Hitchcocks Forum

Hi all, firstly thank you for taking the time to read this thread. I have fallen in love with RE after riding a Bullet in India earlier this year where I spent a few months backpacking. I've saved all summer and now have £2000 max to spend on a 350 Bullet, I would also consider a 500 but a 350 is my preference. I'd like a classic Bullet in Black, with kick start, for the money I have I guess a mid 90's bike? I must be honest, It will be my first bike purchase so I wouldn't be interested in anything that needs much work doing to it. If you have anything that you think will interest me please reply here or send me an email to [email protected] Thanks again Ryan.

...For 2 grand you will be able to buy a 3 or 4 year old bike. If you really want a 90's machine you won't need to spend more than 8 or 9 hundred max.
I think you're right to be looking for a 350, definately the sweeter engine, and personally I'd be looking for the oldest one I could find as in my experience these bikes have got gradually slower and heavier since my first (Indian) bike back in the late 70's.

You'll find plenty of bikes in your price range and should get a really tidy one even from the 2000's. You can easily find great Enfields for under £1500. My 2004 500 was £1400 and has had all the sensible mods, came with loads of spares and extras including full luggage. I bought it 18months ago after a mammoth Enfield Journey through the Himalayas. The beginnings of a life long Enfield love affair!

You should be able to find a 2008 (last of the old iron engines) for less than that. The 350 is better all round EXCEPT for performance. You don't go fast with a 350.

Ryan, there is as always lots of good advice here already. However you say this is your first bike purchase........you have got a license I suppose?

Don't go fast with a 350? That's true, but lets face it, even the newest 500's are still geriatric to say the least! You could spend all your pension on making it go faster but it would still be as quick to use the free bus pass! Perhaps instead of pretending to be modern but trying to be old fashioned it's time for a rethink at RE.
Bring on a decent bevel drive OHC motor, single and V-twin a la 70's Ducati

Thank you to everyone who has replied, I've enjoyed reading them and It's given me plenty to think about.

Eddie, thanks for the advice, I'm definitely going for the 350.

PeteF, I appreciate that the 500 will be provide a better performance at top speed but I'm not too concerned with speed, I rode a 350 and a 500 in India and felt the 350 suited me better. I'll be content to just plod along and listen to the engine.

Matt, I loved looking at your pictures, that was a serious load you had on the bike. I'm planning to return to India and Nepal next year, I spent most of my time in South India and Rajasthan on my last trip. I'd love to ride from Delhi to Ladakh (on a Bullet of course). I've read a few blogs of people who have done it and it sounds amazing. What route do you take? DId you buy a bike or rent one?

MadMike, you're right there is plenty of helpful info on the site, a couple of members from midlandbullets have also been great. I'm not sure what response I'll get for telling you that no, I haven't got my license yet. I'm booked in for my theory on the 14th of Nov and my 4 day bike course starts the week after, providing I pass the theory! I hope you don't think I'm naive buying a bike before I've got me license but It'll just have to stay in the garage until I pass. It's all I've thought about since I got back from India and due to my job (marquee erector)...thats a genuine work title I haven't had anytime to get my test done until now as the season is over.

A member form this site read my post and replied on Sunday night, he has a 2000 model 350 for sale, it's at a good price and only has 6500kms on the clock. Taxed and Mot'd until next May. Looks great in the picture, I'm going to see it on Thursday, fingers crossed it's in the van coming home with me. I'll let you know how I get on.

Thanks again,

Ryan

Hello MATT---------Is it me or is the Indian home market bike SMALLER than the export models ????LOL

HaHa Alan. In the first picture I'm standing on the saddle, not on the grass behind the bike. It's a bit of an optical illusion I guess. They are the same size. Yes RyanAsh, it was very overloaded! It managed fine however with myself and my girlfriend all through the Himalayas and on many un surfaced roads. We broke one decompressor cable and had one puncture. They were the only problems. I bought the bike in Pokhara in central Nepal and rode all the way to Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India. With many detours, the ride was approximately 2,500km's and took three months. I sold the bike in Manli for exactly what I paid. It was the trip of a life time. I have since returned to India and toured Kerala, Karnatica and Goa but this time on a combination of trains, busses (as few of those as possible,) boats and rented motorcycles. I REALLY missed the Enfield. Good luck with your viewing today, I'm sure you'll end up with the right bike soon enough. I bought my 500 when I returned from India when I was still on my CBT, I passed my full test within ten days, but it was hard seeing her in the garage and not being able to ride her!

I have a 350 Bullet for sale. I bought it in India about 15 years ago and I now live in Spain where I cannot register it. I would need to bring the bike to the UK to register it there and then bring it back to Spain for its MOT and then register it here which is too much of a hassle. It is what´s known as a Deluxe model. The only difference from a classic black bike is that the paintwork is light blue. . I know a man with a van here who can deliver to UK at a very reasonable price. The bike needs a new front tyre and a bit of TLC as I haven´t ridden it in a couple of years. I would like to get 500 pounds for it. If interested then email me : [email protected]