I have been looking forward to riding T-Spark though, since I am in the market for a new motorcycle and there is nothing out there that is big enough for a 5'10, 95 kg homo sapien, Indiene. So it had better be another Enfield ( I need something with electric start, hence) -- either the 500 LB or the new T-bird. So this test was important in every sense of the word.
The new T-Spark, T-bird looks good from almost every angle. It is certainly a cruiser but one in the Moto Guzzi cruiser mould rather than a Harley-clone. So you get a raised tank, a massive antler of a handlebar and essential chrome. It has got the correct proportions and there is nothing you want to change. The seating position was comfortable for me, as long as the ride did not last longer than two hours.
Well, you do take a break after two hours on our roads in any case. So. The handlebar-foot peg-seat positioning feels good on slow manoeuvres and the T-bird is a surprisingly easy motorcycle to ride in traffic -- unlike the longer breed of cruisers (have you tried your hand at a Yamaha Royal Star? Any Yamaha Royal Star?).
The chrome on the wheels is terrible and was already rotting on the test bike -- the rest of the bling work is of a better quality though.
Mental note: If I buy another Enfield, I will have alloy-wheels on it, however horrible they look -- since dogs do pee on motorcycle wheels and there is nothing more I detest than corroded wheels and spokes on a motorcycle -- any motorcycle.
Photograph: Royal Enfield
Also see: Quiz: What's your happiness quotient?
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