I’ve finally bought a motorcycle. After a year of considering the Royal Enfield Bullet, I finally settled on it. It’s a 2005 model, black, 5 speed, and I’ve put a windshield and tail rack and other accessories on it. Take a look.
It’s up in Oregon and I’ll get it down to San Francisco in a few weeks, just in time for our great autumn weather. I think it’ll be a perfect city bike, and also fun to ride up in Marin and to Point Reyes and other local hot spots.
Hi Carla,
Congrats. Great bike !! I did an article on it a few weeks back. It’s one of those bikes that I’ve been lusting after, but short of money, space and time, can’t do it. But it looks like you’ve done it !!!
Way to go !!
Mike
Great blog. So you bought an Enfield Bullet!! I used to ride a friend’s Bullet occasionally in India, its a great bike. I guess part of its charm is that after all these years, it still is pretty much the same bike it was when they first started making it.
I travel to India about once a year. I have fallen in love with the Enfields and am thinking of importing a 500cc Bullet Classic. Does anyone have any experience doing this. Any information as to costs, US customs issues, DOT/EPA required modifications, Shipping costs, etc. greatly appreciated.
Congrats! Very nice bike. Nice to get the vintage ride with new brakes etc. Was wondering if it has right side gear shift like indian bikes? enjoy, guess you can ride year round. If you’re up oregon way try and ride the rattlesnake road…
Hi Carla,
Well Done,
You have bought a simple & very economical machine for parts & petrol. She will serve you long & well if you treat her with respect. I have been riding one for three years trouble free in rainy ol Ireland. Check out an 18 tooth drive sprocket for a slightly higher cruising speed.
Ride safe.
Deego.
Can anyone recommend an inexpensive windshield for a 2003 RE??I live in florida..USA
I bought a new Bullet in 2003. I use it in the summer instead of my car (think of the gas I’ve saved at 60 miles per gallon). I own two other motorcycles but I ride the Bullet the most. I put 4000 miles on it last year and have already put over 700 on it this summer. Except for oil changes and maintenance (I love to tinker with it), It has given me “0” problems.
Have Fun !
Indian Jimmie
I purchased a brand new Enfield Thunderbird toured on it across India. I shipped it to Thailand and after a days of trying to clear it from Thai Customs I finally gave up and shipped her back to Ireland(Via holland). I’m living in Bangkok and I got a phone call from my friend who’s name is on the BOL for clearance in Ireland, he said the bike was never put on the ship from Holland……..ohhh no………life gos on……..or dose it???????
Cyril
Modern vehicles, especially the cars, are not satisfying for guys who like to tinker. There is very little that the shade-tree mechanic can do on them. The Bullets, however, like many vintage motorcycles, were designed for this type of person. The 1950s owner’s manuals look more like shop manuals, but you don’t really need them; the mechanics are so straightforward. In the hierarchy of engine designs, the Bullet’s is not much better than the ubiquitous Briggs & Stratton, but is just as easy to work on. Also, there are plenty of after-market parts for the Bullet and it lends itself well to
conversion into a dirt bike, cafe racer, or even a small chopper.
The modern Bullet has better brakes and electrics than the originals had , but it is basically an antique. I wouldn’t recommend it for a woman or long trips (sorry, Carla), but if you like antiques, then this bike is for you.
Then you’ve got the ‘oh wow’ factor. There aren’t many Bullets here in Atlanta, so whenever I park mine in a line of motorcycles, it always attracts the most interest, to the chagrin of other bikers with their expensive mounts. I enjoy describing it as a 1955 or a 2000 depending on who’s asking.
I also have 2 BSAs, but the Bullet is the one I ride the most, even though it has less power. The high-compression, premium-gas-only BSAs idle rough, get overheated and frequently stall while I’m waiting at the many stoplights here.
Used to see the Enfield years ago in Wisconsin. A friend’s brother used to give him a ride to school with it. As for myself, I have been riding a 76 Honda 550 since, 1976. I did put it to sleep for 4 winters after I lost my job, company, etc. This week however, I resurrected my old friend. A trip to the Carburetor Surgeon down the road helped bring it back to life. It seems like I just started riding, after this long recess. It runs very well. With $4 gas in the US it is nice to be in the saddle again.
Happy Trails ajf
imho ,women should not try long hours in this motorcycle(no bike!).even old people too!.even with the dud duddo thump it also is a very comfortable cruiser.
One more thing – few ppl complain about bullet being underpowered.but dudes ,bullet is a air cooled engine.also ,it is taken by indian army due to the very reason of ruggedness it have ,unlike oilcooled monsters!
Happy riding ,and wear Helmet especially Indians 😀