[xydon]

Chapter: The Dream

Once upon a time, there lived a young boy who loved the sound of thunder or should I say, thumping sound of the bullet. He loved it so much that he fantasized riding the bike when he was 13 years old. He would dream about the bike day and night. He would chase bullets when he sees one and would not stop until he is out of breath.

Nah, nothing like this ever happened to me. I never even remember seeing a bullet until my engineering or probably, I didn’t care. When I finished my education, I rode one, and instantly fell in love with it. Ever since, I didn't dream to, but wanted to own one.

Chapter: The Mistake

One night, a young man was showing off his Royal Enfield Classic 350 to his father. His neighbor was passing by and the young man invited the neighbor to see the Classic. The neighbor was impressed with the bike and asked the young boy to thank his dad for getting him the bike and also told him that he did not buy one for his son.

The neighbor came back home and narrated the entire story to his family and asked his son if he wanted to buy one. His son was now no more a kid and was accustomed to the luxury of a car and hence he denied owning a bullet. The son didn't know what was coming…

After few weeks, the son stumbled upon a thread, http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motorb...umps-home.html, on Team BHP. This was the ownership thread by Mobike008. Maroon Marauder was indeed a treat to the eyes. He watched the pictures again and again and just kept watching them. He has never seen a chrome RE before. He was surprised, excited and disappointed at the same time.

He read the entire thread and repented his earlier decision. He instantly went back home and asked his dad if he can own one. But the logical argument put up by the son, few weeks ago, was indeed so logical enough that the dad was convinced that the son should not own ANY bike!!! The son cursed himself for his logical ability and then used the last weapon, “emotional aityataar”.

Chapter: The Waiting

It always did and will!!!

Emotinal Aityataar worked. I was now all excited.

February 26th 2013 was the day I booked the beast at Kay Jee Engineers, Hyderabad. Since then, I gave the dealer a follow up call once every 2 days. I'm sure they must have black listed my number by now!!!

The wait was bad (I never had this feeling even when I was waiting for my Girl Friend) and I didn't know how to kill time.

I made a list of action items which should be done prior to delivery.

1. Read all the threads related to RE Classic 500.
2. Look at all the possible modifications
3. What are the accessories that I would need?
4. Get the PDI
5. Get the loan processed
6. Keep all the papers with self at all times (who knows when the call from the showroom might arrive)
7. Get a helmet, a pair of gloves, wind cheater, knee and elbow guards.

This way, when the beast arrives, all I will have to do is RIDE.

Read all the threads related to Classic 500 again and again and again, Visited all online stores, downloaded the PDI by Randhawa and others (Thanks so much guys), got the loan processed and what was left? Oh ya, I almost forgot "the waiting"!!!

Couldn't get the helmet yet. They say the chrome one is out of stock!!!

Chapter: Mobike008

Gave him a call on multiple occasions for a suggestion and he always helped.

Asked him every question that popped in my mind; which dealer to buy the bike from, which color, why 500 and not 350, ride quality, which bank to approach for a loan, where did he get his chrome helmet from, who is the RTO agent who got him “500” number and what not!!!

Since I know him and met him in person during the drives, I was pretty confident that I could pester him as much as I can and he would smile and answers all the questions.

Thanks Avi .

Chapter: The Naming Ceremony

Since the thought of buying a bullet was induced by Mobike008 and his thread, he totally had the right to name it. The naming was simple; simpler than I actually thought.

Mobike008’s first suggestion was “The Chrome Decimator” and thats it, Locked.

Chapter: The Day

Just like the others, I had the PDI by Randhawa and other fellow Team BHPians, all the documents and loads of excitement.

Since I decided to purchase the bike just by looking at the pictures in Mobike’s thread, I was super excited to see MY Chrome Decimator. It looked gorgeous!!! I took my own sweet time to "check it out". And again, it just looked stunningly beautiful. I walked 360 degrees admiring it again and again.

Initially I booked a Chrome & Maroon but later changed it to Chrome & Black (all accessories were in Chrome & Black combination Viz: Hand grips, Foot pegs).

I was happy to see some problems, which were in earlier version, fixed. Viz. the Air filter is now covered.

On Road Price:

On Road Price didn't include Registration. Also, this is the second vehicle on my name so I guess life tax would be 15% instead of 12%. Since I paid only 12% at the showroom; I would have to pay the balance during registration.

On Road Price (Hyderabad): Rs 1,79,000
Crash Guard: Rs 1400

Total: 1,80,400.

I guess I would have to shell out another 8 K during registration.

Chapter: The Chrome Decimator Thumps to it's true home

The delivery process started at 11:00 AM on 22nd March 2013. Due to some problems, the TR was provided only at 4:00 PM. I was totally tired and just wanted to go back home.

