Buying a Royal Enfield in Cuenca - Pros and Cons?

Not an owner, but admire their styling whenever I walk by the shop at Remigio Crespo and Federico Proaño.



http://royalenfield.com/motorcycles/classic-chrome

The Royal Enfield has made giant steps in technology over the years. I recall in the earlier years, I'd have to re set the points after a days ride. The styling is still pretty trick. They have stayed true the old British standard, < I still have my '74 Norton 850 Commando > As long as you're  in a major city in Ecuador, you shouldn't have to difficult of a time getting replacement parts. Here's a good blind test. Call the dealer and ask if they have any replacement tires in stock, if not, how long will it take to get one in. I just had a friend attempt to get a replacement rear for his Yamaha 1300, and the Yamaha dealer here had to get it in the US. Very expensive.
You will certainly look cool tooling around town, but know this. They are very underpowered for a 500 CC. I had a friend driving through the mountains on a 250 Honda, and he just walked away from a new RE. Could be the RE needed to be re jetted, but I've heard generally, their pretty underpowered.
There are a ton of them running around Cuenca. They have a club that does various things together. I'd try to hook up with them. If you are going to do mountain driving, see if you can go along and see how they perform. I would imagine the owners of the shop here must go along, tell them you'd like to test his.
Remember, rubber side down !!
Good Luck
Ps. Just noted your posting name. You have a Star ? I have a 1700 Roadie in The States

Zen,

Do all the RE bikes have a final chain drive? Or do some use a belt or shaft drive? I have heard about them as well but have yet to check them out.

You said they are old school, so do they all still use points and such or have they converted to electronic ignitions? If they maintained the older electrics etc. that would make them much easier to work on. The trade off is more things to do, which for me is okay.

All chain drive, and yup, they have electronic ignition. All in all, they are much improved. Good paint, and fitment looks good.

Cool, maybe I will have to check them out. Thanks for the info, JourneymanJack has spoke about them as well.