hi Keith, l have owned both the ST and GT Sprints both lovely bikes, l put risers on the GT very comfy touring Europe two up. Had a GTR1400 as well another fab bike but was getting a bit to heavy for my dodgy knees. Your chain problem is not just reserved for Enfields iv'e had that on quite a few bikes down the years you can't trust those marks on the swingarm and l cracked up about your grooming comment 🤣 all the best in your hunt for another bike take care 👍
Hi Mark Thanks as always for sharing your thoughts. And supporting my efforts. I have a resolution to my bike buying issue, it will be revealed very soon. And Is contrary to some of the stuff I've been spouting! I'm sure the Gt is smashing, some great bargains to be had but I'm not sure my ageing bones would cope, I'm 20/30 years too late. I also laughed when my Mate came out with that. Ride safe👍
Why don’t you buy accessories for your Classic to tour, Hichcox do fantastic stuff. When I tour I’m sticking to the small B road and taking my time and enjoy the country side.
First time I’ve watched your video 😊 Heh yes get what you want bike wise Can’t go wrong with the Triumph range Like the chat !! Are you from my home town Stoke ?? Great job Atb phil green
The picture I sent you few weeks ago of the blue bike on a cliff, overlooking clouds, thats my 09 CFMoto. I also have a few videos of it posted on my channel. The fact that I am riding a 09 says the quality of CFMoto is far above most china bike manufacturers, especially the engines, but it is still lacking. They are really good at cutting corners in ways you are not going to see at the show room, or even until you own it a while. Brittle plastics that break taking them off, painted not dyed plastics. Paint that is not UV stable, even the numbers in the speedometer sun bleaching out of existence, not that it matters as its no where near accurate. Complicated plastics that need removed to get to things you need easy access to like the antifreeze reserver cap. They also very quickly discontinue parts production after they stop producing that model. Now I have been told they now dye their plastics instead of paint them so things change. But I would not buy a new one. They are to good at hiding where they cut corners for me to pay the prices they are asking for new ones today. You get a good deal on a used one though? I am pretty hard on mine here in the Appalachian mountains. Steep, climbs, rough roads, engine run hard for hours. That 230cc engine just takes it without complaint. I even crashed it pretty bad Sunday an I came out of it worse than the bike did, with me being in full gear. Bent blinker, scratched up guage cluster housing an ground down cap on the master cylinder, but I rode it home.
That's interesting from a man who knows about Cf Moto. I didn't realize they had been going that long. Hope you are ok after your tumble. Ride safe Mate 👍
@@shottostravels Yea, I'm good. CFMoto entered the US market in 2003 I think. They were forced to recall their US bikes in 2013 for not having a foot brake an left the US market. Not sure if the recall was just the 2013 ones or all of them. I have mine so it was either only the 2013s or they didnt do a very good job getting them back. But they are rare. They came back to the US market a few years ago. So most people here think they are new too. The early bikes are the CFMoto V3 and the CFMoto V5 if you want to look them up an see if they exist in the UK market.
Hi Keith, I never trust the markings on back wheel adjusters, since the 1960's always used a long piece of facia board (I was a carpenter once) as a straight edge with a cut out for the centre stand to make certain that the wheel alignment is correct, very simple to operate. Since losing my wife I've done a lot of 'skiing' (spend the kids inheritance) hence buying a Triumph T120 Bonneville and now the R.E. Classic 350, but honestly do you really need a bigger bike. Yes, the top speed is pretty poor on our bikes however once you go for a larger machine you will not use the Classic very much at all, and with all the traffic cameras about these days how long will it be before your licence is at risk?
Thanks For commenting. Interesting choice of second bike A Bonnie and a Classic 350. I have news at the end of this week, a decision has been made. I'll probably change my mind next week😉 Ride safe Mate and enjoy your Skiing.👍
Hi there, l love your videos on u tube, l need some advice ! , l am returning to motorcycling after 10 years. I love RE bikes and l need some advice. I'm either going foe either a Super Meteor or a Classic. I'm just a bit worried about the weight of the bikes, l don't want to drop the bike, how easy is it to balance on them. Cheers Trev
Trev, In my opinion both are easy to manage, your choice depends on so many things. My honest advice as we are all different is to seek out your nearest Royal Enfield dealer and take a test ride on both, then decide what is best for you. Both are wonderful bikes. Choose what's best for you Good luck, let us know what you end up with.! Ride safe👍
I had a Honda 900 f2 that had incorrect marks o the swingarm so i used to have a straight edge on the back wheel to check it wasn’t running in or out rom the front
@@shottostravels Yea, yours is on. But in the US its common to keep it set on high beam in the daytime. I was asking if thats not something you do there?
@@RebelCowboysRVs I'm sorry, I misunderstood. No it isn't.We have it on Dipped beam.👍 European legislation came in that required lights to be on all the time, but I don't think it applies to older bikes.
Hi just realised my subscription was off just have been watching your latest video I know where there is a good BMW rt1100rt only 11000 like new with all boxs has been keep in garage as a garage queen around your budget spend
Thank you for commenting. The Bm sounds great. I have now got it sorted and will tell you in the next vid. Were you subscribed at one point and then maybe you tube unsubscribed you? I have heard of this. Anyway thanks again and ride safe👍
@@shottostravels 👍 Good job look forward to your next one. It was a r1100rt around £2750.00 Enjoy keep up the good work on RU-vid a shot of the food to, added would be nice to see in the videos
Isn't it just. I was mega surprised how few bikes were there. The threat of a shower is enough to put loads of people off, turned out that was all it was, a threat. It was a grand day. Thanks for commenting Ride safe Mate 👍
