Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500 reviews

I watched the evolution of the Royal Enfield line for several years. I saw the inclusion of the 5-speed gearbox, general improvements in quality, and and a gigantic increase in available accessories. I finally bought an Electra becuase I liked the new engine. At first, I thought I'd made a mistake -- that I should have bought a Bonneville -- because the bike was so slow and weak. But, I took the time to break it in gently, and I found out that these bikes aren't wimpy after all, they're just tight. I installed a performance kit to let the little motor breath better. What a difference. I can keep up with traffic on any road and cruise at 70 with about one third throttle left. With every mile, I am happier with this bike. It reminds me of the roadsters of my youth, but better (things don't fall off and it doesn't bleed all over the garage floor). Show less

This is not a sport bike, but it's light and handles very well. This is not a touring bike, but it will take you just about anywhere you want to go. This is not a big, fat cruiser, but it gets nods, comments, and the thumbs-up wherever I go. The mileage is hard to beat at around 70 mpg, the styling is excellent. The quality has improved greatly over the past several years. Everything about the bike screams classic motorcycle. The bike gets a little better every time I ride it. don't be afraid to turn a wrench and care for the bike like it says in the manual. Proper run-in is extremely important and it needs a lot of TLC during these formative miles, but the end result is a solid, economical, extremely stylish motorcycle. Show less

I bought a 2003 RE Bullet Deluxe second hand from a NC grad student who purchased it new. The bike had 475 miles on it when I bought it. The previous owner was replacing the spark plug due to fouling every 50 miles or so. When I got the bike home I found it would start missing badly above 1/4 throttle and did not shift well at all. I wound up ordering a 34mm Mikuni carb kit and cured my missing problem. A clutch adjustment cured the shifting problem for the most part and she seems to run a bit better every time I ride now. Now I will be the first one to tell you, these aren't for everyone. But, I'll also say I wouldn't have thought it was for me till I started fooling with it. Along with Pete Snidal's excellent tech manual for these I have been able to troubleshoot and fix every little problem to come along, and probably could have tuned the stock carb if I would have received the manual before the carb kit, and I have never been one to turn a wrench before. With this bike, it's actually fun and rewarding to tinker, or "fettle about" as the Brits like to say. If you are thinking of buying one of these, be forewarned. It will probably have some teething problems and will not run like a comparably sized Japanese machine. The "run in" procedure must be adhered to and the first 500-1000 miles is critical. Even once this is done and it is running right it will never be a sportbike (contrary to the importer's cafe racer kits for it). What it will be is nice rugged solid transportation that yields about 70mpg and gets lots of looks and draws much conversation. It's great on the back roads and around town and though I've not tried it (yet), many people around the world use it like an adventure touring bike. I wouldn't call it a great beginner's bike because the beginner needs to concentrate on developing riding rather than wrenching skills first. It is probably the perfect training bike if you want to learn about working on vintage motorcycles as they are extremely straight forward and the importer has excellent parts and tech support. This alleviates the extra hassle of having to track down parts or second guess the quality of used parts. I personally enjoy being able to work on mine myself and not having to rely on the local motorcycle repair shops that either won't work on a machine that is not mainstream, or taking 8 weeks for a simple job. Show less

I have had my 500 "bullet" for about three weeks now, and have a little over 600 miles on it. Sure it had a few "new bike bugs", but all in all I LIKE IT ! Checking milage, so far I have averaged 58.4 miles per gallon on it. It's no "hot rod", but it cruises at 60 miles per hour as easily as any other bike. The key is to have the 18 tooth front sprocket installed. This lets the bike run easier at higher speeds with fewer r.p.m.'s. With the heavy fle wheels, the bike still has plenty of torque. Show less

From the first day, my Enfield has started faster than my car. Yes, it had to go through an extended break-in, just like any '60s style bike. For the first 500 miles I took it easy, kicking it up a bit every 50 miles or so. Now 80 mph is no problem, this isn't a fast bike, so if you're looking for a screamer, buy a Japanese bike. Problems-- The day I bought the bike it was raining hard, the 125 mile drive home in the back of my truck was wet, to say the least. I had to unmount the amp meter and dry it off. The only other problem was a slightly loose valve tappet, 10 min fix. The only real complaint with the Enfield is from my wife, she thinks the seat in back is too narrow for a long ride. I might look into getting a seat from the new sixty-5, if it will fit the classic frame. The only other problem I've had is explaining to on-lookers that it is NOT 40 years old! Show less

The Indian version produced for export over the past few years are well built and well finished machines. I would know after restoring my fair share of original Brit Iron. Except for the adaptation of an alternator and 12v electrics (and a few details for emissions), the bike is built to 1954 Royal Enfield specs (1955's had an oval air cleaner but are identical to the 1954's). All of the parts to "DBS" the bike are available like the shorter non-emission exhaust and a few details to bring things fully to 1954! Down to the riding part. If you have ever spent time on Brit bikes, there are no surprises here as most ride similar regardless of brand or model. These bikes carve and flick around quite well. The engine is easily kicked over (or with the press of a button as mine has electric start) and after a couple minute warm up, its ready to go. The 500 has a good torque curve and can certainly accelerate with traffic from a stop light with no fuss. They can cruise at 60-65 but are by no means highway bikes as the gearing is suited for the back roads and scenic routes. Mine has been very reliable but you must do some mechanical prevention by adjusting the tappets, timing (points and condenser unit, and keeping the oil clean. These tasks are quite easy and fun at the same time. don't beat it up with long stretches of high RPM's and the bike will last. Show less

