Did the AVL lean burn engine in the Machismo 350 really solve Royal Enfield's reliability problems?
One of the first models to adopt the AVL lean burn engine was the Royal Enfield Machismo 350, the first departure from the decades old cast iron engine used in previous Bullets. The new engine was touted as being more efficient, cleaner and more reliable than the old one. It is a turning point for Royal Enfield, which began addressing some of the long standing reliability issues that plagued earlier models, and many Royal Enfield enthusiasts believe this. But people do seem divided on whether the AVL engine actually delivered on what it promised. Some riders say they got improved reliability and fewer breakdowns, while others say they still had typical Royal Enfield problems. The problem is what ultimately happened to this engine, whether it turned out to be a genuine improvement or just a marginal one that didn't fully solve the root problem.
It was a definite improvement, but 'solved' is a strong word. My old cast iron Bullet had fewer problems than my Machismo, but my Machismo still had a few.
AVL was a game changer. It started easier, ran smoother and I had way fewer breakdowns. It’s not perfect, but it’s a hell of a lot better than the old engine.
Solved? Haha, good one. It was like putting a band aid on a broken arm. It was sure a bit, but RE's real reliability improvements came much later.
I worked on the AVL engine as a mechanic and I can tell you it was easier to work on and more reliable. It’s still a Royal Enfield, so expect some issues, but let’s be real.
People exaggerate the reliability problems of old Bullets I think. The AVL engine was nice, but a cast iron engine running on 2 cycle gas oil could be just as reliable.
While it was a step in the right direction, to call that a solution is a stretch. Like its predecessors, it still had oil leaks and electrical gremlins.
The AVL engine is more marketing than a real fix. The improvements there were minimal, but it got people talking about RE improving.
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Discussions and Questions Did The Avl Lean Burn Engine In The Machismo 350 Really Solve Royal Enfields Reliability Problems
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