I own one of these in India and rode it after ages on a recent visit. Fortunately I was able to record some of it this time. Don't really care what anyone says about it, but it can cover pretty decent miles without the need to refuel or anything going wrong. Even after not being used for over a year, it started in first kick. Can't say the same for many vehicles. One hell of a reliable engine.
My dad had a story about how Norton had a 'skunk works' in Newlyn, Cornwall back in the 1950's. He actually rode alongside this Norton special diesel as he was a committed hill climber/racer at the time. Turns out he was kind of right. If you look up 'Freeman Sanders' he was an eccentric engineer who developed a working diesel prototype, based on a Norton frame, that could perform almost to petrol standards decades before any other manufacturer achieved the same. I'm pretty sure your Enfield was developed on technology created in a Cornish shed in the far South-West of England. Amazing story.
+Jonathan E - The Diesel Engine fitted in India came from Lombardi Engine made by Greaves Cotton and sold as Greaves Lombardi The Engine was quite light, mostly preferred by village folks.
Not familiar with Greaves Cotton, I know there used to be a Cotton Motorcycle company in England. As for Lombardini, I think they are part of a big American group now (kohler?) and given the technology transfer between the UK and US in the post war period I would be very surprised if there wasn't a tiny fingerprint of that little Cornish shed on those diesel engines. It was, apparently, decades ahead of its time in terms our power output and weight. Glad to hear that somewhere has taken on diesel bikes, especially if they can make them robust enough. Nice talking with you.
Lombardini was originally an Italian engine manufacturer that over the years has been taken over, as has Greaves Cotton, which was originally started in 1859 by James Greaves and George Cotton. It was incorporated in 1922 as a private limited company. Greaves Cotton was purchased by Lala Karam Chand Thapar of the Thapar Group in 1947. It was converted into a public limited company in 1950.
What is there NOT to like about it ? This bike is the epitome of all that is ancient British engineering, and I bet James May has a picture of one taped to his bed headboard to spice up his love life.
Only kidding mate , i have a bsa b33 500 single 1953 plunger that i must find the time and start though , has not been started for a couple of years , but realy easy onece i get stuck into it mate , take it easy paul nice vid
After seeing the huge success of aftermarket conversions by farmers in India Enfield produced it from 1993 to 2000. I own a 97 model myself 😁. The most economical vintage bike u can own 😅
Electric vehicles plug into power stations. At ca. 170 mpg, this bike must be about the most environmentally friendly production vehicle ever produced, and does exactly the same thing as a Porsche Turbo, gets you from A to B.
2 ปีที่แล้ว +2
Right but what about the emission? I can only imagine this has insane emissions compared to that Porsche. Engine size or fuel consumption actually tell you quite a little about emissions.
Still my most popular video by far, although I am sorely tempted to give it a 'Dislike' myself these days. I hope some of the viewers of this clip take a look at some of my other videos as well - there are many which I, for one, think are better and more interesting than this one! I thought my recent video about the BSA Bandit was finally going to topple this one from the number 1 spot among my videos and it looked promising for a week or so, but now it is back at the top once again. I have now 'Disliked' this video myself. Words fail me, they really do ...
Apart from the 6million VeloSolexes built in France that do 250mpg... I've got one and well, yes it only goes 20mph but it really does 250mpg. You can pedal it if you run out of fuel...
I believe the lumps are based around Dumper truck 500 engines , great for going up 1 in 2 hills at 40 mph, the valve lift reminds me of the old Panther sloper
I own one of these , mine is a 1997 Enfield diesel (Taurus) as it's called in India ,it's powered by a 325 cc grieves Lombardini Engine, not that powerful but highly economical 🤭 The more u ride it the more u save 😅 The most economical vintage bike u can dream of 😍
V Star 1300 Adventures And only 50mph gives you plenty of time to take in scenery as you ride along, I would like to have one. It can't be much worse than my old KLR.
I'm trying to talk a friend into riding across the U. S. with me on 125 cc choppers. We would call the effort "125%". So far he has been unwilling to sign off on the adventure, but the speed they can provide would require interesting planning, and routing to do that. What might we find along the way?
V Star 1300 Adventures The best way is to stay off the interstate highways, stick to 2 lane highways and (if your bike will take it) gravel and dirt roads. Pretty much all of rural US would be glad to point out the sights, history and give a meal or place to stay.
STAN.DUP The uk company is called, pricepartmotorcycles.co.uk they have a 406cc engine. prices around £4500, i think they do bigger engines as well, nothing to do with pricepart but there's a vid on here of a 654cc diesel getting up to 75mph .