While I am no mechanic or professional restorer, I've managed to restore a few British Machines over the years namely a '69 Bonnie and more recently, a '67 BSA B44 Victor roadster and enjoy these classic bikes. There is a feeling (especially on the great Brit singles) of sheer pureness of purpose. A "pure" machine if you will. I think it is fortunate that the Bullet is the last surviving original British bike standing. The design allows for Trials, off-road/enduro/scrambler, cafe racer, 60's street style, and early 50's springer street configurations. A versitility that can not be matched even in the "heyday" of classics. You can easily build yourself that BSA Goldstar or Norton you've always wanted. I've owned a few 60's bikes but always wanted a 50's rig looking similiar to the first few years of the swing arm suspension when the deeply valanced fenders and springer seats of the ridged frames of the 30's and 40's and the swing arm rear suspension of the early to mid 50's overlapped. All of these parts can be easily (and cheeply) added to the Bullet to create a customized motorcycle of your dreams. I've read a few of the negative reviews here and can not believe what I am reading. These machines are the only ticket in the world to another era. Not a modernized "version" of that era, and certainly not somebody's interpertation of that time as a modern bike clothed in vintage skin. Yes that era required some mechanical skill and yes that era required you to maintain your bike. This is nothing new to those who enjoy tinkering with old cars or improving things for the sake fun and enjoyment. Taken on these 2 counts, the Bullet is a dream come true for many including myself. The bike itself is somewhat crude by by todays standards. The engine sounds a bit like a riding lawnmower, the valvetrain is noisy and the gearbox is not switchblade precise. But this is part of the charm of riding this time machine. Eliminate this and the character of the bike is lost and the experience diluted. The Bullet is suprisingly lower on vibration when compared to a few BSA singles I've owned and with its low compression, starting is easy (I have electric start but still "kick it" most of the time). This bike will run on cough syrup! Handling is crisp and predictable similiar to every 50's and 60's Brit bike I've ridden. My Bullet has prooved quite reliable given carefull and proper break in, frequent fluid changes (with high quality oil's), proper carb and ignition tuning. Those points are the key. None of this is hard or difficult but the drive and forget mentailty of owning a new Honda can not be used here. Take care of the bike and it will take care of you. Show less

Anyone who's reading this knows a little about this bike already. It's made in India in the same factory with the same techniques they used when starting production in 1955. The newest versions have a higher output alternator and electric starting to go with the kick starter. The bike is slow by modern standards, with 55 mph as the upper comfort limit. The engine is stone simple, but does require some maintenance (just like the good old days). You can learn how to gap points, set timing, adjust brakes, adjust valve lash, adjust the clutch, and all that fun stuff. I've got almost 1000 miles on my 2003, and have been averaging 72 mpg so far. I've had some trouble with the forks leaking from the top, and the dealer is on their second attempt at fixing it. As delivered, the front hub was also out of round, causing pulsing of the front brake, but that was fixed under warranty. It's a true classic, with all the advantages and warts included. If you're a "real" motorcyclist, and don't mind turning a wrench as much as you enjoy putting along, then you'll love it. If you want a "hit the key and go" modern type bike, spend a whole lot more money and get one of the modern Japanese bikes or the Triumph Bonneville. This one's the real deal, classic wise. Show less

I've owned my Deluxe 500 for 3.5 years now. It has 7,000 good miles on it. Admittedly, the first 150 miles were...er, uh, rough. Why? The fuel in India & England is not the same quality as our gas here stateside. So, upon firing of the engine, the carburator would "pop" off of the intake manifold. Secondly, the battery was crappy right out of the box. It never really held a charge to begin with. I had many confusing breakdowns the first 3 weeks of ownership. BUT...After I figured those two things out. Understood the machine better. I have had nothing but really positive, enjoyable cruises on it. It has taken me to the Oregon coast, up the mountains, the valley etc. This bike is soooo nimble. It handles extremely well. Not to mention, it IS the prettiest bike currently in production. It will get noticed. Whether you want it or not. It is a darling little bike. If you want a cookie cutter, run of the mill Japanese bike, don't BUY THIS. If you want to be like all the "trendy" down-boys, get a Guzzi, Ducatti or BMW. If you want to enjoy being a loner-Clint Eastwood style unique bike, BUY THIS ONE! Show less

It doesn't snort and roar. It doesn't race. But it does putter comfortably around town with a certain gentle yet head-turning style. It doesn't leak oil either! The new Bullet is modernized in many ways, but it's still an old kick-start bike with that distinct vintage class. And it's a fun ride that brings a smile to your face. It can be a little grumpy during break-in, and since it's all-mechanical, it can demand a bit more work than a modern bike. But for riders looking for something different, the Bullet is a great choice. Show less