Part two in this series detailing my experiences living with the Bullet 500 from delivery, through the break in process and beyond! PayPal Donations. threelittlefishes@live.co.uk PATREON. / stuartfillingham
Been a proud owner of my Classic 500 for approximately seven years and have thoroughly enjoyed every kilometre on it. Much of the negativity in North America is rooted in the notion that bigger is better (a bias against smaller displacement engined motorcycles) and skepticism about Asian built motorcycles. My retort is always that 80% of the planet thrives on less than 250cc motorcycles so more technology and size is not a need but a want. The Classic 500 is a highly reliable, tough, and comfortable head-turner that has brought me across Eastern Canada and the U.S. with ease and at a reasonable speed. If you need a stereo, windshield, extended leg pegs, and cup holders, drive a car. Take the side roads and rediscover why you ride a motorcycle in the first place. Great review, Stuart. Greeting from a Canadian RE fan.
I’ve reached 1’500 miles, and I couldn’t be happier. The bike continues to exceed all my expectations regarding performance, handling, vibrations and perhaps most importantly, fun factor. Everything you say here is absolutely on point 👏🏻
I used to blast everywhere as quickly as possible but I was mistaking adrenaline as enjoyment. Now I've slowed down considerably, I've found the pleasure in riding again. I was worried about loosing 70bhp but it's made biking fun again. 20-60 mph is where we spend 95% of the time, even on the most powerful of bikes. Getting a bike made for that speed range makes perfect sense really. Glad your enjoying the bullet. I'm jealous.
I agree with you. There's a lot of negative reviews about the Bullet. Personally, I've ridden a Bullet for 14 years now. I laugh at the other negative reviews sometimes. It's not a perfect bike but no bike is.
It’s very reassuring that a pro like you, Stewart, comes to the same conclusions as I did. I had no clue at all and fell in love with the RE Classic 500 at first sight.... and from then on, it became only better by the mile 👍
I totally forgot abour RE. I went to a dealership just to take a look at a Honda CB500x. But in the way to the Desired bike there stood the RE500 Classic. It was like a flashback. A bike I once loved. A bike I instantly remembered as a Childhood dream. But I totally forgot about Royal Enfield. The bike seemingly looked at me and I asked the Seller just to start it once. I saw the Kickstarter, heard the sound and I new: Forget all other. That's my must-have. It's far from perfect and has it's tiny flaws. But in the end I don't regret it in any way. It's a different way to get anyway and you will get a lot of questions at the gas station. Many people stare at you and your bike. But you get out of work, walk down to the parking lot and you know: you'll take the long way home, just to enjoy it.
Relaxing, high quality footage to accompany the superb narration. Thoroughly enjoyed the review. Definitely comes from a passionate relationship with your machines.
I´m looking foward to get a carbureted Bullet 500cc, I love Indian motorcycles as long as they are reliable and very cheap to maintain at least here in México,now a days I have a TVS HLX 150CC which is in my point of view the perfect bike to travel across the world, I used to ride fast bikes like a CBR F2 600, or a Yamaha XT 660, but there is a special charm in those rustic single cylinder indian bikes, and Royal Enfield seems to be the perfect expression of that philosofy. I really enjoy your videos, great job! Greetings from México City.
I have a 14 yr old TVS star along with newer Enfield 350 and I love them both. Especially the TVS, such reliable bike it just goes on and on and it has extremely good gas mileage.
You are absolutely right about the Bullet. I confirm everything you said, by my own experience. In fact there are some more things that put a constantly a smile in my face every time I ride it; the exquisite capabilities of the engine braking gives lot of reassurance, mostly off road or in slippery roads, as well as the exquisite clutch feel that avoids the engine shut down, needing almost no acceleration to start. The smoothness and regularity of engine rotation invites us to let her roll at his own pace and we get able to enjoy constantly the environment. We feel cozy and we are embraced in her arms like flying over a cloud. Am I exaggerating? Perhaps, but this machine is difficult to describe without the use of metaphoric and poetic language. It is the second most gratifying bike of the 16 I have owned in 50 years riding. The first one was the 1990 BMW R 80 GS. That means something for sure...So I am obliged to forgive some weakness of the chromes , paint... and loose bolts.