No its not fast but the enfeild chasis is competant on road & off w/the right tires & they are reliable. If you can cruise @ 40mph & get over 100mpg as well as run it on the cheapest or home made fuel then its a good vehicle. a small turbo would be nice to put on it eventually to get it to be able to hit 50mph for when you do have to hurry a bit & the turbo could probably be had cheaply if you get it off a wreck @ your local junkyard/breakers. As for me I'd be happy to own 1 & wouldnt care who can go faster, point is having a reliable & economic vehicle to get around on. TY for posting this interesting video & I wish you many years of safe riding.
I saw one of these in Goa was being rode by and old grey bearded gandalf...you could hear him coming from miles away... that single pop is odd to hear!!
We got Royal Enfields in the US at a very limited number and not many people know about them, but I wish they still made the diesels, I’d buy one in a heartbeat. I’d definitely buy a military green 350 though. I love these bikes next to Harleys
What a beauty. It is very very efficient, I think you cannot travel cheaper. I love it, such a cool bike. In Germany only available as Sommer Diesel. Prefered bike for long term traveling, Diesel is everywhere, world wide available.
Thanks Michelle, I have found an old clip with Dave on this bike - I could put it on here if you and he would like me to - it is a short clip, so I would probably put it with some other short ones, to make a longer one, but only if you are both ok with that. We are all ok so far, thanks and hope you both are too.
That bike is awesome. If it was parked behind the garage somebody would think a tractor trailer got trapped in the yard. Sounds much rougher and tougher than what it really is. With 5 gallons of fuel- all the way across Texas and through New Mexico almost to the Arizona border. Tesla- eat your heart out.
hoon12345 I like British bikes better thalll one Villiers boxless 80s esa's Etc I need parts for a Triumph Tiger Cub please help me 87689 951 area code 287-6889
Richard Ortiz need some info first, tell me the year and make of the bike? because the ignition, suspension were changed over time from 1957 onwards and whether it is the off road version or the onroad? these were notorious for chain streaching and failure.
In standard Indian and diesel form, they are too slow for my liking, but it is easy to tune them. the old British ones are better and faster in standard form.
Nice mate and if it's economical that's a plus. The noise would be muffled with a helmet on. As long as it reaches the speed limit and a bit more. Thumbs up and greetings from Australia 🇦🇺
Just did an article on diesel motorcycle for "Lone Wolf," publication of the Full Moon Lone Riders, so I found this interesting. Diesels are heavier, consequently slower, and the fuel costs more than regular gas. BUT, if you're making your own out of French fry grease, and can go 50 mph, you'll be the hottest thing around if we end up in Mad Max world (thanks to all the lunatic politicians) and everyone else is walking or using animal-pulled carts. So even though Enfields are hideously overpriced here in the US, I wouldn't be too quick to write 'em off.
+Seth Tyrssen I have an Enfield Bullet fitted with a 406cc 8.5 bhp diesel engine (not the type in this video) & regularly get 180 mpg, 600 miles per tank (leaving half a gallon as reserve in the tank). It's an acquired taste of course, in the same way that not everyone wants to own a 200 bhp supercharged road rocket. I've had it 8 years now & would never part with it. As long as they are geared sensibly, & not with the usual ridiculous notion that because they are diesels, they prefer to rev at one beat per lamp post at 50 mph, they work perfectly well in motorcycles. Naturally aspirated diesels actually produce less torque than an equivalent petrol engine, & arrive at torque peak earlier, so they need shorter gearing than a petrol equivalent to be happy. A 406cc N/A diesel produces the same torque peak as a 250cc petrol single (but at 2600), & falls away to the torque peak of a 200cc petrol single by 3600. So as long as it's geared accordingly, it'll have the same performance (hahaha) as those capacity engines, just with a curtailed rev range of 3600. A 350 petrol Enfield has 18 bhp @ 5500, & a torque peak of 19 ft/lbs @ 3900, & is fitted at the factory with a 16T sprocket (52 mph @ 3600). So fitting an 8.5 bhp @ 3600, 14 ft/lbs @ 2600 diesel with an 18T (58.3 mph @ 3600 or even a 21T (68 mph @ 3600) - is the only technical reason why they are so sluggish. A 15T sprocket (48.6 mph @ 3600) allows 45 mph cruising at 160 mpg, or 180 mpg @ 35. Modest sure, but how fast do people realistically think 6.5 bhp at the back wheel is going to propel them?
Some 25 years ago, a team of riders rode an Enfield Bullet fitted with the more efficient 8.5 bhp (21:1 compression ratio) Fuji Robin 412cc diesel around the entire coastal road of Britain. A distance of 5000 miles were covered at an average speed of 40 mph, which is a hard task given the often narrow & hilly nature of the roads plus fuel stops. They rode day & night using a relay of riders who slept in the back of a back up people carrier, while the other riders took over riding the next leg. At the end of this endurance test, they calculated fuel used against distance covered, & found that the Enfield had averaged 199 miles per Imperial gallon. So peak mpg must have exceeded 240 mpg. This level of economy, run on normal roads, has never been remotely approached by any other vehicle, & almost certainly never will. 25.125 Imperial gallons for 5000 miles isn't too shabby is it?
