Kind of Royal Enfield Bullet I would like to buy
A few days back I wrote a blog post on why I would never buy a bullet, today I am writing about the kind of Royal Enfield Bullet I would like to buy, if Royal Enfield ever chooses to produce it.
Improved reliability: Irrespective of how much or how little you like to work on your motorcycle, a more reliable machine would definitely be a boon for you while out touring. After all it is not like that Royal Enfield motorcycles are cheap, I am sure with the amount of money a Royal Enfield owner shells out or is willing to shell out, Royal Enfield can certainly do a thing or two about the reliability factor and if that leads to a slight price increase, then I don’t think any would really mind.
Another thing I would like to see in the reliability front is the ability to start the motorcycle, even if the battery is completely dead. I know it is possible in certain models, but not sure which one. But would certainly like to see this implemented across the board, after all if other motorcycles can be started without battery (though Bajaj is going backwards on this idea), why not Royal Enfields?
Of course electric starter should also be good and reliable one as well, as it really comes in handy in case you get stuck somewhere.
Improved fuel system: Have seen plenty of bulletiers cringe about the fact that the stock carburetors of Bullets are rather limiting, apart from this I have also seen the mileage of bullets drop by 20-25% while touring in high altitude areas, while majority of other motorcycles only register a drop of 10-15%. While this might be due to the fact that Enfields are running richer, it is something that Royal Enfield R&D should pay attention to. Especially when they market it as a motorcycle for touring and in particular, in hills.
Extended warranty: If not as a standard option, at least as a optional thing? It would give me peace of mind while purchasing a motorcycle, if I know that for 40,000-50,000kms or couple of years, I would only be spending on consumables and my bike would be taken care of.
18-20 liter petrol tank: While in a way it goes slightly against below listed point, but having a slightly higher fuel capacity is something that all tourers would appreciate. After all if 150cc motorcycles can have 16-18 liter fuel tank, why shouldn’t a bullet? It would save the trouble of getting an aftermarket petrol tank, which all those who love touring in remote areas, often end up getting.
Lighter than the current models: If I were to buy a Royal Enfield motorcycle, I would like it to weigh around 150-155kg. This would not only put it in the same weight category as Karizma and Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi, it would also improve power to weight ratio. For this to happen, Royal Enfield might not even need to make any drastic changes to the engine, though a slight weight reduction would surely be needed, though majority of it would end up coming from the looks section, which for me is a non issue.
Brighter headlight: 55/60w headlight as a stock option would be quite better than the 35/35w headlight that 350s come with and 45/40w that the 500 comes with. Even those who ride inside the city, should benefit from it, for tourers it would be a blessing.
Disc brake as standard equipment: Today even the 125cc motorcycles come with disc brake and almost all the 150cc+ motorcycles have it as standard equipment, then why not Royal Enfields? Of course the front suspensions also need some reworking as they are just too stiff under braking to provide any feedback.
Slightly upswept exhaust: Not a big deal, but should help while one is crossing a nallah or a stream. Though it would end up reducing the amount of luggage that can be mounted.
Cigarette lighter socket: This would not only help recharge mobile phone/GPS/camera battery (good for those touring in remote areas), it would also work with the portable electric compressor, which is a must carry accessory while touring. Touring motorcycles abroad already have this option and it can be fitted easily in just about any Indian motorcycles as well, but things are just more reliable, if they are factored in while designing and producing a motorcycle.
Well these are just some of the things that come to my mind as of now, and although I wish to see them implemented across the board, it would be the UCE based Machismo that I would like to see all this being implemented on and would seriously be interested in buying one.
Of course no one knows the bike as well as its current owners, so let me know what you guys think and feel is missing from your Royal Enfield and would like to see in future. Then maybe the Royal Enfield R&D guys can go over it and create a motorcycle which doesn’t needs to rely on the legacy of Royal Enfield to sell, and would genuinely be interesting for tourers like me.
Much as I would like to see all that Yogesh has recommended actually happening with the Enfield, I have no real hope that it will happen.
I once rode a 750 Norton (British bike- looks just like Enfield) in California and that is a ride I still remember. Lighter than the Enfield, sleeker and what power! Just like Diane siting pillion!
Yaar…. bachpan ke din bhi kya din the!
