Hitchcocks Forum

hello folks. i am totally new to this forum but would appreciate any advice on which bullets are the best to buy as i am keen to get myself a 500cc single classic motorcycle. ideally i want to ride the bike as much as possible and want the model that is most reliable and easy to work on [if such a thing exists?]. not too bothered about electric starts, lean burn enginies etc but do want 12 volt electrics, indicators and brakes that work. having read some of the previous messages i get the feeling that the new EFI models are not well made and i detect a preference for the iron barrel and pre metric models [what is a pre metric model?]. i realise that my query could get a wide variety of opinions from different folk who all have their own individual preferences. generally i would appreciate the view from anyone who has owned bullets and the pros and cons of different models before i make my purchase. i am not new to classic motorcycles as i own a ariel huntmaster and appreciate the difficulties keeping an old vehicle in working order, i have a basic and limited mechanical knowledge and ability to work on bikes and did rebuild the huntmaster engine myself several years ago and it still works thank the lord!
i am in the durham city area by the way.
thanks in anticipation

Hi Wynonie. I doubt any of the Bullet models can be considered very reliable by todays standards, but they should all be fairly easy to work on, which is a just as well! If you have never ridden a Bullet before, you are welcome to make the small trek to Consett and take my 5 year old, ratty Electra X out for a blast.

Hello WYNONIE, ----------- anyone that owns, runs and maintains an Ariel Huntsmaster is ---- in my books ---- already an accomplished Classic Bike person !!! So, the obvious question has to be }---- Why not look for a matching Ariel Red Hunter 500 single ?? Perhaps the VH ?? OR}---- an original Redditch Bullet rather than these later "impressions" for want of a better word....As you are no doubt aware the electrics can be uprated to modern 12volts, whilst the magneto can have all-new electronic internals fitted...............................Re-reading your post just then, I think what you actually want is a "Classic-looking" bike for everyday use, rather than an actual Classic bike itself ??-------- in which case the "iron" engined bike is probably most suitable over all..A quick stroll down E-Bay will give you plenty to view and an idea of current prices.............No more than £2000 I would say or you might as well buy a similar-priced, used Japanese workhorse.....Others will expound the "joys" of a modern Bullet no doubt, but to fit all those parameters of yours then that's my recommendation --------------- Why not a 350 in green-lanes trim?? That would do the trick as a jack-of-all-trades...AND less road tax as well !!!

Hi. Your question may well open lots of cans of worms! The good news is that if you can build and maintain a Huntmaster then a Bullet will present no problems. I don't have any experience of the newer models, but my traditional 'iron' 4 speed has so far proven to be as reliable as any British bike that I have had, although a certain amount of regular maintainance is necessary - especially regular oil changes. I prefer the older version because I think it looks better and I don't have to worry about electronic gizmos that frighten the life out of me! I do however have the luxury of a later fork assembly with a disc brake, which is excellent. Many will however disagree. Good luck with your decision.

hi wynonie,all indian bullets can be good with upgrades etc our host supplies all the stuff to make any model a winner although i find my home made diesel bullet the best with its tele rigid set up ,the thing to do is buy whatever you can afford efi,s top money electras middle money non electric start bullets especially 350 models resonably cheap i bought a non runner for £200 a year or two ago and did a deal with a pal for a 2006 electra 500 repaired the big end and away it go,s so speaking from my point of view, all are good at differing prices i happen to know a bloke in gloucestershire who could do you a nice pre 73 diesel bullet 465cc for around 4k happydays paul.

Hi guys-------- WINKIE, I'm with you on that...My 2005 Iron 500 has our hosts 8.5 : 1 piston for a bit more "Pep" on the open road (Plus the obligatory 19t sprocket..). yesterday evening I was out wiv the lads ie a 1965 BSA B40, a 1960's Bonneville, and a 1970's BSA 650 Lightning........ We were on a 15 mile cross-country ride to take part in a local Classic Vehicle rally...... I kept up with the pair of 650's all the way there (although the Bullets' frame didn't like hard bend-swinging to say the least !!! - BUT, on the way back they CHEATED !! --------------- They changed into 2nd gear ( The swine !!)......... It was the Triumph TR Register Annual gathering at The Wharfe Pub, Hinstock alongside the Shropshire Union Canal... have a look at this }---- www.google.co.uk/search?q=The+wharf+pub+hinstock&source --------

The best Bullet to buy (or any motorized vehicle) is one from someone who has taken care of it, that is clean and stored indoors, (look at the sellers storage area.....clean organized space, bike properly parked and protected, or is the owner a messy Marvin, procurer of a copious trash heap with the bike stuffed in and used as a junk hanger......you get the idea) Someone with a nice tool chest and various mechanics tools about is usually a good sign, as is no boxes of bungee cords, duct tape and silicone! Cleanliness, records, knowledge is good....A dirty bike, sloppy work/storage area/un-involved owner/seller is a recipe for disaster. This is my method..... Just avoid the latter and buy what ever year you fancy.

OK, here's my 'take' on the subject: I've never seen an Enfield that beyond redemption. Enfields aren't exactly made from the best materials in the world. The chrome is painfully thin and goes rusty quite quickly. So looking at a rusting Enfield isn't really a sign of an unloved machine. What is important is the knowledge of the owner. If the owner hasn't heard of our hosts, then avoid the bike like the plague! If the bike has some sensible mods (Oil breather, free flow exhaust, etc), then it's worth a look. Does the owner keep a supply of spare parts (Oil filters, spark plugs, cables, etc). This would indicate that the owner has a geniune interest in the machine and knows its foibles. Finally, there's a fair number of Enfields about that are low milage, but have had a high number of owners. This shouldn't be a big cause for concern. We should remember that most Enfield owners have grey hair (if any hair at all) and bought the bike to relive their youth. Then they find they can't ride the bike because of knackerd hips, knees, etc.

I would agree with a lot of what has been said. I bought my '89 350 (that's non-metric) about six years ago as a non-runner for £400. Since then, I have spent loads of time working on it and done a lot of the mods you will read about here- Amal carb, free flowing exhaust, boyer ignition and powerbox, plus loads of more cosmetic things - stainless, brass, better chrome. I have rebuilt the engine to fix the main bearings and done whatever else wears out in that vicinity. oh yes, and I've fitted a disc brake. In my opinion, the bike is now better than new. I am toying with one of those "bought not built" stickers!
The point of all this has been as much about customization as maintenance. Lots of people here would see the Amal as a waste of money, and I see their point. But an old bike like mine is a blank canvas; you can change it from something mass produced to something your own. The only regret I have is that I bought a 350 rather than a 500. The 500 has more scope for upgrading and tuning. But really, the 350 is fast enough for my 35mph limited little island!

thanks for all of your replies all the sensible advise much appreciated.
A note - for Robin thanks for your offer of meeting in Consett, i am a regular visitor there and would take you up on your offer, do you want to ring or text me on 07887352890 when would be a convenient time and we can arrange a meet.
Alan R has hit the nail on the head, I suppose it is a "classic looking bike" that i am after with hopefully some "modern" benefits such as 12volt electrics, indicators and the enfield bullet is hopefully going to fit the bill, the key thing is buying the right bike of course!!