Ridden this way, we found the C5 rewarded us not only with heightened riding pleasure, but with great economy. We averaged 65mpg in the 225 miles we put on our bike, and we weren’t trying to be frugal. Oil consumption was nil (we’d expect that out of a “new” engine design), and we didn’t have a single problem with our black C5, which was generously supplied to us by Enfield dealer John Redmond at Crossroads Powersports in Kansas City. Sales of the new model have been excellent, John says, a situation apparently mirrored everywhere else in the U.S., as C5s have been in high demand since the first models hit these shores in late 2009.

And we can see why. While it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, the C5 is the most honest retro ride out there. A further refinement of the bike that made other makers appreciate that there is in fact a market for simple, old-school fare, the C5 continues Royal Enfield’s heritage of old-school charm and simplicity while being a better bike in just about every way. MC 

Read more about the motorcycles mentioned in this article: 
• Testing the 2005 Royal Enfield Bullet