I was expecting to see a ripcord for him to pull on. You could always put the factory silencer back on, or get one of those pepper pot silencers from a Lister or Petter industrial engine. I heard somewhere these were Robin engines, but you could also have a Kubota unit at extra cost. If cold starting is always so bad this engine needs a glow-plug.
A Royal Enfield 325 cc. (6.5 hp.) Taurus ! Popular in the 1980s and 90s, the Taurus was the only Diesel-powered motorcycle mass-produced in India. It was said that the ride was so marred by vibrations, it could unsettle your shoulder bones and spine, and the speedo never climbed above 40 mph. I suppose that when you are miserly, you must pay the price ! [pun intended] Your being dressed as a Russian, ruble-pinching, coal miner on holiday seems appropriate to the motorbike and weather.
Amelie, are you suggesting I need some new clothes? !! Did you know, to save even more money, one wealthy owner was [allegedly of course] running his Diesel Enfield on red diesel ... there is tight and then some!
@@paulhenshaw4514 I salute those who do...since, as I be told, in quality it is identical to the regular variety...save for the higher bloody-taxes. BTW, in certain regions of the world, it is called 'Kool Aid': i.imgur.com/RKOZ6lg.png
I kind of like the idea of a Diesel bike, but not the Robin engine. It would be so dangerous on the commute to work at such low speeds that everyone needs to overtake at the most innapropriate places. The Robin also looks like somewhat of a bodge with the engine over to one side like that. Royal Enfield made a lovely diesel stationary engine that revs much higher and looks much sexier as well. On the note of fuel efficiency, I could get near on the same range on most 500 singles if I fitted a larger fuel tank and did 45mph everywhere. There will always be a juggle between range and performance and these crazy things do have their fans and there are also quite a few out there. I guess they will always be like marmite.
I believe this bike was made in India? Looking at the way the air filter is mounted on the side of the cylinder I'm thinking this is a two stroke diesel which is the most economical diesel you can have. I also like the mesh below the filter, this indicates a cooling fan to me, which is a very good thing if you ride in slow traffic a lot. This would be a very economical bike, especially since you can use lower grades of fuel in countries like India.
Paul Henshaw: It's a four stroke? So it has valves activated by a cam shaft? I'd love to see what that head looks like. Is this the Lombardini motor? There is a Wikipedia page here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel_motorcycle
Oof, I can’t imagine having to kick start a Diesel engine in the winter. At least it might warm you up 😅 But honestly, as a big diesel fan, I’m very drawn to this. The sound on its own is just music. I can see how people wouldn’t like this on motorbikes but a large majority of those reasons are usually only relevant to the racers. For people who just like a nice chill cruise and don’t mind the extra noise (which hearing some petrol bikes, noise complaints obviously aren’t priority), then this is a very attractive option economy wise. Argue as some people would, it’s still a matter of choice. You either like petrol or diesel and when you look over everything, there’s not much difference between them in terms of advantages and disadvantages.
Have only ever seen 1 article about these in the Biking Press - and that was only a short piece, many moons ago now .... Certainly interesting! And, as for the MPG - with fuel prices being what they are..... Win, Win!
Diesel bikes haven't taken off in Australia, or not near me at least. I like the new Enfields and for me, this would be best of both worlds. Fill it up once a year, literally, and have a cool bike to cruise on and guaranteed it would be a head turner and a conversation starter, and not fast, or powerful enough to get you into trouble. I'd like a little less chrome and a different seat design but it's to each his own. One of these would suit me perfectly.
I am amazed at how many comments, good and bad and how many views this video has had. It is my most popular video by far and I really can't see why. Oh well, whatever lights your candle, I guess. I am not complaining, just genuinely curious?
Royal Enfields are starting to get traction in Australia, we have the full range of Classics, the Continetal GT plus the Himalayan. Haven't seen the twins on road yet but they are are around in dealerships for viewing. Still having a blast on my Classic 350, crap weather at the moment is the perfect time to remove that horrid auto decompresser and get some proper sized jets into the carburettor. Regards, Ray
@@paulhenshaw4514 I have 2 enfields now. It would be my dream to change one into diesel because of that. Also hybridise like some of my other projects. Not really familiar where to get diesel motors for motorcycles though.
Well if any thing , once rediscovered in a barn in 100 years time , that man kind tried always to get around and safer than electric , as they know your coming , LOUD IS KING as they say . MAGIC . WHERE DO YOU FIND ALL THESE MACHINES ? . Thank you for the head ache .
