Hitchcocks Forum

After posting a question about my 2004 Bullet 500cc stuttering at 70mph, I received some very useful comments and will be acting upon them, particularly sorting the main jet on the Hitchcocks-supplied 30mm Mark 1 concentric. However, a couple of people suggested 70mph or more was pushing the envelope too far and I could chop the top off the piston, or that 70mph was really too much for the bike. Once I get the main jet sorted, I want to push along at a reasonable lick, and be confident it can take high revs but also want to be sure I am not going to cause serious damage by expecting too much. The bike has a free-flowing exhaust and four speed right hand shift. No other mods of any significance. It has about 1500 miles on the clock. So the key question really is - "What is the top, and sustained speed I reasonably expect a four speed classic with open exhaust and 30mm carb to achieve without causing damage?"

Personally, I'd only be happy doing 70mph in short bursts. I rarely get my 2001 bullet with a similar config above about 60mph. In reality, bullets are more comfortable cruising, the parts are so heavy compared to Jap bikes, that excessive stress takes more of a toll than you might expect.

I should add that it is in Trials ish trim - light wheels, alloy guards, single seat, probably around 175kg and I would imagine a good bit lighter than the traditional classic.

I should add that it is in Trials ish trim - light wheels, alloy guards, single seat, probably around 175kg and I would imagine a good bit lighter than the traditional classic.

I would think that bologne was referring to the reciprocating mass of the engine when He/She says heavy.

I think the best idea would be to run it as hard as you can and use your experience as a 'test'. Then we could all discuss the results but not have to pay for any repairs..

If you want to "push along at a reasonable lick" then you ain't going to do it on a bullet, matey, unless that reasonable lick is a sensible 50-55 mph cruise. If you start thrashing the tits off a bullet, ie sustained speeds of 70+ mph then it WILL end in tears. Don't listen to the owners of the optimistic speedos here whose bikes cruise down the motorway at 80 odd in the middle lane with the occasional 90 mph overtake. Instead take a couple of deep breathes and smell the air - learn to recognize the smell of fresh bulls**t! Even the new fangled UCI gizmos are at heart sedate plodders. You want to go fast on a bullet? Then be sure to have alternative transport for when the inevitable happens.

SBM LoL but this desk-based research and do you have a straight answer to the question? Eddie that is a helpful contribution.

I don't mean to sound an old misery Sofiaspin, but cruisin' and ploddin' along is what bullets do best. If you want a quick single there are plenty of very quick (and expensive) Goldies and Velos that will do the job much better than a Bullet.

sofiaspin,nice name that i have some advice ..do what you want its your bike!all the bullets i have had or still own are rode at a fair lick ,i ride my diesel flat out everywhere 1 speeding ticket and a blown flywheel main bearing will not stop me!!my newley built electra x stage 1 hitchcock parts special has done just over 300miles i went to the newark show yesterday and wiped the m1/a1 floor with my comrades 500 classic with simular modifications ,if it blows up i will mend it and fix it just like the mice on the mouse organ (bagpuss reference)what ever you do ,have a ball and do it with style !!just get on with it!!atb paul.