I have this feeling as well, though you never know. I think sometime back, Royal Enfield was looking to launch a 150-200cc motorcycle in India to compete with rest of the manufacturers.
20 years ago, they did bring out a 200 cc “mini” Enfiled. Remember the Crusader fiasco? That was one of the shittiest bikes ever made by mankind. No kidding.
Hey Yogesh… this is a good one, who would not love to see them? we should get it till RE. Wat say?
Meanwhile after my trip, may be i’ll get into putting on some of these features..
Regards,
Jagan
Ajit are you talking about the Fury175? That one had the first 5 gear box and disc brake in India. I think Bike India or someother magazine had tested it few years ago and had said the performance was still pretty good.
Thanks Jagan, all the best for your upcoming trip
I think it was called Crusader and it was 200 cc.
*Why* do the Indian manufacturers insist on using these weak headlight bulbs?! *Why?* When you need light there at least as much as in other places.
Thank goodness, that Bajaj went and put a better stator on the Avenger, what a blessing! (I mean so that we can put them on our Pulsars, not that we can buy Avengers.)
No need to do that any more, the new 180s are coming with DC setup. Just put in the 60w halogen or better yet an HID and it should be good to go.
ah, so then the others will follow – at least with the 180′s and 200′s.
Reliability Reliability Reliability
Thats the biggest crib most current owners have. Guess the weight, vibration, wrong choice of components might be the reason for this.
But whatever the reason, for the exorbitant cost of their bikes, RE can surely put in some effort on the R&D front and improve this.
All said & done, I am no way changing my RE std
Cheers
N
Great Points by Yogesh. I would love that too since I drive new age 650cc twins with 81HP
A Bullet with 145Kgs or so and 500cc Fuel Injected – with all new age Jap goodness-features will be a dream coem ture – is the enfield firm listening and waking upto the needs of the current Indian smart motorcyclist.
rgds
sriguru
Hey I agree to the gist of your post Yogesh. I used to hate Bullets but ended up buying one! Electra 5S with electric start and disc brake. I know exactly about the points you’ve raised. The cylinnder gasket blew out at 12K kms and the agency walas are anything but a help. Yet I realized that to live with a bullet, you need to carry your own cross. Test a couple of known mechanix and zero in on one. Always use the best quality/original parts and you generally don’t run in to problems. MY Bike’s done 25000kms in one and a half years and never got punctured once or stall in the middle of “nowheres” that I usually keep riding on. An iridium spark plug was a welcome change and I have a few other changes on my mind; generally for performance improvement. K&N and a 17″ rear wheel’s on the pipeline. IT’s because of this bloody elephant arse that I’ve ended up reading a lot (I mean a lot) on bike modification, chassis designs and performance modificatios. True it could’ve been designed better but that’s the fun buddy. It’s like a semi dirty canvas
…pick your eraser and start painting your imagination. For me, that’s the high of owning one but I totally understand what you feel about this bike…and as for Rude Bulleteers…I understand, there are WEIRD EL-Jerkos out there riding bullets.
Yes and writin stuff like the following are demeaning both for the royal enfield and the harley davidson:
“The Harley Davidson of indian roads”
“Everybody gives way for Royal Enfield”
And it’s these stupid quotes that fuel the bad attitude in bulleters. Unbelievable the company website endorses the first one and proudle displays in on their website.
Harleys are HArleys man, they’re not Hyabusas, they’re not mopeds and they’re definitely not like Royal enfields or vice versas….the smallest harley is 883CC for Christ’s sake.
stop all this bullshit about enfield. is someone giving you money to do this . rubbish peoples and rubbish thoughts
Absolutely not, this is purely for pleasure
Guys, I guess we are just getting over the board.
As far as the attitude of the Bulleters goes, there is nothing wrong in that. You need to be with them to know the real attitude. Just looking at a few Jerks riding a Bullet can never sum up the whole Bullet Community Attitude Issues.
As far as the other issues regarding the R & D for the Bullet Bikes are concerned, a few (Like, Fuel Tank, Ignition, Head Lamps) seem actually practical. But as far as the other issues of making a Bullet like the other bikes is just not done. Guy’s, a Bullet has a tradition, it has a nostalgic emotion attached to it. The same would get killed if those comments are even looked upon. As to the author, I would suggest him to get a bull, change as per likings and enjoi the ride.
