A motorcycle made in India has made its way to San Francisco and into my garage despite desperate pleas from my father and other sensible motorcycle mechanics to forgo the exotic in favor of the reliable. But practical has rarely been my path and to prove it here is a photo of my new 2005 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Classic, made in Chennai, otherwise known as Madras, where I began my 2000 journey through South India and fell in love with a country and a machine.
The truck chartered to deliver my Bullet was late because the company had donated part of its fleet to supply essentials to New Orleans — who can complain about that? So it arrived two weeks late and on a rainy weekend to boot. I had to wait several days before trying it out, unwilling to risk the new, unroughed tires on slick, wet asphalt. Though that day I did turn the key (yep, electric start, unlike my Madras machine) and my heart leapt when I recognized the low putt putt rumble rumble unique to the one-cylinder machine, the sound that makes heads turn as you pass by.
The first subsequent sunny weekend I toured around the city, getting used to the Bullet, which has a 500 mile break in period, during which time I must vary the speed and not exceed 60 km/hr (38 mph). As you might imagine, this is a difficult vow to keep. But I started in the Presidio and circled San Francisco entirely, scooting by the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marina, cruising the Embarcadero and 3rd Street to Hunters Point and then turned inland to Bayview. San Bruno park was a surprising hilly haven of just dry grass and blue sky and good blacktop pavement between Brisbane and Daly City. Then I cut over past Lake Merced to the Coast Highway along Ocean Beach and home again, all of 37 miles. It had 20 when I started out, so that makes 443 miles left to go before I can cut loose. Motorcycles always teach you lessons. This time, it’s patience.
I am sure you will enjoy the bullet. It will remain a life long partner. I have one in Australia. In spite of all the troubles it gives me and me spending more time fixing it than ridding it, I love this bike.
Running in – cutting loose after 500km would not be that good an idea. I have heard people say that it needs to be run in to higher speeds, which makes sense.
Don’t worry, I was just being dramatic! I know the 1000 mile break in rules and plan to treat it right. Thanks for your concern 🙂 Carla
A truly elegant ride it is with a wonderful sparkle and finish drawing admiring glances from crusty bikers and sari clad expatriates. The parts and goodies catalog makes me envious not to mention the chugging aural resonance evocative of one lung steam engines and sicilian anchovy boats at the same time!
Dear Carla,
Did you import your Enfield directly from India? Can you give me any information on US Customs and/or EPA regulations that you had to deal with. Also are there any Customs Import charges that I need to work into the cost formula. Thanks if you can help, it is a beautiful bike. Chindit2
http://enfieldmotorcycles.com/ – that’s where I got it.
carla—
i’ve been planning on touring mexico on a enfield…..i’ve been told this a dumb idea, but i dont think i care…do you have any input on this…i know parts availability is probably a problem…any input would be much appreciated. thanks
hi carla – just a quick note that http://www.indiansunset.com/ comes up as a placeholder page; has the content moved elsewhere?
Your Royal Enfield obviously gives you a lot of enjoyment.
I have just ordered a 2006 Electra X.
I chose it primarily because it is a simple machine. Second, it has comfortable seating for someone in (my) middle age.
Breaking down, even on the road, doesn’t intimidate me. I would never have a motorcycle I can’t maintain myself. And, if I have to, I can push this bike up the road to the next motel.
It arrives in March. I hope I can wait that long!
Paul