At around 6:01 PM, when the world was busy doing it's own thing, The Chrome Decimator set foot into the real world. With an intention to start the vehicle, I put my foot on the kick rod and then gave a firm push, nothing happened; it didn't start. I knew I was still learning so just used the electric start J and brought it to life.

Original idea was to go on a 40-50 KM ride but I was out all day and just wanted to go home and hit the sack.

Drove back home, parked and didn't look back.

I was on vacation the next 10 days so again, "The Waiting".

Chapter: The Drive

Came back on March 31st 2013. Again, was too tired.

Day 1:

On 1st April 2013 at 9:33 AM, I set my foot on the kick rod and gently pushed it and whoa, again nothing happened. It didn't start. Tried a couple of times and ended up using the electric start.

Handling:

The drive was not fun; may be because I didn't drive a bike for over 3 years. My hands were aching and it was a tough job handling it in traffic. It might take a while to get used to!!!

GearBox:

Unlike warned by many, I'm not yet haunted by the false neutrals.

Comfort:

The height of the bullet makes you feel like you are riding above all. The seat is super comfortable and I don’t see any reason what so ever for changing it. Handle bars are perfectly in place.

Performance:

Absolutely stunning. The low and mid range torque are definitely a boon. I took a friend on a pillion ride yesterday and as a teaser, I quickly gave 1/4th throttle and he almost fell of the bike. Loved it (wicked!!!).

Day 2:

Kick Start:

Tried Kick Start today and Voila!!! looks like I'm a fast learner. Took me 2-3 kicks early in the morning but it did work. The engine sprung into action and was galloping like a race horse.

Handling:

Absolutely had fun driving. I thought It would take a month or more for me to get accustomed but I could feel the difference on the second day. I'm confidently cornering yet making sure I stay below 50 KMPH. My left palm is aching horribly.

Gear Box:

Still did not face any false neutrals.

Comfort:

My left palm still aches but the reason could be the cheap hand grips with minimal/no cushioning. I expected more form a Rs 2L bike.

Chapter: Grand Finale

Went on a short trip (80 KM round trip) with Mobilke008 and Rajesh Rawal. Had a great time and an excellent Photo shoot. Thanks to Rajesh for discovering the secret location and Mobike for the shoot.

Handling is now piece of cake. Can Zig Zag in traffic with ease.

OT: I rode mobike's Maroon Marauder and felt it to be much better than my Chrome Decimator. It was totally vibration free. Mine vibrates like an old bus at the red light. May be I would have to wait till the first Service.

Pros:

1. Mind blowing looks
2. Absolutely loved the low end torque
3. Air filter is covered unlike in the older models

Cons:

1. Beeper required to know if the indicators are operating
2. EFI engine requires you to maintain minimum 3L of fuel. The reason given is that the Fuel indicator will go Kapoot if it keeps blinking in case of low fuel!!!
3. Front discs did not offer much braking. This may be a fault in my bike. Would get it checked during the first service.
4. Cheap looking Electrical fittings. Would prefer retro looking controls.

Technical Specifications:

Engine

Displacement 499cc
Maximum Power 27.2 bhp @ 5250 rpm
Maximum Torque 41.3 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Supply Keihin Electronic Fuel Injection

Dimensions

Kerb Weight 187 Kg (with 90% Fuel & Oil)
Fuel Capacity 14.5 Ltr (3.2 Gallon)

Brakes & Tyres
Tyres Fr. 19
Tyres Rr. 18
Brakes Front Disc
Brakes Rear Drum

Problems I'm Facing

1. There is some kind of weird sound that pops up when the front tire hits a pot hole. I put the bike on center stand and pushed the handle downwards. I got the same sound!!! Something to do with the shocks. Again, first servicing?
   
2. There is again some kind of weird sound from the silencer. Guess some part near/around it is loose. I can hear metal-metal rubbing sound and add some vibration to it.
   
3. I was wrong about the seats earlier. After a 80 KM ride (not continuously), my bottom did started aching.
   
4. It's getting increasingly difficult to ride below 50 Kmph. Waiting to complete the Run-in.
   
5. Silencer turned Golden after 250 KM!!!

Planned Modifications:

1. Chrome and black Handle Grips. Bought these from Karol Bagh, Delhi.
2. Chrome and black Foot pegs, Gear peg, Break peg. Trying to source these.

Kitna Deti hai:

KM Done: 256
Fuel consumed: 11 Ltrs
Mileage: 23 (App)

First Service:

After completion of a month, went to Royal Enfield Service Center which is 2 minutes away from my house. I was desperate to get the problems resolved. The first thing I wanted was to get the fender adjusted and the fork sleeve repainted.