Yeah.. I tend to wax poetic about my Enny 500. Like you, it is my second most favorite bike of all time (being in my 60's), my SR500 Yammie had a stiffer frame and could power-slide on bitumen in places other machines just couldn't. But the classic Enfield Bullet is so amenable to modification with it's large after-market back-up and simplicity that it has the advantage overall. It has something in its spirit that few motorcycles achieve. Hope. I hope that by building a replica feather-bed frame I can make her into the sideways power house that my SR was back in the '80's. Something like an old sliver dot Parelli on the front and a Czech Barum on the back. Wayyy too much fun. All while retaining an unparalleled thumper pedigree in saner moments. As for loose bolts... that just comes with the territory Thumpers are like that.
I always find that the people who slag off Royal Enfields have never owned one, or if they did they never maintained them properly. I have a 2001 pre unit 500 Bullet, the only time my Bullet has ever let me down was with a rear wheel puncture and that could happen to even the most expensive Japanese or Italian Superbike. My Bullet is faultless and I prefer riding it to any of the half dozen other bikes I own. So the detractors can slag them off all they want, it doesn't bother me in the slightest, if I was ever in the unfortunate situation where I had to sell all of my bikes the Bullet would be the last to go.
Hello,just bought my first Enfield a couple of weeks ago(gt535)and i absolutely hated it at first(vibartion through the bars)but over 600 miles later iam warming to it dont know why really 😁
In the past the press did the same with MZ's and CX's. The public perception of these still exists amongst those who have never owned one. The motorcycle press has never been trustworthy. I have some magazines from the 60s + 70s where they praise Brit bikes in an age where their short comings where obvious to all. Today the press praise bikes which they criticise for supposedly being under powered less than a year later. Buy the bike you want, enjoy it and ignore whatever anyone else thinks.
The press here in America is the same, especially when it comes to HD. Every year that the company released a larger displacement engine, the reviews were always the same: “finally the power that the big bikes need.” Which begs the question, “so when you said that the last bump in size really was the power they needed, were you lying?” Most mags are shills for their advertising clients. Also, I’m sure the writers would hate to be left off the next junket to Portugal or elsewhere if they seriously criticized one of the manufacturers. Yes. I’m cynical.
i believe back in the day, if testers criticised a brit bike manufacturer, they stopped giving them out for review! I have a bullet, and owned and enjoyed CX and MZ - is there a common factor here?
@@gwynnromano5881 No you're not cynical. Telling the truth is not cynicism. I see the same here with motorhome reviews (RVs to you) in magazines. Look underneath the shine and LED lighting and you see sink drains that run uphill, under-floor electrical connectors exposed just behind wheels, natural gas furnaces (boilers to UK people) installed contrary to the maker's instructions and so on.
I got a Bullet 500 last year as my first motorcycle. And now, a year later, I think I'm ready for a bigger bike for longer trips, but I cannot bring myself to ever let this bike go.
I’ve been interested in these bikes for a bit. In 2023 I bought a 2017 Classic 500 with 1000 miles. I’ve owned several bikes in my 30 years of riding,and I can honestly say I wasn’t expecting a whole lot. I loved the look,and performance was secondary and without high hopes. I was pleasantly surprised. This is a fun and capable motorcycle. I am a proud owner and the bike seems to draw a conversation when parked. I’m glad I gave this manufacturer a chance and formed my own opinion.
Have a quick look at Ridercam's latest vlog on how NOT to do a review on the 500 Trials Bullet. It's lazy and half arsed. Well done as usual Stuart on the quality of your reviews. Liked the comment on the A63 about gathering speed rather than accelerating, I've had a few old series land rovers that were just the same. Dog slow but you feel/know they will literally go anywhere!