I have see such a bike in Indian 30 years ago, but with a bigger diesel engine, like the one which is used on three wheeler. Because we were so surprised we went to Royal Enfield head office in Mumbai, to ask where we could buy such a bike. The answer was that Royal Enfield was not building anymore motorcycles with diesel engine, because they had notice that the drivers had heart problems especially troubles with the inner valves...So check with your cardiologist first!!!
Diesel engines have very high compression ratios to ignite the atomized fuel and air mix, as they don't use spark plugs. It is this high compression, combined with relatively heavy crank flywheels and fairly low engine rpm's which together cause the knocking sound. It is much more in evidence on single cylinder engines like this, than with multi cylinder engines.
I own one of these in India and rode it after ages on a recent visit. Fortunately I was able to record some of it this time. Don't really care what anyone says about it, but it can cover pretty decent miles without the need to refuel or anything going wrong. Even after not being used for over a year, it started in first kick. Can't say the same for many vehicles. One hell of a reliable engine.
My dad had a story about how Norton had a 'skunk works' in Newlyn, Cornwall back in the 1950's. He actually rode alongside this Norton special diesel as he was a committed hill climber/racer at the time.
Turns out he was kind of right. If you look up 'Freeman Sanders' he was an eccentric engineer who developed a working diesel prototype, based on a Norton frame, that could perform almost to petrol standards decades before any other manufacturer achieved the same. I'm pretty sure your Enfield was developed on technology created in a Cornish shed in the far South-West of England.
Amazing story.
+Jonathan E - The Diesel Engine fitted in India came from Lombardi Engine made by Greaves Cotton and sold as Greaves Lombardi The Engine was quite light, mostly preferred by village folks.
Not familiar with Greaves Cotton, I know there used to be a Cotton Motorcycle company in England. As for Lombardini, I think they are part of a big American group now (kohler?) and given the technology transfer between the UK and US in the post war period I would be very surprised if there wasn't a tiny fingerprint of that little Cornish shed on those diesel engines. It was, apparently, decades ahead of its time in terms our power output and weight.
Glad to hear that somewhere has taken on diesel bikes, especially if they can make them robust enough. Nice talking with you.
Didn't know that, Jonathan, used to be Italian, but you are right, It seems to be Kohler now.
Lombardini was originally an Italian engine manufacturer that over the years has been taken over, as has Greaves Cotton, which was originally started in 1859 by James Greaves and George Cotton. It was incorporated in 1922 as a private limited company. Greaves Cotton was purchased by Lala Karam Chand Thapar of the Thapar Group in 1947. It was converted into a public limited company in 1950.
What is there NOT to like about it ?
This bike is the epitome of all that is ancient British engineering, and I bet James May has a picture of one taped to his bed headboard to spice up his love life.
Big Dog I think Lombard diesel engine are from Germany
it ia made by india chennai
yeh i hear he has it tattooed on his knob
I'd have thought it way too racy for Cap'n Slow
Big Dog
the EU would ban it.
That sound and the vintage yellow headlights... Gives me Nostalgia! 😍😍😍😍
two fillings fell out just listening to it!!
:-)
That reminds me , i havent started my cement mixer for a while ,
Ha ha, yes - incidentally I have a cement mixer video or two and there's not much difference !
Only kidding mate , i have a bsa b33 500 single 1953 plunger that i must find the time and start though , has not been started for a couple of years , but realy easy onece i get stuck into it mate , take it easy paul nice vid
I love the Royal Enfield.Living in India gives me lots of opportunities to see and hear them. Nice Bike.
That is pretty awesome!
You have great taste mister slug man
Read about these in the early 2000's. The styling and the mileage makes them very fascinating machines.
Beautiful, if not melodic. Thanks for posting. I had no idea Enfield made such a bike.
Enfield didn't make these, they are an aftermarket conversion to make them slower !
After seeing the huge success of aftermarket conversions by farmers in India Enfield produced it from 1993 to 2000. I own a 97 model myself 😁.
The most economical vintage bike u can own 😅
it sounds like the second world war...
😂😂😂😂
Com certeza, parece ruído de motor estacionário 😅
What a bloody noise,it's fantastic
Electric vehicles plug into power stations. At ca. 170 mpg, this bike must be about the most environmentally friendly production vehicle ever produced, and does exactly the same thing as a Porsche Turbo, gets you from A to B.
Right but what about the emission? I can only imagine this has insane emissions compared to that Porsche. Engine size or fuel consumption actually tell you quite a little about emissions.
It is diesel .Smokes ya know
I was expecting to hate it, but for some reason I want one; quieter exhaust, and a sidecar, and Scotland here I come!
That could be an adventure and a half!