The service guy said that the PDI was not done properly and hence I should either go to the service center run by the same dealer or pay 300 bucks to him and he'll get it done!!! I preferred the former and hence went to Kay Jee.

The Service engineer, Purushotam, is a very wise and a nice guy. We can call him a real Customer Representative. He didn't accept the bike. He said it neither completed 45 days nor 500 KM. He didn't want me to waste my Free Services. So he offered to resolve the "Fender touching the fork Sleeve (Problem 1 in the above list)" issue and asked me to come back once I complete 500 KM for the repainting and other issues.

I was overwhelmed with the kind of service Kay Jee offered.

*I'm in no way associated to them. It's just out of personal experience.

Pics: Top to Bottom

1. Front View
2. LHS View
3. Hind View
4. RHS View
5. Top View
6. Seats- These are the default seats. They now give the brown ones. I kind off liked them.
7. Air filter- As I said, it is now covered to keep dust out.
8. Grips- These are the once I bought from Karol Bagh, Delhi. Would get them on post first servicing
9. Gloves- I ordered a pair of gloves (Leather) from USA. They would be arriving in May. Until then, these should suffice.
10. A pic from Team BHP early morning Bike ride.
11. My Silencer- turned golden. Again, need to wait till first service.
12. Chrome Decimator reached 100 KM mark on 4th April 2013.
13. 13-20- Short Trip with mobike008 and Rajesh Rawal.
    

[mobike008]

Note from Moderator: Thread moved from Assembly Line to Motorbikes Section. Thanks for sharing

Let me also be the first to congratulate you on the RE 500. And, Iam glad I was able to help you to some extent in acquiring the bike of your dreams

When I rode your bike, I felt its riddled with a lot of harsh vibrations which as you may have noted isn't present on my bike when you test rode it

Hope you got those issues resolved during the 1st service?

Keep updating the thread and share all your experience with this lovely bike with all of us.

[akshay4587]

Welcome to the Club.
Ride safe,and black looks good indeed.

[xydon]

Originally Posted by mobike008

Hope you got those issues resolved during the 1st service?
with all of us.

Thanks a lot for the photo shoot. I loved the pic opposite to Microsoft!!! (13th one in the attached images).

Service Engineer denied to accept the bike for servicing as it neither completed 500 KM nor was it 45-50 days old. Which means, few of the problems still persist and few got added.

Would try to give it for servicing next week.

Originally Posted by akshay4587

Welcome to the Club.
Ride safe,and black looks good indeed.

Thanks akshyay4587. It was really tough to choose between Chrome Maroon and Chrome Black. If I hadn't planned for mods, I would have surely gone with Maroon.

[akshay4587]

Originally Posted by xydon

Thanks akshyay4587. It was really tough to choose between Chrome Maroon and Chrome Black. If I hadn't planned for mods, I would have surely gone with Maroon.

I had a Black Machismo 350 for about 11 years,hence i opted for Maroon.
What modifications have you planned?

[Rajesh Rawal]

Congrats once again!

The 15th pic looks like a tiger going towards a watering hole to drink water

[xydon]

Originally Posted by akshay4587

I had a Black Machismo 350 for about 11 years,hence i opted for Maroon.
What modifications have you planned?

Nothing related to Performance. Attached images are in line with for what I'm planning. Sorry for the pic quality.

I'm planning to change the handle bar, grips, electrical enclosures, foot pegs, gear peg etc. My plan is to change them with something similar to the attached. Chrome and black combination. Hence RE Chrome & Black.

Originally Posted by Rajesh Rawal

Congrats once again!

The 15th pic looks like a tiger going towards a watering hole to drink water

RR. Credit goes to you. Who else could have dared to click such a dangerous shot.

Congratulations and best wishes on becoming a proud owner of a Royal Enfield Classic 500 Chrome, xydon.

Originally Posted by xydon

Get a helmet, a pair of gloves, wind cheater, knee and elbow guards.

You can include accessories like disc brake lock and key or number-operated cable lock to ensure safety of your bike.

[sam_b]

Congratulations to you and the 'Chrome decimator'. Wish you both happy and safe riding for many years and miles..

[xydon]

Originally Posted by sam_b

Congratulations to you and the 'Chrome decimator'. Wish you both happy and safe riding for many years and miles..

Originally Posted by J.Ravi

Congratulations and best wishes on becoming a proud owner of a Royal Enfield Classic 500 Chrome, xydon.

You can include accessories like disc brake lock and key or number-operated cable lock to ensure safety of your bike.

Thanks so much.

Security in my area is pretty good (at least for now). I don't remember locking any of my vehicles including my car. Hence didn't plan for any of the locks.