Thanks Guy’s,
Happy Riding.
Hey Yogesh – I want to buy a touring bike – I am one of those dazed foreigners who drool at the look and sound of the RE – but I take your points on why not to etc… SO… I want to be able to tour (like to Spiti Valley in Himachel). Are you recommending a Pulsar to do this rather than a RE? It will do the job for me? Appreciate your thoughts.
Paul
Paul, it really comes down to personal preference and how you are going to be touring.
Personally I recommend people to go for Honda Unicorn or Hero Honda Karizma, both of these motorcycles are more than enough for almost all touring trails in India, have reliable and efficient engines, decent service network and decent range.
Not to say Pulsars or others motorcycles are bad at touring (all my touring has been done on the first generation Pulsar 180), but frankly I feel Honda Unicorn and Hero Honda Karizma are slightly better.
I personally beleive, both Karizma and pulsar are two city bikes which are quite uncomfortable for long routes. Unicorn especially for a person like me was very uncomfortable.A Bullet has no comparison, but buddy if you are not very fond of shelling out that extra bit then Bullet is definitely not meant for you. Royal Enfield as its known is definitely the King of Indian Roads and as it has been mentioned earlier by hitesh “Bullet has a tradition, it has a nostalgic emotion attached to it”. So, try a riding a bullet before going for “plastic bikes”.Not withstanding the expert reviews by Yogesh about those practical aspects, I still believe that the Pros are towards the heavier side then the Cons of this bike.Remember India is a great country and even better when you are on a Bullet.
Regards and happy biking
Surya
How many places have you been to on your “long ride capable motorcycle”?
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Hi Yogesh,
I read both your blogs as to what kind of bullet u like and y u dont like to buy bullets.
Its basically a personal choice and emotional attachment.
I grew up with YEZDI 250 CL II, bought 2nd generation pulsar 150 (non dtsi) and went on trips all over south india over 10K KMs and never had issues with my bike till i sold at at 80K after a very bad accident coz of which I have totally 4 plates in 2 hands.
I grew love towards bullet after my accident and after 2 yrs, I am a proud owner of Electra UCE 2010 (after waiting for 4 months).
Looking at your points, some of which are valid, I would say that they have been addressed except for the weight part, which is a class apart.
I am not asking you to buy, but go ahead and take a test ride, you would love it.
Enjoy riding (any bike of ur choice)
Harsha, hate to say this, but sadly RE still hasn’t resolved all the issues eg. there are still plenty of issues with the Classic and UCEs and nothing proves this more than this 2350+ post long thread http://www.bcmtouring.com/forum/motorcycles-f13/my-new-royal-enfield-classic-500-efi-t17139/!
Having said that, Electra UCE is a nice bike and frankly, if (and thats a big if) I was ever to buy an RE, it would likely be something like Electra, even though Classic 500 does appeal to me http://www.yogeshsarkar.com/blog/2010/04/12/royal-enfield-time-over-for-excuses/
@ Surya:
I strongly diagree with your point!
You say – “I personally beleive, both Karizma and pulsar are two city bikes which are quite uncomfortable for long routes.”
But, the fact is Karizma is a wonderful motorcycle for a long tour. I doubt that you have not ridden a Karizma and expressed your opinion because your idea was to give Royal Enfield the spotlight.
I am a huge fan of Royal Enfield Bullet. And I don’t ignore the good aspects of other motorcycles.
You can swing a Karizma across a sharp bend even at 125kmph. Its designed like that. You never get a comfortable biking experience with a Pulsar as much you do with a Karizma. The engine is so well responsive that you would role the road with it.
This is my personal experience and though Karizmaa comes under the Sports-Touring motorcycle category, I would always choose a Bullet for a tour. And you too know very well how the feeling is, with one!
Well, thats all I want to say, about Karizma in particular.
Regards.
Chopper – Bangalore.
@Yogesh
First of all, a nice blog. Cheers.
Secondly, about the wishes of what changes you would like to see in a RE, I simply like the constructive ideas.
But, at the same time, I am afraid that the new motorcycle, if at all is manufactured, cannot be really called a Bullet. Because, Bullet is a Bullet. It makes you a man, if you are not, by making you responsive and get to learn about machines. The new age trend of factoy fitted frame-to-nut things are not the real qalities of a man. You’ll make your own tune ups, change oils, solve a few mechanical problems too, etc.