Still my most popular video by far, although I am sorely tempted to give it a 'Dislike' myself these days. I hope some of the viewers of this clip take a look at some of my other videos as well - there are many which I, for one, think are better and more interesting than this one!
I thought my recent video about the BSA Bandit was finally going to topple this one from the number 1 spot among my videos and it looked promising for a week or so, but now it is back at the top once again. I have now 'Disliked' this video myself. Words fail me, they really do ...
Then look what I did with such a part in 2008, 18,000 km in 66 days with 6 hp
I think that transit has been well and truly out-dieselled!
People like you are what make this country great' never stop being you :)) love the bike'.. :)
Thank you !!
:)
Actually the engine is a Greaves lombardini engine it is an Italian design built by Greaves india Ltd.
It's the most frugal machine ever built in the world
Apart from the 6million VeloSolexes built in France that do 250mpg... I've got one and well, yes it only goes 20mph but it really does 250mpg. You can pedal it if you run out of fuel...
A few years ago at a bike meet at High Beech a bloke turned up with a really old bike that ran on steam, it had a tiny boiler which you had to stoke.
Thanks for showing me. I just think it's beautiful ....
I'm glad you like it
Wow, my phone was vibrating when you started it. I guess girls would like riding it even more than Harleys. :)
Sounds like my Tractor, a 1,5 liter single cylinder Diesel
I believe the lumps are based around Dumper truck 500 engines , great for going up 1 in 2 hills at 40 mph, the valve lift reminds me of the old Panther sloper
I own one of these , mine is a 1997 Enfield diesel (Taurus) as it's called in India ,it's powered by a 325 cc grieves Lombardini Engine, not that powerful but highly economical 🤭
The more u ride it the more u save 😅
The most economical vintage bike u can dream of 😍
@Rinil Joshy😂 Cochin
Bro evideya?
600 miles range is pretty awesome. The folks that can't see that might be blind.
Too bad it takes over 12 hours to go that far.
V Star 1300 Adventures more than 90 kmpl
V Star 1300 Adventures
And only 50mph gives you plenty of time to take in scenery as you ride along, I would like to have one. It can't be much worse than my old KLR.
I'm trying to talk a friend into riding across the U. S. with me on 125 cc choppers. We would call the effort "125%". So far he has been unwilling to sign off on the adventure, but the speed they can provide would require interesting planning, and routing to do that. What might we find along the way?
V Star 1300 Adventures
The best way is to stay off the interstate highways, stick to 2 lane highways and (if your bike will take it) gravel and dirt roads. Pretty much all of rural US would be glad to point out the sights, history and give a meal or place to stay.
I have seen a different Royal Enfield diesel close up, that one had the front tube of the frame cut and plated to clear the engine...
This is the summer diesel.
Jochen Sommer installs the Hatz diesel engine there. 462ccm 11 HP.
Indian version 325ccm 6 HP.
i think its great
Beautiful! Something totally different.
The sound nearly rattled my phone out of my hands, I feel for you riding that thing at speed! Nice bike though and very interesting
Speed? What is this 'speed' of which you speak!
Who could dislike some a monumentally classic machine? Modern it ain't but it's what makes it a Motorcycle instead of a "bike".
Diesels are polarizing, eather you love it or you hate it. I for one like the obscurity of this machine.
since i first saw one of these i always fancied one , just for the hell of it ,but as rare as hens teeth
There is a company in UK producing diesel bullet's , i'll see if i can find the ad.
STAN.DUP The uk company is called, pricepartmotorcycles.co.uk they have a 406cc engine. prices around £4500, i think they do bigger engines as well, nothing to do with pricepart but there's a vid on here of a 654cc diesel getting up to 75mph .
@@MrHarleyoldfart cheers
It's mega retro - we rush about far too much - this would be at home plodding over the moors - Heathcliff : )
No its not fast but the enfeild chasis is competant on road & off w/the right tires & they are reliable. If you can cruise @ 40mph & get over 100mpg as well as run it on the cheapest or home made fuel then its a good vehicle. a small turbo would be nice to put on it eventually to get it to be able to hit 50mph for when you do have to hurry a bit & the turbo could probably be had cheaply if you get it off a wreck @ your local junkyard/breakers. As for me I'd be happy to own 1 & wouldnt care who can go faster, point is having a reliable & economic vehicle to get around on. TY for posting this interesting video & I wish you many years of safe riding.
Clattermass and the Pit 😊 Tidy and professional build though 👍
I saw one of these in Goa was being rode by and old grey bearded gandalf...you could hear him coming from miles away... that single pop is odd to hear!!
