Hitchcocks Forum

Good Evening,

I recently purchased a 2001 EFI Bullet 500 Classic.

Unfortunately, the drive home was quite a distance, and the bike had been stationary for some time previously, only turned over as opposed to have being ridden.

On the way home, whilst doing 70mph on the motorway, the downpipe blew out of the engine, and the bracket holding it to the engine broke.

I understand that the downpipe isn't actually secured into the engine, but rather held in by the bracket, at least on these models, is that so?

We had to ride the bike another 50 miles with the exhaust hanging.

I plan on welding the bracket back together, if you guys deem this acceptable. It slightly concerned me that this happened at a relatively low speed (although I don't exactly plan on going above 70, it still worries me a little). Is this generally a fault with the bikes, or is it an isolated incident in your opinions?

We have done a temporary fix for the meantime, holding the downpipe in with some wire, until we can get it to a welding station. However, now the engine appears to be misfiring a bit. Is there a chance this could have caused extra damage, or do you imagine it's related to the downpipe?

Regards
Ralph
(New Bullet owner, and proud!)

Hi.
This is not a known fault.

The pipe is held in the head by the brackt to the engine mounting plate.

The only things that comes to mind, as a cause, is
loose or missing head steady.
and loose / missing silencer mounting bolt casuing the whole exhaust system to bounce, causing the bracket to break


When you refit, use a little bathroom sealent around the pipe, as you fit it back into the head.

Before you refit.... check inside the exhaust port for any damage

Martin

I have a 2001 500 Bullet - I have welded the exhaust in many places from the PAV inlet to bracket holding the pipe in, to the silencer join and back to the bracket holding on the silencer, plus filling various holes. None of this is alarming. I do the same with my 1942 WDCO. One of the best bits of kit you could ever own is a welder, I can recommend it. An ordinary stick (arc) welder is fine for all the work I have done (including bike frame) The engine vibrates and there isn't a soft joint to take that out, so there is no need to be surprised or worry about it.

Just too add the popping and backfiring is most probably just due too theres air getting into the exhaust at the head joint, Once sealed on replacement as already suggested it should be OK.

Thank you for your replies all Will let you know how it goes.

I don't think this is an EFI, is it?? These bikes came out 2008/2009 (earliest models) I believe.
My 2009 Efi (UCE 500 Bullet) G5; the exhaust pipe to cylinder is held in with a "flange and 2 stud/nuts" arrangment.

Sorry if my terminology is incorrect - As I say, literally been in the Enfield world for 2 days - I assumed EFI was "Export from India". I gather I'm mistaken!

Regardless, it's a 2001 500cc Bullet Classic - Indian Built.

If my bike isn't "EFI" it'll certainly make my browsing for parts on the site much more easy!