Damn it, man! I was one of the misinformed that previously believed that the Classic was a 45-50 mph bike. Liked the classic looks, etc, but didn't think it would suit my style too much and would just be a pretty garage queen that didn't get ridden... Now, after getting your perspective, I WANT one! I only ride back roads (here in Georgia USA) which have a limit of 55 mph. If the bike is comfortable at 65-70, it'll do everything I need in a bike of this type. Have a Himalayan now, and was planning to pick up an Interceptor soonish (next spring), but now, I may have to get a Classic before they're all gone. Thanks for adding your real world experience and perspective. Subscribed!
I love my classic 500. Sure, it’s not for everyone but I expect it would work well for many, many riders that just want to get out, take a stress free , lazy ride and chill out .
Spot on! Let me share a little story... I am from India but I live in Poland and in India I had Bullet 350 (right side gear change), Classic 350. Those bikes were amazing and I have been to and beyond Himalayas on roads which are not as smooth as you see in this video. Now I own a BMW R NineT in Poland and I love it. Few days ago I found an offer 2019 Classic 500 (1000 km), guess what? I took a night train to the other side of Poland, bought it and started riding around 16:00 and rode it back 570 kms with few breaks on the way. I was dead tired with very less sleep and long hours of riding. I rode through scenic landscapes, forests, highways and reached home at 01:00 at night. I couldn't miss this opportunity to own this beauty here where I live. It reminds of my days in India and a part of my heart is with this motorcycle always. Btw, I am not planning to sell my R NineT. I'll keep both as long as I can. Cheers!
Really enjoyed watched this video account. The world of motorcycling would be poorer without the Royal Enfield singles, they certainly have their charm. One could quite easily imagine settling down with one!
Great review Stuart. Thank you for telling an honest review of this fantastic little bike. I love riding my Bullet but almost didn't get it after seeing many negative reviews from other videos and press reviews. So thank you for showing what an interesting bike it is and what a fun bike to ride. Bye Stuart 🙂
I appreciate a proper bike review based on first hand experience and knowledge, sadly lacking in reviews about all kinds of stuff these days. I have had three of these, all new and all run in properly and they have all been great. Going to fit a sidecar to my Interceptor. I have had six combos since i started riding 54 years ago and i already know that the Interceptor is going to be a great chair outfit. Thanks.
Thank you kindly for your review, Stuart, and also thank you for 4 years of effort to keep us informed and entertained, friend. I'm no smoke-blowing fanboy of anyone but I have consistently enjoyed and appreciated your style and approach on-screen. I have come to motorcycling recently in my mid 50's and, hence, enjoy all the new information (to me) that now has me captured and fascinated. One bike that caught my eye from first off was the Bullet. It has a charm and self-assured stance reminiscent of an early Land Rover, to me at least. I have recently took to watching an old-school Aussie chap(Riding with Warro) who I find captivating in his blunt Aussie honest approach. He has a love of Bullets, having had 14 or so of them in 8 years. He knows the things inside out and to anyone liking your no-nonsense style and honest approach, I can only recommend his work as a great supplement to yours. What he has said over some time, you have captured magnificently in a couple of vlogs. I don't know how long I have left before RE cease availability, if at all, but I can see myself buying one of these Bullets based on my initial impression now bolstered by yours and Warro's recommendations. Thank you kindly, Stuart, please enjoy your well-earned rest and I look forward with many others I'm sure to your future presentations. Take care, friend....
To any Nae sayers out there, my last bike was a 600 cc ZZR Kawasaki. To do a spark plug clean, took the best part of a day, providing no problems cropped up. You can do a complete service on a Bullet in an hour! OK, may not have the 'Street Cred' or speed of the Kawasaki but certainly has character. I've never owned a Bullet, but have owned numerous British singles, a DBD 34 Gold Star, an ES2 500cc Norton, a 500 cc Manx Norton and a 1930 350cc AJS. I'd have a Bullet tomorrow if my wife let me, but the amount of ironwork I have in my body now, means that an accident would mean that I may never walk again and that's a too high a price to pay!
