“The Royal Enfield Bullet has been built in India since 1955 and essentially today's bike is the same beast. Sure, it's had modern upgrades 12v electrics; electric start; 5 speed gearbox; fuel injection; disc brakes and ABS, but the heart of the bike is the same long stroke 499cc ohv single, which first saw the light of day in 1953.
I always loved the old British single cylinder bike but wanted something that was going to be reliable and didn't need constant attention, as a true classic would need. The Royal Enfield fits the bill, it has all the charm of an old single but with quality control and the aforementioned improvements, it's really easy to live with.
The handling is light and stable, the clutch is light and the gear change smooth. I've fitted a heel and toe gear change, which suits the power characteristics of the bike well and gives an even more relaxed and smooth gear change.
The original silencer, which is long, heavy and restrictive has been replaced with a British made high quality free flowing item, that's sounds awesome. But it's not too loud to upset my neighbours and local constabulary.
Power output is moderate at only 27 bhp at 5,200 rpm but with a torque figure of 41 nm at 4,000 rpm means the bike can be left in top or fourth for most of the time and still pull away cleanly. This flexibility makes it ideal for a relaxed ride on twisty country lanes and with it's light weight and good handling makes it a joy to ride both on country lanes and urban roads. Economy is excellent, I'm getting around 90 mpg, giving me a comfortable range of 200 miles to each tankful. Top speed is around 80 mph, and will cruise comfortable at 60 mph.
As you would expect from a 500cc single with no balancer shaft or rubber mounting, the bike does vibrate but it's not the high frequency vibration that numbs hands, feet and bum. For me, the vibration is some of the charm of the bike and it reminds you that you are not riding a modern machine that is designed to look like a classic but an authentic classic bike that has evolve gradually over the years.
So, if you're in the market for either an urban commuter and want something different to the hundreds of identical looking scooters or a bike that you can enjoy for pleasure on country lanes and smaller A roads, the Royal Enfield Bullet in what ever guise it comes in will fit the bill perfectly. However, if you're looking for a long distance, motorway mile eater, then look elsewhere.”