What a great machine! Thanks for sharing it ..👍🤘
We got Royal Enfields in the US at a very limited number and not many people know about them, but I wish they still made the diesels, I’d buy one in a heartbeat. I’d definitely buy a military green 350 though. I love these bikes next to Harleys
What a beauty. It is very very efficient, I think you cannot travel cheaper. I love it, such a cool bike. In Germany only available as Sommer Diesel. Prefered bike for long term traveling, Diesel is everywhere, world wide available.
IIRC these Bikes had a Robin Industrial Diesel installed?..al of 8 BHP..
Wonderfoul! Saludos from Argentina!
That is a dream bike as a diesel mechanic i just think thats great!
Wonderful machine! And old world answer to a very contemporary problem.
Beautiful bike paul that's the kind of bike I'd ride hope you and the family are OK x Michelle and David x
Thanks Michelle, I have found an old clip with Dave on this bike - I could put it on here if you and he would like me to - it is a short clip, so I would probably put it with some other short ones, to make a longer one, but only if you are both ok with that.
We are all ok so far, thanks and hope you both are too.
@@paulhenshaw4514 yeah that would be great xx
Will do - watch this space for my next video, I will try and sort it later today! I think I have some clips of him with his Ducati on the dyno, too.
That bike is awesome. If it was parked behind the garage somebody would think a tractor trailer got trapped in the yard. Sounds much rougher and tougher than what it really is.
With 5 gallons of fuel- all the way across Texas and through New Mexico almost to the Arizona border.
Tesla- eat your heart out.
Now attach a tiller in the back and you're good to go 😂😂
It' so bad, it's brilliant. Want one!!!
Damn.
Now I want one !
Seems to be a nice bike to rumble along farm lands.
Clark Kent eh we just put a pot of coals near the engine to warm it up.
hoon12345 I like British bikes better thalll one Villiers boxless 80s esa's Etc
I need parts for a Triumph Tiger Cub please help me 87689
951 area code 287-6889
Richard Ortiz need some info first, tell me the year and make of the bike? because the ignition, suspension were changed over time from 1957 onwards and whether it is the off road version or the onroad? these were notorious for chain streaching and failure.
"Everything you ever wanted in a 1929 motorcycle" :-) (and a typical Spring day in the UK !)
& a nice cup of tea.
Sounds like a normal 350 when it's knocked the floating bush out of the bottom end.
I remember being close to a diesel bullet when it was idling. And it made the ground shake!!
They make the ground and everything else around them shake !!
How do you like Enfields overall? I had a thunderbird and the thump was incredible
In standard Indian and diesel form, they are too slow for my liking, but it is easy to tune them. the old British ones are better and faster in standard form.
Triumph Thunderbird?
Makes a Harley sound absolutely quiet ;-)
Ooooooh, that's a beautiful bike, Paul Henshaw. Must be worth a fortune!
Wow i seriously like this. Oh n hey you have some crazy sharp resolution on that camera.
Nice mate and if it's economical that's a plus. The noise would be muffled with a helmet on. As long as it reaches the speed limit and a bit more. Thumbs up and greetings from Australia 🇦🇺
47 mph was the best I could get from it !
Sommer made with a Hatz diesel,425 cc but sounds identical.
man and animal would hear you a comin.Amazing look for such an older bike design.
Beautiful bike
Lovely bike Paul x Michelle and David xxx
Just did an article on diesel motorcycle for "Lone Wolf," publication of the Full Moon Lone Riders, so I found this interesting. Diesels are heavier, consequently slower, and the fuel costs more than regular gas. BUT, if you're making your own out of French fry grease, and can go 50 mph, you'll be the hottest thing around if we end up in Mad Max world (thanks to all the lunatic politicians) and everyone else is walking or using animal-pulled carts. So even though Enfields are hideously overpriced here in the US, I wouldn't be too quick to write 'em off.
+Seth Tyrssen I have an Enfield Bullet fitted with a 406cc 8.5 bhp diesel engine (not the type in this video) & regularly get 180 mpg, 600 miles per tank (leaving half a gallon as reserve in the tank). It's an acquired taste of course, in the same way that not everyone wants to own a 200 bhp supercharged road rocket. I've had it 8 years now & would never part with it. As long as they are geared sensibly, & not with the usual ridiculous notion that because they are diesels, they prefer to rev at one beat per lamp post at 50 mph, they work perfectly well in motorcycles. Naturally aspirated diesels actually produce less torque than an equivalent petrol engine, & arrive at torque peak earlier, so they need shorter gearing than a petrol equivalent to be happy. A 406cc N/A diesel produces the same torque peak as a 250cc petrol single (but at 2600), & falls away to the torque peak of a 200cc petrol single by 3600. So as long as it's geared accordingly, it'll have the same performance (hahaha) as those capacity engines, just with a curtailed rev range of 3600. A 350 petrol Enfield has 18 bhp @ 5500, & a torque peak of 19 ft/lbs @ 3900, & is fitted at the factory with a 16T sprocket (52 mph @ 3600). So fitting an 8.5 bhp @ 3600, 14 ft/lbs @ 2600 diesel with an 18T (58.3 mph @ 3600 or even a 21T (68 mph @ 3600) - is the only technical reason why they are so sluggish. A 15T sprocket (48.6 mph @ 3600) allows 45 mph cruising at 160 mpg, or 180 mpg @ 35. Modest sure, but how fast do people realistically think 6.5 bhp at the back wheel is going to propel them?