My newest acquisition- Bungee net. This helps hold my 5 KG laptop bag giving some breathing space to my back. I had to let go my swiss gear bag and shift to a much sleeker one tough.

[sam_b]

Originally Posted by xydon

My newest acquisition- Bungee net. This helps hold my 5 KG laptop bag giving some breathing space to my back. I had to let go my swiss gear bag and shift to a much sleeker one tough.

Cool. How about a snap of the laptop bag held by the net. Only if it is not a trouble Thnx

[Anil Vincent]

You got a great looking bike and accessories nicely selected, how about adding the side leather bags and changing the seat color to beige, i saw some of exported models enfields here in Dubai with beige color seat (split) and was looking very elegant.

Originally Posted by xydon

Thanks so much.

Security in my area is pretty good (at least for now). I don't remember locking any of my vehicles including my car. Hence didn't plan for any of the locks.

My newest acquisition- Bungee net. This helps hold my 5 KG laptop bag giving some breathing space to my back. I had to let go my swiss gear bag and shift to a much sleeker one tough.

[xydon]

Originally Posted by Anil Vincent

You got a great looking bike and accessories nicely selected, how about adding the side leather bags and changing the seat color to beige

Thanks much Anil. Would check out the beige seats.

I feel if I add saddle bag(s), it would become uncomfortable for the pillion. However, I did look at a "Royal Enfield" imprinted leather Toolbox which I'm planning to install facing the hind side of the bike. Would carry my lunch box in it. It's pretty small when compared to a saddle bag but I guess it would suffice my need. My friend managed to fit in 5 cornettos (Ice cream cones) in it. Pic attached.

Originally Posted by sam_b

Cool. How about a snap of the laptop bag held by the net. Only if it is not a trouble Thnx

Sure thing. Would do it once I'm home. I'm currently using a laptop pouch. I'm leaving the charger, mouse, HDD at office. I guess I'm traveling lean .

[xydon]

Originally Posted by sam_b

Cool. How about a snap of the laptop bag held by the net. Only if it is not a trouble Thnx

Here you go. Bungee with the bag/pouch.

I have been using it for over a week now and it's pretty sturdy. The pouch doesn't move an inch out of it's place. The only issue is with the hooks that hold the bungee net. They are too soft; guess they are made out of aluminum. Surely not steel. Also, the hooks have a plastic covering and a cap to make sure they do not scratch the paint off. But again, the caps come off too often. I used feviquick to make sure they stay where they ought to. Sorry for the picture quality.

Originally Posted by xydon

I did look at a "Royal Enfield" imprinted leather Toolbox which I'm planning to install facing the hind side of the bike.

Also attached are pictures of the toolbox I was talking about. This is a friend's bike. Kind of liked it (not the color though). Sleek ain't it?!

[xydon]

Hi Guys,

Expecting rains to arrive early next month, thought of getting a pair of boot covers. Saw the same on RE website so went to RE showroom (Erragada, Hyderabad) to buy a pair.

Boot Cover:

These are supposed to be worn over the shoes. Excellent quality and surely VFM. It has an anti skid soul, zipper, velcro covering the zipper etc.

Price: Rs 800

Eye gear:

Very useful for people using open face helmets with no visors. It looks really cool and far far better than the ones available on ebay. It has options to switch between an elastic band and temples/arms.

It also has option to switch between clear glass or tinted. I loved this option. It really gets difficult to wear sunglasses in the evening.

Price: It's more on higher side of the price matrix. It costs around Rs 5.5 K.

Buff:

Liked the quality of the item. Really soft. Much more comfortable than a Kerchief or Balaclava available on ebay. There are two colors available; black with golden/brown kind off and black with Grey (I'm sorry. I'm really bad at identifying colors. Will go back to school some time soon).

Price: Rs 1099.

Helmet:

I'm not an expert in this field but felt like the quality of the helmet is good. It has a pretty hard shell. The inner foam is tightly packed and looked pretty solid. There are two color options; Black and White.

I'm getting the black open faced one. Really loved it.

Price:

Open face: Rs: 3K. This is the only item in the entire shop which I felt was a real VFM.

Full face: Rs 5K

Boots:

I LOVED the Boots. There are two options available; long and short. Both have toe protector and Heel protector. Heavy duty. Can work in a coal mine with these on. However, I don't think these can be used as a daily wear.

Price:

Short: Rs 5.5 K
Long: Rs 6.5 K

Gloves:

There are two variants; long and short. For the prices quoted, I expected all weather wear. But these are neither water resistant nor can we wear them during summers. So passed on.

Price:

Short: Rs 2.5 K
Long: Rs 3 K


Didn't check the other stuff. Had to head back to the office .