Car & Bike Second hand Thunderbird?

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nanoneo

nanoneo

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I recently rode an Enfield Thunderbird and a Classic 350. Both the same bike really. I've fallen in love with the thunderbird. Found it really comfortable to ride, especially on the highway.

Now, I decided to run the nearest showroom in Mumbai (read Bandra) and was all set to order one. What the hell? The bike is expensive and doesn't have any finance options. Also, there is an 8 month plus waiting period?

I can't wait that long, and 1.15 k is more than I can spend on a bike. I've decided to step into the second hand market. However, I don't know anything about enfields. How do I avoid getting cheated? What should I look out for? Wherre would I find a second hand thunderbird? Any help would be appreciated.
 
First things first, ask yourself - do you really want an enfield? do you know what you are getting into?
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That aside, (assuming you still want to buy an enfield) I would recommend you look for seconhand twinsparks (the newer gen thunderbird) they generally have fewer problems than the old AVL engined ones.

The engines are by and large not an issue, but it is noisy, so take a few more showroom bike test rides to memorize the standard noise and compare it to the noise on the bikes you evaluate to see if anything is up there.

Check for leaking front forks and wheel balance. The best thing would be to take a friend who also has an enfield (if he tours regularly, even better) to come along for the bike evaluations, else find "the bullet guy" mechanic in your city and take him along to see the final shorlisted bikes (you will probably have to pay him).

I myself own a Thunderbird Twinspark ~ 1 year old, which has run flawlessly (bar a few crashes), causing me to question whether I actually had an enfield or not.
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Thanks for the suggestions. Will be on the lookout for the twinspark.

And yes, I'm aware of how problematic an enfield can be. Which is why I'm wary of the second hand market.
 
an enfield is on my priority list too...but be warned they command an unreal resale value!!you are better off buying a new one comparing the second hand prices...;P anyways if you get a good deal then nothing like it really.
 
Have been riding an Electra since 2008, done 11k kms, never had oil leaking and other blah blah problems people keep blabbering about!
 
mh09ad5578 said:
an enfield is on my priority list too...but be warned they command an unreal resale value!!you are better off buying a new one comparing the second hand prices...;P anyways if you get a good deal then nothing like it really.
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Thats true only for the older bikes especially the machismo 500, twinsparks should be priced more down to earth.

Enfield unveiled the TB500 at the auto expo, and plan to launch it by mid of this year, in the event they actually follow that schedule, I think you would see a lot of 2nd hand Twinsparks on the market from June by people looking to upgrade .

Last year an acquaintance of mine got a 1 year, ~18k kms twinspark for ~70-80k - thats a fair reference point IMO.
 
mh09ad5578 said:
an enfield is on my priority list too...but be warned they command an unreal resale value!!you are better off buying a new one comparing the second hand prices...;P anyways if you get a good deal then nothing like it really.
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do you really live in India?

My 2008 electra costed me 82k on road, and After the CI engines were phased out in 2010-11, many were offering me 80k for my 2.5 old enfied...!

The real situation is way too different compared to what you hear my friend!
 
Dunno why the old CI engine models sell for so high a resale price
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I got a 1999 Machismo 350 CI engine with 4s gearbox for 28k a few months ago. getting it remade currently, spending ~35k for a new color scheme + some minor engine mods
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^-Whoa! Sounds great. Do post a pic of the final product when it's done.

I found a 2009 thunderbird for 70k a few days back. I'm sure he would have come down to 60k. Unfortunatelty the bike was in a terrible condition, wish I'd taken a pic to show just how badly this guy had treated her.

Some people should not buy enfields.
 
If will buy a running condition bullet with proper papers on spot if i get it under 30k. here in Kerala the asking rate is 50k plus for any bullett
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Here in Chennai if someone wants a second hand Royal Enfield they will start to search from the old automobile mechanic shops or self proclaimed "bullet specialist" mechanic shops,you can also try to start your search from there.
 
Hey I found a second hand 2003 Thunderbird for around 45K. Is this a good price?

The bike has been kept in good condition. However it does not have the electric start.
 
Great price dude!!!!if it is in good condition just go for it....the CI engines command a premium and are a prized lot!!!if you are letting go and are from Bangalore pass me the details...am really interested!!!!!;P
 
Sorry man, it's in Mumbai.

Will most probably buy it. Anything specific I should look out for? The owner says that it doesn't start easily if you don't start it for a few days. I thought that was a problem with most enfields.

Damn, someone else bought the bike before I could...Back to square one!
 
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