zipidachimp wrote on 05/11/14 at 14:02:39:When the popular model from the past was the SR500, whyinell would yam bring back a 400? jeez, dumm.
That Enfield looks terrific, can you do a comparo to the savage?
They "bring back" the 400cc SR because that's what they've been building since the '80s to satisfy the Japanese market. The Germans are also mad for them. You can buy all kinds of Jap market road bikes in 400cc guise. ZX, VFR, SR, Savage, VT, CBR, even baby ducatis. You name it, it's there as a 400. They have this restriction that makes it really hard to be allowed to ride a bike over 400cc. It's just not worth their while to build the 500 for a few OS markets where in a post GFC environment, no one would buy it anyways.
A quick Savage/ Enfield comparo
Power: The Savage feels noticably more powerful. It's a gruntier engine for sure. The Enfield only makes 29HP so it's not a fast bike. It's a really nice engine for riding in town, and in the twisties in the hill, it's all I need. Top speed is around 150kph. It feels like a really fit 250. The Savage pulls out of bends quicker, is faster off the lights and also only runs to less than 150kph. The Savage gives around 40MPG, Enfield 65-70 MPG. Both sound awesomely singular.
Handling: The Savage has suspension, and also handling. The Enfield fork and shocks are quality Italian (Paoli) and work very well indeed. The frame is stiff and well built. Designed by Harris in the UK, don'tcherknow? What it lacks in power, the cornering ability makes up for. It's a total blast in the corners. I rode through the hills a few weeks ago with a buddy on his KTM LC4, and the Enfield hosed him through the bends.
Brakes: You know about Savage brakes. The Enfield has Brembos front and back. Tons of stopping power. I think the back is actually a little too powerful. The rear wheel locks easily.
Build quality: If you're looking for Japanese style, get on and ride, build quality, forget an Enfield. Buy an SR400. This GT looks like it's thrown together from across the room. I needed to tighten a lot of fasteners and actually replace a few too. It's like a brand new second hand bike. The parts are made well, it's just not assembled that well. Plus, my local Enfield dealer is worse than useless and the PD and first service were something to be ashamed of. I've sorted a bunch of things and have a few more to go. Not really accepatable for a new bike but part of the "Enfield experience" I guess.
Fun factor: Both high. Savage is a great town bike, copes well with distance riding and corners better than it has any right to. The Enfield corners like it looks it should. They both get a lot more attention than the average tupperware crotch rocket and are my kind of bikes. If I had lots of money I'd also get an SR500 and a G50.
Styling: The Savage is whatever you make it into, and usually looks great. The Enfield styling takes a lot of cues from the 64 Conti GT, and I think, looks sensational. The lines are perfect, I love the sculpted tank, the seat hump is pukka. I think they got it right first time. I just ditched a bunch of stuff like mudflaps, number plate bracket, stalk mirrors and standard muffler, to clean it up.
Conclusion: I love both bikes. Either could be a "one bike for all occasions" They both have character and style. They're not for everyone, but nor are we, right? We're special, too. Enjoy your motorcycling.
Cheers
s
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