‘It takes me on a merry dance into the Cotswolds’
is pretty much an overdrive anyway, with plenty more to come although progress is steady rather than exciting. Better still, to my slight surprise given the GT’s café racer attitude, I’m completely comfortable after an hour in the saddle as I cross the M1 and head towards Silverstone; so much so I briefly consider not bothering to stop at the Super Sausage (I do, but only because it’s chilly and need to make some notes). The twisty B-roads from there to the M40 give more pleasant entertainment although, as the pace steps up, that budget single ByBre front brake is revealed to be a touch lacking. Then, on the M40, we’re again quite happily cruising at steady ‘big bike’ speeds.
Don’t get me wrong: the GT isn’t a great bike; it’s far too flimsy, flaccid and featureless for that. Yamaha’s first XS650, way back in 1969, was probably a better and more powerful 650 twin, while Suzuki’s current 72bhp SV650 is simply better in every measurable way for a similar £5699 price tag. The Enfield’s romance is broken suddenly, too, half way up
‘Milton Keynes’ roundabout-fest is a hilarious blast’
the M40 when it’s small 12.5-litre tank results in the fuel gauge flashing after barely 90 miles.
But that doesn’t diminish the joy this willing, cute pup of a motorbike brings. After limping to Stratford I revel in the admiring glances. Heading into the honey sandstone of the Cotswolds, it takes me on a merry dance along the B4632. And if it labours a little up Fish Hill, it’s only a blip on an otherwise enriching experience.
In fact, throughout the 250, not much disappoints. Yes, the odd pothole jars the fairly basic suspension. Yes, its equipment, fit and quality remind of Chinese fare, but there are more than a few sweet touches too, such as the alloy wires, Lucas-style taillight and
Monza filler. And yes, realistically, its performance is nothing special. But also, as the miles disappear, all of that matters less and less. After another inconsequential drone along the A40, the little Enfield dances through Buckingham’s commuter grind. Milton Keynes’ always-weird roundabout-fest is a hilarious blast due to the Enfield’s mix of easy, unthreatening engine performance and sweet steering. While Bedford’s urban grind is also dispatched far more easily than most bikes can manage. Which leaves the final hurrah of the B660, a road where the GT’s sweet-spot of 80mph bend-swinging comes to the fore with none of the pressured potency most performance bikes bring.
I roll into MCN having completed my fastest 250 yet. Not because the Enfield is quick but because I was at around 70mph all day and barely stopped. That says a lot. Not that it’s a great bike... because it’s not. But as a pleasing, easy, accessible and enjoyable one, all for an undeniably bargain price, it just delivers. The Guzzi V7 is a similar beast and also 47bhp, but it starts at £7999. And if all those ‘cheap’ aspects annoy slightly, that base £5699 price is a little ingenuous, if you want the nice paint, single seat and more you’re quickly talking about £6k★ – then, at still the best part of £2000 less than the opposition, I can easily see plenty of ‘enthusiasts’ lovingly accesorising and customising this pleasant little retro funster, too. Me? I started the day almost wanting not to like it. At the end I couldn’t help doing anything but.