These all get derived from within you. Its your passion and love for machines and thats a man’a thing.
Now, I am not offending your thoughts. Because I respect them. But, for the sake of naturality, or reality or whatever we can all it, we need to depend upon ourselves for at least a few things.
Well, if Bullet really comes out well with the changes in fixing the problem like better headlight assemblies, bigger tank(its was curse in a long ride for me….!), I would welcome it too, besides you.
Regards.
Chopper – Bangalore.
Chopper, based on that line of thought, you can’t really call any of the present domestic lineup, a Bullet and frankly speaking, most of the hardcore Bullet enthusiasts, wouldn’t either.
The current crop of RE models have way newer engine than Karizma and to some extent, even Pulsars and Apaches.
As far as learning and tuning motorcycles goes, well that is the case with almost every motorcycle out there! Do you seriously believe that motorcycle tourers who have owned Karizmas and Pulsars for couple of years or more, simply go to the service centers and hand over their precious motorcycles to the first wrench-monkey they spot and head out of the service center, leaving their bikes at the mercy of those wrench-monkeys?
Well some might do that, but most don’t.
Heck even a guy like me, who likes to get majority of the work done on my motorcycle from a mechanic (who btw has been taking care of her for almost 9 years now) knows her from heart and can tell whether or not something is wrong, just by the way she starts in the morning and sounds and runs during the day! Heck I can tell in a twist of throttle, whether she has been tuned right or not (not that she needs tuning frequently) and only let the mechanic do the things, I tell him to do, to ensure there isn’t any unnecessary fiddling.
However, once I am out touring, I prefer not to be bogged down by any other motorcycle maintenance, apart from getting the oil changed, drive chain adjusted and lubricated. So that I can concentrate on photography and enjoying the places I am riding through.
@Yogesh
I forgot to mention that the first bike I owned in my life was and is a Karizma. Its still here. And I love the thing. I took her for a few trips that spanned weeks. Travelled the coast of Karnataka(well, the most important places) with this beauty without any problems(except for a tyre change, oil leak and spark plug replacement) and this was all before I got a Bullet.
You are right. I know that Karizma, Pulsar guys are not dumb to meet the showroom for basic check ups. I do not mean that at all.
But I admit that I am not one of those kind. I never tried my hands on the bike. I do not wish to, either. But I do not know why I, although with the major part of help coming from the mechanic, want to be a grease monkey myself when its all about a Bullet. Believe me or not, I do the oil change, engine idling-tuning, minor engine issues, but after getting hints from my mechanic. If I had done the same with the Karizma, I guess I would have done a major mess up.
Its the simplicity and old kind of mechanical repairs you do with the Bullet that makes you feel so satisfied. Although 90% of the components of all bikes are same in the working, I believe Bulls are little easy to handle. May be because, my mechanic is such a good guide, he made me to know in and out of it.
But I will admit that its my personal matter with enjoying the handling of a Bull than with a Karizma and I have nothing to point out at it or its owner(I am one too). In the first place, we cannot simply compare them at all.
So all I want to sum up here is, though we may spend more of our time in doing the trials to make our wheels to run normally, we uphold the old timer and its authencity and classic design(which many people wish it changes), etc.
I know. I understand you view,. But a Bullet is supposed to be like that. Now the newer engines have a load lots of complains. Thats why I chose the older one. But whatever one may say, Karizmas make no equality to a Bullet in any way(technology is not what i am talkin about).
Regards.
Chopper
Interesting blog. I’m a foreigner who moved to India for his job, rode a Triumph speed triple in Europe and decided it was time for something totally different in India so I got myself a 2010 Enfield Thunderbird. The discussion about the Enfield riders’ attitude is a lot like what goes on in Europe between the BMW riders and all the rest. I don’t know the Japanese bikes sold in India so won’t comment on them. The only thing I can say is that so far, I’m happy with my Thunderbird (after 10000 miles). It didn’t break down on me once, no oil leakage at all and the engine seems very reliable to me. I do agree with a couple of your points: after 3 months touring and a couple of scary moments in the middle of nowhere I had a 25-liter tank fitted and life’s been sweet ever since. The standard tank capacity should indeed have been higher. What’s also a bit unnerving is that nuts and bolts tend to shake loose on bumpy roads so after a day’s driving it’s best to check things. And the warranty…well, so far I haven’t needed it but for a premium bike it should indeed have been better. Going to tackle the road to Leh coming summer, will follow up with a post on how she behaved.
