Hitchcocks Forum

I'm on the cusp of placing an order for a new Bullet 500 (I think it's called the B5 - it's the one at £3999 with the old-fashioned side panels and mudguards). I know many of you guys own one, so what do you think of them overall? Any problem areas? Reliability? Finish? Anything to be careful with? Of course I've read all the road tests, but there's nothing like actually owning a bike to really get to know it. My background is: I've owned two other Indian Enfields from new - an '02 model with the original engine but with electric start; and an 06 Electra X. I thought the original engine and gearbox were rubbish, but I absolutely loved the Electra X and had no bother with it at all. I only sold it because, after 8 years, I was ready for a change. So now I've got 4 grand burning a hole in my pocket and am hanging my nose over a new one!

Having had Enfield's before you know what to expect. Ride it look after it and above all enjoy it.

Having had Enfield's before you know what to expect. Ride it look after it and above all enjoy it.

Got an echo again:-)

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Fun! Fun! Fun!



Don't cheat on the running in,

change the oil when recommended,

think about naming it.


Above all, an EFI has a slightly higher cruising speed, runs well, and has auto adjusting tappets and primary chain!





(Check the bastard over carefully when you get it, and put some loctite in the toolbox!)

YAY!









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I bought my 500 Classic Bullet new in January this year no problems so far thumbs up from me

I traded up from a Bullet Electra X to Bullett EFI De Luxe nearly two years ago and have to say the EFI while maintaining the traditional look is for me a much nicer bike bike to own and ride.The electric and kick starting is easier,the clutch is much better,the fuel injection has been fine,there are NO oil leaks,the gearbox is better,the de-compressor actually works.I don't think you'll be disappointed and it's easier to maintain which for me is a bonus.I've got rid of the large and restrictive exhaust/ silencer by replacing them with our hosts kit.I also got a K & N filter for the standard housing and have just gone up one tooth on the gearbox sprocket.All upgrades worth having.Go for it!

Many thanks for all your comments. @MartinB - which downpipe and silencer did you choose? And after those mods, did you fit the Power Commander to get the mixture right again?

Thack - I can't remember which ones it was but they are billed by our hosts as not requiring a Power Commander or other mods and they did indeed just bolt on as promised.If you speak to our hosts they will put you right.I wanted to retain the centre stand (which i have been able to do)and for the performance available i didn't reckon the expense of the Power Commander was justified.I spent a small fortune on my Electra X putting on an Amal Carb and timing adjusters for very little gain so did not want to repeat that!

The big worry for me about the Power Commander is that Hitchcocks claim a 20% power increase when combined with the improved exhaust system and air filter. Now, I've checked with various insurance companies and they all want a premium if the vehicle has been "chipped" or had its power increased in this way. Not only that, but if the power increase is over 15% none of them would insure it at all. You could, of course, just not tell them. But you can be sure that if - after an accident - they discover an undeclared Power Commander fitted, then that's your insurance null and void. You can expect devastatingly expensive civil suits and criminal charges, plus jail time if someone was killed in the accident. Or, is there a known way around this problem?