The Royal Enfield, during WW2, was the workhouse of the British military, as the Harley was the workhorse of the U.S. military.
Yes, they are large single cylinder bikes, and are not too bad riding, either.
No, they are not ‘vespas’. These are four-stroke engines, and being single cylinder set-ups, bring more gas mileage than another similar cc-sized twin engined bike.
Maintenance is a little easier, as well.
Harleys have become over-inflated in value, and over-elevated as a ‘status’ vehicle, as Indians once were, and Victories are, as well.
The RE has enough to ‘get itself out of trouble’, for those that remember that category of qualification.
I wish them luck.
Also, HD 883s have been called girl's bikes for years but are still fun to ride if you're not planning on a coast to coast run.
At my age I'd be tickled as hell with a 350 or 500 cc Triumph except for the kick start requirement...does the current RE have electric start?