I have one, been riding Over 50 years, have had 'hundreds of bikes', to sum it up, FAULTLESS. CHARACTER, Beauty, the ride, the FEEL, the Sound, I LOVE it. SO MUCH JOY. A PLEASURE to ride. A JOY to ride. It is NOT a 'hoon' machine, Not zippy fast. But I do Not want that. I have NO ( NO ) regrets. NONE. NOT ONE. Buy one!
Very relaxing and superb video. I own an RE Classic 350 in India, its been 5 years, 70,000 kms on the odometer, riding in all kinds of terrain and in all harsh weather of south India, but still reaches 100 kmph in the highway without a hesitation. Never had any mechanical problems, just changing some wear and tear parts on a regular basis, that's it. It is really sad that most of the RU-vidrs and bloggers just bash this brand without knowing them personally and comparing them to more tech machines. Bullet has its own charm and riding them in a hilly region, or rural side of the country will definitely give you a better knowledge of the motorcycle.
Hey Mr. Fillingham, Your reviews are excellent. I am a very recent owner of a Classic 350 (500 being discontinued in India). It is true that Royal enfield has very strong negative reviews from every other user and reviewer. The way you put forward the reason for vibrations !!! Excellent !!! Thanks,...
So refreshing to hear such positive observations in this well thought out honest review. I enjoyed hearing how the vibrations continued to even out with the proper running in process. It's good to know that motorway riding is a realistic possibility and that power is not lacking, most encouraging.
Great vidéo Stuart thanks again for you very valuable Time, enthusiasm and the quality of each video you posted.Lovely!! I am a follower of your channel since june 2019 and it’s always usefull to watch your vidéos and follow your tips. Well done Stuart ! Wishing long life to your very entertaining and useful Channel. Olivier, from Bordeaux, France
I rode the classic 500 from Delhi and over the 3 worlds highest mountain passes over the Himalayas and back to Delhi, crossing over rivers and off road tracks for over 2 weeks and 2000 miles, and not one bike broke down over that period, and there was 8 bikes in total and with 3 bikes crashing, but still going. I have the classic 500 and a Himalayan 410 coming up 2 years now, and love them to bits. They will take you anywhere and great value for money and can get mega 3rd party aparts and accessories for them.
I have ridden many motorcycles in the last 30 years (many powerful sports bikes, etc) and the RE classic is on the top of my list for fun bikes to ride. It doesn't accelerate very fast but it chugs along with tons of character and comfort. Its a great bike for twisty country roads. I like to ride mine at about 80-100 kph. This bike is a throwback to an age where people were just more zen. I also ride an RE continental gt 535, and that's lots of fun as well; a bit faster but not as comfortable. My third bike is a Triumph 2013 Thruxton 900, more power, less comfort on twisty back roads, but better on the multi lane highways.
Good video again, regret selling mine for the interceptor, took a demo bullet out couple of weeks ago, smiled all the way. Cracking bike. Needless to say interceptor is up for sale
Great sensible review as usual Stuart.I've just done 1000 miles on my classic chrome,using four tanks of fuel only.I fill up @ 250 with a couple of litres left.Couldn't agree more with all you say mate.What an enjoyable bike to ride!
Hi Stuart, new to your channel but enjoying every minute. I am so glad to have come across someone who gets the bullet, I have an older Electra 500, old English separate gear box model, but you are right they get under your skin, she has exceeded all my expectations.
There is valuable critical thinking from your side where you place your moral conscience to work to speak out only personally verified facts every time you review. That's awesome and that's the purpose of a review I guess. Something which is rare as most reviews nowadays have a certain bias which builds in the reviewers even before touching the bike.