Hi Werner,
Welcome to the Royal Enfield ownership
How much did that 25 litre tank cost you? Just curious, may be I’ll replace mine too in the coming months. Oh, it’s a Standard 350. Could you try uploading a few snapshots of that over here?
And good luck with the tour. Leh is what everyone wants to try on. Will be looking forward to know your experiences with her.
Regards.
Chopper
Hey Yogesh,
I chanced upon your blog while researching some info for my bullet. i bought a RE UCE Mach 500Lb towards the end of 2009 after a long wait to get one… had to save up
. Your blog made for an interesting read so did the comments that follow. after reading quite a few posts i thought i might add my two pence as well as an owner.
I liked your suggestions regarding the range (am gonna get a after market tank i think 13 ltrs is a freaking joke!) and headlights which are valid points, other than the reliablity aspect. Any respectable bullet owner will tell you that a bullet is quite reliable if maintained in mint condition with regular maintenance reventive and otherwise. I have done close to 24K on my bike and have had my share of issues with the bike most of which were my fault due to lack of info. I also agree with your conclusion about the attitude of some owners in respect to owners of bikes of other makes (jap or otherwise) what you must realize that the need to belong is part of the human condition and most of the ppl you refer too simply suffer from this. It is unfair to generalize this as a statement of all RE owners/riders. They merely say that kind of stuff due to lack of exposure, im guessing. After all motorcycling as anything other than for commuting is a relatively new phenomenon in India, it being a niche market for over 30 yrs to my knowledge. i agree with your point on pulsars and karizmas having more efficient engines but that is where it ends. In my personal opinion those bikes lack soul. most of them are very uncomfortable to ride non stop over long durations with a pillion. did 1100km in and arnd goa recently and it felt like my rear end had died! which is astonishing considering its meant to be a cruiser! i also did not like the disconnected feeling i had while riding it. This bike was brand new mind you.
I deffinately believe RE needs to improve on it metallurgy, paint, range and availability of spares and information. Like Chopper said these bikes are really fun if ur a DIY kind of person (which you dont seem to be) they are a canvas on which you can paint whatever you fancy.. which explains some of the downright ridiculous things some ppl will do to their bullets.
To conclude since you mentioned the UCE mach 500 i wanted to tell you that it is really a legendary ride, its no harley thats for sure but that bike can really put a smile on ur face when your on the highway with the wind in your hair, the sun on your face and the tarmac whizzing by under your foot-pegs; be it in the hills or in the plains. You cannot compare an RE to any other Indian offering simply because the essential design hasnt changed in over 5o yrs which does not hold true for most other bikes here. Its classic in it styling and the way it works barring the EFI’s. Its like a good single malt- tastes like crap to the uninitiated but is magic to those who know its worth. I concede that it isnt for everyone though and you generally know which side of the fence you belong on after the first 15 min of riding one..
Glad to know so many indians out there are touring! will deffinately lead to some sweet rides landing on our shores in the coming years.
keeo riding ya’ll,
S.
PS- food for thought – how many indian bikes can you ride around on a half siezed piston?? ans- 1 an RE!
Hmm who donot want to see all these features in Bullet. And yes I agree with Chopper that then it would not be called a bullet.Adding to that, May be it will be called a duplicate of Pulasr or Karizma. hahahahha…..
Any how, I am done with reading of both the posts
I am not getting that when we are talking about cons & pros of a bike why we are talking about egoism of the bulleteers. See Yogesh… egoism is the trait of a particular humanbeing it does not come with bullet.
Yogesh, you better write about the vehicle instead of human traits. Hope you understand….
It is more like you developed hatred towards a bullet bcz of your thinking that bulleteers are egoistic. Which is a misconception & as said above it is a human trait.
I have seen egoistic persons who are owners of all kind of vehicals and some are not owners of any vehicle
Coming to touring… You can go to a tour on any bike and say the ride is good. But when you are writing your comments on blog, you have to tell which is the best ride.
