Hitchcocks Forum

Hello.

I used to have a 612 Bullet some years ago, and since then have got through several bikes such as T160, T140, 1200 Harley, 660 MZ, and a Kawasaki KH 500.

Following a recent accident on the 660 MZ I am considering going back to Enfield ownership and get rid of all my other bikes as I want a reliable / slower bike, having had previous experience of the bullet in 500 and 612 forms to me a Bullet would fit the bill.

I gather that the EFI models are the best "bet" at the moment as they are unit construction, fuel injected, leccy / kick start, 5 speed etc and produce more power than the lean burn and or electra.

Can anyone advise if the EFI is the way to go bearing in mind that I want something reasonably reliable, and with a decent run of speed.

Seems to be plenty on evil bay and or other places.

Cheers.

Looks like the Royal Enfield Continental GT is the way to go.

Any thoughts ?

Hi Andy, Good to see that you might be returning to the fold! We had some contact a few years back when I was building my 612. Hope you are on the mend after your nasty accident (I lurk from time to time on IKBA!). I can't comment on the new generation of Bullets I'm afraid - you don't fancy going the 612 route again then? Anyway, keep looking in! All the best, Barry.

The problem is, Andy, that you will get as many responses as there are different machines.

I own a classic 500 Bullet. I'm happy with it. Get one.

Now, all the others that have different machines will recommend theirs. And you'll be back at square one.

My advice? Go for the one that appeals TO YOU.

Barry N:

Ah an IKBA lurker - you have probabbly read my postings about my accident !!

Can't say that I remember exchanging info in the past - but if we did I hope it was useful ! Would not go down the 612 route again, not to say that I don't recommend it, that bullet of mine was a real flyer and I enjoyed every minute of it when it was running sweet, which was all the time once the initial niggles were sorted.

Exile:

I think you make a very good point. The GT appeals to me so that's what I'll go for - makes sense to me. Once I sell my other bikes I'll have more than enough to buy a new one, but may look around for a used example, and perhaps buy an old 350 for backup !

It is possible that I will not return to bikes at all, as my injuries will lay me up for at least 8 weeks - and ultimately if my family do not want me going back to bikes then I guess I'll have to be guided by that. Time will tell.

The B5 EFI is my 5th enfield and power output aside (it produces a lot less rear wheel BHP than a tweaked Tollgate 450 I had) is probably the best of the lot. Minimal maintenance and maximum enjoyment below 60mph. The engine needs patient running-in and gets much better as the miles build. Unfortunately there is an unhealthy run-out tolerance permitted for the crank and consequently they're still like buying a pig in a poke. There are good ones and not so good ones about.

Ric.

Thanks for that - what you have said about engine improving / patient running in seems to be a common thread accross many articles on the web.

Sounds like I am better going for a new one so that I can make sure that it is at least run in correctly - I'll just have to hope that I get one with a decent bottom end !!

Likewise I have also heard good reports about the tollgate 450 conversion.