Thank you for mentioning the 300 mile video, which I already had seen. This video was very good as a follow-up, and nice to watch. I think many people now regret giving the Bullet a pass when choosing a bike.
Great show Stuart - enjoy your holiday. As a daily rider of a Bullet Chrome Deluxe bought new in 2000 and still in good but not absolutely standard fettle, I concur with your assertion that these bikes are much maligned by the press. I have done 39,000 on mine without any major upset. Living in Anlaby I like to watch your local virtual drives during my Covid-19 lockdown. Best wishes .....
I bought many many bikes in the last 6 years and the Bullet sure is one of my favourites. I have it for a year now and sofar I did 3,700 km without any issues. Fuel consumption is 32 km per liter. The bike is much more comfortable than I expected. Actually I have had several modern bikes that are less comfortable. Also on these small roads it handles like a dream. I have the 500 Chrome Black and I love it. Unlike many other bikes it is a keeper.
Thank you so much for your video, I have purchased a 500 classic in Feb 2020, it is not ridden every week and has 300 km on the clock. I am running it in at 80 kph to 500 km, 90 kph to 1000 km. I have heard a lot of comments about hard run in procedures and am reluctant to push the bike and am happy to motor on quietly. I am very very happy with the bike and you are right the torque is great, one does have to ride this bike as it should be not get on it and thrash it. Thanks again
I have a classic 350 which has a carb and have done multiple 2 up riding averaging 300+ Kms a day with loaded saddle bags at average speeds of 80-90kmph. Since those days I have converted it to a single seater with no springs, the Enfield official accessory seat, along with a free flow ceramic wool steel muffler and upsized jets. It's a lot quicker to accelerate, louder and encourages more aggressive riding. The biggest thing the Enfield taught me is working with tools and how to take care of a bike, especially since labor is relatively cheap here so it is not really common. Good job with the reviews. The bullet in India is a cult classic and the original tourer here since the cast iron ones required so much maintainence and were so rare that the owners were regarded as a special breed. My uncle had a purple one and I loved watching the decompression starting ritual. Btw 40000kms up. No major issues.
Fully fully fully agree. Excellent as usual. Perspective is distorted and innocently and ignorantly, or not, manipulated. We are undecisive people, lacking self assurance, and sadly discard what - if at all - is chosen by our intuition, intelligence and heart. One has to be at some point a brave man today to choose what he really wants. Thanks a lot.
Hi Stuart, My Classic Chrome was delivered last Wednesday, having been ordered from my local dealer (Hartgate, Mitcham).It was ordered 3 months ago but worth waiting for. I asked the dealer to change the silencer and pipe before delivery and the Hitchcock pipes that you recommended are amazing specially the sound with the baffles removed.I haven't rode the bike yet as i'm being responsible and waiting for lockdown to end. Love your videos, they are really helpful and enjoyable.
Bought my 2019 Classic 500 brand new and I've just clocked up 10,000km. Make a few mods like Carberry anti vibe plate, booster plug, exhaust and 18 tooth front sprocket (for ABS) and I've got no complaints. I ride with a large club that has all sorts of super bikes and cruisers and I've got no problem keeping up. People walk past $$$ poser bikes to look at the RE, every time. Yes, the HD crowd mock the RE, until they are left for dead in the twisties. It does everything I want and keeps me smiling. The most fun bike I've ever had. So easy to work on and cheap to customize. Don't hesitate to get one.
Great real review. I've owned a Harley Sportster and MZ for 20 years so understand your frustration on the way certain bikes are regarded and commented on, usually by people who have never riden one more than a few miles or even riden one at all.