I rode pulsar and karizma even yamaha fz. They are really good bikes. But they are designed for youth( Say 18 to 30 years old people). And I have seen that so many mothers or wifes(After 35)never show interset to sit on those bikes. Also when riding them they tempt you to go fast and again road grip is very less(Except fz) for those bikes. After all, while riding you have to bend forward and ride which will cause back pain when you ride for long time.
Also I can bet that we cannot ride them, once we become 35years old (I am talking about 90% not about the exceptions
). But bullet is not like that. You can drive it at any age with out any issues. And your mother or wife loves to sit in the back. (I know you will say that I will ride my pulsar180 even in 80s 
)
Also I drove a pulsar to fields in rainy season and stuck in betweeen which never happened with bullet.
One more thing you can find pros and cons in each and every vehicle infact in any thing which you buy. If you say I would not buy any thing if I find cons then you cannot buy anything.
I am not saying to buy anything though the cons are more. People will have desire to buy some thing which they will fullfill irrespective of pros and cons.
Recently I have seen an adv where a guy will ask other guy “How much mileage it gives” when he is thinking of buying a ship.
We should not do business with everything.
What I suggest is… You take a bullet from your friends and go for a ride of atleast 400kms and do the same on your pulsar180 and karizma. Then see what your heart says.
Coming to maintainance. You will see a Lemon in each and every product. Only percentage varies. Also it becomes Lemon bcz of the user most of the times if you donot maintain it properly. I have seen people who maintins their bullets in such a way that they hardly see a mechanic.
If you are a good rider. You hardly see a mechanic. If you know how to eat you hardly fall sick
Note : I am just 25years old
Its been an eye opener for someone like me, who doesnt know much abt bikes, but has had a RX 100 n HH sleek in college days n thereafter. Crossing 35 n felt the urge for a bullet or Harley, but RE seems more economical for a small user like me…. I feel Bikes again are Personal n the Triumph n RE are like the solid state systems, the depth they can deliver is very different from the BOSE or JBLs…
Looking at the superb experienced guys here, Im interested to buy an electra or Machismo second hand n get the same modified to some thing small, since Im short, Is it a good idea??
Its somethin like bajaj Avenger I can ride, but need that RE sooth!!
I think a modern day Royal Enfield Crusader will suit you fine. With all the Electra technology and the fuel efficiency that the Crusader was built for. Enfield has revived its old models in the recent past. I believe there was a Thunderbird around the 1970s also. Maybe if ever RE decides to revive the Crusador
i booked classic 350 without doing a test drive…after 4 months(waiting period 10 months) yesterday i went for a test dive and it was a shock! so much vibrations compared to my hero honda …many false neutrals….bit heavy….i felt the refinment factor is absent…comfort 100% good….not in traffic…my legs are still in pain….i did test drive of tunderbird long time before booking and its handle bars are like tractors…i was in tip to purchase re but now i am planning to get fsz ( pulsars r going to update this september)…always wanted to own a yamaha next to royal enfield but later option is gone.
Test ride the R15 as well, it is a bit compact and due to sporty riding stance, it isn’t as comfortable, but it is one hell of a bike. Of course if you have the extra cash and can wait, then CBR250 is a nice option as well.
Great discussion…. I have Karizma ZMA (sept 2008) and TBTS (Sept-2010) both headlight Phillips X-treme power & horns Pulsar dual.
About riding, have not done any tour’ yet but just city riding/occasional highways. My experience is Karizma-ZMA is very smooth, looks good and has great engine response with less vibrations even at 100-120km/hr. TBTS vibration is there always, has a RAW riding experience. Both bikes are different and gives different riding pleasure. Love both
. Just to mention that have used R-15 (liked the acceleration/revving), FZ(like the bike but good only for 1 rider, and CBR250 (IMO not doing justice for the 1.8L price tag).
Everyone has their own right to be loyal to their brand of motorcycles but what really counts is the sheer pleasure of riding. If I am to keep a single bike from the lot of bikes I have ridden, I would definitely keep my TBTS over the other bikes. Peace and ride well…
@Yogesh: +1
I agree with ALL of your points on your “wish list”. They are reasonable to expect and very objectively considered. Thanks, my friend, for your input.