Wow, thanks for the info!
Some 25 years ago, a team of riders rode an Enfield Bullet fitted with the more efficient 8.5 bhp (21:1 compression ratio) Fuji Robin 412cc diesel around the entire coastal road of Britain. A distance of 5000 miles were covered at an average speed of 40 mph, which is a hard task given the often narrow & hilly nature of the roads plus fuel stops. They rode day & night using a relay of riders who slept in the back of a back up people carrier, while the other riders took over riding the next leg. At the end of this endurance test, they calculated fuel used against distance covered, & found that the Enfield had averaged 199 miles per Imperial gallon. So peak mpg must have exceeded 240 mpg. This level of economy, run on normal roads, has never been remotely approached by any other vehicle, & almost certainly never will. 25.125 Imperial gallons for 5000 miles isn't too shabby is it?
Amazing, hiyadroogs! Thanks for this!
Seth Tyrssen ra
wow taht would be a nice addition to my chrome classic
Wow... I just need one of these..
My dream bike. I end up with royal Enfield signal edition 😔 but I enjoyed the video a lot 😍😍
Thanks, glad you liked the video!
@@paulhenshaw4514 is this bike available?
No, I only worked on it for the owner.
@@paulhenshaw4514 thx for the replying. I sub you right now
It sounds amazing 🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️
I was expecting to see a ripcord for him to pull on.
You could always put the factory silencer back on, or get one of those pepper pot silencers from a Lister or Petter industrial engine.
I heard somewhere these were Robin engines, but you could also have a Kubota unit at extra cost.
If cold starting is always so bad this engine needs a glow-plug.
Or a little flit of Bradex EasyStart - works every time....
Please...please tell me there's a ride video...
Just for you, Bill, since you asked so nicely!
th-cam.com/video/LX8vSLA4Wpc/w-d-xo.html
I am in love with this mean machine
I think it would be great if they develop a 2 stroke diesel engine (Detroit like) for those bikes
That would be fun and it would make a great noise!
Beautiful restoration!
A Royal Enfield 325 cc. (6.5 hp.) Taurus !
Popular in the 1980s and 90s, the Taurus was the only Diesel-powered motorcycle mass-produced in India. It was said that the ride was so marred by vibrations, it could unsettle your shoulder bones and spine, and the speedo never climbed above 40 mph. I suppose that when you are miserly, you must pay the price ! [pun intended]
Your being dressed as a Russian, ruble-pinching, coal miner on holiday seems appropriate to the motorbike and weather.
Amelie, are you suggesting I need some new clothes? !!
Did you know, to save even more money, one wealthy owner was [allegedly of course] running his Diesel Enfield on red diesel ... there is tight and then some!
@@paulhenshaw4514 I salute those who do...since, as I be told, in quality it is identical to the regular variety...save for the higher bloody-taxes.
BTW, in certain regions of the world, it is called 'Kool Aid': i.imgur.com/RKOZ6lg.png
I kind of like the idea of a Diesel bike, but not the Robin engine. It would be so dangerous on the commute to work at such low speeds that everyone needs to overtake at the most innapropriate places. The Robin also looks like somewhat of a bodge with the engine over to one side like that. Royal Enfield made a lovely diesel stationary engine that revs much higher and looks much sexier as well. On the note of fuel efficiency, I could get near on the same range on most 500 singles if I fitted a larger fuel tank and did 45mph everywhere. There will always be a juggle between range and performance and these crazy things do have their fans and there are also quite a few out there. I guess they will always be like marmite.
How you manage black smoke ?
A clean air filter helps.
I believe this bike was made in India? Looking at the way the air filter is mounted on the side of the cylinder I'm thinking this is a two stroke diesel which is the most economical diesel you can have. I also like the mesh below the filter, this indicates a cooling fan to me, which is a very good thing if you ride in slow traffic a lot. This would be a very economical bike, especially since you can use lower grades of fuel in countries like India.
It is a 4 stroke engine.
Paul Henshaw: It's a four stroke? So it has valves activated by a cam shaft? I'd love to see what that head looks like. Is this the Lombardini motor? There is a Wikipedia page here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel_motorcycle
As far as I remember, it was a Greaves engine [not Greeves]. The bike is not my own, but I sometimes work on it for the owner.