Lovely review Stuart, the bike sounds good at what it was designed for all those years ago. I love riding my friends Royal Enfield Clipper 250 cc back in the 1950 S, a sweet little bike to ride.👍🇬🇧
It sounds like your really enjoying the Bullet. You need to take up to Hawes its made for those roads. I spent a lot of years riding around the Dales & Lakes on BSA singles 350 & 500cc. with & without sidecars. A 350 with sidecar, pillion, dog, and camping gear would go over any of the passes. Mind you the front brake would get a bit hot on the descent. In the '70s you could pick up a '50s BSA single in good running order for a couple of weeks wages. Magnetos & Dynamos are a lot more reliable than points ignition supplied by Mr. Lucas. Plus they didn't leak oil. I also found that they didn't have the high-frequency vibration that the twins possessed.
I am happy to see this fair review. I bought my C5 bullet in 2015 and with a little fettling I really enjoy this bike and eat up many miles touring. I changed the front sprocket to 19 tooth as it as plenty of grunt to pull it and makes first gear more usable while allowing me to sit on 75 mph all day if required. I just love it and owning several bikes this one gets pulled out the shed most often.
Ignore the detractors Stuart, they are missing the point, none so blind etc. Why does anyone believe that all bikes (or cars) have to adhere to the same template and any not doing so are somehow inferior. Horses for courses. I was once on a training course where the instructor asked the class to define the word "quality." There were the usual comments, "Rolls Royce" etc. But the instructor said, "no." A quality item is one that conforms to requirements. It could be anything as long as it does the job you want it to do. A single house brick can be a quality item if just want it to be a really efficient door stop. Enjoy your break.
I have a Bullet Electra with a cozy sidecar. After 4000 miles, I can honestly say that is a wonderful conveyance. I also had an 1800 Gold Wing for most of the same time. These are about as different as two bikes can be, but the Bullet does what it’s supposed to do, and that is to provide a simple, fun way to move about, just don’t get in a hurry and you’ll be fine. My wife loves riding in the hack, and that’s an intangible beyond value. Thanks for a spot on review, it was most enjoyable.
Loved, loved this review ! To the point, informative and very cinematic watching it in action on roads it was indeed built for....just magic. I had a 1993 Enfield Bullet 500cc back in the mid 90's, old style, gears on the right, drum breaks all round. This 'new' version looks like a dream...........If only I lived in UK still...can't get them here......
Thanks again Stuart for a fair and objective review of the Bullet. I have seen all the negative comments and reviews to which you refer and I think your reference to people making snap judgements about the bike after insufficient riding time is spot on. Breaking in time simply makes sense as you've demonstrated with your bike. Great looking classic and obviously a fun ride. Wish I had one. Cheers 🇨🇦
Glad you are pleased with it. Doing a proper break-in in the US would be almost impossible, most two lane roads are 45 mph, and four lane interstate is 55 minimum, with traffic moving faster than 80. I always thought the 500 was better than reviewed, good to have it confirmed by a reliable source. 👍
I completely agree with your points in this video. I am a heavy guy, and have just finished a week long tour of the norwegian fjords and mountains (no shortage of steep hills...). About 1800km in six days. I was thoroughly impressed. Over long sweeping mountain crossings I gave the GS-pack a very good run for their money. So much so that many of them were totally flabbergasted when we met up waiting for ferries and they saw what I was riding... No issues with the bike whatsoever so far. (3000 km on the clock now). And no bike I have ever owned got as many compliments or struck up so many nice conversations along the way. I love it, and I think I will keep it regardless of whether I decide to buy a second bike or not.
Thanx for the Video , my 09 Classic EFI is now at 2800 and running very nicely , I'm middle 60s and traded off my 04 Sportster for the Enfield to use as a short trip mid weight bike and for that purpose it works beyond expectations , I would recommend the Bullet
Informotive and always honest. One of favorite channels. Made me take another look at Royal Enfeild and I'm glad did. I now own 2 and don't regret it. Well done mate. RMM Black Heart Cycle. USA
I really enjoy riding mine.. I have 4 motorbikes, it gets the most use. I have ridden it to work twice... that is 62 miles each way on I-5 an Interstate Motorway. I had no trouble keeping up with traffic, like you said 65 MPH is a good tempo for it. I did get it up to 80MPH once.. and it felt like it had more to give. I do feel it in my hands on arrival.. kind of numb/tingling and this is with heavier aftermarket grips. An aftermarket saddle was a worthwhile purchase.