The two major after-market changes I’ve made to my 500cc Electra 2011 are a new, improved electric starter (covered by guarantee), and a new bigger and better chain and crown assembly, gives about 15% more performance power and doesn’t need to be tightened every 400 km, (not covered by guarantee and costing me 200 euros).
But to make the Bullet perfect, I admit I need a stronger headlight beam and a bigger petrol tank.
And I wish RE would learn to use tight-locking screws and bolts–I HATE it when something comes rattling loose. It makes my Bullet look like a JOKE compared to even my ugly Korean-made scooter.
Honda doesn’t market any of your models here in Spain, so I can’t say anything about them (except that I’ve heard all Hondas are really reliable).
Great blog. Who doesn’t like to talk about motorcycles?? hahahah!
@ Yogesh – Your wish has been answered. RE Thunderbird 500 (TBTS 500) has been incorporated with of the points you have mentioned. It has a 20 litre fuel tank, projector headlight 55/60W, 41mm front forks, gas shock absorbers, front and rear disk brakes, improved reliability with an UCE 500 engine, fuel injection system (EFI) to prevent drastic drops in fuel efficiency. The bike is also equipped with MRF Zappers and an 18″ rear wheel to aid handling and grip. The TBTS 500 is also the first stock Indian bike to have been equipped with hazard lights. The only aspect that remains unchanged is the warranty, its still at 10,000 kms. So almost all your opinions/suggestions in this blog have been taken into account by RE. Guess its time for you to head to your nearest RE showroom.
At the end of the day, it is a Thunderbird, and I hate cruiser style ergonomics.
So I will give it a thought when something like this becomes incorporated in Electra and yes, although the reliability of RE has become better, it still isn’t there.
:>
Oh. Is it really cruiser egonomics like Harley and so on, with feet out in front? (btw, I’ve never ridden a Harley or a cruiser like that. I’m not sure I’d wanna try it.)
So, 20 litre tank and projector headlights and 41 mm forks sounds good. But I’d still be concerned by quality control problems, with pistons and gears breaking, for example. That’s really unacceptable. Pistons for so many cars are made in India and never break, so why should RE pistons break?
41 mm forks… 41 mm is nice but it says nothing about how well the front suspension actually works.
As for “18″ wheel to aid handling and grip”… really, that’s like something from an advert of the 1950′s.
No, but it is half way there with those laid back handles.
Long time since I last commented. Honestly, 51,000kms down the line and after getting back to the stock air_filter long time back (I removed the K&N, it was causing too much leaning of fuel:air) and with everything stock-RE, I am not complaining about the bike (the 5S cast iron electra). I’ve done many long rides on the hills as well as plains. Only once did a serious problem develop, it was a wobbling issue that cost me no less than 6000 bucks and an unending visit to mechanics who changed and rechanged one part after another without solving the problem. Ultimately, a well-known authorized dealer fixed the prob (not the one from whom I bought the bike, he and his team are a bunch of ninnyhammers). So you see, sometimes the solution is simple, if you have a problem, Go to an Authorized service centre that is “well-known”. Such people generally are hounded by owners. Do Not go to the so called Famous non-authorized guys even if they seem to be doing brisk business, trust me, I’ve scalded my fingers on this one.
A serious problem is that the unauthorized dealers, to which 90+ % of the enfield owner take their bikes for repair and service, use spurious spare parts to earn that bit more. So serious is this problem and so prolific is the sale of non-original spare parts prevalent that at times it is hard to find original bearings or even the air cleaner (which are very much superior) in the whole motor market in all the sectors. They’re all stocking up bullets with inferior, local-made parts over time and almost none of the owners either know about it or care so long as it’s costing them less money. Bullet’s a heavy bike for a 350cc and inferior parts on this do wear out quicker. Considering that Yogesh has already proclaimed the original parts to be inferior, I shudder at the thought of the non-original crap that has spread like a viral disease in motor market.
True, the point here is that the consumer Bullet should be built better. The only thing I’d add here is that If you love your machine, you’ll learn more about it and keep it well. No complains except for the greasy handed RE dealers, most of which suck to the highest possible degree. Btw no offense to anyone but the TB-500 is disproportionate and ugly, It’s like they brought together various beautiful parts and built an ugly machine out of them. The Classic’s design still wins hands down for me. My Electra’s still serves me faithfully for 51,000kms and I’m loving it.