Can’t imagine why diesel motorbikes never caught on
I wouldn't use one if I was in a hurry! 😂
Oof, I can’t imagine having to kick start a Diesel engine in the winter. At least it might warm you up 😅
But honestly, as a big diesel fan, I’m very drawn to this. The sound on its own is just music. I can see how people wouldn’t like this on motorbikes but a large majority of those reasons are usually only relevant to the racers. For people who just like a nice chill cruise and don’t mind the extra noise (which hearing some petrol bikes, noise complaints obviously aren’t priority), then this is a very attractive option economy wise. Argue as some people would, it’s still a matter of choice. You either like petrol or diesel and when you look over everything, there’s not much difference between them in terms of advantages and disadvantages.
Have only ever seen 1 article about these in the Biking Press - and that was only a short piece, many moons ago now .... Certainly interesting! And, as for the MPG - with fuel prices being what they are..... Win, Win!
Diesel bikes haven't taken off in Australia, or not near me at least. I like the new Enfields and for me, this would be best of both worlds. Fill it up once a year, literally, and have a cool bike to cruise on and guaranteed it would be a head turner and a conversation starter, and not fast, or powerful enough to get you into trouble. I'd like a little less chrome and a different seat design but it's to each his own. One of these would suit me perfectly.
How much in US dollars this motorcycle? Can I purchase one of this?
I wouldn't want one if you paid me to take it off your hands - no idea, sorry.
That sweet little thing needs a turbo.
With a turbo, the engine might fly out of th frame...
There are a couple of vids on here of turbo ones, don't know if it's the same engine.
This bike is lit af xD you can see the camera vibrating. xD As a pedestrian you can feel it xD
I am amazed at how many comments, good and bad and how many views this video has had. It is my most popular video by far and I really can't see why. Oh well, whatever lights your candle, I guess. I am not complaining, just genuinely curious?
Because TH-cam algorithm is recommending it to people's home page.
Thanks for that.
Royal Enfields are starting to get traction in Australia, we have the full range of Classics, the Continetal GT plus the Himalayan. Haven't seen the twins on road yet but they are are around in dealerships for viewing.
Still having a blast on my Classic 350, crap weather at the moment is the perfect time to remove that horrid auto decompresser and get some proper sized jets into the carburettor.
Regards,
Ray
so about 200 mpg if the tank capacity is 13.5L, nice
Not nice enough for some - one I worked on had red diesel in it !!!
Gorgeous!
That's a beautiful bike mate. I would LOVE to have a diesel enfield. I can use USED COOKING OIL to run those things.
It's not my bike, just one I worked on, but yes, you could use old cooking oil, red diesel, heating oil etc to run it.
@@paulhenshaw4514 I have 2 enfields now. It would be my dream to change one into diesel because of that. Also hybridise like some of my other projects. Not really familiar where to get diesel motors for motorcycles though.
1000 km..... That vehicle is the future and it is clearly 60 years old
I had a Rupp mini-bike as a kid which sounded almost exactly like this.
I would love that range and the low reving of a diesel engine on a cruiser but o couldn't live with it on regular basis. It is so loud!
Love it! It accomplishes its objective.
Is that a lister diesel?
What a lovely looking bike.
Well done sir!!
Not a Lister, but a Greaves [not Greeves]
I always thought Royal Enfield was where the Queen kept her chickens
How do you shut these off.
very nice bit of kit
Well if any thing , once rediscovered in a barn in 100 years time , that man kind tried always to get around and safer than electric , as they know your coming , LOUD IS KING as they say . MAGIC . WHERE DO YOU FIND ALL THESE MACHINES ? . Thank you for the head ache .
I have see such a bike in Indian 30 years ago, but with a bigger diesel engine, like the one which is used on three wheeler. Because we were so surprised we went to Royal Enfield head office in Mumbai, to ask where we could buy such a bike. The answer was that Royal Enfield was not building anymore motorcycles with diesel engine, because they had notice that the drivers had heart problems especially troubles with the inner valves...So check with your cardiologist first!!!
Seriously cool bike,
Ecotron has a small turbocharger for motorcycles that will also work on diesels as well that would wake this up a little bit.
If you could double the power of this engine, it would still be slow!
Really Nice man. Hugs from Brasil
what exactly makes the great knockingin diesel> Is it the pressure waves bashing against the cylinder and head or the rod bashing the crank?
Diesel engines have very high compression ratios to ignite the atomized fuel and air mix, as they don't use spark plugs. It is this high compression, combined with relatively heavy crank flywheels and fairly low engine rpm's which together cause the knocking sound. It is much more in evidence on single cylinder engines like this, than with multi cylinder engines.