I have to agree Stuart, about the importance of the run-in period. I test rode a new 500 that only had 200 kilometres on the odometer. It vibrated. A lot. But I've had many thumpers over the years, mostly big-bore Dual Purpose machines that were bought used. Sometimes very used.. and they all shook! You mentioned a BMW, I've had two Boxers. A 2005 1150 GSA Adventure and a 2012 R1200RT-P ex Police machine. They both vibrated, at certain engine speeds. And the 1150 was so bad that even a modern Go Pro couldn't compensate for the vibes. I bought my Classic 500 from a mature owner, who assured me he followed the running in period by the book. Betty had covered just over 7000 km in the 23 months he owned it from new, only upgrading to a more powerful machine when he gained his full unrestricted Motorcycle licence. The OP wasn't short of a quid, and had the selling Dealer make some sensible proven modifications including the air cleaner you mentioned, a Hitchcock Muffler, a 19T countershaft sprocket and a 530 pitch chain conversion raising the overall gearing by a substantial margin. He also had a QuadLock phone holder and wireless charger fitted that's proven so effective I bought one for my Work Ute! Planned mods are a set of Oxford heated grips, bar-end mirrors(done)and a set of dirt road friendly tyres...I do like exploring and the current Avon's are great on the bitumen but a little sketchy in the loose stuff! Love your Work!
Stuart, I can agree with everything you have said about this bike. I’m just at about 470 miles but find the vibration issue well over exaggerated. This is one of five bikes I currently own which vary greatly in style and function. It’s just a great compliment to my riding stable. I’m glad I jumped on tracking one down before they were gone. Thanks again buddy for the heads up on their end of production.
Stuart, just bought the bullet in Gun Metal grey and awaiting delivery. Must admit to some anxiety as to whether I'd done the right thing or not. However your Honest and clear reviews have certainly put my mind at rest. I'm now looking forward and quite excited to receive the bike and get on with breaking it in. Thanks!
Thanks for telling me what I wanted to know once again. I am still using the Mucoff products. You should take holidays every year. You need to make it a priority for your mental health.
This video in particular will be cherished the most when the UCE engine will be axed completely. I got the bullet classic 350 as my first motorcycle and was pretty lucky to get the carburetted, dual disc, non-abs variant as it was available only for a brief period. Currently have a free flow exhaust, panniers, top box and backrest and it's a hoot on the freeway with relaxed ergonomics! Cheers!
I picked up a used (900 miles) 2019 Classic 500 EFI, gray, this past spring and have to agree with you about the enjoyment of riding this basic motorcycle. I live in WA state and have had a lot of motorcycles over the years, presently a Yamaha V-Star 650 with a DMC M72 style sidecar, and we even had a 2012 Can Am Spyder RT which we sold this spring. The RE is a fun bike to mess about on, and while it doesn't have sport-bike like handling, it is very nimble and flickable. I'm going on 75 and have to remind myself not to allow this bike to suck me in above my head as it is very confidence building and seems to want to be thrown into the twisties with abandon. This type of basic bike was originally designed back when many roads were still dirt or gravel and has the clearance to play around on these back roads, which is one of the reasons I bought it. OK, I like standards or classic UJM bikes - the looks, the upright body position, a proper rear fender covering the wheel, no pointy protuberance in the rear reaching for the sky (what is that all about anyway?), a good fram to hang moderately sized saddlebags, etc. It doesn't get much more classic than the RE Bullets and Classics.
