Hitchcocks Forum

Good afternoon all (timezone depending)-----

I have a 2001 Indian Bullet 500, 4 speed----

I'm currently looking at the best way to improve upon the longevity and reliability of the bike, and if at all possible, the performance.----

Currently I have an Exhaust and a Boyer Digital ignition from our hosts fitted. I did have a Amal MKI carb fitted by the previous owner, which my local garage deemed the cause of some reliability problems due to the open bell-shaped end of it, and so they replaced the original air filter box etc. This is due to me riding the bike in all weathers, and with a fair bit of mileage.-----

Firstly, do you guys think the garage were correct in replacing the air filter, or does the MKI Carb usually improve upon reliability in comparison to the original air box?----

Secondly, what other "upgrades" from our hosts would result in the following:---- *Reliability and longevity improvement in all weathers ----*Performance for a little extra speed, and the fact that I'll soon be taking a pillion fairly often.--------

I have looked at the Performance Kit, which says that this still retains the bike to a good road standard, but it's unclear whether that would also include poor weather driving etc.----
Any help would be appreciated.
Ralph

There are two schools of thought here - if it ain't broke dont't mend it or keep mending it till it is broke

I run standard airbox without any filter to impede airflow. I like his arrangement as the entry is downward facing which I think helps to keep water and debris out. I have found it impossible to use the standard rubber from carb to box and have a bit of hoover tube which is spring like and seems to work pretty well. How are your guys connecting carb to box? I reckon the simplest cheapest solution would be a 535 high comp piston(assuming you have good fuel available) and have your existing barrel bored n honed locally. Should do you, oh and get your gearing right for your type of use. I think if you try to do much more you get into a situation where you have to go the whole hog and upgrade everything. If you have the do ra me then the performance kit is for you. In general more power means more wear on everything, keep it simple until(or if) you have to pull her apart anyway. My 2p's worth, though taking inflation into account better make it 50 quids worth.

Thank you for your feedback so far ----------
I realise I wasn't particularly clear with my #1 point. The garage actually removed the Amal MKI carb and put on the original factory fitted carb, refitting this to the air box which was unused with the Amal. Shouldn't the Amal function better in all situations, or can they be temperamental?

Hi Bologne,

My 2007 Bullet was rebored as a 535, increase in Torque but not much more HP in reality. Fitted Amal Monoblock from our hosts which came with a very nice aluminium spacer. Worked a treat with slight increase in main jet (to a 280). would also recommend 18T sprocket to utilise the higher torque at lower RPM. Goes well with a pancake filter to avoid contamination is all weathers and conditions. After 16,000km, there was no appreciable wear to bore or to valves and oil consumption was not detectable between oil changes at 3,000km's Also changed to higher capacity oil pumps.

Cheers TrevorCH

Bullet 500 Battery Draining Woes....Started at 01:10pm on the 1st June, 2012 by bologne.....How did you sort your last enquirey....?