So sad they have discontinued the 500cc version. I was lucky to buy one last year. I have the one with same paint scheme. 10k kilometers done and the grin is only getting wider :)
I agree with your appraisal of bikes that are not broken in properly and those who don't respect the break in will experience poor fuel economy, vibes, and general maintenance issues throughout ownership and that goes for pretty much every bike but more so with a true classic.. British riders have been spoiled with the best the industry has to offer and bikes are toys..these Enfield's are lifelong partners to millions in India as their only transport and they are designed with simplicity and longevity in mind. And I think, a generous helping of character and timeless style..great review and glad your expectations were exceeded..
I had a bullet 500 EFI,it was nothing but trouble even after 20000km it still had severe throttle snatch rolling on and off the throttle,it was murder around town with all that stopping and starting.I even changed the throttle body and that did not cure it.Anyway traded it in for a Suzuki Burgman 650,much happier now.
I have a 2016 version in chrome, Royal Maroon, it's done 8310 now and did 3013 in 13 days to Spain and back via France. Nothing wrong with it, mine developed a slipping kick-start pawl so I replaced that at 8000, with the drive gear for £50. It's so simple to work on.
Hi Stuart, Your video and comment are most refreshing. Accidentally bumped on your successive reviews of the Bullet but as I had been tempted by the Classic for some time (same engine) - before jumping on a not-to-be-missed/exceptional fully faired (AVON)1978 BMW45, matching my initial endeavour (R45RT) - I couldn't resist watching your entertaining videos. And I fully agree with you regarding disparging comment left here and there on various subject; these are too often biaised. The same applies to the BMW R45 : how many times have I heard/read she was "underpowered", down to the very garage chosen for her overhaul. I have only driven her for twice for a mere 500km but she's 100% up to expectation as the Bullet seems to be for you. Could these have a little more of this and less of that ? Probably, but that's also valid with us : we ain't perfect, are we ? Wishing you many more pleasant and safe miles. Pierre Deveaux, Brussels, pierre.deveaux@laposte.net
s You speak so much sense,it reminds me of my time with my 2006 pre unit Bullet Electra ,I owned it for 4 years, rode it year round in all British weather,it refused to rust anywhere.When I moved to Malta I had to sell her,I now own a Himalayan ,and a 390 Duke, plenty of power for our roads, but my go to bike is the Himalayan its just a lovel y bike to ride Regards Dino.
Uncle Stu you are absolutely spot on. It is a shame that anyone who can afford a motorcycle and a camera is making reviews and posting them online. Even many auto journalists are putting half baked content at best. Your review is of the highest standards and must serve as a gold standard to emulate. I wish auto journalists are watching this. I agree with all the aspects that you have covered as I have been riding this bike for six years now. The only thing I miss is a rear disc brake and dual channel ABS. When I bought my bike this option was not available in India. But that is still not a deal breaker. It is a simple and an elegant machine which demands maturity and involvement from the rider. Thanks for the great content. What are you plans for changing the exhaust of the Bullet...what are the options that you are considering....
I've got a EFI Classic 500 and love the bike so much it has become my preferred ride for most of the year. Chain adjustment seems the only issue - required too often, compared with my other chain driven bikes. But, I suppose, big single thumping through the lanes puts a lot of strain on it. Mirror glass is getting a bit flaky around the eges, too, but apart from that, 3000 miles, no oil top up, tightened one foot peg and touched up stone chip on front mudguard. A number of 150 mile runs, with cafe stops, were pretty effortless. Its lightweight, slow nature and timeless feel are unparalleled in today's motorcycle market.
I don't own a Royal Enfield (as of yet) but, if you've purchased another one, they must be doing something right! Love your channel and your truthful videos Stuart! I've got my eyes on a R.E. Interceptor BECAUSE of your reviews! Carry on my friend and cheers from Texas U.S.A. -Steve-
Fantastic review Stuart, the bike looks beautiful with the canvas panniers. I think you may have just doubled the second value of these bikes now they are no longer available from new. Enjoy your break and thank you for one of the best motorcycle channels on RU-vid.
